Adios Queridos!

 

Riding into the sunset (the Ibarras)

The Ibarras and Elder Ibarra's sister in front of their house

This past week we said goodbye to our friends and fellow missionaries, the Ibarra's.  They have been a great example of service and love for us and everyone here.  We will miss them. Wednesday (3/26) was their last day as missionaries. Unfortunately, their trip home to Tucuman, Argentina did not go as planned.  Their car broke down only 20 minutes after leaving.  It was an old car that Elder Ibarra had been trying to fix up so that it would endure the 800 kilometer trip home.  However,  at about 10:00 that morning they called us from the road to say their car would not make it and asked if we could drive them home.  Of course we said, "Yes." It was a very long drive but we enjoyed having a few more moments with them.

The Ibarra family in Tucuman

As we arrived, their family was waiting to welcome them home.  They have a great family, very friendly to us.  It was exciting to experience the homecoming for the Ibarra's.  This was their 5th mission as a senior couple and they have plans for one more!  For all of you contemplating serving a senior mission, stop thinking about it and just do it.  You will have the time of your life and have opportunities to make new friends and see new places.  You will also see the love of God for all of His children. 

Sugar cane fields on the road to Tucuman

It was a very long trip but we were able to see so much more of northern Argentina.  The sights are so different from what we see here in Formosa or Chaco.  We drove through lots of fields of sugar cane and tomato plants.  Miles and miles of beautiful green fields.  We also had rain most of the time which is quite refreshing after the100+ degree weather we have had in Ibarreta this summer.  

Maura, Dana and Miguel

Neimar and Milan with their family

Aside from the two-day side trip to Tucuman, we have been keeping busy here in Ibarreta.  The missionaries are working hard and we've been able to help plan and support several baptisms.  It's great to see the church growing, especially seeing these children and youth eager to be baptized and enter into a covenant with the Lord.  Hopefully, it is the first of many more steps on the Covenant Path. 

Elias and Martha

Elias with his crown

Sunday we had the opportunity to visit Bartolome de las Casas and be with the members for sacrament meeting.  Our friends Dionicio and Teresa are the faithful members who attend every Sunday.  He is the group leader in charge of setting up and directing the meetings each week.  He is diligent in his duties and we enjoy working alongside him every chance we get.  In Bartolome there are about 12-15 neighbor kids that show up for the sacrament meeting.  Martha always plans something to keep them busy before, and during the meeting.  This little guy, Elias, is a cute kid.  Martha had some coloring sheets and one of them was a crown.  He always has a smile!  If any of our kids need a name for a baby boy, Elias is a good one!

Sunset on our street in Ibarreta

We are enjoying our mission, and most of all, the time we have together in this great adventure.  The best part of being a senior couple missionary is your companion!  You already know what you are getting and you get to share in so many experiences together. We are learning and growing together as we serve God's children in Argentina.  We have learned and experienced the love He has for all of His children and the desire He has for them to experience joy in this life and eternal life with Him after this world. 

The Relief Society sisters of Ibarreta

Elder Simmons and Baldwin with Chiquatin ready to perform baptisms

These are the largest snails we have every seen.  They come out after the rain.

A huge Argentine flag in one of the cities we passed on our way to Tucuman

We never get tired of these clouds and the view.

Part of the road in our trip to Tucuman was riddled with potholes. This was about a foot deep. 

Part of the road had no pavement.  We had to drive very carefully and slowly through this part.

This is actually a national highway but for some reason they have not maintained it well.  Dirt and potholes for several kilometers.




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