Cartas de Argentina

Since Zack left, we have received three letters through the mail from him. I'm always so excited to see his handwriting on the envelope that I rip them open in the car and read them before I leave the parking lot. His letters give me incentive to get into town and pick up my mail at least once a week. This last letter was especially entertaining because he had illustrated "The armor of God" and also a hamsteak (labeled MMM... Ham.... Also know as ...... protein). I don't know what the ham was about; I wondered if I was supposed to remember some random inside joke. He is really growing and doing well so far, as you can tell by his letters and emails home. I'm going to put his letter that we got today here for you all to enjoy.
Dear Family,
(Picture of the armor of God) ?Como Estan? Or perhaps I should say, ?Como Estais? and use the vosotros form, but I have absolutely no idea how to conjugate in vos. Things have been a little different since Elder Clark left back home, but it's Okay. I've adapted. I gave him one of my ties, and the whole distrito escribieron letters to him before he left. I'll miss his presence, his Elder Clark way of doing things. But, most of all, it makes me realize just how blessed we are to all be here in a foreign country and in good health. Muchos misioneros no tienen los oportunidades mismos que nosotros tenemos. (Many missionaries don't have the same opportunities that we have.) Estan muchos misioneros en estos dias que no necesitan ir afuera del pais porque la iglesia tiene tantos misioneros de aqui en Sur America. (There are many missionaries in these days that don't need to go outside of their countries because the church has so many missionaries here in South America.) But I'm one of those few who gets to be here. I've often pondered why I'm so blessed . . . Eg.; born in the gospel, born in God's chosen land of America, with amazing parents, a great example for a sister, and extended family who live the gospel's expectations of them, and not only that, but blessed to have possessions of all kinds that I take for granted. Then there's all that about the earth being only one of perhaps millions and on this one in particular, our Savior came to be a loving perfect example and atone for our sins. And soon after he was resurrected and passed on this gift to us so that perhaps one day I won't ever have to endure another runny nose again, because believe me, I have had my fair share lately. I know there must be some reason for all of this and we all must have been prepared for this, as special souls, in pre-mortal life, Because of this, it's only fair to give two years (and what a small price it will be in the scheme of things), to serve these people here. I give you this simple testimony, that we are a blessed people. AMEN.

I love you all very much, and pray for you always. Love Elder Zachary A. Baum



He is changing, and yet he's still our Zachary (still wondering about the hamsteak). What I should say is that his testimony is growing and strengthening. Hope you all enjoy this letter.

P.S. The amazing sunset picture on our title was taken the evening that Zack received his patriarchal blessing. We stepped out of the patriarch's home and were met with the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen. It covered the sky from the north to the south and was even more intense and rich than this picture shows. It was a special evening for us, topped off with a beautiful sunset.