Consejo de lideres, getting sick and charangos!!

Dear Family and Friends,

Dad, Tarija is amazing, and the climate is just like Utah. I definitely am enjoying it. Today I bought a charango!!! It sounds like a ukulele banjo!

This week was amazing! Wednesday we left to Santa Cruz. The flight was amazing, but it was a little delayed so we got to Santa Cruz late but we were able to visit Herlin and Hna. Olga. It was so great to see everyone. Herlin and his family were so happy, and Hna. Olga made us some great apple pie. In the night, we also ate Papa Johns and in the morning empanadas. Yummy!

​Flying to Santa Cruz for the consejo de lideres with my great companion

​In the airport I saw my friend Adam Martin from Cedar High.  He is serving as a zone leader right now too!

Getting to visit with Herlin and Jessica

​Seeing Hermana Olga again!!

The council of leaders was very inspiring. Presidente taught us how one of the most important ways we can teach missionaries is through our example and also in exchanges and how to carry out a successful exchange.  Presidente Rodríguez is one of my heroes! In his Mission, Santa Cruz is going to receive its 3rd new stake here! Presidente truly knows the Master and loves us so much!

Attending the council of leaders

Well on the way back, my stomach was feeling funny, and when we got to the apartment it hurt a lot. So I asked my companion for a blessing and at night I threw up. Fun stuff, but if felt so much better, and that night, thanks to the blessing, it was one of the best sleeps I have had in the mission! The next day I was 100 percent better!

I know that the priesthood authority is here on the earth today! Yesterday after ending our fast, we gave two blessings to the members of the ward who were sick. One thing I have learned is that every time we fast, we are closer to God, and in these moments, he puts us in situations where we can use our priesthood to bless others!

I love the mission, and I love the scriptures.
 

Love,
 

Elder Matheson