Thursday, December 31, 2009
Christmas Phone Call
It was really great to talk to Ben on the phone. There were some problems with the cell phone he was using, and then we had to call him instead of him calling us because of long distance charges, but we finally worked things out and got to chat with him. The individual conversations were brief because he had only 30 minutes to talk, but it was worth it. He sounds good and his Spanish is awesome. He really enjoys his time, you can tell that from his voice. His mission is definitely good for him.
December 14th
For those of you who don't know, Tim Tams are these chocolate cookings that you use as a straw and drink hot milk through. Then you put it in your mouth and because of the hot milk they just melt away. It is quite delicious:)
Cravings of the Week-Tim Tams (An Elder Received Them), Egg Nog (Doesn't Exist here without alcohol). No MP3 Players, Dad read PMG Chapter 13. If I get transferred out of Tijuana I will not get the package for awhile. Alright, I will be calling you all in ten days I am not sure on the time or places if I get transferred so send me an email with what is best for all of you. This week was full of fun. We baptized Jessica and Javier Maldonado. Javier had to work so we set the baptism for 4:00 on the dot, but he was the one that showed up late, almost an hour late. We had a combined baptism within the district. Our three wards joined together and we all had baptisms and sang a very...special musical number, and it was very special in fact a member told us later that it was feoissimo. On Sunday we baptized a young girl named Michelle and that brings my companion and I to a total of eight baptisms and five weeks consistently baptizing, and we have a hopeful four for this coming Saturday as well. I get more and more accustomed to the food here everyday. I ate Nopale tortilla's, alfalfa juice, and almost like home I ate bananas with yogurt and maple syrup on top. I have gone over budget on food almost consistently since I got to Mexico. But I came up with a really tight budget plan starting with the coming month. My companion and I are getting along just great. We have a much better relationship then when we started out. We both started roughing out the edges of each other right of the bat and now we understand our strengths, weaknesses and will help each other out. He is an awesome worker, tries to be obedient in almost all things and knows how to work with members-especially with our Posada plans. We spoke with members and are having mini Posada's (FHE) in members houses' if they bring an investigator. We are going to help our recent convert men, Daniel y Javier receive the priesthood and we are animating the Ward by having the young men baptize, and the confirmations by the high priests (our ward doesn't have an elders’ quorum). Alright time for me to sign off, I love you. The newsletter was awesome. I am a little behind. I love you All and pray for you.
Yours Eternally,
Elder Benjamin Baria
Cravings of the Week-Tim Tams (An Elder Received Them), Egg Nog (Doesn't Exist here without alcohol). No MP3 Players, Dad read PMG Chapter 13. If I get transferred out of Tijuana I will not get the package for awhile. Alright, I will be calling you all in ten days I am not sure on the time or places if I get transferred so send me an email with what is best for all of you. This week was full of fun. We baptized Jessica and Javier Maldonado. Javier had to work so we set the baptism for 4:00 on the dot, but he was the one that showed up late, almost an hour late. We had a combined baptism within the district. Our three wards joined together and we all had baptisms and sang a very...special musical number, and it was very special in fact a member told us later that it was feoissimo. On Sunday we baptized a young girl named Michelle and that brings my companion and I to a total of eight baptisms and five weeks consistently baptizing, and we have a hopeful four for this coming Saturday as well. I get more and more accustomed to the food here everyday. I ate Nopale tortilla's, alfalfa juice, and almost like home I ate bananas with yogurt and maple syrup on top. I have gone over budget on food almost consistently since I got to Mexico. But I came up with a really tight budget plan starting with the coming month. My companion and I are getting along just great. We have a much better relationship then when we started out. We both started roughing out the edges of each other right of the bat and now we understand our strengths, weaknesses and will help each other out. He is an awesome worker, tries to be obedient in almost all things and knows how to work with members-especially with our Posada plans. We spoke with members and are having mini Posada's (FHE) in members houses' if they bring an investigator. We are going to help our recent convert men, Daniel y Javier receive the priesthood and we are animating the Ward by having the young men baptize, and the confirmations by the high priests (our ward doesn't have an elders’ quorum). Alright time for me to sign off, I love you. The newsletter was awesome. I am a little behind. I love you All and pray for you.
Yours Eternally,
Elder Benjamin Baria
December 7th
Email from Ben....of course:)
This week has been good. We have been teaching the Family Mandonado. A few weeks ago some recent converts from another ward stopped us in the street and she said her sister is interested in the church and has been attending church with her. We got her number and tried calling her but to no success. Then last week she came to church on a whim. We are teaching the whole family and this last Sunday they all came to church. We are planning on driving to San Luis this Friday to get them married. And have their baptism planned for this Saturday along with another young women. And Jose. Jose actually has gone through a rather rough patch. He was the union libre spouse of one of our converts. When we were teaching his neighbor he came over and was being antagonistic. My companion promised him that if he did not repent he would be alone and lose everything. That weekend we had the Baptism of Irma (the neighbor) and he was antagonistic again. Next day the police kicked him out of his spouse's, Carmen's, house. We then baptized her and by the time we baptized her, she didn't really want him back. He told us he wanted to be baptized. And from that week till now, he sleeps in his taxi eats in the street, and has become completely alone. He almost lost his taxi, but he began to pray to change. He found the money he needed to pay for the rent on his taxi, and our plan is to help him get away from Carmen, and help him truly repent. And now we are house hunting for him. Our Ward is incredibly animated and wants to work. In the Consejo del Barrio the leaders were demanding more of us, so we came up with some ideas. We only teach the lessons when we eat with members. We set a goal to call every leader if we have a sure cita and make sure we always have members present when we teach. My companion and I have been getting along better and better with the passing weeks. We started out really rough and now we only have the occasional joist. We teach more in unity and have the spirit much more. He isn't perfect, but neither am I. We are both coming out better men of God. Alright, Till Next Week, Love You All. I Will write, I may not get your package if I am transferred. Be Valiant in all things.
Yours Eternally,
Elder Benjamin Baria
This week has been good. We have been teaching the Family Mandonado. A few weeks ago some recent converts from another ward stopped us in the street and she said her sister is interested in the church and has been attending church with her. We got her number and tried calling her but to no success. Then last week she came to church on a whim. We are teaching the whole family and this last Sunday they all came to church. We are planning on driving to San Luis this Friday to get them married. And have their baptism planned for this Saturday along with another young women. And Jose. Jose actually has gone through a rather rough patch. He was the union libre spouse of one of our converts. When we were teaching his neighbor he came over and was being antagonistic. My companion promised him that if he did not repent he would be alone and lose everything. That weekend we had the Baptism of Irma (the neighbor) and he was antagonistic again. Next day the police kicked him out of his spouse's, Carmen's, house. We then baptized her and by the time we baptized her, she didn't really want him back. He told us he wanted to be baptized. And from that week till now, he sleeps in his taxi eats in the street, and has become completely alone. He almost lost his taxi, but he began to pray to change. He found the money he needed to pay for the rent on his taxi, and our plan is to help him get away from Carmen, and help him truly repent. And now we are house hunting for him. Our Ward is incredibly animated and wants to work. In the Consejo del Barrio the leaders were demanding more of us, so we came up with some ideas. We only teach the lessons when we eat with members. We set a goal to call every leader if we have a sure cita and make sure we always have members present when we teach. My companion and I have been getting along better and better with the passing weeks. We started out really rough and now we only have the occasional joist. We teach more in unity and have the spirit much more. He isn't perfect, but neither am I. We are both coming out better men of God. Alright, Till Next Week, Love You All. I Will write, I may not get your package if I am transferred. Be Valiant in all things.
Yours Eternally,
Elder Benjamin Baria
November 30th: Letter and Email
1st email then the letter.
______________________
______________________
The last line just cracks me up. I was totally not expecting it and how he just through it on at then end like it was nothing....well it made me laugh. It's good to know that now they are married.
Alright Not A Lot of Time-Get this newsletter thing of and on the waythen I can just print it and get a longer email out to you. I am goingto come up with a few ideas for the blog and send them your way. Justsend me a lit of questions in an email or whatever you would like. Ineed the address of Miranda, Abe, Mark, and Torry.Fourth Baptism! Her name is Gloria and she is part of a part memberfamily, just her and her dad are not member and we are now working onhim and then getting them off to the temple.We passed out cards for all the member to write down their addresses sothat we can contact their streets like Elder De Hoyos said. We startwith our list tomorrow. A fun recent convert experience, actually we hada really good one this week. A while back some new converts stopped andgave us a number of their family who wanted to come to church. We triedcalling but to no avail-the number never picked up. In church thisSunday the reference came to church. She came with her two kids, and hasalready been to the church at least two times before. Then after churchwe went to her house to give her child a blessing and her husband toldus that they want to be baptized!!!Only stumbling block is that they need to get married first.
Out of time, I love you all!
Yours Eternally,Elder Benjamin Baria
_____________________________
The joke was...interesting. Made me chuckle.
Familia Baria!
Buenas Tardes? Como les van?
I’m trying to get better with the card writing thing, but as the weeks turn into months, it appears to be the area that needs the most growth. So I will start with my companion’s joke. The prophet, a pastor, and the pope are in a boat. The prophet gets out and starts walking on water to the shore. The pastor and pope are amazed (What?!). That pastor then decides to leave and walks on water to the shore. The pope thinks to himself, if the Mormon and Christian can do it, so can I. The pope steps out and beings to sink. The pastor says to the prophet, “Should we tell him where the rocks are?” and the prophet says “What rocks?” (p.s. This joke was originally told in Spanish and was intended for a Mormon Spanish audience – if offense is taken, I apologize). It turns out a least for now, that I remember almost everything in jingles.
So it rained really hard the other day but my companion imparted his wisdom and advice. He said that for every hour I spent in the rain, my future wife is spending equal time in the gym (True Doctrine). Worst Mexican dish I have had – Clamoto. Words could never describe its interesting flavor (he crossed out awesome putridness). Best Mexican food has be Birria – with lots of meat. Most like home has been Lasagna!!!
Childhood Memory – We eat at Peter Piper’s Pizza sometimes on P-Day and they have a sweet pizza that taste just like Cinnamon Toast mom would always make for Michelle and I.
Christmas is coming and I have one recommendation – forget about the gifts – take a whole afternoon serving people, invite people over for dinner, read the four gospels and BOM every day. Here in Mexico, instead of Santa Claus they have the gifts from the Magi.
Mission joke: Yo, Buenas Noches
Random Person – no response
Companion – Oh, Buenas Noches Elder
I’m sorry I am not better with letter writing. In the Newsletter, make a little section of things you all want to hear. I do love all of you. You’re always in my heart and in my prayers.
Your Eternal Brother and Son,
Elder Benjamin Baria
November 23rd: Double the Fun
The 1st is and e-mail from Ben and the second one is a letter.
Reply-I pod's Are Not Allowed, I GOT THE PACKAGE TODAY!!!!!!Gracias!!!!!Everything was there. Weekly Cravings-Shish Kabobs, Gorditas, Reese's Pieces, Chicken Tertazinni Need-Breathe Right Strips Weekly Memory-De La Rosa is a candy we see in the tienda's and I remember I think when we went to whistler when I was a kid I had it. MY Companion Has a cat named Gohan. Start planning for the Christmas call. SO our converts are named Irma and Carmen I am going to ask them to write and send their conversion stories to you and then I would love you to write them. I got all your letters today. I love you all so much. Be safe and go forward with faith. I'll include some scriptures in my card. I love you Your Eternal Son and Brother- Elder Benjamin D. Baria Recent Convert Experience-Martin the recent convert of only four months baptized the first person of his whole life. He taught his neighbor, set the date, and baptized her. He is amazing, and he taught our recent convert Irma. Second Baptism-Carmen called the police, four cars came and kicked Jose out of the home. She then decided to be baptized and our recent convert Irma (next door neighbor) told her to go for it and kept bearing a testimony of the change in her life. Saturday we baptized Carmen. Jose came to the baptism and now wants to be baptized. When she came out of the water, she looked at me and her whole disposition was different. When we got to church the bishop told us to do the confirmations, I learned the prayer in five minutes and then confirmed Carmen, telling someone to receive the Holy Ghost was a intense experience. Words can't describe any of these experiences.
_________________________
Alas, I only have 10 minutes to write. I am going to include both the journal entries of the baptism and confirmation. The weeks keep rolling a long and time quickly becomes a habit (if that makes sense).
Health is good. Testimony is 50X bigger. We baptized and confirmed 3 people. Spanish is 80% most of the time. I should be here until December or Jan. The water is not OK. We drink from purified water jugs. Curfew is 10:30. The members are awesome. The Bishop is 26, newlywed, future father, has a job and school. Hermana Felicitas is the world’s best fellowshipper. Jared told me he has had 4 baptisms (that is a month here – generally more towards ten). The food is awesome.
I am growing. I love the newsletter idea and next week I will spend two hours writing to just you all. We hitch rides everywhere we go. I have to go now. I feel bad for not being able to write more. I know you all want me to. I love you and you’re always in my prayers.
Your eternal son and brother,
Elder Benjamin D. Baria.
He also included the new Mexican wide missionary plan from the area presidency. But it’s all in Spanish so you’ll have to hear about that from someone who reads Spanish better than I do. It’s three pages. I think it’s something along the lines of inviting everyone to the temple. Inviting everyone to read the Book of Mormon. Seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost. Acting on the testimony of the Savior, especially during the holiday season. Inviting people to come to church. Inviting people to be baptized. (there’s a lot more than that, but that’s the flavor).
He also sent a Sacrament meeting program. It looks just like a program here. Even in the announcements there is a reminder to please be reverent in the chapel (that one is underlined). It does have a place to take notes on the back. Also a note to “recuerde apagar su cellular?”
That one we should probably include on ours! And a fun little note that says, “Gracias por su puntualidad”. Maybe Mexican Mormon time is even later than regular Mormon time.
Reply-I pod's Are Not Allowed, I GOT THE PACKAGE TODAY!!!!!!Gracias!!!!!Everything was there. Weekly Cravings-Shish Kabobs, Gorditas, Reese's Pieces, Chicken Tertazinni Need-Breathe Right Strips Weekly Memory-De La Rosa is a candy we see in the tienda's and I remember I think when we went to whistler when I was a kid I had it. MY Companion Has a cat named Gohan. Start planning for the Christmas call. SO our converts are named Irma and Carmen I am going to ask them to write and send their conversion stories to you and then I would love you to write them. I got all your letters today. I love you all so much. Be safe and go forward with faith. I'll include some scriptures in my card. I love you Your Eternal Son and Brother- Elder Benjamin D. Baria Recent Convert Experience-Martin the recent convert of only four months baptized the first person of his whole life. He taught his neighbor, set the date, and baptized her. He is amazing, and he taught our recent convert Irma. Second Baptism-Carmen called the police, four cars came and kicked Jose out of the home. She then decided to be baptized and our recent convert Irma (next door neighbor) told her to go for it and kept bearing a testimony of the change in her life. Saturday we baptized Carmen. Jose came to the baptism and now wants to be baptized. When she came out of the water, she looked at me and her whole disposition was different. When we got to church the bishop told us to do the confirmations, I learned the prayer in five minutes and then confirmed Carmen, telling someone to receive the Holy Ghost was a intense experience. Words can't describe any of these experiences.
_________________________
Alas, I only have 10 minutes to write. I am going to include both the journal entries of the baptism and confirmation. The weeks keep rolling a long and time quickly becomes a habit (if that makes sense).
Health is good. Testimony is 50X bigger. We baptized and confirmed 3 people. Spanish is 80% most of the time. I should be here until December or Jan. The water is not OK. We drink from purified water jugs. Curfew is 10:30. The members are awesome. The Bishop is 26, newlywed, future father, has a job and school. Hermana Felicitas is the world’s best fellowshipper. Jared told me he has had 4 baptisms (that is a month here – generally more towards ten). The food is awesome.
I am growing. I love the newsletter idea and next week I will spend two hours writing to just you all. We hitch rides everywhere we go. I have to go now. I feel bad for not being able to write more. I know you all want me to. I love you and you’re always in my prayers.
Your eternal son and brother,
Elder Benjamin D. Baria.
He also included the new Mexican wide missionary plan from the area presidency. But it’s all in Spanish so you’ll have to hear about that from someone who reads Spanish better than I do. It’s three pages. I think it’s something along the lines of inviting everyone to the temple. Inviting everyone to read the Book of Mormon. Seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost. Acting on the testimony of the Savior, especially during the holiday season. Inviting people to come to church. Inviting people to be baptized. (there’s a lot more than that, but that’s the flavor).
He also sent a Sacrament meeting program. It looks just like a program here. Even in the announcements there is a reminder to please be reverent in the chapel (that one is underlined). It does have a place to take notes on the back. Also a note to “recuerde apagar su cellular?”
That one we should probably include on ours! And a fun little note that says, “Gracias por su puntualidad”. Maybe Mexican Mormon time is even later than regular Mormon time.
From the Back of the Envelope
Thought you might be interested in seeing what he writes on the back of his envelopes so here it is.
(From Nov. 16th)
Wants
Christmas Candy
A Smore Stick J
Christmas Tree
A pumpkin bread roll thing from college (think giant hoho)
Name this movie: Rapido y Furioso
Please tell Torry I can’t reply to his email but I read it. Tell Tessa I am getting her cards and also we are teaching someone named Beatris!
Item of Purchase
Hobo Loho (another candy)
Don’t worry about anything. Taking Care of Business.
(From Nov. 9th)
I’ve never traveled in a more high speed and dangerous way than on a Kalafea (Bus) in Mexico. Best part of Mexico in the morning and the best part of every morning….marshmellow mateys!
¿Is there a blog?
Need
Sweater
Photo Albums
Basically stamps and envelopes are always good ideas
Gospel Art Book
Jump Rope
Christmas Ideas—email improvement ideas
Today during P-day – Cleaned, did laundry, internet, solores, MacroPlaza, Carls Jr., Heard some apostasy (Ting Tings and other bands) had Fresa y Nivez cone, writing letters….
What I heard: Costco in Mexico is different. Costco in the USA works in the USA and Canada but Mexico works only in Mexico. Don’t worry about it. I’ll be fine J
Title: SKWINKLES (Candy Bar Here)
Yes Dad, please tell me – When/How did you receive guidance/counsel from the Lord?
Cooking tip: Mix onions in with Beans…Machaca
(From Nov. 16th)
Wants
Christmas Candy
A Smore Stick J
Christmas Tree
A pumpkin bread roll thing from college (think giant hoho)
Name this movie: Rapido y Furioso
Please tell Torry I can’t reply to his email but I read it. Tell Tessa I am getting her cards and also we are teaching someone named Beatris!
Item of Purchase
Hobo Loho (another candy)
Don’t worry about anything. Taking Care of Business.
(From Nov. 9th)
I’ve never traveled in a more high speed and dangerous way than on a Kalafea (Bus) in Mexico. Best part of Mexico in the morning and the best part of every morning….marshmellow mateys!
¿Is there a blog?
Need
Sweater
Photo Albums
Basically stamps and envelopes are always good ideas
Gospel Art Book
Jump Rope
Christmas Ideas—email improvement ideas
Today during P-day – Cleaned, did laundry, internet, solores, MacroPlaza, Carls Jr., Heard some apostasy (Ting Tings and other bands) had Fresa y Nivez cone, writing letters….
What I heard: Costco in Mexico is different. Costco in the USA works in the USA and Canada but Mexico works only in Mexico. Don’t worry about it. I’ll be fine J
Title: SKWINKLES (Candy Bar Here)
Yes Dad, please tell me – When/How did you receive guidance/counsel from the Lord?
Cooking tip: Mix onions in with Beans…Machaca
November 16th: Once Again
Yet another letter. (Letter meaning not an e-mail, if you were confused) Recently, he started drawing pictures of himself as a missionary. They are interesting and worth seeing so I will try and post a picture of one. The details about the baptism story he tells are a little fuzzy and we still don't know exactly what happened. At least he is safe.
¡Barias!
Memory of the week—During my hour of personal study every morning I found a fun scripture that made me think of all of you – 1st Nephi 17:6. I thought of our family trips to the beach with Jadyn and her kite. And our camping trips to the beach and our final trip to the beach.
The baptism – after the baptism Jose threatened. He had a pistol and was being belligerent. And four police cars took him away. The next morning it sounded bad in the email. I just copied and pasted part of my letter to the President. I’ll send my journal page that explains everything – do not call the mission office – it was absolutely nothing. If anyone is worried, don’t be. We have the power and protection greater than all else.
Mexican food of the week – Birria, Fruit with yogurt, granola y sweetened condensed milk.
Alas, this week I have had very little time. The email was better this week, I hope. I love the newsletter idea. I love all of you so much. I should get the package this Friday for our conference.
Love,
Elder Benjamin Baria
¡Barias!
Memory of the week—During my hour of personal study every morning I found a fun scripture that made me think of all of you – 1st Nephi 17:6. I thought of our family trips to the beach with Jadyn and her kite. And our camping trips to the beach and our final trip to the beach.
The baptism – after the baptism Jose threatened. He had a pistol and was being belligerent. And four police cars took him away. The next morning it sounded bad in the email. I just copied and pasted part of my letter to the President. I’ll send my journal page that explains everything – do not call the mission office – it was absolutely nothing. If anyone is worried, don’t be. We have the power and protection greater than all else.
Mexican food of the week – Birria, Fruit with yogurt, granola y sweetened condensed milk.
Alas, this week I have had very little time. The email was better this week, I hope. I love the newsletter idea. I love all of you so much. I should get the package this Friday for our conference.
Love,
Elder Benjamin Baria
November 9th: Postal Service
Another real letter. Its nice to recieve actual letters. Some of the things he says in Spanish don't make sense, but that is ok. His companion's name is quite long. If I get around to it ("if" being the key word) then I will post a picture of the card he sent.
Baria Family!
All right everyone – I’m going to need your help. I want you to write our converts and ask what they want for Christmas or better than that just send them all a little note. Irma, who we have been teaching, had us announce in church her baptism this Saturday.
Okay, so in church, the first hour is Priesthood. The Bishop, as he was leaving, said we were going to be talking that day. When the time rolled around I got up and just went for it (I prayed for the gift of tongues earnestly). My companion said I did good and he was really surprised. I did cry however at the end and a little boy in the ward gave me a tissue. My companion teased me – but only a little bit. It is incredible, our ward missionary leader’s wife is the best hermanomiento – er in the world. Every investigator, former investigator, convert, everyone know her. I made being the best fellow shipper a life goal because of her.
For Mom – Before I started ironing one day the room started to smell like Grandma Warnick’s house used to when I was in the kid on Sundays. I thought of her doing missionary work, of her helping others and getting them ready. In that moment I decided to always do family history work daily/weekly and to make sure I always give it some time in my schedule, and then reaffirmed my goal to go to the temple weekly, if possible. I was wondering if you all were going to the temple as a whole family. Kathryn, Jennifer, Elizabeth and Michelle can all receive temporary use recommends and you could go to the family names in the baptistry every week and the other ordinances that following week. That is a goal I se4t for myself and my future family that and to have a devotional/prayer/scripture study every day and night, no matter what.
I want my home to be a temple, no matter what.
So, the other day I got sick from a sweet fruit that looked almost like a tomato. By the time we got home my temperature was spiking at 101.7. I asked for a blessing and I hardly slept at all. The next morning it was much the same. The good news is we didn’t have to leave the house until twelve (weekly planning). My companion said to sleep. We let the President know what was happening and rested. My companion kicked me out of bed and by the end of the day I felt great and the next I felt the best I have since day one J.
So, my companion is named Elder Sotelo….Rodriquez de San Miguel Luis Antonio. I made sure to include his card as well J. He and I had a rough first week but we get along awesome and trust each other now. His English and my Spanish are coming along and He loves his “highness” (girlfriend). Out of room….I love you all so much!
Your Eternal Son and Brother, Elder Benjamin Baria
Baria Family!
All right everyone – I’m going to need your help. I want you to write our converts and ask what they want for Christmas or better than that just send them all a little note. Irma, who we have been teaching, had us announce in church her baptism this Saturday.
Okay, so in church, the first hour is Priesthood. The Bishop, as he was leaving, said we were going to be talking that day. When the time rolled around I got up and just went for it (I prayed for the gift of tongues earnestly). My companion said I did good and he was really surprised. I did cry however at the end and a little boy in the ward gave me a tissue. My companion teased me – but only a little bit. It is incredible, our ward missionary leader’s wife is the best hermanomiento – er in the world. Every investigator, former investigator, convert, everyone know her. I made being the best fellow shipper a life goal because of her.
For Mom – Before I started ironing one day the room started to smell like Grandma Warnick’s house used to when I was in the kid on Sundays. I thought of her doing missionary work, of her helping others and getting them ready. In that moment I decided to always do family history work daily/weekly and to make sure I always give it some time in my schedule, and then reaffirmed my goal to go to the temple weekly, if possible. I was wondering if you all were going to the temple as a whole family. Kathryn, Jennifer, Elizabeth and Michelle can all receive temporary use recommends and you could go to the family names in the baptistry every week and the other ordinances that following week. That is a goal I se4t for myself and my future family that and to have a devotional/prayer/scripture study every day and night, no matter what.
I want my home to be a temple, no matter what.
So, the other day I got sick from a sweet fruit that looked almost like a tomato. By the time we got home my temperature was spiking at 101.7. I asked for a blessing and I hardly slept at all. The next morning it was much the same. The good news is we didn’t have to leave the house until twelve (weekly planning). My companion said to sleep. We let the President know what was happening and rested. My companion kicked me out of bed and by the end of the day I felt great and the next I felt the best I have since day one J.
So, my companion is named Elder Sotelo….Rodriquez de San Miguel Luis Antonio. I made sure to include his card as well J. He and I had a rough first week but we get along awesome and trust each other now. His English and my Spanish are coming along and He loves his “highness” (girlfriend). Out of room….I love you all so much!
Your Eternal Son and Brother, Elder Benjamin Baria
October 29th: Snail Mail
Can you tell he is partial to Mexico? This letter came the old fashion way and with it brought something new. The back of every envelope we recieve is filled with his thoughts, needs and other random things. It's funny because he will say things like running out of room after one sheet of paper. It's like he doesn't realize that he is allowed to use more than one sheet of paper. Oh well! You can't teach an old dog new tricks, right?
Hello from the Promised Land!
How is everyone doing? All right, here’s some fun and exciting stores from Mexico…what do I have…Oh! I have a new companion as of today, Elder Sotelo from the city of Mexico. I can speak with him okay, but I’m pumped to improve. Now it is three Mexicans and me living in the same house. That will be fun. Elder Terry is now in Ensenada. I learned a lot from him. He is an awesome teacher and helped to rough off some of the edges. We worked hard and the fruits of that labor are about to come to pass. I set a lot of awesome goals while I was his companion, but I love change and this opportunity to improve. I’m always going to be enthused and excited for this work, be cheerful, obedient and work hard.
Story of the week- With Elder Terry we found a family who was less active, who wanted to go to church and that wanted us to baptized their daughter. After visiting with them my companion felt impressed to going up another street and do contacting. We knocked a few doors and were let in. The lady who answered the door had some Jehovah’s Witnesses stuff, but threw it in the trash. We talked, and she said she talked with missionaries at a swap meet about 2 months ago (my companion) -she put their pass-a-long card above the door. We taught her and her daughter. She asked if God revealed things to us in dreams. Then after describing the first vision, she asked us where we received this picture (Elder Terry believes she saw the first vision in a dream). We gave her a book of Mormon (she read the part we gave her and used the Jehovah’s Witnesses card as a bookmark). Then we committed her to be baptized. We also talked about the Word of Wisdom and we will see how things go.
Spanish- Easy to understand after half way through my second week, easier to speak now that I have a Mexican companion.
Let me know what you want to hear!
Love you all!
Your eternal son and brother,
Elder Benjamin Baria
Hello from the Promised Land!
How is everyone doing? All right, here’s some fun and exciting stores from Mexico…what do I have…Oh! I have a new companion as of today, Elder Sotelo from the city of Mexico. I can speak with him okay, but I’m pumped to improve. Now it is three Mexicans and me living in the same house. That will be fun. Elder Terry is now in Ensenada. I learned a lot from him. He is an awesome teacher and helped to rough off some of the edges. We worked hard and the fruits of that labor are about to come to pass. I set a lot of awesome goals while I was his companion, but I love change and this opportunity to improve. I’m always going to be enthused and excited for this work, be cheerful, obedient and work hard.
Story of the week- With Elder Terry we found a family who was less active, who wanted to go to church and that wanted us to baptized their daughter. After visiting with them my companion felt impressed to going up another street and do contacting. We knocked a few doors and were let in. The lady who answered the door had some Jehovah’s Witnesses stuff, but threw it in the trash. We talked, and she said she talked with missionaries at a swap meet about 2 months ago (my companion) -she put their pass-a-long card above the door. We taught her and her daughter. She asked if God revealed things to us in dreams. Then after describing the first vision, she asked us where we received this picture (Elder Terry believes she saw the first vision in a dream). We gave her a book of Mormon (she read the part we gave her and used the Jehovah’s Witnesses card as a bookmark). Then we committed her to be baptized. We also talked about the Word of Wisdom and we will see how things go.
Spanish- Easy to understand after half way through my second week, easier to speak now that I have a Mexican companion.
Let me know what you want to hear!
Love you all!
Your eternal son and brother,
Elder Benjamin Baria
October 12th: 1st of Many
Here is the 1st real letter we got from Ben from Mexico. Sounds like he enjoys it there. Just so you know, at the end of practically every letter he has a short paragraph of everything he needs us to send him. It's always interesting to hear what he needs and wants, but not interesting enough to post.
Okay P-Day is every monday. Mission office address (My Name) Av Sonora#3805 Local 7 y 8 Fracc. Chapuitapec Camprestre Tijuana, B.C.N. MexicoC.P. 22420 But send all your cards to the address in San Ysidro. I emailone email to family and one to the president. MIssion Office is01-800-027-4680 For emergencias. PResident and Sister Heyn's cell numberis 044-664-628-3058 and the assistants is 044-664-628-4205 I get letters every four weeks here in Tijuana I believe.
I live around a university called Cetys, I dont know our specificaddress.
I got to enjoy conference in Spanish!!! Entoneces I understood nothing but it was awesome because we had a less active family show up there that showed up with a non member and he walked in right into Jeffrey RHolland- Needless to say he gained a strong testimony of the BOM.
Mexico is intense. I'll make sure to send a cookbook for dad. I have hadpazole and mole since I have been here. Spanish is getting easier daily.The bishop is 26 but really awesome. The ward is small but really nice.Companion is awesome, from Utah. I sent an email last week did you not get it? Mission President is nice and the mission home is nice. We have one of the nicer apartments. Two rooms bathroom. Kitchen with cabinets, stove, micro, and fridge. I vote for the Chile idea whole heartedly.
We had four investigators come to church today. Miracles occur everyday.Rides come when we need them we look at a building and say we need to contaact, spanish words come, things about the gospel become plainer everyday. No more time to write. Next email I am going to try writing it in blog form love you all bye!!!
Elder Baria
Okay P-Day is every monday. Mission office address (My Name) Av Sonora#3805 Local 7 y 8 Fracc. Chapuitapec Camprestre Tijuana, B.C.N. MexicoC.P. 22420 But send all your cards to the address in San Ysidro. I emailone email to family and one to the president. MIssion Office is01-800-027-4680 For emergencias. PResident and Sister Heyn's cell numberis 044-664-628-3058 and the assistants is 044-664-628-4205 I get letters every four weeks here in Tijuana I believe.
I live around a university called Cetys, I dont know our specificaddress.
I got to enjoy conference in Spanish!!! Entoneces I understood nothing but it was awesome because we had a less active family show up there that showed up with a non member and he walked in right into Jeffrey RHolland- Needless to say he gained a strong testimony of the BOM.
Mexico is intense. I'll make sure to send a cookbook for dad. I have hadpazole and mole since I have been here. Spanish is getting easier daily.The bishop is 26 but really awesome. The ward is small but really nice.Companion is awesome, from Utah. I sent an email last week did you not get it? Mission President is nice and the mission home is nice. We have one of the nicer apartments. Two rooms bathroom. Kitchen with cabinets, stove, micro, and fridge. I vote for the Chile idea whole heartedly.
We had four investigators come to church today. Miracles occur everyday.Rides come when we need them we look at a building and say we need to contaact, spanish words come, things about the gospel become plainer everyday. No more time to write. Next email I am going to try writing it in blog form love you all bye!!!
Elder Baria
September 29th: Short but...no, just Short
This is all we recieved once he got to Mexico. Not really much to go on, but at least we knew he was alive.
Alright super quick. I got to Mexico safe. My first ares is here in Tijuana. I am only allowed to write one email to family. I recieve cards every four weeks I believe. and you can just send anything, ignore the pouch service memo I told Michelle. Love you all. Write soon.
Alright super quick. I got to Mexico safe. My first ares is here in Tijuana. I am only allowed to write one email to family. I recieve cards every four weeks I believe. and you can just send anything, ignore the pouch service memo I told Michelle. Love you all. Write soon.
September 25th
Another letter...not much to say about this one.
Alright, this will be my last email from the MTC and I am really busy, so just one email this time. So the phone call is all good. from probably eleven to two. I can call ya'll, but what about michelle and everyone else. I guess I can call one of ya'll and you can let me know who to call next. though I'd rather keep them down. So this week has been fun lots of health and language meetings to have before we go. We hosted new missionaries again. Meaning I got to be one of those people that took me around the first day. Also we introduced a brand new district into our zone and taught them how to plan and gave them a tour. Part of our tour we included the tree of life which I dont think I ever explained to all of you. The tree of life is this one tree that eternally smells of cream soda. Always, everyday. It is unique. It is awesome seeing things come and go like this. Seeing people go was only hard for a little while, but all of that passed and you had so much joy for them. Get better from getting sick. Give school your all. Apply the gospel to everything you do. D and C 6:33- Doubt not fear not. And fear not to do good. Go forward with faith I'll write ya'll first thing in mexico. I still dont know about how all the pouch service wroks. Oh any packages you send make sure to put a lot of virgin mary stickers on it. Love you all no more time. It is crazy today. Love you all so much. I expect letters from everyone. Send more post cards and pics. I loved the package. And the cookies. Give out my address to whomever asks. INcluded some thoughts.
Love Elder Baria
Alright, this will be my last email from the MTC and I am really busy, so just one email this time. So the phone call is all good. from probably eleven to two. I can call ya'll, but what about michelle and everyone else. I guess I can call one of ya'll and you can let me know who to call next. though I'd rather keep them down. So this week has been fun lots of health and language meetings to have before we go. We hosted new missionaries again. Meaning I got to be one of those people that took me around the first day. Also we introduced a brand new district into our zone and taught them how to plan and gave them a tour. Part of our tour we included the tree of life which I dont think I ever explained to all of you. The tree of life is this one tree that eternally smells of cream soda. Always, everyday. It is unique. It is awesome seeing things come and go like this. Seeing people go was only hard for a little while, but all of that passed and you had so much joy for them. Get better from getting sick. Give school your all. Apply the gospel to everything you do. D and C 6:33- Doubt not fear not. And fear not to do good. Go forward with faith I'll write ya'll first thing in mexico. I still dont know about how all the pouch service wroks. Oh any packages you send make sure to put a lot of virgin mary stickers on it. Love you all no more time. It is crazy today. Love you all so much. I expect letters from everyone. Send more post cards and pics. I loved the package. And the cookies. Give out my address to whomever asks. INcluded some thoughts.
Love Elder Baria
September 18th
Ben is really into reminding us to write to him. He loves recieving letters so if you want to write to him, just let me know and I can give you his address.
It is all good. I will write a letter, I actually have time today since we are not running back and forth between clinics and hospitals. And yes I have recieved my travel plans. Leave the MTC at ten, and the flight is at 1:55. I am not sure on the counsel on calling but I am ready if it is all good. I AM PUMPED to go to MEXICO. After going to the consulate yestderday the time is just flying by.
All next week for us is a teaching week. We just focus on teaching and planning for teaching. I am so excited for Jenn let her know I love her and expect a letter from her and for that matter everyone else when I get to Mexico, not just an email. Pack all the letters full of advice and cool inspiring stories from ya'lls lives, that would be awesome. I am feeling better and do wish I ahd a lot more commitment back in the day. Heck if I had even set a goal and tried to achieve I would be more effective person now. But I made a covenant with the Lord to change and never be anything like I was before. If it would help have the young women write me and I can tell them cool stories and such. HAVE LIZ write me. Have kathryn write me, everyone.
A quick story. At a metting awhile ago the person asked for a cookie recipe and I got up and recited the whole recipe from memory. Not a lot of time I love you all and have time to write you all letters today.
Love Elder Baria
It is all good. I will write a letter, I actually have time today since we are not running back and forth between clinics and hospitals. And yes I have recieved my travel plans. Leave the MTC at ten, and the flight is at 1:55. I am not sure on the counsel on calling but I am ready if it is all good. I AM PUMPED to go to MEXICO. After going to the consulate yestderday the time is just flying by.
All next week for us is a teaching week. We just focus on teaching and planning for teaching. I am so excited for Jenn let her know I love her and expect a letter from her and for that matter everyone else when I get to Mexico, not just an email. Pack all the letters full of advice and cool inspiring stories from ya'lls lives, that would be awesome. I am feeling better and do wish I ahd a lot more commitment back in the day. Heck if I had even set a goal and tried to achieve I would be more effective person now. But I made a covenant with the Lord to change and never be anything like I was before. If it would help have the young women write me and I can tell them cool stories and such. HAVE LIZ write me. Have kathryn write me, everyone.
A quick story. At a metting awhile ago the person asked for a cookie recipe and I got up and recited the whole recipe from memory. Not a lot of time I love you all and have time to write you all letters today.
Love Elder Baria
September 11th
Just a heads up, I'm going to start titling the blogs with the date we recieved the letter. A lot of Ben's letters consist of him giving us advice on how to be better and how to stregthen our testimonies, which is good since he is a missionary. I guess he is right. We need to start being better about FHE, but we need to start having it before we go deeper and start doing skits:)
I had a wild and crazy idea about FHE for you all. Well two actually. One thing you could do is make a whole skit when the family is all there when you act a story from the book of Mormon. Another thing that would be awesome is to do a topical study in your personal study as a family and then during FHE discuss it (i.e. caridad (charity)) and create a summary. That will be an awesome resource in your life.
Yo Necessito: Cinturon nuevo (I need a new pen), Post cards of washington to show people when I get to Mexico about where I am from, and a photo album (to put all my pictures in, y all the birthdays of everyone in the family (dear elder it to me please)
Dos preguntas para usted, chiste, tres (I have two questions for you...joke....I have three): How is Jared doing?, Do you know a wayne and diane robison (robifam@gmail.com), y Why do the Barry's not go to church anymore?
Brain Teaser: LDS.org Search; Passover-Was It Symbolic of His Coming? - John P. Pratt
Advice: If you ever feel you have a little free time, have a prayer and ask Heavenly Father what he would have you do. And be missionaries always. I know that for myself I am never going back to the way I was. I know that some of my happiest memories will be on my mission, why not live everyday in a manner similiar to that which brought such happiness. My teaching people the gospel will never end. I will enter into different roles in my life, but I will never stop making sure I am absolutely giving my all to the Lord.
Una meta con benediciones de uno missionero con poder a prometer mas benediciones (A blessed goal for a missionary to have the power to promise blessings--or something along those lines....we can tell he's still figuring things out!)-Talk to a new person in the ward everyday.
P.S. - La pacejta? fue muy bueno. Es verdad la peublo de mexico estan la pueblo de dios. Creo esto.(The package was really good. It's true that Mexico is the Lord's land. This I know.) ***see Aaron, your choice land map convinced him!
So, I realized I never really told you all the nitty gritty day to day here. I only have enough time to kind of go through one day so know that I love you and am praying for all of you. And I intend to improve and pray for the things you need in your life. So the average day. Wake up and we have gym my companion hurt his pille so not much this week. Lots of games to play. Then we shower and have desayuno(breakfast). Then we generally have an hour of personal, companion and idioma study. I have lots of plans for each day but we divide up what we do into increments of ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty and accomplish a lot. I am running out of time so I think I will write a super specific letter about the nitty gritty. Then almuerzo (lunch) and then class con hermano warr, mas missionary directed time, generally to teach or study. Then cena (supper) then class, then plan for the next day. We lost our old two teachers (hermano heiner, fife and have two new ones warr and gille and they are awesome. No mas tiempo (no more time)I love you all and will send you a letter later this week. Thank you so so much for the package. Hasta ver (See you later)
I had a wild and crazy idea about FHE for you all. Well two actually. One thing you could do is make a whole skit when the family is all there when you act a story from the book of Mormon. Another thing that would be awesome is to do a topical study in your personal study as a family and then during FHE discuss it (i.e. caridad (charity)) and create a summary. That will be an awesome resource in your life.
Yo Necessito: Cinturon nuevo (I need a new pen), Post cards of washington to show people when I get to Mexico about where I am from, and a photo album (to put all my pictures in, y all the birthdays of everyone in the family (dear elder it to me please)
Dos preguntas para usted, chiste, tres (I have two questions for you...joke....I have three): How is Jared doing?, Do you know a wayne and diane robison (robifam@gmail.com), y Why do the Barry's not go to church anymore?
Brain Teaser: LDS.org Search; Passover-Was It Symbolic of His Coming? - John P. Pratt
Advice: If you ever feel you have a little free time, have a prayer and ask Heavenly Father what he would have you do. And be missionaries always. I know that for myself I am never going back to the way I was. I know that some of my happiest memories will be on my mission, why not live everyday in a manner similiar to that which brought such happiness. My teaching people the gospel will never end. I will enter into different roles in my life, but I will never stop making sure I am absolutely giving my all to the Lord.
Una meta con benediciones de uno missionero con poder a prometer mas benediciones (A blessed goal for a missionary to have the power to promise blessings--or something along those lines....we can tell he's still figuring things out!)-Talk to a new person in the ward everyday.
P.S. - La pacejta? fue muy bueno. Es verdad la peublo de mexico estan la pueblo de dios. Creo esto.(The package was really good. It's true that Mexico is the Lord's land. This I know.) ***see Aaron, your choice land map convinced him!
So, I realized I never really told you all the nitty gritty day to day here. I only have enough time to kind of go through one day so know that I love you and am praying for all of you. And I intend to improve and pray for the things you need in your life. So the average day. Wake up and we have gym my companion hurt his pille so not much this week. Lots of games to play. Then we shower and have desayuno(breakfast). Then we generally have an hour of personal, companion and idioma study. I have lots of plans for each day but we divide up what we do into increments of ten, fifteen, twenty or thirty and accomplish a lot. I am running out of time so I think I will write a super specific letter about the nitty gritty. Then almuerzo (lunch) and then class con hermano warr, mas missionary directed time, generally to teach or study. Then cena (supper) then class, then plan for the next day. We lost our old two teachers (hermano heiner, fife and have two new ones warr and gille and they are awesome. No mas tiempo (no more time)I love you all and will send you a letter later this week. Thank you so so much for the package. Hasta ver (See you later)
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
On A Roll
I'm just whipping the letters out, no stopping me now! I loved the part about him being bossy. I'm totally with his compainion, its frustrating:) This letter is from August 28th.
This letter is mostly just for you guys this time. This week has been pretty awesome. Um...On Sunday we were walking into Sacrament and the Branch President and asked us to be Zone Leaders. Basically we spent the whole day in meetings and signed at a few Elders to get sent off to Chile. (P.S.-There are 9 missions in Chile now). Come Monday, an Hermana had a bloody nose becasue of some artery problem. She was taken to the hospital, and is delayed until this coming monday. so we got to keep pretty busy. My companion and I gave each other blessings at the end of the day to help us through our weeknesses . Mine being bossy, his getting frustrated. But since then things have been going upward. We keep on changing and trying to be more effective. IN class the following day we watched a talk by Jeffrey R Holland, he told us that missionaries are small a aposatles and went on from there. It was awesome. Our devotional that evening was by Richard G. Scott of the quorum of the twelve. abd he conferred on us the gift of tongues and invoked a protection on all of us. Next day we read a talk that I highly recommend to anyone, Ezra Taft Benson "Beware of Pride". After reading that I am pumped to change. My companion and I taught the eldres nuevos a study plan to practive for the new elders that will be coming in. A young man left home today so that was hard. There is just so much and I only have like a minute more. Yo se que la iglesia de jusecristo de los santos de los ultimos dias es verdadadera. Not a lot of time. I love all of you so much. Ask me lots of questions so I can answer anything and everthing you want to know. Be strong, be faithful, and be diligent. Ask yourself always what will god think. I love you, all no time. Elder Baria
This letter is mostly just for you guys this time. This week has been pretty awesome. Um...On Sunday we were walking into Sacrament and the Branch President and asked us to be Zone Leaders. Basically we spent the whole day in meetings and signed at a few Elders to get sent off to Chile. (P.S.-There are 9 missions in Chile now). Come Monday, an Hermana had a bloody nose becasue of some artery problem. She was taken to the hospital, and is delayed until this coming monday. so we got to keep pretty busy. My companion and I gave each other blessings at the end of the day to help us through our weeknesses . Mine being bossy, his getting frustrated. But since then things have been going upward. We keep on changing and trying to be more effective. IN class the following day we watched a talk by Jeffrey R Holland, he told us that missionaries are small a aposatles and went on from there. It was awesome. Our devotional that evening was by Richard G. Scott of the quorum of the twelve. abd he conferred on us the gift of tongues and invoked a protection on all of us. Next day we read a talk that I highly recommend to anyone, Ezra Taft Benson "Beware of Pride". After reading that I am pumped to change. My companion and I taught the eldres nuevos a study plan to practive for the new elders that will be coming in. A young man left home today so that was hard. There is just so much and I only have like a minute more. Yo se que la iglesia de jusecristo de los santos de los ultimos dias es verdadadera. Not a lot of time. I love all of you so much. Ask me lots of questions so I can answer anything and everthing you want to know. Be strong, be faithful, and be diligent. Ask yourself always what will god think. I love you, all no time. Elder Baria
Just To Me
This is a letter Ben sent to me via e-mail. We all thought it was funny when he mentioned the program my Dad got him because we all nagged him and tried to get him to use it. Oh well, guess hindsight is 20/20, right?
It is going great Michelle the C.C.M. is awesome. It will be even better when you get here. They are always refining the classes and programs. The teacher we have has kept pushing us past our limits. In are second week we were at were most people are at the final two weeks. Learning the language is awesome and the closeness we get to feel to the spirit is even better. Mom mentioned Abe's letter, I did not get a chance to read although he did tell me he was writing it. Would you send that to me. How is the blog and facebook management coming? Boring I would expect. If Mom hasn't already sent the package please throw in some nice hiar stuff (aka not gel). It is funny as my espanol gets better my ingles gets worse so if nothing really makes sense than I apolgize. Every single day we refine what we do, become more effective, and push ourselves. The days go by fast but we never stop learning. Since you love school so much you will love the MTC. I learned more about Spanish in three hours than I learned in two years of high school spanish. I do wish I would have studied Dad's program more that would have helped a lot. I asked this sister missionary in my zone why she decided to serve a mission. She told me about her patriarchal blessing, and how once she started dating and going to college it became much more difficult to make that decision to go. Truth be told I was thinking a lot about your mission this week. And I was planning on sending you some of my thoughts if you want. Some study ideas, and language plan ideas that will really, really help you prepare for a mission. I have a lot of different ideas. The most effective though neccesitates that mom and dad also get heavily involved. I'll send it in the mail this week. And would love your feed back. Sorry I havent written back yet, the first few weeks here are intense and even during P-Day I am still doing a thousand and one things. I love you Michelle.
It is going great Michelle the C.C.M. is awesome. It will be even better when you get here. They are always refining the classes and programs. The teacher we have has kept pushing us past our limits. In are second week we were at were most people are at the final two weeks. Learning the language is awesome and the closeness we get to feel to the spirit is even better. Mom mentioned Abe's letter, I did not get a chance to read although he did tell me he was writing it. Would you send that to me. How is the blog and facebook management coming? Boring I would expect. If Mom hasn't already sent the package please throw in some nice hiar stuff (aka not gel). It is funny as my espanol gets better my ingles gets worse so if nothing really makes sense than I apolgize. Every single day we refine what we do, become more effective, and push ourselves. The days go by fast but we never stop learning. Since you love school so much you will love the MTC. I learned more about Spanish in three hours than I learned in two years of high school spanish. I do wish I would have studied Dad's program more that would have helped a lot. I asked this sister missionary in my zone why she decided to serve a mission. She told me about her patriarchal blessing, and how once she started dating and going to college it became much more difficult to make that decision to go. Truth be told I was thinking a lot about your mission this week. And I was planning on sending you some of my thoughts if you want. Some study ideas, and language plan ideas that will really, really help you prepare for a mission. I have a lot of different ideas. The most effective though neccesitates that mom and dad also get heavily involved. I'll send it in the mail this week. And would love your feed back. Sorry I havent written back yet, the first few weeks here are intense and even during P-Day I am still doing a thousand and one things. I love you Michelle.
Another One Bites The Dust
Getting another letter posted and all on the same day! Crazy:) Anyway here is another letter from Ben recieved on August 16th.
Lo siento but en masse email is on the way. This thing starts counting down the moment you got on and I forgot my password when I hoped on. My companero y yo decided to speak only our language from here on out at the MTC and by far we speak more spanish than ingles. IN fact one of the days we counted our ingles words and I hit fifty or so and he hit a hundred or so. My companion is Elder Dustin Martin from Ogden Utah and was a football player at weber state. Awesome guy with an awesome spirit that always strengthens our companionship. Companionship inventories always strengthen our commitment to each other and the Lord. In our district I have two best friends Elder Bernsom and my companero. We all get along great. My companion and I will be teaching our last first lesson in ingles probably before tomorrow is over. We all write talks on every sunday becasue the branch president calls on whoever he wants to talk. Yeah we did see Abe, hugged and cried for awhile. But we all felt so peaceful about everything. We talked about it and the gospel is the whole reason we are here. We weren't mourning; we were at peace. Sis Clark was and is one of the most saintly women I have ever met. Some awesome things struck me this week. After a companionship inventory we talked about our strengths and weaknesses and we decided on what we have to do to be more effective people, and servants of the lord. I made really specific goals to be a better leader and senior companion and have and will convenant more with the Lord to do all in my power to be a better person. I love you all so much. I wish I could just share my journal with all of you instead of typing up random sporadic emails. I love all of you. Your thoughts and your prayers are an eternal strength to me. Without all of you My life woukld have been drastically different. Set goals and achieve them. Doubt not and fear not to do good. I love you, talk to you next week.
Lo siento but en masse email is on the way. This thing starts counting down the moment you got on and I forgot my password when I hoped on. My companero y yo decided to speak only our language from here on out at the MTC and by far we speak more spanish than ingles. IN fact one of the days we counted our ingles words and I hit fifty or so and he hit a hundred or so. My companion is Elder Dustin Martin from Ogden Utah and was a football player at weber state. Awesome guy with an awesome spirit that always strengthens our companionship. Companionship inventories always strengthen our commitment to each other and the Lord. In our district I have two best friends Elder Bernsom and my companero. We all get along great. My companion and I will be teaching our last first lesson in ingles probably before tomorrow is over. We all write talks on every sunday becasue the branch president calls on whoever he wants to talk. Yeah we did see Abe, hugged and cried for awhile. But we all felt so peaceful about everything. We talked about it and the gospel is the whole reason we are here. We weren't mourning; we were at peace. Sis Clark was and is one of the most saintly women I have ever met. Some awesome things struck me this week. After a companionship inventory we talked about our strengths and weaknesses and we decided on what we have to do to be more effective people, and servants of the lord. I made really specific goals to be a better leader and senior companion and have and will convenant more with the Lord to do all in my power to be a better person. I love you all so much. I wish I could just share my journal with all of you instead of typing up random sporadic emails. I love all of you. Your thoughts and your prayers are an eternal strength to me. Without all of you My life woukld have been drastically different. Set goals and achieve them. Doubt not and fear not to do good. I love you, talk to you next week.
Without further Ado...
So four months later I am finally posting Ben's 1st letter to us. This letter came on August 7th. Sorry for the delay, but I am going to load all of the letters til now. Enjoy!
Hola mi familia
Gracias por palabras
I apologize in advance for my hastily written email. Thirty minutes is hardly enough to get all thoughts I want to get out. I think I may have to write my email and then just type it in. So in short order for this week, Te MTC is awesome. First day was learning to pray and bear testimony en espanol. Yesterday I taught my first lesson in spanish and it was muy bueno. The spirit here is awesome and we never stop learning. Wake up, work out, eat, class, eat, class, eat, class, and sleep. Once a week we go to the training center and practice our lessons. Also once a week we go to the referrel center, apparently we are the ones that call the people to see if they got their book o f mormon. My companion actually talked to this sweet old lady and the missionaries will be by her place sometime this week. My companion is awesome and our personalities mesh really well, and last night we had our first inventory and it was such an awesome spiritual experience. Once a week we go to the temple and that is so awesome. P-Day is sweet and it is so awesome to be so fcused on what matters the most. My teacher's are Hermano Fife and Hermano Heiner. The both served in Argentina, and the both are so awesome. Especially Hermano Heiner. Hermano Heiner is an hombre de Dios. I actually made a list of people who are hombre de dios to me, to name a few, my father, my brother in law, Aaron, and Brother Clark; and Hermano Heiner makes that list after only one week. There are others but I sadly dont have time to thank you all for your wonderful influence on my life. Hermano Heiner told us a story from when he got back on from his mission. His brother asked him how he was readjusting to life back in the real world. All he said back was what are you talking about I am never going back. Met an Elder here who can speak five languages. Hermano Heiner told us a story from when he was at the MTC he decided that he would not speak ingles at all. And he didnt and it frustrated some people but he said that "frankemente" we are not here to make friends and goof off we are here to learn and grow and expand ourself. So far in my journal I havent missed a day. Some days are four pages long others only a half. The days all run together here what seems like weeks has only been days. I know that if you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself and focus all your energy and efforts on others than everything you hope to become will be taken care of. So a guy in our district once baked three hundred cookies for girls campp just to impress a girl. As my spanish has gotten better my ingles has gotten worse so I apologize for any faults in my email. I love all of you so much and mom I promise that my letters will get better when I have a little more time. All of you be strong love you so much. I can really feel the prayers of all of you.
love,
Elder Baria
Hola mi familia
Gracias por palabras
I apologize in advance for my hastily written email. Thirty minutes is hardly enough to get all thoughts I want to get out. I think I may have to write my email and then just type it in. So in short order for this week, Te MTC is awesome. First day was learning to pray and bear testimony en espanol. Yesterday I taught my first lesson in spanish and it was muy bueno. The spirit here is awesome and we never stop learning. Wake up, work out, eat, class, eat, class, eat, class, and sleep. Once a week we go to the training center and practice our lessons. Also once a week we go to the referrel center, apparently we are the ones that call the people to see if they got their book o f mormon. My companion actually talked to this sweet old lady and the missionaries will be by her place sometime this week. My companion is awesome and our personalities mesh really well, and last night we had our first inventory and it was such an awesome spiritual experience. Once a week we go to the temple and that is so awesome. P-Day is sweet and it is so awesome to be so fcused on what matters the most. My teacher's are Hermano Fife and Hermano Heiner. The both served in Argentina, and the both are so awesome. Especially Hermano Heiner. Hermano Heiner is an hombre de Dios. I actually made a list of people who are hombre de dios to me, to name a few, my father, my brother in law, Aaron, and Brother Clark; and Hermano Heiner makes that list after only one week. There are others but I sadly dont have time to thank you all for your wonderful influence on my life. Hermano Heiner told us a story from when he got back on from his mission. His brother asked him how he was readjusting to life back in the real world. All he said back was what are you talking about I am never going back. Met an Elder here who can speak five languages. Hermano Heiner told us a story from when he was at the MTC he decided that he would not speak ingles at all. And he didnt and it frustrated some people but he said that "frankemente" we are not here to make friends and goof off we are here to learn and grow and expand ourself. So far in my journal I havent missed a day. Some days are four pages long others only a half. The days all run together here what seems like weeks has only been days. I know that if you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself and focus all your energy and efforts on others than everything you hope to become will be taken care of. So a guy in our district once baked three hundred cookies for girls campp just to impress a girl. As my spanish has gotten better my ingles has gotten worse so I apologize for any faults in my email. I love all of you so much and mom I promise that my letters will get better when I have a little more time. All of you be strong love you so much. I can really feel the prayers of all of you.
love,
Elder Baria
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The Lowdown
Hey Everybody! As you know my brother Ben is currently serving a mission in the Mexico Tijuana Mission. He asked me to keep up a blog about his mission while he is gone. I will put on his letters, his farewell talk, pictures he sends us, other things, and some thoughts of my own (but mostly Ben's things). Already I'm am behind seeing as he is already a month into his mission, but I will try to keep up with the updates. He leaves the MTC on the 28th and he is really excited. I will post the past letters soon!
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