Another One from Me

Jaydan found a guy last week that is really strong Catholic. He owns a pretty nice gym and said that missionaries could use it any time. He really isn't interested in changing right now though.

Tuesday right after District Meeting Jaydan got really sick. His insides were killing him and he knew it was going to "lose" it. His house was only about 3 block away and he was able to make it there before relieving himself (from the mouth) He didn't really feel better afterwards and thought resting would help. He layed down for about an hour but still didn't feel good but just decided to work anyway. They went and taught an English lesson and to a meeting with the ward mission leader and Bishop. Not a lot was accomplished that day because of the illness.

Thursday they traveled to a training with the Mission President and just their zone. Before the meeting Jaydan and a "newer" missionary went and worked for a bit. They found a really "dumb" guy. Every time Jaydan would ask him a question he would say "that was a really good question" and then just go on talking. Jaydan just didn't think the guy could really answer the easy questions and was really quite amused by it.

The training was good and they learned a lot of good things to improve the work.

On Friday the missionaries planned their week out. They did it a new way that takes longer but seemed to be good. Then they went to the ward Karaoke Night and had a really great time. Everyone enjoyed the night. Jaydan danced and the missionaries sang and it was one of those "you had to be there" kind of nights.

On Saturday Jaydan went on divisions with Elder Hancock again and this time they worked Elder Hancocks area. They found a pretty cool lady that told them they had made it further than any other missionaries. This kind of thing has happened a few times to Jaydan and it really makes him feel good. They also visited with another guy whose son was baptised and Jaydan didn't really care for him. The guy kept putting the Church down for spending so much money on Temple's when there are so many poor people around the world. Jaydan had to bite his tongue. The guy was quite ridiculous in some of the things he was saying. Needless to say it was a long lesson and nothing good came from it.

"I love you all soooooooooooo much!"
Thee Elder Ropelato

Hello from Uruguay

Jaydan and Elder Hancock from the same zone went on Divisions together this week. Elder Hancock almost pooped his pants and that cracked Jaydan up. (I guess he has already once) The day before Divisions Jaydan and his comp had talked to Olga (new convert). She was going to meet with the Bishop and take her friend along so she wouldnt have to walk home alone. While on Divisions Jaydan felt like they should stop by the church. It was a good thing because Olga's friend wasn't there. However a guy was there that needed a blessing and he asked the missionaries to give him one. Jaydan gave him the blessing and then the guy left. It was as if he was just waiting for them. Then they were able to walk Olga home. A friends of Olga's was at her house visiting with family and her friends nephew had a lot of questions and so the Missionaries were able to talk to him. Jaydan thought it was really cool. The best part about the story was this kid had been asking Olga a bunch of questions before she had gone to meet with the Bishop and she had asked the Bishop for help in answering them. Then right as she walked out there were the missionaries and that made her very happy. Jaydan feels like he was in the right place at the right time and following the spirit. It felt good! Olga told Jaydan that she doesn't like him going out of the area. She doesn't want other missionaries coming without Jaydan. She just loves him so much.

During divisions they went to an older ladies house. Her name is Iliana. While they were there another lady showed up. Her name is Laura, and Laura's mom take care of Iliana at night. Laura stopped by to see if Iliana needed anything and said that she just "felt" like she should stop by. Jaydan and Elder Hancock talked with Laura for about 10 minutes but then she had to leave and pick up her daughter. She asked the missionaries not to leave but they had to. They gave Iliana a Book of Mormon with their testimony in it so she could give it to Laura. Two days later they found Laura's house and she told them that she had been reading the Book of Mormon and thanks. So the spirit had guided them again and it was awesome.

Jaydan stopped by a less active members house and she needed help building a fire. Jaydan's comp built her one but it only lasted 5 to 10 minutes. Jaydan built another one which was really good. The lady was making fun of Jaydan's comp and Jaydan just laughed and gave credit to his scouting.

They found another lady named Dianna and talked with her. They thought they were having an awesome lesson until Dianna told them she wouldn't pray and ask if it was true. She said she wasn't interested. She said she doubted there was a God that loved everyone. Why would there be rich and poor and stuff like that if there was a God. They talked to her and we able to get her to believe that there is a God and that He loves her and the whole world.

Well that's it for this week.

"Freaking tons of love"
Thee Elder Ropelato

ps. The mission doesn't accept packages over 2 kilo's (2 1/2 lbs) or shipping that is more than $50. That's a new rule just so you will know.

Made it to Radio

Well Jaydan was mentioned on the Radio this week. For Mother's Day Jaydan and his comp bought flowers for their new convert... Olga Stirbulov. (she's the past pastor that loves Jaydan) Anyway Olga and her friend came to church and told Jaydan that they had heard their names mentioned on the radio. It was something like: "We had a great mothers day gift....an Elder Ropelato and Elder Siegel showed thier kindness and took flowers to Olga Stirbulov. How kind and loving these two young men are and the love they share." Jaydan thought that was so cool! (making it on the Radio for doing a good deed) Jaydan and his comp hope that others heard of it too and that it will help them to get in with more people. No one knows for sure who told the Radio station but they thought it was cool and nice that nice things are noticed and mentioned.

Jaydan worked hard this week even with the changes. Jaydan's comp is a bit jealous that Olga loves Jaydan more than him. Jaydan just reminds him that he found Olga and had an extra month with her than his comp. Jaydan loves being loved!

Every Saturday the missionaries like going to the family that gave Jaydan the big pink Teddy Bear. The oldest daughter still isn't a member and so they like teaching her. The family always gives the missionaries hot chocolate and treats. This week the missionaries took them brownies. Uruguay doesn't know what brownies are but the family loves them. (I think the missionaries have taken them before) The family made Modongo (cow stomach) for dinner. The first 2 times Jaydan ate it he hated it but this time he said it was actually good. The mom is a good cook except for cooking pizza. Jaydan thinks that is funny since pizza is an easy thing to make. He loves this family and think they are all awesome.

Jaydan found or heard a little song that has kept them entertained for a few days. It is "fatty on a pole, fatty on a pole...fatty can't get down, fatty can't get down". This song all started because a "big" guy climbed up a pole on New Years so that he could watch the fireworks and he needed help when he wanted to get down. The first of the song is said like you are making fun of someone and then the last part is said super fast. The simple joys of missionary fun.

Much Love
Thee Elder Ropelato

Change Week

this dog had just got hit by a car and was acting just fine sitting there.

Guayan teas cups

Guayan Puff the Magic Dragon....Caterpillar form

Guayan Bumper Cars

Guayan Swings

Guayan Merry Go Round

Guayan Train

Guayan Bull Ride

and finally.....Guayan Pee Troft

It was change week and Jaydan and his comp are staying where they are.

They had divisions with the Zone Leaders where Jaydan came across the dog. Jaydan and the missionary he was with had a lot of success. They were able to find a lot of really good people and families. Jaydan felt really good about it and thought it was awesome.

Thursday was one of the best days ever. They had a lot of lessons with members which are the best and then normal lessons. (not sure what that means) They also found a "butt load" of good people and one big family. Jaydan only met 3 out of 7 of the members of the family. He's is excited to see what happens there.

They visited with their new convert and some of her friends and had a great discussion. She understands the doctrine so well and adds a lot to the discussions. She loves Jaydan so much and actually gave him a present to give to his mom. (it is being sent)

Four of the missionaries were sitting around talking and it was mentioned how the Old Ladies and little kids all really love Jaydan. The people his age like him but the Old and Young Love him! He likes that!

The missionaries bought the Guayan version of Risk and started playing it this morning. The took a break to write home.

Jaydan feels like his patience is constantly being tried. His comps all seem to be a little trunky which makes it hard to work hard. Jaydan would really love to be put with an obedient, hard working missionary. His goes in spurts though and he is dealing with it. "It is what it is".

*a note to gramps....this new convert is planning on marrying ya and Jaydan is bringing her home with him. ;) Spanish classes might be a good thing to consider. (I think she should learn English if she is coming here)

"I am thankful for you all. I pray for you every night....it's true".

Much Love....Thee Elder Ropelato

what's up lolly pop suckers!!!!

A favorite family of Jaydans in Paysandu`

some of the greatest empenadas ever!

Jaydans first bite of the wonderful empenadas!

Awesome missionary! (lives in California)

Another wonderful missionary who also lives in California.

The Zone Conference was held in Jaydan's first area, Paysandu`. Jaydan was so excited and hoping to go visit with a few of the members. He only had 45 minutes to do so. He had to take a 15 minute bus ride and went immediately to the family he helped convert. He was sad to learn that something had happened and they weren't going. The three boys have grown a lot since Jaydan saw them last. They are a good family regardless. (Jaydan forgot to get a picture of this family which made him sad) The next family is in the family in the picture above. When the dad saw Jaydan he went and gave him a hug. The others guys in the family did too. The daughter came and gave Jaydan a big kiss. Jaydan just sat there in a chair pretty stiff and completely off guard. She noticed his reaction and then asked if he was still a missionary. She thought he was just returning to visit....and off of his mission. She was embarrassed to find out the truth. They just laughed it off. They didn't get to visit much in this area since it is so big and spread out. They almost missed their bus as it was.

When they were on the bus there was a guy standing because there wasn't any more seats. A lady was also standing and Jaydan tried to give her his seat. She wouldn't take his seat. When Jaydan sat back down him and his comp were talking and saying it was a good thing the guy didn't take the seat or Jaydan might just have to punch him. They were joking around and then found out that the guy spoke really good English. They talked to him for about an hour and became pretty good friends. As they talked they switched back and forth from English to Spanish. The guys offered his house to the missionaries and asked them to come visit him since he enjoyed them. He lives in another city though so they won't be able to. He was a funny guy and super cool.

On Friday there was a ward activity and the 4 missionaries had to do a skit. The did one called: A day as a missionary. It consisted of various experiences that happen to missionaries. Ex. Angry dog chasing them, angry people yelling at them, bible bashers, people yelling in other languages at the missionaries, girls trying to seduce them and people trying to kill them. (all these things have happened to these missionaries at some time in their mission) Jaydan's comp and another missionary were the missionaries. Another missionary was a Guardian Angel who protected them from those things and that left Jaydan to act out the rest. It was super funny. Jaydan had his camera and wanted someone to record it but they forgot.

Sunday was interesting. Jaydan wanted to yell at his comp and even throw a chair at him because his comp was fed up and didn't want to work anymore. They stopped by their house to grab something and his comp didn't want to leave or work after. His comp made excuses so they couldn't go out like they didn't have time. It was ticking Jaydan off but instead of fighting and letting things get out of hand he just quit arguing. They stayed in the house until it was time to do splits. That was the only really frustrating thing though for the week and it wasn't too bad.

Much Love,

Thee Elder Ropelato

Just Pictures since we talked on Mothers Day

We were able to talk to Jaydan on Mother's Day for just over 2 hours. He is doing great and sounds the same. The time went by really fast on this end. We enjoyed talking to him and hearing his voice. He is wonderful!

Short (I think he just means the letter)

This week was a pretty good one. Jaydan and his comp haven't had the best of luck in finding people. The have been working with old investigators and finding some contacts and getting some referrals. Then after working really hard they got their pay. They found some great people. Olga is getting baptized this week too. Oh and Olga sure loves her "little fatty" aka Jaydan. Olga is so smart and funny and super ready to join the church. She is one of the best people Jaydan has met. I guess she was worshipping the devil directly when she found God. The devil still tries to stop her from going to church and from studying but she is strong and won't give up. Jaydan likes Olga so much he thinks his gramps should think about her. ;)

On Fridays the missionaries play soccer. This Friday it started raining and then harder and harder and the missionaries just stayed and played in the rain. Jaydan said is was super fun. The field was muddy and everyone was falling and so they were all muddy and gross. When Jaydan and his comp got home his comp just walked straight to the shower with his clothes on. Jaydan loves playing in the rain but he doesn't like working in the rain.

Jaydan has a favorite little family that he was having hot chocolate with on Saturday night. While they were talking they asked Jaydan if he thought the girls in Uruguay were cute. Jaydan's response was: "there are girls here?" The boyfriend of the oldest daughter said: "Ya but they walk around with beards." Of course everyone was laughing. (maybe....not sure about the girls) Finally Jaydan admitted that there are some cute girls. The family kept glancing at the daughter who's boyfriend was there and Jaydan thinks that they were suggesting that he come back for their daughter. He just told them that his wife was were she needed to be and he would find her when he was suppose to.

Jaydan ate liver milanesas which were pretty good. Jaydan liked them but his comp didn't.

"Times up....this was short and craptacular".

Mucho Amor de
Thee Elder Ropelato