April 26, 2010
Dear Family,
Well it’s been another good old week here in Sogamoso, la capital de las vacas :) We are working well and this week we put lots of emphasis on finding and finding and finding and it went very well. The other area here got 2 extra missionaries so they divided it in two and now the 4 of them are working in that ward.
As far as good news this was actually a great Sunday. We had 6 investigators at church, and we have found some really good people. One is a 12 year old kid who the government just took from his parents because they have maharani problems. He is now living with his aunt who is a member in our ward. She called us over immediately to visit him so we are going to prepare him to be baptized.
Also, knocking doors we found a really cool couple. They aren’t married but that can be arranged and she went to church (Hewas working but really wants to go this Sunday) and said she loved it. They personally schedule when we will come back to visit and usually have food waiting. Haha last time they had us both a nice hot cup of coffee waiting. We didn’t want to be rude so we drank it... haha just kidding again. So it was a good chance to teach them the word of wisdom. They have a few problems with some of the substances but they really have a desire to know the truth and I know the Lord will answer their prayers and help them know it.
Today for P day we (this district) took a train and went to visit a little old pueblo (tiny town). There really was nothing to do but it was fun to ride the old clanky train and I got some cool pictures.
Well time is flying; it’s hard to believe I'm almost done. I really am trying to take advantage of every day and although clearly I’m not perfect I am trying hard. I was thinking the other day that maybe I don’t share my testimony enough in my letters. The other day at lunch we were talking to one member a little about sports and I told him how I loved basketball and my favorite team was the Jazz. He finished eating, went and got on the internet, came back and told me that they were tied with Denver in the playoff series and were going to play in Salt Lake that night at 8 30 (10 30 here). I remembered how much I LOVED watching bball and especially the jazz in the playoffs. But the jist of the story, that night at 10 30 as I was saying my night time prayer I realized that the game would be just starting and really I felt that I would rather be here in Sogamoso, Colombia saying a prayer than watching the greatest basketball game ever. Don’t get me wrong I was happy to hear that they won and I would like to hear how they do, but really there will be lots more NBA playoffs and this is a once in a lifetime thing.
I had a testimony before coming on the mission but as I have lived it and spent everyday serving the lord that testimony has become much deeper. I really have gotten to know Christ. I have felt his spirit at the times I was most scared or unsure or disappointed and I KNOW that he isn’t just an idea or some unimaginable thing but that he lives and I know that he loves us. I know that this is his church and even though we are so imperfect, he is perfect enough to lift us.
Thanks for all your support family, I love you. Happy birthday little ELLA (hehe Ella in Spanish means she) Congratulations Cameryn on the lead role. Well until next time, Elder Barnard
Monday, April 26, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Plane Tickets for August 18, 2010
April 19, 2010
Querida Familia.
Well it’s been a great, spiritual week here in Sogamoso. We had interviews with President Hacking, some cool experiences and stake conference in our chapel.
We have been trying to do weekly fasts to get more of the spirit and for specific things to do for us and our investigators. This week it was very cool. I have gained a strong testimony of fasting and prayer and the spirit they can bring when you do them right. We had interviews with the president and we started fasting the day before, especially for our investigators. We got to the interviews with a very good spirit and they were great. President Hacking first talked to us together and then each one alone. Things have been good with my companion. President complimented me in the Interviews and expressed a lot of confidence in me. He really was very positive and told me he really trusted me and was thankful for what I was doing. It really is nice to have someone like your mission president be so supportive and encouraging. He is such a good man. It’s humbling and makes me want to improve.
The Stake Conference was in our chapel which was a great chance to invite friends and investigators. Unfortunately the Lopez family, who we committed to baptism all missed except one daughter. We have been very clear with them about the Sabbath Day and about gaining a testimony and they keep saying "of course, sure we want to go" We even had a very spiritual lesson with them and the mom admitted that she felt a special warm feeling but once again something "came up" on Sunday. I think we will teach them this week and let them know that we want to help them with all our heart, but it’s so important for them to keep commitments.
There were however a few surprises, like an investigator who he had stopped teaching a while ago that finally came and really liked it. Also we had a little miracle this week. We got permission to do a sporting activity and invited one of our investigators, who plays basketball, and his team to come and play at the church. Unfortunately it rained all day and they didn’t come. On our way back to the house we realized that Elder R had left the keys inside and we have no spares. We went downstairs (we live on the 3d floor) to see if we could find the owner or anything. A lady walked by on her way out and said, Hi Elders. We asked if she knew how we could get a key or anything and she said that they were on their way to the plaza where there was a locksmith and that we could go with them. As we were walking we asked who she was etc and how she knew the Elders. Turns out that all her kids are baptized and she and her husband at one time were going to get baptized but they couldn’t work out the papers for him to be legally separated from his first wife and for the 2 to get married. They said that they finally got it organized but by that time the missionaries had already stopped coming and they lost contact with the church. They were excited to talk to us and we are now going to visit them (probably today) and start teaching them again. All because we just happened to do a sporting activity that day, we got rained out, and forgot the keys. Otherwise we would have had no idea... and they live on the floor below us. The Lord really puts people in your path and prepares the way if you are ready.
Well everything else is going great here. Don’t worry mom we are eating well and I take lots of pictures. Elder Soria is a really good cook so we often get together as a district and cook etc. It has rained every day for about 2 weeks now and we both left our umbrellas at members houses so the weather has been a challenge but we are doing the best we can and are excited to start another 6 weeks. I spent some time today setting some goals for the transfer as far as studying and other stuff like service and ways to improve in teaching and efficiency etc.
Today for P day we went to the Coliseum here and watched a few girls basketball games (supposedly our investigator Jordy was going to play but there were only girls teams). If you think 9th grade girls are bad at basketball in the US you should see them here haha just kidding. But it was at least nice to hear the sounds of a gym etc. Well fam all is great; I can’t believe they already have my plane tickets! Much love and till next time, Elder Barnard
Monday, April 12, 2010
Coming Home on August 20, 2010
I can't believe it. They just found out that his group will be flying home on August 20, 2010. They left on August 21, 2008 - I don't know where the time has gone.
I laughed when I saw this picture. The arrow is pointing to a clean white sock. He had mentioned once before that they sweat so much that he keeps a sock in his pocket to mop his brow. I suggested that he buy some handkerchiefs. I don't think he has.April 12, 2010
Well today I am writing from a disobedient keyboard so forgive my spelling errors or random spaces. It’s been quite a good week here in Sogamoso. Here it’s a great climate, just a little bit warm to wear suits so we just work in normal white shirts. The only problem this week is that it has been raining like crazy every single day. After nearly 20 months I finally broke out my rain jacket from Mr. Mac's but I left my umbrella at a member’s house so we have been getting soaking wet.
Amazingly all of my clothes are still ok. My 2 pairs of Ecco shoes are in excellent condition and my other pair is suffering a little but I think they will make it. All of my suits, pants and shirts are fine although some of my white shirts aren’t AS white as they used to be.
We have been working very hard this week and it has been a great week. We have taught a lot of lessons etc. and the investigators FINALLY came to church and really liked it. We are hopeful to have 5 baptisms on the 24th depending on their progress. That is the goal and we will do our best to help them get there.
Here in Sogamoso there are 2 areas, one for each ward and chapel. Our chapel is the stake center for the Duitama stake so it’s very big and nice and the other chapel is little and not so nice. Anyway a family who lives out of town but technically belongs to the other area and has been talking with the other missionaries, came to our ward Sunday because it’s closer to them. They are going to move to Bogotá in a month to start preparing travel stuff to go live in Montreal Canada. They say Canada wants more young families so the government will pay them to go live there with their young children. Anyway they love the church and want to be baptized before they leave so it looks like my companion and I are going to start teaching them as well and see if they can be baptized before leaving.
I had to laugh when I read Kaydee Browns letter. She was so excited to have found three investigators in one week in Denmark. It really is interesting to see how in one part of the world people are so easy going and easy to talk to and in others they are more closed. I have to admire her and missionaries there where it’s harder to find people. I remember weeks in Barranca where we found 20 plus new investigators who invited us to talk to them but then wouldn’t progress.
I sent Elder Soria the letter you wrote mom and he told me some amazing news. The other day President Hacking called him and told him that his mom had called him. She was now working in Spain, had got in contact with the missionaries and was BAPTIZED. haha She sent him some money and it sounds like she is writing him now. He said he could feel the spirit when he read your letter mom, and thanks a ton.
I finished a week early my goal of reading the New Testament this transfer so now I am focusing lots on studying Preach My Gospel more and I want to read Jesus The Christ which is way good.
This week we have interviews with the President which will be nice. President Hacking always helps me get a good spiritual boost and keep looking for ways to improve.
I really like the example you had in your letter mom. I always try to be positive in my letters and although I love the mission like no other, it obviously has discouraging moments. The other day I was praying and thinking about things and the words of President Hinckley’s dad came into my mind, forget yourself and go to work. So I have really been trying to focus on that saying, especially when lessons fall through or we have to run through the rain with wet shoes etc. And it really has helped.
Overall I am loving life and trying my best to be my best. Well I am about out of time but I love you fam and I hope all is well where you are, until next time. Elder Barnard
P.S. Also we have talked to President Hacking about college. Our release date was August 26th but he says we should fly home on August 20th instead (those of my group who need to meet college starting dates). Actually today they were taking out the flight plans because they always do them very early - scary thought, they are already booking our flights! I also sent you a letter from BYU. Thanks. Love Will
Monday, April 05, 2010
Great Conference
April 5, 2010
Dear Family.
All is well in Sogamoso and it has been another great week. Now that I am a little more settled into the area etc. time is absolutely flying again like it always seems to. This week has been a productive one and the conference was great.
We spent more time this week with the Elders from the other area of Sogamoso. The conference was broadcast in our chapel so they stayed at our apartment from Saturday till Monday. We also did splits one day with them so I worked with Elder Soria in his area etc. The other companionship is a funny pair. The DL is Elder Soria from Brazil. He was born in Brazil and then when he was a teenager he moved to Bolivia. His first language is Portuguese so his Spanish is a little weird but sometimes I have him teach me words in Portuguese. He has 15 months in the mission and is a convert of 2 years. While I was Assistant, his family basically rejected him because they are from another church and his mom wrote him and told him that when he got back, his stuff would be in a neighbor’s house and he had no need to go back to his home. So he has had some tough times but it’s his first time as DL and he is trying very hard to do his best. Elder Soria asked me lots of questions for advice etc. and we talked a lot during the splits. Anyway that’s a little bit about our district.
Elder Quispe was in our area earlier in his mission so while he was with my comp they went to see some old investigators and started teaching them again. We have now visited them a few times and have been teaching them more. They are very excited. We actually invited them to prepare for a baptism date on the 24th and they accepted, but problems came up this weekend and they couldn’t go to the conference so we will have to see. But we are very excited to have found them and to have a family that has a desire to progress, hopefully they can gain a testimony and come along. We also have another family that we are teaching who seems very good from Barranquilla and a 21 year old kid who says he would like to go on a mission so we are working hard and hoping they will progress.
Elder R and I have decided to focus on faith (as one of the Christ like attributes from PMG) so this week we did a special fast to have stronger faith and testimonies and it was a very spiritual experience. I set goals to read the whole New Testament and Preach My Gospel during this transfer so I use my study time and also read a little every night. As of now I am way ahead and if I keep going consistently I should finish them easily. It has really helped because I know lots of scriptures from the Bible that I use to teach. It has also improved my testimony of the Book of Mormon and really how much clearer it is.
The Conference was awesome. As a missionary, conference is like the NBA finals of the super bowl of your life so its always exciting when it comes and I learned a lot. I loved President Monson's talks; he talks about simple things but makes you realize they are the important things. But all the talks were good, especially the Sunday Morning session was great.
It’s raining here and today for Pday we took a bus to a place called Lago Tota (Tota Lake). It’s a lake up in the mountains and has white sand like a beach and it has reeealy beautiful scenery. So we rented a boat and went for a nice swim and enjoyed the beach... haha ok just kidding. I had you nervous. We kept a good distance from the water but I got some good pictures and it’s good to get to know the culture and the sites etc.
Well I am about to head out. Things are going great and I am enjoying very much my mission and trying maybe harder than ever to do the best I can. It’s amazing how fast the time goes so I am trying to progress as much as possible and do as much as possible. It's hard to know if you’re progressing because it is so subjective, but I hope so and I am trying to improve.
I love you family, I always pray for you and I hope you are well. I am very happy. Talk to ya next week. Love Will
Dear Family.
All is well in Sogamoso and it has been another great week. Now that I am a little more settled into the area etc. time is absolutely flying again like it always seems to. This week has been a productive one and the conference was great.
We spent more time this week with the Elders from the other area of Sogamoso. The conference was broadcast in our chapel so they stayed at our apartment from Saturday till Monday. We also did splits one day with them so I worked with Elder Soria in his area etc. The other companionship is a funny pair. The DL is Elder Soria from Brazil. He was born in Brazil and then when he was a teenager he moved to Bolivia. His first language is Portuguese so his Spanish is a little weird but sometimes I have him teach me words in Portuguese. He has 15 months in the mission and is a convert of 2 years. While I was Assistant, his family basically rejected him because they are from another church and his mom wrote him and told him that when he got back, his stuff would be in a neighbor’s house and he had no need to go back to his home. So he has had some tough times but it’s his first time as DL and he is trying very hard to do his best. Elder Soria asked me lots of questions for advice etc. and we talked a lot during the splits. Anyway that’s a little bit about our district.
Elder Quispe was in our area earlier in his mission so while he was with my comp they went to see some old investigators and started teaching them again. We have now visited them a few times and have been teaching them more. They are very excited. We actually invited them to prepare for a baptism date on the 24th and they accepted, but problems came up this weekend and they couldn’t go to the conference so we will have to see. But we are very excited to have found them and to have a family that has a desire to progress, hopefully they can gain a testimony and come along. We also have another family that we are teaching who seems very good from Barranquilla and a 21 year old kid who says he would like to go on a mission so we are working hard and hoping they will progress.
Elder R and I have decided to focus on faith (as one of the Christ like attributes from PMG) so this week we did a special fast to have stronger faith and testimonies and it was a very spiritual experience. I set goals to read the whole New Testament and Preach My Gospel during this transfer so I use my study time and also read a little every night. As of now I am way ahead and if I keep going consistently I should finish them easily. It has really helped because I know lots of scriptures from the Bible that I use to teach. It has also improved my testimony of the Book of Mormon and really how much clearer it is.
The Conference was awesome. As a missionary, conference is like the NBA finals of the super bowl of your life so its always exciting when it comes and I learned a lot. I loved President Monson's talks; he talks about simple things but makes you realize they are the important things. But all the talks were good, especially the Sunday Morning session was great.
It’s raining here and today for Pday we took a bus to a place called Lago Tota (Tota Lake). It’s a lake up in the mountains and has white sand like a beach and it has reeealy beautiful scenery. So we rented a boat and went for a nice swim and enjoyed the beach... haha ok just kidding. I had you nervous. We kept a good distance from the water but I got some good pictures and it’s good to get to know the culture and the sites etc.
Well I am about to head out. Things are going great and I am enjoying very much my mission and trying maybe harder than ever to do the best I can. It’s amazing how fast the time goes so I am trying to progress as much as possible and do as much as possible. It's hard to know if you’re progressing because it is so subjective, but I hope so and I am trying to improve.
I love you family, I always pray for you and I hope you are well. I am very happy. Talk to ya next week. Love Will
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sogamoso is Great
March 29, 2010
Hola Family,
It’s been another good week in Sogamoso. My comp and I have been working hard and getting along very well. We have been finding new investigators but once again they left us disappointed and only 1 came to church. It’s frustrating when you find people and set good commitments and even go to pick them up and they don’t come through. But we aren’t letting it get us down and we have many plans and ideas to turn things around.
We made a nice sheet and started a "plan" for the missionary work in the ward. I made a table on the computer with the days of this week and the hours of each day. We had them pass it around in the Relief Society and fill in an hour when we can visit every family and share our new "plan" with them and the paper got filled up. Really our secret plan is to visit them, share a message and plan to have a family home evening with a friend that they will choose to invite. So we should be busy this week visiting all the members and hopefully we can get some good references and people who are ready to accept the gospel.
I am starting to get the area down well and I think this should be a good week. It is now Semana Santa here "holy week". It’s a catholic thing where they have all kinds of traditions like not eating meat or listening to music etc. But it means most people will be on vacation and at home so hopefully that is good.
Other than that, the work is going well. My comp is making lots of progress and we are working hard and being very obedient. He really is a good guy.
This Sunday in church I gave a talk and spoke about how members can prepare themselves to share short messages about what we believe and what the church is. Lots of people said they really liked my talk and that I spoke Spanish really well which was nice.
Today we had a good pday. We played basketball and soccer at the church and a few kids and members that actually knew how to play bball a little bit came, so it was fun to get in some good games and work on my shot. After that we cooked lunch as a district in our house. Elder Soria (Brazil) made a steak thing called milanesa. It was way good and we had tons of food.
Well sorry so short but we got here late and it’s time to end p day and start working. I love you fam, have a great week, and thanks for everything. Love Elder Barnard
Hola Family,
It’s been another good week in Sogamoso. My comp and I have been working hard and getting along very well. We have been finding new investigators but once again they left us disappointed and only 1 came to church. It’s frustrating when you find people and set good commitments and even go to pick them up and they don’t come through. But we aren’t letting it get us down and we have many plans and ideas to turn things around.
We made a nice sheet and started a "plan" for the missionary work in the ward. I made a table on the computer with the days of this week and the hours of each day. We had them pass it around in the Relief Society and fill in an hour when we can visit every family and share our new "plan" with them and the paper got filled up. Really our secret plan is to visit them, share a message and plan to have a family home evening with a friend that they will choose to invite. So we should be busy this week visiting all the members and hopefully we can get some good references and people who are ready to accept the gospel.
I am starting to get the area down well and I think this should be a good week. It is now Semana Santa here "holy week". It’s a catholic thing where they have all kinds of traditions like not eating meat or listening to music etc. But it means most people will be on vacation and at home so hopefully that is good.
Other than that, the work is going well. My comp is making lots of progress and we are working hard and being very obedient. He really is a good guy.
This Sunday in church I gave a talk and spoke about how members can prepare themselves to share short messages about what we believe and what the church is. Lots of people said they really liked my talk and that I spoke Spanish really well which was nice.
Today we had a good pday. We played basketball and soccer at the church and a few kids and members that actually knew how to play bball a little bit came, so it was fun to get in some good games and work on my shot. After that we cooked lunch as a district in our house. Elder Soria (Brazil) made a steak thing called milanesa. It was way good and we had tons of food.
Well sorry so short but we got here late and it’s time to end p day and start working. I love you fam, have a great week, and thanks for everything. Love Elder Barnard
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Bochica - Lamanite Tradition
March 21, 2010
Hey Fam,
Life is great here in Sogamoso. Sometimes when I'm walking down the middle of the main street and I see horse poop all over I almost think I’m in Wyoming (after the Labor Day Parade with all the horses) haha. But things are going well. I really like this place and we are making much progress with Elder R. Life is much simpler when you’re not assistant or branch president and I am enjoying just focusing on my area and investigators.
This week I don’t have too many dramatic stories to tell. I am starting to get the area down and know where I’m going. Elder R and I are getting along very well. I have been very patient and positive in everything we do and we have been very obedient and working really hard. I ask him how I can improve or compliment him. Since then I have really seen a change in him and have seen that he is trying really hard to be positive.
The people here have been a little difficult but I know we will be successful. The ward, although much bigger than Barranca and with experienced leaders, needs help with unity and most of the people seem to be Sunday members. We are working hard to win their confidence and become their friends. We hope that we can encourage them to introduce us to their friends.
Sunday was also Ward conference here so the Stake pres came and talked. We had high hopes of lots of investigators but unfortunately all but one fell through. We arranged to walk to church with one family but they were no where to be found. Really it was a challenging week. Lots of lessons fell through etc. but we kept working and like I said I know we are close.
Saturday we had a cool experience. After a whole day of not finding anyone, we stopped at 7:30, said a prayer and asked Padre Celestial to help us finish the day well and find someone who was ready to receive us. We looked around as to where to go and I felt like we should go to the street behind our house and knock on doors there. About the third one, a really nice guy, a husband and father of 3, opened the door and happily let us in and we taught him about the importance of the family and how much happiness the family could bring. The spirit was really strong and he seemed to really like our message. The story isn’t all happy because Sunday we couldn’t find them but it was seriously cool to see how quick our prayer was answered and we were blessed for not giving up.
Today we had a good P day. We went to the archaeological museum and saw a bunch of artifacts etc. of the Laminates as we know them here in this part. Here in Sogamoso they had a huge temple that they used for "rituals that had eternal importance to them" it said. Another interesting thing is a tradition called Bochica. The natives of almost every Latin American country have about the same tradition with different names. They say that "Bochica", a tall white bearded god came to them thousands of years ago way before the Spanish and taught them how to live and many skills etc. sounds like 3 Nephi 11.
Anyway I don’t think I have any more news, Time is flying but I am really enjoying things here. If there is anything that comes up as far as college I will let you know. I love you fam, thanks for all your support, be safe and be of good cheer. Love Will
Hey Fam,
Life is great here in Sogamoso. Sometimes when I'm walking down the middle of the main street and I see horse poop all over I almost think I’m in Wyoming (after the Labor Day Parade with all the horses) haha. But things are going well. I really like this place and we are making much progress with Elder R. Life is much simpler when you’re not assistant or branch president and I am enjoying just focusing on my area and investigators.
This week I don’t have too many dramatic stories to tell. I am starting to get the area down and know where I’m going. Elder R and I are getting along very well. I have been very patient and positive in everything we do and we have been very obedient and working really hard. I ask him how I can improve or compliment him. Since then I have really seen a change in him and have seen that he is trying really hard to be positive.
The people here have been a little difficult but I know we will be successful. The ward, although much bigger than Barranca and with experienced leaders, needs help with unity and most of the people seem to be Sunday members. We are working hard to win their confidence and become their friends. We hope that we can encourage them to introduce us to their friends.
Sunday was also Ward conference here so the Stake pres came and talked. We had high hopes of lots of investigators but unfortunately all but one fell through. We arranged to walk to church with one family but they were no where to be found. Really it was a challenging week. Lots of lessons fell through etc. but we kept working and like I said I know we are close.
Saturday we had a cool experience. After a whole day of not finding anyone, we stopped at 7:30, said a prayer and asked Padre Celestial to help us finish the day well and find someone who was ready to receive us. We looked around as to where to go and I felt like we should go to the street behind our house and knock on doors there. About the third one, a really nice guy, a husband and father of 3, opened the door and happily let us in and we taught him about the importance of the family and how much happiness the family could bring. The spirit was really strong and he seemed to really like our message. The story isn’t all happy because Sunday we couldn’t find them but it was seriously cool to see how quick our prayer was answered and we were blessed for not giving up.
Today we had a good P day. We went to the archaeological museum and saw a bunch of artifacts etc. of the Laminates as we know them here in this part. Here in Sogamoso they had a huge temple that they used for "rituals that had eternal importance to them" it said. Another interesting thing is a tradition called Bochica. The natives of almost every Latin American country have about the same tradition with different names. They say that "Bochica", a tall white bearded god came to them thousands of years ago way before the Spanish and taught them how to live and many skills etc. sounds like 3 Nephi 11.
Anyway I don’t think I have any more news, Time is flying but I am really enjoying things here. If there is anything that comes up as far as college I will let you know. I love you fam, thanks for all your support, be safe and be of good cheer. Love Will
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
I love Sogomoso
Hey family,
It’s been a good old week. I am now settled in to my new area in Sogamoso Boyaca. It was sad to leave Barranca but exciting at the same time for a change and a new opportunity.
Monday, after writing we spent the day visiting members etc. One sister invited us over for dinner and thanked me for all the help etc. and a few people cried when we said goodbye haha. I gave away some ties and pictures to a few members etc. It was a pretty long bus ride so I ended up getting to Tunja at about 11:30 P.M. The zone leader, Elder Calton and 2 Elders from Tunja were waiting there in the terminal so I stayed the night with them and then took the bus to Sogamoso and got here in the morning (it’s only about a 40 minute drive).
Sogamoso is a city of about 125,000 people. It has 2 pretty good wards and is part of the Duitama Stake which was just formed last year. When I got there, my comp Elder R was waiting with the 2 other elders from the other ward. We loaded up all the stuff. (Each transfer I have less and less stuff so it’s easier to travel) and headed to the house. I did splits here in my area once before when I was an AP so I already knew a little bit. The apartment is pretty nice and today we spent some good time cleaning it, so it’s in very good shape now.
My first day, we went to visit an investigator that they have had for a while. He is in the army here and every so often he gets sent off to jungle places to fight against and help control Farc (guerilla communist group). He is getting sent to a place on the border of Venezuela and he was telling us that it’s really rough there because Venezuela gives these guys weapons and shelter etc. and then denies it. (Haha but no worries mom it’s a long ways away and it’s very safe here). But anyway, his brothers and dad and wife are all baptized and he had done everything necessary to be baptized but didn’t feel like he knew enough. Turns out he had to report Saturday to get shipped to where he will be stationed for 5 months. We got to the lesson on baptism and he really felt like he needed to be baptized now. So we talked with him about all the details etc. and verified with the mission and Bishop and they said definitely. So my second day here we baptized him and confirmed him right there and he is now in the jungle somewhere. Who knows what will happen where they are but I am very glad that he was able to do what he needed to do before he left. It makes you REALLY appreciate people who will risk themselves to protect their family, country, freedom etc.
Things have actually been going well with Elder R. President Hacking called me the other day and told me that I was with him by his design and that it was a “special assignment”. I have been trying very, very hard to be 100% obedient and very positive and patient and things have gone very well. He is very intelligent and knows a lot of scriptures and expresses himself very well. The thing is that he tends to get discouraged or negative very quickly. I can see where he has had problems with other comps. But I have just let it all pass and be positive and obedient and he is starting to see that it doesn’t work and we are getting along well. I can tell that inside he is a good guy. He is really warming up and I think things will keep getting better. Things are improving every day.
The chapel here was planned to be the stake center but then they moved it to another area so it’s gigantic. It’s really nice and has a little basketball / soccer court and grass etc. There are some good, experienced leaders here. The problem they may have is that there could be more unity, so they all come to church and then go home and only see each other again the next Sunday. But I have tried to be really friendly with all of them and set up lots of appointments to visit them etc. to win their confidence. Oh, the other day I ate a soup that had cooked chicken intestines and FEET. Yes they made a stew and I pulled out my spoon and there was a nice tender chicken foot. haha
Sogamoso is quite a weird town. As you get towards the edges it is like part town. part farm land and you will just see all these empty lots with cows or horses on them. The scenery is really beautiful and actually reminds me a little of the Uinta mountains etc. The weather is peeeerfect. It’s cool all day and chilly in the mornings and night, it basically feels like Evanston in the spring. And it’s not cold enough to have to wear suits so it’s just white shirts.
I have been having some great study sessions and I am really trying hard to take advantage of every second I have. The days keep flying by and next time I write I will have less than 5 months! I know it’s the Lords’ plan for me to be here and with Elder R and I’m confident we can do great things. Well fam thanks again for everything, I’m excited for this new challenge and I know the Lord is going to help us out.
Until next time, Love Will
P.S. As far as the college stuff I think BYU is the plan. I have been thinking and praying about it for a while now and I feel like it's what I should do. I thought a lot about trying to play basketball and then transferring somewhere else but, for various reasons and as much as I love bball, I’m just not feeling it. As far as the Y, I have no idea about the apartments, that one you said, the Omni, looks really nice and if you guys feel like it’s the best choice I do too, cuz I really can’t put any time into researching it. Thank you so much.
It’s been a good old week. I am now settled in to my new area in Sogamoso Boyaca. It was sad to leave Barranca but exciting at the same time for a change and a new opportunity.
Monday, after writing we spent the day visiting members etc. One sister invited us over for dinner and thanked me for all the help etc. and a few people cried when we said goodbye haha. I gave away some ties and pictures to a few members etc. It was a pretty long bus ride so I ended up getting to Tunja at about 11:30 P.M. The zone leader, Elder Calton and 2 Elders from Tunja were waiting there in the terminal so I stayed the night with them and then took the bus to Sogamoso and got here in the morning (it’s only about a 40 minute drive).
Sogamoso is a city of about 125,000 people. It has 2 pretty good wards and is part of the Duitama Stake which was just formed last year. When I got there, my comp Elder R was waiting with the 2 other elders from the other ward. We loaded up all the stuff. (Each transfer I have less and less stuff so it’s easier to travel) and headed to the house. I did splits here in my area once before when I was an AP so I already knew a little bit. The apartment is pretty nice and today we spent some good time cleaning it, so it’s in very good shape now.
My first day, we went to visit an investigator that they have had for a while. He is in the army here and every so often he gets sent off to jungle places to fight against and help control Farc (guerilla communist group). He is getting sent to a place on the border of Venezuela and he was telling us that it’s really rough there because Venezuela gives these guys weapons and shelter etc. and then denies it. (Haha but no worries mom it’s a long ways away and it’s very safe here). But anyway, his brothers and dad and wife are all baptized and he had done everything necessary to be baptized but didn’t feel like he knew enough. Turns out he had to report Saturday to get shipped to where he will be stationed for 5 months. We got to the lesson on baptism and he really felt like he needed to be baptized now. So we talked with him about all the details etc. and verified with the mission and Bishop and they said definitely. So my second day here we baptized him and confirmed him right there and he is now in the jungle somewhere. Who knows what will happen where they are but I am very glad that he was able to do what he needed to do before he left. It makes you REALLY appreciate people who will risk themselves to protect their family, country, freedom etc.
Things have actually been going well with Elder R. President Hacking called me the other day and told me that I was with him by his design and that it was a “special assignment”. I have been trying very, very hard to be 100% obedient and very positive and patient and things have gone very well. He is very intelligent and knows a lot of scriptures and expresses himself very well. The thing is that he tends to get discouraged or negative very quickly. I can see where he has had problems with other comps. But I have just let it all pass and be positive and obedient and he is starting to see that it doesn’t work and we are getting along well. I can tell that inside he is a good guy. He is really warming up and I think things will keep getting better. Things are improving every day.
The chapel here was planned to be the stake center but then they moved it to another area so it’s gigantic. It’s really nice and has a little basketball / soccer court and grass etc. There are some good, experienced leaders here. The problem they may have is that there could be more unity, so they all come to church and then go home and only see each other again the next Sunday. But I have tried to be really friendly with all of them and set up lots of appointments to visit them etc. to win their confidence. Oh, the other day I ate a soup that had cooked chicken intestines and FEET. Yes they made a stew and I pulled out my spoon and there was a nice tender chicken foot. haha
Sogamoso is quite a weird town. As you get towards the edges it is like part town. part farm land and you will just see all these empty lots with cows or horses on them. The scenery is really beautiful and actually reminds me a little of the Uinta mountains etc. The weather is peeeerfect. It’s cool all day and chilly in the mornings and night, it basically feels like Evanston in the spring. And it’s not cold enough to have to wear suits so it’s just white shirts.
I have been having some great study sessions and I am really trying hard to take advantage of every second I have. The days keep flying by and next time I write I will have less than 5 months! I know it’s the Lords’ plan for me to be here and with Elder R and I’m confident we can do great things. Well fam thanks again for everything, I’m excited for this new challenge and I know the Lord is going to help us out.
Until next time, Love Will
P.S. As far as the college stuff I think BYU is the plan. I have been thinking and praying about it for a while now and I feel like it's what I should do. I thought a lot about trying to play basketball and then transferring somewhere else but, for various reasons and as much as I love bball, I’m just not feeling it. As far as the Y, I have no idea about the apartments, that one you said, the Omni, looks really nice and if you guys feel like it’s the best choice I do too, cuz I really can’t put any time into researching it. Thank you so much.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)