My family told me that they are so proud, which for me it was the best Christmas gift!!!

Dec 26, 2016

This week was full of changes and there will be many more changes. It was great because I got to be part of three conferences! When the president asked me to come back to Santa Cruz, I got assigned with the assistants of the president and got to learn so much from them by planning,organizing all the conference, helping out here in the offices and so many other things. The only thing is now I see that the assistants don't sleep at all...so tired but happy to be beside so many amazing missionaries. The Christmas conference was awesome! We ate pig and turkey 3 times for each conference but the greatest thing for me was seeing all these missionaries happy and willing to show all their talents. I also got the chance to talk with my family which was great! I know now that my decision to serve was correct, for I am seeing a great change in them! They are together more often and they told me that they are so proud, which for me it was the best Christmas gift!!! So many things are happening that I have no idea what changes will come my way! All I know is that I will trust in God! 

MERRRYYY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE AND IF I DONT SEE YOU SOON,HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We also got attacked by this swarm of bees but now the memory of us running around fills our hearts with laughter!

Dec 19, 2016

This week I was assigned to another mini missionary, which is only 17. Although he is young, I am learning so much from him. We got to do service again, which was great, but sadly now I am sunburned so much... but it was worth it... we got to see their smiling faces. We are also having many activities so that the members and the people here feel the love that we have for them. Although not many want to listen, through prayer and the scriptures I'm finding the strength and the motivation that I need to keep on trying. I know that we will be blessed here and all of you will surely receive what your heart has been wanting, for its a time of unshaken hope. We also got attacked by this swarm of bees in the service! It was horrible but now the memory of us running around fills our hearts with laughter! So many things are happening here and I know this year will bring even more memories that will transform us.

I love you all! MERRYYYYYYYYYYYYYY CHRISTMASSSSSS! ENJOY THE WARM! 

LOVE TO ALL YOUR FAMILIES and here are the pictures of the last email.

Elder Blanco

I got to feed the cows and to even MILK THEM!!!

Dec 12, 2016

This week was great!  We got to serve so much and I was waiting for this! No one wanted me to serve them here but I kept on asking and I think the Lord answered my prayer! I got to help this family on their farm. I got to feed the cows and to even MILK THEM!!! ha but it was just great. I helped this little boy carry the soda and groceries and it made me remember when I was young and would also do that for my mom. I remember the soda and groceries, where everything felt so heavy and the walk home felt so hard, and to me now, it all felt so light and the walk felt short, IT taught me something! This experience made me see that this also happens in the gospel. We also struggle! We carry the burden of our pains, our afflictions, our sins, even the sadness of losing someone and all that weight makes us want to give up on our road to our Father. But as we keep on going, as we let our Savior help us with our weight, our burdens will be lightened. Our spirit will remember how once before we came to earth, we fought beside Him, we were victorious and we conquered. 

May these Holidays be a remembrance of not only our victory in the heavens but of a Savior that was born for us and that in the same way as He came, delivered to us a new beginning! I love you all and though I'm far, I will remain with all of you throughout this mortal journey!

....Yes things here in this area are so different. I'm beginning to love the people here, though I'm scared. I have been leaving pieces of my heart all over and I wonder how many I have left. I've been thinking and one of the things I would want the most is a picture of all of you...my ward family! I really miss all of your smiling faces! I think that's what I want the most for this holiday, other than that I don't have a clue. Thank you for the things you all tell me and send me! I am really blessed to have you with me and for you all to be part of my mission.

Elder Blanco

I send all my love and gratitude to all of you courageous women.

This week was great!  We did several activities for our small church and it brought the Spirit into our hearts. I have always seen that the strongest people we have in our gospel are all those brave mothers who fight along with their work, house duties, and callings... plus take care of their families with all that they have. To all of you courageous women, I send all my love and gratitude. I saw this week the power of the Relief Society as they visited and brought souls back to church. As we knocked doors and talked to many, we learned that the Lord needs us to work in His vineyard. Sometimes we think that others will do it for us or that He will send the prepared souls to us, but that's not how it works. We need to show Him our efforts and after He has tested our faith, He will then reward us.

I miss you all!  It is hard to see that Christmas is coming and I wont be there with you, but know a piece of all of you is planted in my heart!

Elder Blanco

In this pictures we went to the museum and got to be part of this traditional event where they celebrated Jesus being born. It was great! That big guy next to me is one of the characters from ice age, Sid the sloth, I think!  Ha yea these mammals were the biggest of them all! As we learned that many species that we have in the states, had also been around here, makes me see how God truly created perfection!

It is in the refiner’s fire we are purified and prepared to meet God... It was a hard week.

This week I was in the oven.Like it says in the video, "The refiner’s fire is not a comfortable place to be. It involves intense heat and repeated hammering. But it is in the refiner’s fire we are purified and prepared to meet God." It was a hard week. Many doors closed in our faces, many laughed and cursed us, and when it seemed like we didnt have any strength, any motivation to keep on going, we found strength in prayer. I remembered my dream that I and my companion were in an endless hall of houses and he asked, "How are we going to knock all these doors?" and I said "We should put on the armor of God." So we did and kept on going, Now I see that our trials are worth it. He trusts us and His armor is prepared and molded just for us. Even though this week was hard I trust that God is preparing the hearts of many to hear His sweet voice calling them by name..... I love you all, your advice and love keeps me going! 

Sincerely, Elder Blanco
here is a link to the video
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-11-010-the-refiners-fire?lang=eng

Wow being here I totally forgot it was Thanksgiving!

This week was sad. I got transferred from the jungle and away from all my loved ones once more to a farther part in the mountains where it's super cold or super hot depending on the mood of the day. Although its sad, I truly saw the Lord's trust in me and how much He loves His children. I was sent to Tarija to open a new area in this family group that is striving to become a branch. It is truly amazing! I feel like I am in that same place where the church started with only a few members that soon became a blessing to all the earth. I know that with all the help of God, of the members, and through my diligence, these members will gain an answer to all their hard work and prayers. I want them to have their branch and soon there ward so much. I received several impressions that this is truly going to happen for I saw their desire this week and the sun made a circle around the house where the church is... I don't know, it could be a sign! ha ha

I love you all and I will be praying for all of you here.

Wow being here I totally forgot it was Thanksgiving! No turkey here or mashed potatos,  just vegetables and beans!  Hope all of you can enjoy this time together and that you can partake of the greatest thing, which is the love of all the family! I'll surely be praying for all of you!

Elder Blanco

Change is coming and I really don't want to leave my jungle.

This week was a little sad for the time of changes is coming and I really don't want to leave my jungle.  Its amazing how we go from knowing someone, to loving them, to the point that we know when they are happy, when they are sad, and when they are mad. This is how I feel about this area and the beautiful people that have become my family. Although we enjoyed this week as well. We did a missionary activity that consisted of us, the missionaries, planning everything and letting the members and other leaders relax and enjoy the activity.  It was great.  My companion and I did sandwiches and a cake and made small shirts and dresses to decorate the whole event.  It was an amazing activity that we all enjoyed. That someday we celebrated a b-day from a convert we have and made him another cake.  It was truly chaotic but worth it. Sharing all the different moments with every person in my ward made me see that its true, when we help others we are rewarded with smiles and laughs! This area is amazing and I don't want to leave my little companion... he is the best. I'll surely let everyone know if I leave the jungle.

With love,

Elder Blanco

I was blessed this Sunday to be able to name and bless two babies in the ward.

This week was one of the hardest weeks in my mission.  The adversary truly worked hard this week to destroy and lead away many souls, but he forgot that like sons of a God of light, love, and hope that we are, we can seek His guidance.  So this week we fought along and we helped has many people as we could to come to church and to change their lives. To our delight many of those that denied our message came to us after a long time and told us that they did not feel the same way anymore. They felt that when we visited them, their homes were full of light. We told them it wasn't us, but the light of Christ that was in them. Now they are progressing and going to church. It's truly amazing how Christ works through all of us. 

We also went to the zoo this week, but it was pouring so we couldn't see many animals. But it was truly great... we got soaked and this red monkey was playing tricks on us by patting his bottom and laughing at us. I think that was the funniest thing that I saw there. 

Also I was blessed this Sunday to be able to name and bless two babies in the ward. I'm serving on. It was truly different but I have never felt more love from my Savior than having to do this beautiful thing and having His beautiful angels in my hands. All I know is what a blessing it is to be a missionary!!

 

Elder Blanco

Being in this beautiful place has made me truly grateful for the wonders that He has created!

This week was really upside down! Our p-day started on Wednesday and we are suppose to go to the zoo, but to our luck, there is a storm here that might come in the way of it. But other than that my week has been great! I have seen so many people come to the knowledge of God and we have been serving so many people here that my companion and I are exhausted! ha.ha Being in this beautiful place has made me truly grateful for the wonders that He has created!  Like in Psalms 8 when it says..........When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

To me it is truly wonderful. For He has given us so much that sometimes we oversee because we are so busy with life and with work, but being here, focusing on His work, I have learned to stop and see His wonders. He LOVES us, there is no doubt about that, and he wants us to nurture ourselves with the knowledge that one day we walked beside him, we laughed, we rejoiced in being in His presence. Now we have the opportunity to once more show him we are willing to go through this life, fighting through the pains and the troubles, just to be once more walking beside Him.  I can say that if we all just stop and admire what He has created, all the beautiful paintings that He creates for us in this world, we will rejoice in being called His sons and daughters!

Elder Blanco

When the time for decision arrives, the time for preparation is past.

This week was amazing! I got to learn so much about faith and about how we rely so much on it and on Gods will to keep us on His path. In Moses 6 it says: 33 Say unto this people: Choose ye this day, to serve the Lord God who made you. This made me think of how sometimes we choose to serve the Lord when the time to act approaches but like the president says “When the time for decision arrives, the time for preparation is past."....... Let us not wait to visit that family in need, or to help someone. Let this day be the day that you serve God with all your love and strength and the reward will be seen not through your mortal eyes but through a sincere heart willing to see beyond.

35 And the Lord spake unto Enoch, and said unto him: Anoint thine eyes with clay, and wash them, and thou shalt see. And he did so.

36 And he beheld the spirits that God had created; and he beheld also things which were not visible to the natural eye.

Like Enoch we all have the privilege of anointing ourselves, maybe not with clay, but with continual prayer and service to all those around us. I can testify that through service, our own understanding of the eternal joy that God promises is opened unto us.


Elder Blanco

My choices brought me to this point and I don't regret anything.

This week was all about going back in time to the origins of what I was before when I learned about the gospel. I can say that I don't regret anything. My choices brought me to this point, and while thinking about it, I found my first testimony that I wrote down! haha How nervous I was that day, but that same day I could feel the love of my Savior, of all of you and of every single member of my family that day by day fought with me! I love you all. All I can say is that sometimes I want to go to the day that I knew so little, that my testimony was simple yet it was the greatest piece of evidence that Christ really lives and that He forgives and that He heals even the hearts that are completely broken. I testify that there is no mountain we cant climb, no person we cannot uplift with out Heavenly Father with us. Go back the origins to when that seed was planted within you and remember that first testimony that you all got of the Savior... I am sure your faith will rekindle moments of pure joy!

Elder Blanco

Someone needs to please save me a shirt of this next church service!

The fire in me is growing so much!

This week was amazing! The seeds we have planted are starting to grow! The fire in me is growing so much that it reminded me of the talk by President Uchtdorf,   "Finish with Your Torch Still Lit". It got me thinking and it gave me a hard lesson that I need to keep on going. I need to keep on having the light of Christ shining my way. I wont lie, there are times of doubts of what I can do here but the doubt that never comes is that I know I was sent here to serve my Master, to be His tool. Even though I'm a little rusty and worn out, He still is determined on molding me and I'm determined on going through the fire for Him. Like Uchtdorf says, "How often do we make resolutions in January and pursue them with red-hot determination for a few days, a few weeks, or even a few months only to find that by October, the flame of our commitment is little more than cold ash?"

Brothers and Sisters, Let us make commitments that we will keep. Let us show the world who our loyalty, our trust, our love belongs to and I know that we will not be confused by today's hard times. I love you all and as saints, I know that like they said in conference, we will remain happy and certain even in these last days!

Elder Blanco

https://www.lds.org/liahona/2015/10/finish-with-your-torch-still-lit?lang=eng

"LET US WORK FOR OUR MASTER "

HELLLOOOO ALL MY BEAUTIFUL FAMILY

This week was wonderful! I never felt so burned, so tired, and at the same time, so full of the spirit. As we prepared for conference something amazing happened. We got to teach this amazing family. It was hard at first. We contacted the house but the person there said to come another day and as persistent as missionaries are, we did go another day, only to find a different lady. She said come another day, and we did.  Finally persevering one day we went determined to teach them and we did. This led to them wanting the gospel in their lives and to another miracle, which was going to the Sunday morning session. They invited their friends and I know they all rejoiced in the spirit. It was a miracle that I cant deny.  It changed the way I saw myself and how I know that the promises in D&C are real.

2 Behold, you have had many afflictions because of your family; nevertheless, I will bless you and your family, yea, your little ones; and the day cometh that they will believe and know the truth and be one with you in my church

3 Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation.

4 You shall declare the things which have been revealed to my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun. You shall begin to preach from this time forth, yea, to reap in the field which is white already to be burned.

5 Therefore, thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back, for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Wherefore, your family shall live.

6 Behold, verily I say unto you, go from them only for a little time, and declare my word, and I will prepare a place for them.

7 Yea, I will open the hearts of the people, and they will receive you. And I will establish a church by your hand;

8 And you shall strengthen them and prepare them against the time when they shall be gathered.

9 Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast.

10 Behold, I say unto you that you shall be a physician unto the church, but not unto the world, for they will not receive you.

11 Go your way whithersoever I will, and it shall be given you by the Comforter what you shall do and whither you shall go.

12 Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward.

13 Be faithful unto the end, and lo, I am with you. These words are not of man nor of men, but of me, even Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, by the will of the Father. Amen.

I KNOW WITHOUT A DOUBT THAT I AM HERE FOR HIM TO SERVE ALONG AN ARMY OF SOLDIERS AND IF I TRUST IN HIM MY FAMILY, ALL OF YOU, WILL BE OK AND ONE DAY WE WILL ALL REJOICE TOGETHER IN HIS CHURCH. I LOVE YOU ALL! NEVER GIVE UP ON THOSE THAT ARE WONDERING AWAY FROM GOD BUT HELP THEM FIND THEIR WAY BACK TO HIS HOME . LIKE THEY SAID YESTERDAY "LET US WORK FOR OUR MASTER "

Elder Blanco

Just Pictures!

We did so much service and we got rewarded with so many smiles!

09-19-16
This week was amazing! We did so much service and we got rewarded with so many smiles that I really cant complain. Its amazing that when we serve we are filled with a warm feeling and a strength to finish the job. Sometimes its hard for I want to serve everyone that I see and I really hope my companions feel the same. It's funny in every appointment, in every contact, I offer our service and my companion just gives me a look 😥😒 but I have no doubt that it doesn't matter how we serve, who we serve, or the time we give someone. What matters is that when we do it, we do it with the pure love of Christ.  I can testify that the greatest reward is knowing that we helped them with their heavy loads and that at the end, we will look into their eyes and see that they are our brothers our sisters.

Elder Blanco

I realized that I am nothing without my Father.

I was really humbled this week to the point that I felt like the only way that I can keep on going strong is by knowing that I am weak. I realized that I am nothing without my Father. He knows me so well, he knows me even more than I know myself. This week He showed me that, and it was during my morning studies that I found myself lost, after much struggle, I offered yet another prayer and I don't know what happened but I started crying like a little kid. As I read I felt like He was there with me leading me on. It's strange, but it's during the most vulnerable moments that we put our shield down and then we let him in, to really show us how much we depend on Him. That day I felt like he was with me through all my afflictions.  It was amazing!  Never have I felt His love for me like this week! I know now that we need Him. It's pointless to go on a path that is unknown to us if we don't have Him. Trust that He was, that He is, and that He will always be our source of strength.  He loves you and me and only in our weakness can His love be manifested.

I hope when I go back those primary soldiers are ready to help God with all their hearts.  I loved that picture!  Thankkkk youuuu!  It brought tears of joy to my heart! I love them all!  Also they are growing so fast! I don't like it. I really don't know what I need for now. Seeing all the pictures and knowing all of you are ok makes me happy. I couldn't receive anything better than watching all of you smile. Thank you for the love!  

My son and I worked hard to find new people to teach and I know the Lord walked with us.

This week was amazing!  My son and I worked hard to find new people to teach and I know the Lord walked with us, for we saw His love in the eager people that shared their love for Him.  It reminded me of the story in Luke24                            

15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.

 16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

 21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

 22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;

 23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.

28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.

 29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

 30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

 31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

 32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

This makes me see that sometimes we doubt that He is a God of miracles, that His promises are real. We must walk by faith to truly know Him, and when we do this we will realize He is there beside us all the time. Like in verse 32, we can also experience what they experience. Maybe he wont physically be there but His spirit will...let Him make your heart burn when you pray, and when you get lost in the scriptures, let every day be full of laughter, of cheer, of that joy that only He can provide.  I testify that He loves us.  We are all His children and His way of showing the world that He lives.

This is a letter to our primary kids:


Dear Spiritual Giants

You all are my favorite type of missionaries! I miss you all. The smiles, the laughs, your goofy sense of humor, and the energy you all have. You are my examples of being soldiers, always sharing a smile with your friends, with your family, and with the world. This is what makes you all wonderful. Never be afraid, even in the dark. Jesus gave you a light that shines bright, bright, bright! If you ever feel scared, know that God says He'll be there. Know that I love you all and I pray for you. I know one day you will help so many people find the happiness that you all have. Share your happiness, share your toys, share all the things that bring you joy. Ill be back soon to make you all cookies and to learn from all of you, my Spiritual Giants!






Love Elder Blanco

This week was great! I spent it in the hospital...

Aug 29, 2016
This week was great!  I spent it in the hospital, for they had to operate on my companion, but that gave me the opportunity to not only show my obedience but also to break my fear of talking to everyone. And I can say it was tough! A simple prayer that God filled me up with strength.  I talked to many and gave referrals to other missionaries. Who knew that this would prepare me for the assignment that my mission president had for me which was to train a new missionary.  He's from Argentina Buenos Aires. .....I have no idea why God keeps having so much trust in me, for I am weak, but I'll be working extra hard to make Him proud and I know when we ask Him for something He will give it to us if we are obedient and strive to do our best.  NEVER GIVE UP!  All of you are so special in His eyes and we will never understand why He gives us so much, but I can say that if we strive to live by His rules to love others and serve them, we will radiate the love of Christ to the world!

Elder Blanco

In the picture I sent last week, it was a drink called chicha ha, its made of corn.  It was really bad for the sister from the ward did not put any sugar in it... we all laughed afterwards.