Well I guess the up side of having a messed up pday schedule is that on the flip side I get to write again really soon. So.. surprise?

This weekend was pretty interesting. After emailing last Friday we went and had a lesson with our investigator Noelia and her mom Paulina (I think I told you guys, but her brother Alejandro is already a member and her step dad Orlando as well.. although he's pretty inactive). We planned to teach the Plan of Salvation and challenge Noelia to be baptized and at least invite her mom to church if not baptism (she's not religious at all so we were thinking baptism might be a long shot). So anyway, long story short, we get there and the whole family was there and Orlando even joined us for the lesson which has never happened. He also offered to say the opening prayer so that was really cool. Then we had just the classic spiritual bomb of a lesson teaching the Plan of Salvation. Everything went so smooth and beforehand Elder Valle and I had a good companionship study and did some practices which helped us a lot to be more united in our teaching. (Many times we kind of clash in our teaching because we both teach a bit differently so that was a blessing). Anyway, so then at the end of the beautifully clear and simple lesson we invited the whole family to follow the example of Jesus Christ, and Noelia and her mom to do so by being baptized. They both said yes and afterward to close the lesson Noelia offered the last prayer and the spirit was super strong. That was a really cool experience and this week we will work on setting a date for both of them. Paulina and Orlando have to get married first so we'll have to see how soon that can happen, but for Noelia we are thinking April 1st. Super excited for that. :)

On Friday night we were then finally able to communicate with Damian and Maira who kinda disappeared off the map a week ago. Apparently they got kicked out of their apartment and were living in Parque de Mayo (a park...) on the rugby field! So we made some calls and turns out Danilo Laspina knows a guy who knew a guy who had a house that he was selling for super cheap and affordable for them. So on Saturday morning we went with Hno Maneiro to hunt them down and take them and all their stuff to their new home. Such a bittersweet experience.. hard to explain.. It killed me seeing their two tiny children sitting there in the car on the way to the house with their big innocent eyes. Then the look of relief on the faces of Damian and Maira when they saw their new house and knowing that it would be a safe and affordable place for their family. Very humble house... but I think for them it was as good as a mansion. Such a humbling experience.

On Sunday we had a great turn out of investigators as well as less actives at church! The Vasquez family (that I used to visit with Paleka all the time) showed up out of the blue. Good to see them and their humble attitude of wanting to bring the gospel back into their lives. As well as the Miranda family. It was a really happy Sunday seeing our investigators progress and familiar faces return. 

Love being a missionary. Talk to you guys next week.

Elder Jolley

Hey folks.

This last week we had the reverse effect of all the hot weather. SO much rain and some amazing thunderstorms. Wish I had a better camera here to have been able to take some pictures of some of the coolest clouds and sunsets I've ever seen. That's one good thing about Argentina. The skies are huuuge (kind of like VA/East Coast). 

So this week and a half has consisted of zone conferences and teaching lessons whenever we can squeeze them into the schedule. Updates:

- David is progressing nicely and will be baptized on March 18th.

- Noelia also came to the family night at Lucre's house with her baby Crystal and really enjoyed it. She's progressing as well and seems to be really in tune with the spirit. Her, her mom Paulina, and her brother Alejandro are very genuine people, I like them. We are thinking about challenging her to be baptized in April.

- This transfer for zone conferences my companion and I are teaching out of Chapter 8 in PMG, focusing on the importance of key indicators and how to do an efficient comp inventory.... if anyone cares, haha :)

Well that's the sum up of my week. Whoever still reads these emails... wow... you've come to understand a little bit about "enduring to the end."

This last stretch of the mish is really bittersweet. President was sharing in the zone conference yesterday that there is no place he'd rather be in the world than here and with us. Even over his family, with all the love that he has for them. I feel the same way. As much as I love home, family, friends... I don't have any desire to not be where I am right now. South America has its moments, but I really love it here, I love being a missionary, and the fact that my days as a representative of Christ are running out makes me super sad. I love Him, His gospel, and the blessing I have to share it with others.

Buena semana.

Elder Jolley

FHE at Lucrecias house with the Laspina's and our investigator David Palacios with his family. A night with only converts and investigators, but our converts are now helping us teach our new investigators! I love the mission work cycle. They all strengthen my testimony so much! Our investigator David gets baptized on the 18th. He's really smart and excited to join his family and start his countdown to be able to go and get sealed to them in the temple.

Trip to Pedro Luro and Villalonga to do a baptismal interview for two more members of the giant family there in Villalonga. Antonio and Crystel.  We had to go chase down Antonio in an onion field like a half hour away, but we found him! They got baptized this last Sunday. SO fun to see them and to see the fruits in that family and the progress they've made. Also to spend a little time with my converts Luisa and Ronald with there new baby Ronald II. Love them lots.

Another transfer come and gone. The downside of the hill goes a lot faster than you want it to at times. Said goodbye to Elder Frischknecht today and a few other good friends... that's always a bummer.

It's been SUPER hot and SO humid this last week. Probably the most it has been in my mission. Thick enough to chew. So anyway, this transfer I'm staying with Elder Valle as my companion again (Elder Goeckeritz is heading out to Necochea to start his real training... bye Goeckies).

 Elder Goeck's first alfajor

Elder Goeckritz's first asado with the Tidei family next door.

Carlos got baptized! It was quite the health rollercoaster for the past few weeks, but he was able to hold out well for a few days to make it happen. It was a nice baptism and he was really happy. His wife came as well as one of his daughters (soon to be investigators :) ... his wife already is talking with us). 

Carlos got baptized! Accompanied by his wife Irma (goes by Piru)

Tomorrow after welcoming the new missionaries we are starting up the zone conferences again. I sure hope we can grab some time this week to visit investigators cause we have so many great people right now. We might do an FHE with Lucrecia, the Laspina fam, and some other investigators on Saturday. Super excited.

Love you all! Off to work.

Elder Jolley

I conducted a leadership training meeting a week or two ago and we did the plan of salvation chalk/contacting activity in the plaza that morning before the training. Notice my son on my left is now a zone leader! I might have already mentioned that, but I'm just proud. Great group.

left to righ: (E Rickeberg, E Mardones, E Guerrero, E Farley, E Diaz, E Christensen, Me, E Bennett, Hna Ahlmer, Hna Davidson, Hna Estrada, Hna Navarro, Hna Menacho, Hna Mask).

This was from the last supper of Sister Bevans. Sister Cifuentes was out of town and President had a meeting so he asked me to cook. Got to cook in the nice mission home kitchen by myself (and my comp of course). I will say I enjoyed that. Made fajitas.

So I know I say I have low time a lot, but today I literally have no time.

QUICK update.

- Carlos was off the face of the map in the hospital last week, then from the point of death he got up fine on Sunday and came to CHURCH! Champion. We're working this week to get the interview done so he can get baptized. Thanks for the prayers and keep them coming please.

- We keep having random blessing people pop up around here. I think my hijo Elder Goeckeritz is good luck. We had ANOTHER small family show up this Sunday in addition to the surprise couple that came last week (who we were also able to meet with last week. The dude said he didn't have church clothes and felt bad so I gave him like a full church outfit last week and yesterday he showed up in sweats again. Whhaaaat?? haha I laughed and asked him what happened and he said "I don't have nice shoes... that would look tacky.." Haha you can't please them all I guess.

- Elder Goeckritz is doing well. I think I've asked him almost every question possible just to create conversation or make him laugh... it's a challenge, but I'm slowly starting to crack him! Plus, we are going hard on language study and he's come a long way for the little time he's been here. Kid was practically born assistant... he's gonna be up to par in no time.

Love you all. Have a great week!
Elder Jolley

Happy Charity Day (improved missionary version of Valentine's)

Few highlights:

- Carlos was not baptized last Friday because he had some kind of medical problem relating to an internal blood clot as a result of all the medication they were giving him for his cancer.... nice job doctors (satan doctors). Ha kidding, but anyway after a priesthood blessing, a few warming visits, and prayers, Carlos is now out of the hospital and doing better. Baby steps... but I think this week he will be physically well enough to have the baptismal interview done and we will soon get the baptism performed. He's really excited and was super bummed and apologetic (what a guy) for not being able to last week. We really love him and are excited that he is improving.

- My companion Elder Valle is currently in Mar Del Plata due to some minor complications and will be there until transfers (two weeks). I am currently with my SECOND son Elder Goeckritz! He got here last Tuesday and has been working with us this past week, and since Sunday with just me. He reminds me of my first companion Elder Arnold. Super workable and chill... low maintenance let's say. Kinda quiet, but when he says stuff it's hilarious. It's hard cause I now have to take on assistant and zone leader responsibilities on my own, PLUS train on top of it... so I feel bad cause I can't give him all the attention I would like to... luckily it's only two more weeks then he'll have a trainer that can give 100% to him.... never thought adoption would be an option... but desperate times ;) kidding.

- We have a new Senior Couple in our mission! Not sure if I mentioned that last week, but their names are Elder and Sister Allen. Great people, from Murray Utah I think. I welcomed them at the airport and the first thing they both said is "Hey we read your blog!" haha so there ya go mom... fans! ;) Also Sister Allen is from England so I have a British accent around me quite frequently. I love it, haha, and if I spend a lot of time around her it starts to rub off... "Can you believe such rubbish??" 

This last week after a few opportunities to help other missionaries make some improvements through something we do called "the list", as well as helping investigators to make changes in their lives, I've just had my mind a lot on the subject of repentance. I love repentance and the blessing we have to always apply the atonement in our lives whenever we seek it humbly. I testify of that blessing and opportunity that is always available to us and I know that it works. "Repentance is not the back up plan... it is THE plan."

Elder Jolley

p.s. Happy Birthday to my beautiful sister Andraya. Love you Draya.

Pics with Elder Christensen (tie exchange at the leadership conference last week + photobomb from Sis Bartholomew). Also, Elder Christensen is going to be a zone leader! Makes me proud. Also, he bought the same backpack that I have cause his dad is a fachero.

Hello Jolley's (and / or others)

So this week we were going to head to Santa Rosa and Trenque Lauquen, but I few things have come up here in Bahia and President asked my companion and I to stay behind to run the show a bit. One including a new missionary that will be arriving (mid transfer..super weird but oh well) tomorrow. He is the only one coming and his name is Elder Goeckritz (I know I went to school with some Goeckritz... so maybe they'll be connected somehow). Anyway, so nothing is concrete but I THINK my companion and I will be in charge of him for a few weeks before transfers. I'm gonna be a dad again! Ahh. Training is the best.. it'll be a lot different in a trio for sure, but either way I'm excited for him to come.

Speaking of children. Last week we had a leadership meeting and I was able to see Elder Christensen because he became a District Leader this transfer! That's my boy :) I had a few errands to run in the morning before the conference and he tagged along with me. It was super fun to walk around and chat with him for a bit. He continues in Mar Del Plata and is doing really well. Pictures to come..

Remember Carlos our investigator? So he was going to come to the conference with Elder Stevenson, but got sick, then all last week wasn't doing so good so he couldn't come to church yesterday either. Poor guy has cancer and they are doing a lot of chemo therapy on him which just puts him out of play. Anyway, so on the bright side I guess he always talks to Hermano Martinez (his member friend) about wanting to be baptized, he reads the Book of Mormon and shares the story of Joseph Smith and the Restoration to everyone and their dog (guess he doesn't see THAT many people.. but he does what he can). It's been really impressive to work with him, and after chatting with him and our mission leader, we will be holding a baptismal service for him this Friday at 7. We're stoked.

Lucrecia went to the temple for the first time this last weekend and was baptized and did the work for her mom who passed away a few years ago, and for both her grandparents as well. We haven't seen her since cause she attended the baby blessing of her friend in another ward yesterday, but all the members said she loved it and had a great experience. 

I don't think I mentioned this, but I saw Luisa and Ronald and the rest of their family (besides Amalia) last week at the Stake Conference! Luisa and Ronald are officially sealed in the temple like I mentioned, and they also have a baby! His name is Ronald just like his dad and is kind of a tank, but super cute! Such a blessing to see them briefly. Pictures to come..

That's all I can think of for right now. Enjoy the snow! Love you guys

Elder Jolley

This last weekend we were blessed by a visit from Elder Stevenson from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, as well as Elder Bragg from the Presidency of the South America Area, along with their wives and a couple other area authorities such as Elder Salas and the Buenos Aires Temple President. What a powerful and memorable experience. On Saturday we had a conference with Elder Stevenson, Elder Bragg, and their wives with the WHOLE entire mission. What a cool opportunity! He was only supposed to be with us for about an hour, but he just kept teaching and it turned into two. The man knows Preach My Gospel inside and out so we had such a great discussion about inviting people to repent through commitments and also the importance of promising blessings. We also were all able to shake his hand. It was cool because President had me stationed at the door of the chapel to let everyone know when he was walking in so we could all stand up. So when he comes around the corner, I signaled to everyone and opened the door for him. He stopped when he saw me and said "Well there's a missionary! What's your name Elder?" I told him and he asked me where I was from and stuff. I think I had a permanent stupid grin on my face for the rest of the day. Meeting him and Elder Bragg was a very impactful experience for me. Such genuine and happy people, and it's so contagious! On Sunday they came for a luncheon at the mission home, and Elder Bragg asked President if my companion and I could be there as well, and because Sister Cifuentes had to spend the afternoon with the wives on Saturday, she requested that I make a salad and a few other things for the lunch. Aaanyway, so I got to spent some time prepping and cooking some delicious food (thanks to my mom's recipes ...you're the best mom!) in the nice mission home kitchen on Saturday. No complaint here :) On Sunday we had a special Stake Conference from Elder Stevenson and his wife about prayer and missionary work. Then the luncheon afterwards. We were able to chat a bit with them when they first arrived to the mission home, then for the first part of the lunch we were asked to stay in the kitchen and help so they could have a meeting over lunch. Then towards the end we were invited in to chat, and Elder Bragg set us up with a photo opportunity with him and Elder Stevenson! (best. wingman. ever.) Heavenly Father could beam me up right now and I'd be content with that kind of happy ending to my life haha. Totally kidding... but it really was such a memorable experience and a huge blessing to be around such genuine, humble, and powerful men.

p.s. Elder Stevenson had a bodyguard there named Michael. I was chattin with him a bit afterward and I asked to see his "church security" pin on his lapel (it's cool). Such a funny guy! I feel like they hardly ever talk cause they have to be serious, but when you get them going it's hilarious. After lunch we were sitting there and he said "Ugh... I'm gettin fat..." President right next to him looks over and says "Dude... you sound like a girl.." The bodyguard just looked side to side, shrugged his shoulders and says "...ya... you're right." haha! It was hard to keep the laughter in.

p.p.s. We ate something called Vitel Toné, with parsley garlic fingerling potatoes, orange glazed carrots, and a spinach salad with strawberries, candied pecans, tilei cheese, and two really good dressings from the list you sent me, mom. I think everyone liked it. Elder Bragg even said "Excellent salad, Elder Jolley!" probably just bein nice.. but I'll take it. ; )

I'm so blessed to be a part of this work, and I am continually reminded of that. Doesn't mean it's easy at all, but the blessings received out here outweigh the trials by far. I know this work is His, and I'm proud to be a part of it.

Elder Jolley

 On our way to Mar Del Plata last week for Zone Conferences it was getting dark on us while we were still a ways out, so we decided to stay the night in Necochea and finish the drive in the morning. All the better because my two best buddies in the mish live right there in Necochea in the same house! We snuck into their house and scared the caca out of them haha. It's always refreshing to see Elder Tannyhill and Elder Price and have some good laughs. They're both zone leaders together right now so we all get to interact a lot more, which is super fun.

Doing divisions with Elder Schiess (from the first group I welcomed as AP with Paleka) and his son, Elder Muzzi (been in the mish for 2 weeks). Unfortunately Elder Schiess got super sick from food poisoning and threw up like 20 times during divisions... sooo Elder Muzzi became the nurse and had a nice study sesh while Elder Schiess was passed out in bed. Poor guy. We had a great time anyway though.