June 9, 2012

Dear Family and Friends,

      Monday morning we had the most wonderful experience as we entered the room for our Zone and District leaders’ council. The room was full of more than fifty five marvelous young men who were there ready to learn. The spirit spoke so strongly as to their goodness and their strength and power because of whom they are and the priesthood that they hold. It was a powerful moment for me that I will never forget. I think often of the good things these young men and women will go on to do in their lives as they continue to share their testimonies and love of the Savior wherever they go throughout their lives. We are going to miss this experience so much! We had a great day with these young leaders and we feel confident that President Agazzani is going to receive a great group of wonderful missionaries!

    Tuesday we went to a district meeting in Sajonia and Elder Van Mondfrans led a good meeting , relaying much of the information from the meeting on Monday which is exactly what we hope will happen. Wednesday we met with President Perez from the Encarnacion district and his family so Mark could set apart their daughter Cecilia for her mission to Argentina.  She is a sweet young woman and will be a great missionary. Thursday night we had a Mission Presidency dinner at Paulista’s  a churrasqueria (buffet then lots of meat brought to the table).   The Jaras, Ocampos, and Vidals are all great people. We enjoyed spending a fun evening with them and talking about their experiences in the church here. They also had lots of questions for us . We have been blessed to know some wonderful families here who are working so hard to help the church be stronger. They have been wonderful counselors and secretary for Mark in the mission presidency. There is so much to do in the districts that they are able to do so Mark can stay more focused on the missionaries as much as he can.

   Friday the Horvath family from Encarnacion came to Asuncion. We picked them up and went to a broadcast from Argentina of the General Young Men and Sunday School presidents who were visiting there. Afterwards we brought the Horvaths back to our home to sleep before going with them to the temple Saturday morning. Sister Horvath received her endowment and then they were sealed. It was sweet to be with them. Brother Horvath has served in the District presidency since we arrived and they have been preparing to enter the temple for some time. He and Mark have become good friends. It was great to be with them there in the temple before we leave! They have been members for about six years. Mark gave him a white tie for the temple because he didn’t have one. He became emotional when he showed us the tie he was wearing and that it had belonged to the missionary who taught him. He said now he would be able to wear the temple tie and think of his friendship and love for Mark. These are the experiences that will be a part of our lives forever.

   I have been thinking a lot recently about the many ways the Lord helps us here in the mission. Every day missionaries receive the help we need to accomplish the Lord’s work. The language blessing is one that never ceases to amaze me. For the whole time we have been here we have never seen a missionary who couldn’t learn the language. Of course there are different levels of pronunciation and vocabulary but every missionary is fluent within 6 months on the mission. Some elders were telling us the other day about a conversation they had with some missionaries from another faith who had been here for thirty years. They wanted to know what the secret was because all of our missionaries can learn the language so quickly and so well.   I have no doubt that the gift of tongues is real and that learning the language for the mission is a spiritual endeavor. I have received the help I have needed and know it is beyond my own abilities. I am so grateful for this experience to see the spirit in action in such a visible way. What a blessing to be involved in this work!  The best part is that it never has to stop. There will always be ways to share the gospel if we look for them.

    Well I better run.  We love you all. Have a good week!  Love, Mark and Sandy