obedience brings blessings, ice cream brings miracles

So I just want yall to know that I love yall more than all the alfahors in south america (if you know what an alfahor is, you know that means a lot!!!!!!) haha, Oh my goodnesssss!!!!!!!!! SOOOOOOOOOO much has happened this week. It´s like I said a few weeks ago, the days pass fast but the weeks pass slow. This is because sooooo much happens each day.

First story = Prosalatismo last saturday. It was the best one yet! WE were able to contact 28 people, give away 2 Copies of the Book of Mormon, give away 3 restauraction folletos, and have some incredible discussions. At one point, some people even invited us into their house and gave us some coke (that got us pretty excited. its been forever).

Anyways here is the story of our best contact. I call it "Obedience brings blessings, but ice cream brings miracles." At one point during the long day of proselyting, Elder Mitchell and I decided to stop for some ice cream. Best decision ever. Side note = Dulce De Leche Ice cream is amazing. After purchasing the heavenly food, we left the parlor to eat. There was a man sitting alone on the only bench, and, seeing us looking for somewhere to sit, gestured to us. We sat for a few moments in silence  while enjoying our helado (the other man was eating some too). After a minute I struck up conversation with a simple "hola, como esta" (we always us Usted as missionaries). this got things rolling. I am super grateful for my companion at this point, who can understand spanish much better than I can (we make a good team, I can talk well, he can understand). Anyways, after talking about America (everyone asks us where we are from), the NBA (a surprising number of people here love it), and other trivial things, the was a moment of silence to which I broke with a "so, we´re here in Argentina for our church" to which he petitioned "what is your church?" this is a golden question which led to an incredible discussion. As it turns out, he had heard of the LDS church, but knew near to nothing about it. He was receptive to everything we told him. It was amazing. The best part? We gave him a Libro de Mormon, to which he promised to read every night. The spirit was so strong in the lesson. There were a few other amazing parts to the lesson, but I dont have a ton of time to tell them all. Anyways, Proselyting is hard. You get rejected a ton! but when you meet those one or two people, it is all worth it. There are people kept from the gospel simply because they know not where to find it.

Second Story = WE WERE ABLE TO MEET ELDER RUSSEL M NELSON TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! He came to give a devotional to the missionaries in the Buenos Aries South mission, to which we were invited to attend.  At one point we were able to go up and shake his hand. The look in his eye was one of pure love. It was such a cool experience. The talks were incredible. I loved the one his wife gave. At one point she gave a promise that I decided I need to rely more on. Here it is. Every day, take your scriptures and begin to pray. Thank God for the Scriptures. Pray to God in the name of Jesus for the spirit to be with you. Then ask him a big question you have. It can literally be anything. Then open to a random spot in the scriptures and begin reading. Your question will be answered. Wow. That takes faith. Im excited to try.

Anyways, those are my stories for the Week. This is my last week in the CCM. Its been good here, but I am SO READY for the field. I can wait for next Tuesday :D

Tons of Love,

Elder Eliason

Oh and, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY FAVORITE 15 YEAR OLD BROTHER AND MY FAVORITE FATHER IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD. You guys are both so amazing, and have truly influenced my life. Preston, you are one of my best friends, and dad youve helped me get through some hard times. My life has truly been blessed by both of you, and I wouldnt be the same person today without you guys.

Write to me and tell me how your birthday was.  :D

Quick spiritual thought. Have a problem in your life. Are you stressed about anything. Are you upset about something. (yes little warner I realize none of that was grammatically correct;) ) Go to the Temple! There the dust of the world settles and everything is so much clearer. also, Immerse yourself in the scriptures and prayer.