Our Brothers & Sisters del Norte

This year - 2009 - marks 10 years since Tania and I first arrived to Argentina's northwest as full-time missionaries. What a joy it was to labor among the kindest of people inside the region's most humble communities. Our time in Salta left an everlasting impression on our lives...and the lives of others.

Unfortunately, today's news reports from Salta indicate a massive mudslide has devastated the town of Tartagal in the northern limits of the province (outside Bolivia). More than 10,000 residents have been evacuated following torrential rainfall...which swept away a principle bridge in town.

We know that many of our friends back home are quite familiar with this area. I clearly recall such rainstorms in the north, often flooding villages and toppling makeshift homes. May we pray for the safety of those affected in Tartagal...a region often overlooked.

This Month in The ENSIGN...

Yesterday, I had the true pleasure to accompany a very special group of friends into the vast wine region of Uco Valley, Mendoza. Ann Monson Dibb (Second Counselor, LDS Young Women General Presidency) and Silvia H. Allred (First Counselor, LDS Relief Society General Presidency) were here in Mendoza to provide a training session for multiple stakes.

President and Sister Lindahl (LDS Mendoza Argentina Mission) asked me to come along for a day tour and provide some historical insight as we drove towards Tupungato and the flourishing vineyards of Bodega Salentein. While none of us drink wine, we did enjoy a personal visit through the luxurious wine cellars of Salentein, a Dutch investment now attracting tourists worldwide for its modern design and fine art museum.

It was a joy to hear the testimonies and experiences of both sisters. This week alone, they will provide training sessions in Mendoza, Salta, Buenos Aires, and parts of Uruguay and Paraguay. Both Sister Allred and Sister Dibb are true examples of service as they continue to commit their time and efforts on behalf of the church. We shared great stories and good laughs...especially when learning more about Sister Dibb's dear father!

And where did we go for lunch? La Tupiña, of course!