Hello everyone! This week was an ok one really, nothing terribly interesting or exciting. Just a nice normal week of missionary work.
Well actualy, thinking back this week was not very good at all haha. We had lots of good plans to contact new people and teach them and just find a lot of new people. But it didn't really happen. We did lots of searching this week. Because as a zone we have been struggling big time with finding new investigators. So it was our goal to improve that number. Here in Pirque it only went ok for us. We found a couple new people but like I said, a lot of times when you knock doors you just make a contact to go back another day. So this week we went by lots of those people and they were never home. And it's frustrating here because we'd take a bus down to the part and no one would be there and we'd have to go to another area by bus. So it wasted lots of time. And that was basically the story of our week. But that's just how the mission is sometimes. You have your ups and you have your downs. We were at a definite down this week haha. But this next week is looking promising.
In terms of the people were teaching they're doing good. Our investigators are kinda low though. Like we don't have too many at the moment. Mauricio and Mariela are still doing really good in the gospel so it's really really cool to see that. See them going every week, learning more, Mauricio going to seminary. It's a really cool feeling to know that you've helped someone arrive to the truth and have more happiness in their lives. We're still teaching the daughter, Catalina. But she's doing ok. She has already heard all the stuff that we teach, because she was present while we were teaching. But she doesn't wanna get baptized yet. We gave her a baptismal invitation the other day, but she said that she just doesn't want to get baptized at the moment. So we're not gonna try to pressure her. But it's funny because when we gave her the invitation and she rejected, Mauricio like started asking her why and what the problem was haha, he's already doing missionary work in his own house with his sister. But we're not worried, she's going to church with her mom and brother each week and that is very important. So we're just gonna take it slower with her. Our other investigators didn't go to church but we're seeing a little bit of progress with them. Alexander came to mutual with us after a lesson, and he liked it I'm pretty sure. But he always ends up leaving for the weekends, so he hasn't been able to go to church. Juan and Yazna are still going with their goal to get baptized at the end of the year, and I quoted dad in a lesson with them. I invited them to make like mini-goals in order to reach the major goal. Like set dates and stuff. I told them that a goal is only a dream unless it's written down (thanks dad for that tidbit of advice). So it's going good with them. But this week we should be finding some more people to teach so it should be good. We started teaching a couple people but we have to wait and see if they progress any.
So that's our investigators for the moment. Let's see, some other things that may be of interest to you back there in the states...
The weather here is being really stupid. We're nearing the end of winter (finally) and the weather can't make up its mind. On Saturday it was the nicest day I've seen here for a couple months, sun shining all day long and a good amount of heat, and on Sunday it was one of the coldest gloomiest days of the winter. So that keeps things interesting here. Another intersting fact that I didn't mention last week was that they celebrated día del niño on the 8th of August. Kids day. I dont know why it doesn't exist in the US. Yup.
Today for pday we learned how to fly kites Chilean style as a zone and it was fun. But there was like no wind so we couldn't do anything haha, but we at least know the technique, which is a lot more fun than the American way haha. You actually have to do stuff with the string and can do stuff with the kite. It's weird to describe, but its fun.
Me and Elder Deaver are getting along great, he's a really funny guy and we have fun in the sector on the bikes and going from here to there. So that's always a good thing in the mish, having a good comp.
But that was basically the week here in Pirque. I'm still loving the sector, it's amazing. And the work is amazing too, even when some weeks are pretty fome. But that's just how it goes sometimes. Time is flying though, we're already halfway done with this change. Next thing I know we'll be at Christmas already..... I love you all and hope you're all having a great summer vacation and stuff and that you have a great week. We'll be talking next Monday!
Elder Aaron Mayberry
Monday, August 16, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Un ano ya...
Well here we are, halfway done with the mission already! It's a strange feeling really, hard to describe. But I'll tell you more about the day and how I feel and stuff later.
First off this week was pretty crazy. Me and Elder Deaver had lots of plans to get some good stuff done this week, but it kinda didn't happen for various reasons which I'll explain. But I'll start off the email with an update on the investigators.
Mariela and Mauricio are doing really good. Technically they aren't even investigators any more since they're members of the church already. But they are doing really really good. They're being really faithful and are anxious to learn more about the gospel and keep progressing. So that's really cool. Juan and Yazna are also doing good. They're doing a lot better. They went to church on Sunday so that's a good thing. They still have the goal of getting baptized at the end of the year so that's really good. Our others aren't really progressing at the moment so we haven't had too much success in that aspect.- We've been needing to find some news but this week every time we were gonna knock something came up. It was really frustrating. Here's what happened.
-Wednesday: We were riding to go visit a reference and right when we passed by in front of our house....I got a flat tire. So we had to go home and fix it.
-Friday: We are just about to knock and the assistants called us and told Elder Deaver that his bank account was having problems and that he had to call the bank asap and get it fixed. So we had to go buy a calling card so he could call the States and get it sorted out. So we had to go do that and it took a while to do everything. So that killed a lot of our time.
-Saturday: We had to finish up the problem with the bank account so we had to call and go to internet to make sure his account was squared away and eveything. Once again our night was gone.
-Sunday: Yesterday we were riding and I was gonna put air in my tire at a shell station after having patched the tire the other day. We get to the shell, I put the air in (I put the right amount in) and we started riding off and I went off a bump and BOOM my tire exploded.....So we had to walk all the way (like 40mins) home and change the tire get a new tube, it was a mess. But it got fixed finally and we finished the night with a good lesson.
But as you see the week was a little crazy. Mix in divisions one day and this week went by really really fast. And I turned a year old.
So yeah, my mission is half over haha. It's insane; to say the least. I can't believe how fast the time has passed. I woke up on Thursday and it really felt like just a normal day. My one year mark felt no different than any other day, but it just had some significance haha. But it feels good. It feels like I've been through a lot already, learned a ton, had a bunch of great experiences, and it's only been a year. So I still have a lot in store this last year that's coming. But it's also a very bittersweet feeling. Because I only have one more year to do this, something that is really amazing. So when that day comes in a year I know it will be hard to leave. But at least I still have one more year left right? It seems like a lot of time but I know it will go by ridiculously fast. Oh, I did celebrate very little haha. I treated myself to a nice snack when we got home at night of skittles, ice cream and a bacon chesseburger. Twas tasty. But that was it. I am now old in the mission haha.
So the week was crazy, I turned a year in the mission, and that was about it for this week. This next one will be good for sure, because we have lots of things to do. But that's how its going for us in Pirque at the moment. Sorry it's not the greatest letter ever but thats how it goes sometimes I guess. But know, that I am so happy to be here in the mission. Yesterday Mauricios dad asked us what made us come here on the mission instead of doing stuff the rest of the people our age are doing and it gave me good time to reflect and really, theres no place I'd rather be at the moment. The mission is amazing. I love this work and sharing the restored gospel. It's an amazing privilege I have to spend two years doing this work. I can't wait for the next year that awaits me and all the experiences that I'll have. The gospel is true. This is the true church, without doubt. I love you all and I'll talk to you next week!
First off this week was pretty crazy. Me and Elder Deaver had lots of plans to get some good stuff done this week, but it kinda didn't happen for various reasons which I'll explain. But I'll start off the email with an update on the investigators.
Mariela and Mauricio are doing really good. Technically they aren't even investigators any more since they're members of the church already. But they are doing really really good. They're being really faithful and are anxious to learn more about the gospel and keep progressing. So that's really cool. Juan and Yazna are also doing good. They're doing a lot better. They went to church on Sunday so that's a good thing. They still have the goal of getting baptized at the end of the year so that's really good. Our others aren't really progressing at the moment so we haven't had too much success in that aspect.- We've been needing to find some news but this week every time we were gonna knock something came up. It was really frustrating. Here's what happened.
-Wednesday: We were riding to go visit a reference and right when we passed by in front of our house....I got a flat tire. So we had to go home and fix it.
-Friday: We are just about to knock and the assistants called us and told Elder Deaver that his bank account was having problems and that he had to call the bank asap and get it fixed. So we had to go buy a calling card so he could call the States and get it sorted out. So we had to go do that and it took a while to do everything. So that killed a lot of our time.
-Saturday: We had to finish up the problem with the bank account so we had to call and go to internet to make sure his account was squared away and eveything. Once again our night was gone.
-Sunday: Yesterday we were riding and I was gonna put air in my tire at a shell station after having patched the tire the other day. We get to the shell, I put the air in (I put the right amount in) and we started riding off and I went off a bump and BOOM my tire exploded.....So we had to walk all the way (like 40mins) home and change the tire get a new tube, it was a mess. But it got fixed finally and we finished the night with a good lesson.
But as you see the week was a little crazy. Mix in divisions one day and this week went by really really fast. And I turned a year old.
So yeah, my mission is half over haha. It's insane; to say the least. I can't believe how fast the time has passed. I woke up on Thursday and it really felt like just a normal day. My one year mark felt no different than any other day, but it just had some significance haha. But it feels good. It feels like I've been through a lot already, learned a ton, had a bunch of great experiences, and it's only been a year. So I still have a lot in store this last year that's coming. But it's also a very bittersweet feeling. Because I only have one more year to do this, something that is really amazing. So when that day comes in a year I know it will be hard to leave. But at least I still have one more year left right? It seems like a lot of time but I know it will go by ridiculously fast. Oh, I did celebrate very little haha. I treated myself to a nice snack when we got home at night of skittles, ice cream and a bacon chesseburger. Twas tasty. But that was it. I am now old in the mission haha.
So the week was crazy, I turned a year in the mission, and that was about it for this week. This next one will be good for sure, because we have lots of things to do. But that's how its going for us in Pirque at the moment. Sorry it's not the greatest letter ever but thats how it goes sometimes I guess. But know, that I am so happy to be here in the mission. Yesterday Mauricios dad asked us what made us come here on the mission instead of doing stuff the rest of the people our age are doing and it gave me good time to reflect and really, theres no place I'd rather be at the moment. The mission is amazing. I love this work and sharing the restored gospel. It's an amazing privilege I have to spend two years doing this work. I can't wait for the next year that awaits me and all the experiences that I'll have. The gospel is true. This is the true church, without doubt. I love you all and I'll talk to you next week!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Pretty good week!
This week was a pretty good one. Nothing crazy that happened or anything, just a nice ordinary week here in Pirque.
Me and Elder Deaver are doing good. We get along pretty well, which is always good. It's always a concern when changes come around because you never know what type of person you'll get as a comp. I've had luck so far, I've had all good ones. But yeah, we're doing good.
Lets see. In terms of investigators. Mauricio and Mariela got confirmed yesterday, so that's really good. I actually got to confirm Mariela which was a cool experience (my first time). So it was good. They're doing really really good in the gospel and are really happy and sure of the decision they've taken in their lives. It's really cool to see the progress they've made. Juan and Yazna took a turn for the better this week, finally haha. They're the couple that just needs to get married to get baptized. We were in a lesson with them the other day and Yazna told us that she and Juan had talked and they decided to put a goal of getting baptized at the end of the year. This is a big move for them so we were really happy when they told us. It might be far away, but they have the end goal in mind, which is always very very important. The other investigators we have are there, progressing but kinda, so we're gonna try to find more here in this change. It's really weird trying to knock doors in the sector though, so it's something we're working on. But those are our investigators.
Other things in the mission life. Well it's been really interesting, the weather. A couple days the suns been out, others the sun isn't in sight and it's raining a ton and other days it's been ridiculously cold. So it's been good here. We've taken the bikes out a bit when the weather permits and it's been fun. It's tiring though, I'm still not used to them.
So to answer the questions what does being senior comp and district leader entail. Senior comp basically means that I've made the change from having companions older than me in the mission to having companions that will be younger than me. Meaning that I'll have to lead lessons more, talk more to the people, basically "pull the wagon" as dad would say haha. And district leader means that I'm "in charge" of a few companionships of missionaries. For example, we have a zone, of 12 missionaries, and in the zone are two districts of 6. We have the two zone leaders, who are in charge of the whole zone and the two district leaders, who are in charge of the districts. But it really doesn't mean much. Basically the only the things that's changed are that I have to teach a class every tuesday to my district, take dats (i have no idea what the english word would be, but its like the numbers of lessons and stuff we have), which is just calling the district and asking them their numbers and then I relay that to the zone leaders, and then once a week we have a meeting of the zone leaders and the district leaders and talk about the zone, the progress of the zone and any difficulties or anything. So yeah. That's what it means being district leader. Not much fun haha, who wants more responsibility?
And that's how it's been this week. Sorry there's not too much to include in this letter. No big changes or anything in investigators and stuff. Next week should be better. Oh, and I turn one year this week......wow. I bought some special things to make for a nice little feast on Thursday night haha. I'm gonna treat myself right haha.
But yeah. I love you all and am so glad to be here in Chile. Missionary work is really amazing and it's kinda sad that I only have a year left of it. I got emails from Elder Evans and Elder Frost, two of my companions, who went home last week and all they say is that they miss the Mission. But I'm gonna enjoy this last year and work my hardest. The church is true, without a doubt, and missionary work rules! Hope you all have a good week!
Elder Aaron Mayberry
P.S. Couple pictures to enjoy.
1. Me and Elder Deaver
2. Me on the bike :)
Me and Elder Deaver are doing good. We get along pretty well, which is always good. It's always a concern when changes come around because you never know what type of person you'll get as a comp. I've had luck so far, I've had all good ones. But yeah, we're doing good.
Lets see. In terms of investigators. Mauricio and Mariela got confirmed yesterday, so that's really good. I actually got to confirm Mariela which was a cool experience (my first time). So it was good. They're doing really really good in the gospel and are really happy and sure of the decision they've taken in their lives. It's really cool to see the progress they've made. Juan and Yazna took a turn for the better this week, finally haha. They're the couple that just needs to get married to get baptized. We were in a lesson with them the other day and Yazna told us that she and Juan had talked and they decided to put a goal of getting baptized at the end of the year. This is a big move for them so we were really happy when they told us. It might be far away, but they have the end goal in mind, which is always very very important. The other investigators we have are there, progressing but kinda, so we're gonna try to find more here in this change. It's really weird trying to knock doors in the sector though, so it's something we're working on. But those are our investigators.
Other things in the mission life. Well it's been really interesting, the weather. A couple days the suns been out, others the sun isn't in sight and it's raining a ton and other days it's been ridiculously cold. So it's been good here. We've taken the bikes out a bit when the weather permits and it's been fun. It's tiring though, I'm still not used to them.
So to answer the questions what does being senior comp and district leader entail. Senior comp basically means that I've made the change from having companions older than me in the mission to having companions that will be younger than me. Meaning that I'll have to lead lessons more, talk more to the people, basically "pull the wagon" as dad would say haha. And district leader means that I'm "in charge" of a few companionships of missionaries. For example, we have a zone, of 12 missionaries, and in the zone are two districts of 6. We have the two zone leaders, who are in charge of the whole zone and the two district leaders, who are in charge of the districts. But it really doesn't mean much. Basically the only the things that's changed are that I have to teach a class every tuesday to my district, take dats (i have no idea what the english word would be, but its like the numbers of lessons and stuff we have), which is just calling the district and asking them their numbers and then I relay that to the zone leaders, and then once a week we have a meeting of the zone leaders and the district leaders and talk about the zone, the progress of the zone and any difficulties or anything. So yeah. That's what it means being district leader. Not much fun haha, who wants more responsibility?
And that's how it's been this week. Sorry there's not too much to include in this letter. No big changes or anything in investigators and stuff. Next week should be better. Oh, and I turn one year this week......wow. I bought some special things to make for a nice little feast on Thursday night haha. I'm gonna treat myself right haha.
But yeah. I love you all and am so glad to be here in Chile. Missionary work is really amazing and it's kinda sad that I only have a year left of it. I got emails from Elder Evans and Elder Frost, two of my companions, who went home last week and all they say is that they miss the Mission. But I'm gonna enjoy this last year and work my hardest. The church is true, without a doubt, and missionary work rules! Hope you all have a good week!
Elder Aaron Mayberry
P.S. Couple pictures to enjoy.
1. Me and Elder Deaver
2. Me on the bike :)
Monday, July 26, 2010
What a relief !
Haha the subject of the email refers to the cambios that happened, and after hearing Elder Mayberry, you're leaving after 3 times straight, they told me the glorious words, you're staying! Hallelujah! Haha needless to say I was very very happy that I didn't have to pack my bags. But more news about the changes later....
This week was a really good one though. Me and Elder Saenz saw the fruits of our efforts por fin! The week also had some random cool things that happened. Sarting on Wednesday... We taught Mariela and Mauricio and taught them the baptismal interview questions and they were perfectly good! We were a little nervous because Mariela had smoked before but when we asked her about it she said that she had stopped when we first talked about it. What a relief. Then we got to go see a super cool castle, because we went with Mariela and Mauricio to go get firewood from her sister, whose job is to be groundskeepers of a castle that no one gets to see. But we got to haha :) It was super cool but I didn't have my camera on me, ugh. So I missed out on that one. But we'll see if we ever go again. On Thursday we were walking and our investigators Juan and Yazna happened to come across us in their car and they invited us to go with them to see the snow a little bit away. So we did and there was really no snow but some really cool scenery around a river, so I took lots of pictures. Friday we taught Mauricio and Mariela again and Mauricio invited us to go hiking and we hiked to the top of a big hill behind his house which was also really cool. And Saturday we had the baptismal interviews and they both passed! So, Sunday was the big day!
It was a really really good baptism. Probably the best one I've seen on the mish. It was super spiritual and well organized and they were super ready and super happy afterwards. We had two members of the ward baptize them, which is the better option than if we baptize them. Because we as missionarys leave often but the members will always be there and they'll have that special realtionship. So it was really cool. The whole family went to see too. Mauricio the father and Catalina the daughter were there watching. Mauricio and Mariela were really prepared to receive the gospel. After their baptisms they gave their testimonies and Mariela recognized how after the minute she first talked with the missionaries in a mall food plaza that her life changed for the better. It was so good! They are gonna be really good members. In doctrine and covenants 4 it says that the field is white already to harvest, and asi es. God really has people that have their hearts open and are truly ready to receive the gospel, and Mauricio and Mariela were two of those people. I'm just grateful that I had the blessing to be here and experience it. The mission is so good!!
On Sunday I also had to give a talk, which for me went surprisingly well haha. I don't get too nervous in front of people anymore, hallelujah. And I can give a normal 15 minute talk in Spanish without problems haha. So that's cool.
On Sunday night, we had an amazing family home evening with the family of Mauricio and Mariela, and the family that baptized them. So now they have good firneds in the church who care about them and will always be there for them to answer questions, clear up doubts, etc. So that was really cool.
And that was it for this past week. This morning we went to the change concilio (council?) ( i dont know if that's a word in english) and listened to President and got our new comps. Elder Saenz has left me (we wanted to stay together again) but now I have a new companion called Elder Deaver. He's from Las Vegas. He has six months in the mission. He's a pretty cool guy it seems like. He's a little overwhelmed for being in Pirque but that's ok, I know how he was feeling 6 weeks ago haha. So yeah, I'm now the senior comp, not something I was looking forward too haha but I knew it'd come. And I'm district leader. So we'll see how this goes. It should be interesting but it should be really really good. Elder Deaver is excited to work as am I!
Well everyone that's about it for now. The church is true, without a doubt. And it really does bless lives and makes people happy. There's a saying here in Latin American countries and it's "ser Mormon es ser feliz" and that's really how it is. Being Mormon is being happy. I couldn't think of a better place to be at the moment other than here. Or maybe back at home playing some of the new video games that have come out......just kidding haha. They can wait a year. Holy cow time flies.
Love you all and have a great week!
Elder Aaron Mayberry
P.S. Pictures!
1. Baptism!
2. The hike with mauricio
3. Me and Elder Saenz at the river
This week was a really good one though. Me and Elder Saenz saw the fruits of our efforts por fin! The week also had some random cool things that happened. Sarting on Wednesday... We taught Mariela and Mauricio and taught them the baptismal interview questions and they were perfectly good! We were a little nervous because Mariela had smoked before but when we asked her about it she said that she had stopped when we first talked about it. What a relief. Then we got to go see a super cool castle, because we went with Mariela and Mauricio to go get firewood from her sister, whose job is to be groundskeepers of a castle that no one gets to see. But we got to haha :) It was super cool but I didn't have my camera on me, ugh. So I missed out on that one. But we'll see if we ever go again. On Thursday we were walking and our investigators Juan and Yazna happened to come across us in their car and they invited us to go with them to see the snow a little bit away. So we did and there was really no snow but some really cool scenery around a river, so I took lots of pictures. Friday we taught Mauricio and Mariela again and Mauricio invited us to go hiking and we hiked to the top of a big hill behind his house which was also really cool. And Saturday we had the baptismal interviews and they both passed! So, Sunday was the big day!
It was a really really good baptism. Probably the best one I've seen on the mish. It was super spiritual and well organized and they were super ready and super happy afterwards. We had two members of the ward baptize them, which is the better option than if we baptize them. Because we as missionarys leave often but the members will always be there and they'll have that special realtionship. So it was really cool. The whole family went to see too. Mauricio the father and Catalina the daughter were there watching. Mauricio and Mariela were really prepared to receive the gospel. After their baptisms they gave their testimonies and Mariela recognized how after the minute she first talked with the missionaries in a mall food plaza that her life changed for the better. It was so good! They are gonna be really good members. In doctrine and covenants 4 it says that the field is white already to harvest, and asi es. God really has people that have their hearts open and are truly ready to receive the gospel, and Mauricio and Mariela were two of those people. I'm just grateful that I had the blessing to be here and experience it. The mission is so good!!
On Sunday I also had to give a talk, which for me went surprisingly well haha. I don't get too nervous in front of people anymore, hallelujah. And I can give a normal 15 minute talk in Spanish without problems haha. So that's cool.
On Sunday night, we had an amazing family home evening with the family of Mauricio and Mariela, and the family that baptized them. So now they have good firneds in the church who care about them and will always be there for them to answer questions, clear up doubts, etc. So that was really cool.
And that was it for this past week. This morning we went to the change concilio (council?) ( i dont know if that's a word in english) and listened to President and got our new comps. Elder Saenz has left me (we wanted to stay together again) but now I have a new companion called Elder Deaver. He's from Las Vegas. He has six months in the mission. He's a pretty cool guy it seems like. He's a little overwhelmed for being in Pirque but that's ok, I know how he was feeling 6 weeks ago haha. So yeah, I'm now the senior comp, not something I was looking forward too haha but I knew it'd come. And I'm district leader. So we'll see how this goes. It should be interesting but it should be really really good. Elder Deaver is excited to work as am I!
Well everyone that's about it for now. The church is true, without a doubt. And it really does bless lives and makes people happy. There's a saying here in Latin American countries and it's "ser Mormon es ser feliz" and that's really how it is. Being Mormon is being happy. I couldn't think of a better place to be at the moment other than here. Or maybe back at home playing some of the new video games that have come out......just kidding haha. They can wait a year. Holy cow time flies.
Love you all and have a great week!
Elder Aaron Mayberry
P.S. Pictures!
1. Baptism!
2. The hike with mauricio
3. Me and Elder Saenz at the river
4. PIRQUE
Monday, July 19, 2010
Good Week!
Hello again everyone!
It was another good week this week. More success and some great news! But more on that later.
So in terms of the week, nothing terribly exciting. Really in terms of missionary work and stuff it was a normal normal week. Lots of riding busses everywhere and some cold and all that good stuff. Also, we're nearing the end of the change (this Sunday) so me and Elder Saenz are nervous cuz we have zero idea of what'll happen. No one knows really. There's like 12 people leaving though so we dunno how that will affect everyone else and stuff. But we're pretty stressed out, haha. We wanna stay together another change here in Pirque, because Pirque is one of the best sectors in the mission, and becausae if we stay together we both celebrate a year the same day and we wanna throw a huge party haha. But we'll see. You shall know next week.
A fun thing we did on Thursday was that we played soccer in the nighttime with the ward, young men vs the Elders quorum/old people. Our team of the Elders quorum was me, elder saenz, and three investigators haha and we ended up winning :) It was a ton of fun and we're gonna do it again on this Thursday.
But now for the good stuff and why we're so happy here in Pirque. Investigators. So, remember Mauricio and Mariela, who we found from a reference two weeks ago? They were a nice little present to us from God, because He really prepared them for the gospel. Because they're getting baptized this next Sunday!!! We are so happy here because this is what this work is all about. Helping peple to find the gospel. And they are really happy too. Mariela, the mom, always tells us that she has really seen a difference in her and her familys life since she first had contact with us. And Mauricio, the son, is incredibly smart and understands everything. They both came to church on Sunday and stayed the whole 3 hours and liked it a lot. Last night we finished teaching them all the lessons so they're all set to go! This week we're gonna review everything and make sure they're familiar with the baptismal interview questions. But they're ready and it really feels good. This is why I'm here. So next Sunday will be a very special Sunday for us here in Pirque. And the rest of the family should be following suit. We're also teaching in the family of Mariela and Mauricio, Kata, the daughter, Mauricio the dad, Maria the sister of Mariela, and Sonia, Marielas mom. So it's been really cool having lessons with like 7 people listening. But yup. Baptisms!
The rest of the investigators are doing alright. Nothing exciting and no major improvements.
But yeah. Thats about it for this week here in Pirque. I'm loving it here in this sector and I love this work. Church is true! Hope youre all having a great summer while we're over here freezing (not too bad) haha. Love you all! Talk to you next week!
Elder Aaron Mayberry
It was another good week this week. More success and some great news! But more on that later.
So in terms of the week, nothing terribly exciting. Really in terms of missionary work and stuff it was a normal normal week. Lots of riding busses everywhere and some cold and all that good stuff. Also, we're nearing the end of the change (this Sunday) so me and Elder Saenz are nervous cuz we have zero idea of what'll happen. No one knows really. There's like 12 people leaving though so we dunno how that will affect everyone else and stuff. But we're pretty stressed out, haha. We wanna stay together another change here in Pirque, because Pirque is one of the best sectors in the mission, and becausae if we stay together we both celebrate a year the same day and we wanna throw a huge party haha. But we'll see. You shall know next week.
A fun thing we did on Thursday was that we played soccer in the nighttime with the ward, young men vs the Elders quorum/old people. Our team of the Elders quorum was me, elder saenz, and three investigators haha and we ended up winning :) It was a ton of fun and we're gonna do it again on this Thursday.
But now for the good stuff and why we're so happy here in Pirque. Investigators. So, remember Mauricio and Mariela, who we found from a reference two weeks ago? They were a nice little present to us from God, because He really prepared them for the gospel. Because they're getting baptized this next Sunday!!! We are so happy here because this is what this work is all about. Helping peple to find the gospel. And they are really happy too. Mariela, the mom, always tells us that she has really seen a difference in her and her familys life since she first had contact with us. And Mauricio, the son, is incredibly smart and understands everything. They both came to church on Sunday and stayed the whole 3 hours and liked it a lot. Last night we finished teaching them all the lessons so they're all set to go! This week we're gonna review everything and make sure they're familiar with the baptismal interview questions. But they're ready and it really feels good. This is why I'm here. So next Sunday will be a very special Sunday for us here in Pirque. And the rest of the family should be following suit. We're also teaching in the family of Mariela and Mauricio, Kata, the daughter, Mauricio the dad, Maria the sister of Mariela, and Sonia, Marielas mom. So it's been really cool having lessons with like 7 people listening. But yup. Baptisms!
The rest of the investigators are doing alright. Nothing exciting and no major improvements.
But yeah. Thats about it for this week here in Pirque. I'm loving it here in this sector and I love this work. Church is true! Hope youre all having a great summer while we're over here freezing (not too bad) haha. Love you all! Talk to you next week!
Elder Aaron Mayberry
Monday, July 12, 2010
It's bike time!
This week was another good one! And the time flies here in Pirque, its really weird.
Yeah, so this week we started using the bikes and it's not as cold as we thought. But then again the weather isn't acting like its winter, it's weird. It was sunny out for most of the week, so we took advantage and went bike riding. But I am not used to riding bikes. It was pretty hard, but Elder Saenz says you just need to get used to it again. So I'm working on that. But I'm pretty sore haha. But it should be good. It's really fun riding bikes though.
So this week was a really good and interesting one. On Tuesday though it was really winter. We leave our district class at like 12, and we have to head to lunch right away, cuz it's like an hour bus ride. And when we left in the morning the weather was nice. And when we got on the bus it started raining. A lot. And we weren't prepared haha. So we ate lunch and while eating it became a torrential downpour haha. We didn't have jackets or umbrellas or anything. So we waited it out a little bit. And finally it stopped. So we said alright, we'll go and walk to this familys house, like 35mins away (thats how the distances are here). So we leave the house, walk 5 minutes, and the torrential downpour starts again haha. So we walked for like 20 minutes in pouring rain with no way to stop it, so we just got incredibly soaked. It was pretty interesting. But what else can you do? But it wasn't bad at all.
On Wednesday we had zone conference with president and that was really good. Got to catch up with alot of my freinds here in the mission. But at the same time it was kinda sad, two of my really good friends are going home in two weeks, Elder Evans and Elder Frost. It's crazy, it seems like so short ago I was comps with those guys. But that's how the mission is. People leave and people come.
And on Saturday we went and did service as a branch and went and helped a family that is going to move into the ward. We're building their house haha. So that was pretty fun. I've never built a house before...
The rest of the week was pretty normal though, lessons, bike riding, all that good stuff. Now, about our investigators. They're doing really good. Juan and Yasna are doing good. They still are a bit iffy on the whole marriage thing but they're really motivated about going to church and stuff. And the family we found last Sunday is doing really good. The son, Mauricio is really interested. On Wednesday we taught him solo and he had read and understood everything (something that normally doesn't happen after one lesson). So we're really excited to see progress with them. Him and his mom went to church on Sunday which was really really cool and they really liked it we think. Juan also went to church too. So it was a really good week for us in terms of investigators and stuff. So we're really happy here in Pirque.
But that was our week. It's been doing really well here in Pirque and we are really happy. I love this work and it truly brings happiness to bring the blessings of the gospel to other peoples' lives. The church is true! Love you all and we'll talk next week!
Elder Aaron Mayberry
P.S. PICTURES
1. Me and Elder Sáenz on the day when it rained
2. When we went to the temple with Juan and Yasna and little Sebastian last week.
Yeah, so this week we started using the bikes and it's not as cold as we thought. But then again the weather isn't acting like its winter, it's weird. It was sunny out for most of the week, so we took advantage and went bike riding. But I am not used to riding bikes. It was pretty hard, but Elder Saenz says you just need to get used to it again. So I'm working on that. But I'm pretty sore haha. But it should be good. It's really fun riding bikes though.
So this week was a really good and interesting one. On Tuesday though it was really winter. We leave our district class at like 12, and we have to head to lunch right away, cuz it's like an hour bus ride. And when we left in the morning the weather was nice. And when we got on the bus it started raining. A lot. And we weren't prepared haha. So we ate lunch and while eating it became a torrential downpour haha. We didn't have jackets or umbrellas or anything. So we waited it out a little bit. And finally it stopped. So we said alright, we'll go and walk to this familys house, like 35mins away (thats how the distances are here). So we leave the house, walk 5 minutes, and the torrential downpour starts again haha. So we walked for like 20 minutes in pouring rain with no way to stop it, so we just got incredibly soaked. It was pretty interesting. But what else can you do? But it wasn't bad at all.
On Wednesday we had zone conference with president and that was really good. Got to catch up with alot of my freinds here in the mission. But at the same time it was kinda sad, two of my really good friends are going home in two weeks, Elder Evans and Elder Frost. It's crazy, it seems like so short ago I was comps with those guys. But that's how the mission is. People leave and people come.
And on Saturday we went and did service as a branch and went and helped a family that is going to move into the ward. We're building their house haha. So that was pretty fun. I've never built a house before...
The rest of the week was pretty normal though, lessons, bike riding, all that good stuff. Now, about our investigators. They're doing really good. Juan and Yasna are doing good. They still are a bit iffy on the whole marriage thing but they're really motivated about going to church and stuff. And the family we found last Sunday is doing really good. The son, Mauricio is really interested. On Wednesday we taught him solo and he had read and understood everything (something that normally doesn't happen after one lesson). So we're really excited to see progress with them. Him and his mom went to church on Sunday which was really really cool and they really liked it we think. Juan also went to church too. So it was a really good week for us in terms of investigators and stuff. So we're really happy here in Pirque.
But that was our week. It's been doing really well here in Pirque and we are really happy. I love this work and it truly brings happiness to bring the blessings of the gospel to other peoples' lives. The church is true! Love you all and we'll talk next week!
Elder Aaron Mayberry
P.S. PICTURES
1. Me and Elder Sáenz on the day when it rained
2. When we went to the temple with Juan and Yasna and little Sebastian last week.
Monday, July 5, 2010
11 months old in the mission!
Hello everyone!
It was a good week this week, so I'll get started right away.
On Tuesday we went to the temple as a zone and that was really a special experience like always. What a blessing it is to have a temple in my mission and to be able to go. We saw some good stuff with our investigators this week though. With Juan and Yasna we went to the temple and did a tour of the grounds and they really really liked it. They were really happy that they went and they felt the Spirit for sure. Yasna even bore her testomniy to us which was really cool. They both have testimonies and are basically members, but they aren't married, which is the hardest part for sure. So at the temple we really emphasized eternal marriage and asked them to pray and think about marriage, so we shall see how that goes. But that was a really spiritual experience. We also taught Alex, who said off the bat that he was gonna go to church, but on Sunday morning he called us and told us his mom needed help in the hospital cuz his little sister is there. So we are waiting to see the progress that he makes. Also, with investigators called Jenny and Carlos we had a good lesson 2. I just said that as if you know what lesson 2 is haha. Lesson 2 is the plan of salvation. It went really well. And afterwards was the best part. They asked if another night we wanted to have "once" (like a snack in place of dinner) and we said sure. They asked what we don't eat and we said we don't drink tea or coffee, just ecco (cereal based coffee replacement) and herbal teas and they said oh great! that's all we drink! haha, it was just a little way to show us how God really does prepare people to receive this gospel. And yesterday we found a reference and it turned out to be a good one!, which doesn't usually happen. It was a nice family and we taught them about the restoration and talked to them about how the gospel can improve their family life. They really liked it. Funny story though, here in Pirque the numbering system for addresses isn't exactly ideal. So we were looking for the number 4999. So we go down the street toward the number and it's not there. So we start heading up to the 5200s and we look and there it is. Number 4999, right between numbers 5251 and 5279.......we both laughed a lot at that. But we're happy with the things that are going on here in Pirque at the moment.
Something cool about the sector, the stars are amazing here. There's like a bajillion. It's something I haven't seen in quite a while, especially not in Santiago haha. Little cool fact about Pirque.
A ver, what else. Ahh yes, two important dates this week. Happy independence day to the United States. I wore an honorary U.S. flag tie that Elder Saenz gave me yesterdy to commemmorate haha. And today I turned 11 months in the mission......holy cow. I'm basically on the downhill slope home. It's intimidating. But good at the same time. I love the mission and am glad I still have 13 months to enjoy.
Today for Pday we played basketball and soccer as a zone so that was good but I'm tired. And then immediately after, me and Elder Saenz went on the search for the aunthentic mexican food restaurant in the city. There's a place called Órale in the northern part of the city so we took the trek all the way up the entire metro and got there. And guess who accompanied us? The bishop from El Valle, my second (and favorite) sector. So it was really cool to catch up with him and hear about new stuff in that ward. But the food was also delicious. Elder Saenz says hes gonna become a regular over there now, even though its like a trip of an hour and 15 mins to get there- haha. You just gotta appreciate the finer things in life, o sea, mexican food.
So here we are, ready to start another week in pirque. It should be a good one. We also have conference with the President this week and that's always good.
Oh yeah, funny story time. So here in Santiago we use the busses quite a bit. And you never know what kind of surprise will be awaiting you when you get on. From people selling various pens, to CDs of all sorts, or nice wollen gloves (which I'm wearing at the moment :) or the entertainment people. And sometimes they're really good and it's cool when they are. Me and Elder Saenz have seen: a Colombian woman singing solo (not so good) a folk band using like flutes and a guitar and a big drum, they were really good, a clown who talked ridiculously fast and wasn't very funny, and even the most incredible accordian player I've ever seen. So it never gets dull here haha.
But yeah. I'm loving it here in Pirque and in the mission. I'm really happy and can't wait for what's to come. I love you all and hope you're having a great week. Until next week! Oh, and I forgot my camera cord so next week pictures for sure. Love you! Church is true.
Elder Mayberry
It was a good week this week, so I'll get started right away.
On Tuesday we went to the temple as a zone and that was really a special experience like always. What a blessing it is to have a temple in my mission and to be able to go. We saw some good stuff with our investigators this week though. With Juan and Yasna we went to the temple and did a tour of the grounds and they really really liked it. They were really happy that they went and they felt the Spirit for sure. Yasna even bore her testomniy to us which was really cool. They both have testimonies and are basically members, but they aren't married, which is the hardest part for sure. So at the temple we really emphasized eternal marriage and asked them to pray and think about marriage, so we shall see how that goes. But that was a really spiritual experience. We also taught Alex, who said off the bat that he was gonna go to church, but on Sunday morning he called us and told us his mom needed help in the hospital cuz his little sister is there. So we are waiting to see the progress that he makes. Also, with investigators called Jenny and Carlos we had a good lesson 2. I just said that as if you know what lesson 2 is haha. Lesson 2 is the plan of salvation. It went really well. And afterwards was the best part. They asked if another night we wanted to have "once" (like a snack in place of dinner) and we said sure. They asked what we don't eat and we said we don't drink tea or coffee, just ecco (cereal based coffee replacement) and herbal teas and they said oh great! that's all we drink! haha, it was just a little way to show us how God really does prepare people to receive this gospel. And yesterday we found a reference and it turned out to be a good one!, which doesn't usually happen. It was a nice family and we taught them about the restoration and talked to them about how the gospel can improve their family life. They really liked it. Funny story though, here in Pirque the numbering system for addresses isn't exactly ideal. So we were looking for the number 4999. So we go down the street toward the number and it's not there. So we start heading up to the 5200s and we look and there it is. Number 4999, right between numbers 5251 and 5279.......we both laughed a lot at that. But we're happy with the things that are going on here in Pirque at the moment.
Something cool about the sector, the stars are amazing here. There's like a bajillion. It's something I haven't seen in quite a while, especially not in Santiago haha. Little cool fact about Pirque.
A ver, what else. Ahh yes, two important dates this week. Happy independence day to the United States. I wore an honorary U.S. flag tie that Elder Saenz gave me yesterdy to commemmorate haha. And today I turned 11 months in the mission......holy cow. I'm basically on the downhill slope home. It's intimidating. But good at the same time. I love the mission and am glad I still have 13 months to enjoy.
Today for Pday we played basketball and soccer as a zone so that was good but I'm tired. And then immediately after, me and Elder Saenz went on the search for the aunthentic mexican food restaurant in the city. There's a place called Órale in the northern part of the city so we took the trek all the way up the entire metro and got there. And guess who accompanied us? The bishop from El Valle, my second (and favorite) sector. So it was really cool to catch up with him and hear about new stuff in that ward. But the food was also delicious. Elder Saenz says hes gonna become a regular over there now, even though its like a trip of an hour and 15 mins to get there- haha. You just gotta appreciate the finer things in life, o sea, mexican food.
So here we are, ready to start another week in pirque. It should be a good one. We also have conference with the President this week and that's always good.
Oh yeah, funny story time. So here in Santiago we use the busses quite a bit. And you never know what kind of surprise will be awaiting you when you get on. From people selling various pens, to CDs of all sorts, or nice wollen gloves (which I'm wearing at the moment :) or the entertainment people. And sometimes they're really good and it's cool when they are. Me and Elder Saenz have seen: a Colombian woman singing solo (not so good) a folk band using like flutes and a guitar and a big drum, they were really good, a clown who talked ridiculously fast and wasn't very funny, and even the most incredible accordian player I've ever seen. So it never gets dull here haha.
But yeah. I'm loving it here in Pirque and in the mission. I'm really happy and can't wait for what's to come. I love you all and hope you're having a great week. Until next week! Oh, and I forgot my camera cord so next week pictures for sure. Love you! Church is true.
Elder Mayberry
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