These Are The Children of the World...Hermana Urban is teaching...

These are some pictures from a couple of weeks ago...a little late but still fun to look at.

So a fun little info: This great amazing lady that I was teaching a year ago got married and baptized this week!!! After a year she was able to get her documents from Paraguay and get married to her boyfriend (who is member) and then baptized - along with her daughter!!! I LOVE THIS!!!! I am hearing great success stories from other areas that I have served in and it just goes to show that the Lord allows His work to progress. no matter what.

So I am sure you all know that there is this crazy sickness swiping the land. Rosmeri has been working a lot (seeing how she is a nurse and all). so it has been tough to get to her. But people have been super worried and distraught about this flu that a lot of stores and places are closed or only open to a limited number of people. You have to wait to enter stores and you can only enter if you are going to buy. So what makes it all even more crazy is that we have cancelled church for 3 weeks. Yesterday we didn´t go. and that was weird.

When we aren´t traveling for meetings we are running around like crazy because we are visiting so many people! I love it!! We will have more men in the branch soon because the majority of the people we are teaching are men. so that will be great because the branch is about 3/4 women.

well that is all i will say. keep letters coming. did i not tell you that I extended my mission by 6 months?? SO if you are thinking you can get by without writing - you are wrong!!!

Love
hermana urban

so bueno!!!

First off: Rest in peace the king of pop. tears.

Second off: Every night I went to bed and every morning I woke up sooooo excited for this area and the things are are going on in the very special place of Monte.

We were walking one night to find a lady that I taught a long time ago who moved. As we were walking I thought in my little head I KNOW that there are thousands of people searching and aching for guidance and want some truth in their lives - in the area of MONTE. But I have the great task to try to FIND these people. We came to a door, knowing that it was not her door but thinking we could ask for directions, a man answered the door and he had no idea where she lived. But what do we do?? We start talking to him. So he was interested in how were are missionaries and spread the word of God to the people. yup . . . to the people. haha. He invited us in. Ok a rule of the mission, aka from the Lord, is that we are not to be alone in the house with one man. SO I said no (in my mind) and what came out was "Bueno." - same thing happened with my companion. But let me tell you one thing: I have never jamas in my entire mission met someone who is actually searching, wants, desires to know the truth, to know about God and the reality of Him. He is completely sincere with his search. We talked with him about what we share and teach and then HE decides. He has to put his faith to the max and ask God if what we share is true. He wants to know sooooo bad but he doubts even his own faith. I, personally, think he has amazing faith. Faith always leads us to action. His actions are listening, meditating, praying, reading, investigating, etc. His faith is helping him learn. And that is great faith. I also personally feel that he has already received an answer that the Book of Mormon is true. If it is true - that means that God does really does love us and talk to us today!! SO it really depends on that answer. so we are gonna help him recognize that. Ok but then we went again, this time with a member, and it was GREAT!!!! wow I just cannot stop being amazed by him. AND THEN . . . on his own amazing faith he came to church!!!!!!!! He is the owner of the tennis courts in Monte and it is open always, but on Sunday the country voted and stores had to be closed. So he used his free time and came to church - and stayed for Irma's Baptism!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So everyone, seriously, put Hugo in your prayers.

And Irma got baptized!! And it was adorable b/c apparently not all of her hair went under the water and when someone mentioned that she was like: "well that's bc I have a lot, ok!" I don't know I just loved it.

Also we had an amazing lesson with Andres and Silvia and the family. We read "The Proclamation" and WHOA that thing is powerful and wonderfully true. Then we (with the help of a member) set a marriage goal. Meaning that if all works out wonderfully we will have a wedding and baptisms in August!!!! And then a temple sealing in a year. This is not a family of 5, this is a family of 8, and to be able to be with those little babies that they lost, they must keep those eyes on the temple.

Mommy and daddy happy anniversary!! I am glad that we are an eternal family!!!!

Scott- your letter changed my life!!! Thanks sooooo much (I also read it to one of my friends and she loved it to)

Saren- I LOVED YOUR PKG of love and warmth and sarenness. I love you to death too!!

Matthew Case- I am awful for not writing. but as soon as I am in utah = you and I and that wonderful David Bowie movie of Labyrinth.

Rachel Andrus- congrats with the baby coming!!! I am so proud and amazed of your selfless service to be a mom. whoa.

Katy- I hope you are adjusting well!

Ok loves to all!

Hermana Urban

ps. oh also- Farrah Fawcett - sad as well. but I told Hermano Eva, sweet member, that dad always loved her and then he said probably because I look like her (which is weird because she clearly was 20 when I wasn't on this planet) and now he is calling me by "Farrah."

Oh Argentines.

onward

We walk lots in Monte, have I told you that? So I am hoping to get some bikes real soon. And then I will be one of those bike missionaries. Yes!

So things went well this week and we ended with week with stake conference. We traveled as a branch to the stake center to watch a broadcast just for Argentina. It was really great because Andres, Silvia and their 3 kids came!!! I was soooo happy!!! But they left earlier than everyone else so I haven’t been able to talk to them about it. I am pretty sure that everyone should pray for them.

Patience is an attribute that I have yet to master. But with patience I know that as long as I am working super hard and doing my best the Lord will do the rest. I know that Monte is just a little tiny branch but I also know that it has huge potential. So I will keep at it and then maybe 15 – 20 years down the road we will hear how huge the ward is in Monte! (my dream).

I love ya`ll.

Hermana Urban

Mates

Irma in her house. which was actually her parents house. lots of history.

On Thursday the elders came to our area to interview Irma for baptism. We went to her house to pick her up but she wasn´t there. WHAT?? So we tried to search a little bit but she was just no where in sight. This has never happen before. So we were a little worried. It turns out that she was in the hospital. She hasn´t been feeling very good lately so it was a good thing that she went to see a doctor. After we sent the elders home and continued on with our day we decided that it would be better to move her baptismal date so she could rest and feel better about it. When we found her in her house we talked with her and shared a scripture, she said the prayer. Ok the most amazing feeling ever comes when you hear people pray. Her prayer came directly from her humble heart strings and was filled with how grateful she is for the opportunity to get baptized and continue in her faith in Christ through living the gospel. I feel really good about her baptismal date now and everything will be good.

So today is transfers. Hermana Gatica is off to the coast and I am staying in Monte for my fourth transfer. I feel like my name should be on the member list. I love it though.

My new companion is from Peru. Her name is hermana Delgado. Wish us luck!

I love this work. It is the Lord´s, not mine. I am just amazed that He would let me be a part of it.

Besitos.

Hermanita Urban

more lives touched this week!

Well I have already used half on my Internet time doing I don’t know what. I am enjoying some delicious Helado. It is officially June and the cold has only begun. I already have my thermals, wool tights and thick socks on. Our little Monte house is actually quite big and we have a heater at the bottom of the stairway, thus all the hot air is trapped in the stairway. Who lives on the stairs? I do.

The area is really getting on its feet and it has been amazing to see the progress. It is on the brink of exploding. But still patience is a very important virtue. ¿no?

There are ten people working towards baptism, there is definitely work going on in Monte. But the best things ever are the visits themselves. I love visiting people and bringing the gospel into their homes. Families start unifying and love starts growing.

Andres and Siliva and their kids are doing the simple things that count. Ie: praying together, reading the scriptures together and helping one another out. So that is pretty exciting. They will only have more of the Spirit of Lord in their home.

Rosmeri and Nicolas are adorable and I love and care for them so much that I honestly get nervous when teaching them. Mostly because I just want them to love the gospel.

(I am going to try to take more pictures of people in their homes and what not)

So, the owner of our house is also a member of the church for many many years. Her parents were pioneers in Monte. She has been inactive in the gospel for many many years. Her husband, who has no belief in God, has been smoking since he was 13 years old and is now in the hospital. So it is sad. I love Vivian so much. She is such a great women and I feel so helpless, as I am sure she does. I really think that God is sending her signs. Just as he does. He shows us our weaknesses so we can be made strong. So she is struggling but putting on her happy face. Remember when I first came to Monte and I went to a funeral?? It was her Mom. The great thing is that the missionaries live right next door. She told us that she loves to see us because she sees Good. Something good.

Another less active, after singing a hymn, told us how beautiful it is that we are in the gospel, that we have this joy and that we have that spirit of goodness with us.

The gospel is good. It is simple as that.

Pray for the peeps here.

Hermanita Urban

Busy-Busy...work hard play hard!

Elissa's Dad here...I have been noticing that Elissa really is doing a good job of leading. The best example of a leader is one who keeps moving forward in the work. Then when it comes time to play...you exceed expectations there too. Keep up the work and the play Elissa! Here is her letter:

The weeks keep going and we keep working.

We had another busy week of teaching, helping, and running around like crazies. But its all good.

I absolutely love our investigators. They are great and progressing beautifully in the gospel. Honestly, hands down the best part of missionary work is seeing people bring purpose in their lives. I have always had this purpose but I know that millions don´t. But they should have it - so I am willing to help them find it.

Rosmeri and her son Nicolas (that I have a crush on, 11years old) came to church and LOVED IT!!! I am sooo excited for them to have the gospel in their lives. But guess what?? With the gospel nothing becomes easier . . . actually it (life in general) becomes harder. seriously. That is why it is soooo important that we have a strong foundation on Jesus Christ. It is NOT easy and I will be the first one to admit it. If you don't believe me - try it.

We had a futbol tournament today and thus I am writing today. sorry about the confusion.

Sorry this letter is soo lame. I am super exhausted and we have a long travel ahead of us.

La HermanaUrban

goodness

(2 letters posted today- one from this week and one from last week.)

We had an amazing week here in Monte. We taught a bunch. Rosa spoke in church about faith. I loved a part in her talk where she said that her faith helped her get baptized, but her faith won’t stay in the font, she has to continue coming to church and reading her scriptures to nourish her faith. YOu GO GiRL!

Andres and Siliva and their 2 of their kids came to church!! They came super late and I was on the brink of tears thinking they weren´t going to come. But then all of sudden they walked in and I was sooooo happy. I think they were a little surprised at my reaction when I saw them!! It is a HUGE blessing to see families learn about the gospel.

As for Rosmeri and her kids- they are progressing beautifully and even though they couldn’t come to church, they want to learn about the gospel and want to know how to do what God has in store for us.

We also found two men and gave them the goal of getting baptized. Now they have to ask God to see if that is what He wants them to do. Ask and ye shall receive, right?

I loved chatting with some of ya´ll yesterday!! Happy Mothers Day!! And Happy Birthday Grandpa!!! I love you. I wanted to call Grandma and Grandpa Urban and Grandma and Grandpa Clonts but my phone card ran out mid-sentence with Casey. Lame-o.

2 little school boys are sitting next to me yelling out their plans of attack while they are playing some computer game-thing. Haha I just took a pic.

Hermana Urban

The rebels without a cause:

I had ice cream while I typed today. If I stopped eating this delicious gift I would probably loose some of this extra mission skin that I have.

Me in one of my favorite places in Monte. These ladies have art classes and paint all day and listen to cool music. I love it!!! So I finally went in today-

Fall! 5.4.09

Saludos a todos.

Things are good. Fall is here and can I say how much I love it??! I have been walking around with my camera taking pictures of the trees. The smell, the colors, the scarfs – I love it all!!!!

OTOÑO!!!

I am currently reading the Bible in my personal study and I am just RIVETED with how amazing and interesting it is. WOW!! I cannot get enough of it. I love to read it like a book and then I love to completely dive in and search different parts of it to deepen the goods. Reading it has also made me realize how little I know about God, but it only gives me more drive to understand more.

So here is a little story:

Saturday, randomly, we found out that Rosmeri and the little guys were moving to the other side of town to a nicer home. So basically, it has taken such a long time to get in contact with them since she has been soooooo busy. Understandable. So we stop by to see if she will need help with the move and all. She said that her ex-husband and 3 other men were going to come. We decided to call some people anyway. We called Miguel, this stud recent convert, who never ceases to amaze me. He came directly over. Nobody else that we talked to could come. So anyway, Rosmeri´s husband ends up calling saying that he wasn´t able to come. Which left the 2 missionaries and Miguel and the fam. But I, being a little bit of an overachiever and worrier, run over (with the comp of course) to a menus activo, the oldest son of the branch president. He was just about to leave his apartment as his Mom (RS pres) and we run up. I don´t know how it happened but the timing was amazing. We asked if they could help and they both jumped on it. We arrived at the house and loaded stuff in the truck.

Rosmeri, Fernando, Judith and Nicolas were so happy and thrilled to have some help.

I cannot express how happy I was! A recent covert, menus activo, investigators and members and missionaries just helping someone out. I LOVE SERVICE!

Everyone was so happy and content.

And it also gave us a moment to chat with Hermana Orellano who has been going through some challenges.

I am convinced that when we are willing to do the Lord´s will, He will just work everything out through us. We just have to be willing and then all of a sudden we will realize: “I did nothing, but wow, good things happened and I know it's because God is in charge.”

Mom, I covered my agenda with the wrappers from the Dove Chocolates you sent me. So now I have these feel-good messages to look at.

KEN AND AMY!!! I got the CD and listen to it EVERY second I can get. I love it. And my chilean companion is singing along now too! Thanks soooooooo much.

I love you all. I am gonna go out and enjoy this Fall weather. (are you jealous?)

Hermana Urban

Ps WHERE IN THE WORLD DID MOTHERS DAY COME OUT OF?? I just chatted with ya´ll. I will call this Sunday.

This is me as a brunette:

This is me and my comp in this sweet gaucho store:

MONICA INGOLDSBY!!!! you are the best!! I love your daughter!!!! and yummy chocolate:

promises

We keep working hard in Monte. We have little miracles daily, so I cannot complain.

On Saturday we had a branch activity!! YAY!!! we went to Rosa´s house and painted the outside. It was great. I will send some sweet pics next week. But Rosa was so grateful. She said the closing prayer at church yesterday and just about broke down with gratitude for the service that the members did. It was a such a fun afternoon and we had a ton of investigators that came too.

I also directed a girls choir in the Primary. SO fun!! Actually only one out of the 4 girls is a member of the church. So it was great for the girls and their families to see them sing and participate. I think it would be the hardest thing ever to be a little girl and not have the gospel. So I am happy to help these 3 little girls actually KNOW who they are; which is a child of God . . . someone very special.

We were unable to teach Rosmeri and kids this week. So hard to find them all together sometimes. But I am going to keep my faith and keep working.

Well I love you all and hope all is well. Keep the faith. God loves you. Trust Him and the miracles will happen. I promise.

Hermanita Urban

No Rest...the work must go on

Well my dears,

Just another week in paradise. The work doesn´t get easier, my bag gets heavier, 6:30 am never feels like a restful time; but the spirit grows, the lights that were once dimmed in peoples faces becomes brighter again and it makes it worth it.

After a very worriedly week for me, concerning Rosmeri and kids, I feel better about it. We had a good little lesson how the only way we can know the things about God is to ask the big guy ourselves. So I will continue to pray that they pray.

Today, hence the reason why I am writing later then the usual, we had a Noche de Hogar (Family Home Evening) with Family Orellano. They are the coolest. Pres Orellano, after 8 months of being a member of the church become the president of the branch and has held that position for 12 years. His kids are the only youth and I basically love them. Here is a pic of us playing a sweet game . . . these are the kind of parties I go to currently. Don´t even worry about it.

Also today we stayed in Monte (which I love to do) for our Pday. Other hermanas from our Zone came and we had an Asado (bbq). I made a salad like we know it: Lettuce, carrots, and other veggies, also some grapes. The other girls thought I was crazy and were hesitant to try it. But I enjoyed some actual fruitage and vegage. Because it doesn´t exist in the diet the other days of the week.

Cyber: I am currently listening to "my heart will go on" translated to Spanish. Keep rocking you cyber sound system.

Chow

Hermanita Urban

from elissa on april 13th

Divisions . . . oh and the Luna and the Laguna in Monte:

I went to visit an investigator who just so happened to be with a recent convert. We taught the plan of salvation. The real milagro of all of this is that the daughter of the recent convert, Diana, sat and talked with us. We have been wanted to teach her for 4 months. She heard a testimony from Hermana Eva about how she will be able to be with her child in the heavens that died as a baby. Diana just recently lost her baby and has worried that this baby will go to hell because he wasn't baptized. Through the charla she felt the spirit telling her that she will be able to be with her baby again. Everyone benefited from the lesson. The members, the recent convert, our investigator, Diana, and me! yay!!

chow.

Hermanita Urban

General Conference

The San Miguel de Monte Branch of Buenos Aires Argentina travel to the stake center to watch conference. Hermana Urban and Hermana Gatica from Chile greet people as they enter.

Pray For Families...

Elissa's Dad here...don't you love how Elissa always says "Pray For Families" at the end of her letters... isn't it nice to know that she recognizes how important families are! The family is becoming a lost and troubled unit. Save the family because it is ordained from God for here and the here after...

Here is Hermana's letter:

“Scripture itself points . . away from itself and to the Fact that final and true authority belongs to God himself” N Wright, New Testament Scholar. Thinking about that statement has made me realize more and more how much I must rely on my Father in Heaven. The scriptures are great. We feel great when we read them because the feelings come directly from someone in the heavens watching over us. But scripture makes us turn to the Lord; in prayer, in mediation.

I try to turn more to God little by little, day by day. Because He is the ultimate source of knowledge. And boy do I have soooo many questions.

Everything is going great. Dora came to church. I think she was a little intimated when she went to Sunday School, instead of gospel principles (we don´t have one). But next week we will just teach the class for her. We finally chatted with Rosmeri and she is just such a delight and needs God in her life. She said that her visit helped her a lot and that she wants to continue increasing her faith in God.

Again with the couples mission! It would be the best thing ever! If you want to serve come to Monte with your cute spouse!

Sorry i barely wrote anything. But gotta go. Love you all. The gospel is real.

Hermanita Urban

Pray for families.

All Signs point to a true missionary in this post

This is Elissa's Dad again. Every week is a new surprise and delight hearing from Hermana Urban. She is doing so well and it is because of all our friends, prayers, letters, encouragement that she moves forward with the work. Can you believe in only a short 5 months she will be home. I am very happy and sad at the same time. She really has done so well I dread to see it end. The beauty is it doesn't have to end! We would love to let the missionary Spirit continue here at home. Let us be a light for you and those you know that are ready to hear this great message of love and hope! This invitation will be kept confidential. Just e-mail me at Jim@HomeReferralTeam.net

and now her letter this week...

“Scripture itself points . . away from itself and to the Fact that final and true authority belongs to God himself” N Wright, New Testament Scholar. Thinking about that statement has made me realize more and more how much I must rely on my Father in Heaven. The scriptures are great. We feel great when we read them because the feelings come directly from someone in the heavens watching over us. But scripture makes us turn to the Lord; in prayer, in mediation.

I try to turn more to God little by little, day by day. Because He is the ultimate source of knowledge. And boy do I have soooo many questions.

Everything is going great. Dora came to church. I think she was a little intimated when she went to Sunday School, instead of gospel principles (we don´t have one). But next week we will just teach the class for her. We finally chatted with Rosmeri and she is just such a delight and needs God in her life. She said that her visit helped her a lot and that she wants to continue increasing her faith in God.

Again with the couples mission! It would be the best thing ever! If you want to serve come to Monte with your cute spouse!

Sorry I barely wrote anything. But gotta go. Love you all. The gospel is real.

Hermanita Urban

Pray for families.

the weekly

la estrella:

happy birthday grandma!!!

monte:

el tren:

So this first week of the transfer was an exciting one. After lots of travel we were able to work a ton and do some damage. My companion is called Hermana Gatica, she is from Chile. I felt soooooo bad after one day’s work her feet were covered with blisters. But they are getting better now. We had some great experiences this week. One lady named Betty: She at first was very cold to us, but because her friends are members of the church she started to have a little more interest. After we had a little visit with her I asked if she could say the closing prayer. She started to cry during her prayer and express the things that she had in her heart to her Father in Heaven. I love that. To witness someone go to the Lord in a humble prayer and gain a relationship with him is really a privilege that I have as a missionary, as a person.

We were also able to do divisions this week. Hna Gatica went with Silvia Orellano (RS president and wife of the branch president). They went to visit Dora and talked about the Ten Commandments as well as repentance. They all felt the spirit witness to them that these things come from someone that loves them and cares for them (aka God) and gained more “Umph” to do it.

Basically God exists. And so does His son Jesucristo. I am grateful for the faith that I have and happy that I can live in accordance with this knowledge.

Say your prayers. He hears you!

Anyway, love you. Jesus loves you more.
Hermanita Urban

Radio Show...Wow how cool is this!

I cannot believe how fast the last 6 weeks went. It honestly feels like it didn´t even exist. Today marks the first day of another transfer and I cannot believe it but Hermana Ingoldsby left me! She is off to another area. We might´ve cried. I don´t know who my new companion is she comes from the MTC tomorrow. She is a Latina. So that means that I am training and only spanish. I am excited but nervous as well. I hope I do a good job. Gosh I am just so amazed at how fast this transfer went by. I cried in transfer meeting because it is so scary how fast time seems to be going.

The Rama needs a lot of help and it kind of stresses me out. But I just need to be patient and little by little we will see some great improvements. We don´t have every many investigators. Dora has a baptismal date!!! I am really happy about that!!! But we are still going to have to work super hard. Javier (of Javier and Rosmeri) is moving. Which makes me really sad. But I still have a lot of hope to teach her and the kids. They are the smartest kids I have every met in my life and I love them so much.

The radio show went well again. We talked about families. and Jaun Carlos is expecting us every Wednesday now. He is really great. I am going to make him cookies or something and give him a Book of Mormon. I hope to find some people from this.

Well Love you all so much! God loves you.

Impresionate!!!!!

The comps:

Noche De Hogar with Ericka and her family and her friend Ana Maria. We played UNO!


the Radio show!

We are trying so hard to find these days.

On a sad sad note: We went to Ericka´s house to visit her, do a little teaching, the usual. But this time the walls were all bare!! Why??? Something was definitely off. So We sat down and she told us that she was moving! The next day! Oh my goodness!! Our best investigator is leaving us. I wanted to cry so badly. Because after hours of rejection and not a lot of success ONE good visit with Ericka made it all better. Unfortunately it was true. Fortunately she is moving to Brandsen, not very far away and there are hermanas over there. We called the other missionaries and she talked to them on the phone to feel more comfortable. We gave kisses and hugs and said goodbyes. But I know that this move will be good in the sense that her husband wont have to travel so much = more time at home = more time to talk with the missionaries.

So we were doing contacts the other day. We started to talk with this one guy named Juan Carlos. He told us that he owns and radio in Monte and that we should come check it out. So we walked over with him to his radion station 107.7 “El SOL” He is apparently a well known man in Monte that does a lot of charity work and tries to help people out all the time. So we are BFF´s already (I don´t think he knows). But then he invited us to come again to the radio and he would give us some air time to talk about what we want to talk about. YES!! So we had this little radio gig. SO fun! We were really nervous but it turned out really well. He didn´t interview us or anything. We just explained the Restoration and how God loves us! And we also sang a song “Divina Luz.” He invited us back. Now the sister missionaries in Monte have a little radio show!

The next day we were doing contacts (again trying to find) and clapped a house. This women walked out and said: “oh you are the chicas from the radio!” She invited us in, we chatted and then she came to church! He name is Dora and we are very content. Well, I am gonna work on sending some pics.

I love yous alls!!!
The church is true.
Hermanita Urban

LOTS of WALKING

Yesterday was fast and testimony meeting. Hermano and Hermana Eva are a couple from the stake that come every Sunday to help out the branch as their calling. They are like our parents on Sundays and I love it. Hermano Eva asked us to bare our testimonies in English, It was a really great simple experience. Both Hermana Inglodsby and I shared our testimonies, it was a little weird because we haven´t done that in a long time. But I noticed many of the members wiping tears off their faces. I cannot get over the fact that we feel with the spirit and not so much what is said. It works in all aspects of life.

We are teaching 2 great families. Ericka and her two sons. And Rosmeri and her kids. The problem is trying to get all of them together. We really need to teach the men of the families. Without them it is really hard for everyone else to progress. We had a Noche de Hogar with Ericka and her boys. We watched The Restoration and playing UNO. They loved it. But we have yet to met her husband. But he has seen these amazing changes in Ericka that he wants to meet us, he is just never at home. This week we will meet him sí o sí. Rosmeri is this amazingly nice lady, she is a nurse and is such a good mom. Her dad actually is a member, but lives in Uruguay and hasn´t gone to church for a long time. And Rosmeri´s husband is the son of a recent convert here in Monte. We have met him and he is really great too. This is exactly what Monte needs! Families and leadership. I love it here. And there is a ton of work to do, it´s just hard getting it on its feet.

If anyone wants to serve a couples mission let me know ASAP! And President Asay can call you and then maybe you can serve with me here in Monte!!!!! There is nothing cooler then leaving your home, learning a language, and telling people about the things that mean most to you.

We are walking so much (like usual) but I think it will help me train for when I do the Amazing Race.

Well, I love all of you and miss you lots. I cannot believe it is March, yay for March.
That means summer will soon cease.

Chow
Hermana Urban

from february 23

This week was great. The weeks go by soooo fast.

We have not been able to find Nestor. He randomly disappeared. So we are really sad that that happened. We have no idea where he went. weird eh?

We are teaching two great families. The running theme I see in this work is the purpose and life people receive from the gospel. One of my favorite persons ever, Erikca, is finding so much happiness and purpose from the gospel. (sorry i dont have a lot of time so I can´t go in crazy detail). A year ago she wasn´t happy at all and now she has purpose.

I know that this is God´s church. I am grateful to be apart of it. I am also grateful that I can be apart of the work. I think everyone should go on a mission. We need more missionaries.

love,
hermana urban

This Week in Pictures...always fun!

Here is a bunch of girlies from a Banfield activity . . . oh and Hermano Ramierz haha.
and...Doing some sweet paper work.







We might have stayed at the mission home last weekend. And hermana Asay might have made cookies. That was the first real cookie I´ve had in a year. Brown sugar doesn´t exist here. But Hna Asay has some I guess. She is pretty much amazing.

The LONG train ride. Imagine doing 2 bus rides and a train ride and then walking to your new home with crazy luggage. No fun. zero fun. The big suitcase of mine broke. I don´t know what I will do . . .



Familia Rameriz from Banfield 4 (love them.)

Me packing my life away to move to Monte while sucking a sucker (one of those Las Vegas suckers that my Mom sent me)

A nice friendly cockroach...Whoa!

happiness.

green dot: san miguel de monte

So one week in San Miguel de Monte. It is soooooo cute. Honestly, this entire week I have non-stop been telling my adorably awesome companion that I feel like I am in a whole different world. It has all these tourist type things. There is an amazing lake that I see people jet skiing and playing. I try to not get jealous. There is a bit of a drought going on so the lake is really low; it actually is acting like a beach right now because it is so low. People are playing on the "beach."

The church is super small. To give you an idea the member list is 2 pages long. It hasn´t had missionaries for a really long time and so the members are getting a little more excited about the work here (because we are here now!). Our church building is – no joke – an old Club. It is hilarious because behind the "bar" is the baptismal font. The upstairs floor is spotted with chewed gum embedded into the worn down carpet. The old dance floor is now lined with folding chairs with hymn books lying on top. Basically I love it. But my goal for this area is to help out the assistance so they can get a chapel. So that is my dream and hope. A cute little chapel for cute little Monte.

The people are great too. I am happy because if not I would be having major Banfield 4 withdrawals. N is this man that has problems with some pretty heavy drugs. We have started to call him everyday. I see so much potential. The only thing he wants is to follow Christ´s example and to have his family back together and happy. It is just that; that is what people want! Happiness. A good family. So it is going to be some hard work but I know that he can do it.

Sunday was . . . interesting. An older hermana that has been sick for a very long time died during the night. Some of the family are active members and others not. The branch president was called to go to the funeral/barrial. So we actually didn´t have church at all. Instead we just went to this cemetery and sang some hymns. Of course they make the missionaries lead the songs. It's funny because I am just this chica from the states, nobody really knows me, but I was some sort of help in a time of need by leading them in song. Sometimes we just need to do the small things for people.

Sunday night we traveled to another little town to stay the night with some other hermanas (Duran and Olivera). Because yesterday we had zone conference, hence the reason why I didn´t write yesterday. And Monte is pretty far so we have to travel lots. So anyway, our bus broke down half way there. The bus is super crowded to the point where we are standing on top of one another. We were standing where the door opens and closes (in the states I actually don´t think you can stand there). But anyway we met this really cute girl and made friends with her. She is 24 and has been dating her boyfriend, who lives in Monte, for 3 years. This weekend we are hoping to go met him and chat it up about how the gospel can bless their lives.

Ok sorry this email is long!

The mission is great. I love the point where I am right now on the mission. Gotta live it to the FULLEST!

Loves yous lots. Its been awhile ya´know?
Hermanita Urban

Ps. All you people get to see and read about me, but I don't catch much wind of what is going on up there. IE: friends write and send me a pic!!

Transfers

Hola from the Deep South!

Well my friends and family, it happened. I am leaving Banfield 4. It was a long hot 4 months, which really did go by fast and was completely rewarding. We got the call that I was leaving Saturday night, early that day I called President to let him know that I would be willing to be in Banfield 4 the rest of my mission. The people are just amazing. I cannot describe the love that generates from those people. I have completely fallen in love with them. I am so proud of all of our recent converts. Lily has beyond amazed me. Delfina has such a strong testimony that she is constantly sharing with people around her. Ivan knows the Book of Mormon inside and out. Hevana is a shining example to all of her friends. Yolie finally feels as though she has guidance in her life, Siliva as well. Gloria and Diego will be getting married and baptized in this next transfer. Banfield 4 is just going to explode with success. Yes there were HOURS of walking in the dead heat, and there are many more hours ahead of me, but the people make it all worth it. I am sad to leave Banfield 4. Even though the pension is complete asco!

I am off to this place called Monte. It was just recently opened. Our chapel is in an old Disco turned church. My companion is Hermana Ingoldsby from Canada [insert screams of excitement]. I am excited but nervous. It is farming country again (flashback to San Vicente) So it will probably be a bit more tranquilo, than the ghetto.

So yup that is the update.

There are a lot of Missionaries going home today. A lot of my little friends. So blah. I hate saying goodbye. Its just sad news. But I was thinking about it. The elders that are leaving started their missions (2 years ago, dur) before I even started to really think about going on a mission. So I am happy for them, and proud of them for having served a mission. Because pretty much it’s the greatest thing ever.

It´s a small thing that I can do to show my love and devotion to the One that did everything for me.

Moments of being in our own Gethsemane are only opportunities that we have to know what Christ had to go through.

Welp, love you all soooooo much!! I cannot believe how long it´s been since I´ve seen ya´ll. Know that I love yous and I wish I could hug yous!

Vaya con paz y amor y mas que nada Dios,
Hermanita Urban

Update Last Week of January 2009...enjoy!

Well this week was a little bit of a roller coaster ride. When is there a week NOT like that on the mission? We were just hit with surprises here and there from our investigators. But during this week, and the mission in general, I really can say that I feel that Lord puts us in the places where we need to be.

I talked about this one investigator when we chatted on the phone over Christmas. We always have the most spiritually filled lessons with them. They can feel something different when we are there. So anyway we stopped by and her, C's family, were there and worried- like. Something was definitely wrong. We asked if we could go in and say a little prayer of sorts. Turns out that C was pretty sick and they were waiting for the ambulance. So we went in and said hi and had a really great moment of lifting her spirits. Helping her feel happier in a really hard time that she was going through. We haven't seen her since, she's been in the hospital.

The Lord know his missionaries, protects them (you should SEE my area- "roll up the windows and lock the doors"), and He puts them where He needs them. I am not here to learn a new language, learn a new culture, eat insane amount of red meat; But I am here with a purpose and that is to invite others to come unto Christ. And along the way miracles happen.

Next week are transfers and I have fallen in love with this area. It is a hard area (But an "easy" area doesn't exist). I don't know what to expect, you never know. But my heart is really invested into the people here and there needs. Come what may.

Love
Hermanita Urban

Taking Care Of The Missionaries...

As I was home teaching (a program where we take care of our membership) one of my families this week I realized that in our conversation we need to take care of the missionaries. Here are a few wonderful ways we can help:

1) Find people for them to teach in our homes.
2) Invite them over for dinner and invite friends and neighbors to join.
3) Offer them rides to various destinations.
4) Testify during a missionary lesson.
5) If you see them on your street talking to neighbors invite them in for a drink of water.
6) Be willing and offer your time for team-ups or split offs on designated nights.
7) and finally make sure they go home with some leftovers.

Just love and care for them because I know someone is doing this for my daughter Elissa all the way in Argentina.

Family Friendly and Candy Canes...a good mix!

We love this letter Hermana Urban wrote:

Hola.

¿Capaz hoy escibo en castillano? Bueno, este semana fue largo y hacia mucho calor. Pero, igual el campo esta progresando. ok, voy a escribir en ingles ahora . . .

The changes we are seeing in Gloria and Diego are incredible. The power that the gospel has to bring lasting happiness and joy is entering their hearts and changing them for the better. In church I was sitting there, thinking to myself about the faith that Gloria has. I feel that her sweet humble faith can move mountains. Which only strengthens mine.

There is this new little park in our area, where a ton of little kids go out to play. And at night families come out. It is a huge change in our area. Before it was just a small area where people would sometimes hang out. It was NOT family friendly. Now it is. So one night we decided to go on over to the park and talk with families. My comp had a bunch of candy canes from Christmas so we handed them out to families. It was super fun. And now we have 3 new families we are going to start working with. I am excited to see the gospel enter into their homes.

Well, anyway, things are good. I keep working. I pray a lot.

Hermana Urban

A Package from Grandma Urban

By Jim: How joyful it would be if you were all the way in Buenos Aires, Argentina and you got a package from your grandma all the way in Denver, Colorado. Grandma Urban sent her love in a care package and Elissa shows her appreciation, just look at these pictures.

a christmas package from elissa!

By Bethany: Last weekend I got a surprise call from Elissa's mission president's daughter Molli! She had gone to visit her parents for the holidays and came back with a package for us from Elissa! I met her in Orem to pick up the package and then my family came into Provo that very night to bring Kendra back to BYU, so we all treasured the package together. She threw in some treats for each of us and for several of her friends. We got a few sweet Argentine pop CD's, some of her favorite artificial sweet bread, and lots of Alfajors. The most special gifts were the 2 little nativities made by her and Lily (which you read a little bit about in this post). We took a few pics and sent them to Elissa last night before she checked her e-mail this morning.

Elissa's response:

Yay! I am sooooo happy that your little package of love got there! I love Molli!!

I have the prettiest family.

you will have to make me pretty when i come home.

i love these pics. oh my gosh!!!

man i miss you all sooo much.

good job casey with the cool cd

Isn't Molli just great? she rocks. and she is going to be the best missionary ever.

I cannot believe you all did a fun little road trip. Jealous. I miss that drive lots.

Currently it is hot. It is really hard because we just walk for hours in the heat and I just want to be in a pool or our really dark cool basement. But thankfully God sends His missionaries little tender mercies. Yesterday after walking for HOURS trying to find some new people to teach, offer service, help, whatever they need, etc. we decided to stop by a members home (also because we wanted to use the bathroom), Maria (Love her!!!), and she gave us some orange pop. We also had a really great experience as we shared a scripture. It was a little pick-me-up. Sometimes our little blessings are orange pop and a warm feeling that doesn´t come from the dead heat.

Something that I have been so amazed at is how important the members of the church are. We don´t realize our own influence sometimes. The members, on their own, made a little basket of food/goodies for Gloria and Diego and their babies. One family had them over for New Years. And they have made them feel completely welcome at church. It is not "missionary work" it is the work of the Lord. It is people helping people come unto Christ. Others helping others realize that they are children of God and what we should do Because of that.

Anyway, I am just grateful for tender mercies. I love you and I love the Lord.

Hermanita Urban

new mission home address!

from elissa:

THE OFFICES ARE MOVING!!!!

Write to and send stuff here:

Quintana 447

1846 Adrogué

Buenos Aires, Argentina

*the sidebar has also been updated.

december 29

*2 new posts today! last week's and this week's e-mail. lots of pictures at the bottom of both posts. leave us your e-mail address if you want a high-res copy of any of the pictures. enjoy!

Yup it is almost the new year!! Can you believe it??

Christmas was absolutely amazing. We had zone meeting in the morning and we brought a white elephant gift. But the great thing is that my zone has the mission home in it. So Hermana and President Asay were so super nice and opened up their home, even with some of their family in town, to have a big Christmas lunch. So we also brought either a dessert or a side dish. And Hermana Asay made the Ham! But of course she goes up and beyond and makes everything else, including funeral potatoes - I forgot those even existed!! So we had our zone gift exchange. Ate. and then we sang Christmas Hymns. It was just good feelings all day. I am definitely one of the lucky ones.

Afterwards we went out and worked. We visited the older hermana and sang some songs to her and read the Christmas story to her. It was great.

We, once again had to be in early (because the streets aren´t safe on the holidays) and so we invited Brittany, President´s daughter to come over. Pretty much we had a girl's night. haha.

But this Christmas was great because there were no commercials. We knew why we were celebrating this day. As a missionary I thought more about Christ, why He had to come to the earth and what He did for us. The entire reason why He came to this earth was because He had to fulfill the plan of our eternal father.

Church was great yesterday. Gloria came with her little babies. After church Lily and her daughter, Rocio, walked with home with Gloria and her little ones. I watched them walk away together and I thought: THAT is why we work so much during the week, with the heat and the long hours. Because you get to see people helping one another as they are coming unto Christ. I love the gospel. period.

Well, it was super fun to talk to you all. I miss you all sooo much.

Well here´s to another week on the mission field . . .

loves

Hermanita Urban

PICS!...

this is Celeste, Oscar and Luna. I love them. Christmas Eve. (about 2 hours before i called ya´ll!!):

our little Christmas eve celebration. we totally found chips and salsa!!! (we went out of our way to find some, they are close to impossible to find. this is the first chips and salsa in a LONG while, and you all know I eat that stuff for lunch and dinner alone):

my excited "I can´t believe I am going to eat chips and salsa" face:

Little Lily Asay. A granddaughter of President Asay. It blew our minds talking English with little kids. Hermana asay said that lily had to have been drawn to me because of my blonde hair. haha. I loved her!!!:


The mission home christmas tree pic:

cool random door. not in my area:

the mission home all croweded:

me with brittany, Hna Asay and Hna Tracy:

(some of these aren´t the pics i meant to send.)

oh the last one in hna tracy and a stray dog. not unusual. we went to eat at this side-of-the-road asado place:


the sidewalk asado:

december 22

*we didn't get around to posting last week's e-mail until now! new pictures at the bottom of this post. enjoy!

Hola todos!!!

How is everyone this Christmas week? I cannot believe that it is Christmas. That came out of nowhere. But I am not complaining because I am super excited to talk to ya´ll!

I have written up a list of things that I want to talk about. So get ready!!

Basically this week was amazing. And pretty much didn´t exist because it just flew by!!

We had our last Noche de Luz concerts this week. tear. I am so sad. But so happy that I was a part of such a great program. On Saturday night we sang in La Plata. A stake center that is a 2 hour car ride away. So me, being once again a very lucky one, rode with President in his air conditioned van. As we were driving along the highway, we noticed that a car accident happened on the other side of the road. President, being President and also a Doctor, decides to pull over and see if he can help anyone out. So we patiently wait in the car (actually we had a little music video moment). As President goes to see what he can do. But it was like a scene from ER. He was walking against traffic with his shirt billowing in the wind. I took a picture. But everything was fine. He offered to help but they either didn´t want it or they were just going to wait for the ambulance or something. ¿Que sé yo?

On Saturday morning we did divisions. President and Hermana Asay´s daughter, Brittany, came out with me. (she is visiting her parents for Christmas). It was very fun for me. And she just has this sweet spirit about her. (Since when did I say "sweet spirit?") She prayed in English in our appointments and I know that the people we were visiting felt the spirit even though it was in a different language. But it was fun to talk about the mission, why I am on a mission, etc. with someone that is making that decision right now. The mission is tough stuff. But completely worth it. You learn how to deal with and do hard things.

Well our little family, Diego and Gloria are doing well. They went to two ward activities (without us because we had noche de luz). But the ward is in love with them. They are from Cordoba, so the ward members have started to call them the Cordabitas, meaning the little Cordobains. Diego found some work. It is not the greatest but it is something. Unfortunately it goes until the early hours and he is sleeping by the time church starts. We are going try to help fix that.

Ok, well my time is out. sad moment. But hey I am going to talk to you all!!!! YIPPEEEEE!!!!

I am gonna call Christmas eve at 7 o´clock pm my time. You are the ones that have google so you can figure out what time that is for you. haha.

Loves

Hermanita Urban

Noche de luz. this should be a sweet cd cover pic. (Kendra and Janelle I have a couple of these elders picked out for you):

me and Hermana Tracy:

behind these trees is what is called the Holy Grail. Wal-mart. Haven´t seen one of those in a LONG TIME!!!

This is a special little nativity that Lily made and taught us how to make. she is soooo special:

President saving the world:

Somebody got a Christmas package and was super excited to get Christmas cookies. and as Hermana Tracy said the cookies have a special filling of "Urban love":

Hermana Asay made TO-DIE-FOR brownies for our last noche de luz. I cannot explain how tasty they were:

My new friend Hermana Insgoldby. And a shout out to her mom, Monica!