Ups, downs and

falls of the week 

Elder Albrethsen

Colonia, Uruguay

Comp:  Elder Peaks

Monday, 27 Feb 2012

Wow, what a week...     

I truly will miss the mission field. haha The random adventures and crazy people we run into is awesome! (not to mention, angry monkeys)

 

We had zone conference this last week in Montevideo. What a time that was! haha.  It was like coming home again.  Man, I miss the big city! I love all the movement and motion all the time and all the buses.  We caught a bus at 5 am to Deo and made it to the church at about 8 am, half of us, at least.  The others missed their bus.

It was a great conference.  We focused on the Book of Mormón and how key it is in conversion.  I love the book of Mormón!  It is powerful!

My famous back flip face plant. Things were going pretty smoothly until Elder Glenn started a contest to see who was doing their exercises in the morning and studying their scripts. haha Well, I eventually volunteered myself and tried my luck at jump roping while answering questions. haha My best friend, Elder Wilson, was yelling out different things to do while jump roping and, well.... I heard him yell, “Hey, do a backflip!” Somewhat confident in my ability to do flips, I tried . . . and failed—epically! At the conference we gave our final testimonies as dying missionaries [elders headed home at end of mission].  My first comment was, “Don’t tell my mom!” haha. Ah . . . It was a very spiritual meeting!!

Afterward the real adventure began. I had come to Montevideo armed with gifts! for vagabundos! haha I had brought all my blankets that I didn’t need anymore and decided to give them all to the less fortunate.  Well, we went out in search for those living on the street.  The first two that we found rejected our gifts! I couldn’t believe it! Great free blankets and they didn’t want them! I was bummed, to say the least.

Goofing off with my old companion, Elder Fleming

We did talk with some skaters who wanted to go find the guy who punched me in the face and beat the snot out of him. It was great.  We eventually did find some who needed some blankets and were able to share a short message with them.  All of them asked about my face and were ready to go beat someone up. haha I was amazed at the defense these people were willing to do for the missionaries.  I hope to return to the city with the rest of my things in a couple weeks and find people who might need them. (me and my old comp, Elder Fleming)

We bought peanut butter!!!! Yeah! We found some!  hahaha Best day of our lives!

My favorite family from Colonia! Marcelo and Catalina are our best investigators. They are moving to Chile.

                       

  Emerson, the cool neighbor kid.  That kid is a stud!

  

I have a great story involving Mateo.  I baptized him when I served in Deo, but I will have to write it at home tonight since I’m short on time.  I hope my mom puts it up in a couple weeks for you. (Picture is from the Montevideo days)

[Note: Below is the letter we received today from Jon’s mission president]

I have to go!! I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elder Jonathan Albrethsen

(With his companion, Elder Peaks)

Dear Albrethsen Family,

On 13 Mar 2012 Elder Jonathan Jacob Albrethsen will be returning home from the Uruguay Montevideo West Mission.  It has been a wonderful opportunity for us to have him as a missionary.  He has served the Lord valiantly over the past two years.

Elder Albrethsen has been a dedicated missionary and a wonderful example to all he has associated with.  Elder Albrethsen is loved by his companions and by the people whom he has served in all his areas.  He has worked faithfully as a representative of Jesus Christ in teaching His restored gospel.  You can be well pleased with his service as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We express our sincere appreciation for the sacrifices you have made to support him during his mission.  We will miss him, but we are happy for the opportunities that await him as he continues to serve in the Lord’s Kingdom.

 May the Lord continue to bless your family in all that you do.

Sincerely,     

Ronald W. Heaton                           Thank you!                

President Ronald W. Heaton

Uruguay Montevideo West Mission

                               President and Sister Heaton

(Elder Glenn and Elder Rio, the zone leaders, are behind Pres. Heaton. Elder Glenn is from Elder Albrethsen’s home ward in Utah)