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

Jake's e-mail for this last Monday...

Here is Jake's e-mail....

Well I just wanted to let you know that I got your second package. I knew it was mine because it was covered in Catholic stickers. I wonder what people think of that? I love the packages it made my week. This one had the rest of the CDs in it. So I have been listening to them for a week straight. My companion likes to listen to them when we sleep. Ya and it’s really scary when you get woken up in the middle of the night by hidden Bigfoot sounds on your CD. Ya that was pretty scary to my companion. I got really sad because when I heard them it felt like I was camping again and we hit the jackpot of recordings, but then I realized it was my CD. But pretty funny, because my companion freaked out and didn’t know what the sounds were. So I had to explain to him the whole Bigfoot thing in Spanish. And the food in the packages is really yummy. It had been my dinners for the last week. Ahh it reminds me of home. So a couple of interesting things happened this week. First is one night when we were sleeping a huge storm rolled in and we had our windows open. And it started to pour rain. And we were both asleep. But my companion woke up at around 2 in the morning to use the bathroom. When he stepped on the floor it was wet. So he flipped on the lights and that woke me up. And there was about an inch of water in our entire apartment. So we scrambled to clean it up. Something amazing is that none of my stuff got wet, only one book. But my companions stuff was soaked. So there is an amazing blessing. So that was a fun experience. Then the next night another huge wind storm rolled in and almost blew our laundry in the street. So crazy storms. In fact during a storm in the day we got soaked and my companion’s umbrella got shredded by the wind and we saw a power line explode. It was awesome. And I had to talk in sacrament yesterday. That was intense. I didn’t write anything down. I just did it all out of my head. I chose the topic of faith. And it was hard, but I lasted a good 10 minutes. And people said I did a good job, but I think they were just being nice. And the thing about the pictures is that we are not allowed because we can’t look like tourists. And they say not to bring your camera with you because of the chance it might get stolen. Which reminds me of a story my companion told me. His first area was Montevideo and while he was there he was robbed three times. Twice with a gun to his head and another with a knife to his companion throat. Scary!!!!! So it’s safer to not carry it. And my companion being district leader means more meetings on P-day in Mercedes. So that’s a downside to it. And we have a zone conference in Paysandú on Tuesday. So that’s going to be interesting. It’s about a 3 to 4 hour bus ride. But we are staying in Mercedes tonight. So I have a feeling that I’m not going to get much sleep. And people down here get really mad when I speak English. For example Elder Elliot and I teach an English class to the youth. And one of the members of the bishopric came in and got really mad at us for speaking English, in an English class. Weird.

I have been really interested in the story of the First Vision lately. I read it all of the time. There are a lot of things we learn from it. But what I would like to focus on is that because of one simple question and faith a young boy got to see the father and the son in a vision that would forever more change the course of human kind. Just faith and a question. That is why faith is the first principle in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Without faith there is nothing. And faith is a principle of power. For example. The story of Alma and Amulek when they were in prison. Alma cried out "how long must we suffer when we have faith in Jesus Christ" and his prayers were answered because of his faith. The prison walls fell and everyone inside was killed except Alma and Amulek because of their faith. We can learn multiple things from this story. That God answers prayers, God helps us in times of need according to our faith and faith gives us great protection from immoral and spiritual danger. I know that faith is essential in all things we do and when we have faith all things are possible. So let us strive to increase our faith through study of the scriptures, daily prayer, and family home evening. And I know your faith will increase and your testimony as well. I share these things in the name of our beloved savior and redeemer of the world, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

CON AMOR Elder Salmond

PS. A couple more package ideas. The songs I can be your hero, I can see the light from Tangled, and hallelujah by Rufus Wright. And in one of your letters could you send me my CTR ring I forgot it at home. I think it has fallen behind my desk in my room. That would be much appreciated. Oh and thanks for the extra money as well. It will help a ton. Peace out....