Helloww from the coast!

Hey Fam,
This last week was awesome! I saw a Sentra just like Frank. It was great! We also had some sweet spiritual lessons with our investigators. We had to break the news to Marta that she couldn't get baptized though because she's living with her man. It was super sad and she was super bummed! We're hoping that he will let her get married...isn't that terrible..."let" her get married to him so that she can be baptized?! What we really want is for HIM to receive the Gospel slash US! But he doesn't seem to want to, at least for now! But, Claudia and her daughter Ashelen came to Church yesterday so they should be set for baptism at the end of this transfer. We're super excited. There hasn't been a baptism here for forever. Only 2 in like the last 2 years. Like forever ago! But, the Lord is blessing us and we're having success. We could have so many more baptisms if people were just married. No one gets married here. You can tell why things are crazy. The kids all get born into this way of life. I feel bad for all the little kids who have to grow up like that. That would be rough. Luckily I was, and still am, really blessed to be born in the Gospel to my family.

We did intercombios with the Zone Leaders so that I could go interview someone for baptism. It turns out that she smoked that day though so we couldn't go through with it, but we still had our intercombio. I went to Mar de Ajo' with Elder Backman. It was sweet! The coast is awesome. I love it! I'm not going to want to leave this joint. I'll send some pics I took of Mar de Ajo' with this email. Things are going well. Our water came back which was nice and it's not too brown now! (Oh my...TMI for your mom Gav). We haven't had pressure this whole time. It just falls down next to the wall, but we now have a sweet mechanism for that. We have a bread sack with a hole attached to the faucet and the water piles up and streams out of the bag away from the wall. It's pretty legit! It's been workin' well for us. Today for P Day we played tennis. It was awesome! The ZL's came down here and played with us. We owned 'em! That was my first time to play on clay. I like it better though. It's cool. 10 more days until Elder Bednar comes. We're all pretty excited that we get to go. It's going to be a long day of traveling, but I don't care. It'll be so worth it.

Congrats on breaking a 100 Veener. That's awesome! You're going to kick my trash when I get back, but it's okay. I think I'll enjoy that. Now that you're winning money and clubs and stuff, you beatin' Big D yet? (not yet Gav, but I'll be thinking of that 43 on the front 9 for awhile)!
I love you all and hope you're doing great.
Elder Gavin

P.S. The Hong Kong house pic is for JP
Also, I think that was a dead rat, I don't know for sure but whatever it was, it was HUGE! The other pics are from Mar de Ajo'

Mar de Ajo'

Hay Lluvia (It's raining)

Lunch anyone?

You can do it!!!

After the rain...streets of mud!

Hi Family,
I totally forgot about Halloween. I just saw the pics from the little fiesta. Thanks for the invite! Man we didn't do anything...it was Saturday night huh? Totally slipped my mind. I guess they don't celebrate it here, if they did, it would be just another excuse to drink. They have so many holidays here it's ridiculous. I feel like the kids have days without classes more than days in class. Argentina is great. This last week we had zone conference. It was awesome. So different from the other ones since it was just with our zone. It was a lot more spiritual and well, just better. I thought I'd like it less but I actually liked it more. Yesterday we had a district conference thing instead of Stake Conference. I guess that's how we do it out here on the coast. It was in Santa Teresita. San Clemente had a big turnout. haha The Branch President showed up with his daughter and two other members. Ha, we almost doubled the attendance of San Clemente. This branch is so tiny. Pres. Salas says that we need new blood in the church here. The other's have kind of checked out I guess. We should have a baptism not this Saturday, but the next because she has to go church first. Once we get some other people married, we should have more. I feel like every time we find someone who seems "golden" the spouse turns against us and ruins everything. We could have a few families get baptized if that wasn't the case. We found a couple people this week. We are excited to work with them so hopefully things will work out and they can progress.

P Days here are kind of lame. There's not much to do. We kind of just sit around the pench and look at old photos and juggle a soccer ball. We should probably just go out and work! Today we got money for the month so we're excited about that! I'm guessing this last Sunday was Fast Sunday for you guys. Next Sunday will be ours. We found out that we get to go hear Elder Bednar after all when he comes Nov. 19th! I thought he was coming on the 29th! Pretty nuts. I am excited!

This week it has rained a ton and the roads are filled with huge puddles. The roads here are made of sand. Makes for very tricky walking. Well, not much new to say. Tell the Deacon's Quorum thanks for the letter. haha I enjoy reading it, especially the part written by their leader.

Well, if you want to pray for investigators, pray for Claudia, Ashelen (her daughter) Marta and Ysabel, oh and Maria. It's kind of funny that instead of teaching 4 separate lessons, we teach one as they all unite together at Claudia's house. Claudia and Ashelen should for sure be getting baptised because she's not "Juntadod" (living with someone).
Thanks for all the love and support,
Love Elder Gavin

Modeling

I got to model Donald J. Pliner shoes and designer clothes last week! Donald Pliner was at Dillards in OKC promoting his shoes for this new season and they need a few models and I was lucky enough to get the job! Enjoy the pics and outfits and no I did not get to keep the clothes :)

This is with Mrs. Oklahoma

Halloween in Oklahoma

Ok, so Troy was Batman and then we decided to make him a lion!

Annual Halloween Golf Tourny

Porter= Cuddly Bear

Wittwer= John Wittwer

Andu= Construction Worker

Yes...Jon shot a 40 in the costume!

Happy Halloween 2009

Life on the coast...

Hi family Rice,

It's so good to hear from everyone! It sounds like everyone is doing great. Sounds like Veener (his nickname for me:) is playing some good golf. This pleases me. She will probably beat me the first time I play when I get back. Big D (his nickname for his dad:) was rollin' with a single digit handicap! That's awesome! You never told me that. Congrats.

I can't believe the Cougars lost. What a bummer. Stupid TCU, but the Broncos are playing really well, undefeated still. I like the sounds of that! Is Troy walking yet? Every time I play with the little kids here I think of Troy and Laynie and just get ganas (desires) to play with them. I feel like I hardly know them. Well, I guess it's because that is true. I hardly know them! I knew Jill was getting a latina trainer. I called it!!! An Argentine! That's so cool. That will help her with her Spanish super quick. That's funny that we both got our first Latino Comps the same day. Elder Ordonez is my first latino comp. He is from Chili and loves it there!

So, this last week we found a couple of awesome families but of course, the parents are juntado (living together). Every one here is living in adultery. I guess that is why President assigned me to speak on that very topic yesterday at Church. haha hay que aprovechar el nuevo (always got to try something new)! And they're doing it! I spoke about the whole ordeal with adultery, divorce, marriage stuff and fun chastity stuff. It was great. It actually went pretty well. How they would say it here..."it left me well"! There were probably only about 13 people there though. We don't have too many members, well we do have a lot of members, but there are a lot of inactives. There were like 8 of us for the two classes we had after sacrament meeting. We were supposed to have like 10 investigators come to Church but only one showed up. It was a bummer on that part, but things are looking up here in San Clemente. We want really bad to break the ice with a baptism and then just go crazy here. It's a great place! We've found and have been able to teach some neat people who really need the Gospel. I feel that they have been prepared to receive it. So, let's just pray that they llegar (come)!
Oh mom, how do I make rice? I tried making it again the other day and all the bottom ones burned. What a disgrace! My last name is Rice and I can't even make it! What's the secret? We have to cook basically every day. But I am so thankful to be here in San Clemente and working here with these people and with my comp. We are being blessed in the work and it will just get better and better. Tomorrow we have zone conference with just our zone. It's going to be pretty weird because there won't be many missionaries. After we will have our interviews with Pres. Asay because they kill two birds with one stone when they come all the way down here. I'm looking forward to it. I love the deep doctrine class President gives at the end.

Well, I love you all and am thankful to have you as my family. It's so true that true happiness comes through our families. I'm so grateful for mine. I thank the Lord every night for blessing me so much. P.S. Pray for Jill, the first few weeks can be rough. It's a different life slash world out here!
Love, Elder Arroz con leche

Elder's Rice and Ordonez

Living the good life in San Clemente!

What's "wrong" with these pictures!

I think Gavin has been working on his calves! haha

I think Elder Ordonez has been working on his height?!

Halloween Playgroup!

We have playgroup every other week and this week I hosted it and we had lots of kids come dessed up so cute!!
Troy was Batman!!
Da na na na Da na na na....Batman!!

Halloween 2009

The finished projects!

Feliz Dia de la Madre! Or, in other words, Happy Mother's Day in Argentina!

Family,
Hey family. Sounds like things are going well since I only heard from mom and Whitney, saying she doesn't understand Castellano. haha. jk. I know you guys are busy as well as am I. but, I am going to take it as that all is well with the fam. I can only imagine what everyone is doing. Scrambling with errands, working, studying, taking care of kids etc..etc.. haha. I don't have to do any of that stuff, but I do have to work. It's just that my work, is way better than yours! San Clemente is awesome! I miss Elder Harris and El Jaguel and the fact that we were going to baptize a lot this transfer there but oh well. They will still get baptized with Elder Harris and his new comp Elder Lopez. San Clemente is a tourist town. Yes. It's not as popular as the other coastal towns but I imagine once summer gets here that everyone will be headin' to the beach. I still don't know the beach. It's a few cuadras (blocks) away from the pench, but I don't think we can go there unless it's super early in the morning before the people come. The biggest difference is how "tranquilo" it is. It is a whole different world than Buenos Aires. I love it. Most of the people have manners, even though they're still pretty duro (tough). A lot of them are still pretty nice. We live above the chapel o sea (or in other words) the place where we meet as a rama (branch). A senior couple used to be here. The Shumways. Everyone still raves about them. The President of the branch is Presidente Salas from Capital. He just lives out here to take care of the branch. He's really a great guy and knows his doctrine as well as does his wife. They are very educated, awesome people. There is only a handful of people who come to Church. I have already given a talk, taught a class and I have only been here a week. haha, it's going to be awesome! This week we did really well with teaching. We were able to find a bunch and took out 7 fechas. We're hoping that they can really make it, as well as their family members who we still need to find. We have a bunch of people who could get baptized but there's always one problem or another. Either the wife doesn't want us or the husband. Satan is good at this stuff. We also are teaching a senora who is baptized and would like to get married to her husband but he is out of work. They receive money by not being married. Satan does a really good job at keeping people out of the water who are so close. We are going to work hard here and see what we can do to try and get this little rama to grow.

Elder Ordonez is way cool. He's really good at soccer. We have a good time. He's helping tune up my Castellano and I'm teaching him English, since this is my first latino comp I have had. Hay que aprovechar (Need to take advantage). But, we are doing well and excited for this transfer.

Mom, here are the answers to your questions. there are four elders in my district including our companionship. They are all latinos except for me. Our Zone Leaders are Elderes McCord and Backman. Son Yankees (They're Americans). For P Days there really isn't anything to do. We can get together as a district, but to do what...we can't watch Disney movies anymore. Not any type of movie actually. We are going to play tennis here one day. The thing is is that everything is way more expensive here. I'm going to miss playing futbol with everyone. The office's are way up where the mission is. It was like 6 train stations away from me in El Jaguel. I wish I could send you a map of the mission. I think it would be like driving from Salt Lake to Vegas, and maybe a little further still. So yes, the office's are way out of reach. We don't have zone conferences with other zones. Just our own which includes a bunch of hermanas who are all latinos. I think there are 6 of them and other missionaries. For zone conference Pres. Asay will come down here, as well as for interviews. As for the work in a tourist area...it's still not summer so I'm not sure how that will be. I know we won't be working in the part that tourists will be in so that won't be a problem. We have been doing tons and tons of contacts, and finding friends of friends of friends! That is the good thing. We are teaching a handful of mom's which is funny because instead of teaching 4 separate lessons, they always get together and we teach them together and answer all their questions. It's just annoying cause their kids are everywhere! There used to be a senior couple here, yes, I think I already explained that. The church maybe used to be a store, I don't know, but we live above it. The pench is awesome! The Shumways (the senior couple who lived here) stocked it with tons of cooking supplies. Too bad I don't know how to use them! That's one thing I miss. Eating with members. We do eat de vez en cuando (once in awhile) with members but not too often. Well, I love you all and the Church is soooo true! Tell your friends about it's truthfulness. As well as mine if you see them. Que todos tengan una buena semana. (Have a great week everyone).
P.S. Go Cougs and Jazz and Broncos!
Elder Gavin Phillips Rice

La Siesta?

Good look...Argentine jersey with a tie! Not sure about the hat, but it has potential!

Families and missionaries from El Jaguel

How to get from here to there!

Finding grape soda! Once in a mission opportunity!

Adios El Jaguel...Hola San Clemente...

Well, they know me too well I guess...they sent me out to the coast the day before Jill gets here! haha. I am in San Clemente with Elder Ordonez. I was super surprised that I left El Jaguel as well as Elder Harris behind. I felt like that 6 weeks just flew by, literally! I needed another 6 more weeks with him and the area. But, that's what happens I guess with the mission sometimes. I am just finally getting here to San Clemente. The assistants had to drive us out to Dolores cause today is a holiday. El Dia de la Raza. We were going to celebrate it with the people in El Jaguel this Saturday with stands of food from all different countries. We were going to make pancakes and syrup and of course, root beer. Good mixture, no? But it turns out I've got other plans this week. I am in the Coast!!! It's awesome. I really haven't seen anything yet. We've only walked one block so far and the beach is like 5 cuadras away. I know the branch is super small. Like 10 people attend church on Sundays. The Branch Pres. and his wife are not from here. He doesn't have any counselors. It's going to be such a different mission out here so far away from everything. It's super tranquilo. (easy going) I'm going to love that part. But, I'll be separated from everyone. I won't even go to transfer meetings. We won't meet as a zone. Just me and Elder Ordonez. He is from Chile. He likes soccer like all latinos. He's tall and pretty nice. Hasta ahora (for now) haha. He's been here for 2 transfers. He's the only member besides his aunt in his family. I'm really excited to work here with him and the people. It's going to be awesome. I'm kind of confused about what goes on here. It's just all new for me. New area, comp, situation, branch, just everything. And of course, Elder Bednar would be coming to the West mission this transfer and now I won't be able to go because I'm too far away on the coast. Also, you have to baptize 2 people in order to be able to go for us in the South mission. Pres. said if you have a friend or a novia (girlfriend) you can't go either. But, Elder Harris will be able to go for sure.

We had 3 fechas (baptismal dates) coming up for this next transfer and 3 others that I think will be ready soon. I was hoping to be there to help them get to that point. I was really starting to enjoy the ward and the people that we were teaching. I was pretty bummed but at the same time, excited, just cause it's the Coast! I won't be able to see Elder Fafai give his farewell talk or meet his mom either when she comes to pick him up.

Remember Ramon from Solano who we baptized from the familia Gonzalez? He's the one who can't see very well. He served a mini mission for 3 weeks. He spoke at transfer meeting and gave his testimony. His whole family was there. I love that family so much! I was so happy to see them there, all dressed in suits and with the Melchizedek Priesthood. Even Lucas "the black sheep of the family" (that's what they call him) baptized his friend. He has the Aaronic Priesthood. Ramon and I gave a blessing of health to Lucas after transfers. I can't believe how awesome they are...so great! I'm still shocked I left E. Harris. He was an awesome missionary. We got a long really well, the last few weeks especially. He's just a super hard worker and super happy to be here on a mission. A really good kid! He'll be awesome. I trust him with the area. I just hope he doesn't get lost too much!

I was going to take a picture of Jill's plane as it flew over my head in El Jaguel pero que va hacer (what are you going to do)! Me echaron con proposito!

Happy 1st birth Laynie. I'm your uncle, your favorite one. You may know me more as a cardboard cutout designed by Big D. But I'm real! Well, I love you all. The Church is true! So true! Give references to the missionaries!
Elder Rice

Guest of Honor!

It's NEVER a party without Gavin! We missed you! See you next year!

Look at this cute little pumpkin turning "1"

The cake!

The Cute Parentals!

Come on dad...you eat it!

The decor!

Handmade Pinata!

The Guests!

Grandparents!

It's true, it's no trick! We ARE grandparents and loving everything about it!

Great Grandparents!

Great grandparents! What a treat!

more

OKC Trip

We have been fed by the mouth pieces of the Lord...Such a great conference weekend!

Family,

If you didn't watch conference or were distracted at all, go back and watch it again! Wow, there were some way good talks. Elder Holland's talk on Sunday gave me goose bumps. I wanted to reach through the TV and hug the guy. I loved Saturday's session though. I was so happy to be able to go to it. All the talks on Saturday really touched me. Sunday was awesome as well. I don't know what it is with all the talks. Isn't it crazy how they always speak about the same things but hit different points? Last conference was all about Temples and this conference seemed to be all about love and service. Which is just what we need! Sometimes we get all caught up with what we're doing and with what we need and with what we want, then before you know it, we're in the habit of thinking only of ourselves. We're not going to be happy unless we are doing something to help someone else, at least once a day. Something little but anything. I've been trying to apply that in my life, especially as a missionary. I'm trying to love every one here, even the chorros. Elder Bednars talk really touched me as well as Elder Uchdorf's and Ballard's and Monson's and Packer's and...well, all of them, but those in particular that I remember. Wow it was amazing! I used to try to get out of watching conference. What a fool I was! But that was before TIVO existed, so I have an excuse. Que va a hacer?! So, yes conference was amazing but the highlight of the week was the nastiest Asado (bbq) we've had yet! Oh man, I have never laughed so hard in my life. Some menos activos (less actives) that we always see in the street selling fruits and stuff invited us over for an asado as well as the Elder's from Ezeiza, E. Schupple and Calderon. It was super late when we got there and the meat wasn't even on the parrilla (grill). He knew we were in a hurry so he cooked it fast.

Meanwhile, we sat at a table with his grandma who was about 80 years old in a wheel chair. She was saying all sorts of swear words (yes she is a member) and was flirting with Elder Harris. She had it out for him for some reason. She ended up giving him a ring saying that they were now engaged. He didn't understand everything she was saying, which made it even funnier. Turns out the asado was all chinchulin (cow intestine), undercooked and just nasty. There was so much of it too! So, as we tried to muscle it down Elder Harris was going crazy eating it with huge bites of bread as well as trying to get the grandma to eat some so we didn't have so much of it to eat ourselves. She also kept drinking out of Elder Harris' cup. When she started to eat off of his plate, Elder Harris just lost it. He couldn't help it. He spit his drink out all over the table (see below). Oh man, we about died. We laughed for about 5 minutes straight! I made Elder Schupple snap some pics of Harris as he was dying. It was great! Probably funnier if you had actually been there but although the food was terrible, it was the funniest asado night yet! Oh man, I love my life. Jill get's here in a week! I can't wait until she gets to eat gross stuff!

So, Topher finally got a girlfriend! Oh man, I'm going to miss the wedding! Ashten's heading to the MTC. Kenzie is married to Trevor. Things are changing, but the Gospel isn't! Well, go Cougs and Broncos!
P.S. Do a good deed for someone. TODAY!
P.S.S. I really did love conference so much! I already miss it!

El Famoso Elder Gavin Phillips Rice

As a side note to Gavin's thoughts today, I wanted to add a few of my own. I too LOVED general conference. The light of the Gospel radiates through these good men. I also had a very neat experience chatting on line with an Argentine member who served his mission with my son Cameron in Mendoza. He is now living in an area that Gavin had the chance to serve in. As we chatted with my "rusty" Castellano, we both shared our testimonies about the miracle of the Gospel. We talked about the fact that maybe we did know each other in the Pre-existence. That it was not a coincidence that with all of the Argentine missionaries in my family, that we definitely had a purpose with these good people. He told me how he can't wait to be a good dad one day. They have not been able to conceive so far and it is very expensive for them to get help. I told him we would pray for him. He was so very humble and most gracious. He also told me that he loved our chat, and that he had felt the spirit of it. Such a humble good man. He told me that he will use it to bare his testimony this coming Sunday. I too will use this experience as we are holding a special fast with our YW to teach them the proper way of fasting. I will fast for the Gatica's that their dreams of being parents in the near future will come to pass. So today, I give thanks for my testimony! For the experience of having good missionaries in my family. For the blessing's that missions bring to the whole family. I'm so thankful to be living in a day and with the knowledge that the heaven's are not sealed! That there is indeed a living prophet to guide and direct us! My blessing's are spilling over! I have been fed this weekend with this knowledge and a reminder that we do have a loving Heavenly Father and that through our Savior Jesus Christ all things are possible!

Venna

Me and My Buddy Troy!

Whitney's tonsillectomy!

I have some really great videos of Whitney coming out of the anesthesia but she's threatened me if I should post them! Good times! At least for me!

Hasta Luego Hermana Cutler! Honduras here you come!

Last trip to the Buenos Aires Temple before it closes! Que lastima!

Oh Happy Day! Baptisms in El Jaguel!

Hi Family,
This week was great! Despite the rain, we baptized yesterday! I baptized Jessica Candia and the Uncle baptized Maria Fernanda. The Uncle was so happy for that family to have the Gospel. He is from Ezeiza. He's the Elders Quorum Pres. He and his wife are so short as you can see below. They are really strong Saints of the Church. Just awesome supportive people. They will really help the family Alvarez stay active. I just wish they were in our ward to help them come every week. It's been really awesome re-activating that family and teaching them. Especially because there is always a bunch of other people that live with them. They always listen to what we teach. I know that it will be only a matter of time until they "darse la cuenta" (come to understand) what they need to do. We baptized the girls yesterday. We weren't able to confirm them. We wanted to baptize them on Saturday but we had a service project "como estaca" (with the stake) so we were all painting a school. Now with General Conference next week they won't be able to be confirmed until the next Sunday. "Pero, que va a hacer?" (What can you do?) Hardly anyone was at Church. It was embarrassing. Not even 30 people. We don't have paved roads so the roads just turn into straight mud when it rains. That tends to keep the people away. But, the baptism was super neat, and spiritual. I was glad Jessica wanted me to baptize her. It's been a while since I've actually done it personally.

Mom, I want you to know what a great example you are to me. Some words that you once said have stuck in my mind. I never really understood why until the mission. You said, "I can't believe that all my kids have gone through the Temple! I am so blessed"! Wow, if I only realized then how lucky I was to have had that opportunity to take out my endowments. Pres. says it takes like 50 times of going through until we are worthy of it. I can't wait to be able to go all the time. We live so close to one now in Draper!!!!!! Temple blessings are crazy, insanely ridiculous and perfect! Everything has just been making sense and I love it! I love you, Tell pops he's awesome! Have a good week. Tell Bishop Dibble I am praying for him. I love that guy and hope the best for him.
Love your son!

Photos from Hermano Aravena

Here are some fotos of some of the service projects we've been doing. Many are from Hermano Aravena. He just may be the coolest slash funniest man on earth!

Service projects!

Eagle Scout Elder Harris

Me and Elder Harris are doing great! He's so funny. He gets so excited over the littlest things. For example, he about died when he found out his jacket had a pocket on the inside of it. Then he died again when he flipped up the other side and found he had another one! ha ha! He's got a mosquito net set up over his bed. It's so cold at night that I haven't even seen a mosquito around here yet! He's definately an Eagle Scout. I didn't even have to ask him. But, thanks to mom, so am I! She's a two timing Eagle Scout, right Cam?

Apparently Elder Schupple kicked the ball over the fence and the Senora of the house won't let us get it for a few hours! Way to go Elder Schupple! He's ruined P Day for us (haha)!

This week was great, we were able to go to the Temple as you already know, but I have still been reflecting about that. It's too bad that it will be the last time I'll be able to go on the mission. I know I've been lucky enough to have even been able to attend the Temple while on my mission as I know many other missionaries in other places can't.

Not sure what this, but apparently they are having lot's of fun in the work!

Do you recognize these faces? :)

I'm super excited for General Conference this week. Yesterday we watched 'The Lords Errand' with a member. Freak, I LOVE President Thomas S. Monson. He's not human! I can't wait to hear him speak. Hopefully we can get some investigators there on Saturday so we can watch the Saturday session. If not, Sunday for sure. I love you all and thanks so much for everything. P.S. Take care of Veener for me. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is True!

So, here we are....

Family!!!
Hi family, sorry I am writing today, Tuesday instead of Monday this week. We had to change P day so we could go to the temple today. It was awesome! It makes me know how special the Temple really is. I love the feeling in there and the spirit. I hate walking back out into the world. I wish I could just live in the Temple. It's an amazing place. I can't wait to go to other temples when I get back because I won't be able to attend this one anymore. They are closing it to make it bigger at the end of October. I saw tons of people from the West mission today. I was thinking how crazy it would be if Jill was already here, but it's just our luck that when she gets here, they close the Temple. I did see Elder Evans one of my MTC comps today. He is training some kid that was in the same district as my hijo (greenie). He's doing great! I wish I would have taken a picture. I'm slow when it comes to thinking sometimes. I'm kind of bummed about it now, but whatever. I got sick this last week during intercombios. I had to do a couple of baptismal interviews with the worst migraine ever! I finally threw up a few times then felt better the next day. I'm sorry you got sick in Oklahoma mom but if you take the positives out of the trip, at least you were able to wear your BYU shirt amongst the Sooner fans before they got killed by Florida state! (And that I did Gav...and I WAS noticed)! Hopefully the Cougs can pick themselves back up. I heard Florida has a way good team again this year. This pleases me.

This week I about blacked out when I ran into a metal trash can thing that was connected to a tree! It came out of no where I'm tellin' ya. It was pouring rain so I was looking down watching my step and just smacked my face so dang hard! It was pretty embarrassing. It was just two houses down from where we were headed with the mission leader to give a blessing of salud (health). It was pretty funny. When we got in the house it was so hot I had to sit down and gather myself. I felt like Whit's been feeling on those drugs from getting her tonsils out!

Mom, you asked if I did any pranks on my comp Elder Harris from Washington (thanks for answering my questions Gav). The answer is some. I make him do contacts to members which is funny and tell the members to keep giving him food and then I tell him to say thanks for the "porqueria" which means crap! It's hard though because we don't have too many members we can mess around with like that nor investigators. Pero que vas hacer? About packages, I had to pay 6.50 pesos for that last one. The dollar equals 4.2 pesos now, para que sepas (just so you know). I think it cost tons because you sent three boxes. Yes, but wow, was it great! I'm still reaking the benfits. Thanks a bunch! Me tengo que ir, pero les amo muchisimo ya la iglesia es verdadera!!! (I have to go but I love you all tons and the Church is true!) I have been fasting since before lunch yesterday and Elder Velasquez made "Arroz Chaufa"! It's so dang good! Besitos para todos! Go Cougs!!!

Elder Harris' first asado!

Nothing like an Argentine rain storm!

This is how you know it's time to do laundry day!

District meeting in Monte...

Happy 27th Birthday Cam!

Here's to a guy who's been easy to love, full of laughter and fun, athletic, talented, always teachable, always humble, one who tries his best at all he does. We love you!

Happy 4th anniversary Cam and Naomi!

Score!

Scored with a little lovin' sent from home to say "Happy Halfway" Mark to our favorite Elder!

Scored with a little soccer action...

Scored with a great new companionship. Bienvenidos a la Argentina Elder Harris!

Score! Well, what can I say...someone is scoring by selling their...you know what!

Familia Mia,

I'm still feeling pretty bad for OU. (in regards to the OU/BYU game). That must have been rough to be upset like that. Even though everyone else looks at it like an upset. We all know that if BYU would have lost the game everyone would have been shocked. I'm still feeling pretty good about that win. And, the Bronco's pulled out an awesome game against the Bengals it sounds like. Thanks for the updates. Those are nice to get every once in awhile. Hopefully the Broncs and the Cougs can have a good year this year. That would be rad. First off mom, tell grandma thanks a bunch for that batch of fudge she sent me. It was amazing! I did an intercombio with Elder Schupple. I spared a little piece for him. He asked for the recipe but I told him the secret ingredient was love and he'll never have that. That only comes from Grandma Whetman, so he's pretty bummed about that. It was great though. I have been enjoying all the great things that you sent me that the states have to offer, that Argentina does not. It's great!

This week flew by super quick. We are already on the third week of this transfer. That's nuts! I have to do a bunch of baptismal interviews this week for my district which is sweet. Just means we're baptizing!!! I was able to have one last week. It's really great talking with the people that have been able to prepare themselves for baptism. It's a great opportunity for me and it just helps strengthen my testimony. We had a little 8 year old get baptized on Sunday. There were some non members there so we "provachered" (took advantage) of the time and taught the restoration while they were changing their clothes. It was awesome. A really spiritual baptism. I hope that when we baptize the Familia Aravena that it will turn out just as good or ever better. Also, this week, well last week, I crossed the railroad tracks and felt like I needed to talk with this man named Miguel. We got his info and passed by. He is a really nice older guy who lives alone. Well this last week we were able to take a fecha baptismal out for him, which we are really excited about for next month. El Jaguel hasn't had 3 fechas (baptisms) in a long time I guess. So, that pleases me. It'll just be hard to get him to church. It's a challenge because he has a problem with his feet. But, with a little bit of help I think we can do it. But, me and Elder Harris (o sea Harry Potter) are working hard every day. Poor kid, gets so tired. He fell asleep in our consejo de barrio (ward counsel meeting). It was pretty funny. The bad thing is that he falls asleep as soon as he hits the pillow and snores so loud. It takes me forever to get to sleep. And then he yells in his sleep! I always wake up trying to figure out if he's talking to me or not, but I can never stay awake long enough to figure out what's going on. Oh and because he is a red head, everyone always asks him if he is albino. It makes me laugh so hard. He gets it all of the time, poor kid. Most of the time he doesn't understand what's being said though so it doesn't bother him. But, we're doing great. Hope everyone else is doing great too. When you think you're not being blessed or feel less fortunate, count your blessings. I mean it...seriously count them. Write them down. You'll be surprised how many blessings you have that you don't realize or don't deserve. I feel so blessed just to have the family I have and to be born into the church, and to be an American. P.S. Argentina is losing every game. They're not going to make to the Mudial (World cup) if they keep losing!!! A World Cup without Argentina, no puede ser (that can't be)! Have a great week.
Elder Arroz con Leche

A few good men...

Elder Schupple on the ground after I "ganosed him"

More P Day action...

Wait...is that an Hermana challenging you?! You go girl!

Love the short pants and white legs!

Sharing the experience of Argentina with me and my boys!

Elder Gavin Phillips Rice, Buenos Aires South, Sept. 2008-2010, Hermana Venna Whetman Rice Cordoba, 1975-77, Elder Daris Cameron Rice Mendoza, Oct. 2001-2003

365 days down...365 days to go! Happy Hump Day Elder Rice!

What a difference a year makes! Keep up the good work Gavin!

Dear Family,
I don't have a lot of time...I am sorry, but we finally got a machine (I think that means a hard working plan of attack and comp) and I gotta get back to work in a second, but yeah, my new comp is Elder Harris. He's a super insanely enthusiastic person. He is pretty intense with everything he does. It's great! Oh mom, I remembered your birthday during the week and felt super bad I forgot to tell you. So here it is in this email. Happy Birthday! I know it's late, but I'm sorry! (no worries Gav, thank you for even remembering)! I didn't forget...ask Big D. I was trying to get something made for you, it'll get done when I can find some time which might not be for awhile, but vamos a ver! (we shall see).

So, training is fun, but stressful. I kind of have to teach all the lessons but it's cool, I don't mind that. I try to include him as much as I can. He can understand better than he can speak, but I think he's doing really well for only having a week in the country. He understands when people ask him how many brothers and sisters he has and where he's from and that sort of thing. So that's always good stuff.

This week we were able to find 8. We're hoping to keep on finding more and more so we can get some people to llegar (arrive) to the baptismal font! The family Alvarez is progressing and being awesome! They came to Church this last Sunday again. The two girls that we'll be baptizing came on their own without their parents even. The parents came a little later. They're so cool! I'm super excited to see their progress. Oh and the Cougs! Yeah!!! Take that OU and Adam and Whitney that is if they're rootin' for the Sooners! That's so cool! I talked with Elder Fitch about that Dallas Cowboy Stadium. He said it's supposed to be like a wonder of the world! Dang that's awesome that Adam and Whitney were able to be there. Pretty crazy! 14-13 eh?! I wish I would have been able to see that. Brazil beat Argentina 3-1. ha ha if they keep losing they're not going to make it to the world cup! You'll have to record all the games so I can watch them when I get back. That's not for awhile! (365 days Gav:) but I'm giving you the heads up! Sorry I don't have more time, but I hope all is well and all that mushy stuff!
Happy B-day mom,
Elder Gavin Phillips Rice

Beautiful Zions Canyon...

St. George Road Trip...

The many cute faces of Laynie!

Happy Birthday Mom!!

Aren't the parentals cute?!
Still lucky in love!

Happy Birthday mom!
Hope you had great day! You deserve it!

Mejor que ayer (Better than yesterday)...

Sister Asay, President Asay, New Elder Harris, Elder Rice

My dearest beloved brother's and sister's,
First of all, I would like to give a big congratulations to Veener. Congrats on the par on hole number 15. That's a good par 4. I'm glad I wasn't there or you would have beaten me on that hole. I always leave my tee shot out right on that one and in the hazard! Tushay mama'.

So, the day has come. We had transfer meeting today. It's always good seeing everyone even though now I feel as if I know fewer of the missionaries. Everyone's just leaving me. Jensen went home, well, he's headed home. We got a fresh start now with a new transfer and lot's of work to do. I'm excited to have that fresh start. There's lot's to be done in El Jaguel. It's funny how whenever I am asked where I'm serving and I tell them El Jaguel, their like "ohhhh, that area's dead or just a hard area. So we gotta change that somehow. I don't know how, but it's gotta change. This transfer will be fun. Especially because tomorrow I receive my "hijo" (new missionary). I'm training! It'll be awesome! President put me up to District Leader as well. My back hurts, because my backpacks full of responsibility. It should be fun though. I am excited! This will help me learn a lot, while getting to help other's at the same time. My district is the same as last transfer. 4 hermanas and 2 elders plus me and my comp.

This week was great. The Familia Alvarez came to Church, finally! The parents are members and the kids aren't. We have 2 fechas (baptismal dates) with the daughters and hope to re-activate the parents. That would be awesome! I'd love to complete this family! We needed them to do complir (follow through) with something and they finally did by coming to church. Probably because it wasn't cold but still, they came! Speaking of weather...it has been so hot this last week. It's not even Spring yet and I've been sweating like a fool! I can't imagine how hot it will be in a couple of months from now. The Winter was soo short. At least today it has been raining and cooled down a little bit. Oh, and before I forget...Wow Mom, thanks so much for those packages. I would have been a fool to turn them down if I knew they were loaded with everything I could ever want. (Argentina has started charging a tax on the packages sent express mail, so now it's not only very expensive to mail from the states, it's expensive for the missionaries to claim them! Ay de mi!) That was great...so nice of you...even the 6 page letter (sorry Gav) haha. Demasiado mama' (too much) demasiado. You do too much for me. I appreciate it, a lot! Para que sepas, (just so you know), Elder Manning is going to come back with me and stay at my pench tonight because he's going to be training as well. He's so funny. I love this kid. He's like from California and used to surf. He talks "surfer" talk like that!

Things are going well here. Hopefully every day just gets better in El Jaguel. Just like Jorge Cruz would say every time we'd pass by. I'd ask him how he's doing and he'd always and still does reply "mejor que ayer" (better than yesterday)! That's how life should be. Think of how good life would be if we could look at it that way.

Well, I hope you all have a great Labor Day weekend. Go play golf and eat good food. That's what I would be doing if I was going to St. George with everyone. Que la obra crezca! Y Que El Senor te proteja en tu viage. Les Quiero mucho. (That the work increases, that the Lord protects you in your travels. I love you all a lot.

"Highlights" for one and all...!

Welcome home Elder Brannelly

Some more friends who have stopped by to say "hola"! Elder Mike Bramley recently returned from Salta, Argentina and friend Emily Kilpack! So fun to have the house full of friends again!

End of summer fun!

Happy Birthday Ashley!

The Birthday Girl...

Ashley, happy, caring, bright, full of fun! Just a few of the words that describe you!

It is what it is...

By the way, this pic of all the jugs...it is what you think it is. Apparently you can sell your pee!
Why not!

Capilla Abierta

Hi Family,
Well, yes, we did have our Capilla Abierta (church open house) this weekend. It was a great turnout. Many members came and there was refreshments! It's too bad though that not one of our investigators came. Not one! They promised they would! We even had invitations. It was actually pretty sweet too. We had the projector and showed a short movie of the Church and it's history etc. All the organizations set up rooms to show what they are and what they do. Afterwards we ate and drank hot chocolate. We found 3 investigators that a member brought but turns out they weren't all that interested after all. It's too bad. But the good thing is , is that we had all the support of the members which was nice. The whole point was to get a bunch of references. We even had the Elder's from Ezeiza come. But what can you do!

Nothing cool or exciting really happened this week. Just a regular week of work. I wish I had some cool stuff to say but I feel like not too much has happened. This will be my first transfer without a single baptism. The people we had ready didn't come to Church on Sunday so we are going to have to push their baptismal date back. Even if they would have come I'm not sure if they would have been ready. But it still stinks that they didn't come.

This is my comps last week in the mission. He will be going with Elder Evans from his MTC group so me and Elder Spence are going to work together. It will be choice. He was in my district in the MTC. I like the kid even though he says golf isn't a sport! I look past his flaws haha. We will have fun!

So, I'm attaching the pics of the activity. I guess Hermana Jolley (Evan Jolley's sister) was in the same ward as the Daniels. She was excited to know that Jill be coming to Argentina. Well, read your scriptures, go to Church and serve someone. I love you. The Church is true!

Elder Arroz con leche!

This is the Familia Villagra.

District meeting out in Canuelas...

We had district meeting out in Canuelas and had to wait for the train for awhile. That explains Jensen riding' the barrel. The other pics are of our train ride on the way back. We had a long cita (discussion) this week with a guy that doesn't believe in God. But then, he blames God for everything because his life is terrible. I can't hardly stand to talk to people like that. It just bugs me so bad. They think that everything is bad...every single thing. I don't understand how he can say that, especially sitting right across the table from his mom. I'm just so glad to have my family. Wow...we are so lucky! I love the Gospel and I want everyone to have it in their lives so that they can also have these blessings. It's crazy how much this guy needs the Gospel. He was put in our path thanks to a member, but he just won't do his part. It's just so sad. He told us this time that that he will read and ask God if He really exists. If he doesn't get his answer (or lies about getting his answer) we will just have to drop him. I'm sorry to tell you all this, it's just been bugging me.

Ride 'em Elder Jensen

Mas o Menos...

Hi family,

Sounds like everyone is getting surgery and being sick. What's up with that? I blame it on tap water. Quit drinking tap water. I stopped after drinking it in Solano and it's done wonders for me! haha. Well, today is a Feriado (holiday), so it has been a little hard to get around or do anything. I swear they have holidays twice a week. They celebrate anything and everything. We played soccer with Hermano Aravena. He invited us to go play at the church distribution center where he works with a bunch of guys. I pulled my groin (ouch) and like re-broke both of my big toes, but it was way fun. The groin thing sucks though because now it's hard to walk. But, I'm walking it off and stretching.

This week went by super fast! I can't even remember what happened this week, or if it was my memories from last week. We have interviews with President Asay this Wednesday. I'm looking forward to that. I love interviews with President. Especially when I can ask him questions about the things I have been studying. He knows everything. It's crazy just how smart of a guy he is.

I loved seeing the pics on my blog of everyone. Laynie is way cute. She's grown up a lot since the last picture that I've seen of her. She's got a bunch of hair...and her eyes! Troy is still a tank. Such a stud! I also enjoyed the pics of Jill and her farewell. I can't believe she's actually in the MTC. I feel like it was yesterday that she read me her call on the phone. She's great!

Well, we have a Capilla Abierta (Church open house) this Saturday. It's going to be awesome! We're hoping for tons of people so we can get references and teach instead of just clap houses. I want to have investigators that will progress!!! We have two baptisms for the end of this month, but they still haven't come to church. Makes sense though, cause I mean it rained Saturday night! Who keeps the commandments when it rains anyways?! We had 30 people at Church. Haha, it was a joke! We usually have 80-90 people. It's okay though. We are staying positive and are working with the investigator pool that we have. We are trying to help them progress and hoping to find more as well. We're doing good though and having fun. The weather got super hot last week before it finally rained. It's back to being a little cold but it's not bad at all. I think it will start warming up pretty soon. Well, hope everyone's doing well. I love hearing from you all!

El Jaguel

A bunch of "Loco's"

Just a little farming along the way...

Your dad would be proud Gav. Remember his pig that thought it was a cow?

Dia de Feriada...

An Argentine day of Celebration

Geladeria Realto...

This is our friend Alberto. He owns the best "geladeria" (Gelato) in town. He's the perfect man for this perfect place!

P Day Soccer

Elder Daris C. Rice Duesseldorf, Germany Mission 1975-77

Gavin, you asked for some of your dad's mission pics...well, here ya go! Ask him about the wrecked the car (s) and his crazy driving companion on the autobaun someday! No wonder he drives like he does (don't tell him I said that)!

Also, ask him about the black eye at his graduation! Another good "cow" story I do believe!

A little golf in Germany! I think he wore that tie to our wedding! He loved it! (a little short don't ya think?)

Family Fun in July...

Minus some missing very important family members!

The boys "cheating" at Nertz!

Don't let those innocent faces fool you...the girl's weren't "fooled" for a minute...!

This IS the place!

Now, everyone come home!!!....

Fun at the Zoo

Cowabunga Dude!

The new water slide park in Draper!

Friends who have stopped by!

We all miss Gavin! Thanks for stopping by everyone! The door is always open, as well as the fridge!

Hasta Luego Hermana Daniels!

Hermana Jill Daniels heading to the Buenos Aires West Mission August 12th, 2009! You will be missed! Que te vaya muy bien!

The past week in review...

Family,
Wow...Laynie being sick scares me! I am so glad that she is doing better. Sounds like Cam and Naomi have had their trials lately. Man, life can be tough sometimes. Good thing we have and live the Gospel so we can always have the true happiness that it brings. Mom, you're sick now? If I was there I would give you a blessing, but you should have dad and Cam give you one. Priesthood power is real!

Adam and Ashley, happy birthday last week. (Actually Gav, Ashley's is the 23rd. Don't let her know you forgot or she'll be ticked haha). Sorry I missed the parties. One thing led to another and it just ended up that I wasn't able to make it. But, I'll be there for the next one. Well, almost a month after...we'll just extend the party. Oh, and my lumps are gone mom, so don't worry about them. I am not worried the slightest bit. I don't know why I was. I guess it's just the whole neck thing ya know. You would understand more than anyone since you've had neck surgery. How is it doing anyway? I hope it has healed completely and you have all your strength back and more. I always pray for that.

I hear Jill gave an amazing talk, again, and that things went well. I wish I could have been there, but thank you for recording it. That was good news to hear. I will be anxiously awaiting for that to come. I feel so blessed when I think of the family that I have and all that I have. I get humbled out here a lot.

This week has been really great for me. I have felt the Spirit so much more and feel like I have been guided and accompanied by it. It makes the work so much better and effective. We have a lot of finding citas (appointments) this week and a lot of menos activos (less actives) we hope to re-activate. We pulled out some fechas (baptismal dates) with those girls in the family Alavena. We are so excited to complete this family. We just hope we can get the parents to come to church now. They are supportive and want it for their kids but don't see the importance of it for themselves...yet! I found out that stud of kid that we baptized in Solano, Carlos Carranza o sea Jose Smith (in other words, Joseph Smith their nickname for him), is still going strong in the church attending all the meetings and activities. He's super fiel (faithful). Even his mom has now gone to church a little. She still doesn't want to listen to the missionaries, but I think it will be only a matter of time.

Many of you said this week that I am coming up on a year. That's pretty crazy. It just means that I have to work that much harder. I am excited for the future. So excited! And for those of you who think I am not happy...I AM! I am happy and doing great! Better than ever to be honest. I LOVE the missionary work!

Today we played futbol for P-Day. It was really fun. It has been awhile since I have played and today was way hot. It's still winter here but the sun was out and it didn't really feel like winter. After we watched Ice Age 2...in Spanish. I hate when the latinos win on what language we watch movies in. haha. It's still pretty funny though in Spanish I guess. Thanks for caring for me and for always being there for me. It's comforting to know that I have such a good family and friends. Speaking of family, Adam do you know the family Desantos? She is from Mar Del Plata. You served there for awhile you said and she is married to the bishop here. They both served in Columbia. She wanted me to ask you. I didn't know how to say your name in Spanish (Hoybjerg is Danish Gav :) I can't even imagine how they would pronounce your German last name.

Anyway, thanks to all for being such a good example to me and helping me in good times as well as in bad. Keep reading, praying and going to Church. And, if there's time, hit the lynx. That's important! Have a good week.
Love, Elder Rice

P.S. Mom, your Castellano is a bit rough ( yo se eso Gavin) I will help you when I get home!

P.S.S. Gavin, your spelling is a bit rough! That's what Castellano will do for ya! I will help YOU when you get home! haha!

My last zone

Sites and sounds of the Big City!

Hey Family,
I'm writing early today, so if I missed your email, I'm sorry. It's 11:20 here so it's got to be like 7:20 am there. You guys are probably sleeping in then going to play golf...I'm not jealous at all! So Jon is in China, I'm in Argentina and you guys are in the states, plus, I've got friends in almost every other part of the world. It's pretty nuts! Whoever invented the internet is a genius!

Well, I think missionary work will really pick up here in El Jaguel. We have had a change in mission leaders and our mission leader is nuts! In a good way! He came from the stake. He's got so many ideas in his little head that it's going to explode! He wants a PMG (Preach My Gospel), a map of our area and all the folletos (pamphlets) and copies of the Book of Mormon...everything! He goes overboard! I love it! It's nice to have a mission leader. My last area we lacked one (he's thinking in Spanish). It makes a big difference without one. In Solano Adrian helped us out sooo much with the work it was crazy. He knew that place like the back of his hand. He also knew all of the people and the menos activos (less actives). He helped us find tons to teach. I'm hoping that Hermano Juan Carlos Lopez will do the same for us in El jaguel. We have tons of members but most of them are inactive. We have an activity coming up on the 22nd for the work. Everyone has to bring someone to Conocer la Capilla. (Get to know the church)...but we will see. We're hoping to get a bunch of references because contacts hasn't done us any good the last 2 transfers. So we've got that going for us. We found out one of our investigators who is in a wheel chair, Elizabeth, is riding around in a chair given to her by the Church. She had made a promise to go to church once, but hasn't fulfilled it. I guess it's to our advantage though. I will push her to Church even if she doesn't want to go! I haven't sent pictures forever so I am going to try and send some this time. The cybers (internet cafe's) here just aren't the greatest. So, here comes tons of pictures of everything...my last zone, some pictures of my area. Some pictures of us cooking, lot's from the Capital when we went to the Dr. and ate at Hard Rock...man it was soo good! And so nice!
Love, Elder Arroz

Where in the World is Elder Rice?!

I am so happy mom...you have no idea, about the mission, about my life, about our family, about the gospel. I just feel like things are falling into place, thanks to the Lord!
I LOVE my life!

Leader Rice?

Comfort Food!

From the look on his face, I would say he's pretty happy!

Hard Rock Cafe Buenos Aires Style

Gavin had a medical issue with some lumps appearing in his neck, so on their way to El Medico, they happened upon a familiar site! Hard Rock Cafe!

A day in the life...

Success in El Jaguel...

This last week we baptized Hilda Meldina and Jorge Cruz. It was awesome. We didn't have to do hardly anything besides get it set up. We were the "testigos" (witnesses) but we got the ward to take care of the rest. It's too bad that no one from either of their families attended though. Not one single person. Jorge's brother was even going to baptize him. His family has been baptized but fell away. We're hoping to help them out if we can. Our bishop is pretty cool. He get's so excited over the work which is awesome! He and his wife both served in Columbia. There's another guy who served in Chile who just got back a monoth ago. He's from Paraguay but is going to be living in our branch for 2 years. He will help us out a ton! When the bishop found out about him coming here he was so happy it was funny! We need more "sacerdotes" (Priesthood) so we're going to prepare Jorge to get the Priesthood which will be awesome. Then maybe we can send him to give some blessings. Seems that everyone always needs a Priesthood blessing.

We're running pretty low on investigators. We couldn't really find or teach the ones we thought were prime last week and we only found one new one. But he's the dad of Elizabeth and the wife of Rosa which is cool. A family! The daughter is in a wheel chair, super nice and going to really progress.

So, some good news...we bought some sling shots because the neighbor dog is the stupidest thing in the world. He only barks at US, and whenever we leave the pench he comes right after our ankles! So, we bought wrist rockets and tons of marbles. We've been owning this dog! We throw out bait at night and wait for dogs to come hoping it will be him. But, apparently he's smarter than he looks I guess. I got him good once with a double A battery. I'm still feeling good about that. I hit a horse which was pretty funny. I was aiming for the dog but then a horse came running by. A bigger target I guess. It's been fun though...gives us something to do after a hard day. Just take it out on the dogs! (I promise Gavin is kind to animals...he loves them, except the ones that bite:)!

Well, I hope you guys are doing as good as you say. I hope Cam and Naomi are alright. That's crazy. He would be doing kayaking and saving lives. Some things will never change. Sounds pretty scary though.Things like that aren't very fun and they leave ya feeling pretty weird after. (Cameron, Naomi and a friend had a near death experience Kayaking. Everything turned out OK. Just another one of life's experiences where you witness the hand of the Lord. So happy that I actually had put their names in the Temple that day!) Sounds like you had a fun time at girls camp mom. I'm not sure you should be doing that after your neck surgery. Jori (Gavin's soon to be missionary cousin) sounds awesome! I know she and her family will be blessed by her serving. And Mike Cutler is off to Russia. That's crazy! It's funny hearing all the gossip on the mission because I have no idea about anything so when you hear things it seems weird, no matter what it is!

Life is full of tests and if it weren't for the Gospel and our Lord Jesus Christ we'd never be able to overcome any of them. Thanks for the example you guys have given me and continue to give me. I love my family!

This and that!

Una Semana Mas!

Hi family,
So another week has gone by the way. This "gripe" (swine flu) thing is getting out of hand down here. I guess it's a big deal in the states as well. Everything is closed down. Vacations for everyone again! They're obsessed with vacations. Everyone is out of school and the stores are closed for like a month. The weird thing is the Church is in on it too! We won't have Church services until the 26th. Haha...how are we supposed to baptize!!! I guess this is the way Mexico handled the situation and got rid of it so that's what they're trying to do here. Pero, que' se' yo? Nada! (but what do I know...nothing)! So we will see how it turns out. It's weird to think I'll be "inactive". It's even funnier for the people going home this transfer because they will go home being "inactive" haha.

This week work wise was pretty slow, but we are still baptizing Jorge Cruz and Hilda Meldina this Saturday. We just can't invite tons of people which is too bad because it's a baptism. We're not supposed to have church meetings and jazz thanks to the "gripe" (flu). I guess it's pretty bad. Supposedly the states have a lot of deaths caused by it and Argentina is up there as well. You guys probably know more about it than I do.

Well, the burn you saw on my hand mom, dang you have good eyes...too good of eyes, and that "nariz" (nose) of yours smells things for miles. (Don't you know by now you can't fool your mother Gavin??) Yes, I burned my hand but that was back in Quilmes 3. Someone's house burned down in our ward. They were less active members so we were helping them. I got transferred before we finished the job but the first night that we went over, we went upstairs to go check everything out. They thought it would be a great idea to cover a hole in the ground with a little thin mat. Great idea...as I was walking down the stairs I stepped right in it, rolled my ankle and another great idea, they had put a heater right at the bottom of the stairs with no cover on it. I fell right on it and burned my hand. It was pretty funny. I didn't realize I was burned until after after. I couldn't tell if it was hot or cold but then it began to sting. It's already healed. The guy of that family (Cruz) started coming back to church though. The lord works in mysterious ways...so moral of the story...don't go inactive or your house will burn!

"Espero lo mejor por cada uno de ustedes. Nunca te olivdes tus raizes, que estan en el evangelio. Hay que tener tu base en el evangelio para que no te caigas. La felizidad que queremos que tengamos no va a venir con cualquir otra cosa. Quizas un ratito, nada mas, pero la podemos tener para siempre jamas'. Que bueno que es. Que tengan una buena semana, y que Dios te bendiga!
(I hope for the best for every one of you guys. Never forget the reasons that you have the Gospel. You have to be firmly planted in the Gospel in order not to fall. The happiness that we want and that we can have can't come any other way. Maybe a little, but nothing more. Through the Gospel we can be truly happy for every more. How great is that! Have a great week and may the Lord bless.)

Fore!

Will it go in?

He still has the magic touch!

El Jaguel

Like the trash? haha! We have tons of it in El Jaguel. Notice the river that is dried up in trash.

...and to some is given the gift of Music!

The miracle of piano flash cards!

I never doubted you for a minute Gav! I'm a believer!!!

Finally.

Gav,
I finally wrote you and sent you a pic and video of Troy. Hope you enjoy! And I hope you write me back... that would make my day.

Love,
Whit

Que haces loco?

Familia!

Well, how do I start...I'll start with some good news from THE El Jaguel. We have found some awesome people this week. We found a chica and her man who aren't married but are going to. If not, we will make them! They're awesome. We found them through the worst of way of finding which is by making contacts. Her name is Maria and her novio (boyfriend) is Raul. He works at the airport and she lives with her mom who won't even look at us, she's so Catholic. It's so funny. She waited for us to leave before she'd come back to her house. And that was a long time because they had so many questions it turned out to be a very long cita (appointment). We finally got to the Book of Mormon. It will change their lives. I just know it! After that, we found 3 other's. A mom and her daughters who are from Paraguay. We found them through the best way of finding. Through a member, the mother's niece. She is actually awaiting her mission call right now. We just taught them last night. It was really cool. The daughter's are super interested therefore, they are for sure going to progress.

This week we did 2 intercombios. Both times I stayed in the area. It was kind of hard because I'm still learning it but it helped me a lot and both days we did really well. We worked really hard and found people and that is our focus! We need investigators...lot's of them! In Quilmes 3 we had tons. It was awesome because we basically could choose where we needed to go to teach. Right now we don't have many choices but it's all changing. Things are going well.

Back to the world...So Michael Jackson died? Argentina might not make it to the World Cup? And the States played Brazil in the final? I've got to know who won, and I've got to know now! A member showed us the two goals that we had on Spain. That was raddddd! Estudiantes from La Plata in our mision is still in the Cup down here. I think they've got one more until the finals.

Sounds like you guys had fun playing golf. That course sounds super nice. I'd love to play it. There's nothing better than playing on pure greens...and you had a caddy! haha. That's great! I don't know if I've ever played on a PGA course, so tooshay mom that you beat me to that one. Remember when you used to rock us in Tiger Woods Wii golf? And Bowling? I never beat you once. Haha, but Jill and I owned everyone in Wii tennis, so at least I've got that going my way. Next P day we might be hittin' the lynx. It's cold and the grass is yellow but I like my chances. We live super close so I don't think it'll be a shot in the dark. Today for P day we watched a couple of movies with a projector in the pench of Spegazzini. It was great. They have a couch and 4 mattresses!

Tomorrow we have interviews with Pres. Asay. He's such a great guy. And so is Hermana Asay. They've done so much for this mission. I haven't heard or met anyone that doesn't respect the guy and that means a lot in Argentina. People get offended pretty easily here. The members that are inactive are usually inactive because they've been hurt by someone. They seem to forget why we go to Church and who we worship.

Well, I hope you're all doing great. Man our family is so great! We are so blessed. I am so blessed!

Que tengan una buena semana, suigan en el correcto. Hagan lo que puedan. Les amo muchisimo y manden saludos a todos. Y tambien por aquellos que quieran, oren para que los investigadores que tenemos aca Del Jaguel progresen, y encontremos mas asi que les quiero muchisimo, y esta es la iglesia verdadera sin duda quiero que sepan que yo estoy segurdisimo que una persona puede acercarse a Dios atreves El Libro de Mormon mas que cualquier otro libro. Entonces...leelo!
(Well have a great week and stay good. Do what you can. I love you so much and tell everyone hello. Also for those that care, pray for our investigators that we have here in El Jaguel that they will progress and that we can find more. I love them alot. This is the true church without doubt. I want you to know that I'm sure that a person can get closer to God by reading the Book of Mormon more than any other book. Therefore... READ IT!)

Here's some pics from our intercombio. Elder Velasquez cooked us some food from Peru. It was awesome. Sooo good! This is the Familia Aravena. The coolest people in the ward. He served in the North mission and she's from Peru but it looks like I didn't get a picture of her. Pero, para que sepas?! (But, what can you do?)

New comp new area...

Elder Jensen is my new comp from Gilbert, AZ. He's super funny. Reminds me Jordan Beech. I laugh at just about everything he says. We walk the streets and spit or in other words, bust out some beats and rhymes. It's funny. You'd have to be there. We get along really well. It's funny because in the mission soccer tourny he tried to take me out slide tackling me. I got super annoyed and was like man, I would hate to be comps with that guy! Turns out he's my next comp! haha...coincidence? I think not! But he's way cool. There's some great people here. My favorite is a married couple who is from Mendoza and served in the North mission. The wife is from Peru. She's always on facebook and every time we go over there, she's on it. She's probably not as obsessed as you are mom, but close! She looked up your profile pic and there you were... chilin' in the stream in our backyard with Big D. And, before I forget...Happy Father's Day pops! I probably should have said it last week cause now I'm a day late but I hope you had an awesome day and know that I love you and that you are an amazing dad. You deserve a day to enjoy yourself. Sunday would be a good one. Watching the US Open too! I'm not jealous....and Juansito, happy birthday mi amor. If I were there I would kiss that shiny head of yours and then b slap you like the good ole' days and then give you the "washing machine"!

Monte

Here's a bunch of pics that we took in Monte. My comp is District Leader for the Hermanas so we had to go do an interview there. It's a very nice area with a Lake and all. The church is awesome! It used to be a dance club.

New Area El Jaguel

Pictures taken from my roof of my new area in El Jaguel


Dear Gavin...should I be concerned about the photo of the plane wreck? Love, Mom

Chariots of Fire?!

It's a miracle! He can cook!

Some tortillas sent from home...Express mail no less! Cure for taco cravings...worth every cent!

Adios Quilmes 3 y Elder McConkie!

Another Big Thumbs up!

Great people...great comp! Always hard to say good bye!

Baptism of Paula Quilmes 3

Zone Conference with Elder Aidukaitis

So this week was crazy good! (June 16th) Elder Aidukaitis came and spoke at our zone conference. He came down on us pretty hard but it was awesome. He's a funny guy. He's super tall. He acted out a bunch of approaches on how to get contacts. It was way funny. Supposedly we're supposed to be a lot more forward with the people in order to get into their homes to teach. I'm not sure if that will work, but hey, it came from a General Authority so you've got to try it! After the conference there were three people chosen to have an interview with him. I was one of them. Man, I was scared out of my wits! It felt like he and President Asay were staring right through my eyes back into my brain! I went in there speaking English while he kept speaking to me in Spanish. I thought he spoke English, which he does. It was awesome. He asked me about what I've learned. He asked questions to get to know me better. He committed me to applying some things and then he asked me if I had any questions. And...I froze man...I froze! I said of course I do, but I can't think of one stinkin' thing right now! I should have asked him if Cane was still on the earth or something cool like that, but...oh well! It was pretty cool!.

We've been doing well this week in El Jaguel. This area hasn't baptized in almost a year and those baptisms were nino's. So, we are excited to be teaching Jorge Cruz who's 24 and Hilda who sings the hymns really enthusiastically! I had to talk for a little bit in Sacrament meeting and introduce myself. I miss my last ward. The Obispado (bishopric) was so awesome. It's okay though. Hay que perserverar (We have to perservere)! The Obispo (Bishop) is super young. He's only 27. He served in Columbia and his wife served a mission too. So, I guess that's what people do these days...the guys that serve missions marry girls that serve missions! haha

We played soccer today in El Jaguel with our zone and Florencia Varela (my first zone). It was super fun. I had a goal, but not a "goaloso"! I enjoyed myself though. Our zone is awesome. I really like it. Next transfer will be super different though. Basically half of the missionaries will be gone. I'm in the same zone as Elder Lewis which is fun because I was with him back in Solano. He goes home this transfer. He's such a stud. I'm doing great and sounds like everyone else is too! I hope things in the world change for the better and that everyone will just read this Book of Mormon that is blue! It's true!

Didn't see it coming...

Paula, a recent convert saying "adios y gracias" to Gavin upon leaving Quilmes 3 for El Jaguel! It's not easy to trick Gavin! He's usually the "trickster"! Way to go Hermana Paula y bien venidos a la iglesia!

Ya me Fui a Jaguel!

So, this transfer was quite a surprise. Elder McConkie's been in Quilmes 3 for 7 months now. He's been there ever since I got to the country, and...he will remain there training. I got kicked out to El Jaguel in the Zone of Monte Grande. I'm replacing little Elder Chavezito who I lived with in Solano. My comp is Elder Jensen from Gilbert, Arizona. He goes home in 2 transfers. The worst thing about leaving is that the family that we were going to complete will be getting baptized this next week and I won't be able to be there. That's a bummer. I was finally getting used to Quilmes 3 and the members and now I will just have to start over. I guess there's a need for me somewhere else, digamos. (so they say). Elder McConkie will be training and also be the District Leader. He's a great missionary. He and Elder Fafai were awesome workers.
We met Elder Moody's parents and showed them around a bit. They are really nice. Sister Moody said she is going to call you mom and tell you I'm good. I'm sure I will learn a lot from my new comp. There's a reason we're together. We're going to work hard. We've got a ward of about 80 people I think. I'm not sure of anything about the area as of yet since I have never been there. It's pretty close to Ezeiza by the Temple. Just one station before the Temple. I can't believe I'm leaving. I would have bet tons of money that I would have stayed, not pesos either...dollars...pero, que se yo. Nada, obvio! (But what do I know?! Obviously nothing!)
I heard Laynie broke her leg. That's sad. That's awesome that Brandon blessed his new baby. What a great family we have! Soooooo blessed. I have hardly slept the last 2 nights. I was just packing and thinking. It's so crazy that I'm already out of here. Yesterday we found a family of 7. Such an awesome family. They were playing outside one day and I was like WOW! A family! So I was like, "Conk, we've got to go clap that house sometime soon". So, we did a few days ago and set up a cita (appointment). They're super interested and their kids are awesome. They all listened and said they would read and pray about our message. I wish I could be in Quilmes 3 right now. I'm not going to lie. Plus, our pench was amazing. But since when does it matter what I want?! I've got to work with what I've got and I will. I'm excited for this transfer. Our zone should be awesome. Elder Lewis is in our zone. He's the one I lived with in Solano. Paula, the girl we baptized and her family bought me a cake. They pretended to take a photo and smacked it in my face last night. I didn't even see it coming! Elder McConkie got it on video. Son locos! (They're crazy). It was pretty funny, I'm not going to lie. Well, I love you all so much and am so grateful for each and every one of you. I love my family! You're great. I Love the Church. I know it's true. Now more than ever. I love the Book of Mormon. I'm still reading the New Testament, but it's so hard to not just want to pick up the Book of Mormon instead.

Since Gavin has not been able to send me many pics as of late, I am combining last week's email with this one. I'm hopeful for new pics real soon!

Hi Family,
So you're going to be mad at me, but I forgot my USB plug for pics again. So this week was kind of weird. It's always interesting adapting to a new area, esp. when I had just gotten used to Quilmes 3. Wanna know the worst thing though? Elder McConkie is training Elder Tayler from Canada. (Gavin golfed with Elder Tayler's brother at UVU). Small world. Oh man, I was going to take a video from our roof in El Jaguel to show you the area. It's a way nice area. No j/k. It's not, but super tranquilo (mellow)and it's right by the airport so planes take off and land over our heads every ten minutes.
I got sick again this past week. I don't understand it. I've always got something. I had a gnarly fever that woke me up every 5 mins. sweating or being super cold.
As far as the work goes, we found 4 this week and doubled our investigator pool. The people here are super duro (tough). But I think that one of them will be baptized. He's from a part-member family. El Jaguel is my most unattractive area so far, but it is the safest, so mom, don't worry!
I can't believe that Ashten is going to go to Honduras and Mike will be heading to Russia. Chris served in the Philippines so they have all served in different countries. That's awesome!
Tomorrow we have zone conference with Elder Aiudukytis. That will be awesome. He seems like a great guy. That's too bad that my package got "lost".Stupid ladrones (thieves). Sorry if this email is lame. It's probably because I'm feeling kind of lame. I'm sick of being sick. Today for P-day we played basketball and soccer and the hermanas made us tacos. It's weird having hermanas in my zone. We have 6. Our district consists of us and 4 other hermanas.
This last week we had stake conference so I still don't know the ward too well. I'm looking forward to next Sunday so I can get to know them better. Welp, that's pretty much it from Argentina. Mom, I had a dream that your neck was hurting you and you said you wouldn't be able to get your strength back. It made me nervous, so mom...how's your neck? And yes, the weather is cold here. It doesn't matter what I wear. The humidity goes right through to your bones. Even with wearing gloves, my hands and feet are so cold. I'm not cold, but my hands and feet are literally so cold that every time I shake someone's hand, they freak out. haha...well, les amo mucho!

The Draper Temple Celebration...

May 27, 2009. Thousands of our youth performed song and dance in celebration of these beautiful Temples in our valley, under the direction of President Thomas S. Monson. Something I hope to never forget!

More great men who love their country...

This was a slide show at the Draper Temple celebration performed at the conference by the youth of our Draper Temple district. An amazing night!

Proud to be an American

Remembering Grandpa this past memorial day. Grandpa proudly served his country in the U.S. army and every memorial day he would dress in his uniform and present the colors with a 21 gun salute at the cemetery. He is missed very much by all! I love this view from grandma and grandpa's house. The gazebo was decorated with many American flags. Of course our beautiful mountains make for a perfect background.

Vegas Baby!!!

Celebrating Grandma Whetman's 85th birthday with Donny and Marie in Vegas! What happens in Vegas...stays in Vegas! A pretty wild bunch don't ya think?!!

A day in the life...

Wow...I still can't stop thinking about what you told me about Elder Nelson. (Him getting attacked in Africa). That's messed up. This world is messed up. That's just crazy and wrong! There are way too many people who don't understand what they're doing attacking an apostle of the Lord. But anyways, that's awesome that dad get's to go play in a golf tournament in Mississippi with the retired pro's (baseball, basketball, football and