Elder Johnny Berghout called today and it was SO fun to talk to him. He called out to Grandma's house where most of the Family, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and Mom & Dad and the brothers were able to talk to him. He sounded really good. He said, he was calling from the Bishops office which has air conditioning. We were able to talk to him for about an hour. He kept commenting on how it seems more like the 4th of July than Christmas because it is 95 degrees there today, but it gets up to 104. Also Christmas Eve, everyone was shooting off fireworks, there are no regulations so anyone can shoot off any kind they want. He and his companion went to the district leaders apartment for Christmas Eve and they put their matresses on the roof and watched the celebrations until 1:30 am.
He told us how the church buildings in Argentina don't have Basketball gyms but instead they have Soccer courts. (Mark Mangum would love it) He says it is like playing indoor soccer except there are no walls and it is a cement floor so it is a very fast moving game.
He is doing well with the language and even got to go on splits with an Elder from Peru to another area. John's area is really hard. There is not a lot of enthusiasm from the members for sharing the gospel and investigators are hard to find. Anyway, he was excited about this split because he was forced to speak Spanish (the elder didn't speak any English) and this other area was totally different. People were excited to talk to the Elders and excited about the gospel. John said that He and Elder Frazier (from Oregon) go tracting in the mornings and hope to have an appointment set up by noon. If they don't, it is siesta time and no one wants to be bothered then.
He talked about some of the foods--it is taking some getting used to. He is maintaining his weight. Johhny said that they have to have their water brought in and only drink bottled water.
Some of the members boil the local water and store it in two quart jars.
John said the area he is in is an older area with dirt roads everywhere and it looks like a dessert.
His apartment is small and the Elders that were there just before he arrived had sprayed for Roaches and He and Elder Frazier hadn't seen any until a few days ago. There are now "two" roaches and they only come out when Elder Frazier is showering. HA HA
He hasn't received any packages yet but hopefully soon! He said you really have to be careful what you list on the package contents. They won't bother it if it is food items! John said that sometimes it takes up to three weeks to get packages. (He got his Christmas Package before he left the MTC)
Oh Yeah, He said that he can receive pictures on his email. He would love to see what everyone is up to. He is getting lots of new cousins!!! He said to tell everyone hello (Hola!!!) and that he loves his mission! FELIZ NAVIDAD... Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
15 December 2008
Hey everyone,
It was great to hear from all of you!!! You guys are lucky to be going snow boarding. During the day it's in the 100's here. It's SO hot!!! At night, in our apartment it stays about 92 degrees all the time but it's ok cause I'm getting used to it. In fact, last Monday, I think it was, we got a rainstorm and it dropped down to about 75, 80ish and we put on our hoodies and coats because it seemed cold. But anyways, We committed a guy to baptism this week but he has to come to church at least four times before he can be interviewed for baptism and he didn't come this week so now we have to push it back a week more. So hopefully sometime soon! Just so you know my area is like one of the hardest areas cause none of the members are excited about anything and all the people that are investigating just don't feel the spirit because the members are so lame and the missionaries before us have been slacking for a long time so we're trying to bring this area back to life.
Yes, I'll be calling sometime Christmas day. I will email you probably Christmas Eve and let you know exactly what time I'll be calling the next day.
Love Elder Berghout
It was great to hear from all of you!!! You guys are lucky to be going snow boarding. During the day it's in the 100's here. It's SO hot!!! At night, in our apartment it stays about 92 degrees all the time but it's ok cause I'm getting used to it. In fact, last Monday, I think it was, we got a rainstorm and it dropped down to about 75, 80ish and we put on our hoodies and coats because it seemed cold. But anyways, We committed a guy to baptism this week but he has to come to church at least four times before he can be interviewed for baptism and he didn't come this week so now we have to push it back a week more. So hopefully sometime soon! Just so you know my area is like one of the hardest areas cause none of the members are excited about anything and all the people that are investigating just don't feel the spirit because the members are so lame and the missionaries before us have been slacking for a long time so we're trying to bring this area back to life.
Yes, I'll be calling sometime Christmas day. I will email you probably Christmas Eve and let you know exactly what time I'll be calling the next day.
Love Elder Berghout
Monday, December 8, 2008
8 December 2008
Dear Mom
I am only allowed to Email Family so I am writing one big letter and you can share it with Whomever.
I am going to share experiences out of my journal, that way I don't forget anything.
Dec 2, 2008
So Yesterday, I left from the MTC at 8 am headed for Neuquen, Argentina. We flew from Salt Lake at 12:10 pm to Dallas, Texas where we arrived at 3:45 (Dallas time). We had approximately 3 1/2 hours lay over. During the lay over I called family, Grandma, and Carlie. It was so nice to be able to hear everyones voices. We left Dallas at 7:35 pm and flew all night to Buenos Aires where we arrived at 9:55 am the next morning. I did not sleep on the plane very well. We were then picked up and taken to the MTC in Buenos Aires for a couple of hours. We ate lunch and also walked over to the temple. At 3:30 they came and picked us up and took us to another airport where we flew to Neuquen. The president was there waiting. We then went to his house, ate dinner, talked for a bit, then went to bed. We all find out tomorrow who our companions are and what area we will be in.
Dec 5, 2008
Today was my second day in the area. My companion is Elder Frazier. It's his last transfer and then he'll be headed home. Most missionaries start to die in their last area but Elder Frazier is still working hard. He's awesome. Oh yeah, funny thing, He has the same birthday as me, just 2 years older. But anyway now about my area.
Argentina is nothing like I expected. When I got to Neuquen the other day, everything seemed to be really old and out of date, the buildings, cars, houses, and everything. But everything is bareable. Then we got to my area, Roca II, all the roads are dirt and the houses look like shacks. Where we stay, we have a bedroom, bathroom, and a kitchen all fitting in an area smaller than half our garage there at home. The shower is just an open part of the bathroom next to the toilet and sink, and the drain doesn't work very well so as we take showers we stand in buckets and then dump the water into the toilet. (this makes me so thankful for all that I have and home in the United States) but after being here almost a week, I am getting pretty used to it.
Dec 7, 2008
In our area there are not a lot of people that like to talk to us, so we usually end up knocking doors all day. To knock a door we stand outside the fence and clap our hands. We get turned down a lot or talk to people that are really stuck in their ways, a lot of them believe some pretty weird stuff, it's almost sad. The People that we do get to teach are so awesome, and the members are a lot of fun. I went to church today and pretty much didn't understand anything. There are only 40 members approximately in the Ward. The members feed us tons, it's not half bad but not a lot of flavor and you eat till you can't eat more.
It is super hot here too so we drink tons of water and juice everyday.
Today,
Hey everyone, love you all and miss everyone, but I am loving it out here too.
Love Elder Berghout
I am only allowed to Email Family so I am writing one big letter and you can share it with Whomever.
I am going to share experiences out of my journal, that way I don't forget anything.
Dec 2, 2008
So Yesterday, I left from the MTC at 8 am headed for Neuquen, Argentina. We flew from Salt Lake at 12:10 pm to Dallas, Texas where we arrived at 3:45 (Dallas time). We had approximately 3 1/2 hours lay over. During the lay over I called family, Grandma, and Carlie. It was so nice to be able to hear everyones voices. We left Dallas at 7:35 pm and flew all night to Buenos Aires where we arrived at 9:55 am the next morning. I did not sleep on the plane very well. We were then picked up and taken to the MTC in Buenos Aires for a couple of hours. We ate lunch and also walked over to the temple. At 3:30 they came and picked us up and took us to another airport where we flew to Neuquen. The president was there waiting. We then went to his house, ate dinner, talked for a bit, then went to bed. We all find out tomorrow who our companions are and what area we will be in.
Dec 5, 2008
Today was my second day in the area. My companion is Elder Frazier. It's his last transfer and then he'll be headed home. Most missionaries start to die in their last area but Elder Frazier is still working hard. He's awesome. Oh yeah, funny thing, He has the same birthday as me, just 2 years older. But anyway now about my area.
Argentina is nothing like I expected. When I got to Neuquen the other day, everything seemed to be really old and out of date, the buildings, cars, houses, and everything. But everything is bareable. Then we got to my area, Roca II, all the roads are dirt and the houses look like shacks. Where we stay, we have a bedroom, bathroom, and a kitchen all fitting in an area smaller than half our garage there at home. The shower is just an open part of the bathroom next to the toilet and sink, and the drain doesn't work very well so as we take showers we stand in buckets and then dump the water into the toilet. (this makes me so thankful for all that I have and home in the United States) but after being here almost a week, I am getting pretty used to it.
Dec 7, 2008
In our area there are not a lot of people that like to talk to us, so we usually end up knocking doors all day. To knock a door we stand outside the fence and clap our hands. We get turned down a lot or talk to people that are really stuck in their ways, a lot of them believe some pretty weird stuff, it's almost sad. The People that we do get to teach are so awesome, and the members are a lot of fun. I went to church today and pretty much didn't understand anything. There are only 40 members approximately in the Ward. The members feed us tons, it's not half bad but not a lot of flavor and you eat till you can't eat more.
It is super hot here too so we drink tons of water and juice everyday.
Today,
Hey everyone, love you all and miss everyone, but I am loving it out here too.
Love Elder Berghout
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
2 December 2008
We received phone calls from Johnny on Monday as he was waiting in the Airport. He was excited to be out of the MTC and see cars and people again. :) He sounded really good... Excited to be going to the Mission field but a little nervous. He flew out Monday Morning from Salt Lake City to Dallas, Texas and then on to Buenos Aires. From there, he traveled to Neuquen and arrived Tuesday night. What a LONG trip! Tuesday, Dec. 2nd, We got a call from his Mission Mom. She said that John had arrived with no problems and was meeting with the Mission President and that She and the President were both very impressed with him as a young man. Sister Cook says that he will be an awesome missionary (We aren't surprised!) John's first assignment is in General Roca. It is about 45 min. east of Neuquen. Sister Cook said that the Neuquen Mission is a very safe mission. (Nice to know!) His P-days are going to be on Mondays and the best way to communicate is through emails. He will use the same email as he did at he MTC. John said that he would love pictures from people so he can keep up with changes and activities back home. (Remember: If you send him a package for Christmas---It is summer in Argentina right now! His companions have been receiving hot cocoa. John says he would rather have Strawberry Lemonade :) )
Friday, November 28, 2008
23 November 2008
Mom,
Yeah, it's been really crazy almost two months for me too! I actually got my flight plans on Thursday the 20th. On Monday, December 1st, we leave the MTC at 8:00 am. Our flight leaves Salt Lake at 12:10 pm to Dallas, TX where we'll arrive at 3:45 pm. We'll leave Dallas at 7:35 pm and arrive at 9:55 am in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on the 2nd (December). Then, I think we get on a bus and have a long trip to Neuquen.
I got your email and wrote back. I can only get on for 30 min each Wednesday right now in the MTC.
Wow, Yeah I forgot Blake (a friend) was getting married. That's awesome that they got a nice day for their wedding.
I am excited about you and Carlie doing a scrapbook for me. I have not got a letter from her all week and I think I might DIE Ha ha Ha...JK!!! I'm sending pictures and my (memory) card.
I was at a Fireside a couple of weeks ago and one of the speakers said," only when we have things taken away from us do we realize the true value of them." It's so true. I miss everyone a lot, No hugs for TWO years :( But it's ok, I'll survive. I miss Carlie a ton!!! I don't think about it too much during the day when I'm busy working, but at night, when I lay in bed, I have time to just think for myself.....
By the time you get this letter, it will probably be too late to send anything back until i get to Argentina. (We sent him one last package before he left!!!)
I know with all my heart that the Church is true. I know that we wouldn't have what we do, if it wasn't for Joseph Smith. And the more that I learn, the more I learn how lucky I am to have an Eternal Family.
Love you so much and miss your hugs before going to bed at night, I miss ALL hugs from anyone.
Love
Elder Johnny Berghout
Dad,
... Yeah know, I think almost everyone here at the MTC has been sick, but I haven't yet and am hoping I last this last week without getting it before I leave. .....(repeat of flight plans)
I know this church is true with all my heart. The more I learn, the more I know how lucky I am to be apart of it.
Love
Elder Berghout
Yeah, it's been really crazy almost two months for me too! I actually got my flight plans on Thursday the 20th. On Monday, December 1st, we leave the MTC at 8:00 am. Our flight leaves Salt Lake at 12:10 pm to Dallas, TX where we'll arrive at 3:45 pm. We'll leave Dallas at 7:35 pm and arrive at 9:55 am in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on the 2nd (December). Then, I think we get on a bus and have a long trip to Neuquen.
I got your email and wrote back. I can only get on for 30 min each Wednesday right now in the MTC.
Wow, Yeah I forgot Blake (a friend) was getting married. That's awesome that they got a nice day for their wedding.
I am excited about you and Carlie doing a scrapbook for me. I have not got a letter from her all week and I think I might DIE Ha ha Ha...JK!!! I'm sending pictures and my (memory) card.
I was at a Fireside a couple of weeks ago and one of the speakers said," only when we have things taken away from us do we realize the true value of them." It's so true. I miss everyone a lot, No hugs for TWO years :( But it's ok, I'll survive. I miss Carlie a ton!!! I don't think about it too much during the day when I'm busy working, but at night, when I lay in bed, I have time to just think for myself.....
By the time you get this letter, it will probably be too late to send anything back until i get to Argentina. (We sent him one last package before he left!!!)
I know with all my heart that the Church is true. I know that we wouldn't have what we do, if it wasn't for Joseph Smith. And the more that I learn, the more I learn how lucky I am to have an Eternal Family.
Love you so much and miss your hugs before going to bed at night, I miss ALL hugs from anyone.
Love
Elder Johnny Berghout
Dad,
... Yeah know, I think almost everyone here at the MTC has been sick, but I haven't yet and am hoping I last this last week without getting it before I leave. .....(repeat of flight plans)
I know this church is true with all my heart. The more I learn, the more I know how lucky I am to be apart of it.
Love
Elder Berghout
Monday, November 24, 2008
19 November 2008
Dear Mom,
Wow...crazy work week!!!! I miss coming out to see you at night at work.
Sounds like they (the brothers) had a lot of fun fishing and sounds like they're getting pretty good!!! Sweet, I need some pictures of the family and stuff. Speaking of pictures did Marianne get the ones done with the family, friends and Carlie and I from my farewell talk day? If she did, I'd like some!!!
That's awesome Matt did so well with the Mr. Ogden!!! I do miss helping set that up!!!
I miss working with Christensen, he was an awesome guy to work with!!!! Wow thats good to hear, so far only Stephan and Carlie out of my friends write me back but that's ok cause I don't really have a lot of time. Wow I miss everyone!!!
Could you please send me my light blue Holister shirt and my Orange Nike shirt because my two black T shirts that I brought for gym stuff shrank and are too small...Ha ha ha!
I'm so excited to get to Argentina!!!! I'm supposed to get my flight plans this Friday!!!
Thanks for everything
Elder Johnny Berghout
PS Here is my email. I can ONLY use it once a week for a half-hour so mail works better in the MTC. Love all you guys I'll write back when I have time.
Wow...crazy work week!!!! I miss coming out to see you at night at work.
Sounds like they (the brothers) had a lot of fun fishing and sounds like they're getting pretty good!!! Sweet, I need some pictures of the family and stuff. Speaking of pictures did Marianne get the ones done with the family, friends and Carlie and I from my farewell talk day? If she did, I'd like some!!!
That's awesome Matt did so well with the Mr. Ogden!!! I do miss helping set that up!!!
I miss working with Christensen, he was an awesome guy to work with!!!! Wow thats good to hear, so far only Stephan and Carlie out of my friends write me back but that's ok cause I don't really have a lot of time. Wow I miss everyone!!!
Could you please send me my light blue Holister shirt and my Orange Nike shirt because my two black T shirts that I brought for gym stuff shrank and are too small...Ha ha ha!
I'm so excited to get to Argentina!!!! I'm supposed to get my flight plans this Friday!!!
Thanks for everything
Elder Johnny Berghout
PS Here is my email. I can ONLY use it once a week for a half-hour so mail works better in the MTC. Love all you guys I'll write back when I have time.
Nov 12th Email
Hola padre!!!!
Yup it worked... and its going great only three more weeks till i'm leaving for argentina!!!!!!!!!
Yup it worked... and its going great only three more weeks till i'm leaving for argentina!!!!!!!!!
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