October 6, 2014

     Wow, I am jealous! I want to go to a play.. with music... and a seat were I could rest.... and maybe sleep... I want to just sleep. I don't want a play or a balloon fiesta. I just want to sleep for a day. That is my dream.

     But for serious, I'm glad that you guys are doing good! I am excited to be back with you all... but until then I will just keep working. Sometimes its like that song of working in the Gold mine ¨HOW LONG CAN THIS GO ON¨  and other days its like Wow I just want this to keep going. Its like everything is winding down.. Today I went to the offices of the mission to get a box of Books of Mormon and well I saw so many people and it made me think, I think I know like the whole mission now... how weird. That's when it hit me that I'm getting a little weathered in the mission. So hopefully I don't get to the point of being super ¨trunky¨ packing the bags early haha

     I am working on being focused. SUPER FOCUSED, my comp is good but he talks alot of home and sometimes that makes me want to..  I don't know drink a root bear.. eat some Wendy's or some of that taco bell... ugh. The food here... it all comes in the same flavor. At first it was like this is tasty now its like... give a man some variety!!! haha pero bueno.

     Time to talk about the situation with the president... first how did you guys hear about that? and second well that is kind of life here, like I told you guys I will have some stories to tell you when I get home... this city is a little intense. Things happen but nothing real serious has like happened it always ends up good.. The president is all good now, and it all worked out. So yea, the work goes on haha. I will just say,,, I'm pretty sure nothing will scare me after the mission, I have seeeen thiiiings. haha but That just has to go with what I said about the States... we are blessed the world is a pretty crazy place, but money goes in time and the riches rust, that's why we should build our treasures in heaven were it will not go and will last forever. I try to teach that to the people, but when they really want the rusty treasure.. that's were I have learned to run LIKE THE DICKENS jajaja but I'm safe don't worry. Elder Smith does not run like the dickens and well played far to many video games. Pray more for him ;)

     The area is good we had a great time in all that good confrency goodness, I learned so much and guess what when the speakers spoke in their natural tongue... I understood it all. I'm bilingual now... miracles. I now want to learn Portuguese its really similar, I understand like half of it... but still Eu no falo portugues thats portugues for I don't speak Portuguese haha We are working with a lot of the families, hopefully we are helping people, I know I am growing a ton, everyday... I started trying to think how I was before the mission and I realized that I think I am completely different. Still the same soul. but a bit more manly and now I think I understand better my purpose here in the world. Haha I am not going to lie I think I would enjoy having more baptisms and helping more people but that's selfish and I should be happy with the things that the Lord is giving me. So Things are good I love this area to death the Hood is were I belong. well that is a lie, I think I'm more of a small town guy... the city.... this city... I'm never bringing my kids to see my mission haha Maybe one day we can come like.. me and dad and no one else... maybe mom. But we are taking off all the jewelry and watches haha. I have had some funny contact stories of people who robbed me, but those are stories for a different time.

     How is everyone in the ward. How is Farmington, how are the schools doing? Give me more I want to know, how is Brenda and Gayle, Shane and Shawn... grandma and beba... Obama. I heard we got a new patriarch in the stake? Are more people leaving in the mission, are you guys doing mission work, are you reading and praying as a family?.. and GO TO CHURCH renew your covenants and think about what you are promising to do every week. 

     Send me fotos, I need to see la familia so yea do that, also I haven't been sure but I have been thinking about applying to BYU in Provo..  Also... I think that's it, give hugs and kisses to everyone, ski in memoria de mi and enjoy that family time :)

BYE CHAU I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

Elder Woods

Mission President Kidnapped & Robbed in Argentina Now Safe

This is Mitch's mission president:

President David Paul Robertson, president of the LDS Church's Argentina Buenos Aires West Mission and his wife, Juliana M. Robertson.

 President Robertson was robbed and briefly held last week  in a city near Buenos Aires.

 

http://ldsliving.com/story/76995-mission-president-kidnapped-robbed-in-argentina-now-safe

 

 

 

September 29, 2014

Buenisimo!

 

     So It makes me happy to hear from you guys and that everything is super bueno!!!  As for me I'm not training. There were 8 elders who were going to come but due to visa problems they didn't make it, so I stayed with my comp and well the two areas we were taking care of became one... and well that has been interesting we have stayed busy and the two people we were going to marry, well the government is a mess and well its taking a ton of time! but it will happen... I have faith!

     But no this week has been interesting for a lot of reasons, one because now this area is wearing me out haha and well its awesome I love it, but we have had to stop contacting people and working completely with members trying to find in that way, we just don't have time to cover everywhere its like a 4-5 mile circle our area... and well we are easily walking 3 to 4 miles a day... maybe more its super possible that we are doing more but who knows I'm just tired. My comp has had some like breakdowns because he doesn't know the language and because he doesn't feel like he teaches well and on top of everything, I got really sick this whole week... like a power spray de vomito... it has been a more mental battle this week... I am learning how to endure and keep working. But in the mission there are ups and downs and in life also.. so I'm waiting to pick myself up and see more miracles. 

 

     We are working with so many people I have no time to even to explain at all... but its good. I just hope we can help everyone good. Also with General Conference coming up I'm super excited! I love it, We are going to invite everyone to listen to the prophet haha also my comp told me I speak English with an accent now... so I need to listen to more English to regain my accent. But I was thinking its almost been a year since I've been here in Argentina.. last conference I was there LIVE how awesome haha I am enjoying the mission a ton but it is easily the hardest thing that I have ever done... Its weird its like I have so much fear of failing the Lord that I cant stop without feeling super bad... So we keep working and just push forward... but yeah sorry if this is a little scrambled.. I'm still pretty sick. Pray for my health and the people of Argentina... They need it!!!

     But I love you guys... protect the RAVioli... and tell Ethan that he has no right to wreck the auto. haha    

(Marah got in a wreck in the Rav4. Mitch's friend Ethan ran into her)

 I hope you are super happy and planning a super birthday bash... for Hailey.. haha ;) 

LOVE YOU ALLLLLLL

Mitch

The people of Argentina

Some old pictures from different areas:

 

September 22, 2014

     Well your emails were very short...  So Yeah This week has been full of miracles I'm SOOOOO tired I would cry but that would take energy... the other elders should come this Wednesday with the transfers and then I will have a little more time to rest. But We have been working a ton! This Sunday we had like a miracle... we had 13 investigators in church... and the family's we are working with are progressing for their baptisms and well, the other two families who need to get married, we are going this Thursday to make a date for there wedding in the civil register of the government... so Things are working.. I just pray that we can keep up with the Lords pace... So All is well WE are happy and Ill try and send some fotos...  I hope all is well and will pray for you all... Chau I love you All

Elder Woods

 

This isn't Mitch's companion. This is a picture from one of their training days at the mission home.

 

September 15, 2014

HOLA FAMILIA

     So this week has been a long one, I think I have been sick and so I have been tired all the time...  also we walked like 8 miles EVERYDAY so that might be it also. So far I have like 5 weeks here in the area and I'm becoming one of the veterans.. We shared the ward and area with two other elders who were taken out for ¨some reason and well that left me with my companion taking care of two areas and well... I'm TIRED. We walk so much and we didn't have a map for the other area. I just got one today.. so hopefully that will help a little more. But yeah my comp is good... but he's still not contributing like anything and I'm starting to hit a wall.. This week has been intense. Also we had a family who was going to get baptized this month but they got sick this week and encima de eso it was raining Sunday so they didn't go... uggghhh.

     BUT Get this wow it was like little miracles, we have a less active family and well one day we found this guy outside and he told us he was less active. Also he has his wife and kids, then he told us he didn't want anything to do with it. He then told us where his dad lived and we decided we would visit him sometime also.. but that night we had a Noche de Hogar (Family Home Evening) with a less active who is returning. We bought gaseosa and alfajores (Chocalate things that are soooooo good here in Argentina)... we went and it turned out his brother had just passed away and he refused to let us in. We sat there at 8 in the night like wow Elder that was so sure, we had a plan de respaldo... pero we felt - hey lets visit that Dad, we went and his son was there with his pareja and we had a SURPRISE noche de hogar... the whole family went to church and they are wanting to get married :)  We had another thing like that were we were looking for one woman and well we found her son and daughter in law... and well they ended up going to church! We just need to marry like everyone! But if God wants me to be Cupid... iré y haré. We are seeing miracles, also I'm working with one kid and his friends, we have been having a lot of fun, his name is maxi and well he has a ton of friends who aren't members and we have talked a lot with them. I was talking with his sister and she told me this week that I am the first missionary that has ever been liked by maxi.... I felt good, it showed that there are always people specially for us as missionaries. and Also RUFINO GOT BAPTISED!!! We had an awesome baptism with this stud kid we found... but everything that could go wrong went wrong... the baptismal font didn't fill up all the way and then I was like wow, I will need to put him down almost to the floor... haha so when I was thinking that he went down but we didn't check to see if he was to close to the wall... and well he bumped his head against the wall... and I was like... well put him down anyway and he was baptized... haha but we were changing and I felt so bad, but he was laughing and told me... now when I go on the mission I can tell the people I baptize what the Elder did to me when he THREW MY HEAD AGAINST THE WALL.... it was funny but a really special and spiritual night. AND ALSO we had a world wide service thing and we cleaned up a church and cut down a tree... This week has been super long. AND then... my comp got super sick this Sunday... I think from exhaustion but he was like dead. I think I'm close behind. but the week has been awesome... and hopefully it just gets better this week. 

We have transfers in a week and a half and we are receiving 28 new elders... the president talked to me and told me he is thinking about having me train... sooo. This transfer might be my last, I'm just SOOOO TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I miss my cucaracha free bed...

But yeah I have no more time... I love you all. and I will see you... in heaven. 

Your only son, and brother... and friend... and spiritual influence. Elder Woods

PS: Send me some pics of... things who knows... MANDENMELAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Chau Besitos

 

We got the rule of drinking coke dropped... so we DRANK IT!!!

 

 

 

September 8, 2014

Querida familia mia,

This week has been a long one and we have worked a fool. 

     We had to travel quite a bit and well we didn't have a lot of time in my area, but we have been finding people. This week we had 5 people go to church, one just had his baptismal interview and is going to be baptized this saturday! We have another family that walked to church which is like a solid 5 to 7 miles without bus.... super awesome family, then another kid who is super cool we played soccer with him and now he's going to church... super cool kid. so this week was awesome with that aspect, but we just keep moving forward... wow I just realized I finished 16 months now... ITS FLYING. My comp is getting better with all the things that are being hard for him so that is awesome. I'm super happy for him and now he's participating a little more with everything.. I've been trying to be a lot more loving haha 

    Honestly I love this area it is perhaps my favorite. I am already good friends with lots of the members and the things are just working out! The Lord is blessing us mucho. This week we went to the temple, and it was soooo nice to just be calm and not think about so many things, we were walking around and saw that there were some missionaries playing soccer in the MTC (it's right next to the temple) and so we went and we were talking with them... it was funny to see how much I've grown since my mtc experience... I was talking to them and they didn't understand a THING and there was one who was Mexican but lived in the states.. like spoke English perfect. I was talking to him and he was like Wow elder you speak really good... like if you didn't tell me I would think you were argentine...then he screamed if he can talk this good you guys have hope hahah It made me so happy 

 

I CAN SPEAK SPANISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

I think I can finally say that. 

     Then this week a member gave me some new shoes... God bless him. Well they are not new either, they are old... but I will have to send pics of my shoes so you can see what I was dealing with... we are going to burn them today. I went to a shoe place and asked if they could save them... they laughed in my face.

     But yeah this week has been really great, and now we are going to go `play a little bit of futbol so I'm excited.. also they weather is warming up... its glorious I love it. 

     Also This guy tried robbing us the other day... one of the weirdest funniest moments ever... Ill explain some other time, but just imagine my giant comp who doesn't understand the language and then this like drugged out guy screaming.. my comp was fearless and well nothing happened but wow... super funny. 

     Tell Landon Hi and tell everyone that I send hellos  y holas. and well I miss you all a ton... tell Hailey she looks kind of GORDA and that some sit ups would help. also... that's all I can think of now.

(Mitch's sister Hailey is pregnant)

Hope everything is getting better everyday! 

Love Elder Woods

September 1, 2014

Hey how's it going...

So I have no time. I have been having to work super hard. Something's happened in our area and I have had to be the temporary district lider, our district lider had his area shut down and well we have been having to do a lot of things getting it all in order. So I have like very little time this week :( This week was a good one we have been having millions of family home evenings with EVERYONE and well I love them... so also I had to teach this week in the gospel principles class, and well my comp doesn't know much about how life works... or Argentina... or the language soo I am super tired. I love him and he is super great, but I feel like my mind is dying... we made the goal that he's going to participate more sooo... fingers crossed. This last week we had like 28 lessons... TEACHING THE WORLD we were teaching everywhere my mouth is like super dry from lack of spit!!! 

We had some people come to church and well now we found a family who is interested... the mom went this week with her daughter and they are super good. We are going to go to the temple this weekend so I'm super excited for that also :) 

And on top of it all we are going to be meeting with a 70 this week also haha we are working a TON my mind cant hold on much longer. But I'm happy. I think I'm killing my comp. Last night we had to be home on time... OBEDIENCE so I was sprinting and making my comp run also... well, he's like 7 feet tall and a billion pounds... He tripped and it was a horrific crash... without thinking I picked him up, asked Elder are your legs hurt he told me no... and I was like THEN RUN and then we sprinted even more... we got home and he was bleeding a bit... and he was like Elder were you in the army before the mission... it made me laugh... but after seeing the effects of video games on people.... my children will never touch them. haha

I love the mission, and I love you all!!!

The church is true!

Elder Woods

 

Old temple pictures:

 

August 25, 2014

Hahaha well guess what I gave a talk this week also! Vamos familia!!!

     We are da beeest! Well the area is a little tough. I am being fed well once again so that is nice, but we are really searching for people who are looking to be baptized. I really am enjoying my comp, but he's like the opposite of me. He has two months here and well we were joking that I already know the area better then him... haha This week has been intense and I have stories but once again these I will have to share after the mission. I was feeling a little down because well these stories had to do with some things that happened and then both ended in people going to the spirit world to wait for Christ... but I just started wondering why is there so much bad in the world? Because it feels like I have been fighting so hard here to bring good things into the world and sometimes it feels like its just like throwing an ice cube in the fire trying to make a difference. But we were in a lesson and I remember explaining the book of Mormon, saying hermano if this book is true, that means that José Smith saw God and that this church has the gospel COMPLETELY, and well I decided to read a little in D&C to gain more of a testimonio de Joseph Smith. I read about a tree that's leaves are turning yellow, by that we see that winter is coming... and like the world we see that Christ is coming by the darkening of the people. Its sad and well sometimes a bit ugly like with the trees but I can really see the difference in the familias who are doing everything to hold on to the teachings of Christ. The difference is something we can see and feel. Just hearing about the difference in the lives we have there and what has became normal for me here... wow. Culture, and people, and the weather is different. But the church is the same. The church is what holds us together. This mission is flying by, Its crazy and a little weird. Watching my comp I remember the struggles that I felt at the beginning and now those that I feel now, and it is so true that we are here to receive struggles. Our purpose here is to be obedient to God and his commandments, and well its easy to get an answer right if we don't have 4 other wrong answers... but how would we learn... I feel like my mission has been a lot for me and making me into a person that a family would need. I think I want 10 kids... jaja just kidding. 

But yeah we are trying to work hard and see success. 

One story, so our apartment. One night I was sleeping, I woke to the feeling of something moving on my face, but it moved fast and went to my arm, without thinking I grabbed it and it was the size of my palm... and it moved... I threw it, fell out of my bed and hit my head on the wall.. in a daze ran to the light and well.... It was a giant cockroach... KILLED it and went back to sleep. Then in the morning I was still like half asleep, I was brushing my teeth and I felt something move in my pants.... I shook my leg and ANOTHER CUCARACHA fell out. I screamed like a girl and killed it... but dang. I'm like scarred from all of this... so much fear. I HATE BUGS!!

haha but yeah that's just life. I'm doing good... I love you allll :)

Elder Mitch Woods 

 

August 18, 2014

Querida Familia mia,

IM BACK IN THE GHETTTOOOOOOO!!!! 

     I went to the only zone that doesn't allow sister missionaries, why??? BECAUSE ONLY MEN CAN TAKE WHAT WE ARE EXPERIENCING!!!!!!!!!! haha but its awesome. My first area, of Villegas is really close. I'm in an area called Gonzales Catan. I was actually really close to where I am now when I got here in Argentina. I spent 3 days in this area, and I returned. But now I'm with a comp who is really great. But literally like a giant teddy bear. He has like 4 months here, he's a yankee(American) and from Washington. His name is Elder Smith, super innocent. Its hard guiding a new area and feeling like I'm taking care of someone too, Like I fear for him in this area... but luckily he is like 7 feet tall and he looks big... I told him to just put on a mean face and the people will leave us alone hahah This week we came in the area and the Elder who was here before.... didn't do a whole lot of anything and well Smith is new and basically we are starting the area from scratch, and just looking for a million people... we started the week with one person who had a date to be baptized and we ended with 8 people. I'm excited with the area, I love the Ghetto, but also... I don't know how many pictures we are going to be taking anymore... so sorry. 

     Our house is surprisingly nice.... well... yea its nice! haha I don't know if dad could live in it but for what I've seen, it beats living in a lot of other places haha I don't have many stories but I was thinking how much I feel like I've progressed looking at Elder smith and thinking back when I was with as much time as he has... How much things have happened. Its crazy, I'm now helping him learn the language.... WE are two white Americans in the middle of one of the most craziest parts of Argentina.. and we are like living here... I thought taking care of myself in college would be tough hahah But yeah I'm super excited for everything. 

 

Bye LOVE YOU ALLLL

Elder Woods (I have forgotten my name already)

¨hey elder whats your first name?¨

ummmm ¨elder¨

Chau besitos

 Mitch is in an area where he can't use his camera safely so I will add old pictures. These were from last week:

 

A duck we found.

A familia that I love 

and an agenda that I made! 

 

 

 

 

August 11, 2014

     So this week is the Week before transfers, everyone is just freaking out because... well we don't know how the president functions, so pray for me, and pray for my investigators hahah, This week has been flying everyone thinks I'm leaving since I've been here for so much time, and so lots of members have been feeding us goood. POR FIN (FINALLY) I've been working out alot in the morning trying to get healthy and I think I'm finally starting to get more or less healthy. 

     Its so weird to me to think about the things at home, like to just have time to play golf or to go out to eat and eat costa vida.... Its so foreign to me now, like it just doesn't seem like its possible. Its weird to think that I'm on the countdown to home, I try not to think about it. It makes me homesick, sometimes with all the changes in the mission and with my companion and just a little of everything, I put myself into a really homesick mood, which is unacceptable because I'm on the Lords time, but dang I miss my family. La comida de Mamá... no tanto ;) jaja

     But this week I've just seen that the Lord has his plans for everyone. We have two investigators who I love and well one of them will be baptized but the other one told us no... She had been praying for weeks and fasting! Like wow that is rare to see someone with so much desire to know if what we are teaching is the truth, but I too was fasting and I received an answer that I didn't like, that the one would be baptized and the other no. I had no reason to think that because they both are going to church and doing everything. But then a few days later she told us she received a dream and didn't feel like it was the path... I could not understand how God would let something like this happen, and well I have been pretty down. She is still going to church though and for right now... I see a light of hope with her still. It's humbling to have to accept people's agency or sometimes the will of God. 

But this week has been a good one none the less. Yesterday a family gave me Cow heart to eat... and it was a lot like the days of moms green bean casserole.... I was sneakily putting it into a napkin I had and I put it in my pocket, we left and we were in the street and like 5 dogs attacked me... But dang,,, cow heart. 1 star out of 5.

     We also went to a giant cathedral and well... it built my testimony, it was huge and beautiful... but so dark and cold. I felt like that's how being with Satan would be. He is grand and strong and powerful, but in that presence of power there is no warmth or true desire to be with it. But it was a neat experience, its really well known here. and lets see I cant think of anything else... Oh a girl came up to me the other day in the bus and gave me a good kiss, she was young and pretty... I accidently pushed her kind of hard. It freaked me out. I am 10000% missionary I feel now :) I will be so socially weird after this mission its going to be awesome haha. Well I want you guys to know that I love you and that we should always hacer lo justo. Do the right. 

Chau, love you!!

Elder Woods

 

August 4, 2014

Okay here's what we are going ta DO!

I have no time! EVER!!!!!!!!! The mission is great I love it!  This week has been good, I went on a division with one of our leaders here. I went to Lujan which is the big part of the city, and well it was a huge area that usually had bikes but the bikes were broken and well we RAN for like two days, then we had a noche de hogar (family home evening) with the branch and well we taught them how to invite others to church, I think the zone lideres called me for my acting skills because we acted in front of everyone to teach them. IT was super fun, and also SOME crazy things happened... but I'll tell you that story after the mission. As for my journal,,,, I need to repent and well. Do it. We have no time ever, but I'll try my best. As for money, we are good.. for now. But down here they are like suffering a great depression thing and well everything is super expensive... its weird. I'm trying to learn how to really budget too but DANG I'm terrible I need you guys to teach me... at least I'm learning what things I need to improve on. haha I have learned when you don't eat you get washboard abs... So I bet you can guess where I have been washing my clothes...

Anyways things have been tranquil here and I'm learning a lot of goood things! I saw some pics of Hailey. I'm glad she made it safely! And well yeah we are just teaching and finding people, the hardest thing is retaining. Once the elders leave, the wards don't do a whole lot to keep people active... ugh, DAD do your home teaching!!!!

Also I made tacos the other day. But things are good... we are going to go to a giant catholic cathedral that is really famous here in Argentina so I will let you know how that went also! I love you all, Keep going forward and remember God and what he has asked us to do!

Un Besito Argentino!

Elder WOOOOOOODS

 

July 28, 2014

Querida Familia!

So This week has been a GOOD ONE we are seeing blessings on blessings! We had a baptism, with my friend named Milagros, the water was warm... mas o menos. And we had our two people who want to get baptised this next month go to church! 

So basically I'm happy and we are working everyday, I'm hitting a point in the mission were I'm starting to feel a deep tiredness, and its freaking me out because I still have like 9 months. The mission has became more relaxed and well I am seeing more love... that is always nice! This week we had to give talks... we give talks like once a month in this area, but I talked about love, that nothing in God's work starts without love, and basically that the mission work is driven by that love and desire to share it. Now on the other hand if we lack love, we have the opposite, which is pride and that drives us to worry more about ourselves and how things affect us then to worry about what God wants or what others want/need. It's true that we have agency to choose, but Christ said if ye love me keep my commandments... Acts of obedience or being humble come from Love. We think of Christ, a man who loved everyone more then has ever been on the earth... Could anyone who worked so hard for God and others been able to have a drop of pride... a man who accomplished more then anyone else can do, was he driven by his own desires?

We understand that this life needs order, such is as God, but also it can not be of God without that of Love, such as is Jesus Christ.

Dad said that we need to enjoy life more and in a sense that is like faith. In Moroni 7 we see that is true, If we understand that we are here on Earth to do OUR part and HOPE for a better world in the part of others. That is faith. Faith comes from HOPE first, if we hope that things will work out while doing our part. We will see the blessings that come from Faith, but once again  if we have faith we will have action on our part and if we have faith in Christ we will act in obeying Him, Him who told us: Love God above everything, and Love your neighbor! 

The Gospel is simple and its true. I love it!

I still feel like I'm really young and immature and I hope I don't go home and have people think I haven't changed for the better, but personally I feel like I have became more of a man! 

Thanks mom for going to the thing of Austin :) that made me super happy, how is his wife?  .... I will write him. This week has been hard I have been feeling super homesick, I don't know why though. I never had problems leaving the nest, but recently I have just really been missing my family and well home.. We have soooo much! It is not even funny. I don't know if I'm that worthy of a person but I feel like the Lord has way given me more then I deserve. The scriptures say to give thanks always(don't take things for granted) It is true. Count your many blessings :)

Marah needs to teach me soccer when I get back these Argentines are destroying me... its an embarrassment. Hailey needs to be careful and patient... Its been I while since I've driven but after seeing things here in Argentina.. I'm scared to drive haha As for my parasites... I'm getting better I'm starting to get a six pack... thank you parasites hahaha 

But I'm still skinny we don't eat very well in this area, I'm going to be spending a little more personal money I think.. because well,,, I've been fasting like the prophets! 

I don't remember if I told you, but one investigator(named Gisel who wants to get baptized) we painted her house! I am PICASSO we did a good job... it surprised me. My comp his side was questionable, but we are going to do another layer so  we will correct some things haha I've realized how little I know of like house keeping and being super independent... I think I'm going to shadow you guys a little better to take notes, so that I don't die when I'm alone.. haha

I don't have many funny stories, One guy stopped me in the street gave me a kiss and told me that he thinks what the church is doing as far as revealing truths of alien life is astonishing and he loves me... I love it when random men on the street kiss me... its super manly. 

I don't miss our dogs... I think Argentina has turned me off to Dogs for awhile. One little dog bit me, I think that's numero 6 in the mission... without thinking I punted that dog into a ditch like 10 feet away.... I almost feel bad. If I wasn´t a missionary I would make a business eliminating these Dogs. haha

Life is good though can´t complain... its cold and wet, and sometimes I want to lay down and die.... BUT THATS THE WAY I LIKE IT HAHAA

The church is true!

Love Mitch AKA Elder Woods

PS Mom I Forgot to put it in the last email, FELIZZZ CUMPLEAÑOSS VIEJA!!! :) 

Tell me what you want from Argentina!!!! LOVE YOU

 

 

The baptism de milagros

 

 

Elder Moser

This is a photo for Elder Moser, he is finishing his mission in like a week... if feels like yesterday I was living and sleeping in their apartment... how crazy!

July 21, 2014

DEAW FAMAWY.

     How is it going things are going super good here! I am in the midst of miracles everyday! So yeah like always we have been working and working hard, the only thing bad is that this week me and my comp we got sick with like the same cold, and it has been intense. BUT when you're on the Lords time there is no time to be sick! So I think I have been killing my comp but we have kept on truckin, but today I think we are going to rest.

      The world cup is starting to die down and I feel more safe, in fact Argentina is full of really lazy people and they have like a holiday every other day and yesterday was Día del amigo, and everyone was hugging me telling me that they can even be friends with a German... so that was funny. This next week we are going to have a baptism with a girl named Milagros, which means Miracles :) and well I'm super excited. She asked if I could baptize her so It makes me happy to know that the baptism clothing is getting used.

     We have been helping a lot of less actives come back to church and also our recent converts are super excited for the work and are giving us a bunch of friends that they want to join the church... We were walking one day,,, lost. and I screamed at a woman from afar and well I wanted to ask directions but we started to talk and well, we taught her the next day and she went to church by herself with her two 4 year old sons, who were sick... her name is Gisel, and well she is on date to be baptized this next month.... This area is finally coming back from nothing. I'm super happy and thankful for the trials that I have received. I have learned to love my companion, and well now he is like the weirdest friend I have ever had. haha With the sickness aside we have been doing good.

     I'm becoming more manly everyday! I killed like 10 chickens Saturday with a machete, I saw like 3 dogs get hit by cars in the same day... I feel like my emotions have been pretty well rounded and well, what more can I ask for.

 

 

     Winter here is weird its like REALLY cold and then really hot and rainy... I cant explain it. Its messin with my mind. but yeah, what more.... I cant think of a whole lot more, just slowly dying from hunger and a bipolar climate haha  But i am engaged in the Work I love you all with todo mi corazón! 

Elder Woods

 

WE WANT TO BAPTISE THE WORLD!!!!!

 

So this is my comp after receiving a surprise package from Peru.

 

July 14, 2014

     Hey we have no time! But I want you all to know how crazy the World cup is, I have only had like 5 people tell me today that they wanted to fight me because I look German.... but yeah we just stayed in the house and listened to everyone scream it was super fun... a good experience haha

     But just know we are good, we found a miracle. She is getting baptized the 26th :) I love her and her family! We are seeing miracles!!!!!!!!! 

I love you all with all my heart I'm sorry this is short!!! My love is undying and never ending!!! Also I need you guys to send me good jokes and good fun ideas for family home evening!!!!

                                                       LOVE YOU, ELDER WOODS

 

                                                         Before and after pics... haha

 

 

July 7, 2014

Okay super efficient letter this week, The church is true...

BYE!

haha but for real I have no time, I met the president and he is everything I could ever ask for! I truly think my favorite thus far... the Lord has saved me with this man! I am excited to see what will happen, as for my companion... I am truly being formed into a man of love and patience. Well better then before... I kiss everyone on the cheek here because well its culture.. how changed am I? haha a kiss is called un beso, but a little kiss is un besito... sooo I'm just giving besitos to everyone!!! haha

     I put a giant American flag on my bed for the 4th and besides that... nothin. We have had baptisms, they were great, but now we are thirsting for new people to teach so pray for that.

     Tell Keely that I love her and that the Lord gives us trials so that we can be perfected, and also those that came to the earth to receive a body and nothing more, well didn't need trials to be perfected. The Lords work is always mysterious but in the end beautiful.

     I miss baseball games. and AMERICA but that's okay I don't remember the states very well, or English... I'm basically Argentine. haha but things are good, and I'm super happy sooo yeah this transfer is going to be all about LOVE and patience. and besitos. I love you ALLL con todo mi corazón 

and well just know that...  I'm gaining a little weight sooo positive thinking that's what makes a down person feel up! haha

CHAU/BYE ELDER WOODS

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2014

     Hahaha Life is funny, its the little things that people remember. We always as missionaries are worried of what the people see us do, the level of responsibility is much higher, because its true the smallest thing can influence someone for the good or bad.

     Today I have literally like 10 minutes because we have to catch a train for a zone meeting thing! Its crazy here we got a new president Saturday night and we are getting ready to meet him and well things are a little hectic with time and everything! This weekend was a good one we found some new familias to teach and we had two baptisms! They were really special, Its really cold here and we put the hot water in which is really just like room temperature and well... IT got really cold and it was like baptizing in a river... It was interesting, but no one got sick so that was great! :) One of the kids me and Elder Escobar found was baptized. His name is Franco. He is great, we've grown super close. He's really funny, but the thing that was incredible to me, what I want to talk about today was he asked me to baptize him and then give him the confirmation (holy ghost) So that was my first time giving it to anyone and well it was a Sunday when we had the branch conference and everyone was there... I remember how this young man was before and how he was after. He changed and at first I thought it was my imagination but I really could see and even better FEEL the difference. What a blessing it is to have the Holy Ghost to guide us, to give us council and sometimes carry us through our personal falls and hard times. We had a lesson that Sunday after and he already wanted to bring his friends to church, he told me that he never wants to quit going. Now keep in mind that no one in his family is a member and actually they don't support going to church. His older brother whom I also have taught was telling me how he wouldn't be going to church because this next week is the birthday of his Dad then he said and Franco probably wont go either, and Franco looked at him and then at me and stood up and said, NO I am going to go.... When the path is dark and the way to the lord is a thin wire we need that Spirit to hold us firm. Wow I saw a miracle and many, many others in the midst of my struggles with my companion. The Lord continues to bless us.

     It is super cold here.... like super cold and wet and well I'm like swimming in freezing water all day every day.... Christmas in July haha

     But we had more things that I just cant fit in, I'm learning how to just live without time. I want you guys to know that I love you and am grateful that I was born into our home! Dad .. maybe a letter :) and well hmmm, mom I sometimes miss your cooking.... sometimes. hahahaha

     As for the story of Kody... Its best not to listen to gossip. I'm sure I was driving very well, and If I was talking to someone it was because they needed help. Or a Scripture reference! 

 

I love you all!!!!!!   

Elder M. Scott Woods......

 

 

 

June 23, 2014

   

 Well I have decided that I have been a little negative lately and well, when we are negative we aren't showing a lot of hope for the good things,and well the faith comes from hope for the good things in this world. So I will not lack faith any more!!! Things here are good, I am working and keeping diligent, in this dang COLD. Its literally like Christmas in July... but yeah I am with my companion still for at least 8 more weeks. So I am super excited to work and learn even more. I feel like we will see miracles here. We are going to have 2 baptisms this next week! and we have planned two more for July! So the Lord has been blessing us! I have learned that things are always hard, but they are harder when your attitude is negative. BECAUSE there is so much good we just have to look for it and hold on to it, you can not serve two masters, you can not be happy and sad at the same time... You must decide which you will be.
     But yeah I took some pills for cleaning out parasites... I feel better and I think I've gained a little weight. I have been trying to eat more but we are poor and we spend a lot of money on transportation. That's just one of the blessings of the mission. I am learning how to work when I'm hungry and tired. Just keep swimming. haha
     Also yeah we always have to be in the apartment when Argentina plays but we know who's winning because people shoot their guns and scream everytime they score... and honestly I love soccer now! The states have won one and played last night but I haven't asked anyone yet who won. So Its fun. The culture here during the world cup is unreal haha so much passion.
     But yeah I'm doing good, I know you guys are doing good too! Just keep close to the Lord and be obedient to him. The Lord will provide a way. It might be a way completely different to what you think, but you will be okay! The Lord will give you storms to push you to the promised land. I love you all With everything! Just remember it starts with hope! Then comes the faith and then the miracles. Hope will be the anchor from which you will be able to endure storms when they feel out of control.

I love you.

Mitch

June 16, 2014

   

 I love the Quotes mom, they made me laugh and feel good. I don't have a lot of time this week, I had to talk with the president for awhile. This week was tough for me. After having such a great week with Elder Sturgell I felt like I fell really hard to be back with my companion. I told him I want to get going to do everything this week and that he needed to work if he wanted to have success this week. He did very little and this week we accomplished very little... I have been super frustrated, this week we are having transfers and I hope that I leave. This area has been so hard for me. We have people ready to get baptized this month. We have found 3 people who are going to get baptized here in the near future and it is a great feeling having them, but I don't know. This area hasn't felt like my last. If you guys remember Fernada from my area of Villegas, I just heard that they have had 10 baptisms there all that came from her, I heard that today and I cried. I felt so grateful to have met her and now I can see how the Lord works. 11 baptisms just from meeting someone in the street. How great is the Lord?! Here I am trying to have sacred experiences equal to that one. I am just having a hard time focusing on them and not thinking about this companionship.
     This week was tough also, The world cup started and every time Argentina plays we have to be in the pension for like 5 hours... Argentines are crazy about there soccer. Last night they won, and I think people were firing guns outside of our apartment. Oh Argentina... I had to explain like 5 times why God is more important then soccer. But yeah I'm super happy that the family is doing good! It makes me truly joyful. 
      Its weird to think that I'm now counting down from my mission, time is going by WAY to fast... but just know I love you! I am thankful for the familia that God has given me! I just hope that I can now continue gaining his confidence to help other families have what we have. Also I have lost like 20 pounds.... pray for my body, my mind is willing but I think the body is starting to struggle. I had a dream that I went home for health... and I have never woke up so frustrated in my life. We are going to try and visit a doctor and see what's up. But just pray for that. Thats all I need this week. Les Amo a todo de Ustedes!

                                                                              Love Elder Woods

 

 

June 9, 2014

SO Hey family,

     I have a ton on my mind but dang I cant express it all!!!! This week has been crazy but awesome I have been so tired and so dang happy! This week the president who is about to go home... in like a week sent his assistant, like the missionary that he trusts most to stay with me and my companion for a week. This missionary se llama... is called? ugh I cant remember how to work english ahhh but his name is Elder Sturgell from Colorado. He came and I thought wow... maybe I'm the worst missionary in all the mission that the president would send his beloved here to just fix me. Also this missionary is going home this Friday, so I thought why is the last thing that president could do with this dying missionary be go with Elder Woods and his companion Elder Paredes... I was really stressed to perform bien. But it was like a breath of fresh air, these last two transfers with people a little {special} to have someone that wanted to work hard and someone with whom I could talk to. I have learned so much and grown just within a week. This Elder is so Christlike I have grown to love him! This week we worked hard and we did service AND IT WAS GREAT haha I have learned more how to love and well really how to just purify myself from the worldly things! I had my eye single to the Glory of God and we saw miracles! Its sad to see him so close to the end and how sad he is to leave this country, I truly see now that Argentina is my home, and that I don't want to go back. I can not explain how it is to struggle so much and have love for people like I have had here, to walk in a street and see a family and take a fathers hand while looking him in the eyes to tell him that his family can be happier. To see people make life changes that ultimately change EVERYTHING! This week has been very sacred to me. I Love my mission with all my heart. I am frustrated often but we always joke to make a perfect diamond you need lots of pressure. I was reading in Ether 6, about the family of Jared and how they took a boat across the ocean... That chapter explains why bad things happen. There is one verse that says God did make the winds blow and the storm came in, so that it could push this family to the promised land. I will ride these storms, and I will thank My heavenly father for them, because everyday I get closer to my promised land. I invite you to look at the storms and think how is this helping me come closer to God and Jesus Christ, and how you are being brought closer to perfection. 

     I started thinking I have 13 months, my friends are all getting back home now. I have no time to waste, we started contacting FAMILYS! And one day I found 5 families that are married and interested. I Desire to baptize  families. Here in this mission the majority are young kids, and while they need it too, I cannot focus myself in anything less than a family. What I learned though that has made all the difference is just like a pair of shoes, if you want to buy them, you have to pay the price. If you desire a family you must pay the price even if it means failing, rejection. I am trying to give EVERYTHING to the Lord, and maybe It will find those that truly need my help, and not just mine but that of God. 

     We found some good families this week, we will see if they progress, I pray that they do. But like always I think of my own family and all I have to say is give everything to the Lord and you will be okay, you will ride the storm and you will arrive in a promised land of pure joy. Build on Christ, and you will not fall.

I love you con todo mi corazón, espero que me crean :) 

Con amor, Elder Woods

PS WE found a petting Zoo.... jajaja

 

June 2, 2014

 

Hey Family,

     I don't have much time today. Here things are cold and wet and nothing dries! Our apartment has clothes hanging in every spot possible, its loco, but for real.

     I am with my comp.... still. Seems like its been a year but I think like 2 weeks now, fua que duro ha estado estas semanas. But its all good, would you believe that ¨We¨ did more service this week, I have shoveled land like... never before, we put in some foundation for a bolivian family and well alot of dirt was needed. My hands.... my Body, I don't know if it will endure. Then we had a talk about how he has done more service with me then any other comp he has had.... what luck, haha but its all good, maybe he is learning a lot from it, who knows I don't understand him, but yeah, I had a long time of thought wondering what I could do to make our companionship better. I thought why have like the majority of my comps here been so hard... I wondered its probably me and I have to change something I'm doing, and well that's always true, but I really think this mission since the beginning has been teaching me patience and endurance. So who knows, the Lord uses those in the places they are needed, so I will do it and try and be happy haha

     We had a lot of people go to church this week that was great, I really felt the spirit in church. I thought of the family and when we went and about Sundays- the food, the movies and well just being with the family. Not home sick but just thankful for the family I have. It was a good day.

     Also I have been doing things different, and I can see more strength in my teaching. You all know I love to tell stories, right. I was reading one day thinking Fua I want to be like Jesus, like I want to teach like he did, and how did he teach... with parables. I thought wow he just told stories in a way that they could learn and think for themselves and then we asked questions... so I am telling stories and I have seen changes using talents and wow, we see miracles! I know I'm here for a reason so that is nice to know haha. We had to leave a family this week because they can't progress without the Dad, and the Dad is well, in a state of pride that will take time to cure. That day I remember crying in the middle of the dirt street thinking why am I here who am I helping, but I know the family knows more now and I have learned from them, and I guess its always a little reminder of the atonement of Christ and what he felt. Its hard to have so much love for someone and see what they don't. I am happy but dang my companion is asking for a hand sandwich haha jk kind of.... no I'm kidding don't worry.

     And lets see,,, oh yeah Marah actually is getting good with her spanish... but for real. Dad HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you .Also tell Grandma Happy birthday... my comp is yelling at me... I love you 

                                                                      ELDER WOODS!!!

 

May 26, 2014

Sooooo....

      I have got home on my mind more then ever before.I have never had a hard time with being focused with the work, but we had transfers and my other companion left, and it was a bit of a relief. But now I received a new companion from Peru, that might just be a little worse. He is the messiest, unorganized, 24/7 talking companion, who has no idea what he's doing but corrects everything I do..... He also touches me.... like always poking me. I have never been so close to going bruce lee on one of my companions like I am now. Its a whole new world. I jumped out of the pot into the fire... haha but its fine

     We had some good things happen here as far as the area is going.This week was fairly good because we were getting a little more confidence with the members and getting more familiar with the area, because still I am a little lost. We have met with some of the people with baptismal dates that we had and are ´cleaning´up a little and looking for people that the Lord has prepared. The family that went to the temple with us, didn't go to the church, because the husband who still hasn't attended the church heard things at work from friends and doesn't want to hear anything more. The wife is so faithful that she doesn't want to make a decision with out him even though she has been one of the most ready people I have met. Her and her sister in law love the church but refuse to go with out the family and the husband is just.... UGH I have never been so sad as to see such great people held back by one. But if we cant find a way to reach the husband we will have to drop the family and go less just praying that this seed eventually grows... We have another investigator called Marciano, he is from Paraguay and went to church for the second time. He is a great guy and I truly believe he is going to be baptized. He is preparing for his baptism on the 21 and is reading everything and loves the church. He is a great guy, me and elder Escobar found him one day when we were lost and I realized he was from Paraguay. I was practicing some guarani (a language in paraguay that I learned a little bit of in my last area) with him and well, turned out he was really prepared. Miracle. We have another family that we found recently that have met with missionaries before. The dad is great and knows he needs to change but just lacks the commitment to the Lord. Of the 4 of their family that can be baptized only the 14 year old son attended the church. Also we have a family here that consists of one member and his wife who isn't married. They called us this week on Thursday and are trying to sack a turno to be married. We are going to plan for her to be baptized just after her wedding :)seeing that she already has like 100 attendances in the church!

     So things are good, but super tough too. It is getting SUPER cold here and I think I need to buy some new things, like shoes haha the time has come, maybe some boots. It rains a lot in winter here.... isn't that awesome. Who would have thought that it would rain more in the winter time... Not me. But whatever SATANAS (satan) WILL NOT WIN! but yeah It is posing some new obstacles.

      Have I told you about my new companion? jaja his name is Elder Paredes, a little more about him is he complains about everything. Before the mission his hobbies were internet... and tv... and video games. So he doesn't like the cold, or the heat... or the sun light. haha

We did service this week where we had to take out two trees with shovels, weed a path the length of a football field and then put in a path of rocks so that an old couple could pass this road of pure mud... Luckily it was only my comp and me who where there to do it.. but 10 minutes after beginning he was cutting weeds with a machete and literally swung it, let go of it and it hit him in the shin. It didn't cut him too much, but then he started to complain about a blister on his finger... so he went and sat down for 2 and a half hours while I dug up two trees and finished weeding and using a wheel barrel to place the stepping stones..... DAD YOU WOULD BE DANG PROUD! I left with a raw hand and muscles more dead then ever.... and after it all, My comp left with me and told me about how much he loved doing service. If I could have lifted my arm I would have struck him down to the earth. hahaha

     Mission stories... its almost funny when I look back on it. But yeah things have been pretty good, we are still preparing for the new president. I hope he loves me more then the one we have now, and that he takes away the rule that we cant drink coca cola.... I'm dying for some Pepsi haha

     Our area is super tranquil like nothing happens here, I miss the ghetto a little. But because the president is leaving we are going to have transfers again in 4 weeks so, I kind of want to go somewhere else. But its not what I want I guess, maybe Ill never be the great missionary I wanted to be, but I will know I am doing the Lords Work.

      Happy memorial day by the way, its great to think of the great people in our lives that have helped us and then taken the next step to eternal bliss. Like Jesus. Granpa, Grandy. People that have helped us and taught us many things. I'm happy that I have had you all as examples and that your still living ;) haha So thanks for both, keep it up.

I don't have much more time, Just know that I love you all With todo mi corazon. 

Let me know if there is anything I can do for you while I'm here in the bottom of da world! 

                                                          Elder Mitch Woods