Tortilla Turn Up

Hello again!  I don’t know if weeks fly by faster in Argentina or something, but I can’t believe it is almost July!  This past week involved a lot of walking but I couldn’t be happier walking the streets with Hermana Norman!  We are so happy!

CHISTOSO:

·       We were buying tortillas, the norm, and the lady gave us 2 tortillas for the price of one!  Probably because we are her most faithful customers.

·       Talking to two chicos and they asked how old we were and so we told them to guess and they said 30!  THIRTY!!  I’m not even 20 yet but it’s all good.

·       We had a ward activity to celebrate Father’s Day (plus any excuse to eat empanadas – definitely not complaining) and they were playing lots of oldies but goodies in English.  And they had karaoke so Hermana Norman and I almost had our moment of glory but then remembered we were missionaries and decided it wouldn’t be appropriate.

·       Forgot to tell y’all but we found an old investigator and though for sure that she was a GOLDEN INVESTIGATOR until she told us she was already a member.  That could have been real awkward.

·       I was doing a grammar activity on the computer and it asked for my MTC ID number and I’m a nerd – so I knew it.  Hermana Norman was straight judging me!

Bueno, I know that none of y’all laughed at any of my stories that are supposed to be funny but that’s okay.  Most importantly I want y’all to know that I am having fun while learning so much.  I am seriously so happy!  I like to think that I have always been happy and looked for the good in my life but this is a different kind of joy.  This is a special kind of joy that comes when you forget about yourself and think of how you can best help others.  A certain joy that only missions can bring (well, I guess there are other ways but a mission is sure a good one).

MILAGROS:

·       This week I received a video from all my family – cousins, aunts, and uncles, grandma and grandpa – the whole fam.  We had a family reunion last week that I missed out on but they sent me the sweetest video of everyone singing and ending with “Love you Kelly!”  It was really embarrassing because I started crying in front of everyone.  At first I was sad that I was missing out but then I remembered how lucky I am to be in Argentina as a missionary.  I only have 18 months to help families here in Argentina know how they can be with their families for eternity.  In reality, it isn’t a sacrifice to leave my family (doesn’t mean I don’t miss them) but truly it is a privilege to serve for such a short time.

·       Clara, one of our eternal investigators, finally has a wedding date for August 12!  Keep her in your prayers that everything will go well!

·       This week we received a new senior couple in the mission – Hermana y Elder Ward – GRINGOS!  We are so excited to have them but poor things don’t speak a lick of Spanish.  Hermana Ward is so cute but also so terrified.  But they have been a tender mercy for me this week.  I truly admire their courage to leave behind their family to serve the Lord in South America.   Plus, I am super happy to have an American mom and dad here!  I really hope I have the opportunity to get to know them better.  I can already feel their sweet spirit and love for the gospel.

·       Spanish update:  it is a lot better!  I can understand about 97% of the things that everyone is saying, but still don’t talk too much.  However, with practice (which includes making mistakes) I am getting better and better.  I am so happy that I can more fully express my testimony and love for the gospel even though I use the wrong conjugations almost always.  Gift of tongues is so real though!

This week in my studies I was thinking a lot about our investigators and the individual necessities and trials they are going through.  The world teaches that we can find solutions to our problems in temporal things – drugs, alcohol, caffeine, etc.  But I know that the solution to all our problems, both temporal and spiritual, is the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We can read in the Book of Mormon that only our Savior, Jesus Christ, can relieve our burdens.

Mosiah 24:14-16

“And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

“And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

“And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying:  Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage.”

I love this scripture!  In the midst of our trials, but with the knowledge of the gospel, we can have peace in the midst of the storm, hold fast to each other and our temple covenants, grow in our ability to trust in the Lord and be strengthened by our faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice.  I know that by doing these things, we can find the never-ending happiness that we seek in this life. 

Have a great week!  We get a new mission president this week so keep the mission in your prayers please!

Love you all!

♥ Hermana Mannewitz

fam photo

back street boys

ARGENTINA

Playing soccer with the zone on p-day

v awkward picture with President Chaparro

a tree that represents my current body shape

our district!

Happy Birthday Juanita

super casual walking and laughing

district pizza selfie!

Amigas

Hola from Argentina!  Things are going great here!  We are eating a lot of food, working so hard and enjoying every minute of the mission.  Contrary to common belief, it is getting pretty cold in Argentina.  It’s not that bad, but since we are outside all day and no one has heaters, it is pretty chilly.  But we are happy and healthy.

CHISTOSO:

·       New high score!  I ate 9 empanadas in one sitting.  Stay tuned for updates.

·       We talked to a lady who looked sick and holding her stomach.  So we asked her if she was okay, and she told us she was 3 months pregnant.  I’ve never been pregnant before (obviously) so I totally respect pregnant ladies, but Hermana Norman and I agreed that our stomachs are bigger than hers every day after lunch.

·       One of our ex-investigators owns a calzone shop – so yes it was really hard to leave him out, but on his day off he made us a huge calzone and delivered it to us.  I never thought I would meet such a homie in Argentina.

·       Speaking of all the food we eat, Hermana Norman and I have made a diet plan (which includes only going to Grido once a week) to overcome all odds and not get fat this winter.

·       Chica:  “are y’all hermanas or amigas?”

Hermana Norman:  “Companions”

Me:  “Ouch!”  Thought we were friends LOL!

·       Martin, a 4 year-old crazy kid in our ward spit in my face at church.  Not kidding!  Spit all over me.  I thought only people who rejected us would spit on me.

·       Hermana Norman and I were, let’s say sick to the stomach this week and considered calling the elder who is in charge of our apartment to ask if we could move into an apartment with two bathrooms.  Haha I am having so much fun!

MILAGROS:

·       Last Sunday we went to the hospital to visit our investigator – Nelida.  She is the cute old lady that thinks I am a cat.  Poor thing lives in pain.  She has so many desires to go to church and be baptized but she has an open wound that won’t heal.  She has been in the hospital for the past few weeks and has been asking that we come visit.  It was truly humbling experience to visit her in a public hospital in South America.  Healthcare is free in this hospital so there are so many people with so many problems.  But Nelida is a great example to me.  I can’t imagine the pain she is experiencing but she always has a big smile on her face.

·       Hermana Medina knitted me a scarf.  Love her!

·       We found a new neighborhood in our area that is “more humble”.  We’ve only visited families there a couple of times but I see so much potential in the gospel changing their life.  I admire the faith they have in the gospel and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

·       We had a family home evening with Mateo and his family this week which was so fun.  Maria, Mateo’s mom, prepared a lesson, activity and comida of course.  Maria demonstrates true desires to be the best mother, spouse and disciple of Jesus Christ.  I am learning so much from all the people I interact with, whether they are members or not, and I love it!

·       Not gonna lie – we have had a rough couple of weeks with the cold.  No one wants to let us in.  Hermana Norman and I try to have a positive attitude but missionary work is hard and sometimes discouraging.  However, I read a talk by Dieter F. Uchtdorf this week about gratitude that really helped change my perspective.  He said that choosing to develop a spirit of gratitude will bring us true joy and happiness and I couldn’t agree more.  We can be happy in our circumstances and, with faith, look past our present day challenges.

·       Happy Father’s Day to all the dad’s out there.  Yesterday Hermana Norman and I thought about our dads and how awesome they are.  I am so grateful that I get my dad for eternity.  But not spending Father’s Day with my dad was a little rough.  However, I have learned a lot about the characteristics of our Heavenly Father.  He loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ as a perfect example and our only way to salvation.  I love learning about our Savior and the infinite love He has for us. 

I really love this scripture in 3 Nephi 17:21 when Jesus came to the Americas:

“And when He had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and He took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.”

One by one.  One by one He prayed for us, comforted us and strengthened us.  It may be true that man is nothing in comparison to the greatness if the universe.  At times we may even feel insignificant, invisible, alone or forgotten.  But always remember – you matter to Him!!  Our Heavenly Father desires our eternal happiness and it is His entire focus to help us reach it.  I know that we are all children and we have an Eternal Heavenly Father that loves us.

Have a great week!

♥ Hermana Mannewitz

Beautiful sunset behind the American store

cool brick wall = photo shoot

Passed this cool horse on the walk to church

crazy kids playing in the tree

RAN to the store this morning.  That's right.  Running in our cool fanny packs.

Bautismo

June 12, 2017

Feliz Lunes!  I love every day of my mission, but I look forward to Monday’s because Hermana Norman and I enjoy eating churros and reading emails from our families in centro.  This is the life!

CHISTOSO:

·       During almuerzo there was this strange looking item of food in our soup so we asked the kids what it was and he said it was pig intestine.  Maybe it was better that I didn’t know. 

·       We had a lesson with an old lady who was practically deaf.  Hermana Norman gave the most beautiful prayer and ended in “Amen” but the grandma kept her head bowed because she thought we were still praying.  So Hermana Norman yelled “AMEN!”

·       We went to a breakfast buffet with some other Hermanas which was super fun.  I love breakfast and I love buffets so I got a bunch of food and one Hermana asked “Wow, are you hungry?”  “Haha yeah!  Breakfast, lunch and dinner!”   Haha ummmm no.

·       We were on our way to lunch the other day but it wasn’t until 2:00 so we were starving and exhausted of course.  This family lives on the 4^th floor so when we got to the top we were bending over catching our breath, when we noticed this random man watching us from his apartment.  Haha!  Todo bien!

·       Another lesson was with an old lady who is inactive.  We asked her which hymn she wanted to sing and she said, “I don’t care.  I love all of the hymns.”  So Hermana Norman chose Hymn 71 and the lady grunted and said, “We always sing this song.”  Hermana Norman almost lost it. 

·       “Hi, is Monica home?”  “Yes, but she is in the shower.”  *we can see Monica through the window*

·       We got a toilet seat!  Not funny, this is serious stuff!  We got a toilet seat!

·       Hermana Norman was bearing her testimony during the spiritual high of our lesson and accidentally said caja (box).  The spirit as so strong and then left so quick. 

MILAGROS:                                                                          

·       Mateo was baptized and confirmed this past weekend and everything went so well.  The water was warm, and there was great member support and all of Mateo’s family was able to come.  Mateo was so so so excited to be baptized but maybe more importantly, to follow the example of Jesus Christ.  Seeing Mateo’s big smile right after his baptism was worth every single time we got rejected.  Even though Mateo accidentally ran away to play outside during the middle of the baptismal service.  I still got a little taste of the joy that comes from helping others come unto Christ through baptism. 

·       This week in district meeting we talked about some of the things that make the mission a little difficult and what we can do to improve.  The answer to all our problems is the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  Everything ties back to the atoning sacrifice of our Savior.  I have studied a lot about the Atonement but pretty sure I haven’t the slightest idea how infinite and eternal the power of the Atonement is.

·       I survived one transfer!  6 weeks ago today I was leaving the MTC.  I can’t believe I actually made it through one transfer.  I was a little emotional roller coaster but I have learned so much about myself and so much about the power of prayer.  Heavenly Father is always one prayer away and is always ready to help us – if we ask.  I am so happy to be here in Argentina!  The Spanish is a lot better – I can understand about 90% of what everyone is saying but I still need a lot of practice for my Spanish speaking skills.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the scripture in Alma 34:31-32:

“Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation;  and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you.

For behold this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.”

I love the invitation and word of caution in this scripture.  “Now is the time and day of our salvation.”  We must do everything we can DAILY to always be ready to return to the presence of the Lord.  Sometimes I think – “Oh, I’ll be a better missionary when I can speak Spanish better, or when I have more experience.  But no, HOY ES EL DIA that I can be better.  Hoy es el dia that I can serve with all my heart, might, mind and strength.  Although it is not easy, it comes down to a choice.  We can choose to follow the Savior of the world and thus choose eternal life or we can choose to follow the world and thus choose to separate ourselves from Heavenly Father eternally.  Hoy es el dia that we can make the choice to change things in order to experience Heavenly Father’s promises as we abide by His teachings. 

Love you all!

♥Hermana Mannewitz

A LLAMA IN CENTRO!

Llama selfie

Mateo and his family

Mateo and his Hermanas

Andres - our ward mission leader aka bff

We know this isn't allowed but Mateo gave Hermana Norman a hug

Got to visit Nelida in the hospital yesterday.
She is the greatest!!
Keep her in your prayers.

Please don't drink and drive friends!!

Toilet seatless...life was a little rough!  But now we have a
super awesome toilet seat and I am so thankful!!!!

Who let the dogs out?

June 5, 2017

Happy June!  I can’t believe I actually survived the month of May!  It’s been a pretty crazy and long week, but so good!

CHISTOSO

·       There is a place that makes pizza and calzones and has free delivery so of course we order all the time.  Well, this week, the lady answered the phone and said, “Hola chicas from Block 30.”  lol She knew where we lived since we order so much.

·       I don’t know if this belongs in the chistoso or Milagros but one family served us pea soup this week and I ate it with a smile of course.

·       I have a picture of my family in my scriptures and one almuerzo, the family was looking at the picture and then asked, “Are you fatter now?”  jajaja Thanks!

·       Update!  The hamburgers were so GOOD!  It had two hamburger patties, an egg, tomatoes, and lettuce – mmm so good.  When I saw how big it was I thought I would never be able to finish that huge burger.  Five minutes later I proved myself wrong.   The mission has truly changed me!

·       We went to Changomas – the Walmart of Argentina but it was really disappointing because they didn’t have peanut butter.

·       The dogs were more crazy than normal this week.  One time we had to walk out of a street backwards with a rock in hand because we didn’t want to be attacked.

·       Argentines steal a lot of American words and then just add an accent.  In lunch, my companion and this family kept on talking about this thing called r – ah – nch and I was so confused.  I asked my companion, “What’s r-ah-nch?”  She laughed and said, “ranch – like ranch dressing.”  haha I still have a lot to learn.

MILAGROS

·       I love being grateful!  It’s my favorite thing to do.  I am so grateful for the members of our ward because they are always so willing to serve.  Hermana Norman and I wrote thank you cards to a couple of families and I don’t know if it’s the culture or something but they were so excited.  Receiving a thank you note was like Christmas morning.  This was a great reminder to me to thank my Heavenly Father for all the amazing blessings I have – family and friends that are so supportive, the knowledge I have of the gospel of Jesus Christ, food – the list could go on and on. 

·       This week we had lunch with the Castro-Gonzalez family and it was the best.  It was the first almuerzo that I could more or less understand everything that was going on.  Then when it was time to share a scripture, they asked if we wanted to read one chapter of the Book of Mormon with them as a family (following the counsel of our prophet).  We didn’t have a lot of time but decided to read with them anyway and I am so glad we did.  We took turns reading verses (ps – pretty embarrassing when the 7 year-old reads better than you – thanks Spanish) and discussing the importance of each verse – just like we do in my family.  In this moment, Argentina felt like home.  I was surrounded by my ward family, feasting upon the words of Christ.  So glad that I am learning to love everything about Argentina.

·       Mateo is doing great.  He grew so much this week and we are so excited for the changes he is making in his life.  One day this week, he told us that he got an answer to his prayer.  So cute!  Then on Saturday night when we stopped by he was explaining how his throat hurt, so I was scared he was getting sick.  But then he explained he only wanted a drink of water, but he was fasting!!  We didn’t even remind him.  Then he bore his testimony in sacrament meeting and it was the most powerful testimony.  Keep him in your prayers as he prepares for baptism!

I was reading in 1^st Corinthians as suggested by my buddy, Kassidy, about the power of our words.  I really like what it says in 1 Corinthians 13:1

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have

not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”

I have been studying a lot about charity and other attributes of Jesus Christ.  This scripture really emphasizes that even if one has great capacities, gifts, talents, fluent Spanish, gifts such as eloquence, gift of prophecy, gifts of knowledge and faith and yet if our heart is not right, if we don’t have any charity, we are nothing.  How powerful!  It is so important that we do everything we can in this life to change and become more like Christ.  I think that is the purpose and central blessing of this life – change.  It is to incorporate into your character, the qualities of our Savior, Jesus Christ’s character.  Although I am still Kelly, I am far from perfect but I try my best to show charity – the pure love of Jesus Christ.

Be Happy!  Love you all!

♥ Hermana Mannewitz

Mormon coffee AKA malta AKA disgusting

But I love mugs so I was happy...

HAMBURGERS TAN BUENO

One morning we were working in this crazy fog!!
It was so cold and no one would open the door for us but that's okay!
It was a humbling experience.

It is getting pretty cold in Argentina!!!
This is an awesome hat and scarf combined.

A very nice lady in our ward made these hats for us.  My heart is so full!

Play the gospel louder eh?

I'm still young at heart!

The closest thing to cereal that we have had!!!