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

No baptisms yet...but we have 4 miracle families

Hey family!

It's good to hear from you all!  P-Day for us was Monday (today).  It's been really hard to work, because of 18 of Sept. Holiday.  It's been a little crazy.  These people party, sleep, party, sleep, party, party, sleep.  It's amazing they can keep going for 3 days.  Today is the last of the fiestas.  Hopefully we can work again. We´ve had only one lesson in the past 2 days...It sucks.  Sounds like you guys are having a really good time, just hanging out. That's how it's been for us...I hate it. The days are so slow...

Yeah, cambios are the 21st...but Elder Galarza, who we thought was getting transferred, found out that he doesn´t leave.  And neither do I...he´s so mad.  In every prayer we have together he asks why he is still here...it's really sad.  He was sure he was being tranferred, so he did a horrible job with plans and appointments. Well now he has to deal with it, because I am not leading the sector yet.  It's really funny.  Slowly I am starting to teach better.  I just started being myself.  I love getting up during lessons and going to sit next to the investigators to explain aposticia or prayer.  They react really well to it.  I remember an example and used it during the lesson yesterday, and he told me he liked it. Then...later on I asked, "what is the difference between sin and transgression?" He tried to tell me that it was when we didn´t know the consequence of the sin...but I asked, "If this is true, then Adam and Eve had a sin...they knew the consequence..." He told me I was dumb, and that I didn´t want to understand.  So, later in the night when we were with Mamita, Papito, and Paula...I asked the same question. He started in with...just drop it, you won´t understand.  But, I continued to ask and we finally found a definition.  Transgression is when we know it's a law or rule of God.and we knowingly break it.  When we found this, he was like...this is wrong and changed the subject.

It's been really interesting...I also found out Saturday night that, I was teaching Sunday School the next day. Haha, so I prayed and had 10 whole minutes to prep!  Haha, I was so nervous. I started teaching...and well the first part was a little rough. Then, I just started going with my thoughts, and in the end I was able to take it and tie it into the mission work, and we got a reference from a member!  Haha, everyone was like...wow that was a good lesson.  I felt good, but I know it wasn´t me.  It's was the Spirit and God. I am starting to see how much they really help me.

I have seen the flamingos...they like to stand out in the Bay!  Haha, they are really pretty...I didn´t have my camera with me...sorry.  Haha, they are really cool!  I have some pictures of the llamas, but not Mateo...He is really hard to find!  I will send pictures of the llamas.  They are really nice...they let you get really close!

President told us about his laptop getting stolen.  Elder Galarza lost our cell phone and president told us he understands. Haha

Tell Josh to write me.  I can´t email him, but if he sends me a letter I can write him back through that!

Thanks for all the help.  My Clothes are doing well haha.  My shoes are doing well.  They are getting very well used...very very well.  My socks are starting to die a bit...I lost 2 pairs due to holes in them.

No baptisms yet...but we have 4 miracle families....they are progressing really well.  I hope to get them to the water soon.  Just need to teach them and let them feel this peace.  They are young...like 24 or 25 years old. But, they don´t feel good about their lives. Not married, but they can feel the spirit. One of them told us, I know I can feel the spirit because I get a warm feeling in my body! Haha.

For now...I don´t need anything. Thank you! I love you all...I will do my best.  Almost 6 months in....how crazy.   There is much time left...I need to work harder!!

Tell the Birdies I love them very much!!

Ben

Chilean brotherhood is rock solid

 Peaceful Chile

 Yes, his mama is a llama

He was looking for lost sheep, but they turned out to be llamas

 Getting closer.....

Hey Elders!!! We see you!!!

Baptizing someone here could get a little crazy 

Missionary snail mail 

Another ice cold waterfall

Trip to Torres Del Paine with the Rappleyes

Haha, hey family...I will be sending pictures of Torres Del Paine to you all. What happened is we had a zone conference, and President Rappleye told us he was coming out to visit and go out teaching with us...then Monday he told us to come with him to Torres. So, that's what we did! We have spent 3 whole days with the president...it was great because Torres Del Paine was free, and so was lunch! Haha. Its been really crazy. A lot of stress for us here.

I got the letter from Kayleigh haha. ¿Comó estas? Estoy super bien, y estoy tratando escribir en español. Es un poco dificil, porque yo quiero escribir en ingles y es en la forma de Tu, no Usted. ¿Tienes preguntas para mi?

Sorry to hear about the Logan's niece.  Its hard to take...that I am sure...when your companion dies because of an accident during her mission. Honestly, I don´t know how I would take that either. However, the Lord prepares all of us for time like these. The other day, Momita, Popito, and us were talking about this. Because in their family, they have had a lot of hard times. But honestly, this is part of life...and although in the moment it will seem hard and impossible to overcome...we can. Prayer, is the first step always. I know this personally: My prayers keep me inline and happy while I am here on my mission. When things aren´t going right and things like that.

There are major changes here in the mission, like now we can play soccer! Things are different in the goals too..for example...we now have a goal of a baptism a week. Haha, President has a plan and all kinds of stuff to get it done...and just in time for when I am leading the sector...Yeah....

How is Josh? I hopefully things are going well for him. I can´t wait to find out where he will go and all that good stuff.

Args are really prideful. This is something very hard to overcome. He likes to talk about my faults and loves to blab about his AMAZING teaching skills, and how everyone looks up to him. Its really hard to handle.

Things are good here, I am healthy and happy. Slowly trying to become better. I love you all!

Oh yeah, I got the package.  Thanks so much!! Once, again...this is sad and horrible to say...the peanut butter cups...are ONE giant peanut butter cup.

Ben

P.S., Thanks Sam...got the music. 

 Ice cold glacier water

 Sis Rappleye, Pres Rappleye, Elder Galarza, Me

 Another Picture at Torres Del Paine

 Torres Del Paine

 Closer view of Torres Del Paine

Elder Galarza and I at the base camp

It's been a really hard week...Papito is super funny!

Haha, good to hear from all of you. It's been a really hard week. I was sick..and me and my companion have fought 2 times this week. I have lost respect for him. Its weird how people can change when you live with them. Chileans and Argentinians are really different...I like Chileans more. We can talk and stuff...but its not the same. I have said sorry and accepted his apology. But I dont know...it pushed me really hard to become more self reliant. What happened was he told me I needed to study a certain topic in Preach My Gospel...and I told him I didn´t have time to do that, because I was studying something different...and he flipped out.  I haven´t gotten the package yet because we haven´t gone to Punta Arenas. But this next Monday, 20 missionaries are coming here to go to the Torres de Paine National Park. So, I should get it then. Haha, I am really excited to get it. Time flies, thats for sure. On the 16th of this month I will have a total of 6 months in the mission, and 4 month of that are in Chile. Haha, how crazy is that?  Thanks for the picture...I see you bought my camera. Haha, and that Fezz looks really happy and healthy.  Tell Kayleigh if she needs help with Spanish...send me an email. Haha, I know I can only write every Monday...but who knows maybe she wants to try to speak to me. My Spanish isn´t too bad. I still have lots to learn, but I am able to progress haha...but here I need both languages. Yesterday, I contacted a family from Korea. They couldn´t speak Spanish, but could speak in English. And so, I contacted in English. Haha, how weird. But at times, I have trouble with Spanish. Yesterday, as well. I was telling Momita and Papito about Fezz, Ace, and Muffin. I kept saying, mi pajero. They were laughing really hard and I couldn´t understand why...lets just say...Chileans have corrupt minds.  Papito is super funny! There were some dogs behind the fence yesterday, and he walked in and started screaming at the top of his lungs. The dogs were so scared...I am laughing right now...and were trying to escape. They couldn't because he blocked the entrance. Oh man...its was so funny. I laughed so hard that I was crying. The faces of those dogs were priceless...never again will they enter beyond the fence.  Spring in Puerto is full of killer wind. Haha, yesterday it was so fast and hard...it about knocked me off my feet. I heard that is gets faster than that. I am a bit worried...because it was way fast. Haha. This will be fun...I will have lots of pictures next week...I might not send them till Tuesday because Torres de Paine is super far away. Presidente told us that we could write Tuesday if we don´t have time.  I love you all!!

I know the branch can help me...and so can Heavenly Father, and Christ...

De Nada...haha its been really weird. Its just like Utah...always rain, snow, sun, and clouds all in the same day.  Its really, really weird. Momita cooks really well, and she made the ranch dressing from the packets for me haha. I told her you said, hi. She said, hola. Haha, she is a great person honestly. Things with the visa are good to go now. It was interesting not knowing if I could stay or needed to go to the US. 

Thats really cool about school, and the best class ever! Haha, its really good to know things are going well. Its weird to see so much green in the pictures you sent. I will be sending more pictures...I need to clean the house first before I can take pictures of the place. Its pretty nice...to be honest. Its a blessing.

Its going to be crazy, next combio. My first time leading the sector. Its a bit scary...and I can´t believe its this soon, and when I am so far away from all the other missionaries. But, I know that the branch can help me...and so can Heavenly Father, and Christ. They won´t abandon me, ever.

Its good to hear Sam and Silas are becoming really good buds. Haha, I am really happy to know Sam is taking good care Kayleigh and Silas. Its been really interesting, being so far away.  

Can you send a picture of the family, including Fezz, Muffin, and Ace?

Thank you for all your love and support...things here are good. Its been tough, with the companion and all. But I just do what is right and let him take the way he wants to go. I can´t force him to do anything...We suffer for it...It actually causes me to be sad. We could be so much better off, but he just won´t change. He says he will, but nothing. Just keep on praying...just gotta do it.

I love you all!

Ben

Ferry to Puerto Montt - a 4-5 day cruise - you have only two travel options - the ferry or airplane

Que?!

Mountains & clouds 

Another view of mountains & clouds

Taking pictures down by the waterfront on P-day

More snow on the mountains

Momita has some contacts...now my visa is done!!!!

Haha, I am glad that everything is going well for you all.

Poor Elder Lund...me and my companion are having a few problems of our own...he has become so lazy and the other night he made me plan by myself. Its really hard, I am trying to not kill him...I don´t know its really really weird. He changed so much since the first week. I feel for Elder Lund and his new comp.

I haven´t gotten the package yet, its probably because I am here in Puerto Natales. We don´t get things for about another week after it gets to Punta Arenas. I am sending some pictures of the food, the town, my comp, and some other stuff. I will take more...I love the momita here. Haha the other day she told us if we put my hair and Elder Galarza's hair in a puddle of water they would bond together...so we did it and we were watching when all the sudden her hand came down and slapped the puddle and water got all over us. Haha, she and popito were laughing so hard. And so was I... Haha they are good.

Yeah, its true over 500 members but 27 attended church last week. Its really sad...but they won´t come. We have tried talking to them and everything. I think the members need to work with them more than we do. Honestly, they stopped going for really dumb reasons. They forget that...church is for God, and Jesus...not for the members or missionaries.

Yeah, hopefully my Spanish will improve...I just need to work harder at making it better. I know that its mostly my fault for it starting to slow down again. I need to keep studying...more and more! I make so many mistakes...I love talking and I try to talk too. So, that is good.

Time to tell you what happened with my visa. I am going back to the states...JUST KIDDING. Haha, no...Momita has some contacts...and had someone call the PDI and tell them that I was cool. Haha, its was freak´n crazy. We went into the PDI and he was like...you're good to go. Just go to this place...and now your visa is done. Like...weird...right? So I am good to go now...legal and all!

Elder Galarza knows the Pink Panther theme song! I want to learn it so bad...so so bad. Momita, cooks very American like and gives us a ton of food. She made a pizza and first gave us each half of it. Then she had another, and gave me another 1/4 or the pizza because I could eat more. She asked...do you have room in your stomach to eat and I said yeah...and BOOM more food! Haha She cooks so well...I love it.

Haha, I love Fezz. It will be really cool to see him again in 19 months...how weird is that? It feels like such a short time. I just hope I can do better than I have with my teaching and helping people progress...I have had 0 baptisms. Crappy...

Tell Silas, and Kayleigh Hi for me! And tell Fezz, Ace, and Muffin I love them very much! Haha

Things here are good...and I am glad I got to come to this place. Its been very cool to see the end of the World. Summer is coming really soon..this is something that I am really happy about!! Haha...

I love you all

Ben

 

Airline ticket to Punta Arenas

Elder Galarza & Elder Burge

Me down by the waterfront

Pilot boats & navy ships

Puerto Natales

Another view of Puerto Natales

Catholic church near center of town

Momita's awesome cooking!!!

Out on the town

 

New mission president blog & last La Union Zone picture

The Rappleye's have started a mission blog.  Here is the link:

http://chileosornomission-rappleye.blogspot.com

Here is the last La Union Zone picture taken before Ben's transfer to Puerto Natales: