Sept 28 2015

Hey guess what I already left my area and I am super sad. I am in Santa Cruz again. I had an emergency transfer last Wednesday. Tuesday night they told me and I left at 7 am in the morning.

Emergency Transfer means that there was a transfer in the middle of a transfer. I wasn´t having problems with my companion but someone else had a transfer so I got picked up in the mix. President said that he did it just to prepare for the transfers. Supposedly there were a lot of cool things that happened and alot of people moved. I just got moved before the actual transfer date so that it would be easier for others. Elder Jarvis is my new companion. He´s from Portland, Oregon. I already knew him before in La Pampa, the last time I was here in Santa Cruz. He was in my zone. I am not in the same apartment, it´s a whole different area, about 20 minutes from old area in La Libertad. I like being in Santa Cruz but I am just dying everyday sweating. Tarija was not like this. My body is just getting adjusted again to the weather. The areas of my mission are: Santa Cruz, Tarija, Bermejo, Yacuiba, Villamontes, Camiri, Vallegrande, Porto Suarez. I´ve only been to Santa Cruz and Tarija.
Elder Jarvis is to my right looking at picture

Sept 15, 2015

I am on a day late today because I had to do customs work yesterday. I have been in the same area for 6 months now and with Elder Molina for two transfers. We are supposed to have transfers this Sunday. I just want to say I am only human but I am also a servant of the Lord. Nothing is impossible. I am fine here with staying or going and I am really happy.

 It's super beautiful here 

Sept 7 2015 1 year down

My reflections over the past year: What a whirlwind of a time. I actually still don´t believe that a year has gone by already. I wish sometimes that it didn´t go so quick. First I talked with President last week in my Semestral interview and asked if I could extend my mission. He said that that would be up to the new President. I will either be home by this time next year or I will be coming home the October. I don´t know but I really want to extend. In just one short year I have learned so much about the Gospel, the Lord, the people and Myself. I have come to learn that repentance is a process that should happen on a daily basis and that it is not something hard. It may seem like it and sometimes we hurt inside but that is just the tree of faith that is trying to grow inside and burst forth. Like the Tree of Life that Lehi saw. The fruit at the end is the never ending love of Christ. We can all blossom and bring forth much fruit. Also in just a year I have learned Spanish and that is a blessing that will help me for the rest of my life. I am so grateful for this time that I have to serve my God. I don´t expect to become anything more than His servant. I know He has great plans for me but as long as I can accept His will for my life, I will be happy with whatever comes my way.

I love you all and think I have the best family ever.

Elder Halik next to me, Elder Hernandez my brother, both of us were

trained by Elder Woolf, and Elder Molina my companion

Aug 31 2015

Another week has gone by in the Mission of Miracles. That is the name of my mission, Bolivia Santa Cruz, Mission of Miracles. This weekend we will be having two baptisms. My firsts since June. It`s been a little slow in fcimding prepared people but we finally found 2. The time is flying by and I can`t believe that I will complete one year this next week on the Sept 9th. Everytime I look at my watch I feel like another month has gone by. It`s sad and exciting. I would never trade this time for anything in the world. I love being here and just to let you know, I don`t think about home at all. I mean a litlle bit but mostly about the people. I don`t miss my car, my house, my clothes, except my bed I do miss for sure. ;) hahaha Seriously I love it. I am so grateful for all of the support from everyone and all of the love. I love you all and I am so grateful to be a member and representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. Keep pushing forward and strive to be better. I know that our Heavenly Father loves us and is with us to strengthen us. Never give up, Never surrender. We will come out victorious always if we hold on to the Rod. I invite you all to read the talk by Elder Kevin W. Pearson, ``Stay by theTree´´. talk May God bless us all in our efforts to follow His Son Jesus Christ. Love Elder Jones

Aug 24 2015

Quickly approaching my 1 year mark. A few people talked about the Pope's visit to Bolivia but not much because he didn`t come here to Tarija. Only in La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. lame right?!?!?! It was Bolivia's independance day and we had a big celebration. Every ward here was assigned a district of Bolivia. What we know as states, they call departments. So our ward was assigned Santa Cruz. We had to make a dish from there and the ward danced a tradicional dance from Santa Cruz. That's a wrap

Aug 17 2015

So now that the scary part is over I will share with you about a trip to the hosptial I took Aug 8th.  I got some kind of a rash all over my body that hurt like crazy.  I was in the hosptial on IV's for about 4 days.  They gave me some injections which helped.  Still not sure what caused it but glad it's over