Fecha??

Hey family!

It’s been a really good week. We’ve had some miracles and I’ve found the best haircut place in town! Its been really cool. I am glad that you liked the pictures...I don´t have any new ones because nothing cool has happened. I will be taking some during the 18 of Sept. Its going to be really cool. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday we aren’t allow to work! We will  be stuck in the house all day. Running here is pretty popular...because everyone likes to play soccer. This week we went from having very few lessons with members to...having the most in the zone (according to the Zone Leaders). We have really been putting in a lot of work. We found a new person who accepted a fecha to be baptized on the 6th of Oct.

I’ve heard that there are many things going on with Romney. Everyone here is asking about him to0. It’s so funny...it’s a great way to start a conversation with people. However, we have to be careful so that no one gets going on the political side of things.

I can´t believe Sam went out  to skydive...that’s so crazy. I am sure he didn’t die because no one called me. I would never do that. It is freak´n nuts. Oh well....I will just stick to my wood chopping here in Chile. Sounds like things are going well for the exams he has to do. He is almost there...I can´t wait to find out where my little brother is going. Maybe he will be a duplicate of Dad and go to Italy. I met someone from there today. She was a working at the hair cutting place. She says she’s more Chilean now then Italian. Sounds like everyone is getting ready to go. They are all starting their trips and I am finishing mine. Its so strange... But its pretty sweet. 

Its been a really good week this week. We have had fun doing lots of walking around and teaching with people. Only 2 more weeks till cambios or so. It will be really weird to see what happens. I am hoping that they open up Port Octay as a sector and I want to go there. It would be so cool!

I am learning lots of lessons from the Lord. He is forming me up, molding me around, and hopefully I am do it with Humbleness. I want to be completely different at the end of this mission. Its a good experience.

I love you all,

Until next week

Chou!

Planting Seeds

Hey Family!

Glad to hear that all is going well for all of you. I am adding pictures now so you can all get a look at my current life. Its been a pretty slow P day...kinda nice to have one of those...We were playing with Mito the cat at the house and I am sending pictures of it to you. I am glad to hear everyone is feeling up a bit more. President Rappleye tells us that as Leaders we can´t be discouraged. We must have faith and let the others see that. If Brock dies during the end of the world in the MTC then he will get to see Moroni. There is a story that the mountains next to the MTC in Provo are the mountains where Moroni will come to blow his Trumpet

That would be so sick if Silas went there! I heard there in Germany they have some pretty sick places to see and visit. Silas is a lot like me...I have A TON of dreams about doing stuff...then like a week later it happens. It happens soooo much! Sometimes it sucks.

Things have gotten really quite "full of experience" (also known as hard). The other day an Area Seventy came and well...he talked about a lot of stuff we need to do in our sector. After the Conference...he pulled us aside to talk for a bit. We talked about the sector and the problems we have. I told him of my frustration that I wanted to see more people being baptized. He looked me straight in the face and said, "Your probably a sower of seeds, and  ¿QUE LE IMPORTA (What does it matter to you)? You’ve got to learn to be humble here in the mission." It hit hard...he then told me a few things that fit right in with my Patriarchal Blessing. I found President after and I said...those Seventy guys know their stuff. He laughed at me...

The new sister in my District went to BYU Idaho. She’s really cool and very sweet.

I love you...you all mean so much to me. I will always try to honor the family name and make us known as good, strong Saints of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Take care,

Love Ben

 

Me and Elder Galarza

Elder Barriga and Me

Playing with Mito the kitty

I am learning a lot about how to run a ward

Hey family!!

It’s awesome to hear that Brock is going to Florida! He is going to die of the heat there! He won´t have to worry about the snow for 2 whole years. However, there is a sad part...the END OF THE WORLD WILL BE HAPPENING WHILE HE IS IN THE MTC! Hahaha...

The mission work is going well here. The entire ward (not the entire ward but just about all of it) has gone into apostasy! Members are drinking tea and coffee...not keeping the Sabbath day, and all other types of sin! They are falling away and WE have to fix them all! The bishop, Elder Barriga, and myself are going to give talks next Sunday, what I like to call, THE ATTACK! Each one of us has a topic of which we will be talking about. I have been given the Word of Wisdom. We are starting weekly meetings with the head leaders of the ward. (This should of been happening before). I am learning a lot about how to run a ward. It seems like no one here is verifying anything. I can´t believe they want to be called Latter-day and yet act as children of the devil! Haha, very strong words. Sorry....I am not really actually mad nor stressed. I feel as calm as a summer’s morning. (Name that quote...it might not be exactly like that though). As for the work...it’s slowing down. What’s happening is that my companion has gotten a bit lazy and not too obedient. I, however, am talking with him about it and we are working on the stuff that needs to be fixed. I am trying to live healthier. I run for 15 minutes everyday. We go out of the house and ran. He doesn´t cook anything good. Haha

I am learning a lot about the spirit...and I am trying to change and be a better leader. It’s really cool because I am learning a lot about verification. It seems that if you don´t breathe down people’s necks they don´t do anything of their own free will.

We don´t have any funny stories this week...maybe next week. Elder Barriga reminded me that I forgot my camera. Sorry...Elder Burge fail.

I love you all....keep doing the basics and keep the Sabbath day. We have to progress so we can get to the Holy Kingdom of God. I really desire that.

With Love

Ben

My new companion is Elder Barriga from Santiago!!!

 

Hey Family!

We just got done playing Futbol. I suck...haha

Glad to hear everyone is still alive and well. Sounds like a good Idea for Silas to learn to cook...it comes in handy.

This picture of Fezz sitting on a ping pong ball makes me laugh!!! He looks so funny...It’s funny he thought he had to take care of it like it was an egg.  I don´t really understand how he can do that or why....but hey, if he likes the practice. Sounds like the guy has the girlfriend flu. Poor guy just wants a date or two.

That’s crazy that James Swenson is going to serve his mission in Chile. Haha, Chile is a good place to serve and it’s way fun. Wow...can´t believe everyone is leaving Stansbury now. All the people I knew are now heading off and doing their own thing. How strange....It’s cool though. Going sky diving is so crazy! Sam´s got to be careful, but hey it would be cool to do it.

I got a new companion. Elder Larsen went up to Valdiva! How crazy is that...and I am here with a Chilean called Elder Barriga. He is from Santiago. He has about 6 months in the mission. I will send you a picture when I get a chance...I brought my camera, but forgot my cables. He’s really gangster and prideful, haha. We will get people baptized easy. There are many people to get there. What’s so cool...is that he teaches really well and it will be cool to get people going with this.

The mission is going really well. I am really glad to be here. Working all day long, and trying to rest as well as I can.

A member gave me a pen with my name on it...it was so funny. She felt grateful for all the visits we do and all the help we try to give to her. She was baptized when she was little, then she left the church and did some really bad stuff. Now however, we are getting her back bit by bit. She´ll be getting married here in a little while.

It’s been really busy this week because of cambios, but things should go a lot better now. I am pretty happy with things at the moment. There haven´t been any crazy things yet this week...so this next week will have some good stuff.

Have fun this week in school and take care.

PS, I took out 40 dollars to buy some things. Elder Larsen didn´t leave the money for the sector behind. So I gotta pay for things....

I love you all....

Take good care until next week.

I am staying here for another cambio. The Lord has more work for me to do here.

 

Hey family!

It’s been a good week...well, hard on me, but a good week. We had lots of meetings and intercambios. Feels good to have a day to rest from my labors. Glad to hear everything is going well for all of you back home. Sounds like school will be crazy this year. That’s so crazy that Silas is in Langley’s English class! She is a great teacher. Keep working hard with her and you´ll do fine. Don´t worry about it too much haha, everything will work out in the end.

Wow, cool to hear that Rebekah is getting married! Chilean people are really nice and loving. They have a very close family relationship. I’ve noticed lots of marriage problems going on here where we are working. It’s so crazy...the Gospel is always the key to it. If both follow the Gospel they will be ok. It’s awesome.

GO SAM! I am glad to hear him starting his mission papers! It’ really good to do them, you start to feel things moving as you do that. Who knows where he will be called to...anywhere he goes will be the perfect place for him.

As for cambios...I haven´t heard who my companion is yet. But I do know that I am STAYING HAHA. The Lord has more work for me to do up here!! It’s so funny...no one could believe it. I am actually kinda glad...we just found some good people and families. I want to teach them and baptize them. Keep praying for us...we will need it.

I had a good interview with President the other day...it’s been really good to have him around. He is a great president and he helps me progress really well, too. He will take part in making me into the man the Lord wants -the man I want to be when I get back. I am trying my hardest to make sure I have good habits on all the stuff...only 4 or 5 cambios left till I am out of here...and I need to be ready and prepared. I need to make the most of the time I have left here...IT’S A MUST!

I love you all...stay strong. I want you all to read and pray everyday. Go to church and make the most out of your time there. It’s so important....I have seen the change in people when they do these simple things. The Lord gave us these things, because they are the powerful. 

I have been thinking a lot lately about my strong points and where I lack a bit. While doing this...an investigator named Patricio told me something that struck me a bit hard. He told me that he has never seen "passion" like I have for the Church. He said he could never have that in his life...and that he is glad to see someone who really has it. I was on an intercambio with Elder Abel in my sector. The day before that, I was in the Sector of the Zone Leaders on a intercambio and we were finishing out the day. It was like 8:30pm and we went to our last cita. I gave my testimony and turned to see Elder Arce, Paulina (the investigator), and Carlos (her boyfriend) all staring at me. Elder Arce had a huge smile on his face. Afterward, we talked about what we did good and how we can get better. He told me that if I taught in the way I gave my testimony that people wouldn´t be able to say no. He told me, jokingly, I was  "glowing". I never realized that my testimony had become so strong. I don´t know how...or why....but I like it.

I know this is the truth.

I love you all, so very much! Take care of yourselves and have a good week.

Love,

Ben

It’s Been a Good Week

 

Hey Family!

Its been a good...weird week. I got the computer fixed...haha it was a miracle. Justin is working at Overstock? Thats so cool. Hows he doing? Its been a while since I talked with him. Sounds like Sam is getting on his way to getting to the mission. It will be so cool...it`ll be weird because I won´t see him for like 4 years but hey...its not that long of a time. Who knows maybe he will show up here to my mission...Hopefully he goes in before Christmas. Christmas in the MTC is pretty sweet I´ve heard.

Glad to hear that Moms surgery went well. Haha, my surgery was pretty good and quick. A person here, had a surgery and it was suppose to take like 2 hours...it took 5. Haha, it went smoothly but they just took it slow. The pain part is the worst part of it...Glad to hear your doing better! It sounds like Bishop has been a big help with it; along with the Relief Society. I am glad to have them taking care of you all. Because we all know that, even if I was there...I can´t cook so we´d be eating lots of ranch and Cheese thingies.

Haha Fezz has baby fever! Poor guy just wants to be dad. Ping pong ball do look like eggs...but is that pretty big? I just have this image of fezz, hanging off at a slight angle, on a ping pong ball. 

GO DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS! Haha, sounds like my family...one day even Kayleigh will be playing it like her brothers! WE SHALL DOMINATE THE GAMING WORLD TOGETHER! I love camping...with my new fire making skills (and my numb chuck skills) I could live well for a while in the mountains. Plus... I am not scared to eat dead...animal heads anymore.

Thanks for the package! I had a great time with the ranch...I bought cheese to go with it and made a classic Ben food. Pictures Attached. Its really good...but gone now haha. Last Sunday, it was Kid Day here. We have so few children here that I could give a Pez to each. They loved it all...and Ninoska and Fransica (Granddaughters of Momita and Papito from Natales) loved the Pez so much that I gave them the Extra Pez fills and they ate them all in the first day! It was so funny.

One week left until...once again we have Cambios....I don´t want to leave yet. We just got one guy to Repentence, and another guy is warming up to us. He plays the guitar and we jam out together! Its great...Carolina, whom we are teaching for 5 weeks, finally told us why she doesn´t want to get baptized. She already was. Haha, that shocked up. Also, Felipe is finally praying in the name of Jesus Christ and he really wants to know if Christ is the Son of God. He is praying to know. Its been so good this week.

I got to participate in the blessing of a baby here in the ward. It was amazing...I couldn´t believe how the spirit felt. He was so tiny...a premature baby. It was awesome.

Today we had to get up at 6 a.m. to come to the church to fill the Baptismal font for a baptism in the Mission Branch in Entre Lagos. I am so tired!

Its been really good...things have gone well for us. And sounds like the same for you all. I love you all.

Glad to hear  your all doing well...

With Love,

Ben

Ben Food

I’m Having a Good Time Still…Staying Positive

 

Hey Family!
I am working on the computer of the Family Lillo. They had problems with their internet. It’s been pretty weird working on systems again. I still can´t figure out what is wrong with it. It’s hard to work like this without all my old tools and shop set up. But I should be able to fix it. It has to do with Windows Vista...the beast of problems. Good to hear that the family is doing well. I am doing very well. It’s very cool to be herein the mission. Ian, I haven´t seen him in many years. It’s so weird. I wonder how he is doing. I think it would be cool to go back to see him someday. It’s weird he is still there in Tooele.

Sounds like Sam and Dad are having a good time with their horrible colds.  Sam will do a lot better when he has those papers in. It will give him the will to leave and see the place where he is going. He will always be much happier knowing that he is going to leave instead of just sitting around and waiting.

As for the whole baptizing thing...It’s hard a times because we are here. But it’s mostly my fault. It’s not the fault of the sector, the people, the companion, but in the end it’s my fault. If I do what I am supposed to do, and do it the way the Lord wants...I could have many more. It’s just hard to keep going at times when your having to do everything...trying to change your companion, and helping people let you in and get over their problems when you have your own. But, I am starting to get better at the whole thing. This week we have invited 3 people to be baptized but none of them have excepted because of family issues. They don´t want to be alone in the church. Just make sure that Sam, Josh, and Brock all know that in the end...they have to give it their all! If they don´t, they will never see the success they want. They must realize it is completely on them if they have success or not. It’s good...the work is real good. Haha
I am having a good time still...trying to stay positive but it’s hard at times! Just got to keep going......keep trying and all will go well. Sorry, I don´t have much time to write you all.

I love you all so much...I will send pictures with me and the stuff I got from the package. I got it just so you know...and Mom the whole operation will be easy. I know it seems scary but it’s not...trust me! I KNOW! HAHA....

Love
Ben