In March of 1978, I was called by the Lord to go to the South American country of Argentina to the Buenos Aires South Mission (gracias to the mission site for the wallpaper). Besides being married and having children, it was the greatest experience of my entire life. I served in seven different towns with 12 different companions from June 1978 to June 1980. On this page you will find a short synopsis of the two years (very short), and links that will take you to Argentina and let you explore the rich culture that makes up that heavenly country. You will also find photos of some of my experiences there and the tremendous people I met. And you will find other information that hopefully will help you to understand the Argentines just a little better.
Argentina and the towns in which I served | |
 | When I first arrived in Argentina, I was sent to the small town of Carmen de Patagones. I was very anxious to get on with the work, but before I knew what was going on, my companion, Elder Whitlock, was transferred and I was left alone in the town for one full week. Talk about scared! I barely knew how to say "Where is the bathroom?," much less survive! But before I could do anything really stupid, I was sent a new companion who taught me a lot. His name was Elder Redd. The second town I served in was Dolores. Literally it means Pains...and it was. My companion was an Argentine named Elder Carvalo. He didn't like to work much but did like to come in and take a nap every afternoon. I did have one of my most fulfilling baptisms there, however. When I saw Dolores disappearing in my rear view mirror (not literally, of course, since we couldn't drive), I was headed for Zapala. It turned out to be my favorite of all towns in Argentina. There I was with three more Argentines (Elders Wilson, Soloa, and Gauna), but you know, we baptized like crazy. We worked 70-80 hours a week and enjoyed a lot of success. I also met one of the most wonderful families I've ever known...la familia Alarcon. They were my family away from home. I spent five months in Zapala (and even spent the night in jail there) and then was transferred to City Bell. Elder Weathers was there waiting for me. He and I enjoyed success there before, after only two months, I was transferred across town to Villa Elvira to be with Elder Sieverts. I only baptized one person there, but it was a terrific baptism. When I left Villa Elvira, I went to Cutral-Co. It was only about 40 km from Zapala, therefore I was able to visit my old friends from time to time. In Cutral-Co I was companion with Elder Monte Knutson and Elder Phil Foster (with whom I was roommates in college at BYU). I ended my mission in Quilmes with Elders Puckett and Nickerson. Nickerson's |
