DRUM ROLL PLEASE...
Argentina, Bahia Blanca Mission
As his mother, I am overwhelmed. And surprised! Argentina? Wow.
He has already learned that he may have to go weeks at a time without a shower. But if that is the worst of it, we can deal with that. Well, he will have to deal, I won't even know probably. I just hope and pray that he will be kept safe.
Nathan seemed surprised and a bit shocked (not as shocked as I was though) as he read his call, but by the end of our conversation, he seemed relaxed, excited and ready to serve the people of Argentina.
Good luck Nate! We love you and are learning as much about Argentina as possible already. (The food might be really wonderful...it has some Italian influence!)
Congratulations Nathan! That's the same mission I served, though it has split at least once since then. When I served from 1987-1989 the mission covered from Bahia Blanca all the way down to Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego. You will love it! It's not nearly as primitive as it sounds. There are many modern conveniences. Much of your time will be spent among the poor that don't have a lot of conveniences, but usually the apartments the missionaries are in are not that bad. After the initial shock is over (give it a week), you will love it. FYI, they eat a lot of beef and the food is really quite good. You may end up baptizing some people in a 3 foot deep play pool outside in the middle of the winter, but those are just some of the awesome memories you will have. You can even drink the tap water in Argentina which is a huge bonus!
Best of Luck,
Mike Chambers
Posted by: Mike Chambers | July 11, 2009 at 07:04 PM
I waited around as long as I could for your update. I am finally home. OMGG...(GG standing for Goodness Gracious of course) How incredibly exciting, overwhelming, amazing, and just plain wonderful!!! I am so excited for you. You will be our families second (sorry not the first) missionary that we will lovingly send letters and goodies to. (Although nothing will beat out your own mom's goodies!!) We have a young man from our ward that we are partial to. He is serving in Jamaica. Anyway, just wanted to say how proud of and excited for you we are.
Posted by: The Killian Crew | July 11, 2009 at 09:21 PM
Mike,
Thanks so much for your wonderful comment! I know it is meant for Nathan but it was really helpful for me to read. I am positive that Nathan will love the area and the people as much as you do. Thanks again!
Marilyn
Posted by: Mar~ | July 11, 2009 at 09:53 PM
We are also very excited for all of you!! An adventure awaits for sure. One of Dennis' sons served in Argentina but a different mission. He LOVED it there and has been back many times since.
Posted by: Jill Shelley | July 11, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Congratulations, Nathan. You will be a great missionary.
Marilyn, it was so good to see you and your family. Thanks for spending some time with us. I'm glad grandma is doing better and life has settled down a bit for you. We love you.
Posted by: Valarie Dinkel | July 12, 2009 at 04:11 PM
Thank you all for your wonderful comments. I am so excited to serve the people in Argentina! I know it will be a fantastic experience, and cannot wait to get into the field!
Posted by: Nathan Lloyd | July 12, 2009 at 04:37 PM
Isn't technology wonderful? A 3-generation video conference call--impressive!
Isn't the gospel wonderful? Two years in a foreign country to teach and preach and work like missionaries do. :)
Aren't you wonderful? To be willing and worthy to serve.
Congrats, Nathan. We're proud of you and look forward to many wonderful updates via this wonderful technology disguised as your mother's wonderful blog.
Posted by: Lori Tolbert | July 12, 2009 at 07:43 PM
Yea! A mission to Argentina will be such a thrill. Congratulations Nathan! We are excited for you.
Posted by: Mary Perkins | July 13, 2009 at 08:54 AM
Good Luck and Congrats Nathan. Argentina will be lucky to have you! Oh, and I need an address so I can send goodies too!
Posted by: Stacy | July 13, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Nathan, I am so proud of you. You are a fabulous young man and you will be an amazing missionary. The people of Argentina are so lucky to have you among them. I'm so grateful you are willing to serve the Lord. You are a fantastic example to me and to your younger siblings. You (and your mom) will be in my prayers. I can't wait to start sending you letters!!
Posted by: Marilyn | July 13, 2009 at 03:29 PM
Nathan: I'll have to get an email address for you. (Has it changed?) Anyway, I just wanted to tell you how excited grandpa and I are for your mission call. It will be a wonderful experience for you. I have a special love for the Latino people. There are some people here in Brigham City that were in the Dominican Republic when Grant served his mission. As a matter of fact, one of the women served as a missionary the same time Grant served. They are my very best friends. I really love them. Well, good luck in school, church activities, friends, etc. Love you.
Posted by: Joan Lloyd | July 14, 2009 at 10:45 PM
Congrats Nathan! That is sooo cool. You will be a great missionary. I am happy for you. I must have missed it, but when do you leave?
Posted by: Teresa Brooks | July 15, 2009 at 10:33 AM
Wow! How very exciting, Nathan! You will make an excellent missionary. Best of luck in all you do. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Rresa Nilson | July 20, 2009 at 05:27 AM
Nathan congulations, you will be a GREAT missionary.
Posted by: Pauline | July 22, 2009 at 01:23 PM