Hermano, yo sé que soy un borracho, pero ¿puedes orar por nosotros?

Hey Family!

  Wow, it’s the end of October. Where did the month go...the cambio is almost over, too (2 weeks left). Tomorrow President Rappleye will start the cambios. It’s been going well for me...been a bit tough with the other two guys in the house. One is very prideful and has attitude problems. It’s hard on all of us...we always try to stay away from anything that could cause him to want to fight.

Mark from Upgrades ETC...sent me an email. HE STARTED HIS OWN BUSINESS! Haha, I was so happy to hear that it’s going well. He says it’s paying off and will probably open a shop in Tooele. It’s so funny! 

Sounds like Josh is pretty much gone! He looks good in a suit and tie. Hope he likes things humid and hot! He might try to do some "work" on the car. I am sure he can pull out another 5 miles to the gallon. Sounds like the soup was inspired. I bet it helped to have you all there to support them. Now, Sam will be heading out. When I get home...no one will be there. It’s so strange. I still can´t get over that it’s been almost 2 years.

Rian looks a lot like her Mom and Sam´s looking pretty skinny in these pictures. He looks bigger, too. Has he grown? 

I am glad I never started drinking or drugs! Here in Chile, I have seen the lives of people completely DESTORYED by drinking. The other day...we were contacting people in the street. 5 or 6 drunks asked for Cien Pesos (less than a quarter) so they could buy something to "drink". I stopped and said I couldn’t give them any money, but I had a card they could call to get a Book of Mormon. As I walked away, one of them called me back and asked me, "Hermano, yo sé que soy un borracho, pero ¿puedes orar por nosotros? (Brother, I know I am a drunk but could you please pray for us?). This was in a very busy street...but I decided to sit down with them and pray. My companion was stunned. He couldn´t believe that I prayed there with them. After the prayer I shook each by the hand and told them to take care. They all looked at me with smiles... I couldn´t believe I had done that. Lets hope they remember. It seems that the "Better, more free life"...seems to end up being enslaved by some power (Drinking, Money, Drugs, Etc...) and just losing all hope.

Sunday, I had to lead the music again in church. I remember having to do it in Puerto Natales! I don´t know why I had to do it...in a ward of 100 people. But, I did it. COOL HUH? We had 7 people come to church and a baptism this Saturday! It was THE WORST week I´ve had in a while.

Well...I sent some pictures of the house. I hope you enjoy them.

I love you all very much. Please, take care.

Ben

Welcome to our home!!!

The other White House

Elder Marcel, our study area, and my guitar

Our room and our window leak

My bed

Our view

Dear diary, my gringo companion is very strange!!!

Wooo Hoo!!!

WOOO HOO!!!

THAT’S SO SWEET! I CANNOT BELIEVE IT! THAT WAS SO QUICK! He is going to the MTC way sooner than I thought...and well...I won`t be able to see him. You’ll only have 2 kids in the house for 3 months. Oregon will be a great mission! I bet he’ll have a way cool mission. He will be able to speak the language and everything right off the bat! I can´t believe he’ll be able to go to the temple on his mission. I am so jealous...I haven´t been in a year and 6 months.

As for the mission stuff he will be buying...I would buy some good quality stuff. He will be in the states where things can be washed normally and he’ll have nice places to live. You should have 2 light towels, and plenty of garments and socks. Make sure to buy shirts for about a week and 3 days just in case. But basically everything I have is holding up well.

Things here this last week were very crazy. As you know I have been district leader for almost an entire year...and I am always finding new things I must deal with. I had 2 elders in my district get into a fight (with words)...while I helped them work it out, one of them asked to talk to me alone. He opened completely up to me and told me how he felt. I helped him out, gave him a blessing, and we had an intercambio that day (he goes with me and my companion goes to his sector). Then I watched a guy get robbed...and the police came right around the corner and held the thief down! Haha, crazy...then an investigator got into a fight with her boyfriend (who disliked the missionaries) and we found her in the street. We talked about it with her and then her boyfriend called. The next day, we showed up to the house to see her and to check up on her. Her boyfriend was there, and their kids...he let us in the house. We talked a bit and laughed...he then invited us to eat with them. We couldn’t because we had another cita...they also told us that now they are going to get married! She’ll be able to be baptized now! We got to church and after calling all morning, no one showed up. I sat down and prayed that God would please help someone get there by some miracle. Then, while I was sitting there I saw an investigator get there with her sister. We ran and sat by them, and then...ANOTHER ONE showed up halfway through. She said she wanted to go to church so she did and she found out that her friends come there to. A recent covert to the church was made a high priest this Sunday...and he told me, "When I opened my eyes during the prayer, we were encircled by a ton of people dressed in white". It was so cool to hear that.

We also had interviews this week with President. They were good...we didn’t really talk much about me. I told him what was going on in the district and we made plans to help them out. Then we talked about the computers here in the mission a bit. I have to start looking for a replacement as the computer tech. He told me, "We need to get you a scholarship in Dixie so that your close to my house to fix my computers." I laughed pretty good, but I think he might have had a double meaning there. OH and the package got here with the food and so we went to the church in Mata and played soccer and volleyball and ate the candy together. And then...I GOT SMACKED IN THE FACE WITH THE BALL....it hurt pretty good.

We also had a GOING TO HAWAII activity in the church. I got to make a video like we were on a plane...then the video of us dying! We died and and went to the FINAL JUDGEMENT...it was a good activity.

I am doing very well...Skylar wrote me. It was nice to hear from her...I get so busy that I just don´t have time to send the cards. I live kinda far away. I feel bad...but I will write her much more often. I have been having a great time with many new experiences. Sorry I can´t send pictures again...I don´t have much time. We got started late today.

I love you all so much!

GOOD LUCK SAM YOU´LL DO GREAT IN OREGAN! REMEMBER YOU’RE SENT THERE FOR A REASON! IT’S THE PERFECT PLACE FOR YOU!

With love,

Ben

Elder Marcel does a great job

Hey family!

About the Garments...I tried to get permission to buy them online but they wouldn´t let me. So I asked how we can do it, and they told me they were just going to call you. It was so lame....I didn´t like it. I could have done it in like 5 minutes. We have been having some problems with the New APs. They´ve gone either power hungry or just down right lame with stuff. Everything has to be done with permission, but they have been saying no to everything we want to do no. It’s really lame.

The mission life is going well...I am having a good time here. We played soccer and volleyball today with the zone (after a long hour of trying to get permission). My companion is really cool. Elder Marcel does a great job working. It’s been hard to get used to having 4 missionaries in the house. I found out that a friend of mine from here got called to the Salt Lake City South mission!!! He will be going there in February and I will be home in March. It’s going to be so sweet.... The momita here is a good one. She gives us all the normal Chilean food. She does our laundry for us, too. We HAD 9 people getting ready to be baptized, but they didn´t come to church, so now we only have 5 people. Pray that they can get there and do all they need to do.

I hope Sam gets called to a mission out of the States. Maybe it will be a really weird place he gets to go. But maybe he´ll get sent to Chile! FINGERS CROSSED!

Sounds like the good jokes on Mom are still happening. Haha, I loved scaring her to.

Sounds like everyone there is having a good time in school and NOT WORKING SAM. It’s been really interesting for me these past couple days. We had so many miracles happen. We found a ton of people and taught a ton of lessons. But, we got to taste the bitterness of opposition. Some of them didn´t get to church, and others changed their mind about being baptized. It’s been interesting. I have been trying my best to change my way of praying. I have been trying to master fervent praying. It’s hard work. I, at times, fall into the same old rote way of praying.

How are all of you doing? I hope your all well. How’s the scripture study and other spiritual stuff going? Sounds like Mom liked the general conference. It’s good stuff to work on your family history. I want to work on it when I get home. I think that it will be sweet to get to know the family.

I love you all. Take care and stay on the good narrow path.

Love,

Ben

Transferred to Rahue Bajo 2 with Elder Marcel

 

Hey Family!

I am doing really good. I have been healthy and eating well.

It’s been a good week. I got to my new sector...Rahue Bajo 2. It’s on the other side of the river here in Osorno. Different Zone, but same city. I am a DL. It’s pretty cool here. Elder Barriga came from this same sector! We live in the house with 4 of us. Now I am back to the same old Lunes (Monday) P day. It’s cool. My companion is named Elder Marcel, he is Chilean.

Elder Marcel & I

Everybody loves a guitar

Before I forget, I am going to be taking out some money...I need to buy some clothes and garments.

Sounds like everyone is getting ready to head out...and looks like all the new 18 year old Elders and 19 year old sisters will be heading out soon! Haha, what a crazy new thing! It’s going to be so crazy to see such young missionaries. This conference was really good and I learned a lot about what I need to do to help others and myself. I loved it.

You never know maybe Sam and I we will see each other before he heads out. It might be a bit till he has to go. It’s going to be pretty sweet.

I am glad to hear that Mom felt the spirit so strongly. If we live right and try our best, God will bless us to have the Spirit. It’s funny, because without the Spirit we cannot learn the truths God has for us. I know that it’s so important that we have the Spirit when we teach and learn. I am trying to be better about inviting him to be with us. Mom, you’re a good teacher. God will support you in the callings you will receive. That goes for you to Dad. I know God lifts us up to do things we can´t normally do.

I hope that you all keep reading and praying everyday. We must stay strong in our testimonies and keep our own conversion going. Not much time left to to prepare ourselves.

I am sending lots of pictures home! I hope you enjoy them.  These are some of the families in my old Sector and my new companion. I will send more pictures of the house next week.

Thanks for sending me the package. I will be good! So before I go, I HAVE to tell you what I learned.

The original plan for me was that after my 2 cambio in Lago Ranco, I was supposed to be made Financiero. But someone said it might be best to wait, because it’s a stressful Job. Haha, how crazy is that?! Looks like I have been guided to the places where I God wants me to go.

I know the church is true, and that God the father and his son Jesus Christ do live. They love us, and want us to have success. They will help us become what they want us to become.

Love,

Ben

Ecuador Ward Pictures

Last General Conference in the Mission Field

Hey Family! Before I forget...would you mind sending me some lickerish (I forgot how to spell it I CHOOSE YOU SPELL CHECK! DONE...hehe) I am glad you liked the pictures here are some more. We went to bowl today. It was ok. It could have been more fun. This might just be my last P-day on Saturday...how strange. Woot! Go ECUADOR WARD! Its good to hear that Sam has his interview. I think he will go to a place outside the states...I am thinking...CANADA! Or somewhere like unto the first.... This mission life is great...just have to be ready for crazy stuff and food. It will be weird to not see Sam for 4 years. But he’ll do good. Silas, having trouble in English class......the good old days. I am sure we are pretty close to the same type of person. I realize now that, like you said, was the reason that we fought. We are going to have a blast when we are back together. Halloween isn’t as big here. They do, do it here. Sounds like you had a good date night...I can honestly say I haven´t had a good steak like that for such a long time. Oh well...some day. I hope you all have a good conference this coming weekend. I hope to receive lots of good help. It is my last conference in the mission field! I love you all take care! Ben  

Bowling on P-Day

Elder Barker about to juggle some bowling balls!

Bowling Fun

Elder Barker

Independence Day!

Hey family!

It’s been a long day today...we went to the church to play volleyball with the other missionaries. It was a really fun day, and for that same reason I am writing to you later than normal.

THE PICTURES ARE AWESOME! I can´t believe that Sam jumped out of a plane and he lived to tell the story. It was really fun to show Elder Barriga. It looks like you had a good time doing it. You don´t seem scared in the pictures at all...I thought you´d be crying like a baby....hmmm well done.

So...as for combios I don´t have the slightest Idea of what will happen this time around. Anything could happen. Some people already got changed up....so whatever is going to happen is already made and done. Puerto Octay is about an hour from here. It’s a small village like Lago Ranco.

Fecha is date in English...which would mean in the mission that they have a date to be baptized...but sad part is that both people won´t be getting baptized. They didn’t come to church and so...well they won´t be able to be baptized.

When I get back Silas will be 6 ft 2 and playing basketball. Sounds like he is getting up there. How tall is he? Is he still skinny?

I am sending pictures to all of you. They are from the 18th (Independence Day). I have more videos than pictures so for that reason I won´t be able to send them to you.

Things here are a bit hard going...but we just gotta keep going and trying hard. At times I think Elder Barriga wants out of this place. Poor guy...I seem to always get companions who come from Sectors that are just on fire. I bet you he feels pretty down. I also think he got on the bad side of some of the members...hopefully things will clear up.

As for myself...I feel pretty good. Stressed at times, but doing pretty good. I have these amazing wants to work out though. I want to look like a stud. So, I am trying to do the best I can to work out and well...it’s hard when you don´t have gym stuff.

Like I made mention before, the work here is doing good. I seem to do really well for the many challenges that are in the way. I think I got used to it. When you’re on the mission you become aware of the many faults you have. It becomes a challenge in and of itself. You have 2 options...kill it...or be killed by it. For me...I am struggling to kill it. When I get part of it down, it seems that I am blessed. For example, last week we showed up the entire Zone....then the beast shines it’s black fire head and the week begins to go back down. By the end of the mission I should have killed it all.

I am glad to see that you’re all doing well...and I am glad to hear Sam is almost there with his mission papers. Make sure that when Josh leaves for the MTC you take some good pictures of him or send some of the ones he takes.

I love you all so much.

Stay strong, read your scriptures everyday, and pray day and night.

Independence Day Dancing

Viva Chile!

Some of the party goers…

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!