Misericordia

Well, i'm halfway there!  In 3 weeks, i'll be in Argentina! It was a bit sad not being at home for this fourth of July, but I know I'm where I need to be! It's still intense trying to learn the language, and right now, i'm focused on learning vocab. So. Much. Vocab.  On the bright side, volleyball's still good! Hahaha! My zone and I go out to the sand volleyball pits every morning (except for Sunday, obviously) and play.  Today was P-day, so we got to be out there for like 2 hours, as opposed to our regular 50 minutes! Whilst playing, a slight drizzle started to fall, and then it got to the point where it was raining hard, and we all got totally soaked! So fun! Also, Elder Richardson (my old dorm mate from BYU) was there, so that was flippin fantastic!  

There's also a few really cool experiences that I wanted to share.  One was while Elder Steele and I were teaching our investigator Marco. We were in the middle of the lesson, and I was explaining some aspect of the gospel (i don't remember what right now), but i was stuttering a bit.  Now, this probably doesn't sound like a big deal, but it's SOOO frustrating when i know exactly what I want to say in Spanish, but I can't say it.  Marco noticed me getting frustrated and he told me to stop.  He then told me to look him in the eyes and proceeded (with difficulty) to stand up.  Now, i should mention, Marco has Polio (Yes, irony, i know...) so he has crutches, and thus, a difficult time moving around.  I don't remember his exact wording, but he talked about his disability, and how he worked to overcome it.  He explained to me how I could overcome mine by trying to relax. Marco beautifully demonstrated what I need to be doing when I get to Argentina- Assisting people in overcoming spiritual problems that they have. The spirit was so strong as we continued to teach Marco.  

Another cool thing that happened was while I was at a devotional.  I can't remember what the speaker's name was, but he talked about Joseph Smith and the first vision. He reminded us to "never let the first vision become commonplace" It is such an important and vital event!!! After centuries, the heavens were opened again.  He told us that no matter how many times we recited it as missionaries, it is important to remember the uniqueness and sacredness of that event.  A funny but true quote he put in was "If you really want to know if the first vision happened, just ask God... He was there!"  It's funny but true. It's so great that we can pray to go to know the truth!  

I'd like to briefly explain the title of my email.  Misericordia means "Mercy".  It's so cool, because it's a combination of the words "Miseria" and "Cordero".  Misery and Lamb.  So, through the misery, or suffering of the lamb, Christ, we obtain Mercy.  Yo estoy agradecido por la Expiacion, y por mi Salvador Jesucristo.
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PS- Oh, by the way, if anyone wants to send mail, an easy way is on "Dear Elder".  http://www.dearelder.com, it's apparently pretty easy.  OR, my mailing address is

JUL 28-BAN

2009 N. 900 E. Unit 181

Provo, UT 84602

-Elder Holtry

I found Elder Brundage!

 Elder Holtry. Elder Steele, Elder Hoopes & Elder Christenson

Misc. items that have been accrued. (The drawing was sent to him from Hannah)