Barberena- Week 91

Hello!

So this week was a blur... again.... Mainly because I had divisions twice this week.. and mum, they are about 24 hours:) But yeah-- had some interviews to do. I went with Elder Hammond (with a late night again... jajaja ) and an Elder Kwak in my district. Divisions always makes the week go by super fast.. and we had two this week! And this week we have interviews with the pres whips.... in Zacamil!!!! So I am going back to my mother land. :) But anyway,  I was really nervous leaving my comp alone in the area for the first two times in the same week... but he did great! He put a fecha down... so that was good news:)

I have had a little vertigo this week, but you know... whatever..

So I have some stories about some of our investigators this week... first with J, the counselor of the bishop came up and talked to us last Sunday about him and told us that he wanted to be baptized finally... he has come to church for like 8 months straight... jaja... I thought he was a member when I got here... jajaja! But anyway, this news of baptism boogies were new to us.. Because of the fact that we haven't been able to teach him for like two weeks... but yeah! So we went and he wants to be baptized on the 10 (mothers day here) and get married to his girlfriend on the 11 (his birthday) and get confirmed on the 12 (our mothers day) so sick whips! I don't really know what finally got to him.. but I guess miracles!

F he made a comment this week that was interesting... he was like I bet your super happy that you are close to finishing, but you still got some work to do... and I am one of them! jajaja" He went to church this week with his family and at least now his being honest with us and the cigarros... but he says that he might put himself in an institution to help him stop...

Natali (15 años,) one day some of the other elders of our district were walking through our area towards the border to try and find something to eat.... as they were walking, somebody yelled from their house "elders! come here!" so they went to go see que ondas... the person was a member of another stake visiting and wanted them to teach her niece.. so we have been teaching her and she now has a fecha:) super duper...

"It is impossible to please God without faith"

Supposedly the scoop is that flights are going to be fairly cheap here for the next three months... food for thought? In companies that are called "arianca" (TACA).. and spirit airlines... but you know whatever..

Dad, sounds like the whisky went great! It sounds like you slaughtered my time! jaja.. you are a stud.... fijese I haven't heard anything about the aims tuition thing... and yes.. I would love to live with those guys! that's cool that they were thinking about me and reserved me a room... tell them that I will most definitely take them up on that.

Mum, "I'm a lady! I'm a lady! which one of you is attracted to me?!"(king Julian)jajaja.... sounds like everythings going great! Mothers Day is coming up... what do mums usually like? We were thinking of doing something nice for hermana siguenza... because she has been like a mum for us in this area... what should we do?

Austin, I hope all is well! I hope that prom went bueno... I hope all is well with school! Finish up strong.. Study a lot so you can end good!

Ellie, sounds like the week was exciting! I hope all is well! finish up strong!

Brynn, I hope that this week goes well! And that science camp goes well! I love you!

I love you all! Have a fantastic week!!

Barberena- Week 90

HELLO!

First things first, Happy Birthday Ellie! Hope its a good one:)

SO this week was basically a blur... I mean... literally... I am always surprised at how fast the week passes. On Tuesday, we had divisions. I went with an Elder called Hammond. It was pretty fun. Sometimes on divisions, you stay up late telling stories.... that's how it was with us this week jajaja... Also, he helped me with a few of my plans and ideas for after the mission. So, prepare yourselves for something amazing:)

On Wednesday, we had a meeting for all the trainers and all the new missionaries.. That was way cool. And the day before, hermana Glazier called to ask about the nersh burts thing that we did a few weeks ago. She asked me how training was going and told me that I am one of the Elders that has trained most.. she also expressed that trainers lead the mission.. I would beg to differ.. but you know.. whatever... jaja! Anyway, that meeting on Wednesday was a huge machete.. I have so many things to change.. then on Thursday we had a zone conference, and that was a huge machete as well.. so all my good ties have blood on them now.. what takes out blood stains? jaja 

 

I talked a little bit with F this week.. its hard not to.. he cooks for us... jaja.. but he seems a little discouraged... maybe I was too hard on him.. but I will not excuse myself for what I said... but he said that if he doesn't get it under control in like 2 or 3 weeks, he will enter an institution to help him leave his vices. But I think he has a little more enthusiasm to keep going...I hope.

At the start of this last change, I had the goal to baptize every other week. We had people, families and everything was set to do it. As time has gone forth this change, it has not happened like that. I feel like my fechas fall left and right, even though a month ago, they were more than positive that they were going to be baptized. Sometimes I feel like and can relate to Alma when his only wish was to declare repentance with the sound of a trump as an angel would.

So the zone but the goal to baptize 7 people in every area the 22 of June. And one way to do it would be to fast every week... so we started yesterday.. I guess those guys will have to tell me if it all works out:) jaja..

So I found some answers to one of my questions that I have had for a long time... about dinosaurs... ask me about my ideas another time:)

So there were chambones in our area this week.. you should ask me about that one too sometime.. jajaj

Yesterday, I didn't teach my class of principios del evangelio and we went to the adult Sunday school class... the teacher is a super good teacher... at the end of the class, she asked everyone to write only the name of the person they could perform an act of missionary service to them... it really made me kinda mad that so many people didn't do it... and played it off as a joke.. and had some stupid excuse like " I have already tried." made me sad.

Then in the third hour, we went with the young men for our new assignment, and the lesson was on preparing for a mission.. freak.. it was so sick and powerful... bishop shared his testimony about his mission and whatnot... I want you all to know, that I would not trade these past two years for anything. For school, money, lo que sea la cosa.. I would not trade it for anything. Very few moments of my life have been so happy as these past two years.. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that you are focused on other people rather than on yourself.

David had an interesting thought yesterday. He compared our lives as a puzzle (of happiness) with a missing piece.. we all look for the piece and try to push whatever piece we can in.. it could be anything, cosas mundanas, whatever... but we will always come to find out that the missing piece is God. Mosiah 2:41.

Mum, thanks for the letter! that's cool that missionaries are coming and going left and right. But I want you to know, that I will not be one of those missionaries that always talks or talks openly about experiences from the mission.. they are all special to me.. :) (but Iwill tell you guys:)) Cool beans that everything went good with the boat, gym, and orange juice:) hope everything goes good this week! I declare in this moment that the day I return, I will drink a whole gallon of that orange juice! I love you!

Dad, hope all is well this week! and I hope you can finally beat my time at the whisky race! jaja... iIdon't even remember my time actually.. I think it was like 4 and a half hours of something.. but anyway, good luck this week! I love you

Austin, hope all is well! sounds like you are getting strong! and don't worry, I wont be weird... jaja... but yeah. We will do a whole bunch of locuras:) love ya bud

Ellie, congrats on making varsity! You are super cool.. don't worry about drama stuff... forgive and forget..

Brynn, sounds like this week was awesome and that the b day party was sick! have a great week! see you soon!

Barberena- Week 89

Hello! This week was super interesting. Good things happened and bad things happened.. I´ll start with the bad:)

We might need to drop a family that we have been working with for about 4 months. He has been struggling with the word of wisdom for forever as you know.  Its sad because we have come to love that family so much. We want them to better their lives. But we can only do so much, right? We had a lesson with them with the stake president and it went well..just keep praying!

With D, it started like a roller coaster trying to help him with his doubts and questions.. but this week was like moving from doubt to doubt... then he thought that he wasn't going to be able to find a job that gives Sunday off.. but finally did,.. then eternal marriage.. that was interesting... I had never taught that principle like a taught him... I told him of what kind of wife I would like. It was kinda an odd lesson... jajaja

So I find out again and again that secrets don't stay secrets for very long in the church.... jajajaja... I have only told like a few people about me leaving and like now the whole ward knows.. jaja.... also.. this really surprised me: The bishop knew that I went out with Elder Martino when I started my mission. Secrets don't stay secrets I guess.. jaja..

This week i ate a pupusa that i shouldn't have eaten and it made me sick for a day.. the pic attached is my "give me cancer now" face... I had to stay in the house for the whole day... I was hating life on the all day... but, I got a blessing from the bishop that night and I was back to normal the next day:) The priesthood is way more powerful than pepto bismal.

We also have a new assignment from the bishop to help with the youth in their duty to God booklets- that are way cooler than the ones that I used... but we are to interview the youth weekly about their progress in that thing... Its cool to have the bishop trust us so much... He actually asked me the exact date that I leave so that I have a little farewell. He is a good bishop.

This morning I finished Jesus the Christ. That book is 802 pages of pure knowledge and doctrine of Jesus Christ. I feel like I know Him and His apostles a bit more. Very cool experience to read.

So funny thing... I just got off the phone with the secretaries of the mish and they asked me what airport I want to be sent to... I told them I want to got to New York. Concrete jungle where dreams are made of... jajaja... but he said that he was going to buy them today:) That is super weird... speaking of immigration stuff... my comp had to go get legalized this week... I got to see all my indie friends, Elder Martin and Elder Winter... super fun elders...

"The secret of happiness is that we are the cause of it."

Dad, i am glad that everything is going good and that you guys had a good time in Cali! and that work is good and everything. Sounds like the boat is sick! One of my buddies here and I are thinking about trying to plan some kind of Lake Powell trip this summer... if its possible (a fellow cyclist as well) and then a big group of us for the summer of 2014.. Because only us two will be back for this summer... weird.. jaja! I love you pops!

Mum, sounds like everything went well for your late anniversary party:) Mission beach is a really cool place. and I think that summer house there would be sick whips my nic grips:) Anyway, also, my comps name is Elder Santos:)

Austin, congrats on you meet! that's pretty sick. Representing the Thornton name:) And thank you for sharing your testimony with me... reading and praying really does help a ton:)

Ellie, I hope all goes well with testing and tryouts this week! Ask Austin for his advice... he shared with me a cool story:)

Brynn, good luck with testing! read your scriptures before you leave for school! love ya!

Thanks for everything! You are all awesome!

Elder Thornton

Barberena- Week 88

Family,

So this week was a blur.... like lots of weeks.. but I guess I'll just start!

So there is this juice that has been out for a couple months with the flavor of a fruit called mandarina. Its like nectar from the Greek gods... its insanely rico. I would live off of it forever if it wasn't for the high fructose corn syrup.. jaja! There is also a natural fruit juice that I tried this week that tastes and smells like power bait. (you know, that fish bait stuff).. JAJA!

 

I get to stay in my area for my last change which is great.. I only wanted 1 of two things to happen in changes. I wanted to stay with Elder llamacponcca, or if they change one of us, for it to be me.. neither of them happened, and I am now training for the 5th time..... nuf said.. Training is probably the most stressful job of the mission.. but my new and last comp is from Guatemala. he is 18. but he is good! He should be a good comp.. He comes with a problem that all of my kids have come with.. he talks fast... jaja.. oh,,, and I am DL again from some reason...

I gave my raincoat to Elder llamacponcca.. He didn't have one and I knew that he would need one.. He was like a kid on Christmas... he was so excited. Small acts of charity bring happiness. He was really sad to leave. He was the only comp that I have had that we never fought.. never even argued. but, I hope he is happy:)

 

I got the Obama chip question again.. do you know anything about that?

These past couple weeks have been super super hot. I die. i die!, but whatever, I know that I only have to endure for like a month more and then I get relief in the AZ desert of triple digits.. jaja...!

So I don't think that I have been loved more by the primary girls in any other ward than this one. Its pretty funny:) One who knows that I am finishing soon said, "I'm not letting you get on that plane! see what happens if you get on that plane!" That made me laugh..

 

I got a letter from Lindsey and the Kilgrows! Tell them thanks because I am not going to worry about writing back anymore.. although I am still very grateful:)

We eat on Sundays with the familia Siguenza.. holy cow.. If you knew them, you would understand that that means that we didn't stop laughing the whole time we were there:)

I have a super original fun idea for a family picture... considering I assume that we will be taking one when I get back.. ask me to tell you about it in about a month:)

We taught about vicarious work with David yesterday.. that was interesting.. I thought that he would take it super well... but I was a tad bit mistaken... I hope it doesn't affect his fecha for this weekend.. pray for him porfavor!

Now for the momento that you have all been waiting for. GENERAL CONFERENCE!!!! sick swips my nip grips.

First of all, I think my favorite talk this conference was by Pres. Packer. Just by the way he spoke and the form and format of his talk, I think that that was his last talk. I don't think he will give another.. I mean, those guys probably feel stuff like that.. that's the form in the which many general authorities have spoken in their last talk. His was awesome. His testimony was powerful.

Then, I was really surprised with the first woman that spoke, usually I feel that their talks aren't as good, but Elaine s Dalton's talk was sodding crazy powerful. I enjoyed the missionary work talks like Elder Nelsons, Pres Eyrings(especially) and also Pres. Monsons (gave him a high five in the scout jamboree). Elder Christofferson (shook his hand)is a sodding boss. les miserables I am interested to study. And also, so you know, Elder Falabella was the pres of Central America last year. I shook that guys hand as well:) And also, the captain Moroni of our days Elder Holland was sick.. 2nd favorite of the conference.

I thank God for a prophet. To guide us. we can have confidence in the words of the prophets because they speak the words of God.

Mum, thanks for you letter! Sounds like the conference was awesome. And congrats on finishing the BoM! you're a stud. That topic that they have given me is pretty dumb... definitely going to change that up a bit.. jajaj! What do I know about provident living!? All I know that is that I go to the pantry and there is food! jaja.. just kidding.. thanks for everything mum.. love ya!

Dad, sounds like we are part of a boat family again! I am glad that everything went well there.. I have some plans that I was working on today that I would like to run by you when i am back.. I don't think that I will have the hardest time adjusting, but you know... you never know! Thanks for everything pops! Wanna do leadville? (not this year.. but next year:)) thanks for everything and your advice! Sounds like the crit and the tour was sweet... one day I will be back on the bike. I love you

Austin, sounds like everything is going a lot better! Sorry for being hard on you.. I hope that you can get all that stuff figured out.. I am glad that you have figured some stuff out yourself. finish up school strong! love ya

Ellie, sounds like you are learning how to drive already. That's insane. Be careful!

Brynn, Hope everything is good! You haven't written in a while! have a great week!

Thanks for everything! Your the best. "have you ever had feelings for a nun?" (i saw a nun today on the way to the stake center and it made me laugh when I thought of that movie"

salu.

Elder Thornton

Barberena-Week 87

       Hello! Happy Easters! "first thing I learned out here. Missionaries are humans, and humans are            screw ups"

This week was good... it was hard work wise, but good! This week was the famous passion week. (or semana santa) Because of the high density of Catholics, its a pretty nation-wide thing.. which makes it hard to do work.. Highlights of the semana santa would be, the alfombras. (big murals of salt on the streets) mangos en miel. jocotes en miel. And toreja. Super delicious. Those are traditional foods of the semana santa.. and fish, but we didn't eat fish.. But anyway! Cool beans!

I went on divisions with Elder Kwak and every house we entered gave us food... I was stuffed.. semana santa spirit I guess.. but he did the interview of kevin, and he got baptized... pray for the rest of the familia so that he can stop smoking...

David, is not the guy with the sandwich... that's a mentally challenged guy that always asks us for a radio and hangs out at our cooks house:) jajaja.. he is an example, because he always is smiling. no matter what, he is happy:) Anyway, David set his own baptismal date.. for the 13 of April!! whoop whoop! That hardly ever happens... that the inv sets his own date.. swips skips my nick grips!

As I am going into my last change, I feel a lot of different things.. yesterday, I was thinking a little in church and I realized how little time I have left. And I got super sad. I got a bit teary eyed thinking about it.. I really love it here and don't want to leave... I mean, I do because I want to see you guys... but other than that, normal life stinks compared to this. As for changes, I would like to stay, but it is unknown.. I would like to stay with Elder llamacponcca.. but we will see. I kinda feel like Joseph Smith when he said "I go like a lamb to the slaughter but I am as calm as a summers day" jaja. I will really feel super sad the day I have to leave, but I know that we only have two years. I love this place.

We had a great lesson with Jorge. An inv that has been coming to church for 6 months (his daughter is a member) in which i expressed to him the feeling i have about returning home... he began to tell me about his life and the ways that he was able to endure through hard times in his life.. and he told me not to worry... so that's what i am trying to do I guess...Iam grateful for him.. he also wants to be baptized on his birthday on the 11 of may... but we are trying to get him to do it before.. but we will see:)

I am getting pretty good at making pupusas.. They come out as circles now... jajaja

I had the wonderful opportunity to speak in church yesterday. It was the first time that I have spoken on Easter. It was awesome and such an awesome experience to study the Savior life and atonement these past couple weeks. (I have about 200 pages left of Jesus the Christ) It was on the Atonement. And it was a bit of a machete.  Here is a quote "Es dificil de comprender de que los miembros de la iglesia tienen la audacia de no hacer lo correcto, como quebrar la palabra de sabiduria o la ley de castidad. despues de que Jesucristo paso por todo lo que hizo. ARREPIENTENSE!".. jajajajajajajaja.. It was a lot of love though.. so it wasn't a huge machete... ask me about that talk when I am back... it was cool:)

In the spirit of this Easter season, I will share my testimony. Something that I don't do that often in letters, but should.. anyway

I know that the this Church is the Church of Christ. He guides it. He leads it. He speaks with a prophet and He reveals that knowledge to us. I know that Jesus is the Christ and that Joseph Smith is he that revealed that truth unto us. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and we get closer to God every time we read it. We learn more about the atonement every time we read. Christ is the promised Messiah. He is the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament and was born into this world as Jesus Christ. Through Him I find reconciliation. He is my example. My Master. My Lord. My King. My God. My Savior and My Friend. I love Him. I want to do the Things that please Him. He is the Lamb of God who was unblemished and sacrificed for the sins of man and to save us. He bought us with a price that was heavy. But because of His love we can be clean. "I would that ye should seek this Jesus of whom the Prophets have testified. in His Holy and Sacred Name, amen.

Mum, I am glad that everything went well this week. I am happy that you had a great day at the Randolph center. I love you! Happy Easters.

Dad, I hope all goes well this week. Hopeful the tour goes well and the boat hunt as well.. In my talk yesterday I compared the relationship that we have with the relation ship that Christ has with His Father. I showed the picture of us at the tour de mesa cycling thingy... and then talked about how I always followed you around the garage and the house as a kid trying to help and be like you. Then cited the scripture that says, "I don't do anything but what I see the Father do." and then started my talk.. Thanks for everything pops! I love you!

Austin, I am really glad that you were humble enough to take what I wrote last week in the spirit of which I wrote it in. I want you to have your call before I am back. OK? I don't care when the availability date is, but I want you to have it when I'm back.

Ellie, I am super happy that you also had a wonderful experience with  the Randolph Center.. I know that they love you for the service you gave. It is part of their nature to love.. the have no influence of the natural man. Thanks for everything! Ilove you!

Brynn, I hope all is well and that you also had a great time at that center. Keep up the good in school and finish strong!

I love you all! Thanks for everything!

TTT

Barberena- Week 86

Hello! this week was a blur... I really don't know what happened this week... jaja

We taught a lesson in that ward... they are not missionaries there because the ward didn't work.. this is what I wrote to the president about the subject:

With the permission of our leaders, and the stake president, we were invited to teach a lesson in barrio central. My comp and I did divisions. I went to central and my companion se quedo en barbarena. When I started the class, I could feel the pride of that ward. That they thought that they new all the answers. By the end, many had tears in their eyes and were ready to start to work. With the permission of the zone leaders and the stake president, we can only go there with a reference from the ward. And that is actually how that all started. We had a reference for that area and we met with the bishop of that ward to try and find it. Because supposedly it was really positive. Anyway, the point is that the bomb has been dropped in barrio central, and we are super excited to help the ward help themselves. They seem to have a great desire to work and they have become a little more humble. It was a success.

So we finished a preach my gospel to teach members this week.. It was going to be called sky fall, but I changed it to nersh burts. Its super cool and I am excited to use it.. I included a foto:)

David is progressing a ton.. he is that miracle that walked in our chapel about three weeks ago. He told us that he loves coffee and drank a bunch like every day. Yesterday we taught the word of wisdom. He said that he hadn't drank coffee since the first day that he come to church! Just a miracle after miracle after miracle with him.

As for the familia G.. the kid, kevin, is going to be baptized this week with his friend fernando, the son of hermana Claudia, the husband was doing so good!, but we caught him smoking the other day... Since then, he hasn't really talked to us about the gospel.. and he didn't go to church yesterday.. I have learned a lot about patience these past couple years... I really don't get mad that often.. but yesterday, I got really dissapointed with him.. I couldn't study after church for some buyuncada that he said.. but wow... today, forgivness! I will talk to him to see whats up. But, keep praying for him. picture of the family is included...

Also, the other picture with us on the couch is the familia Siguenza... they are a super cool familia that we have come to know... she has been teaching me about how to discipline my future kids... jajajaj! also Austin Ellie and Brynn if they ever are disrespectful to mum and dad...watch out! jajaja! anyway,

Dad, sounds like everything is good! For right now everything is good... how was the boat you looked at? Anyway... love you pops thanks for everything.

Mum, thanks for every thing.. I love you!

Ellie, sounds like things are doing good! love ya

Brynn, also things are doing good! love ya!

 SALU

TTT

Barberena- Week 85

Hello! Sounds like the week was awesome! Don't worry about not writing, its totally understandable.. I actually did not even expect you guys to write.. So totally no problem this week was good!

Monday, after I wrote, I saw my first bishop of my mission! It was super cool to see him, considering that he was one of the best bishops:)

Tuesday: We walked into the church courtyard to talk to the stake pres, and Tuesday's are the wards activities, as soon as I walked in, all the primary girls came running after me yelling "!torton!!!" they wanted me to play mika again... unfortunately we didn't have time.. some might say that a missionary shouldn't play and stuff.. but I compare my self to Joseph Smith---- who ALWAYS made time and played with children:) also, hermana Claudia came again to the activities. But still no luck on Sunday.

Wednesday, I went on divisions with an Elder Olivia.. from guate. we celebrated the new pope from Argentina a bit... it was fun:)

Thursday, we had a meeting with a bishop from a ward that hasn't had missionaries there for years. We talked about a plan to be able to help them in their ward.. I am going to their ward on Sunday to drop the bomb on them.. then in two weeks, we are going to drop another bomb on our ward:) I love months that have 5 Sundays.. Because usually we can teach them:)

Friday, we had a correlation with our bishop and we put some plans down for a preach my gospel but to teach members.. we called it sky fall with elder Mehr.. but it was just an idea... now it is a reality. :)

Sunday, our bishop called me in and put us on divisions and sent my comp to do other things.. and the 2nd counselor and the pres of the elders. We had a small meeting where we worked on some things. It really make me feel good that the bishop trusted me enough to help him. I have expressed before, our bishop is awesome. He is so good with problems and such. Anyway, it was really cool:)

Well there is a brief synopsis of my week! here´s more:)

quote of the week: "you don't have to bray like a jacka__ to be heard of the Lord" (Joseph Smith to someone who prayed with shouts and stuff..jajaja)

I got two comments this week that I look like Joseph Smith..(weird) and that I sound like I am from England.. because I don't have a gringo accent... jajaja

I usually say to my comp on a weekly basis; Oh Elder, one day I will make music again.. jaja

I finished the Book of Mormon again yesterday.. I love it... it is so true.. I believe that makes 9 times that I have read it.

In the Sunday school class that I teach, I taught with only questions.. the whole class! it was really cool.. it was difficult, but it was awesome. I learned a lot.. and I think that they learned a lot as well... the questions started easy, but got harder to answer as they went on... many times we know the lesson already.. we just don't know that we know it:)

This week we arrived at just the right time to give a blessing.. like super awesome timing. He got sick that afternoon and we showed up that night.. there are so many cool experiences like that in the mission.

News with the G family: They are set for the 30 of this month! that is, if he doesn't smoke from now until then.. he has been successful this week! Last week I had a one on one with him again and I spoke hard things to him.... but that sparked the fire again and he is doing good! incluso, He says that his sons are going to be missionaries as well.- they are a good family with a few problems, but they are improving.!!! And we are happy about that.

D, really shows uneasiness with trying to figure out if the church is true. Very similar to that of which Joseph smith probably felt.. But he will be answered.

Mum, sounds like the week was good! Please don't worry about not writing.. its really not the end of the world. jaja.. but I am Glad that spring break was good! That's cool that Summer is going on a mission.. I remember in high school thinking that she was gorgeous... but I don't remember... jajaja..also one of my friends from San Vicente also goes to her mission on the day I go home! jaja... I love you mum! salu.. Next week I will send fotos... I haven't taken any lately.

Dad, sounds like everything is good with you as well! Have you really not been on the road bike since last summer? your crazy! Also, I hope all goes well with the boat! I am pretty excited. I love ya dad!

Austin, stay fresh! I hope that all is good with track and such... keep in mind what is really important! love ya!

Ellie, thanks for the poem and stuff, keep being awesome!

Brynn, I saw pics of you! looks like you enjoyed the snow! I love you!

Thanks for everything! I love you all! salu!

Elder Thornton

Barberena- Week 84

 

 

          HELLO,

I am sure you guys are all busy with spring break and stuff.. so that's cool.. but this week was awesome! It was indeed a week of miracles.

On Tuesday we had a small couple of miracles. We are working with a less active mom with three kids. 2 at or above baptism age. She has never wanted to come back to church. But on Tuesday she came for the activities on Tuesday night. The kids had a blast and the mom also had a good time. I guess that's the first step to coming back right? Also on Tuesday night, we had a father and two sons that came to the activities and another single adult come. They had never come to church before so that was a good starter...  our members can talk with people and they are good at fellow shipping.:) Side note, all the primary girls like my eyes a ton.. So they always want me to play games with them... on Tuesday I played mika with them.. its like a Spanish equivalent of tag. But you play with some kind of object.. and you have to touch the other with the object.. and yell MIKA! hahaha

The church came out with some new announcements this week.. Now we can email who ever we want.. as long as the person is not within the mission boundaries. So if I were one to have had like 20 girlfriends like Austin, I could email all of them... jaja--- also, ipods are now allowed... but only if they don't have a video function... so only the shuffles are allowed... and that is on a world wide level. Too bad I am leaving soon.. jajaja...

So my investagator opened up to me this week.. he told me that he hadn't been honest about telling me that some days he had smoked... but he showed true concern about whether or not he was going to be able to give it up.. I talked with him and he has a new desire to stop smoking. He wants to stop... its just that he can't. But poco a poco. He feels frustrated because he is having such a hard time with it.

There is a competition in the mission for the cleanest house. So now, our house is super clean! jaja... I walked around barefoot for a while... jaja. Being on a mission in this country is like being on a camping trip for two years... jaja

I got a wedding announcement from Noah this week! He got married in December.. But I knew that:) Also a letter from Tina and Kerry Green.. Tell him thanks!

So remember when I was talking about a new project I am working on called sky fall? So I guess some guy in my bishops mission did the same thing! So now our bishop is helping us with sky fall:) (apparently that's the name of a semi new movie as well??)

The 25 question lady is doing a lot better.. shes poniendese gato.  She called and asked for material help on a class that she has to teach on Sunday..whoop!

Now that I am finishing up, (and I am not baggy in any way shape or form) I have been thinking about what I might say in my talk when I return. I am sure within a couple weeks, the bishop will have all the talks for may planned out and you guys can send me the topic:) Please and thank you!

This week we had a miracle walk in the front doors of our church. David, our new investigator, has been living in the area for about a month. He always noticed the church when he went by in the bus, and decided this past week that he was going to find out more about that church and go the next Sunday. He showed up really early, supposedly, (we didn't know. We were bringing investigators to church) Because he didn't know what time the meetings started. After sacrament meeting, we finally got to meet him and he stayed the three hours of the meetings. We then explained to him what we do as missionaries and asked for his directions and everything. Then he later asked if we could come by later that day. He had already read the folleto we gave him and was filled with great questions. We finally found an investigator of gold. Or better said, he found us. I believe it is a blessing of obedience. My comp and I have really been striving for that lately. But the Lord prepares people everywhere.

Hope everything is going great! thanks for everything! Have fun on spring break!

TTT

Barberena- Week 83

hello!!!

This week was great! We have started to work very close with the bishop and he has finally received the missionary work fire that we wanted him to have. We had consejo de barrio yesterday and the main topic was missionary work. Our bishop knows each of our investigators progressing and has asked the consejo to pray for each of them so that they can get baptized. The ward is planning two missionary activities this month and we are very excited. The main focus of the month of March is missionary work in the ward. We planned all of the topics of the talks to be given this month and all will have something to do with missionary work.

Also, the bishop was surprised that we are teaching mostly families. He was used to the majority of missionaries baptizing young men and women or children, or only individuals. It was gratifying to me that he noticed that we are teaching families and he has received the missionary fire that we wanted him to have. In other words, the bomb has been dropped. Mutilation of Satan. ... HE asked US when he could come out with us.. that hardly ever happens.

so good news... I am not DL anymore... WHOOP! I have been a leader for almost all of my mission and I am grateful for the chance to not be one and just work. According to the AP Elder Naylor, because the missions are dividing, the president needs to train a lot of new missionaries how to be leaders... so cool beans! I have thought a little bit about the positions I have had in the mission and thought about all the times I have trained. 4 times. I can count on one hand the missionaries that have trained as much as I have. I don't know why the president has so much confidence and trust in me.... and I dunno why the Lord has so much trust in me.. but you know.. whatever.

 Its super cool to listen to the spirit and learn that someone needs help. We are teaching another family that has a few financial problems... we have trouble finding them in the house because they get home late from work.. but one night we decided to go.. and earlier that day, they had received a notice that they were going to be taken from the house. So we have been trying to help them out a little bit and try and find a house. Hope they can find one in time.

We had a great lesson with the familia Gonzalez this week and with a former less active member that also had troubles with the word of wisdom. I think the member really like it! Because he took us out to dinner like 3 times this week and bought us an ice cream cake! jajaja! I think that it helped him realize that it is possible. still trying.. but has back tracked quite a bit... but we are all just trying and working and progressing.

That lady with the 25 questions.. I gave her her answers yesterday.. It really wasn't hard.. It took me like 15 min.. jaja.. but anyway, she got up and bore her testimony yesterday about charity. She really loved the lesson last week.. She talked about how she was able to put it into practice this week. I really enjoyed and was grateful for her decision to apply what she learned.. she said that she expected some great miracle for doing a small act of charity. But the true miracle she said, was the miracle of feeling that sensation that you helped someone. Its true. :) also, Veronica, my convert for this area bore her testimony for the first time. She did great:) Trembling a bit at the pulpit, but she did great.)

 

This week a family invited us over for lunch.. it was really cool to talk to them and get to know them... we learned about how they came to know that church etc.. They have a stand in the market... jajaja! so that's sick... that's a cool thing about being in the mission for so long... jajaja:) I really like their family because there are no secrets in their family.. A problem or sin of one, is a call of all the family members to help.. she had no problem telling me about her own sins and the sins of her family... because she and I both know that everyone makes mistakes and has that rebellious side sometimes.. I really learned a lot from the hermana.

Mum, take the number 531 and divide it into the number of days you have until general conference.. that is how many pages you have to read a day.. set a time where you will do it. and do it.. You can do it! Its cool that you are going to be able to talk with Jeff.. I definitely want to take to him when I have a little cash to start producing music:) I hope all is well! I love you!

Dad, I think i am leaning a little more towards NAU also. but, I don't have a GPA that high... but its alright.. I have actually been planning a little bit in my free time(which is close to none) about what I am going to work as when I am back.. making goals as to how much I want to make and how I am going to do it.  So that also, I can be able to do a few of the things that I want to do to follow and pursue some of my passions.. I will definitely share it with you when I am back in a couple months:)..thanks for everything dad! Get rid of those crocks.. jajaja. I love you!

Austin, I hope all is well and I am sure the blessing was awesome.. keep up the good work!

Ellie, sounds like you definitely had a fantastic experience with your blessing.. it will definitely be a treasure to you forever. Love ya!

Brynn. I am glad that you had so much fun this past week! love ya!

Thanks for everything! You guys are awesome!

TTT