Tarija!!!

 Tour of the my new apartment in Tarija

 Our own little Vasa Fitness

 View from the window

 Me with Elder Dibb (friend from PG who is in my zone!)

 Me and my trainer, Elder Timana (from Peru)

 P-day adventures

Hello friends and family!!

Well, I am officially in the field!!! This is so crazy, and so different, but this is what I came here to do, so lets do this!

Our week has been absolutely crazy, it all started with Mondays travels, where from Mexico, we flew from there to Peru, landing at about 10pm, but i had an awesome experience being able to talk to a man next to me for a few hours, and even give him a Book of Mormon! We had a quick two hour layover, and were on another plane to Santa Cruz, landing there at about four in the morning. Our mission Pres was there waiting for us, and we took a photo, and headed over to the mission home, where he allowed us to get some actual sleep, which felt amazing.  Later that day we had interviews with Pres, and went contacting with some of the office missionaries, which was super fun!!

The next day we met our trainers, and my trainer is Elder Timana!!! Elder Timana is from Peru, and he is absolutely awesome!!! He comes from a big family, and doesnt speak a word of English! This has led to some pretty funny encounters, because at times its actually easier to understand our investigators, because Peruvians talk really fast. Its good practice for me though!! He is so so awesome, and super patient! My spanish is doing well, every person we have talked to is super suprised that Ive only been here a couple days! But I still have a ton to learn!!!

We have a bunch of investigators right now, 3 with baptismal dates, and probably 5 or 6 others. Bolivians are some of the nicest people I have ever met. I have never met people so willing to give everything for a couple of missionaries, even though they have so little... And the members are so devoted to their faith. I had an experience yesterday talking with one of the older women from the ward, and she told us so much about what was going on in her life, things that would shake anybody's faith, but she was still so strong. It brought me to tears during the final prayer.

Sometimes its hard, because I have been so blessed in my life, so its hard to share personal experience, because I literally have no idea how it feels to be them, but its strengthened my testimony of the Atonement, because even though I have no idea, Christ knows perfectly, and He can succor the needs of any person, because He knows.

I love this work, and even though its hard at times, when nobody wants to hear us, or when our appointments fall through, I know that God is refining me, and helping me to draw closer to Him. I have spent a ton of time on my knees, trying to gain strength and peace. And let me tell you, God is in the details.

I love you all so much!!

Love, Elder Newman

Mom, First off, I am so sorry I wasn’t able to call on Monday, by the time we found phones in Peru (there weren’t any in Mexico) and finally figured out how to use the cards, we only had five minutes until we were boarding our plane, so I let the other guys call their family. I used the voice recorder though, so I’ll try to send it so you can hear my voice!  By the way, thank you for the arrival package!! The kids love the CTR rings, and Elder Timana and I love the candy! Sounds like Callie has had a rough couple days!! Oh, and GO UTES!!! Love you Mom   

Dad, Good to hear our Utes are still going strong!! I heard that the Huntley kid is a stud!! However, unfortunate to hear about our PG boys!! Hopefully they can turn it around and finish the season strong!!  Looks like you guys had a good boating trip! Looking good in the Red also!! Love you Dad!!

Emma, I hope your birthday was stellar!! Good job getting up skiing without the V rope!!! It depends on the day in this area, it’s spring time right now, so sometimes it’s super hot, and others I have to use the sweater! Love you Hermana!!

Sarah, Sorry to hear that the coach you guest played for was a jerk!!! Hang in there! Nice job on the goal!! Keep working hard and having fun!! Love you Bear!

Callie!!  Sounds like you have had a rough couple days!! Glad you had fun on the boat!! I love it here in Bolivia!! Love you Callie!!

Mom’s Questions:

1. What is your companion like? Is he a convert? How long has he been on his mission? Are you able to communicate with him ok?

Elder Timana is so awesome!! He has been on the mission for 9 months and yes I can communicate.

2. What is your apartment like? Is it just the two of you in the apartment? Is it close to the church or any members?

Our apartment is pretty awesome, its just the two of us in there, and we are only about a block away from the church. We have a sweet weight room (See the pic)

3. What is the food like? Are you eating enough?

Ok so thats actually kind of interesting!! Yes I am eating enough, actually alot of missionaries gain weight here, but they eat their meals kind of different. they have a decent breakfast, but they dont really have a dinner here, so lunch is massive. we always eat at the end of the day too, but its usually not till about 10.

4. What is the weather like? Is it hot and humid? I looked up your city online and it looks like it’s still averaging 82 degrees during Sept.

Its spring time here, and it actually feels kind of like utah! Its not very humid here, and sometimes its way hot, and somedays its actually a little bit nippy!

5. What is your ward/branch like? How many members? Do you have their help and support?

The ward here is incredible! They are so kind, and we totally have their support in everything we do!