So I found out that I can fall asleep standing! =/ May 29, 2017

Alright! so another week! I need to start writing these things down because I don't ever remember what happens! we walk a whole lot, but that's not new haha. I've been reading the book of Mormon in Spanish and translating it into English as I read it. it really helps with learning the language. I think I've shared with you guys that we are trying to share at least 30 books of Mormon each week. I feel that we are having a lot of success and we are gaining new investigators daily. everyone is super receptive to what we have to say! I made a goal to talk to the biggest scariest guy on the bus (only on the bus, i'm not trying to get shanked on the middle of a dimly lit street.) and it turns out they are some of the nicest people out here. they love hearing more and a lot of the times they have family's and they want to know more so I end up sharing the plan of salvation and we end up becoming friends. they  don't always accept but I know I have friends I can call in case someone wants to throw down on a dark ally. 

lets see, a lot of funny things happen too. for example last night we were on our way home after a very long day! we got on the bus and we shared our message with every one on this VERY CROWDED bus. so after we share our message my companion and I are standing there and my eyes start to get heavy. and I'm like no I can a do this. we have 10 minutes then were home. I can make it. long story short........ I didn't make it. so as I'm standing there, asleep, the bus driver decides  it a great idea to do a break check and I flew like 6 feet forward managing to dodge every person in my path of destruction. and I made this weird WHOA sound ( think R2-D2 from Star Wars) if you aren't sure what that is, look it up. I'm sure the words R2-D2 scream will bring it up. lucky I'm able to laugh at my self so that made it better lol. 

sorry my message isn't very long! we don't have a lot of time this week! still no pictures but I promise one day I will send them! 

LOVE YOU ALL! 

Elder Devin Rios

Gral. Lavalle 1828
1646 San Fernando
Buenos Aires
Argentina

Brand new bed & amazing food. Life is good!

WHAT A WEEK! so we’ve been working like crazy! our mission president assigned us this goal to hand out 30 Books of Mormon every week! it sounds much easier than it actually is!  we have been very blessed to have many new investigators the people here love learning more about Christ. we have been having people come to us more than normal and asking to know more! the gospel is a beautiful thing and for the most part the people who hear about it know it! 

people keep asking me how the language is coming and its coming along fine! I understand more and more people every day! I love when we have a conversation and I’m able to follow along almost word for word! that’s not always the case but when it is, it’s a sweet surprise! sadly, photos still aren’t able to be sent and it sucks because this place is beautiful! 

So, when I got to my area my bed was the (crap lol) well on Friday I walked into our closet sized apartment to find a brand-new bed in all its glory! I may have hugged it and told it id never let it go...... but that’s minor details. I also took a photo with it, it looks like an awkward school dance photo, but again, minor details.

anyhow I’m doing well I’m eating amazing food all the time! I’m learning new skill and learning how to be a better person (as if that’s even possible) I’m also working on humility, that one is a bit harder  

I love you guys glad to hear you’re ding well! love you all! 

Walking in mud! May 15,2017

This week has been good! The language is coming a little more! I can’t wait to be fluent!

We’ve been teaching a lot and just working! The amount of mud in my area is crazy! The people here don’t even think anything about it because it’s so normal! We almost flipped in a bus this week it was actually quite fun! But only because we didn’t die! I’ve decided that as part of the bus driver’s orientation they’re required to watch every fast and furious movie ever made! 

sometimes I’ll start talking to people and they’ll sit there and smile and nod and say si and then at the end they’ll say" sorry I didn’t understand half of what you said, but your accent is really good" so at least I have that going for me lol! 

We’ve been teaching a few different families here and it’s awesome to see how much they love it! You can see a light in their eyes and it’s an amazing experience! Although what I can say is limited when I share my testimony of the gospel I know they feel it. It’s amazing how the gospel works! 

I hope you’re all having a good time back at home! I love hearing how you all are doing I’m sorry that I can’t respond to everyone every week but know that I love and care for you all! Keep the emails coming! I love seeing what you’re up to! 

Sorry for no photos! There is something wrong with my SD card and so the computer won’t read them! 

Love, Elder Rios

GIANT ROOSTER!

Okay gang,

 So, the past week and a half has been crazy! I have been "thrown" into the mission field! The people here are so nice and they love talking to us. I received a new companion, his name is Elder Castillo, he’s from Mexico city, and luckily, for my sake, he knows some English! It’s been a little bit of an adjustment (but in a good way) I had to share my Testimony in Spanish on Sunday and to my surprise, I knew some Spanish!

By this point you’re probably wondering why this is entitled " GIANT ROOSTER" well I’ll take away the suspense. 

  We were walking down this dirt road (most of the roads in my area are dirt)

but anyway, I was talking to my companion in the most broken version of Spanish possible and I said, " oh look, another wild dog" because you see one about every 3 feet. well the closer we got to this "dog" I realized it wasn’t a dog but I couldn’t quiet figure out what it was. and then my companion stepped on a leaf or something and its head popped up and it was a TODDLER SIZED ROOSTER! I’m not kidding this thing was huge my first thought was "I totally understand why cock fighting is a thing" then I quickly moved as to not be its next victim.

On Friday, we are baptizing two of the member’s kids. it’s going to be amazing, I’m sure of it! we went and talked to them on Saturday and you could just here how excited they were in their voices. 

So many things happen every day I can’t even think of where to start. The people here are so amazing the members love meeting the new missionary’s. they tell me my accent is good for only being here for a short time and that they usually can’t understand the new missionary’s until about month 3 so I’m a little ahead of the curve. 

I don’t know if you remember elder Stowell, we were in the same district in the MTC but he and I are living in the same apartment which is cool because he and I became really good friends in the MTC. we were told that we would be in this area for the next 3 transfers so about 4.5 months. that means I’ll get to know the members really well which I’m excited about! 

I’m sorry that I don’t have any photos I left my camera back at the apartment. however, we may be coming back to email after lunch so maybe I’ll send them later today! 

Elder Devin Rios

Gral. Lavalle 1828
1646 San Fernando
Buenos Aires
Argentina

What about second breakfast?

Dear Family of Elder Rios,           

We are thrilled to report that your son,  has arrived to the Buenos Aires North Mission. He arrived at the mission home for a luncheon, followed by training.  He received his new companion this evening. You should expect to hear from your missionary on Monday, May 15.  Thank you for preparing a wonderful son to serve the Lord and the people of Argentina.

-Elder Stafford

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As the Mother of this amazing missionary I am thankful that he arrived to the mission home from the MTC safe  but I'm a little concerned....What about next week? What about the Mothers Day phone call? What about second breakfast?