Latest photos

On a "bridge" in Anahi

Anthony's new house in Anahi, Capiata, Paraguay

Anthony's new room in Anahi - yea...he needs to clean it!

A going away present - a Paraguay hat

The boyz at Burger King

Saying goodbye to the Selva family

Saying goodbye and getting a crocodile chipa

Saying goodbye to the Arguellos

Week 43

So like I said last week, I finally got changes. That change has been to Anahi 1^st Ward . It’s part of Capiata district or kind of close to Asuncion, the capital, and the Argentine border.  I basically traded one border for another.

And my new comp is Elder Stopper from Ecuador. He just finished his training from Elder Fernandez. Elder Fernandez was one of my best friends from the MTC, so that should be pretty cool.

We got the news of the change last Monday as we were waiting for some people to show up for our soccer game. Not gonna lie, my emotions were pretty all over the place. I basically knew I was leaving Pedro Juan - one way or another.  Either the pres was going to move me or I would go completely off the reservation and move into Brazil, buy a house and a car, and get a job at a BBQ place -  since I was never going to leave.  

Also, there were a lot of rumors going around that I was going into the office to become the new Financiero or Financial Clerk.  And…it’s not really a secret that going into the office was something I wanted to do.  So I was secretly pretty jacked for changes.  Well, I didn’t go into the office as you now know.  So I was pretty bummed about that and some other stuff made me pretty upset actually. 

Anyway, we played soccer; it sucked.  Then I made one last run to the shopping China Food court. I got a bomb chicken parmesan, a strawberry banana juice, and one last thing of gelato.  I’m seriously addicted to that stuff. Then off to the cyber café.

On our way there we stopped to buy something to drink as it is really hot here. Well surprise, surprise, this place had Pepsi. I hadn’t seen or drank one since I left the States, so naturally I bought 2 and drank them both.  It was so worth it.  My Grandma Frost would be proud! That basically wrapped up my p-day.  We bought some burgers as part of the tradition of leaving Pedro Juan and then home and I packed.

It’s weird how nothing fits in my bags anymore.  Ok, not weird - 2 hammocks take up a lot of space.  It just made packing more of a hassle than I wanted. 

Anyway, the next day was weird as I was saying goodbyes. I hate goodbyes.  And they never seem real until after the fact.  I just hate them.  Anyway, I started the day off strong with the Familia Arguello.  Digna lost it.  She even bought me a tie. Ha ha.  It’s weird saying goodbye to people that have had such a big impact on your life and you’ve had on theirs.  After them, we went into town for lunch, which was awesome!  She made milanesa and her patented sauce, which I decided to go for broke and ask for the recipes.  Got them.  Heck ya!

Then it was off to the terminal to buy tickets.  It still didn’t feel real.  Then I tried to buy some stuff for Elder Anderl, but that fell through.  So then it was back to goodbyes.  Next up was Selva, and yes she did cry.  She also talked about all we’ve been through together and a lot about the day I almost died in the hospital.  Apparently it was worse than I thought. I guess my lips turned blue and I started convulsing.  The doctor told her she couldn’t leave the room and had to change my towels every so often or I would die more or less. Ha ha.  She said she was scared I’d get sick again and die.  Well, isn’t that lovely.  I’m like one of those athletes with an injury risk tag, except mine says sick and die. Ha ha.  Anyway, she cried and I gave her a tie and some pics she wanted.  And then we went our way.  I visited a lot of people. Unfortunately a lot of people weren’t home, so I missed a lot too.  I did have dinner with Blandina, which was pretty good.  I gave Lucia crap about not getting me my Paraguayan flag which I ordered like 2 months ago.  But they gave me some cool gifts and then off I went again.  Then we ran to Hermana Benitez’s house and said bye there before running back to the house, loading up Hermano Miguel’s van and going to the terminal. 

It was just me and Elder Worsham going on the bus as Elder Menchaca and Elder Wall are staying together in PJC.  We loaded up our stuff, and I fell asleep.  It still did not feel like I was leaving forever.  It finally felt real when I dropped my bags off outside the office and everyone else started showing up.  I waited a long time as my companion was one of the last ones to show up, and then we had to wait for the other elders in Anahi to get out of their training meeting to show them their house. 

So I had a good chance to get to know my new comp.  He’s pretty legit.  His name is Elder Stopper from Ecuador, and he played on Ecaudor’s U20 National Soccer team as a goalie.  He’s super funny, and we get along great.  So it’s gonna be a fun 6 weeks, if not more, together. We hung out for awhile in the office.  I got my copy of Miracle of Forgiveness from President McMullin.  And then off we went.

There were way too many suitcases and 4 elders in one car.  Finally we got there, and first thing I noticed about my new house is that it has AC.  Second, I have a place for my hammock.  It’s gonna be a good time.  Also, I received a package while in the office.  And like I promised, any time I get mail or a package, I’ll give you a shout out.  So thanks Brontay and Hilary for the package.  You guys are amazing!  I owe you one.  The Halloween candy was amazing!  It was the highlight of the month.  

So far, after only a couple days here, I love Anahi.  It might just be a high from being something different, but the people are awesome here.  They all want to help us, and the ward is great.  And yes, it is a ward and works like one which is so nice after basically doing everything myself in Pedro Juan Caballero.  I’m really excited about the area, and I know I have to work hard as there are no investigators right now.  But I’ll make it happen, cap’n. I’m sure I’ll have more to tell about Anahi next week.  But for right now, I love it.

And one last thing, if you all could pray for a couple of people that I am close to that would be awesome. First is my Grandma Hadley.  She has breast cancer.  The second one is Brontay Dickson - one of my best friends from college.  Unfortunately, her life is in complete meltdown right now.  Her boyfriend was in an accident and has since lost his leg.  AND, she was recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and had to go to the E.R.. I love both of these people a lot, so all the prayers you guys can give would be great. Get better you two!

Take care of yourselves. 

Love you all,

Elder Frost

 

Week 42

So I promised to talk about Elder Christofferson, so that’s what you guys will get… eventually.

So anyway, we got to Asuncion early Monday morning.  Basically we were completely out of it as it’s dang near impossible to sleep on those big buses. So I decide, heck with getting on a street bus, crazy packed and really un-fun, so we grab a taxi.  No big deal right... well he took us on the longest way possible and then tried to drop us off at the Catholic church.  Yay nice try buddy.  Finally we get there but it’s a little - ok a lot - more than we were expecting.  Luckily we had suitcases and therefore could get it reimbursed.  So that was nice.

Then as always we had to wait outside the office as it was locked.  So we talked and tried to kill time. Eventually we went to a gas station and got breakfast.  Nothing like a hot dog out of a gas station for breakfast.  I did buy a Paraguayan brand sports drink, and it was surprisingly delicious.  Who knew?  After that, back to the office for more waiting for the office elders to arrive.  

As we were doing so, the President decided it was a good time to lecture us all on using our time better. Talk to me when you were on a bus for 7 hours, didn’t sleep, and it’s P-day. Ok, I’m a little grouchy in the mornings, haha.  But he had a good point. So we went and studied for awhile, then the office elders came and we took care of business. Then it was off to the city of Capiata to see some families of Elder Menchaca’s.

Well Capiata is like an hour away on a bus, so no big deal.  Except for when you take the wrong bus... Elder Menchaca didn’t remember the buses to take, so we bus hopped for a while.  But we finally made it.  He had some really cool families and converts in that area.  Every visit we did was awesome.  It was even cooler to see him in and around his old area and how he changed.  He got super happy and you could see and feel the love between him and his old families.  Pretty cool.  He showed me around; we visited people.  Then it was back on a bus to Asuncion. 

Once there, we grabbed some dinner at Burger King.  Chicken nuggets have never tasted so good.  And then it was off to the Hermana Fuller’s house to sleep. So ya, 20 dudes in one house is always gonna be rough. Luckily I took my bed last, so I got a room to myself even if I slept in the kitchen.  The bad news was I got kicked and stepped on anytime anybody went to the bathroom for the night. Oh well.  Finally I woke up and successfully dodged morning yoga, again a bunch of dudes in their underwear stretching, not for me. Haha. We got ready and then back to the office for studies and such.  Eventually we got free and went to lunch.  We went to Burger King again. Gotta get it when you can.  And who should happen to be there... well  Elder Anderson and Anderl and their comps.  What a kawinkydink. ;)  So that was legit, seeing everybody by chance like that.  We had a good time there.

Then we walked across the street to the temple and the conference. We had to sit in our chairs forever, but it finally began.  Then we all got up and were able to shake his hand, and he read our nametags.  It was pretty cool.  Then the actual conference began.  There were some really good talks and then Elder Christofferson.  That is one funny man.  He made lots of jokes and shared a good message while also opening up for questions and telling us about blessings we will receive for being here. Always good to get that locked down as I figure the word of an apostle has to mean something. Haha.  After that, we had some lunch, but it was not good. Then it was off to the office for practices before going to the bus terminal.  We had a really funny practice as Elder Valladares came in and pretended to be Elder Wall’s wife.  Hahaha.

 Ok, so after that we took a bus to the terminal and then a bus back out to my home in PJC. 

So Wednesday night, there was a baptism for a grandson in the ward.  So naturally, we had to set it all up.  And of course in keeping with my lousy tradition… out goes the water.   It is always something bad on a baptism night.   But they made snacks, and they were heavenly.

Thursday I did a division with Elder Worsham.  During the division, we looked for menos active (less active) people.   Well the records are bad, or really old, since we didn’t find a single one.   Basically we knocked on doors all day looking for people who don’t exist.  We did visit some insane old ladies.  Like literally insane.

Then Friday there was nothing big to report , except we made pizzas for a fundraiser, as well as for my stomach, with the Hermana Benitez.  It was soooo good!

Then nothing exciting until Sunday night when we got hassled by some drunks.  We were just sitting outside Hermana Blandina’s house chatting after a visit when some drunks came.  No problem.  Talked about the church for awhile, and then they left.  As we got up to leave, they came back with an old lady who started going off about us being in Paraguay to trick people into giving us money and that we are possessed by devils.  Ya…they were pretty hammered.  So we explained.  Then she got angry and next thing we know the dudes start throwing punches.  Luckily Hermana Blandina stepped in and broke it up.  Then she took us back inside to her house.  It turns out the lady was her sister and is just a mean lady.  So that was exciting.

Finally I got changes news today.  I am finally leaving Pedro Juan Caballero.  It feels weird.  I’ve lived in this house, in this city longer than I have lived in the house in Fairfield I will go home to.  It still hasn’t quite hit me.  I’ll never walk these streets or see these people again.  It’s gonna be strange. I’ll give you guys a full rundown on my new comp and area next week.  But for right now, I’m going to Anahi which is a part of the city of Capiata.  Capiata is pretty close to Asuncion.  So ya, there ya go.  I gotta go pack and start getting ready to say goodbye to people tomorrow.  So weird.  Well that’s my life -- take it or leave it. Take care of yourselves.

Love you all and miss you.  Email me.

 

Elder Frost

Note:  Anthony's new program is in the City of Capiatá.  Capiatá is a city in Central Department, Paraguay. It is the only city in Central that borders seven cities: Aregua, Itaugua, Juan Augusto Saldívar, Luque, Ñemby, San Lorenzo and Ypane.

It is about an hour southeast of Asuncion.  It is also located near the border with Argentina (the Rio Paraguay separates the 2 countries).

As a reminder - you can write Anthony in 2 ways:

Pouch

Elder Anthony Frost
Paraguay Asunción North Mission
P.O. Box 30150
Salt Lake City, UT  84130-0150


OR

International mail



Elder Anthony Frost

Paraguay Asunción North Mission
Avenida Santísima Trinidad N. 1280 C/ Julio Correa
Casilla de Correo 1871
Asunción, Paraguay

 
e-mail:  afrost@myldsmail.net

Week 41

So first off, some big news and then probably a little later some even bigger news and maybe, just maybe, some even bigger news after that -- kinda like that picture of the fish, eating a fish, eating a fish.

The first bit of news is for anyone who was involved in the infamous PB&J challenge of last year…I’m happy to inform everybody that I can once again eat a PBJ.  And… I still love them. Haha.

Also, Elder Menchaca and I had a sick day Tuesday just talking and loving life. So the day was whatever - a typical Tuesday in the mish.  But at night we ordered burgers and a pop and just kicked it and talked about after the mission plans. It was pretty legit. We basically decided that unless I make the soccer team, highly unlikely considering my current physical condition, then I’m gonna continue to learn how to box. It’s on my bucket list to be in a boxing match. I love the sweet science - always have. Anyway, I gotta find a gym in Provo and train.  But then, during the same conversation, he invited me down to live at his house for a while and train there.  Then we can both fight the same night. It would be freaking legit.

Also, he has his own chickens for cock fighting so that’s another bucket list item knocked off the list. Heck ya! And yes, before all my family emails me saying these are bad ideas, let’s get real.  We all know it’s very unrealistic - even if it would be awesome. No need to worry about my health. Yet. haha

Then Wednesday leads us to our next big news - Rafa Arguello. All 5 foot 8 300 lbs of him!  He wants to go on a mission. So exciting! So Rafa was one of the first people I met in my mission and someone that I was here for his baptism. To say he’s been an important part of my mission is an understatement. So he’s kinda been floating out the idea of going on a mission for a while now.  He mentions it in the way of jokes and in things he says, but anytime we’ve seriously asked about it, he plays it like a joke and goes running away.  Basically he says he won’t go, doesn’t want to go.  Like there’s no way he ever could. Well a couple weeks ago, he was really down about his family slowly falling away from the church, or not continuing to progress. So I gave him Lehi’s dream to read and basically challenged him to be Lehi and do everything he could to help his family make it.  He really took that to heart.  And as a result, he has picked up all his reading, praying and is sharing what he is doing with his family.  It’s been awesome! But we never thought a mission was a real option for Rafa. Well, Wednesday that changed. We got a call that he wanted to visit with us. Well,, unfortunately we had run into some unexpected service and couldn’t make it to the visit. Bummer. But we still passed by his house.  Griselda, his mom, told us about how he wants to go on a mission, but she was scared and wanted to know more.  So we talked her all through the mission -- basically how it works -- and helped alleviate some of her fears. Well later that night Rafa shows up to our ward activity and we asked him about it and he confirmed that he wants to go. So we are going to start preparing him for it.  Hopefully, I can be there when he goes to the airport. That would be so cool!

The next day was interviews with the mission president. Well interviews were interviews. Also, as I had the littlest amount of drama in the area, my interview was pretty short.  I did get to ask him about The Miracle of Forgiveness and he gave me permission to read it.  So that should be legit. Unfortunately, my companion had it a little rougher.  He really wanted to get permission to go to the gym, so he could step right back in to his boxing career.  He was…denied. I’m not going to judge that decision - just stating what happened. So he was pretty down.

We found a nice restaurant to eat lunch at. One of the more expensive places to eat in Pedro Juan and yet it still cost the same as like an Applebees.  I’ll take the Applebees for those who are wondering.  It was a good pasta and chicken thing, complete with a server in a tux and everything.  It was pretty cool to feel rich, as we sat in our suits after interviews…until we put on the backpacks and went back to the grind. Haha.  All in all, a cool experience.

Then more good food as Friday night Hermana Benitez was selling pizzas as part of a fundraiser to finish that house we started forever ago. So we ordered one. So good. probably the best pizza I’ve eaten since I left the States.  It even had stuffed crust. Yum.  Anyway, so we bought some pop and ate pizza Friday and just kicked it for another good day.

Saturday we had English class.  At first, the only person there was Camila, who wanted to practice reading her paper in English.  She has an interview this week for a trip to the United States.  So we helped her with that.  Then a couple of other kids came in and mostly wanted to know words they could insult each other with.  But it was pretty amusing. Then I began to teach them the words of some of our greatest writers, namely R Kelly, Nelly, Eminem, and 50 cent. Haha.  No worries, I only taught them church approved lyrics.

Then Sunday we went to church.  Wilson didn’t come, so there will be no baptism this week.

Then after church, we left for Asuncion.  And that brings us to the last big news of this letter. Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the 12 apostles was in Paraguay, and we went to go see him. I’ve decided to tell all about that trip in the next blog as it belongs there.  And without it, next week would be pretty short.

So that’s something to look forward to.

Love and miss you guys,

 

Elder Frost

Week 40

Well it’s been awhile, but I finally got sick again. Haha. So I don’t know when or why or how, but I’m pretty sure I’ve got an eye infection. I’m gonna call the nurse tomorrow. So let’s back things up.

Monday was a lot of fun. We played some football and let’s just say you still can’t catch quick. I also unleashed my inner T.O. with some touchdown celebrations. Hey, I like to showboat.  So sue me. It was really a lot of fun. I am freaking slow now, though I’ve literally lost like all my muscles. It’s terrible.

The next day we went to go pick up our money, and it wasn’t there.  So we started walking home. We stopped and talked with the guy at the gym, and as we were standing there I just lost it. My head started killing and I had a terrible headache and the whole world was spinning.  But more than that, my eyes just burned and hurt.  So add that all together and…yup I was sick again. We finally made it home and I just died, just went and crashed on my bed.  But I couldn’t sleep cuz our house turns into an oven if it is even remotely hot outside.  So that sucked.

I did re-read some letters that people had sent me, and they were awesome. So ya, one more time, send me stuff.  If it’s awesome enough, I’ll even drop your name in my blog. Haha.  Like I’m famous or something.

Oh ya, I also felt like Winnie the Pooh this week. “And the rain rain rain came down down down”.   All week.  It literally rained all week.  Oh and top things off… my umbrella broke on Sunday.  Yup awesome. 

The rain and the sickness definitely made this week difficult, but we had some really cool things happen regardless. We did work on the house some more, and it is slowly coming along.  So that’s a plus.  Then, of course with any baptism there has to be some drama. So Wilson is an 8 year old kid, well as of today, a 9 year old kid that has wanted to be baptized for forever.  Well we finally got the permission from his mom in Spain to do it.  So his legal guardian – grandma - told us OK for Wednesday.  So we planned that.  Then out of nowhere, she decided to wait a week for a combined birthday / baptism.  Slight problem.  The moment he turns 9, he becomes a convert, not a child baptism.  No problem, it just means we have to teach him all the lessons and he has an interview with the missionaries. Oh, and he has to come to church on Sunday.   Well on Sunday it’s a torrential downpour and in Paraguay that means almost nobody came to church.  So, we have to move his baptism again.  So fun telling that to someone.  

The branch also went to the temple this weekend, and that led to a cool experience too.  So Vilmar is the husband of a member that we have known about for a long time.  The only problem is he is Brazilian.  No problem - we can translate.  Well then he didn’t want to pull the trigger and get baptized until his daughter does.  Well, his daughter is 6 months old.  That’s a problem. Haha.  We couldn’t work around it, so we dropped him.  Come to find out, he went on the temple trip and just sat in the waiting room and decided he wants to be baptized.  He even came on Sunday in the rain!   So legit.  So we are working with him now and hope to get him baptized before the end of the month. It’ll be so cool!

Also saw Griselda this week.  Nothing significant there, as she’s still not coming to church.  I am only making a note cuz it was weird visiting her in her new house, after 9 months in the other.   Dang, I’ve been here awhile. I could almost see a baby born. Crazy!

Also I saw Rafa and talked to him about going on a mission. And after being initially apprehensive, he’s coming around.  He even wanted to talk to Pres this week.  So cool if he goes.

Also, we did a Noche de Hogar (Family Home Evening) with Mercedes and we made brownies. She’s so cool.  Hopefully we can get her coming back to church. 

We have interviews this Thursday, and that will be exciting.  Can’t think of anything else right now.  So I’ll end with, I love you guys.  Take care of yourselves and be careful. I’m not there to protect y’all now.  Miss ya.

 

Elder Frost