Finally, the rain came!

Hey there! Thanks for the recipe I need to print all of them off so I can make some really good stuff.

Here's an update for you on the people, we have 4 with a date. Daniela, Sabastian, Carlos, and Imnasio. All except one came to church yesterday! It was amazing...it made us so happy. Most of them are on track for their dates. It's really cool to watch them go from not knowing a whole lot, to knowing so much and feeling the truthfulness of the church. Hopefully, we can get all 4 of them to make the first step...during this combio. I would love to see some people make the progress. But it's all up to them to decide...and no matter what happens we are here for them. Your story, haha, I can see how people would acutally do that. Its funny, sometimes in the street a lot of people see us walking and go to the other side. And so, we split up I take one side, and he takes the other. Haha, it's kinda like pingpong. Haha, it's hard because it's always the same people. This town is huge...but only has like 2 people.

Finally, the rain came! I was so happy...now we have no ash in the street. That made everyone so much happier. Honestly, it was a nice thing to be able to go outside and not have to wear a stupid mask. Right after it rained I had another innercombio (its when I go to a different place for a day) with Elder Richardson. He is really cool, a geek like me. He is very, very smart and honestly I think he is better than me at programming. It was awesome, I was in Rio Bueno. We got 43 contacts a about an hour and 20 minutes. After we only taught one person...but we found some new people who might be ready. They have so much junk food in their house...and their house is huge! It was nice to go to a place with no rain, or ash and actually have some success. However, I missed Lago Ranco. Glad to be back in the, clean house! Haha. I really need to get better at math, when I get back home. He gave me really good advice, don´t try to memorize the math, learn to understand why it does what it does.

I want a guitar...I had to buy a cheap mp3 player because I started to collect some music. And I really don´t want to take a bunch of CDs around all day long. It's about as close as I can get to my music. I almost bought one the other day, but honestly it wasn´t that good. So, now I am looking for one to buy, that is cheap and isn´t a piece of junk. Haha

Freak´n Sam...I knew he would be a mean drunk! Haha, I couldn´t help but actually laugh when I read his story. I can just imagine him running around like a crazy person. Note:(this was after Sam's wisdom teeth were taken out and he was hopped on pain meds) I hope you can recover really quick...and I hope he learns his lesson about drugs and alcohol and the effect it has on him. How is he doing now? Hopefully, he is doing better.

WHOOOO GO SILAS...he will be a stud when I get back home. That will be weird to see him get all the ladies. Haha, I don´t know how he will keep them away. Haha, I hope you have fun with track, that sounds like a lot of fun! How's things going for you Si?

I haven´t heard from Kayleigh in a while. How are things going for you little sis?

Oh...how I miss the good food of the US. Honestly, the food here just isn´t that great. I really wish I was in Valdiva. They have a Mcdonalds, and Pizza Hut. I really want to get some good food. Today, we are going to make Eggs, with onions and some bread. I have lost some weight because, I don´t eat nearly as much, and I am always walking around day after day.

Everyone, should go on a mission. It's really hard, but it's worth it. You learn so much about the world, people, and the church. It's honestly a great thing, just wish I had some good food! My momita is in Idaho right now, visiting her daughter or son. She was in Salt Lake last week going to the temple! Haha, its so werid. She is there and I am here.

Oh, ya...the lanuage has been very, very, very slow for me. I haven´t really learned a lot a new words or verbs...I hate it. But I did find out Caniza, which is the word for ash, actually means corruption. So the volcano gives off corruption! It's so cool! Haha, I love it. And in spanish the scriptures make a lot more sense, and you can feel the love in them. In English it, just isn´t same.

Well, I am off to write the mission president.

I love you all,

Tell Fezz I love him, and the other birds too!

Love,

Ben

We are looking for a new branch president here...We need one bad...

Things are going pretty well.  Haha, the new president, ya I met him.  About 5 days ago I started getting really depressed and having a really hard time in the field.  I couldn't focus and I started crying a lot. And so my zone leaders called the new president and he wanted me to come in and just talk for a bit.  And so, off to Osorno we went.  So, before anyone got to me, the new president and I were in his office talking...but now, after talking with him, I feel great!  I haven't been sad and I am working harder than I did before.  He gave me a blessing in his office..and once again he talked about me being a leader.  I hope its not in the mission field...that's a lot of hard work and responsabilidad.  Its been a really interesting week haha.

Haha President Lovell is really cool like that, he is a great guy. Before he left, he told me he and his wife wanted to go on an other mission in about 3 or 4 years. They work so hard haha.

In one of the pictures fezz looks so mad haha. Who took the picture for me? I miss him so much...I really miss his little head in my ear. Sam looks like a real cook finally! Haha, sounds like things at home are going really well. There is so much happening here, and there its so weird.  It seems like a week ago I was in Stansbury and now I am near the bottom of the world speaking another language. Its very different, yet seems so normal now.

Oh, nice pick on the laptop! I like the specs. Here, the computers are very horrible! Haha, but its Chile...and to be honest its Southern Chile. Its very different from the North.

Senior pictures...that was so strange. It doesn´t seem that long ago I was doing that...but its been a year. Wow, time really flies when you're in a different country. Haha, honestly its not too hard to be in a different place and forget about time. Oh....wisdom teeth....ouch! I remember how horrible that was for me. I think Sam will have more luck because they are starting to come out, and its not too close to the sinus.

Honestly, Elder Muñoz is amazing at being all those things (i.e., elder, trainer, branch president, district leader). But I know its started to pull on him...we are looking for a new branch president here as quick as we possibly can. We had a Consejo de Rama (Branch Council) and he was talking about how they need to find out what needs the less active members need...and they all started to attack him. Except the family Flores.  And it got to him...but now we have fasted and prayed for a new presidente (branch president). We need one bad...

Silas - I really want to buy a guitar...but I don´t know its super expensive down here. I will be looking for one while I am down here. And if by the end of my mission I don´t have one...I will buy one to bring home with me! For sure....But ya the stupid volcanoe. En serio, I freak´n hate ash. It gets everywhere and  you can´t get rid of it. Its so dumb! So today I prayed for rain. 

You should see all the futbol down here. Its insane...you would love the game here. They really know how to play futbol. Haha.

How is your summer vacation going? Got any cool plans? Will you tell Fezz I love him, and give him a giant kiss for me?!

Alrighty, well I am off to find some food, write the new presidente, and enjoy my p day. Adios!

Elder Burge

Elder Munoz's ash covered umbrella

My ash covered umbrella

Elder Munoz at the pulpit in Lago Ranco chapel

Me standing at the back of the Lago Ranco chapel

Monkey hanging out down by the lake

Panorama of Lago Ranco

Me hanging with a Lago Ranco pioneer

Volcano pictures from the Lago Ranco website

Soldiers unloading evacuees

Kid wading through ash covered Lago Ranco

Public officials with boxes of dust masks

Ash raining down on street

More ash on street

Another view of ash fallout

People at evacuation center

Buses of evacuees

Another evacuation center scene

Ash fallout along lakefront

Townspeople looking at ash on lake

Plume of volcano with lightning

People swimming in the ash covered lake

I love prayer

Hola!

Thank you all for the food...I got the package that day like 30 minutes after my email! Haha, its super funny, everything made it. However, the peanut butter cups melted on the way...reformed and made a giant peanut butter cup. It is no longer in here however. Haha, we ate the thing up like there was no tomorrow! We have been eating all the peanut butter...which is amazing! And most of my hot chocolate is gone now. I think I have one left. Today, I made some pancakes....which went pretty well for us. Haha, Elder Muñoz doesn´t really like it with syrup. Its actually very strange...I love my watch so much! Honestly...its nice not to have to pull it out of my pocket everytime I want to look at the the time. Thank as well for the recipes!!

Sorry that the email is a little late...its a holiday here and we didn´t leave Lago Ranco. So most places were closed...but this store opened at 1 so we were able to send emails! Its been really interesting this week. I forgot my wallet on the bus...and didn´t realize it till we got home. Then...we went to look for it...waited for the bus for an hour and it never came. I was praying...and calling the office to tell them I had just lost my Paper of Residence...que crap...and I got the impression to go look one more time. We went and looked but the bus wasn´t there so started to leave...and BOOM there was the bus and the owner was a nice person and had searched the bus before anyone else got on. So he had it waiting for me. I know most of the drivers, because I am the only white guy that lives in Lago Ranco. I won´t be able to send pictures...the computer is messed up. I know it has a number of viruses. 

Haha you gave talks...and I gave a talk the same day! Mine was on the restoration...I here from others that yours was on charity. Haha, its hard being a missionary and in the branch presidency, oh ya, and now my companion is the district leader this combio. WHOAAA COMBIO DOS. Talks...and sacraments prayers (I also did that Sunday too.) I don´t know how I live this life... I heard your talks were really good, and that you talked about me.

Sam - FINALLY YOUR GOOD LOOK PAID OFF...haha what are you a cook or a cleaner? How much do you make an hour? I bet it will be really awesome, because working is actually a lot more fun than you would think. I can just imagine...you won´t ask for money anymore! Haha, I am sure it will be very fun and good to have some cash to use.

Haha, my laptop...how sad. I like both brands...haha it should be really good to have a new one around. Maybe you can teach fezz to use that badboy. I miss that little guy so much. Honestly, when I get back home I am going to love on him for weeks!! And if I head off to college super fast after my mission, I will come visit him (if I can´t take him with me) every single day! My shoulders just don´t feel the same....and my ears seem to be a lot less clean now that his little head isn´t in my ear all the time.

Ya, we have had problems with that stupid volcano. Ash is everywhere...and it gets everywhere too. I hate it...makes me cough and I have to wear something over my nose. So...when this happens you pray! And when you pray...it doesn´t rain ash. And I love prayer.

PS...guitars here are super expensive...but they are so amazing! Maybe in a combio or two I will get one.

Love,

Elder Burge

I am glad I came here. Honestly...this is a good thing for me. I am becoming a better me!

Well hey there family, good to know that everything is going well. Let me start with Carlos and Sebatián. They are doing amazing! We´ve talked about the Word of Wisdom and both said they would stop drinking coffee. So far so good on that promise...but more news. They are both cousins of Pablo, and two more of his cousins are now having lessons with us too. Oh, and his aunt! They are so receptive to the gospel...seriously. We spend like 4 hours every other day in El Compo (the fields...haha) and teach so many different lessons. Hopefully the new date, July 30th, will be full of baptisms!

My visa, is finished! I have my temp. paper saying I am ok to live here and in a few weeks I will have my full card! Super easy actually...I took the packet down...she took it from me...and now we're off and running!

Another good note...this week my spanish improved quite a bit! Seriously, I can´t believe how much I can understand...and I can speak much better now too. Elder Muñoz is helping me with making my spanish proper and correct. Haha, its been crazy...so many mistakes...and words that don´t make sense.

Haha, well hello to all the people following my blog....that I have only seen like 3 or 4 times. Hello Brother Crane! Future missionaries...haha how funny. Thats actually a really good idea...helps put things in view. Not much longer...and the papers for the mission will be in for most of them. Gotta build up the list...

One thing that I have noticed is...this never was a hard change for me. I never felt overwhelmed. Yeah...I hated the language, but honestly I feel good. Really really good. I love where I am...so many drunks and weird toothless people. But, honestly I don´t care. They are all the same to me...people who need what God has to give. I don´t mind getting up at 5 in the morning for Zone Conference...I don´t mind doing the sacrament prayers. Its amazing how much I do...and I don´t mind doing it. Weird...

I am so glad to hear that Chicago was awesome!!! Haha, honestly I know you needed that little trip. Kinda like P day...I love P days. Haha, homeless people...around here they just find an old house no one uses and sleep there for the night. Plus...everyone in Lago Ranco...for the most part (some don´t...), look homeless anyway! Haha, funny people.

You actually get good food...man thats probably one thing I miss really bad. The food here is good sometimes...but mostly its not. Haha.

Alright....gotta load some pictures up here.

I love you all...so so much. I am glad I came here. Honestly...this is a good thing for me. I am becoming a better me! Haha...I love it.

Love,

Elder Burge



New P-day Shoes for Elder Munoz

In a Zone far, far away

Three shirts just to stay warm in the house

The Elders on the bus go round and round all thru the town

Chilean 7-11.  No Slurpees?!

Chilean life...oh how strange and wonderful it is all at the same time

Wow so much as happened...wait gotta get the pictures started. Bueno..now Lago Ranco hasn't got hit with anything yet...still clean water and all kinds of good air. However, we aren't safe yet...looks like the wind might blow crap towards us now. So we have to be ready to leave...again. Funny enough, the past week the language hasn't been too bad for me...I mean, I don´t know a lot, but its been super nice. I start and finish contacts all by myself, and I help a lot more in the lessons. I am actually having fun with it!

Chilean life...oh how strange and wonderful it is all at the same time. Things have been interesting...the food has gotten better. Oh, so I just found 2 packs of Cadbury Eggs and Jerky in my backpack. All of which, is still very good and gone now. Haha, Elder Muñoz said it was, "RICCCO". Haha...I didn´t know it was in there. I was on the bus coming home from Rio Bueno and I saw a new zipper I had never opened...got home and boom! Happy day for all!

The momita. The houses are nice...except for ours. Its a missionary home...very humbling for everyone. She is much nicer now that I can eat all the food she hands me. Haha, she talks a lot more now as well. Her husband is the only person in Chile that can drive a stick shift right...holy cow. No one here can drive one of this things. I want to scream...poor cars. Its been super busy with all the news people staying at her place. So, we have been helping out a bit. We eat in a different room with her family. Its really cozy and we all have our own spots at the table.

Carlos now has his date set back...he missed sacrament because he's a firefighter here. I didn´t know he was till Sunday. He's been super busy with the volcano and crap going on. And Sabatián hopefully will be able to convince his parents everything is all good.

Haha, why didn´t Hma. Kitto bring some cookies to us? I would love to have some cookies in the house...we have plans to make a cake here soon during P day with the momita. Mom, could you send me 2 good recipes for a cheesecake and just a normal cake? Oh, maybe the giant cookie!

Tell Josh I said hi...he needs to email me. I miss the guy...haha.

Chicago...the place I thought I might go on my mission. And now...I am on the bottom of the world. Haha that sounds like a lot of fun! Relax and have a good time...that means you Dad. ;) Don´t plan anything fun...just go do fun things. Thats how we roll during P days...again today we are in Osorno. Crazy crap...hopefully here soon I can find a person to make me a nice guitar!

LA CAHA! (Ben's old car passed another inspection) I miss that old car. I hope she makes it for a little bit longer. Time is flying by! All kinds of stuff are happening and my second combio starts in... 2 weeks...3 weeks...somewhere around there. Holy crap...

President Lovell, told me that he has family in Stansbury Park. The Meyers. He said after my mission he wants to visit us in Stansbury and see how things went. Haha I told him sure thing!

I love you Silas. High school will be easy...trust me. Just make lots of good friends and it will be a super fun time.

I can´t wait to get home to see how you have all grown up...but I still have lots of work to do...so you have to wait 21 more months.

Tell sam...NOVEMBER!!

Love

Benny Boo

 Puyehue Volcano erupting near Lago Ranco

 Carlos the Firefighter

 P-Day trip with zone to waterfall

 Main floor in Lago Ranco missionary house

 Side room on main floor

 Spacious kitchen

 Sink & stove

 Bathroom

 Shower - 6 minutes of hot water a day

 Lago Rango missionary home main entrance

Food!!!

The volcano has caused us some problems...

BEFORE I FORGET...the bread has lard in it.

I can get those pictures for you if you want. Sorry, I would send pictures today but this computer is being weird. I am in La Union. The volcano has caused us some problems. It went off, and ya its pretty close. Well...there were some earthquakes...none of which I could feel. Then the pres called said we needed to leave...but then he changed his mind...then yesterday it started having problems again. So we had to leave...so yesterday after sacrament...which I conducted...we left for La Union for the night. So in a little while we are going to be heading back home to Lago Ranco. I miss it so bad I really wish I could of stayed. I have a ton of pictures of the volcano and one of Carlos! Haha...so either later today when I back in Lago Ranco or next Monday.

Pablo...he is a member. He has been for about 2 months of so. He is super cool haha. Ya that is the same guy. He is pretty sweet...doesn´t have Xbox Live though so I can´t give you his gamer tag. Haha

My momita's house...ya its an inn and cabañas (cabins). You can click this link to go to her website:
Hosteria Phoenix

My visa stuff hasn´t been able to get done. Everytime we go to Osorno the office isn´t open...and we couldn´t go today because we have to go back to Lago Ranco. So...we need to figure out a plan for this.

Our cooking...we make the simple things like eggs or pasta. Cereal is our my source of food in the house. But I am thinking about making curipan. Its super rico!! We buy food and other stuff at just random stores. Most of the time we go to Bigger in Rio Bueno. When we go to our meetings with the zone that's the time we get stuff we might need. The prices are pretty close to what we have in Utah. But...the tax is already in the price. So if you see something...that also is the tax in it. I think I have seen a Lider close to Lago Ranco. Bad thing is...we can´t order food online because of the rules. Email only! Thank you mom...for all your love.

The package sounds amazing!! Peanut butter is super expensive here. Like 5 mil pesos for a super tiny jar! They also don´t sell peanut butter cups here. Qué crap... Ya my watch broke -- which sucks.  I have been able to still use it but just as a "pocket watch" haha I made a funny. ZERO BARS!! I am so happy! I love those things! Nasty soup...haha funny.  Thing is my stomach must of changed because I can eat all of momita's food now...and the same amount my companion can. The spririt has helped me so much...