We just challenged 3 people to baptism - 3 out of 3 accepted

Hey Family!

Haha, yeah we got snowed on this morning. We woke up at 6 to go to the church to play ping pong with Papito, who is the Branch President here. I love the momita, I was sick for 2 days and every single night she called to make sure I was ok, and has been giving me medicine to make me feel better. She actually cooks like a pro!

I finally made it Wednesday to Puerto Natales, but boy was it a long trip...I left in the afternoon of Tuesday and traveled to Puerto Montt and stayed there for the night. Then in the morning I got a bus and went to the airport and from there to Punta Arenas. After I got there, I met my new companion and found out the next bus was at 7 in the night. The bus ride took 3 hours to get to Puerto Natales. Its so pretty here, and my companion is a good guy. We worked hard on Friday and got 7 lessons in. Haha, that is a really, really high number. It was just pure luck....lesson after lesson.

The area is so huge! Today, I am going to ask President Rappleye to split it into 2 sectors. Its so big and we can´t cover nearly even a third of this place. So many people are willing to let us in to teach but we can´t go to everyone...its so huge!! I found out, that next combio I will be leading the sector. So I need to learn where to go very quickly!

My zone leader, who is a Chilean, has family who live in Tooele! The Jones...Mr. Jones  is a 2 counselor in the bishopric in his ward. My zone leader´s name is, Elder Cornoje. Tell Sam and ask if its the Jones in Stansbury.

Dad's nightmare is crazy...but it might have some truth to it. I am having major problems with my visa...which is crap. If we can´t get things worked out, I will be heading back to the states...haha weird right. I wasn´t anything I did, which is a good thing. So, maybe dad has a little bit of a vision haha. What crap...seriously.

My companion is awesome, he is super funny and we are pretty good friends already. He plays guitar and we borrowed the guitar from momita and we played it last night. He is super good with the thing. Its amazing...haha he doesn´t speak a lick of English...not a bit. He knows like a phrase of two like, you got beef dog? Stuff like that...haha.

The basket is for the trash...I think. Here they have the dudes go around and pick it up...like in the old days.

Aww...yeah Area 51. It was a computer cafe idea he had a long time a go...I wonder why he changed it...and now its in his house again. Cool, cool.

OHHH SAM....got a girly on your mind huh haha. Thats pretty cool. Where the heck are my Mp3s dude...freak´n crap...Haha

Oh ya...school starts really soon....crap. Time flies so quickly now...and I am so different. I actually cleaned the house without having anyone to tell me to do it...crazy huh? Haha

Giant sloth? Haha, in Sept. we are going to head up to the Torre de Paines. Freak´n awesome haha, the end of the world is beautiful. And there are so many things here to see and do.

We just challenged 3 people to baptism. 3 out of 3 accepted so, in one week, more maybe, we will have a baptism. Haha, its been crazy, and the success has been good. I am really happy...I talk a crap load more now because I need to get better with my Spanish...it sucks.

I wish you all luck in school and thank you for all your prayers. Tell Grandma and Grandpa thank you! Haha, it will be good to get some good American food. Although...Momita cooks like an American its crazy!

Love you all,

Ben

PS - the shower has ice in the bottom of it this morning...crazy crap.

I'm being transferred to Puerto Natales to be with Elder Galarza from Argentina

Awesome haha, I love the new school stuff. Sounds like it will be fun! Haha I am uploading pictures now...Finally. Sorry it took so long. Haha

So I found out where I am going next...and its different. I am going to Puerto Natales which is down by Punta Arenas...Haha and its so far down that its a 2 hour plane flight to Punta, and after that 3 hours on a bus to my town. Its so far that Elder Richardson, who also served there, told me that I will probably only go to like 2 meetings every month with the zone. Haha, its crazy! The town is a little bigger than here and it has a branch about the same size as well. Its so crazy, the president called us before everyone else to let Elder Muñoz know that his next companion would be the next president of this branch. He then decided to tell me where I was going! Haha, its amazing...everyone says my companion, Elder Galarza, is really good. He is from Argentina, and I am not sure if he speaks a little English like Elder Muñoz. Haha, everyone here in Lago is sad...and so am I. Its like leaving my family all over again. Its tough...I have started packing. I have to catch my plane in a few days. Elder Muñoz will be staying in Lago Ranco...so that will be good.

The other day an Elder who is a Chilean as well, who has the same amount of time I do in the mission, was here in Lago with me. Elder Muñoz was in San Pablo for an intercombio. So...I got to lead my sector which was so freakin hard. It was weird not being able to get help from Elder Muñoz. I struggled at first, but then we got ino the swing of things! haha

Honestly, its been crazy...so many new things I have had to do...

I have had a lot of fun though...I am a bit nervous to go to my new sector. Its so far down...the furthest I can go. I really hope everything goes well...Its super snowing. Elder Muñoz told me, you have your sector...Tierra de Fuego...then Antártica. Haha, freak´n crazy.

 Oh man! You HAVE to teach Fezz to sing that song! I want to hear that song when I walk in the door haha. His little head bouncing around singing again. Thats one thing I miss...I have really gotten Trunky (Trunky Trunk-e Adj - The act of wishing and wanting to go home during an LDS mission). Getting transferred is a big blessing for me...

Did you ever find out what happened to Upgrades Etc.?

I´ve had fun on my mission so far...and I am glad that I get to spend time doing this. Honestly, I am growing more in love with our church. The way of living is amazing, and I feel happy and have peace in my life. I feel like Joseph Smith, I am starting to find peace in mine afflictions (DC 121). Honestly, this was the best thing I have done yet...

How is my writing...what changes have you noticed in my writing haha?

Its true...my spanish is a lot better than my first few weeks here. But, I still have so much room to grow. Honestly, I can understand quite a bit now...every now and then I have a bad day...but they pass and good days follow.

I love you all so very very much. I am glad to hear everyone is doing well! 

Tell Fezz I love him too...and the other birds.

In my next letter, I will be sending it from the End of the World!!! Wow....

Love,

Ben

 Lago Ranco - I'm going to miss this place

Another shot looking down on Lago Ranco

 Me standing at the Lago Ranco overlook

 Lago Ranco Branch youth

 He's going commando at church!!!

 Elder Munoz trying to take a picture on P-day

 Me trying to collect moss on P-day

 Self Portrait

 Sheep skull

Me and Elder Epperson on P-day

 Chilean Titanic Scene

 River Shot

 Panoramic of River

 How did they know we aren't allowed to swim on our missions?

 Me by a gate - straight is the way, narrow is the gate

 I think this is about the size of their apartment

 Beastie Boyz?!! More like Beastie Broz!!! 

La Union Zone - P-Day Gangsta

La Union Zone  - In their working clothes

Its been really tough, but revelation is getting easier to hear

Here there,

 

Haha, yeah its been really tough...before I forget just like 10 minutes ago (while shopping for food) I met an old man who knows Spanish, English, French, and Italian. Haha, he randomly started talking to me, haha, he told me I should only speak the language of the country I am in. I think this is a revelation...along with that the way I get revelation now its getting easier to hear, and honestly I had a prayer that was like a conversation with instant replies. I could hear a voice, clear and strong, as I prayed with my whole heart for Lago Ranco to have success, and to ask how I was doing with the Sector. It was very strange, and this morning during study I had more revelation. Its been a good day.

 

Sorry, the email is super late...we had an activity, and now I don´t have much time to write. I wanted to write first, but Elder Muñoz wanted to go first to the activity. So we did, and now we are late...and I don´t have time (AGAIN) to send pictures... I have a lot of pictures, so next week for sure I will send a ton for you all. I will probably be transfered next week to a new area...scary! So I will have some more pictures the Monday after that, too.

 

Oh, I remember the trip to LA, that was so crazy. Haha, I am glad VZ navigator is here to help!

 

Wow, Dave is getting married already?! Haha, thats a good way to go about it...here in about 3 months Elder Muñoz will be home and looking around for a wife, too! Haha, thats crazy, as for me I have some time - which I like. I am sure Dave will be good at the married life. I am glad to see that he´s getting right to living life! This is a really good thing.

 

The ash is crazy haha, its gone to all the cities around us. We have been lucky, and no ash for us since a few a weeks ago! However, I saw something really cool, and it happens a lot here in Lago Ranco. I saw the biggest shooting star in my life! It was HUGE! And it had a rainbow trail. This is the 3rd one in 2 weeks! Haha, Elder Muñoz thinks I will either go to Puntas Areas or Chiloé next...who knows what will happen.

 

Tell Fezz that I got to see some wild parrots here! They are all over the place and have a ton of sounds they can do. I met someone who has one and he told me Hello!! Crazy, crazy...an English speaking parrot in Chile.

 

Yeah, my momita is still in the states, but she should be coming back soon...I think I will leave before she does. YAY, a package! Haha, no big deal...I am a lot better with my money than I thought I would be. Its good, I won´t go hungry. The Lord provides for his servants. As long as I put others before me, I will always have food.

 

The other day, I wanted to find a new person to teach because the Sector is dying!! And I looked at a house and said, either this house or the one next to it has a person who needs us. And sure enough, the house next to the house I pointed to had an old woman. She was quick to tell us to go away, but right before we left, the voice told me to ask if she needed help. She started to cry, and told us about how her husband is super sick and she is worried about him. I cried too...I understood each and every word she said. We told her we would come back and chop wood for her stove. And we gave her our number if she needed help. Elder Muñoz was amazed by that prompting...and so was I.

 

I am glad Sam loved the video haha, its good.

 

Thank you for your love and support. Just wanted to let you know your prayers are working. I seem to find the strength to get up every single day and work with all my heart. I love talking with people...which is strange, because before I couldn´t even go through a restaurant drive thru without a little bit a fear. I pray for all of you as well.

 

Thank you for being good parents to me...thank you Silas for forgiving me. I am excited...I have some music for us to listen to when I get home. Its so crazy weird...

 

Love,

 

Bennie Boo

I am trying to make things better for them. I just wish they would talk to us...

Hola!

I remind them of a cricket because I don´t talk much when I don´t understand. Haha, I don´t rub my legs together because that would be so weird and awkward. Yeah, we headed down to Osorno for the two days for the youth conference. I will be sending you some pictures of the activity we had during last Monday. I forgot my camera at the house during the youth conference -- what crap... Sad news about all the investigators...many of them aren't talking with us much anymore. Carlos, told us a week before he was supposed to be dunked he doesn´t want to talk with us anymore....so that blows and we have a bunch of eternals. So, now we are going to do a little english class at the church to try to help find new invests.

During the youth thingy, we had a huge paper ball fight with like 400 balls of paper. We won of course! Haha, it was fun but many of the youth here didn´t want to do anything, so that was lame...so we left for a bit and I bought some M&Ms, freak´n expensive. OHHH YA...I really am so hungry right now...I don´t have any food because I haven´t been able to go to the store....so I haven´t had anything to eat since yesterday...lame.... Haha

San Francisco....I wish I could go. But that will have to wait till I get back, and get married haha talk about werid thinking. It's not too bad here, the cambio is almost over...so I will start my 3rd here in the mish. Elder M thinks that I am going to be sent to Puntas or Chiloe (an island) or one of the other really super far ones. Haha, that would be crazy because if I go to Puntas, it's for at least 6 months because I have to take another plane ride down there.

I had an interview with the President the other day...wow I am a bit worried. He told me I need to get the language down really well because he has a lot for me to do in the future. He told me, that he has high expectations. This is something I am very worried about.

Sam - wow, high people buying pizza...now ts that not typical of what?! Haha, I bet you will see some crazy things during this job. Keep me updated, and tell Brock Hi for me.

Silas - So I have actually been thinking a lot about you, and I just wanted to say sorry for not being a better big brother to you. Honestly, I regret a lot of the fights we had over really stupid stuff. When I get back, hopefully we can make things a lot better. I want to be your best friend, and do lots of fun things together and just be really good brothers. 

I totally forgot about the other missionaries from the MTC...oops. Haha, it's been so busy I haven´t had much time to think about the others...this is a werid moment. A lot of them are out doing things and having the same problems I am having, but I know they will be a lot better at this stuff than I will ever be. Honestly, they have a lot of power and good faith in this work.

I love the work, the people, and the food (finally). Things are going well for me...but for Lago Ranco I am trying to makes things better for them. I just wish they would talk with us...

Love,

Ben

I have many names here...Elder Burge...Elder Cri Cri...Elder Burger...

Hola! Haha, boy what a week it has been....I always lose track of time and it seems like its only been a day or two when really a week has gone by. I wrote some stuff down so I wouldn´t forget to tell you all about them.

First, youtube a video that has a chilean guy working as a coke vendor in a stadium. Its a commercial for coke here and its so freak´n Sam... Haha its actually really good. Haha, also I have a request for Sam. Would you mind going to overclockedremix (you may have to google this badboy) and find me some really good remixes of videogames songs and send them my way? As long as they don´t have lyrics I can listen to them here. Haha, another Elder told me about this site.

On that note, the mp3 player I bought already broke...how sad. It just stop working...no volume control and its freezes up. I don´t know what happened, It hasn´t been dropped or anything. Its wasn´t a very good one, but it was cheap I thought. I can´t return it because its been to long. So I am going to go to a different store and buy a better one. Crap...shouldn´t trust cheap computer stuff here haha.

So, I had another innercombio and we were teaching this old man. Elder Luego said he was a little deaf. We started to teach and he kept saying Comó? So Elder Luego told me to talk louder. I kept having to get louder and louder. Finally I was yelling at the top of my lungs and he looked at me and said, "El Libro de Mormón?" and pulled out his book. Haha, I was talking about the plan of salvation and what it is. Its was so crazy, everyone in the room started laughing. So I yelled the entire lesson, and I don´t think he understood.

Along with that, I have a many different names here. In Rio Bueno my name is Elder Burge, here in Lago its Elder Cri Cri (like a circket) and in San Pablo its Elder Burger. Haha, its so funny to have so many different names.

This saturday we have an activity with the youth in Osorno! WOOOHOOO, but we might have to go for 2 days...only one person can go to be a leader. So, this sucks because I we have to be there for two days. This is something I don´t like to do...leave.

Haha, as for food Elder Muñoz and I would like some more Peanut Butter cups...and maybe some other types of candy. I have started to learn how to cook a bit here, and so we are doing really well on food. I am starting to get a handle on my money a bit better so I have a bit more to spend here and there. Not much, but maybe just some candy is all I could ask for.

I really miss you all...but I don´t mind being here in Chile. I have an activity today in the zone so I will have a lot of pictures for you next week. Its been a while since I sent some home. Tell fezz I love him too...and Ace and Muffin. I love this picture of him.

Silas - Ooo...those look painful. Haha, how is it having the braces? I honestly don´t know how you will keep the ladies away.  Its will be so crazy when I get home to see you again! How are things going for ya? Hows the new computer, and any cool videogames you playing now? I miss World of Warcraft and playing the game with you. I wish we could do that....its was always so fun! Maybe when I get back we will have to start playing again. Tell Sam, November for the new Elder Scrolls!

I am glad to hear Kayleigh is praying for me...makes me feel good. I love you Kaykay.

I love you all very much, and I am glad I came. The language is still tough for me but everyday its gets better.

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