Week #9 in Argentina

 With over 200 missionaries in the Buenos Aires North mission we still have many to get to know better but we have gotten to know the missionaries near where we live in the Virreyes District and those in the Pilar Ward very well and have learned to love them.  We also get to know missionaries as I have been trying to get English Connect books into the hands of non-English speaking missionaries that have expressed an interest in learning English while they are on their missionaries.   English Connect is a great program where if they are able to pass all three levels and the final test they will then be able to sign up for college level classes through BYU Pathways to get a degree at cost levels that are affordable in their countries.   This gives so many missionaries returning to their home countries a hope of finding employment that can support families, its truly an inspired program.  I am teaching a level 1 course and its not easy for them but they work hard for our weekly classes.   The picture below is from delivering an English Connect 1 book to Hermana Sosa (holding the book) who was just coming back from "Cambios" or companionship exchanges so we got to spend time with 4 hermanas.  They love seeing Hermana Richardson and talking with her.   She stays busy cooking banana bread and cookies for them that make her especially loved.


We had to go down this week to work on our visa applications at a variety of government offices which involved about 5 hours of travel/waiting and 15 minutes of actual time spend with government officials, but I suppose that is how it is in any government.   It will be nice to have what they call a "DNI Card" that will mean we are official residents of Argentina and won't have to pay tourist pricing at many locations around the country.  While we were wait with two other missionaries from Brazil and Florida our guide suggested we go across the street to a cafe and get some "submarino's".  This was at around 9 am so my initial "gringo" thought was, "Ummm...it's a little early for a submarine sandwich."  But we were introduced to "Submarino" drinks in the picture below:


It is essentially hot chocolate but they bring you a glass cup with piping hot milk and then a chocolate bar that you "submarine" into the chocolate and stir it until it melts.  Very rich and delicious and paired with "Medialunas" or sweet croissants...a little piece of heaven in Argentina.   This experience reflects most of our early days in Argentina as we learn the foods and customs of Argentina.   It's been a fascinating experience and fun to share with these two missionaries who arrived in Argentina the same day we did.

It is the early days of Fall in Argentina but we still see trees in bloom, flowers blooming and people congregating as families in the parks to enjoy the cooling weather along the Rio Plata that flows by our city of San Fernando into the bay in which Buenos Aires sits.



We love the opportunities we have to participate in lessons with people that are interested in learning about Jesus Christ and how following him can lead to greater happiness for themselves and their families.   We see that impact in their lives as they come to Church each Sunday eager to learn more.  What a great opportunity to share what we have with others.

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