Jake's e-mail from April 2, 2012

Well I hope you all liked conference. I sure did. We just went into the center of town and went to the Stake Center and watched it there. It was nice because there was a separate room for the gringos so we could watch it in English. It was really really special. It has a lot more meaning for me on my mission than before. I noticed that they used the song I am a Child of God in 5 separate talks and the scripture Moses 1:39 in three other talks. I thought that was interesting. And it went by so fast too. All the sessions flew by even though they were two hours each. But I had a really good time. And also I bought speakers and an mp3 today. I looked and it is just as much money to buy an mp3 than I would have on something that could have had a CD player in it. But don’t stop sending music though because I can transfer the music. And this week was really good. I guess why they let us open the area is because the other Elders that were in our area were not doing a good job and kind of ruined the area. So we have to rebuild it. I’m looking forward to the challenge. And the ward is really willing to help out to. And it started to get cold. And they were right about the humidity being a huge factor. Because it’s a different kind of cold. So I pulled out my electric blanket to use and plugged it in. then I heard a loud buzzing then a pop. And my electric blanket cord exploded. So I might get cold this winter but that’s ok. I got my companion to snuggle with. Jajaja just kidding. Wow Luke is 16. He’s starting to be a grown up. That’s pretty cool. What did he get for his birthday? A car? Jaja. That’s good it’s warming up there I hope it starts to cool off here. Because after 2 days of super cold it went back to super hot. So I officially don’t understand this country. And that’s ok. I will learn. And during conference I got to talk with some sister missionaries that were in my district. There are 3 missionaries in T-bo from my district in the MTC. So it felt like a homecoming. And can’t you believe this transfer I’m going to be out for 6 months wow. What has happened in 6 months back home? Because everything can change. What new, movies, books, people, whatever. I want to know...and sorry if my spelling or grammar is bad because Spanish is killing my English. I love you all and hope you have a great life...
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Con Amor Elder Salmond- capo, guapo, snaker

Armadillo... taste like turkey

So I don’t know if I told you but the area that I’m in is different. Because we are both new so we are opening the area. It’s really hard but we can do it. And the two missionaries that left didn’t leave good records or anything. For example for a direction to a house they would just put a street name but the street is like 3 miles long. So we have had to work with members a lot here. And they all want to help so it makes it easier. But it’s still hard. And I have been told that our area is hard to work with in general. And as a district we had a goal of 35 lessons with a member but we had 39 in the week. That is a ton.  Elder Pineda and I had only 11. But the zone leaders are really pleased with us. He tells me a lot that I have been working hard. That makes me want to work a lot more now. And our area has a lot of country. Our area is really skinny but is super long. We can’t even go into a part of it because the people live so far apart that it’s not worth trekking all the way out there. So during our interviews with President last week I mention cell phones and bikes for us. He said he would think and pray about it.  But it would be nice if we could get those. Ok if you see that I pulled out money from my account don’t worry. I need some money for some garments because I don’t have enough and I want an mp3 player. It’s going to be the same price as a CD player but it’s a lot easier to deal with. So don’t freak-out. And last night I ate armadillo for the first time. It was good tasted like turkey but a little more greasy. Really yummy. And a Christmas miracle happened I got your Christmas package. Woooooooooo. I guess it went to the MTC and an Elder held on to it and then sent it to me when he got to Uruguay. How nice. And if you could get the information about Seth and the leather scripture cases that would be nice. And it would be nice if he could be the go between too. And Mother’s day here is the second Sunday of May not he first. So don’t freak out about that.

What an opportunity we have here in about a week. We get to hear from an actual Prophet in our days. Wow. What a blessing. This has been a focus in our lessons lately because people can actually hear and see it. So I want to express that this is a good time to get answers. When you watch General Conference think of a question about anything and I testify that you will receive an answer. Because it happened to me. The last general conference was on missionary work and at that time I was having concerns about my mission. So that was an answer for me. I testify that this Church is true because it is directly from God and no man could have created it. And thru Jesus we can be saved. I share this little message in his name even Jesus Christ amen.

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Con Amor Elder Salmond- capo, guapo, snaker

T-bo... Jake's new place

So transfers went well. First I woke up at 3 in the morning to catch the bus to Montevideo, and I got there at around 7 in the morning. But I really didn’t sleep on the bus. So I was really tired. Then I talked to other missionaries in the terminal in Montevideo. It’s called tres cruses. And there was a bunch of other missionaries because all the buses go to Montevideo. This country is very centralized. Everything goes or comes in to Montevideo. It is pretty annoying but oh well. But then my other bus for T-bo didn’t leave until 12. So I was stuck in Montevideo for 5 hours. So I walked around Montevideo with the zone leader there. It is giant everything is big and loud. But it was really cool. Then when it came time to leave I got onto a Turil bus. Which is the really nice company for buses because they have two floors and they gave me an alfajor and some coca cola, really nice of them. And it was a little roomier than the other buses I have taken. But the bus to Tacuarembó was long about 6 hours. And it was a lot of country. When I got to T-bo I got my luggage. Which there is no real threat of them being stolen. And I was greeted by 3 other missionaries. Mine was Elder Pineda. And he is new to the area too. So both of us have no information of our area. And it’s been hard. We have had to start from scratch. And the missionaries that left had terrible records. They didn’t put down addresses for investigators. Which they really don’t have them but at least you could describe something. And we actually have a house. It had 4 missionaries in it and it’s huge and pretty nice. I love T-bo. The members here are really strong and very supportive the best I have seen. They fight over our laundry and give us tons of food. I have a feeling I’m going to gain some weight here. But my area only has a couple of streets but is super long. It takes us 40 minutes to get to the bishops house and that is not even the farthest we can go. It’s super long. And a lot of people say we have bikes but we really don’t. So that’s a bit of a bummer. Well I don’t have that much time left so my spiritual thought is going to be a little short. Look at D&C 59:9-10. And tell me what it says and I can promise you it is a great commandment that we need to follow. I love you all so very much bye...and I just bought a switch blade. And I was holding an ostrich egg I think. Well I explain more and answer more questions next week...

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Con Amor Elder Salmond- capo, guapo, snaker

Jake's e-mail today and his first transfer in the field...

So as you know transfers are today. That is why this email is a day late. Transfers are every 6 weeks. So just expect my email to be late every 6 weeks. And transfers are just a phone call from the zone leader. He calls and gives you your new companions name and where you will be transferred to or not. And it takes only 5 minutes, but it seems like forever to get the call. It's kind of funny because my compani9on has been in only two areas for 1 year. Funny. my transfer is.........a place called.......and it's in Spanish........and it's a little up north.......and......it.......is......Tacuarembó. It's really for north and it is really hot there because I was talking with Elder Elliott (he is the other gringo missionary in Dolores) and he was just there and said it's a really good place to be. So I'm leaving tonight at 3:30 in the morning and going all the way down to Montevideo and then going all the way up to Tacuarembó. The bus ride to Montevideo is 5 hours then to Tacuarembó is 6 hours. So it's going to be a long day I think. And I already packed today and I'm just waiting now. And today for p day we had lunch with a bunch of our friends/investigators/converts. It was really fun. I am going to miss Dolores but oh well that's the mission. A couple of other things I want to mention are that my shoe size down here is 44 to 46. So I don't know what scale that is one but you can Google it. And I'm so glad you took on my challenge with 2 Nephi 12:2. And yes the answer is UTAH. Crazy huh? I knew Utah was really special but the scriptures just verify it. I'm so glad you found the answer. At the beginning of last week there was a huge storm and it dumped so much water on us. We were walking then all of the sudden it felt like someone poured a bucket of water on me and within 1 second I was soaked. Crazy then it didn't stop until that night. And when we walked back to our apartment that night it was nuts because the trenches in front of people's houses (which are about 4 feet deep) were full and started to go into the street. The street was literally a river. And it was so cool and scary too. And while I have been here in Dolores I only got packages from you. And I got letters from you, and a sister missionary in Argentina (she is a friend from the MTC and a letter from brother Erickson. it was really nice of him. it helped me a lot. and about the Facebook thing. I want it for after my mission because we can't use Facebook, but I want it now so my friends and investigators can friend me on it. Then when I get home I will have all my contacts. And about the animals here. There is nothing really new or different. But there is a ton of dogs. In the street and as peoples pets. It's really crazy. It's common to see a dog just lying in the middle of the road. And they are just mainly mutts of all different sizes, colors, and breed. Just crazy. Amanda wouldn't like it here. And in one week I probably walk about 15 to 20 miles. But that is just an estimate. And I'm really jealous of all the good movies that are coming out. Man! I'm a little trunkie. Because of that and the email with all the pictures. It looks really nice. Did you have fun? I hope they will be happy. Wish them the best for me please. Well I love you all and I'll have a really good spiritual thought next week...from Tacuarembó...
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Con Amor Elder Salmond- capo, guapo, snake

Jake's e-mail from March 5th 2012

Hola hola. So this week was kind of a letdown. Because the majority of our investigators went down the drain. One named Alicia. When we knocked on her door she said that she didn’t believe in god and didn’t want to talk to us. So we shared our testimony about the plan of salvation. Then all of the sudden she let us in. And she told how her husband and a couple of her children died and she wanted to see them again. I testify this to the Holy Spirit. Because we could have talked about anything else and it wouldn’t have affected her. And in just a couple of short weeks she has a believe in God and all of the things we taught her. And then out of the blue she texted us and said she didn’t want us to come over and she wouldn’t go to church. So that was a bummer. Another named Aroma was the same thing. We taught her everything about the Book of Mormon and the restoration. And she had a ton of questions which is God because it shows interest. And she told us she knew everything to be true. But we got a text from her saying she was going to stick to her church. And we try to contact them both but they don’t respond or they are not home. And the two people that we were helping to get married kind of just gave up. And their two daughters that we baptized don’t want to go to church any more. And we have a couple of other investigators that are doing the same thing. It’s such a bummer to hear these kinds of things especially when they tell you they know it to be true. And transfers are next week so that is going to make it even harder to work with them. I want to cry for them but all I can do is help them more and hope they accept our messages and enter the waters of baptism. Just a little frustrated this week. So how’s life in Utah. Were the cold is? Because it immediately went back to hot this week. Crazy weather I don’t get it. But they say it gets really cold during winter. Which I want because I have been stuck in summer for about 7 or 8 months now. So I could use a break. And by the way during carnival nothing crazy happened and I emailed you from a guy’s garage where he had a couple of computers set up. It was kind of weird but at least I emailed right. That is so freaking amazing with Micah, I have been praying for him for a long time. I’m so glad he has made the right decision to go on a mission. And I’m so happy you guys fellowshipped him. Sounds like the good old days but I fell there is something missing. Oh wait that’s me jajaja... (That’s Spanish for hahaha, seriously).I totally forgot about Christina and Steven. That’s so nuts. Tell them I’m upset with them because I said to wait until I come back jajaja just kidding. But that’s so cool, could you send me some pictures. It will be like I’m there. And give them my best wishes. You could possibly take a photo of me so it feels like I’m there. I don’t know some ideas. And the thing with the pizza is it’s not like back home. Nothing is. The pizza dough is more like a corn bread then back home and it only comes with salsa or sauce on it. And the coca cola tastes way different here. It’s not sweet really and tastes a little watery. And stuff like that. Ill have to bring some back home so you all can try it. Oh there is a soda here that is to die for. The brand is called Fagar and it’s the apple flavored soda. It is soooooo mummy. And it’s only in the supermarket across the street from out apartment. Which is called Cadol. but we call it Cador because that means expensive here, and it is kinda expensive. And I’m so glad I’m on my mission it’s so great. Ya at times I might complain or be grumpy but over all its amazing. How many times can you say you have been in South America? And I know I’m learning Spanish when someone asks me a question and I respond without thinking about it. My companion calls me Moses and himself Aaron. Because Moses did all the miracles and Aaron did all of the talking. I agree with the talking part but not the Moses part. Because that is a lot of credit to me. And it’s called a companionship for a reason. I love you all and you are all in my prayers. yo les amo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Con Amor  Elder Salmond- capo, guapo, snaker

E-mail from Jake today...

So I’m emailing from Mercedes because we had a meeting here then my companion needed to go to the doctors for his eyes. It was only a checkup for new glasses. But Mercedes is huge compared to Dolores. So a couple things I wanted to mention first. Last week I was putting one of my shirts on and while I was buttoning it up a spider crawled across my chest. Scary. And it has been cooler. It’s like someone switched on the air conditioner. It feels really good. And they say the seasons change almost instantly. So I guess they were right. And carnival was different. It lasts for a week which I didn't know. But no parties that’s only in the places closer to Brazil. But everything was a lot more party like. And kids throw water balloons at you but it’s a good thing South Americans suck at throwing. They are only good with their feet. Because of all the futbol. So none of them hit me. I felt like Samuel the Lamanite on the wall. And I’m still working on my picture situation for you all. I just need to buy a converter which I’m going to do today. And I thought I would never be kissed by random strangers but I guess new things happen all the time on your mission. It’s a greeting here. They kiss you on the check, but missionaries are not allowed to. But every once in a while they get ya. Its gets pretty awkward especially when a man does it. Ewwww... And oh my goodness Star Wars Episode I is coming out in 3D. Wow. You have to let me know how that is. I want to see it. But I think I'll wait for it. And I have been doing as the kings of old have done with their poison. They used to drink a little at a time to get used to it so I wouldn’t kill them. And I have been doing that with the water here. And I haven’t got really sick yet. So it think its working. And it’s true what you said about North Americans. They are seen as money bags here. Everyone mentions something about it. It can get pretty intense sometimes. Especially with other missionaries. So I’m keeping it on the down low. And I’m saying no a lot more too. I do feel a little bad but its either I say no or I go hungry. So...and don’t forget that changes are in 2 weeks. So don’t freak when I email a day later. I wonder if I’m leaving or staying in Dolores. And I had a dream too. I don’t remember what it was about but I was called Elder Salmond in it. So I think the mission is really stuck in my mind now.

It amazes me how little people know about their religion here. People claim to be Catholic, Evangelical, or whatever they claim to be. But they don’t know anything. We ask them simple questions like was Jesus baptized, or about the Atonement and they have no idea what we are talking about. It shocks me a lot. How can you claim to be in a certain religion and not even know why? And there is a section in Preach my Gospel about teaching people with a non Christian background. And I thought I wouldn’t have to use it that much especially for Catholics, but I use this knowledge almost every day. So what point I’m I trying to make? READ THE SCRIPTURES. Most importantly read the Book of Mormon. This book has knowledge and answers that you can’t find anywhere else. And it’s the key stone in our religion. We need to know everything we can about the gospel of Jesus Christ so that when we are questioned we can respond with full confidence what we know. And we can obtain blessings that this gospel has. For example eternal life, eternal families, peace, happiness, joy, and many others. I have experienced what the Book of Mormon can do to someone if they read, ponder and pray about it. It changes someone from an ignorant, rude and truth seeking person into the most beautiful soul who knows what life is about and can see they have changed for the better. They find answers to questions they have had for years and it gives them peace. And to the people who have read it but have lost the light they wanted in the beginning I say to you read the book again and ponder the words. Then ask god, for he is the only one who can give you such a powerful answer, that the Book of Mormon is true. That Joseph Smith saw the Father and the Son. Who restored the gospel once again on this earth so that we may return to live with our Heavenly Father? I pray to those who read this message to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it and I can promise you with the fullness of my heart that this book is true. That tens of thousands even millions have died so that we could hold the truth in our hands. They died to give use the knowledge to save our souls from a fallen state, so that we can be as a family for all time and eternity. To know that Christ is our Redeemer and Savior and will return again to judge this telestial world. Once again read the Book of Mormon. I leave you with my thoughts and my ultimate promise in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

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Con Amor Elder Salmond- capo, guapo, snaker

Jake's e-mail 2-20-12

Here is another installment from Jake. We are so happy that he got two of our packages. Sort of surprised too. Maybe having them covered in religious stickers over all of seals really helps. Who knows. Well here you go...

so this  week was different because we went to Paysandú for a zone conference. it was a 3 hour bus ride. and it was at 5 in the morning. it was ok. I got really motion sick trying to sleep. but when we got there it was good. the conference was about the book of Mormon as a tool for conversion. it was really good. and I saw a buddy of mine from the MTC there. and we chatted. the conference lasted all day. and they gave us lunch of pizza and cookies and fries. it was so good I almost cried. and I had to share my testimony is Spanish. which wasn't really hard. but some of the newer missionaries struggled a little. nut they did good for how much time they have been in. The  extra money you guys sent will be needed. I haven't broken into it yet but I will, because my companion spends all of his money about half way thru the month and I do a pretty good job of budgeting. but about this time he has no money and is always asking for mine. but I say no. and he always offers my money to buy stuff for activities and things like that. which sometimes I do buy stuff because I see that its ok, but other times it's just not necessary. so I tell him no and he gets mad at me but I really don't care it's not his money. and at first we used to share food but now I buy my own because he spends his money on junk food like cookies, crackers, and soda. but I like to spend mine on real food. and he eats all of his food as soon as we bring it home. so from now on I buy all my food. and he does whatever he wants. I mean he is a good guy but he gets on my nerves a lot and he is really hypocritical. probably the worst I have known, but I try to look past that and see him as a missionary. and ya he teaches me the ins and outs of missionary work, but not of Spanish, so I fell like I'm lacking in that area. and today is carnival so the entire town of Dolores is shut down. I mean the entire town. there is not one shop open and no one is one the street. it's really strange. and today its cooler because it's raining a lot. and it feels really good. and something cool my shoes are already starting to lose the tread on the bottoms, so that means I'm walking a lot I guess. and I have figured out that I have lost about 25 to 30 pounds. and my goal is to lose a lot less. and I think I will be able to do that.  so how is winter I bet it's amazing. I have forgotten what it feels like to be cool and not sweaty 24/7. I have been in a summer for about 7 months now. it's hot...must be summer (or Uruguay). and last Saturday it was my companions birthday and I bought him and me some ice cream. it was super dulce de leche and it was really yummy, but really expensive. and that night we had 2 parties too. and there was a ton of food and it was great. there was cake pizza cookies and juice. then we went to a members house for another party. the member is kind of crazy but her granddaughter was there. and she is the most beautiful girl I have ever met. so I took a picture hahahaha. and we ate even more food and also received a call from the president to wish him a happy birthday. that's cool about grandma. I hope she is really happy there. I'm glad she finally moved off the mountain. it's better that way. hey I was thinking...and I really want grandma to paint me a picture of Jesus, like the one you guys have. so when  I get home I can have it on my wall. so could you ask her if she could do it and I will be willing to pay her for it too. that would be one of the best things if she could, but if not that's fine too. and when I ask for stuff in my emails, because it seems like I do it a lot, it's not needed right away. its ideas for future packages. so don't feel pressure to send me stuff. and I'm working on the pictures. I just need to buy a converter for my memory card so I can hook it up to the computer. then I can send pictures thru email. and don't be scared to send pictures thru email too.
 
Con Amor  Elder Salmond- capo, guapo, snaker
PS if you could send pictures of my baptism, of Courtland's too, and of the house and of the entire family like cousins  aunts uncles that kind of stuff that would be really sweet. remember I love you all