Cherry Picking in Chile

¿Hola como estás Momita? Estoy bien, y muy contento con my vida nueva aquí en Pucon. Hay muchos Judíos...es tan loco. No se, la verdad. Aun ahora estory combiando. Tengo deseos, que nunca antes en mi vida tuve. Y muchas veces no se que va pasar en mi vida. La unica cosas que yo se, es que yo voy volver a Puerto Natales. ¡Como estás Puerto Natales y la rama? Les Extraño muchismo. ¡Escribenme con toda la información!

Hey!

Wow, it's been a really interesting week. We challenged 4 people to get baptised, and 3 of them accepted. It's been really interesting to just go for it. I start to lose my fear of the people we are teaching and end up just being honest and direct with them. Showing them what we have for them is what they need. At times, I wish I could be stronger and a lot better off with Spanish to help explain the stuff better. But, I do lack on studying a lot of the time.

It was really good to Skype to all of you! I can´t wait for May. It won´t be too much more time longer. The truth is the time here in the mission goes by so fast that I can hardly see. But, in the same time we are hardly moving as missionaries. It must be like this for God. Everyone around me is moving and living life, and each day I get up and do the same thing and find the people that have gotten to the point where life is just too fast, and they can´t do it on their own. Then, God sends us in to help them pick up their life and start taking things one by one. You have all grown and changed so much. It's weird, because I don´t feel like I have really changed too much on my outside.

All our investigators are doing really well...many of them are starting to really question things now. Maybe finally, I am getting the hang of using the Spirit. He can hit a ton harder than I can. Haha, I love it.

SILAS I KNOW YOU WERE CRYING BECAUSE YOU MISS ME! I miss you, too. I saw that you got some Old Spice for the chicks...be careful...that stuff is really strong! If I come back and you have 3 girlfriends I will know why. Haha, how is World of Warcraft? What do you play as these days? Have you been praticing guitar? Got any good songs you like to play? Are you ready to drive my car? Is it alive?

How is the new Mission Impossible? I didn´t know they were doing another one...Haha.

I am sure that someday the birds will get the playstation figured out...and by the time they do that I will be home...It was crazy how much they talked to me. I loved it so much and everyone was laughing about it.

Gustavo & his hermanolito

Gustavo letting us play with his presents

Elder Medina & I getting ready to chow down. He already ate his tie!!!

So, today we went to a house and picked cherries to eat. I climbed up to the very top and laughed at Elder Medina because he was scared to go up. I ate at least a good 50 of them. I am sending pictures for you to see. It was really cool.

A bumper crop

Come on up Elder Medina!!!

Elder Medina climbing the ladder

A delicious harvest

Sweet is the work!!!

Its been pretty cool here...people are really nice, and well, although they don´t want to talk much to us, they always offer water and other stuff to help with the heat. Have you ever noticed how nervous the Jehovah's Witnesses are? We said hi to some of them the other day and they just like start shaking and look like they will die from the nervousness they have. I don´t understand it...Haha.

So, I started drawing a lot...I´ll have to send you some of my stuff sometime. I am not that great but, I think it would be cool to send you some stuff.

Well...I think that is about all. Oh hey...would you send me how much I have in my bank account? I had to buy some medicine the other day and I thought...how much do I have...

I love you all so much!

Just got to keep pressing on...till we get to the end. Sometimes, it's horrible in life. But, I am glad I get to live here. I am also glad that I have all of you. I just wish I would of been a bit nicer haha. I am very grateful to have met the people that I have as well. Its good to be alive. haha

Our place - It's pretty good

Our spacious living room

Our fabulous beds

Feliz Navidad!!!

Christmas in Chile

Momita, tu parte está abajo de Inglés.

Hey familia!

I am glad that you got my present. I hoped you liked it...I really enjoyed sending that Indio Picarro to you all. I thought it would give you a sense of the type of people I am teaching haha. It was really cool to find one that was tiny like that. The truth is I didn´t get to go to Mcdonalds, I ending up only getting to eat cookies. Haha, it was weird because I went out with an Elder who only knew his sector for like 5 days. We just followed the spirit without plans and ended up finding so many people who wanted help...I just hope he is actually going to visit them. I hope...

Elder Colque & Elder Burge

The little branch thing isn´t too bad. Really, it seems like these are always the best places to be! I really love it here, I have a good family here. There aren't counselors here, maybe AGAIN I will be the 1st counselor. Who knows...I am learning to just accept the will of the Lord for me. We have found so many people to teach here it isn´t funny. We found 8 people last week who could become investigators. I can feel that my testimony is growing. Because of the power it has, I can hit people right in the spirit. It's been interesting. Haha, the people call the store (Eltit Supermarket) with just the ending...it's so funny! I sent you a picture of a sign that is pretty funny.

What Kind of Store is This?

Pucon Branch Party

Pucon Barbeque

Painting in Pucon

I can´t wait to Skype you all, too. I am going to be doing it from the house of the papito. Haha, you can meet them all. I am sure they will try to speak English to you all. It will be pretty funny, and they want to see the birds and hear them sing. It will be hard this Christmas, because we can only leave the house for Citas Fijas (or appointments) and wow, we have none...so members only! Haha.

We won´t be doing anything for Christmas with the zone...just us here in Pucon. But that's cool with me, we will go visit members. It's so hot here, seriously I am dying!!

Elder Medina, is my best companion ever! I am serious. We get along so well and we are pretty much the same person. We laugh so much and have such a good time that we get people asking us how they can be happy and want to talk with us. It's been really cool, and we have really gotten teaching down together. I am pretty happy about that, hopefully we can turn that into baptisms.

Elder Medina

The new mamita, reminds me of Mom. Seriously, and the papito reminds me of Dad. It's so weird, they are a family like what we have. And it's really nice, because I feel at home. She cooks just like mom, too. Its been good to have them here.

It will be great to talk to you. I can´t wait, only one more day. I can´t wait.

Get your questions and dictionaries ready because I may not be able to speak English. Someone asked me if I spoke English to help them find out where they were on the bus. I tried to speak to them, and I couldn´t do it! Haha, I tried 5 times before English came out...it was a bit weird. All the missionaries were laughing at me. Haha, so was I.

Tell the sisters that I feel for them. I put a referral in the other email with pictures..


Ok, Momita está parte es para ustedes.

¡Mi sector es super bonita! Es una rama chicatita, pero es buena. ¡Les extraño muchismo! No estoy comiendo como allí. Pero, no importa porque estoy comiendo. Hay mucho mas calor aquí que hay y fue difcíl para me en el principio. La verdad es que, Elder Galarza está en Valdiva y el oltro día lo vi. Su rodillia está super mal y no puede caminar mucho. No va decir nada él. Es super fome...y no tengo un idea por que no va decir nada. Y tambien yo encontré Elder Deane y Elder Barbin (No sé como escriberlo). Fue, muy extraño para nostros. Aquí hay muchas personjas quien quieren hablar con nosotros y es vakan. ¿Cómo estáis, vosotros? Espero que estáis bien. ¡Miren! Yo puedo escribir en Vosotros..genial ¿cierto? Les amo, y perdón porque yo ovidé su email en la casa la ultima Lunes.

I love you all family!

See you all Monday!

Love,

Ben

I am safely in Pucon with Elder Medina

Hey!

I am glad I got back to Torres Del Paine, too. The sunburn is gone now...it really hurt for a bit, and yes I am wearing sunscreen now. It´s been crazy. I got really, really sick last week. I couldn´t get out of bed, or really do anything for that matter. I am pretty much better by now, but it's been crazy, and it hasn´t ended yet. In about 40 minutes I have to go to Valdiva and have a conference. The scriptures you got me were great! That's the kind I wanted to have, so we are good to go. This time, they won´t get wet! Thanks for the oil vials, they came in handy for me. I still have 2 left! I am going to give them to special people only...not just some random guy.

I got transfered last week, and a stupid volcano went off and we got delayed, and all kinds of stuff. But now, I am safely in Pucon, with all the beach babes and sun. Its so hot here! 30 Celcius (86 F). It's been really hard. My new companion is named Felipe Medina. He is really cool and a World of Warcraft fan. He is from Columbia. I am glad to have a latino again for a companion. But, I am in a small branch again of like 25 people. I seem to always get sent to places like this. It's cool, but at the same time, kinda hard. We have a really good house, but I can´t send photos, because I am a bit short for time...Haha, but it's really good. It's the farthest up north we can go...and I live 10 miles from an active volcano. Its pretty crazy, I have a thing for them I guess.

Ok, so for Skype I will add you all. I am ElderBurge. I will have time to make the VIDEO CALL!!! on the 26th. I am not sure when, but I am guessing somewhere from 7-8 in the night my time. I am not sure what that is there... I am adding you now to my contacts. It will be so sweet!! We should be making the call from the house of the papito. So, the date is 26th at 7-8 pm Chilean time. We should have about 40 minutes to talk. Not much, but it's something. My email is Benjamin.Burge@myldsmail.net if you don´t see my invitation. Sweet, your added to my contacts.

So, I am glad to hear that everything is well. I am pretty stressed at the moment. Not a lot of time, and it's so freak´n hot! I am dying here. I also forgot to add the email of Mamita, so I now have to wait till my next p-day.

OH HEY, my next p-day is this Saturday! The Christmas hours are a bit different for us here. We have p-day Saturday, then we don´t work Sunday. It's strange but it works.

I love you all, and I can´t wait to see you all! Haha, it will be weird to talk and see you.

I promise to write more in my next email and send pictures. It's just a bit crazy right now.

With love,

Ben

Mamita & Paula

Francisca & Her Family

I'M LEAVING!...I'm going to Pucon...the farthest place north we can go!

Well, well...look who it is.

It's been a whole week since the last time I talked to you all. And boy do I have news for all of you. We got combios...I'M LEAVING! What a bummer...I don´t want to leave this place. But, the Lord calls, and I answer and do what He wants. I am going to Pucon - a beach babe, tourist town - and it's the farthest place north we can go!

Pucan Branch Chapel

Pucon

Haha, I just keep getting sent from one end of Chile to the other. How strange...and it's always a place beautiful and sweet. But, so that I could really know the Torres del Paine we went today. Left at 5 in the morning and hiked the 6 hours to get there and come down. It was really amazing! We even drank the water from up there. It's like the best tasting water I have ever had and it's pure. It was really good. We took lots of photos, but I try to send the best ones. I got so sunburned...it hurts.

At the Trailhead with Papito

Don't be a pushy missionary!

La Bienvenida a Torres del Paine

Elders Burge & Ruettinger

Papito, this is the best water I've ever tasted!!

I got the packages you all sent! Haha, and if you´ll notice I am wearing a Cookie Monster shirt I got from the grandparents. Haha, I ate so much food and stuff I got really really sick and had to go to the hospital. They poked me in the butt with a needle, and the next day I felt much better. Haha, it was a crazy party...I shared it with all the members. They love that stuff. Everything sent made it perfectly! Even, the peanut butter cups!!!
There is nothing left...NOT ONE BIT OF IT...it was really good.

I am not really sure what we will do for Christmas, but we will find out next Monday I am sure.

The computer you got sounds pretty sweet...and I am VERY VERY proud you got it from NewEgg. That;s the way to shop for computers! It sounds like a sick system. Let me know how it goes...

Sorry I don´t have much time to write. I am really late and need to buy medicine for my sunburn....I love you all very much!

Next week, I´ll be writing from Pucon...it's good and bad....

I love you!

Ben

I am in the same boat as Bishop Gibbons...tithing settlement here, too

Hey mi Familia!

Wow, its been very crazy this week. It's been a bit down for us here. I have been so stressed about the sector that I have had a headache for about a week or so. So, today I made plans with Paula and in the morning. We met at the church and did Yoga. Haha, Papito came but, he just watched and laughed. But it made me feel better and helped me relax a bit. So, now i think I will start getting up about 6 and doing that to help relieve the stress. It will help to know where I am going or if I am going haha...I don´t want to because I want to be here for Christmas. However, it's what the Lord wants and not really important what I want.

Mamita made us a cheese cake!!

Wow, Kayleigh is babysitting now...that's so crazy! I can´t believe how the family is starting to change. It's just one of those things that happens when we start growing up and everything. It's been just about one year since I was back home with all of you.

Haha, sounds like I am in the same boat as Bishop Gibbons. We are doing the tithing settlement here, too. I have been working a TON on the information in the system, and really, it's bad. It's going to take a lot of time to get it to be correct. We have 2 huge problems...one, no one is really helping, and two, many of these houses don´t exist...it's really weird.

Sounds like the craziness of the mormon life just seems to keep on going...everywhere in the world.

My new card is in Punta Arenas, but I still haven´t gotten it yet. It really sucks...I haven´t had money for 3 weeks, because I don´t want to take it from my account. However, I did get some to buy gifts for the family for Christmas. I don´t know how long it will take to get there. The package you sent to the Mamita got there the next week after you sent it! I was so shocked to come in and see them waiting with their stockings. Haha, they all flipped out and went crazy eating the candy and being in aww over the gifts. Haha, they all loved their stuff.

It's been really sunny and hot here. I have been in just pure white shirts with my pants. It's been so hot, I can´t wear my sweaters nor a jacket. It's weird that I don´t have snow right now...but I do get to see all the lambs eating grass outside all the houses. They make a crucified lamb dish that looks really good. But, they have to...you know...crucify it.

It's the same set up here as back home. Lights, presents, fake trees, and lots of fattening food. It's your average Christmas in Miami...with all the sun burns you can take.

Almost a year mark...I feel like I don´t have a lot of time. Its really a bummer. I wish I had more to show for the time I have in the Mission.

BOO YA!

Thats all I have...

I miss you all!

Family, I love you all. And I can´t wait to hear from you on Chirstmas!

Things go up and down here in Puerto Natales

(Note: In each successive letter he sounds more like a Spanish speaker trying to speak in English. We hope that this means his Spanish is getting better. His letters sound more and more like the movie Nacho Libre. We think it's cute.)

Hey!

Thanks, it's been really good...and really bad at the same time. Things go up and down here in Puerto Natales. One day is really good and the other isn´t. Haha, it becoming a very humbling experience for me. I learn and grow so much here. Haha, the Lord like to put the fire to you at times.

Thanks...I think for the brown and black thing...haha (We told him he is getting browner skin and blonder hair in each picture). I am really changing? I am working out a bit more these days haha...maybe as well as starting to diet myself with some really good food. Its really easy to eat well when you don´t have a lot of money. Ha, I forgot my pin number for the debit card the Mission give you. And the machines here will take it after 4 times...I didn´t remember that part. And so, now I don´t have my debit card of the mission for another 1 or 2. So, I will be taking out like 40 mil Peso, or 80 bucks, to buy some food and something to send home for Christmas. Get ready!!!

Those color balls (in the baptism party picture) are like fruit flavored Cheetos. They are really, really sweet. The kids here love them! I don´t as much...I am more of a cake, cookie kinda guy these days...maybe even some flan...maybe...

We visited in one week...70 members. And only about 35 or so answered the door. It was really hard.

As for the problems with misioneros in the past...let me start by saying they lied a bit. We have been using the teaching records of the people who were taught by past misioneros. Well, turns out many of the houses don't exist, nor the people. We found records of progress, and they say like 35 lessons taught in a week without a member and yet the records show only 4 different people taught during the week. As well, many of the members have stolen stuff from the church, sold things, and have taken money out of the accounts to pay themselves. Why...why...why? Not only that but, misioneros before where looking at people who had temple recommends in the office of the President...they broke in and looked. I can NOT believe the people here!!! I am ashamed to be here at times...

As misioneros we see it all...ALL...but at the same time it changes us to be better, and act the right way. It's a blessing for me.

Being the bishop sounds like it would be a hard job to do...not including 300 members to deal with. If we would just be truthful and honest...we would be so much better off. All people...not just members of the church. For example, instead of lying about our numbers we just tell the truth. We lost all of the people we were teaching and have really hardly any lessons. For reasons unseen, we lost it all. Now, we have to build it all back up. Yet, as long as we are truthful and do what we should...we will be ok.

So much to do, and so little time to do it....

All I know, it's the truth is church and that the mission is the really one of the best things I have ever done.

I love you all very much...

¡Vos amo!

Ben

Baptism of Francisca

Your very welcome, it had been a while since the last set of pictures.

Its been really crazy again...we had interviews with President Rappleye. I got to tell him all about my fun times I´ve had. He laughed and we talked about 10 minutes, which is a long time with the President. I love talking with him...it's good to have a President like him. And, well he told me something I didn´t want to hear. He told me I will be a trainer in the future. NOOOOO!!!! Why me? I am not sure when....but he told me it will happen.

As well, we lost the 1st consejero in the Rama (1st counselor of the branch). So, now I am the 1st consejero AGAIN! Haha, its really interesting here. I am sure I will get sent back north here pretty soon. I was a bit bumbed I never got to see the Penguins here...but maybe I can hit them up near the end of the combio.

The baptism went off with out a hitch! Her name is Francisca. She is about 10 (really 9, but she is close to the birthday). She is a very cute little girl and super smart! I am serious! She is soooo smart. She was so happy to be part of the church. I can´t tell you the peace I felt there. It was great and we had like 39 members at the church the next day. WHICH IS A TON FOR HERE. I was pretty happy with all of that. We have to just keep working to get this place thriving again. Its hard, because of the past with missionaries and the branch. But, nothing is impossible with the Lord right.

I GOT THE PACKAGE...the day after I sent the last email. Haha, it was sitting in the house of Momita when we went for lunch. We opened it and ate the candy together haha. It was really good. I gave one pack of gum to momita, because she likes that stuff. It will be hard to leave here...but I will start planning for my honeymoon back! That's a joke, more or less.

This is hard, I am trying to write in Spanish...I have to keep going back to write the words in English.

I love all the pictures you gave me. I am taking the one of the birds to the house of Momita.

This week we have the goal to visit as many of the 500 members in the branch!

It's been really interesting...my companion just bought like 40 bucks worth of food...He eats a ton!!

I am really starting to hit the good part of the mission - when I can speak, teach, and work well. I finally don´t put P-days at the center of my life! I don´t mind leaving to work and to contact. And all of this is part of me now. I honestly could tell you that without my mission I wouldn´t be in a good spot in my life right now. This mission is really a need more than anything. Helps the change from boy to man go a bit easier.

I started doing excersises every day and really well. And, I am eating a lot healthier now...things change when your on your own.

I love this!

I love you all very much, and I am thankful for you all.

How is Chuck?

I love you all!

Bennie Boo

Boy did I have a weird week...

MY FAMILY!

Its official, is starting to be really hot and summery. Haha, the wind blows, the flowers are growing, and not an ounce of snow. Things here are starting to get going. And boy did I have a weird week.

Lets start with Thursday, I got a call in the morning from Momita that one of the members had died in the night...and that Popito wasn´t going to be here to direct the funeral...and all the other priesthood holders were gone too, as well as most of the branch. So, guess who had to make all the plans. ME! I lead it, we sung, I gave a talk, and dedicated the grave. Haha, this is number 2 here in Puerto Natales. Then, the day after they wanted blessings of comfort for all their kids...and I was then again called to do the job. Then, Momita got really sick Sunday in the morning.

She was having problems with her heart. She went to the hospital. And of course the week before the 1st counselor left. So, again I was the presiding authority and ran the sacrament meeting. And now, Popito is asking if I can be his counselor. Haha, and of course Momita is a bit better and resting at home. And for that I am grateful.

Then, we got home in the night to our dueño (the guy who owns the house) and he told us we had a leak. And sure enough there was a huge thing of water next to the house. So, today he came to fix it...and told us he was going to paint our house next Sunday for us.

Then, we finally did it! WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A BAPTISM THIS SATURDAY! The last we have to do is try to go over the questions with her and she's good to go. I am so HAPPY! Her father got his priesthood and now he can baptize her.

All of this in 4 days...its been really interesting.

I haven´t got the vial yet. We have been waiting for it at her house...do you have a way to check where it is at maybe?

I think all of that stuff you will send for Christmas is great! Haha, I know that they would love to have a lot of that kind of stuff from the states.

I really hope we get to use Skype for our Christmas call, so I can show you all the cool stuff I have here. Its really a lot better to use that type of thing. Plus, I know how to use it...haha and the church here has a Skype account too!

I KNEW I BOUGHT THE VIDEO GAME FOR THE BOYS BEFORE I LEFT! I KNEW IT! Haha, thats so funny...but yeah trade in the game for a different one. There isn´t any point in having 2 of the same game...but I am glad that you all got it! How is it? How are the graphics and gameplay?

Wooo....I hate ingrown toenails. That really sucks. I know your pain (Silas), but the truth is the surgery for that is really easy...and if you can...you can watch them do it! It doesn´t really hurt because they numb you up really well. You should send me pictures. Haha

I am glad Fezz likes the food (He was eating a ham sandwich and chips). It's been a really long time since the last time I had something like that...with a Pepsi. OH! I want one so bad...

We have met so many tourists here, there is a guy from Israel here with us. He can´t speak Spanish so we were translating for him. Haha.

Well thats about all I have now...can´t wait to her from all of you again!

I love you all very much, and I am in shock that its been almost 7 months now. Time really flies.

Love,

Ben

Popito is the chess master.

I'm going to die!!

Oh, it's Gringo saying hi to us.

What did I do with that spare armadillo? Oh, here it is.

My new companion is Elder Ruettinger from Arizona

Hey!

I first read this page and I thought oh no...what happened...haha. I can´t believe he (Brother Gibbons) is the new Bishop! That's so crazy. Brother Crain - I saw that one coming. Brother Stoker! Haha, that's so crazy. I wonder why the the old bishopric got released? I know that after some time, they need a change. Being in the bishopric is really hard work...which requires a lot of time and attention.

GO BROCK! I tried getting a freak´n job there (Game Stop), but they told me no. Wow, the manager there sounds like a jerk...I am lucky I never had a crappy boss like that. I didn´t know they work on comission...it sounds really hard.

Wow....Elder Muñoz's looks a little Michael Jackson in his pre-mission photo...Wow, Elder Munoz and Elder Lund died (ended their missions)...thats so weird.

My new companion is really, really tall.... 6´7. Haha, President Rappleye told me on the phone your new companion will be a stiffneck. I thought, oh no...I'm getting a bad companion. He then told me, because he is 6´7! He was laughing pretty good, and so was I...I think my laugh was more from relief. His name is Elder Chad Ruettinger, he is from Gilbert, Arizona and has 3 months in the field. He has a real knack for challenging people. President told me he wanted me to teach him all I knew and to learn the things he had learned from the new 12 week new missionary program they have. The fear I had really did a number on my Spanish. I got told by a person we are teaching, Lila, that my Spanish just got 100 times better. I have been really working hard to slow my Spanish down, so that I can speak more clearly, and I am learning new words really fast as well. We challenged 4 people to baptism and all of them accepted, but now we will see if they will make it to the water.

I am really trying my hardest to get better at teaching...and the fact that we have such little time between us, has caused us to use the Spirit more than ever. I can't tell you how much I have now gone from being a missionary to being an acutal servant of the Lord. He knows us best, and puts us in the place we don´t want to be, and stretches us in ways we don´t want to be stretched...all to bring us and mold us into our full potential.

It's now summer here and people from all over the world are here....we speak English, Spanish, and whatever other language we need to...even using signs to talk to people. There are tour chics from the US near me right now...oh no...their accent is more England...maybe not the US after all....

I don´t know if you can, but can you find me a really cool Libro de Mormon triple...with DC and PoGP. Mine got hammered at Lago Ranco and now its starting to have problems...it rained here and got completely wet! If you can´t thats cool, I would just get one from the Mission, but I don´t trust the Elder in the Office...because I wanted a new tag, and well, it's been about 4 months.

I love you all very much...I know this is the true church.

Love,

Benjamin

I am now Senior Companion

Wow...what a day. It has been really weird. I thought I would be the younger companion. Well, that just isn't in the cards for me...I am receiving a new companion who has 12 weeks in the mission. It's really scary...because my spanish is bad enough but now I don`t have a choice. I'm really scared...but the Lord feels I am ready...and what luck because hermana Kitto is training this time around! Haha, I was laughing really hard, because of the fear on her face. I don´t think that the fear will last very long.

Wow, Cody is leaving on his mission....and Logan is in his. This is so weird....I seems like only yesterday that they were all still in school together. Time flies by now that I'm not living at home.

Haha, Mexicans talk really slow...Chileans talk much, much faster than them. There are a few living here in this part of the world for work and schooling...its really crazy.

I know Janika...wow...Sam is a ladies man....I wonder who will be his first girlfriend?

Yeah, Elder Lund is dying with my Trainer Elder Muñoz. It's really, really weird, but so many people are dying this combio that it's hard to believe. Things like this are normal now...and I am now Senior Companion....Crap....

Oh, the Oil Vial you sent should be here soon...as for Christmas I really have no idea what to do for Momita. They are really hard to read on what they want or need. They don´t like to talk about stuff like that...only about family, dreams, and other stuff not pertaining to them. Haha, but wow Momita was really sad when we left Puerto Natales. She cried, and so did Elder Galarza. He´s getting sent to the office in 2 more weeks but will spend some time here in Punta Arenas. I have 2 days to prepare myself for whats about to come. Haha

Wow, Fezz is really starting to become a character. More than before I feel...haha Its been really good, I never got sick from eating those eggs and they were really really good. The birds finally left after I took their eggs. Haha, I felt a little bad after but not much.

The other day, Paula and I were talking about Yoga. Its so funny, because I can do a lot of the moves. But, I have only won one game of chess with Popito out of 100 times. I can win against Elder Galarza but, Popito isn´t as easy to win. I am going to buy a little chess set for the road...it will be really cool.

There was another volcano close to here that went off. Wow, planes can't go to Osorno...or at least not as many. I have no idea how the everyone going to the mission home in Osorno are going to get back there.

We bought masks and tried to scare Momita and Popito...but they saw us coming! Shoot, its was really well planned out...but I didn´t think that they would see us. Oh well...we tried.

One of the sisters here had problems with her Appendix. She had to have surgery on it...and now she is going home for a bit. It's really hard....

They other day, I don´t know if I told you, but I had a dream that I went to the doctor. He asked me what was the problem, and I pulled up my shirt sleeve and showed him 3 purple spots on my arm. He told me, that each of these was an event to happen in my life, acording to how close it was to my body, and when they got to my body it would cause me a lot of pain and that there is nothing we can do...but the only thing I can do is prepare for these things to come. And during the night, Elder Galarza woke up to me saying, Oh crap. When I woke up, I could still remember the thought...wow one of them was really close. I knew the meaning on the dream...and felt a lot of peace. It was very, very weird for me. I told Momita and she told me that I should remember this because at times these dreams mean more than just a dream haha. We will see...

It's been really good...first baptism next combio hopefully!!! Hermana Kitto told me that she has had 5...wow...haha awesome! I will do my best to help my new companion out and to make really good habits. And I pray that the Lord will bless us and the Rama (branch) with a baptism...or 2.

I love you all very much,

Ben

I want to come back here after my mission

Hey hey,

Yeah, its a good thing things are going well for me...Thanks for sending the oil vial for me. Its very possible I have one combio left here, and will leave one week before Christmas...how sad...So if you want to send stuff for the momita here, its probably best to send it a bit earlier.

That's crazy Cody got his call to his mission! This goes by way fast when you are in the mission...It feels like just one month ago I was getting here to Chile...and now look...7 months in my mission. I also found out a friend of mine Parker is going on his mission to Ohio. Its been really crazy to see all these people coming and going...getting the news about my friends leaving, and all the other stuff.

Aww yes, Lagoon...the great world of excitement and fun haha. Its weird that mom is sick with the flu...My throat started to hurt the other day and now its kinda gone, but I have a lot of coughing. I think that its from the change in weather, and the 160 km hour winds. Its been really crazy...it rains really hard for about 10 minutes, then nothing, and its blue sky and sun, then 10 minutes later its the same thing...rain...again...Its been really interesting to have this wind here. I love it...I want to come back here after my mission.

Haha, I miss temple square and all that good stuff. Here, we can´t go to the temple and thats one thing that I really miss. Haha, Silas...he may not want to go on a mission now, like me when I was that age...but in the end he will want to go. God doesn´t let people like him not go...Thats really cool you signed up to feed the missionaries around Chirstmas time! It will be weird not having you around...but we get to call so that will be nice. I´ll try to practice my english...haha

I forget how you call this bird (that I got the eggs from) but its really really annoying and loud. The eggs are red inside...and they are very very good. OH, you need to eat Dulce de Leche...its sooooo good! We went to Punta Arenas for the Stake Conference...and I found ELDER WOOD AND HERMANA KITTO! I was so happy to see them! We talked and talked...its was amazing. Elder Hauver, Elder Wood, and Hermana Kitto had all seen each other already and not me...Elder Wood told me he was waiting to see me. Haha, it was really good...but the strange thing is...I have been to this Church before. But Elder Galarza told me that we´ve never been there. Its been really weird. Plus, I watched a dog get run over with a car...he lived with minor cuts. Haha, it was weird.

My Trainer Elder Muñoz will die this combio...Farwell Elder...His girlfriend waited for 2 whole years! Haha, but he doesn´t know if he wants to be with her...what luck...

Its been really good here for me, and I have been really hoping to my first baptism soon...just gotta keep trying till it happens....

I love you all very much, and can´t wait to tell you my combio next week....When I know....

Love,

Ben

There were some birds outside the church messing things up so I took their eggs and got a cake!!

HEY!

How are all of you at home doing? We, here, are doing well. We finally said, this is enough...lets go work. For the past 3 days with pain in his knees we went to work like normal. He will for sure get transferred here next combio and the truth is I think he will go to the office to rest up...for his surgery. I know he will have to have one. We have been resting and the pain is worse than before...Things for us are getting better; most likely due to the end of the combio in 2 weeks.

OH, you all need to make Manjar or Dulce de Leche! This stuff is soooo good! I don´t know how to make it but you can look it up on the web...its really really good. I don´t think we have it in the states.

Home teaching is the same here. They have 2 people go to about 3 or 4 families and share a bit...but its really hard because a lot of the men went out to fish for 3 months or so...so we do a lot of splits to cover members and investigators. This sector is really struggling...and I don´t know what to do to fix it. I have prayed, and prayed...but still no answer.

Our family has a really interesting past. The truth is...when I get back I want to do some geneolgy work because I taught how to use the site new.familysearch.org to do the work here. And I really liked doing it...so I have plans to do that after.  

We got a new member here named Gonzalo. He is Chilean, but he lived in Washington DC for 6 years. He reminds me of Josh haha...he's a skater. His English is really really good...and I thought he was an American.  It's been really cool to have him around.

There were some birds laying eggs in the grass outside the church...and well...we can´t have that because they were messing a lot of things up. So, I took the eggs (3) and gave them to Momita.  Paula, the daughter, made me a nice cake...with my spoils.  It was really good...YUM! The birds finally learned and left.

Wow...Sam and Silas like Minecraft...that's worse than me, guys....

I am so excited for the video game that I pre-ordered for Sam and Silas before my mission to come out too...I can´t play it, but I will when I get back for sure haha.

Hey, can you send me an oil vial here really quick...I will give you the address to the house of momita...because I am giving mine to Elder G, because he doesn´t have one.   I need one to give blessings...and he will leave really soon. So hopefully you can send one my way really quick like...Sorry but they don´t sell stuff like that here...go figure.

I am really happy and content with this type of life. Although, its hard at times...I can´t help but feel blessed. This changes how you view things...and who you want to be. I feel really bad for all the things I could of done...but never did for the church. Really, its quite interesting.

Thank you to all who are praying for me...I know its making things easier.

I love you all so very much, tell Fezz I love him and I miss him. 

I miss you all very much!

Love

Ben 

We had a great P day...lunch, soccer, ping pong, chess, and pig...

Haha, It was a good chance to share what I have in English. The gang (branch) is alright. We had a great P day today! We had lunch with all the members and played soccer, ping pong, chess, and pig. We haven´t done much work this week, Elder G went to the hospital for pains in his knees...for 2 weeks! So we´ve been stuck in the house...finally we went out and worked. He wasn´t supposed to...and I called him dumb. The doctors don´t know what's wrong, but most likely he will need surgery and go home for a bit. Oh, the fun of the mission.

Sam & Silas are playing Minecraft or World of Warcraft? haha, because Minecraft is crazy weird..and most people don´t know what that is. It's a game for the geeks of geeks! Aww, the good ol´days playing World of Warcraft, making video games, doing computer stuff, and hanging out with friends. Never have really missed it much, living in another country is really fun and I love it! Its great to learn and work on me and who I am. I am getting better at guitar...its interesting to see how after some time away from things you seem to be able to learn quicker, and start to solve old problems you had in computers by dreaming, and just random thoughts coming in your head. It sucks I have had so many problems with the other Mp3 player again....I have given up trying to listen to music. I don´t have my tools to fix it...chanta (piece of junk?) . It's amazing...blessings for all!


You´ll have to forgive me, I know this email will be short...we have 10 minutes till we go back to work. Haha, sorry about that...For Christmas...Socks, gingerbread cookies, and thats about it. So far my stuff is holding up really well...and I don´t really need a whole lot of things. Wow, Christmas already...not to much longer till my year mark. How weird is that?! But remember we get to call home on Christmas and so...that will be really cool! Haha, it might be hard to speak in English I can barely do it now...haha.

I love you all!

Chou!

I did get to watch the priesthood session here

Your welcome for all the pictures.  Sorry that I haven´t sent more for you all. Paula is the younger one. She is the daughter of Momita. She had a stroke about a year ago. She stills has trouble moving her arm and leg...but she has pretty much gotten most of the control of her body back. She got blessed by Richard G. Scott. (Or some other apostle...I am almost positive its him.) She had just finished serving a mission a few years back...when she was talking to her mom about how everything is going really good. One week later...she had her stroke. Sorry, that I can´t help you label the photos on the blog...Its hard to help out when Its been so long since my last view of their tools.
Its been really interesting to see the many countries here in Puerto Natales. I have contacted people from, France, different parts of the US, Asians, and other Latin American countries. I saw some Germans the other day...but I didn´t have time to contact them. This place is full of so many different people. Its been really cool to talk in Spanish, then switch to English, then to using my hands and a piece of paper to contact the deaf. Its been really nice to see the different people, and show them how normal we really are. I contacted a priest from a Evangelical church. He was so funny...he tried to talk to me in English. He told us we were wasting our time...and we said that's impossible. Everyone is important to us. Not matter what race, color of skin, rich or poor, country, or beliefs are.  I don´t want to lose a single soul. It doesn´t matter if they won´t listen, I will always offer them a chance, and then again another chance will I give to them.

I didn´t help reactivate Denis and Rudi...but Elder Galarza did. We get to teach the lessons and their daughter is really happy to learn them.

I did get to watch Priesthood Session here in the end of the world! Wow, my computer skills came in handy and I got all the stuff hooked up and running for us. Which was a blessing because I didn´t want to go all the way to Punta Arenas. It was awesome! I could understand in Spanish, which was a blessing, and I got a lot of good stuff from this conference. Is it just me or were there a lot of warnings for us (more than normal)? Oh, that sucks that Sam had to work...I love conference now. I can´t believe I didn´t want to watch it before. Did you realize I only get to watch 2 more here in Chile? That makes me a bit sad...Time really can fly.

The change of the high school seniors...this is a very rare event to watch. All of them start to become who they will be for the rest of their life. Finally, they can´t mess around as much as before...with more pressure than ever they start to adapt to their new environment. Haha, its going to be crazy not to be there when Sam finishes school. Its hard to believe that all of them are finishing up...and that Silas is close to driving. Its a good thing that they are all reading scriptures and learning because honestly...its better to know more. Tell Sam, if he wants to go on mission...he and his friends should study Preach my Gospel. Its really handy for all the things they need to know. I hope Josh turns in his papers soon...and I hope he gets sent here! Haha, this place has all the food you can eat. Its perfect for him! This mission is awesome!

As for the Birdies...I sent a sketch I made of Fezz this morning after studying. Haha, I hope he likes its. I had a dream about him the other night which was crazy. He´s so cute.

I just wanted to share a little experience I had...During this conference I had many questions for the Lord and I really wanted to know what I can do to better myself. Lately...around 6 in the night time I get really tired and its hard to focus on the work and the people. I was reading scriptures in the morning before conference when I found like 15 scriptures that told me...the lazy have their damnation. Haha, it was a bit hard to take...but the wicked take the truth to be hard. I have a strong testimony that through scriptures we receive answers for our questions. If any of us have need of wisdom...let us not wait till its to late. Ask God, our eternal Father in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ for help. Revelations, visions, blessing, angels, and all other things of God are not of the past. Today, we have the right, as Children of God, to know what is right and what is the truth. If we have fear, we must overcome it through prayer. I don´t just believe in these things anymore...I KNOW they are true. God loves us more than we know...we only need to ask and talk...seek and search. And in the end we will find the truth and love of our God, Our Father in Heaven.

I love you all very, very much.

Ben

We have a baptism planned...a little girl about the age of Kayleigh

Haha, Hey Family!


First off, I am sending home some pictures of me cooking with Momita and Paula! Haha, we made pizza.

Elder Galarza has been here for 4 months I believe. Haha, its been interesting...he has changed. He lacks motivation now more than ever...I have to do a LOT more. Our little discussions over points of doctrine seem to get to him. He has a lot a pride...and when he is wrong he gets really upset and mad. So, I have been avoiding asking him questions. But, every once in a while...I NEED to know something. I ask where I can find a scripture to use, and when I say oh this means this, he tells me no, it's this...and then I prove him wrong with scripture and he gets mad. So, I can´t really ask him questions.

To answer your question, a miracle family is a family who accepts the Gospel quickly, has many questions, and wants to know more.  They usually want to be taught 3 to 4 times every week.  However, the sad news is they may not be miracle families after all. We have encountered many problems with them and we are hoping to fix some of that up. We do have a baptism planned for this combio. It's a little girl (about the age of Kayleigh, maybe a little younger) whose parents were inactive for many years. But now, they are very, very active. So, hopefully we can get her dad the priesthood and he can baptize her!

WOW...Kayleigh you can do baptisms for the dead? Time flies when you're in a different country! Haha, that is so cool! I am happy you like to go...I miss the temple A TON! I am glad Dad is going to the temple and doing his calling! I just gotta keep being a missionary...it's hard work. Many times no one wants to do anything with us...and we are all alone. Its hard...

I am glad the Martins got my letter! I remembered Tawney gave me a letter before I left. So I read it again, and decided that I should probably write her...I told her I would! Sorry Tawney, I kinda forgot! But, look I wrote you! WOOHOO.

Oh, haha, sorry Grandpa and Grandma Matson. Haha, I have gotten all of your letters. Its good to hear from you, and don´t worry about sending me stuff. It's so difficult to get stuff here in Puerto Natales. We still don´t have Books of Mormon to give to our investigators.

That would be sick! Sam...a film editor! I think he should go for it! I would love to see some of the stuff he has done since I left. It's been a ton of time...wow. I had a dream that he and Brock found this guy who was the last person on Earth that communicated through a clapping language. They learned how to do it...and were on the news.

The grocery store in Stansbury is already open?! Wow...I can´t believe that. That was either really quick or it's been a lot of time since my last visit to the house.

Tell the birdies I love them too! Haha, also I got an email from Skyler.  Sam she wanted me to ask you to send her my address for Chile.

Well, thats about all I have right now. I hope that you all will keep doing well.

I keep having this thought/feeling that something is going to happen...I hope not.  But let me know if anything happens.

I love you all very much!!

Elder Benjamin Burge

My awesome apron!!!

Ready for the oven

Momita prepping toppings.  It's going to be a pizzafest!!!

Another pizza ready for the oven

View of the chapel from the pulpit - I didn't think my talk was that bad?

Paula, Me, & Momita Cooking up Some Pizza

Paula

Awesome Chilean Chalkboard Art

Chopping the Topping