Yay a whole letter in Spanish! haha. I had the lucky privlege of getting to translate this. It takes a long time:) Although I did know some of it, thank goodness for www.spanishdict.com. Sorry if it is confusing!
Feliz Aniversario Madre y Padre (Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad). Estuve muy suave a escuchar a todos sus adventuras alla en Washington (It was very cool to here about all your adventures in Washington). Yo imprimi los asuntos do los discoursos para leerlos yo los voy a leer entre la semana (I printed them to read the through the week between my discorses work?). Espero que tengo teimpo a escribir algunas cartas mas (I hope I have time to write more letters), pero tengo algunas preguntas (but I have some questions). ok preincipalmente me puedes enviar la dirreccion de la Mision de Abe (can you send me Abe's mission address), y que paso con El Libro do Mormon para Elaine (and what happened with the Book of Mormon for Elaine)? Y que paso con el blog (and what happened to the blog), y quiero bajar de peso me puedes mandar una dieta (and I want to lose weight, can you send me a diet)?
Hmmm...cosas que necesito (things I need), tal vez un disco duro portable (maybe a portable hard disk), y mi companero qiere mas dulces [and my companion wants some more sweets] (regale la mitad al obispo [give half to the bishop] (abri el paquete en su casa [I opened the package at home])). Yo quiero galletas o un pastel de zonohorias (and I want some cookies or carrot cake). De hecho me puedes mandar Zatarans jambalaya [in fact, can you send Zatarans jambalaya] (qiero cocinar por los Elderes y tambien Chili [I want to cook some for the Elders, and chili too]) y tal vez una corbata de chaps (and prehaps a tie of ?). :) Si quieren (If you want).
Esta semana estuvo bien los elders en mi distrito bautizaron (This week I was named good elders in my district [i think]). Nosotros vamos a bautizar la proxima semana (We are going to baptize this week). Espero que puedo mandar un paquete este semana (I hope that I can send a package this week). Yo para que pueden ver mi primer ano aqui en la mision (So I can see my first year here at the mision). Necesito irme (I need to go), les amo mucho (I love you a lot).
Con amor (with love)
Elder Baria
Hechos 5;39, 6;10
Suer rapido esta semana perdon (el internet tardo mucho y casi nada paso :) )
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
August 9th, 2010
I love how much he says "sweet" or "pretty sweet" in his letters. And in how many letters those words appear. I like the experience he had with the new teachings. Personal revelation is a very powerful thing and I am very grateful for it.
Hello Mom, Dad, Kathryn, Jadyn, Jennifer, Rebecca, Aaron, Adelyn, Elizabeth, and Michelle!!!!
Happy Birthday Kathryn, Althea, and Becca (Cards are to be written today and sent this week)
Hey Mom, It has been an amazing week and I have a sweet story for you. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday I was in a new training program that all missionary leaders worldwide are receiving. We learned why there was a new program as well. In the MTC there is a training video called the district to help provide capacity to the missionaries. Church headquarters was about to make another and even picked the mission San Diego (across the border) to make it. The missionary department came to record new videos but after only a little time, they stopped everything and left. The crew told the missionary department that the missionaries don't know how to teach. The Prophet and the Twelve Apostles, with the missionary department, decided that the missionaries don't know how to teach. They spoke directly with the San Diego mission about what they were going to do. Then the missionary department came up with a way to help the Elders.
In every mission, all the leaders were called up and trained over eight district meeting lessons. The President trained us and had us do practices until we started doing everything better.
Lesson 1-The Doctrine of Christ, Lesson 2-The Role of the Holy Ghost in Conversion, Lesson 3-Revelation through Prayer, Lesson 4-Revelation through the Book of Mormon, Lesson 5-Revelation through Going to Church, Lesson 6 -Teach People, Not Lessons Lesson 7-We invite, they commit, we check up Lesson 8 - How to begin teaching.
The lessons are basically the why, then the what, then how, and where to begin. It is pretty sweet and I am pumped to improve. The idea is that every elder needs to understand his purpose to explain and guide people to guide themselves. Which is why the increased importance that they begin choosing to receive revelation. I have seen people keep their commitment and begin doing things that we did not even explain. We explained the power of prayer (with the renovated teaching) and invited them. When we checked up and they were now praying before every meal as well, something we never explained or told them before. They felt that they needed to do it. I have felt days when we have a lesson and begin describing a principle and just focused on the person rather than the lesson. Then we have felt completely guided by the spirit and the moment we follow that spirit, the people decided for themselves that they want to read, pray, go to church, and be baptized. It has been pretty sweet.
As for sending pictures, I think either one would be fine. So I have 95 dollars in my account. Okay I may need to withdraw but if not then it is better if it stays there. One other thing is that my companion has an external hard drive and puts all his pictures on that rather than printing them and deleting them (what I do) it sounds like a good idea but what do you think?
Dad, as for the convention, what will you be doing to contribute? What is the course of action you will take? Or what will you and the family do? This is one of my life goals dad that I want to share with you. I invite you to have a family council and discuss this and come up with plans, and to do something. Go, give it your all. And what has happened with your business plans, are you going to enter back into the private market?
I was thinking about what field I wanted to study after finishing up my mission. I was thinking about double majoring in International Business and in International Affairs. I would love to go into a business, although I have no ideas nor experience. I thought about politics the other day and thinking about how to be an ambassador. I’d have to know people higher up to let me in and I don't know anyone. I think I will study and get super metido in a party and then when I finish the university I will keep working in politics or a political office and try to begin a business or enter in with someone else and give it my all to be the best. What is your opinion?
I love you all,
Elder Baria
Hello Mom, Dad, Kathryn, Jadyn, Jennifer, Rebecca, Aaron, Adelyn, Elizabeth, and Michelle!!!!
Happy Birthday Kathryn, Althea, and Becca (Cards are to be written today and sent this week)
Hey Mom, It has been an amazing week and I have a sweet story for you. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday I was in a new training program that all missionary leaders worldwide are receiving. We learned why there was a new program as well. In the MTC there is a training video called the district to help provide capacity to the missionaries. Church headquarters was about to make another and even picked the mission San Diego (across the border) to make it. The missionary department came to record new videos but after only a little time, they stopped everything and left. The crew told the missionary department that the missionaries don't know how to teach. The Prophet and the Twelve Apostles, with the missionary department, decided that the missionaries don't know how to teach. They spoke directly with the San Diego mission about what they were going to do. Then the missionary department came up with a way to help the Elders.
In every mission, all the leaders were called up and trained over eight district meeting lessons. The President trained us and had us do practices until we started doing everything better.
Lesson 1-The Doctrine of Christ, Lesson 2-The Role of the Holy Ghost in Conversion, Lesson 3-Revelation through Prayer, Lesson 4-Revelation through the Book of Mormon, Lesson 5-Revelation through Going to Church, Lesson 6 -Teach People, Not Lessons Lesson 7-We invite, they commit, we check up Lesson 8 - How to begin teaching.
The lessons are basically the why, then the what, then how, and where to begin. It is pretty sweet and I am pumped to improve. The idea is that every elder needs to understand his purpose to explain and guide people to guide themselves. Which is why the increased importance that they begin choosing to receive revelation. I have seen people keep their commitment and begin doing things that we did not even explain. We explained the power of prayer (with the renovated teaching) and invited them. When we checked up and they were now praying before every meal as well, something we never explained or told them before. They felt that they needed to do it. I have felt days when we have a lesson and begin describing a principle and just focused on the person rather than the lesson. Then we have felt completely guided by the spirit and the moment we follow that spirit, the people decided for themselves that they want to read, pray, go to church, and be baptized. It has been pretty sweet.
As for sending pictures, I think either one would be fine. So I have 95 dollars in my account. Okay I may need to withdraw but if not then it is better if it stays there. One other thing is that my companion has an external hard drive and puts all his pictures on that rather than printing them and deleting them (what I do) it sounds like a good idea but what do you think?
Dad, as for the convention, what will you be doing to contribute? What is the course of action you will take? Or what will you and the family do? This is one of my life goals dad that I want to share with you. I invite you to have a family council and discuss this and come up with plans, and to do something. Go, give it your all. And what has happened with your business plans, are you going to enter back into the private market?
I was thinking about what field I wanted to study after finishing up my mission. I was thinking about double majoring in International Business and in International Affairs. I would love to go into a business, although I have no ideas nor experience. I thought about politics the other day and thinking about how to be an ambassador. I’d have to know people higher up to let me in and I don't know anyone. I think I will study and get super metido in a party and then when I finish the university I will keep working in politics or a political office and try to begin a business or enter in with someone else and give it my all to be the best. What is your opinion?
I love you all,
Elder Baria
July 26th, 2010
It's hard to believe that he has been gone a year (more now), although it wasn't official until the 29th, but this is close enough:) We miss him, but we are very pleased with his efforts and we are happy that he is happy. It's ironic because he always told me to write in my journal every night, and now we hear that he has been slacking while I have been writing every day for a month:) Well, practically everyday.
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so excited!!! It feels weird to have a year over already. Hey this week or next week I will be sending you all an album from my first year here in the mission field. I just hope you enjoy it. I remember my whole time as junior companion I wrote in my journal, when I became senior I maybe wrote weekly, but now I know I haven't written in my journal, even though I want to. I am going to improve that.
As for the Work here in Mexico, everyone in my district will baptize this week. Actually for the first time in my life, I will interview someone to see if they are prepared to make their first convenant with our Heavenly Father. That should be a pretty sweet expereince. This Wednesday the Seventy of Mexico came, Elder De Hoyos, and gave a sweet discourse to all the Elders in Tijuana. Then on Thursday all the Elders in Tijuana gave a training to all the youth of Baja California (they had their youth conference). Not this week but next week, all the elders in the mission will have a training session. For three days we will be trained from morning until 4:00 and I am pumped for that.
I love hearing that you are all enjoying your lives. That things are moving steadily on. Thank you for your prayers and advice. I love you all so much. We need to go. I have some sweet stories to tell, I'll write them down and send them your way.
Love,
Elder Baria
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so excited!!! It feels weird to have a year over already. Hey this week or next week I will be sending you all an album from my first year here in the mission field. I just hope you enjoy it. I remember my whole time as junior companion I wrote in my journal, when I became senior I maybe wrote weekly, but now I know I haven't written in my journal, even though I want to. I am going to improve that.
As for the Work here in Mexico, everyone in my district will baptize this week. Actually for the first time in my life, I will interview someone to see if they are prepared to make their first convenant with our Heavenly Father. That should be a pretty sweet expereince. This Wednesday the Seventy of Mexico came, Elder De Hoyos, and gave a sweet discourse to all the Elders in Tijuana. Then on Thursday all the Elders in Tijuana gave a training to all the youth of Baja California (they had their youth conference). Not this week but next week, all the elders in the mission will have a training session. For three days we will be trained from morning until 4:00 and I am pumped for that.
I love hearing that you are all enjoying your lives. That things are moving steadily on. Thank you for your prayers and advice. I love you all so much. We need to go. I have some sweet stories to tell, I'll write them down and send them your way.
Love,
Elder Baria
July 13th, 2010
This week he wrote a little something for each of us. I was lucky enough to have mine be in Spanish:) Just so you know I've only taken Spanish 1 and while I passed the class, this was beyond my level. I can't imagine how dark it was, not being able to see anything. Not being able to even create light. And then having light that was by itself, no sun. Crazy awesome stuff. The party from the interesting decade refers to my sister Becca's 80's themed 30th birthday.
Dad-As for the house specifically I couldn't really tell you. The street is called geranio and if look from above it should be the building in middle abajito de la escuela. The work has been going. We hit a few bumps but we will be having a baptism this weekend. His name is Arturo and we are working with him a lot. He is sweet and I will be sure to send pictures. I had a really sweet experience the other day, while my companion and I were talking I realized for the first time that we are completely equal and that we need to be friends and more than friends. Brothers. I set that as a goal for my realtionship with every Elder I know. I am pumped to improve and feel really different in my outlook and perspective on life.
Mom- I love hearing about all your crazy adventures to all parts of the world. You don't need to apologize if you couldn't get a letter to me. I am uploading a few pictures that I hope you will all like. We had our zone conference yesterday and the President spoke a lot about faith and how we need to pray and act, also on how we can find knowledge through faith. The sweet morsel of powerful doctrine that happens every conference was when the president explained the Light of Christ. If you want to read some sweet stuff study what Preach My Gospl says on the Light of Christ. When he read D and C 88 he explained how the light of Christ is in everything, the sun, the moon, the stars. And that it is no wonder that when Christ died the earth was darkened so much the even a fire could not be lit, and that when he was borne the earth was immersed in light so much so that the sun went down and the earth was still lit. Pretty sweet stuff.
Kathryn- I loved receiving your short but heart felt note, although brief hearing from you brought a great deal of joy to my heart. How was Independence Day Festival?
Jadyn-I loved the pictures you sent me, Could you send me a picture of your mom and you? Are you liking school?
Jennifer-I haven't heard from you in a while. I will be writing you a card so that you and I can keep up the constant contact. I will share some mission stories and if you are willing I would love responses with stories, and also with pictures.
Rebecca, Aaron, Adelyn- I need a picture of ya'll. Mom told me ya'll have a party planned of the most...interesting decade. Will you send some pictures with mullets afterwards? How is Adelyn doing? Does she like the Nursery? I received your cards and loved them and will be writing you all.
Elizabeth-How are things going in your life? Mom told me you got a sweet job, and have changed up houses. Can you send me your address? Will you be my penpal :) ? And how is...Jake doing (his name is Jake right)? I hope I didn't forget.
Michelle-Hola Michelle siempre tienes un amigo aqui in Mexico (you will always have a friend in Mexico), no te preculpes si todo tus amigos se van (even if all your friends are going [something along those lines, since my two best friends just moved]). Sabes que, todo de nosotros te amamos mucho (Know that we have mucho love for you). Queremos tu felcidad sobre todas de las cosas de este mundo (We want your happiness on all of the things of this world). Si quieres escuchar a la musica mexicana suave (que vas a gustar [you'll like]) busques un group que se llama Manna(If you want to listen to smoot Mexican Music, look for the group called Manna). They are sweet. Never stop pushing your limits Michelle, grow and break free of all the barriers you may put over yourself.
Love Ya'll Till Next Week Eternally,
Elder Baria
Dad-As for the house specifically I couldn't really tell you. The street is called geranio and if look from above it should be the building in middle abajito de la escuela. The work has been going. We hit a few bumps but we will be having a baptism this weekend. His name is Arturo and we are working with him a lot. He is sweet and I will be sure to send pictures. I had a really sweet experience the other day, while my companion and I were talking I realized for the first time that we are completely equal and that we need to be friends and more than friends. Brothers. I set that as a goal for my realtionship with every Elder I know. I am pumped to improve and feel really different in my outlook and perspective on life.
Mom- I love hearing about all your crazy adventures to all parts of the world. You don't need to apologize if you couldn't get a letter to me. I am uploading a few pictures that I hope you will all like. We had our zone conference yesterday and the President spoke a lot about faith and how we need to pray and act, also on how we can find knowledge through faith. The sweet morsel of powerful doctrine that happens every conference was when the president explained the Light of Christ. If you want to read some sweet stuff study what Preach My Gospl says on the Light of Christ. When he read D and C 88 he explained how the light of Christ is in everything, the sun, the moon, the stars. And that it is no wonder that when Christ died the earth was darkened so much the even a fire could not be lit, and that when he was borne the earth was immersed in light so much so that the sun went down and the earth was still lit. Pretty sweet stuff.
Kathryn- I loved receiving your short but heart felt note, although brief hearing from you brought a great deal of joy to my heart. How was Independence Day Festival?
Jadyn-I loved the pictures you sent me, Could you send me a picture of your mom and you? Are you liking school?
Jennifer-I haven't heard from you in a while. I will be writing you a card so that you and I can keep up the constant contact. I will share some mission stories and if you are willing I would love responses with stories, and also with pictures.
Rebecca, Aaron, Adelyn- I need a picture of ya'll. Mom told me ya'll have a party planned of the most...interesting decade. Will you send some pictures with mullets afterwards? How is Adelyn doing? Does she like the Nursery? I received your cards and loved them and will be writing you all.
Elizabeth-How are things going in your life? Mom told me you got a sweet job, and have changed up houses. Can you send me your address? Will you be my penpal :) ? And how is...Jake doing (his name is Jake right)? I hope I didn't forget.
Michelle-Hola Michelle siempre tienes un amigo aqui in Mexico (you will always have a friend in Mexico), no te preculpes si todo tus amigos se van (even if all your friends are going [something along those lines, since my two best friends just moved]). Sabes que, todo de nosotros te amamos mucho (Know that we have mucho love for you). Queremos tu felcidad sobre todas de las cosas de este mundo (We want your happiness on all of the things of this world). Si quieres escuchar a la musica mexicana suave (que vas a gustar [you'll like]) busques un group que se llama Manna(If you want to listen to smoot Mexican Music, look for the group called Manna). They are sweet. Never stop pushing your limits Michelle, grow and break free of all the barriers you may put over yourself.
Love Ya'll Till Next Week Eternally,
Elder Baria
July 5th, 2010
They seem to really like smores:) I've noticed that a lot of times, Ben has to make sure his investigators get married before they can get baptised. I wonder if he realizes that soccer jerseys are expensive...I'm pretty sure we haven't sent him any.
Happy Independence Day!
I loved your packages as did my companions, the shoes and garments were much needed, as well as the Independence Day Party we had in the house eating smores. I will be sure to send pictures, or actually I have almost finished up an album and think I will send it your way.
We had a baptism on Saturday his name is Cesar. We had a long story with him. The only thing he needed was to get married, but everytime we tried something came up. This happened seven times until final they were married. On Tuesday my leaders told us that there were free marriages in another city and that the judge knows the sister missionaries really well. We went and told Cesar's wife and she accepted the invitation. We called the judge and he told us that the last day of the free marriage program was Wednesday. He said bring them tomorrow and I can marry them. We went back and told Cesar's wife...she almost fainted (this is true), and she said she would get married tomorrow. We stopped by in the evening and invited Cesar to be married tomorrow. They said yes and Wednesday morning we skipped off to Tecate and they got married!!! And on Saturday he was baptized. He is a powerhouse. I will send pics of the civil marriage and the baptism with the album.
It has been a good week. Our conference with the President will be this next Monday and the Monday after the 19th there is a possibility of changes (lots of leaders will be going home, two of the assistants and the rest are ZL's). Oh, my comapnion wanted me to ask you all if you could send the official soccer jersey of the USA (two one for him and one for me). He gave me the one of Mexico, it is pretty sweet. I need to go play a game of boliche (bowling) stay safe all of you. I loved the pics and cards and will be writing soon. I love you all.
Lead On With All Your Heart,
Elder Baria
Happy Independence Day!
I loved your packages as did my companions, the shoes and garments were much needed, as well as the Independence Day Party we had in the house eating smores. I will be sure to send pictures, or actually I have almost finished up an album and think I will send it your way.
We had a baptism on Saturday his name is Cesar. We had a long story with him. The only thing he needed was to get married, but everytime we tried something came up. This happened seven times until final they were married. On Tuesday my leaders told us that there were free marriages in another city and that the judge knows the sister missionaries really well. We went and told Cesar's wife and she accepted the invitation. We called the judge and he told us that the last day of the free marriage program was Wednesday. He said bring them tomorrow and I can marry them. We went back and told Cesar's wife...she almost fainted (this is true), and she said she would get married tomorrow. We stopped by in the evening and invited Cesar to be married tomorrow. They said yes and Wednesday morning we skipped off to Tecate and they got married!!! And on Saturday he was baptized. He is a powerhouse. I will send pics of the civil marriage and the baptism with the album.
It has been a good week. Our conference with the President will be this next Monday and the Monday after the 19th there is a possibility of changes (lots of leaders will be going home, two of the assistants and the rest are ZL's). Oh, my comapnion wanted me to ask you all if you could send the official soccer jersey of the USA (two one for him and one for me). He gave me the one of Mexico, it is pretty sweet. I need to go play a game of boliche (bowling) stay safe all of you. I loved the pics and cards and will be writing soon. I love you all.
Lead On With All Your Heart,
Elder Baria
June 28th, 2010
The subject is a sweet song we heard when un Cristiano gave us a ride. He blasted this song and now it is all stuck in our heads wherever we go. But the truth is the song is pretty sweet. It would be a sweet blog song that almost no one will understand.
It was good to hear about all the spring cleaning that is going on there. As for your slew of questions, I did receive those sugar cookies and my companions and I ate them all in twenty minutes. They were fantastic. Our Mexican companions have never had smores, nor sugar cookies. The only thing left to show them would be fudge as it does not exist here in Mexico. Don't worry Mom, transfers will be on the 19th of July.
As for missionaries here in the mission, the mayoria serve here in Tijuana (there are seis stakes) and then there are two stakes in Mexicali and San Luis Rio Colorado and then one in Ensendad and then there are missionaries in a few other cities, in Rosarito, Tecate, San Quintin, San Felipe, Guerrero Negro and Viscaino. As for museums, I haven't seen too many, and as for the Cerro Colorado I am not sure if there is much of a story.
As for my wrestling shoes mom, I suppose you could donate them to Timberline (our high school) to use. As for goals, I have been working a lot on not being bossy, being humble and trying to be more down to earth and trying to be a friend to everyone. Apart from the personal plans I have set, for spiritual goals I want to memorize a scripture everyday. But what kind of goals do you all have?
As for Spanish, I still want to learn more. There are moments when I hit barriers on what to say. Speaking it is really natural, but reading always slows me down. As for something cool I have learned this week was a lot on Christlike attributes and how much listening helps resolve almost all the problems that we face here in life. I would love it if you would send Teaching No Greater Call. Also, please send a sunscreen with an SPF above thirty as my nose is really burnt. Could you also send the type of small three ring binder paper I need to do bosquejos (sketches). If you could send smores once more to celebrate the 4th of July with our companions that would be sweet. And lots of crazy exotic pictures of the U.S.A. would be sweet to celebrate, or at least from Washington. Apart from that...that church video called Small and Simple Things and the sweet Restoration video that is an hour and a half long that follows the story of Joseph Smith up to his martyrdom in Nauvoo. I think with all that I will not need anything for awhile.
The importance of Soccer in other countires has caused a slight down turn in the work. Every investigator and convert stayed home to watch Mexico go up against Argentina, one of the best teams in the world. I have truly come to love soccer living here in Mexico, but when it turns out that no one wants to listen to us to watch futbol instead, it is pretty sad. But my companion and I are pumped for the work. We are going to focus 100% on baptisimal dates this week. I would invite those that have served missions to get in connection once more with their converts. I am doing good and I think I will be asking my companion to be sending you all a letter. I love you. Stay safe and I will talk to you all next week,
I love you,
Elder Baria
P.S. I have one pair of shoes, the sole is worn out, the padding is gone, the leather is ripped and they smell terrible after almost one year and there is no where to fix them I would love a new pair. Ones that look sweet please. Love Ya'll!!!
It was good to hear about all the spring cleaning that is going on there. As for your slew of questions, I did receive those sugar cookies and my companions and I ate them all in twenty minutes. They were fantastic. Our Mexican companions have never had smores, nor sugar cookies. The only thing left to show them would be fudge as it does not exist here in Mexico. Don't worry Mom, transfers will be on the 19th of July.
As for missionaries here in the mission, the mayoria serve here in Tijuana (there are seis stakes) and then there are two stakes in Mexicali and San Luis Rio Colorado and then one in Ensendad and then there are missionaries in a few other cities, in Rosarito, Tecate, San Quintin, San Felipe, Guerrero Negro and Viscaino. As for museums, I haven't seen too many, and as for the Cerro Colorado I am not sure if there is much of a story.
As for my wrestling shoes mom, I suppose you could donate them to Timberline (our high school) to use. As for goals, I have been working a lot on not being bossy, being humble and trying to be more down to earth and trying to be a friend to everyone. Apart from the personal plans I have set, for spiritual goals I want to memorize a scripture everyday. But what kind of goals do you all have?
As for Spanish, I still want to learn more. There are moments when I hit barriers on what to say. Speaking it is really natural, but reading always slows me down. As for something cool I have learned this week was a lot on Christlike attributes and how much listening helps resolve almost all the problems that we face here in life. I would love it if you would send Teaching No Greater Call. Also, please send a sunscreen with an SPF above thirty as my nose is really burnt. Could you also send the type of small three ring binder paper I need to do bosquejos (sketches). If you could send smores once more to celebrate the 4th of July with our companions that would be sweet. And lots of crazy exotic pictures of the U.S.A. would be sweet to celebrate, or at least from Washington. Apart from that...that church video called Small and Simple Things and the sweet Restoration video that is an hour and a half long that follows the story of Joseph Smith up to his martyrdom in Nauvoo. I think with all that I will not need anything for awhile.
The importance of Soccer in other countires has caused a slight down turn in the work. Every investigator and convert stayed home to watch Mexico go up against Argentina, one of the best teams in the world. I have truly come to love soccer living here in Mexico, but when it turns out that no one wants to listen to us to watch futbol instead, it is pretty sad. But my companion and I are pumped for the work. We are going to focus 100% on baptisimal dates this week. I would invite those that have served missions to get in connection once more with their converts. I am doing good and I think I will be asking my companion to be sending you all a letter. I love you. Stay safe and I will talk to you all next week,
I love you,
Elder Baria
P.S. I have one pair of shoes, the sole is worn out, the padding is gone, the leather is ripped and they smell terrible after almost one year and there is no where to fix them I would love a new pair. Ones that look sweet please. Love Ya'll!!!
June 14th, 2010
Hey Hey!!!How are ya'll doing? The mission field is going great. My new companion is named Elder Navarro. He is from Veracruz and he is one of the best companions I have had yet in the mission. I am his second companion, same as my last companion. He is incredibly intelligent, and loves the street life (where he grew up). We both respect each other a lot and work really good together. He is commited and loves the church. I will send ya'll a picture sometime.
By the way, I received the package. The Bishop gave it to me on Sunday after church. If ya'll sent it on Wednesday then the packages get here incredbly fast. If ya'll are going to be sending another package this week, I really do need garments (MTall Tops, Mbottoms) and the camera card I sent ya'll with the videos, also I would love some more really sweet ties :) . Also, if ya'll could send the recipe for no bake cookies that would be sweet.
Hey Dad, your package will be sent this week I believe-Happy Father's Day! Also Dad, the camera is not accepting batteries now. I don't know what the problem is but I will keep trying-it just says it is dead everytime. As for things I am studying that changes day by day. It depends on the person as we study their needs. As other goals I am studying Preach My Gospel to pass the mission test we have, and studying the Book of Mormon and Jesus the Christ. I started the Bible but decided it is best saved for after I pass the PMG test. As for arriving home in the evening, we need to be in the house at nine o clock here in Tijuana, in other cities the time is different. Actually, because we have an investigator that gets home late, we asked special permission to stay out a little later and the presdient said it was okay so long as we have a ride. As for talking to the president-every card we write, or conference interviews, and besides those we call when we need him. Or sometimes, for example, when we want to leave our sectors to do something cool we can call (I have done that a few times- to go to Dairy Queen :) ) A few weeks ago I recieved permission to go to the mission home once for a table and white board and another time to drop off a bill with Hna Hayn.
As for converts, just send the cards to me and I will give them out. The ward I am in is about to divide (there are six Elderes) and we are trying to activate and baptize sufficient Priesthood so that it can divide again. Goal for month, Retain, Activate, and Baptize!!! Alright Love you all, stay safe- I'll write ya'll later.
Animo
Love Eternally,
Elder Baria
By the way, I received the package. The Bishop gave it to me on Sunday after church. If ya'll sent it on Wednesday then the packages get here incredbly fast. If ya'll are going to be sending another package this week, I really do need garments (MTall Tops, Mbottoms) and the camera card I sent ya'll with the videos, also I would love some more really sweet ties :) . Also, if ya'll could send the recipe for no bake cookies that would be sweet.
Hey Dad, your package will be sent this week I believe-Happy Father's Day! Also Dad, the camera is not accepting batteries now. I don't know what the problem is but I will keep trying-it just says it is dead everytime. As for things I am studying that changes day by day. It depends on the person as we study their needs. As other goals I am studying Preach My Gospel to pass the mission test we have, and studying the Book of Mormon and Jesus the Christ. I started the Bible but decided it is best saved for after I pass the PMG test. As for arriving home in the evening, we need to be in the house at nine o clock here in Tijuana, in other cities the time is different. Actually, because we have an investigator that gets home late, we asked special permission to stay out a little later and the presdient said it was okay so long as we have a ride. As for talking to the president-every card we write, or conference interviews, and besides those we call when we need him. Or sometimes, for example, when we want to leave our sectors to do something cool we can call (I have done that a few times- to go to Dairy Queen :) ) A few weeks ago I recieved permission to go to the mission home once for a table and white board and another time to drop off a bill with Hna Hayn.
As for converts, just send the cards to me and I will give them out. The ward I am in is about to divide (there are six Elderes) and we are trying to activate and baptize sufficient Priesthood so that it can divide again. Goal for month, Retain, Activate, and Baptize!!! Alright Love you all, stay safe- I'll write ya'll later.
Animo
Love Eternally,
Elder Baria
June 7th, 2010
My dad really wanted a map of Ben's area so that he could see where Ben lives. By the way, Tide spot pens are awesome! Just so you all know, we always ask him questions so we aren't quite sure why he asked us to send questions. Either he doesn't read very closely, or he doesn't like the questions we ask!
Thinking the fifth was this week Dad, I missed the chance to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! I will be sending you a package and hope it will arrive by Father's Day. It is to celebrate both. Let me know if there is anything that you would like from here in Mexico. I will find you a map Dad. Please in every letter you write Dad, send me a sweet mission story that I can print off and read later.
As for this week, we baptized a family of four only and the father will be baptized in two weeks. The family is really content with the decision that they have made. And they love everything that the church as the Lord really prepared them. Can you ask Liz a favor? We baptized a 20 year old young women. Could you ask Liz if she would be willing to write her? And can you ask everyone to write me or send me an email?
My companion was transferred. In a really weird change all the menores were changed out of the district, and new juniors arrived. Actually, one of the elders from my generation is now in my district. We enjoyed a lot of fun things today. I will send more info as time goes by. I loved heaing of the New York trip. Please keep me informed and up to date on the lives of everyone. I have been praying for you. Your package will be on its way soon and speaking of packages....
When you send the package put the name as this:
Elder Baria/Helaman Pena P.O. Box 2414Chula Vista, California 91912
I would love A tide spot pen, another album, Manila envelopes to send pakages home, and ties, Geoffrey Beene, george, Perry Ellis, Pierre Cardin, etc. (or whatever looks good, muchos por favor), please send skittles (another elder wants them), garments if you can and socks. Thank you so much. I love all of you.
Hey, I have an idea, at the end of your letters send a list of questions. I will print them off and send them in the next week's letter so that way I am telling you what it is that you all want to hear. I love you all. Till next week stay safe. I love you. Follow your heart and your dreams always.
Love Elder Baria
Thinking the fifth was this week Dad, I missed the chance to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! I will be sending you a package and hope it will arrive by Father's Day. It is to celebrate both. Let me know if there is anything that you would like from here in Mexico. I will find you a map Dad. Please in every letter you write Dad, send me a sweet mission story that I can print off and read later.
As for this week, we baptized a family of four only and the father will be baptized in two weeks. The family is really content with the decision that they have made. And they love everything that the church as the Lord really prepared them. Can you ask Liz a favor? We baptized a 20 year old young women. Could you ask Liz if she would be willing to write her? And can you ask everyone to write me or send me an email?
My companion was transferred. In a really weird change all the menores were changed out of the district, and new juniors arrived. Actually, one of the elders from my generation is now in my district. We enjoyed a lot of fun things today. I will send more info as time goes by. I loved heaing of the New York trip. Please keep me informed and up to date on the lives of everyone. I have been praying for you. Your package will be on its way soon and speaking of packages....
When you send the package put the name as this:
Elder Baria/Helaman Pena P.O. Box 2414Chula Vista, California 91912
I would love A tide spot pen, another album, Manila envelopes to send pakages home, and ties, Geoffrey Beene, george, Perry Ellis, Pierre Cardin, etc. (or whatever looks good, muchos por favor), please send skittles (another elder wants them), garments if you can and socks. Thank you so much. I love all of you.
Hey, I have an idea, at the end of your letters send a list of questions. I will print them off and send them in the next week's letter so that way I am telling you what it is that you all want to hear. I love you all. Till next week stay safe. I love you. Follow your heart and your dreams always.
Love Elder Baria
May 31st, 2010
I love the shout out to Princess Bride:) Again, I wonder what his companion thinks of Ben. It is weird to think he has been gone 10 months. The time is just flowing by. That address is still good if you want to send him something. I case you are wondering (after you read), my mom and I went to New York City on Memorial Day weekend because I had the oppurtunity, along with my high school choirs, to preform in Carnegie Hall conducted my John Rutter. It was the most amazing thing ever!
Hello, Dearly Beloved (The Mission is What Brings us Together Today),
I am pumped and excited for the coming week. We have a family all set to be baptized next week and they love the church. Our work with recent converts has been good. We have put them to work helping us bring people to church and encouraging them to serve missions and recieve blessings and go to the temlpe, receive the Priesthood, etc.
My companion and I get along great. We are incredibly unifed and he has grown more in my eyes in these past few days then since the beginning of our change. He has learned how to teach a lot better and ask questions, but he still needs to grow. If you have any advice please send it my way. I am ready and willing to improve. I have set some goals on studying more, on diligence, humility, faith, true prayers, and righteousness. I read my patriarchal blessing and I need to study those topics, to become the man the Lord needs me to be and recieve the blessings he wants to give me.
Actually, I wanted to ask ya'lls help. If you could send sweet quotes on those topics those would be great or as a family home evening if you could study those topics and in FHE talk about it, make a summary and then send it to me in the next email that would be a sweet idea epecially to hear how the gospel is affecting you all individually. I promise you if you do this you will receive revaltion and help your dearly beloved son and brother here in Mexico learn and grow as well and help him come back super sweet. :)
It is weird to think that I have been in Mexico 10 months now. It is sweet here. There should be changes next week and I will let you know what happens. As for things I want---SUGAR COOKIES. Please send the package. The bishop in this ward has a PO box that the elders and members use, for example if you send something today it will get to him and me on Thursday. The P.O. Box is: P.O. Box 2414 Chula Vista, CA 91912
For the fourth of july please send bobones, chocolate, y graham crackers. :)
But how are the business plans dad? Mom and Michelle, how's New York? Kathryn how's your letter to me coming along? (Subtle Ben, really subtle) How's work? Jadyn, how is soccer? Jenn, how is work, school, your mini cooper? Becca, Aaron and Adelyn, how are ya'll doing? I really would love bilingual letters, :) Liz how are you and your boyfriend? Pictures? How is Denton? Cooper?
I love you all but I've got to go, till next week.
With All the Love My Heart is Capable of offering,
Elder Baria
Hello, Dearly Beloved (The Mission is What Brings us Together Today),
I am pumped and excited for the coming week. We have a family all set to be baptized next week and they love the church. Our work with recent converts has been good. We have put them to work helping us bring people to church and encouraging them to serve missions and recieve blessings and go to the temlpe, receive the Priesthood, etc.
My companion and I get along great. We are incredibly unifed and he has grown more in my eyes in these past few days then since the beginning of our change. He has learned how to teach a lot better and ask questions, but he still needs to grow. If you have any advice please send it my way. I am ready and willing to improve. I have set some goals on studying more, on diligence, humility, faith, true prayers, and righteousness. I read my patriarchal blessing and I need to study those topics, to become the man the Lord needs me to be and recieve the blessings he wants to give me.
Actually, I wanted to ask ya'lls help. If you could send sweet quotes on those topics those would be great or as a family home evening if you could study those topics and in FHE talk about it, make a summary and then send it to me in the next email that would be a sweet idea epecially to hear how the gospel is affecting you all individually. I promise you if you do this you will receive revaltion and help your dearly beloved son and brother here in Mexico learn and grow as well and help him come back super sweet. :)
It is weird to think that I have been in Mexico 10 months now. It is sweet here. There should be changes next week and I will let you know what happens. As for things I want---SUGAR COOKIES. Please send the package. The bishop in this ward has a PO box that the elders and members use, for example if you send something today it will get to him and me on Thursday. The P.O. Box is: P.O. Box 2414 Chula Vista, CA 91912
For the fourth of july please send bobones, chocolate, y graham crackers. :)
But how are the business plans dad? Mom and Michelle, how's New York? Kathryn how's your letter to me coming along? (Subtle Ben, really subtle) How's work? Jadyn, how is soccer? Jenn, how is work, school, your mini cooper? Becca, Aaron and Adelyn, how are ya'll doing? I really would love bilingual letters, :) Liz how are you and your boyfriend? Pictures? How is Denton? Cooper?
I love you all but I've got to go, till next week.
With All the Love My Heart is Capable of offering,
Elder Baria
May 17th, 2010
So normally the e-mails posted on here are in response to my mom's e-mails, but on this day Ben e-mailed earlier than normal and she hadn't e-mailed him yet. I'm not sure what buisness venture, but Dad I agree with Ben, go for it! Good luck retiring at 35! Haha no, I think he could do it. As you can see Ben is pretty ambitious, but I am confident in his abilities. The suprise was videos of him giving advice if I remember correctly.
Alright mom has not sent me a letter yet so I will be writing you Dad. In weekly planning we have an inventory, but I like to fix problems when they happen so generally in daily planning if there is a problem we talk if not then no. I love hasling out lingering problems when we shed off our faults and weaknesses in the past then we truly begin to find a lasting joy in our lives. (Dad must have asked him how he was getting along with his new companion.) As for P Day activities I am planning on doing a few things. I want to hike a huge hill, also I want to go to the cultural center and see an imax pic about Mexico (we are allowed to see cultural videos like this).
As for your business ventures, you have my support in any decision you make. As for my opinion, do what you want to do. If you don't you will have regret. If you want to do it tell the Lord you'll do it and ask for his help. If all the channels are open for success to flourish and you have sure buyers, go for it. Y Echele ganas (something about strong desire). I can only share with you my plan. Finish, go to school, get married, Finish school, have my own business for ten years or so, I want to work hard so that I can retire at 35, then I want to be an ambassador and live in other places, etc. Then retire, become a professor, then after that who knows, teacher, local government, another business.
The ward is great. The members give a lot of references and generally the missionaries here baptize between 4 and ten a month. It is an amazing sector. We have two baptisms scheduled for this week, Kevin 16- this Thursday and Karla 20-this Saturday. I'll let you know more about them. If you could have Liz write a card to Karla that would be awesome. If you could write cards to my converts that would be sweet as well as my companion in the package you want to send.
And I did sent the package you should get it this week. It has a fun little suprise on the card. Some are for my friends if you could put them on disks and give them to them that would be sweet. Please send a spanish version of the song Be Still My Soul. Also more Post Cards of Washington. And Calcetines (socks). And ties. and the newsletter. Just send me whatever you want. I love getting random things. Ask everyone to send me a card please. But Most Important of All HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!! Your suprise is in the mail. I hope you get it and enjoy. I love you Dad, Follow you heart. Keep everyone safe.
Love ya'll
Love,Elder Baria
Alright mom has not sent me a letter yet so I will be writing you Dad. In weekly planning we have an inventory, but I like to fix problems when they happen so generally in daily planning if there is a problem we talk if not then no. I love hasling out lingering problems when we shed off our faults and weaknesses in the past then we truly begin to find a lasting joy in our lives. (Dad must have asked him how he was getting along with his new companion.) As for P Day activities I am planning on doing a few things. I want to hike a huge hill, also I want to go to the cultural center and see an imax pic about Mexico (we are allowed to see cultural videos like this).
As for your business ventures, you have my support in any decision you make. As for my opinion, do what you want to do. If you don't you will have regret. If you want to do it tell the Lord you'll do it and ask for his help. If all the channels are open for success to flourish and you have sure buyers, go for it. Y Echele ganas (something about strong desire). I can only share with you my plan. Finish, go to school, get married, Finish school, have my own business for ten years or so, I want to work hard so that I can retire at 35, then I want to be an ambassador and live in other places, etc. Then retire, become a professor, then after that who knows, teacher, local government, another business.
The ward is great. The members give a lot of references and generally the missionaries here baptize between 4 and ten a month. It is an amazing sector. We have two baptisms scheduled for this week, Kevin 16- this Thursday and Karla 20-this Saturday. I'll let you know more about them. If you could have Liz write a card to Karla that would be awesome. If you could write cards to my converts that would be sweet as well as my companion in the package you want to send.
And I did sent the package you should get it this week. It has a fun little suprise on the card. Some are for my friends if you could put them on disks and give them to them that would be sweet. Please send a spanish version of the song Be Still My Soul. Also more Post Cards of Washington. And Calcetines (socks). And ties. and the newsletter. Just send me whatever you want. I love getting random things. Ask everyone to send me a card please. But Most Important of All HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!! Your suprise is in the mail. I hope you get it and enjoy. I love you Dad, Follow you heart. Keep everyone safe.
Love ya'll
Love,Elder Baria
May 3rd, 2010
I don't remember him sending a picture of Bianca, but maybe he did. I wonder why she reminds him of me. I am a slacker (who also lacks contact with Elaine in my defense) who has not given Elaine the Book of Mormon. Elaine if you are reading this, my brother has something that he really wants me to give you:) We were all really excited to get to talk to him!
First Baptism as Senior Companion! Bianca is now a proud and happy member of the church. I will send a picture she is a young joven of 16 anos and reminds me a lot of Michelle. Michelle please give Elaine the Book of Mormon.
Okay, now for the best part, the call home next week. Okay the mission sent us the letter this week instead of last week. So it will be a little interesting this time around. You all will call me from the house in Lacey Sunday in the evening, at about 7:00 ( or maybe a little earlier), or on Monday at seven if that cannot work. The only problem is that I don't have the number of the hermana (Sister) with me. Her name is Karina. I am going to give Mom and Dad's email to her. She will send you an email with her number, the hora, so that everything can work out really good. Entones on Sunday I will talk to you all over the phone, so everyone please skip down to Lacey!!!
Okay now for a terrible story of the week, I got sick from mole (thick, cooked chilli sauce) and was terribly sick. Temperature (more symptoms that I feel don't need to be said), but now...I feel great!!!! Estoy bien pilas a hora (something along the lines of he is fine at this time). This will be brief as in six days I will talk to you. Be safe. It is good to hear that everyone is in good health and that you are enjoying your iPod dad. Stay true and be faithful till Sunday!!!!!!!!
Elder Benjamin Baria
First Baptism as Senior Companion! Bianca is now a proud and happy member of the church. I will send a picture she is a young joven of 16 anos and reminds me a lot of Michelle. Michelle please give Elaine the Book of Mormon.
Okay, now for the best part, the call home next week. Okay the mission sent us the letter this week instead of last week. So it will be a little interesting this time around. You all will call me from the house in Lacey Sunday in the evening, at about 7:00 ( or maybe a little earlier), or on Monday at seven if that cannot work. The only problem is that I don't have the number of the hermana (Sister) with me. Her name is Karina. I am going to give Mom and Dad's email to her. She will send you an email with her number, the hora, so that everything can work out really good. Entones on Sunday I will talk to you all over the phone, so everyone please skip down to Lacey!!!
Okay now for a terrible story of the week, I got sick from mole (thick, cooked chilli sauce) and was terribly sick. Temperature (more symptoms that I feel don't need to be said), but now...I feel great!!!! Estoy bien pilas a hora (something along the lines of he is fine at this time). This will be brief as in six days I will talk to you. Be safe. It is good to hear that everyone is in good health and that you are enjoying your iPod dad. Stay true and be faithful till Sunday!!!!!!!!
Elder Benjamin Baria
April 26th, 2010
At this point he had been out about 9 monthsand I've never been on a mission so I don't know the time it usually takes to become a Senior Companion, but I thought it was cool:) Although his companion is barely younger than him and has been out only 6 months longer, he is still a "kid" which makes me laugh. Our niece Jadyn had just started soccer around this time, and our niece Adelyn had made it a habit to say amen whenever she was ready for the prayer to be over:)
I have just become Senior Companion. I have moved from Postal and am nowi n a sector of Tijuana called Los Pinos. It is strange how fast the time is flowing by. My new companion's name is Elder Alvarado and he has 3 months in the mission. I am his second companion. He is still a kid but he is pretty excited.
Postal was an incredible experience for me. Last week we had a baptism of 5 personas. Fernando a nini escrit does not count for nosotros (us). But Maria, Alejandra, Alberto and por fin Ester were baptized on Friday and confirmed on Sunday. I will be sending a package with a picture and a description. I am pumped to serve as Senior Companion. If you could all send me a little advice I would love it. We will see how this first week goes.
As for the mother's day call. Next week I will send you a number and an hour that you need to call here in Mexico. Tell Jadyn that I'll send her a picture of me playing soccer. Tell her I have faith in her. As for Adelyn, one of my converts Carmen has a little girl who would say amen all through church and even lessons.
I don't know how many members there are in Tijuana, thousands maybe. As for yearly baptisms I also do not know...hundreds maybe thousands. Next month the mission has a goal of 300 baptisms. Tell Dad I love him and to take care of himself. Be Bold. Doubt Not, Fear Not. But as for now I have to go, it is transfer Monday and there is always a lot to do. I love you Mom, Dad, Kathryn, Jadyn, Jenn, Becca, Aaron, Adelyn, Elizabeth and Michelle. Cuidense.
Till Next Week,
Elder Baria
I have just become Senior Companion. I have moved from Postal and am nowi n a sector of Tijuana called Los Pinos. It is strange how fast the time is flowing by. My new companion's name is Elder Alvarado and he has 3 months in the mission. I am his second companion. He is still a kid but he is pretty excited.
Postal was an incredible experience for me. Last week we had a baptism of 5 personas. Fernando a nini escrit does not count for nosotros (us). But Maria, Alejandra, Alberto and por fin Ester were baptized on Friday and confirmed on Sunday. I will be sending a package with a picture and a description. I am pumped to serve as Senior Companion. If you could all send me a little advice I would love it. We will see how this first week goes.
As for the mother's day call. Next week I will send you a number and an hour that you need to call here in Mexico. Tell Jadyn that I'll send her a picture of me playing soccer. Tell her I have faith in her. As for Adelyn, one of my converts Carmen has a little girl who would say amen all through church and even lessons.
I don't know how many members there are in Tijuana, thousands maybe. As for yearly baptisms I also do not know...hundreds maybe thousands. Next month the mission has a goal of 300 baptisms. Tell Dad I love him and to take care of himself. Be Bold. Doubt Not, Fear Not. But as for now I have to go, it is transfer Monday and there is always a lot to do. I love you Mom, Dad, Kathryn, Jadyn, Jenn, Becca, Aaron, Adelyn, Elizabeth and Michelle. Cuidense.
Till Next Week,
Elder Baria
April 19th, 2010
I think it's funny he requested no chocolates next time since he is the one who always requests the sweets! At the time he sent this the blog was not going so good, but I am on my way now! I tried to log on to Facebook, but I tried both e-mails and both passwords and they did not work. Maybe it was user error though because it looks like someone managed to get on:) The puzzle he is talking about was actually kind of cool. Not sure when you'll became a word, but oh well.
Our two recent convert men received the Priesthood this week and last week. Alejandro's wife and daughter are going to be baptized this Friday at 7:00 along with Ester. The Mama of Yndra and Frida who will finally be baptized por fin!!! I am super pumped. When Alejandro received the priesthood I felt a huge confirmation of the power it will be in his life.
I received your package!!! Thank you so much!! So far I think I have received a package from you all at least every six weeks. It really means a lot to me when you all send those packages. But also remember I want to loose weight so maybe no chocolates next time. :)
How is the blog going? Michelle my facebook is benjaminbaria@gmail.com or yahoo.com, and the password ********** or **********, can you a log on and accept all friend requests and two put as the subtitle ASK MY LITTLE SISTER OUT ON DATES. :) It is good to hear of your crazy driving experiences. I loved your story. Good to here that Jake is a good man. Did you deliver that Book of Mormon to Elaine? Are you all going to go to the temple open house in Vancouver? Please send MOTAB. Can you send me the Spanish version of the plan of salvation puzzle from ldspuzzles.com (another companion gave me the address). I will be sending you all a letter and a package and will be taking out a hundred bucks from my account for something special this week. I will send you'll (?) the story of the baptism. But as for now I am out of time.
I love you all so much. Liz send me a picture of you and Jake. Thank you Becca and Jadyn for the card, and Michelle for the Email. Keep moving forward Jenn and Dad. Kathryn, I haven't heard from you since I started the mission, what is going on in your life? Liz I sent you a card. Jennifer I need a killer tie and a newsletter. Be strong, be safe, be diligent.
With the Eternal Love of My Heart
Elder Benjamin Baria
Our two recent convert men received the Priesthood this week and last week. Alejandro's wife and daughter are going to be baptized this Friday at 7:00 along with Ester. The Mama of Yndra and Frida who will finally be baptized por fin!!! I am super pumped. When Alejandro received the priesthood I felt a huge confirmation of the power it will be in his life.
I received your package!!! Thank you so much!! So far I think I have received a package from you all at least every six weeks. It really means a lot to me when you all send those packages. But also remember I want to loose weight so maybe no chocolates next time. :)
How is the blog going? Michelle my facebook is benjaminbaria@gmail.com or yahoo.com, and the password ********** or **********, can you a log on and accept all friend requests and two put as the subtitle ASK MY LITTLE SISTER OUT ON DATES. :) It is good to hear of your crazy driving experiences. I loved your story. Good to here that Jake is a good man. Did you deliver that Book of Mormon to Elaine? Are you all going to go to the temple open house in Vancouver? Please send MOTAB. Can you send me the Spanish version of the plan of salvation puzzle from ldspuzzles.com (another companion gave me the address). I will be sending you all a letter and a package and will be taking out a hundred bucks from my account for something special this week. I will send you'll (?) the story of the baptism. But as for now I am out of time.
I love you all so much. Liz send me a picture of you and Jake. Thank you Becca and Jadyn for the card, and Michelle for the Email. Keep moving forward Jenn and Dad. Kathryn, I haven't heard from you since I started the mission, what is going on in your life? Liz I sent you a card. Jennifer I need a killer tie and a newsletter. Be strong, be safe, be diligent.
With the Eternal Love of My Heart
Elder Benjamin Baria
April 12th, 2010
I've decided that one of my favorite things about his letters is his spelling mistakes, because it makes it more fun to try and translate haha. I love that he thinks a baptism is a surprise. It's not like in his last e-mail he said they had a baptism every week:)
Ok for a small change in the scheme of things. How are you doing dad? Life here in Mexico has been progressing along nicely. I am more and more used to the comings and goings of life here. In face I have a surprise:
Luis Alberto Morales Diaz was baptized on the Ninth of April 2010, and confirmed the Eleventh of April. From the beginning, he told us that he wanted to be baptized. We taught and interviewed him. He went to every session of conference and has friends in the ward. Actually, Luis was a reference from the High Priest Group Leader. Luis had been living in a free union up until the time when we started teaching him. He has no barriers and accepts the gospel completely and knows it’s true. He is reading the Book of Mormon and praying daily. We will be having a Noche de Hogar (FHE) today to show how to have one, together with our recent convert Alejandro and his family in the home of one of the members here.
As for other events here in Mexico, the earthquake has had very few after shocks. It has been very calm. I have begun to realize in these past few days the limits of my language ability. I can talk, teach and preach with almost no problem in the language. But I have a barrier, I don't know how to say some things that I want to say, about likes and interest, etc. I am going to push my self harder and harder to study. Actually, Elder Buchanan has a dictionary picture book that has ambos idomas (both languages) so I’m going to work on learning more of those. We have a zone conference this Wednesday in the estaca independencia (independence stake).
I haven't had any problems with the food since I got here, but I have been sick a few times. I can pretty assuredly say that I have never walked more in my entire life than here in Mexico. My companion and I climbed a hill running the other day to cut a little time off the clock, (it felt like a mountain.) After that I was on bien pilas (low batteries?) for the whole day. Oh, and by the way did you get my crazy travel letter? What do you think?
Got to go. Please express my love to everyone, Let me know how I can improve and be a better brother and son. Know dad, that I haven't stopped praying for you since the day mom told me of your heart troubles. You and Mom are the most important people in my life, together with my sisters. If something happens please tell me, I love you all. Cuidense (take care of yourselves).
Your Eternal Son,
Elder Baria
Ok for a small change in the scheme of things. How are you doing dad? Life here in Mexico has been progressing along nicely. I am more and more used to the comings and goings of life here. In face I have a surprise:
Luis Alberto Morales Diaz was baptized on the Ninth of April 2010, and confirmed the Eleventh of April. From the beginning, he told us that he wanted to be baptized. We taught and interviewed him. He went to every session of conference and has friends in the ward. Actually, Luis was a reference from the High Priest Group Leader. Luis had been living in a free union up until the time when we started teaching him. He has no barriers and accepts the gospel completely and knows it’s true. He is reading the Book of Mormon and praying daily. We will be having a Noche de Hogar (FHE) today to show how to have one, together with our recent convert Alejandro and his family in the home of one of the members here.
As for other events here in Mexico, the earthquake has had very few after shocks. It has been very calm. I have begun to realize in these past few days the limits of my language ability. I can talk, teach and preach with almost no problem in the language. But I have a barrier, I don't know how to say some things that I want to say, about likes and interest, etc. I am going to push my self harder and harder to study. Actually, Elder Buchanan has a dictionary picture book that has ambos idomas (both languages) so I’m going to work on learning more of those. We have a zone conference this Wednesday in the estaca independencia (independence stake).
I haven't had any problems with the food since I got here, but I have been sick a few times. I can pretty assuredly say that I have never walked more in my entire life than here in Mexico. My companion and I climbed a hill running the other day to cut a little time off the clock, (it felt like a mountain.) After that I was on bien pilas (low batteries?) for the whole day. Oh, and by the way did you get my crazy travel letter? What do you think?
Got to go. Please express my love to everyone, Let me know how I can improve and be a better brother and son. Know dad, that I haven't stopped praying for you since the day mom told me of your heart troubles. You and Mom are the most important people in my life, together with my sisters. If something happens please tell me, I love you all. Cuidense (take care of yourselves).
Your Eternal Son,
Elder Baria
April 5th, 2010
Aaron is our brother-in-law and he turned 33 on the 6th. Our grandpa and I have the same birthday 70 years apart so he celebrated his 86th birthday and I celebrated my Sweet Sixteen!!
It sounds like he is doing well on the baptism front.
Regarding the P.S: I was worried I wouldn't pass my drivers test, but I did:) At this time both my dad and my sister Jenn were recovering from some bad health, but they are both doing better now. He wants another niece from our sister and brother-in-law and they both served their missions in forgien places speaking forgien languages. Liz, our sister, started dating Jake at around this time.
Happy Birthday Aaron, Michelle, and Grandpa.
Yes We felt the earthquake here. Here in Tijuana nothing really happened. For us it was 30 seconds of movement, and we went right back to work. But in better news...this week we had a baptism. Alejandro Rubio Medina (36 anos [years]) was baptized last Friday. He has been going to church for awhile, but just needed a little push to finally be baptized. He was baptized,and confirmed and on Saturday went to conference in the morning.
In a really touching way after we left the waters and changed our clothes, Alejandro and I said a prayer and I was really touched by his sincerity and the new life and spirit he had. His wife was very impressed as well and we will set a date with her this week. We have a baptisimal service planned this Friday for Luis Alberto. An almost golden investigator. The first day we met him we gave service, second day he went with the Elders Quorum Presidency to the stake for a junta (committee) and when we visited him later on that day he said he wanted to be baptized. We are teaching and preparing him and we are really excited for him. The work is progressing along nicely. Right now we have baptisms planned for every week of this month.
With All the Love of My Heart,
Be Safe and Always GrowElder Benjamin Baria
Sidenotes- I do not have the shaver number as I just barely read the emails. I can have it next week or I can look for the blades here and you can mail the package. Also I like your idea Dad, please send the ties and also know that ties are always a welcome item in every package. :) P.S. I would love Tim Tams and Dulces. And something that I can send for the birthdays.
PS Don't worry Michelle you'll pass. Jenn and Dad Salud, Mom I will eternally love your letters, Rebecca and Aaron I want another sobrina (niece) before I come home and some cards in different languages, Jadyn, Adelyn Grow and Learn, and Liz send me a pic of this dream boat of yours. Love Ya'll Bye.
It sounds like he is doing well on the baptism front.
Regarding the P.S: I was worried I wouldn't pass my drivers test, but I did:) At this time both my dad and my sister Jenn were recovering from some bad health, but they are both doing better now. He wants another niece from our sister and brother-in-law and they both served their missions in forgien places speaking forgien languages. Liz, our sister, started dating Jake at around this time.
Happy Birthday Aaron, Michelle, and Grandpa.
Yes We felt the earthquake here. Here in Tijuana nothing really happened. For us it was 30 seconds of movement, and we went right back to work. But in better news...this week we had a baptism. Alejandro Rubio Medina (36 anos [years]) was baptized last Friday. He has been going to church for awhile, but just needed a little push to finally be baptized. He was baptized,and confirmed and on Saturday went to conference in the morning.
In a really touching way after we left the waters and changed our clothes, Alejandro and I said a prayer and I was really touched by his sincerity and the new life and spirit he had. His wife was very impressed as well and we will set a date with her this week. We have a baptisimal service planned this Friday for Luis Alberto. An almost golden investigator. The first day we met him we gave service, second day he went with the Elders Quorum Presidency to the stake for a junta (committee) and when we visited him later on that day he said he wanted to be baptized. We are teaching and preparing him and we are really excited for him. The work is progressing along nicely. Right now we have baptisms planned for every week of this month.
With All the Love of My Heart,
Be Safe and Always GrowElder Benjamin Baria
Sidenotes- I do not have the shaver number as I just barely read the emails. I can have it next week or I can look for the blades here and you can mail the package. Also I like your idea Dad, please send the ties and also know that ties are always a welcome item in every package. :) P.S. I would love Tim Tams and Dulces. And something that I can send for the birthdays.
PS Don't worry Michelle you'll pass. Jenn and Dad Salud, Mom I will eternally love your letters, Rebecca and Aaron I want another sobrina (niece) before I come home and some cards in different languages, Jadyn, Adelyn Grow and Learn, and Liz send me a pic of this dream boat of yours. Love Ya'll Bye.
March 15th, 2010
Short e-mail this week and one full of advice. Jenn is our sister and at this time she was sick, but she is better now:)
You all got my package? This will be a briefer letter than normal as there is a bit more to do today and not a lot of things happened in the week though I will be sending you all another package.
The transfer ended but I am still in Postal and after Ester is baptized I am ready and rearing to go. Tell dad Ill send him a map the first chance I get.
Tell Jenn I am fasting and praying for her. Mom I love your idea. Please send me Liz’s address. I hope all things are going well for you.
Never stop progressing, never let up. When the Lord pulls at the strings of your heart, know that he is the gardener pruning you and helping you grow. If problems and bad situations come, rip it up and turn it around. If you are always obedient to the Lords commandments you can be sure that what you are doing is the Lord’s will. Find oppourtunites to lift others up and if you find that you cannot help change become better as you give them your all. There is no greater love than laying down everything you are for everyone around you. I love you all.
Till Next Week,
Elder Baria
Longer email next week with a sweet experrience I know is coming. Hasta luego.
You all got my package? This will be a briefer letter than normal as there is a bit more to do today and not a lot of things happened in the week though I will be sending you all another package.
The transfer ended but I am still in Postal and after Ester is baptized I am ready and rearing to go. Tell dad Ill send him a map the first chance I get.
Tell Jenn I am fasting and praying for her. Mom I love your idea. Please send me Liz’s address. I hope all things are going well for you.
Never stop progressing, never let up. When the Lord pulls at the strings of your heart, know that he is the gardener pruning you and helping you grow. If problems and bad situations come, rip it up and turn it around. If you are always obedient to the Lords commandments you can be sure that what you are doing is the Lord’s will. Find oppourtunites to lift others up and if you find that you cannot help change become better as you give them your all. There is no greater love than laying down everything you are for everyone around you. I love you all.
Till Next Week,
Elder Baria
Longer email next week with a sweet experrience I know is coming. Hasta luego.
March 8th, 2010
I always thinks it's interesting when he says stuff like that about his companions. It makes me wonder what they think about him. He tells us very little about his unexpected root canal. I've heard they are painful so I'm glad I didn't have to get one. And at the end as usual he requests things and gives us tips.
This week was a week full of wild twists and turns.
The week started off the same as the last few weeks, with little success and poco resultados (little results). But for me that all changed the day of our zone conference. I decided after we left to dedicate myself to do everything. To dedicate myself to going the extra mile. And the culmination of the attitude happened in Viernes (Friday), Sabado (Saturday) and Domingo (Sunday).
In Viernes (Friday) we went to visit Ester Bautista Arce, an investigatora who wants very much to be baptized. While we were teaching her she bore her testimony to us, and finally on Sauturday we got her connected with an hermana in the ward to help her with her boda (wedding) and baptism this friday and later on today we will know if the baptism is friday, saturday or next week. But the best part was this lesson- becasue I was teaching. It was a spiritually powerful experience, I set the plans, answered the questions, taught the lessons, and then decided to give her other son a Book of Mormon. We all left with a powerful witness of the truthfulness of the gospel.
In Sabado (Saturday) I had another awesome experience. We passed by an investigator's home to drop him (instead of going to Church they went to la iglesia catolica [the Catholic Church]). My companion started to planch them I asked him to stop because I wanted to teach lesson 1. We had a prayer and I felt on fire. I taught and taught, we felt the spirit so much that my companion fell asleep in the lesson. But I kept waking him up and I kept teaching until ultimately, after all the doubts, we gave the compromise to read and pray and go to church. I hope and pray that they will.
In Domingo (Sunday) in church we had no new investigadores. I pestered my companion until we left to bring one of our investigators to church. My companion and I had a rough day becasue I stood in opposition to his lack of spirit and decisions. But in the night we had an awesome experience. When we stopped by Anabels and my companion started teaching and then I set the date to get them married on the twentieth. We asked her partner and he said yes. Then I whispered to my companion fecha (date) and then he set the fecha (date) of her baptism the same day. Then after her doubts she accepted. Then I was pumped and we taught Danya another investigator and set her date for the 20th as well. And I am pumped for this week. Today, after a fun root canal, I am ready and rearing to go.
Till Next Week,With All the Love of My Heart
Elder Benjamin Baria
Moroni 8:3
I recieved your packages and gave all the candy away to the members here in the ward. Did you recieve my packages? Please send lizs address, kit kats, and a copy of my whole mission call. Have morning family prayer.
This week was a week full of wild twists and turns.
The week started off the same as the last few weeks, with little success and poco resultados (little results). But for me that all changed the day of our zone conference. I decided after we left to dedicate myself to do everything. To dedicate myself to going the extra mile. And the culmination of the attitude happened in Viernes (Friday), Sabado (Saturday) and Domingo (Sunday).
In Viernes (Friday) we went to visit Ester Bautista Arce, an investigatora who wants very much to be baptized. While we were teaching her she bore her testimony to us, and finally on Sauturday we got her connected with an hermana in the ward to help her with her boda (wedding) and baptism this friday and later on today we will know if the baptism is friday, saturday or next week. But the best part was this lesson- becasue I was teaching. It was a spiritually powerful experience, I set the plans, answered the questions, taught the lessons, and then decided to give her other son a Book of Mormon. We all left with a powerful witness of the truthfulness of the gospel.
In Sabado (Saturday) I had another awesome experience. We passed by an investigator's home to drop him (instead of going to Church they went to la iglesia catolica [the Catholic Church]). My companion started to planch them I asked him to stop because I wanted to teach lesson 1. We had a prayer and I felt on fire. I taught and taught, we felt the spirit so much that my companion fell asleep in the lesson. But I kept waking him up and I kept teaching until ultimately, after all the doubts, we gave the compromise to read and pray and go to church. I hope and pray that they will.
In Domingo (Sunday) in church we had no new investigadores. I pestered my companion until we left to bring one of our investigators to church. My companion and I had a rough day becasue I stood in opposition to his lack of spirit and decisions. But in the night we had an awesome experience. When we stopped by Anabels and my companion started teaching and then I set the date to get them married on the twentieth. We asked her partner and he said yes. Then I whispered to my companion fecha (date) and then he set the fecha (date) of her baptism the same day. Then after her doubts she accepted. Then I was pumped and we taught Danya another investigator and set her date for the 20th as well. And I am pumped for this week. Today, after a fun root canal, I am ready and rearing to go.
Till Next Week,With All the Love of My Heart
Elder Benjamin Baria
Moroni 8:3
I recieved your packages and gave all the candy away to the members here in the ward. Did you recieve my packages? Please send lizs address, kit kats, and a copy of my whole mission call. Have morning family prayer.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
March 1st 2010
Sickness is not very fun.
Happy Birthday Liz, you'll get a suprise in my package to ya'll!!!
Hola!! Okay the week was not exactly as fun or as animated as the last few weeks. I woke up on Lunes not feeling too well and after eating in Soriana I began to feel really sick for the whole day. That night though, we had a FHE with Hna Lillie Zepeda, Hna Wale Leon, and Hna Vero Zepeda, the leaders and most fun loving group of members and had them invite Ester and our recent converts Yndra y Frida. We talked, laughed, and taught the Plan of Salvation and of her own free will Ester spoke of her desire to be married to her partner that she is not living with. Hna Lillie works in passports and visas and all the paper work for cross border marriages, etc. and offered to help her get married and set to be baptized (she really wants to be baptized) and she should be baptized this sabado en ocho. After desserts and laughing we got a ride home and finshed off the day rather well. But that night I threw up and the next morning had a temperature of 100.6 or about 40 and sadly I was grounded from the work. The wife of the Bishop brought us food at the house and we spent the whole day in the house. For the next two days stomach pains were the norm and the resulting general lack of energy and animo and our finding efforts were hindered. Then I got sick in my throat and couldn't talk for the next two days or so. As a whole, not a lot of success was found, until the last contact on Domingo. We found a PF and talked and taught them and they are excited to go to church. We are planning a noche de hogar y desde esta manana estoy bien animado por la obra and plan to work diligentemente and be the motor of the companionship for this week. I know the mission has its refiners fires, but it is only through the fires of adversity that the experiences can be had to purify us and help us live the straight and narrow way. Somethings I would love to have sent, the seminary guides in ingles, gospel principles in english. Appt with the dentist here.
Till Next Week With all the love of my heart,
Elder Benjamin D Baria
Happy Birthday Liz, you'll get a suprise in my package to ya'll!!!
Hola!! Okay the week was not exactly as fun or as animated as the last few weeks. I woke up on Lunes not feeling too well and after eating in Soriana I began to feel really sick for the whole day. That night though, we had a FHE with Hna Lillie Zepeda, Hna Wale Leon, and Hna Vero Zepeda, the leaders and most fun loving group of members and had them invite Ester and our recent converts Yndra y Frida. We talked, laughed, and taught the Plan of Salvation and of her own free will Ester spoke of her desire to be married to her partner that she is not living with. Hna Lillie works in passports and visas and all the paper work for cross border marriages, etc. and offered to help her get married and set to be baptized (she really wants to be baptized) and she should be baptized this sabado en ocho. After desserts and laughing we got a ride home and finshed off the day rather well. But that night I threw up and the next morning had a temperature of 100.6 or about 40 and sadly I was grounded from the work. The wife of the Bishop brought us food at the house and we spent the whole day in the house. For the next two days stomach pains were the norm and the resulting general lack of energy and animo and our finding efforts were hindered. Then I got sick in my throat and couldn't talk for the next two days or so. As a whole, not a lot of success was found, until the last contact on Domingo. We found a PF and talked and taught them and they are excited to go to church. We are planning a noche de hogar y desde esta manana estoy bien animado por la obra and plan to work diligentemente and be the motor of the companionship for this week. I know the mission has its refiners fires, but it is only through the fires of adversity that the experiences can be had to purify us and help us live the straight and narrow way. Somethings I would love to have sent, the seminary guides in ingles, gospel principles in english. Appt with the dentist here.
Till Next Week With all the love of my heart,
Elder Benjamin D Baria
February 15th, 2010
You'll recognize the story at first, but there is something new that he added on to it.
Hola Familia- Moroni 7:3
Baptism!!!!!! Frida Paulina Bautista Tapiz was baptized on Thursday February 11 2010. After a whole week trying to get help her and her twin to be baptized on the same day we finally got Yndra settled in for this coming Thursday and Frida for last Thursday. We planned her baptisimal program with the ward mision leader and the young women (she is fifteen) and talked with the ward to put the baptism after the mutual. They changed it to be the mutual because apparently the church changed the second week of mutual to focus on missionary work-and what better way to inaugurate that then by baptizing. One day in church after setting a baptismal date with her sister Yndra, the Young Women’s president came and said that Frida wanted to be baptized as well. It was really awe inspiring to recieve a reference with a baptisimal date all set. :) But needless to say things don't always work out the way they are planned. The mother put a barrier of a one year waiting period to be baptized. Nothing happened to change that for a week, except that Elder Torres left. Once he left, Elder Vasquez and I did everything to get the mother to church on Jueves to celebrate her daughter’s birthdays with the ward and eat tamale's. They came away with an incredible impression. We passed by and taught the Restoration and the mother beleives very firmly that Christ came to the America's. So we set up a noche de hogar and watched the testaments. And the mother loved it. Afterward Yndra and Frida asked their mom if they could be baptized and she said yes. On Wednesday we had their interviews. On Thursday the mom went to the baptism and was deeply impressed. Sunday Frida received her confirmation and a certificate of her baptism. In Gospel Principles our Mission Leader explained the fall of Adam. As the class ended Ester (the mom) expressed her feelings of the church. She said the in the Christian church she attended she had been left with lots of doubts but la Iglesis (nuestro) answers those doubts. As she left the church with her daughter’s certificate in hand she said yo tengo la ganas a bautizarme. My companion and I were left dumbstruck. We stopped by the house in the evening and Yndra told us something her mom wanted to ask us, if she could be baptized in la iglesia mormona. Of course we said yes. In la capilla we asked an hermana to invite the family to a noche de hogar and we will teach the plan of salvation and set a baptisimal date with her. One of the Coolest Stories I've got so far….
Till Next Week Your Eternal Son,
Elder Baria
Misc. Craving Reese's Pieces and no bake coookies as well as sugar cookies. Another chamara, need Solutions-snoring, acne, weight, and my jaw. Need Michelle to put a song called Healing Waters by Michelle tunes up as my blog soon. It is on a churchish video called Small and Simple things. Please send the piano music of a song I printed off forever ago se llama Reminescence from Sukioden.
Hola Familia- Moroni 7:3
Baptism!!!!!! Frida Paulina Bautista Tapiz was baptized on Thursday February 11 2010. After a whole week trying to get help her and her twin to be baptized on the same day we finally got Yndra settled in for this coming Thursday and Frida for last Thursday. We planned her baptisimal program with the ward mision leader and the young women (she is fifteen) and talked with the ward to put the baptism after the mutual. They changed it to be the mutual because apparently the church changed the second week of mutual to focus on missionary work-and what better way to inaugurate that then by baptizing. One day in church after setting a baptismal date with her sister Yndra, the Young Women’s president came and said that Frida wanted to be baptized as well. It was really awe inspiring to recieve a reference with a baptisimal date all set. :) But needless to say things don't always work out the way they are planned. The mother put a barrier of a one year waiting period to be baptized. Nothing happened to change that for a week, except that Elder Torres left. Once he left, Elder Vasquez and I did everything to get the mother to church on Jueves to celebrate her daughter’s birthdays with the ward and eat tamale's. They came away with an incredible impression. We passed by and taught the Restoration and the mother beleives very firmly that Christ came to the America's. So we set up a noche de hogar and watched the testaments. And the mother loved it. Afterward Yndra and Frida asked their mom if they could be baptized and she said yes. On Wednesday we had their interviews. On Thursday the mom went to the baptism and was deeply impressed. Sunday Frida received her confirmation and a certificate of her baptism. In Gospel Principles our Mission Leader explained the fall of Adam. As the class ended Ester (the mom) expressed her feelings of the church. She said the in the Christian church she attended she had been left with lots of doubts but la Iglesis (nuestro) answers those doubts. As she left the church with her daughter’s certificate in hand she said yo tengo la ganas a bautizarme. My companion and I were left dumbstruck. We stopped by the house in the evening and Yndra told us something her mom wanted to ask us, if she could be baptized in la iglesia mormona. Of course we said yes. In la capilla we asked an hermana to invite the family to a noche de hogar and we will teach the plan of salvation and set a baptisimal date with her. One of the Coolest Stories I've got so far….
Till Next Week Your Eternal Son,
Elder Baria
Misc. Craving Reese's Pieces and no bake coookies as well as sugar cookies. Another chamara, need Solutions-snoring, acne, weight, and my jaw. Need Michelle to put a song called Healing Waters by Michelle tunes up as my blog soon. It is on a churchish video called Small and Simple things. Please send the piano music of a song I printed off forever ago se llama Reminescence from Sukioden.
February 8th 2010
I love this story because it just shows the power that the Spirit can have.
A cool thing happened this week, two YW have been going to church a lot with Elder Torres. We set a date for baptism but the mother put up a year long barrier. Elder Vasquez and I went by and invited the mom and sister to go to the church for tamales for the ward activity and we let all the members know what was up and the mom came away with an awesome impression.
While teaching and answering questions the next day we gave a Book of Mormon to the mom who believes very firmly that Christ came to the new world so she is very excited to read. Then we set up a noche de hogar for tonight to watch the Testaments. We told the mom we came to talk about the baptism of her daughters. The mother explained her postition and then my companion asked Indra, one of the YW, to explain baptism. Then she asked her mom if she and her sister could be baptized...the mom said yes!!!!!! They are going to be baptized by one of our recent converts who is preparing to serve on a mission.
Actually could you please send the mission reference library I bought in Spanish and send it to me. I want to gift it to him to help him prepare. I also would love to hear about stories from the menor, mayor, LD, LZ, days from all of you. And mom, pick up good on the Spanish, Dad too. I promised myself to keep speaking Spanish and I think I will only speak in Spanish with dad for the rest of my life. :) Okay that is the story of the week. Be faithful and valiant and I hope to get the package soon.
With Eternal Love,
Elder Benjamin Baria
A cool thing happened this week, two YW have been going to church a lot with Elder Torres. We set a date for baptism but the mother put up a year long barrier. Elder Vasquez and I went by and invited the mom and sister to go to the church for tamales for the ward activity and we let all the members know what was up and the mom came away with an awesome impression.
While teaching and answering questions the next day we gave a Book of Mormon to the mom who believes very firmly that Christ came to the new world so she is very excited to read. Then we set up a noche de hogar for tonight to watch the Testaments. We told the mom we came to talk about the baptism of her daughters. The mother explained her postition and then my companion asked Indra, one of the YW, to explain baptism. Then she asked her mom if she and her sister could be baptized...the mom said yes!!!!!! They are going to be baptized by one of our recent converts who is preparing to serve on a mission.
Actually could you please send the mission reference library I bought in Spanish and send it to me. I want to gift it to him to help him prepare. I also would love to hear about stories from the menor, mayor, LD, LZ, days from all of you. And mom, pick up good on the Spanish, Dad too. I promised myself to keep speaking Spanish and I think I will only speak in Spanish with dad for the rest of my life. :) Okay that is the story of the week. Be faithful and valiant and I hope to get the package soon.
With Eternal Love,
Elder Benjamin Baria
February 1st 2010
Sounds like he is accomplishing a lot of baptisms:)
Okay dearly beloved family,I am writing you here in postal todavia. But now i have a new companion named Elder Vasquez. Elder Torres, my last companion, is now in Mexicali. This last little while has been trying for me. I feel sure in the language, and the culture, but a little discouraged and spiritually deprived. But don't worry, it will pass.
It was awesome to hear that things were all fun with the small family gathering. Here in Mexico we found a menos activo family awhile back. Soon we started teaching the granddaughter Lizbeth and almost son-in-law Juan. Lizbeth was baptized but still we have Juan. We are planning their boda (wedding)for the 10 of febrero and then soon after we will baptize him. Our recent convert, Salvador received the Sacerdocio (Priesthood) the last week and yesterday recieved a calling as the Elders Quorum Secretary and is really excited and preparing to serve a mission. I am really excited to have a new companion and start things out fresh.
We are teaching two jovencitas de las mujeres jovenes (two girls in Young Women). They had a baptismal service planned completely by the YW but their mother told them to wait a year. We also had another baptism planned for Saturday but it turns out he was not married. Needless to say, we have put his boda in the works and will have him married soon. Actually we are helping just about everyone to marry now because here in Tijuana the government is doing free bodas.
I don't really need anything except to hear from every single one of you, and some friends if you wouldn't mind posting on my facebook. Also can you check my gmail to see if there are any emails from my converts. I would really love a letter from everone. Thank you so much for the emails. Alright my time is almost out. I love you all so much and wish and pray for you every night. Be strong in valiant in all things.
Your eternal brother and son,
Elder Benjamin Baria.
Okay dearly beloved family,I am writing you here in postal todavia. But now i have a new companion named Elder Vasquez. Elder Torres, my last companion, is now in Mexicali. This last little while has been trying for me. I feel sure in the language, and the culture, but a little discouraged and spiritually deprived. But don't worry, it will pass.
It was awesome to hear that things were all fun with the small family gathering. Here in Mexico we found a menos activo family awhile back. Soon we started teaching the granddaughter Lizbeth and almost son-in-law Juan. Lizbeth was baptized but still we have Juan. We are planning their boda (wedding)for the 10 of febrero and then soon after we will baptize him. Our recent convert, Salvador received the Sacerdocio (Priesthood) the last week and yesterday recieved a calling as the Elders Quorum Secretary and is really excited and preparing to serve a mission. I am really excited to have a new companion and start things out fresh.
We are teaching two jovencitas de las mujeres jovenes (two girls in Young Women). They had a baptismal service planned completely by the YW but their mother told them to wait a year. We also had another baptism planned for Saturday but it turns out he was not married. Needless to say, we have put his boda in the works and will have him married soon. Actually we are helping just about everyone to marry now because here in Tijuana the government is doing free bodas.
I don't really need anything except to hear from every single one of you, and some friends if you wouldn't mind posting on my facebook. Also can you check my gmail to see if there are any emails from my converts. I would really love a letter from everone. Thank you so much for the emails. Alright my time is almost out. I love you all so much and wish and pray for you every night. Be strong in valiant in all things.
Your eternal brother and son,
Elder Benjamin Baria.
January 26th 2010
Good to know that he is doing good and that he is happy. We have my dad to thank for the translations:) And Tessa if you are reading this, I'm not sure what he is thanking you for, but there you go!
Okay so we had our Zone Conference on Lunes so the president changed our p day this week to Martes, but next week it will all be back to normal. Yes mom I would love a few things...Ear warmers, A V-neck sweater with no zipper, the hour long Joseph Smith movie and some cool ranch potato chips.
Alright this week was a week in the rain since last lunes it rained almost everyday. The streets turned into rivers and we were soaked to the bone. A lot of fun memories and stories thanks to those fun freezing moments.
Okay, three more baptisms!!!For a total of fifteen people...I´m not Dan Jones but I will give this work my all. Diana and her future husband Enrigue were baptized. Along with a 9 year old girl from a menos activo familia we found by accident and begin teaching the nonmember family members. I´ll send some fun stories of them by snail mail.
For sunday we also had our stake conference but ours was a little different. It was a area conference of all of Mexico. The area presidency spoke followed by Neil Anderson in a rich accent and then the Prophet. The prophet spoke in...ingles and is was a good talk.
I´ve really started dedicating myself to learning everything about the church. Being in the field, you realize how little you know as a member. Here in the field you have to know everything on the spot to answer every question and help people to have faith repent and be baptized. We live by the highest standard bcause people in their lives do not have the gift of the Holy Ghost and we bring it with us everywhere we go. I am loving serving with all that I am.
Like I said at the principio teniamos nuestro conferencia ayer y el presidente hablo en cuanto ensenando con el espirtu. Si ustedes querien yo puedo escribir mis cartas en enspanol pero es su decision. (As I said from the beginning, we had our conference yesterday and the President talked with the sprit about many teachings. If you guys want to I can write my letters in Spanish, but it is your decision.)
Alright for now it is hasta ver (see you later). Till next week with all the love I am capable of offering.
Elder Benjamin Baria
P.S.'Thanks for keeping up on the blog. Dad I need to write you a letter. Want letters from others. Tell Tessa thanks. Lots of Love BYE
Okay so we had our Zone Conference on Lunes so the president changed our p day this week to Martes, but next week it will all be back to normal. Yes mom I would love a few things...Ear warmers, A V-neck sweater with no zipper, the hour long Joseph Smith movie and some cool ranch potato chips.
Alright this week was a week in the rain since last lunes it rained almost everyday. The streets turned into rivers and we were soaked to the bone. A lot of fun memories and stories thanks to those fun freezing moments.
Okay, three more baptisms!!!For a total of fifteen people...I´m not Dan Jones but I will give this work my all. Diana and her future husband Enrigue were baptized. Along with a 9 year old girl from a menos activo familia we found by accident and begin teaching the nonmember family members. I´ll send some fun stories of them by snail mail.
For sunday we also had our stake conference but ours was a little different. It was a area conference of all of Mexico. The area presidency spoke followed by Neil Anderson in a rich accent and then the Prophet. The prophet spoke in...ingles and is was a good talk.
I´ve really started dedicating myself to learning everything about the church. Being in the field, you realize how little you know as a member. Here in the field you have to know everything on the spot to answer every question and help people to have faith repent and be baptized. We live by the highest standard bcause people in their lives do not have the gift of the Holy Ghost and we bring it with us everywhere we go. I am loving serving with all that I am.
Like I said at the principio teniamos nuestro conferencia ayer y el presidente hablo en cuanto ensenando con el espirtu. Si ustedes querien yo puedo escribir mis cartas en enspanol pero es su decision. (As I said from the beginning, we had our conference yesterday and the President talked with the sprit about many teachings. If you guys want to I can write my letters in Spanish, but it is your decision.)
Alright for now it is hasta ver (see you later). Till next week with all the love I am capable of offering.
Elder Benjamin Baria
P.S.'Thanks for keeping up on the blog. Dad I need to write you a letter. Want letters from others. Tell Tessa thanks. Lots of Love BYE
January 18th 2010
So I don't quite understand what he wrote to me, but it was nice anyway:) Congrats to him for making the bulletin! I know he is hard at work.
Response Time-Michelle aways with me the further away from home with a good environment is a perfect way to grow-go somewhere exotic. Wow...a pallendrom...Who is Franklin?
I would love TimTam's. No visists to parks or museums they are somewhat few here. We skipped off to the playas for a zone activity. Our zone leader bought my companion and I food because we completed with all of our indacadores clave. Casa- colonia del rio parte baja 1744 apartemento 2. I received the telefono of Omar gracias. And here in Mexico a califont is called a boiler.
Accomplishment--Elder Sotelo and I made the mission bulletin for December for the highest baptized missionaries of the month with 6. The record though, for most in a month, is 21 for a companionship. The other missionaries from the MTC have been making the bulletin, it has been fun.
I finally feel at home in Mexico and in the mission. No difficulties with the language, fine with the food, just learning and growing. My compañion and I had a dia de mayor. Fun story, after church got out a part of the yw pres. came up to us and gave a us a reference with una fecha fija. We were amazed, the yw have planned the music, talks, and day of the baptism we just have to show up. Another fun story-in lago we always received raytes with the kalafeas I just found out that my companion was friends with the drivers in lago and becasue of him they love the missionaries. All right, out of time. Love you all-until next week.
With Eternal Love,
Elder Benjamin D Baria
Response Time-Michelle aways with me the further away from home with a good environment is a perfect way to grow-go somewhere exotic. Wow...a pallendrom...Who is Franklin?
I would love TimTam's. No visists to parks or museums they are somewhat few here. We skipped off to the playas for a zone activity. Our zone leader bought my companion and I food because we completed with all of our indacadores clave. Casa- colonia del rio parte baja 1744 apartemento 2. I received the telefono of Omar gracias. And here in Mexico a califont is called a boiler.
Accomplishment--Elder Sotelo and I made the mission bulletin for December for the highest baptized missionaries of the month with 6. The record though, for most in a month, is 21 for a companionship. The other missionaries from the MTC have been making the bulletin, it has been fun.
I finally feel at home in Mexico and in the mission. No difficulties with the language, fine with the food, just learning and growing. My compañion and I had a dia de mayor. Fun story, after church got out a part of the yw pres. came up to us and gave a us a reference with una fecha fija. We were amazed, the yw have planned the music, talks, and day of the baptism we just have to show up. Another fun story-in lago we always received raytes with the kalafeas I just found out that my companion was friends with the drivers in lago and becasue of him they love the missionaries. All right, out of time. Love you all-until next week.
With Eternal Love,
Elder Benjamin D Baria
January 11th 2010
I don't understand the last part of this, but here it is anyway.
Okay. To kick off this letter I'll respond to some of your questions.
The capilla (chapel)address I think is something like this- Ing Lobato # 500. As for Avatar, there have been advertisments in the streets and also for Sherlock Holmes. If ya'll get bored you can make a list of things I need to do when I get back and when I get back well...I can do them. :) But don't tell me. Oh, I am craving Tim Tams and carrot cake. If ya'll can find He Walked the America's by L. Taylor Hansen I wouldn't mind reading that when I get back.
Okay, on to the fun memories of the week. Our baptismal font has been having some hiccups and on jueves we spent the whole morning emptying it out with the garbage cans from the bathrooms. My companion and I, when we get bored in the street, start playing Bocho. Bocho means slug bug.
Another one, we had an explosion in our house. Elder Shields went to go and turn on the boiler, some gas leaked out and when he had the fire in his hand there was an explosion. He ran into the house and ran his hand under water, needless to say he had some burns, but now after some modern medical tech (ointments) he is fine and his hand is healed.
En Sabado we fixed the font!!!We cleaned out the filter and now it is working marvelously,and we had a baptism. Salvador, a young man of 20, was baptized and is now doing his all to prepare to serve a mission and try and cut down the year wait time to go to the temple.
OKay I am off and away for today, to the playas I must go. Know that I love you all and pray for ya'll. PLease celebrate every victory of the Cowboys. :) Thank your for the blog, Love the newsletter when I got it. Did ya'll get my pictures?
Eternally Your son and brother,
Elder Benjamin David Baria
Hopefully brief but beautiful let me know. Love you
Okay. To kick off this letter I'll respond to some of your questions.
The capilla (chapel)address I think is something like this- Ing Lobato # 500. As for Avatar, there have been advertisments in the streets and also for Sherlock Holmes. If ya'll get bored you can make a list of things I need to do when I get back and when I get back well...I can do them. :) But don't tell me. Oh, I am craving Tim Tams and carrot cake. If ya'll can find He Walked the America's by L. Taylor Hansen I wouldn't mind reading that when I get back.
Okay, on to the fun memories of the week. Our baptismal font has been having some hiccups and on jueves we spent the whole morning emptying it out with the garbage cans from the bathrooms. My companion and I, when we get bored in the street, start playing Bocho. Bocho means slug bug.
Another one, we had an explosion in our house. Elder Shields went to go and turn on the boiler, some gas leaked out and when he had the fire in his hand there was an explosion. He ran into the house and ran his hand under water, needless to say he had some burns, but now after some modern medical tech (ointments) he is fine and his hand is healed.
En Sabado we fixed the font!!!We cleaned out the filter and now it is working marvelously,and we had a baptism. Salvador, a young man of 20, was baptized and is now doing his all to prepare to serve a mission and try and cut down the year wait time to go to the temple.
OKay I am off and away for today, to the playas I must go. Know that I love you all and pray for ya'll. PLease celebrate every victory of the Cowboys. :) Thank your for the blog, Love the newsletter when I got it. Did ya'll get my pictures?
Eternally Your son and brother,
Elder Benjamin David Baria
Hopefully brief but beautiful let me know. Love you
January 4th 2010:
The newsletter he mentions in the 1st little bit is something we started as a family, or tried to start. We aren't really good at it, well Jenn is:) Also you can see that Ben turned 20 two days before he sent this. He is getting so old!!!
Let Dad know not to worry, he will get a fun suprise hopefully sometime this coming week. I sent a bunch of pictures to you all. I still have more but they make no sense by themselves but if you'd like them I can send them. What ever happened to the newsletter?
The weather here was very cold for awhile but it seems to be warming back up again, but who knows here. As for the new ward it is awesome. A fun story to demonstrate the ward. The bishop's name is Adrian Reyes,born on the of Los Reyes Magos. One time the street he lived on was flooded with mud he and his family came to church with mud up to their knees and thighs, the women in their skirts to just to get to church. I made it a life goal to do the same. :)
As for my comapnion and I we are getting along great. We have a good relationship and rarely have difficulties. We are baptizing and have people to baptize. Actually there's a fun New Year tradition my companion does with his family. They have balloons fill up their entire ceiling of their house. When the clock hits zero for the new year they take a lighter or algo asi and pop all the balloon.
As for my birthday here, a cake was indeed baked, on Sunday. And I think I will go to costco and buy me a cheesecake as well. The relief society president fed us after our food fell through on sunday and she knew I had celebrated my birthday so she baked me a chocolate cake. Speaking of food, I am growing more and more accustomed to the food of Mexico everyday. If you want to have a fun authentic tast of the food here have dad cook up some mole and mom make some tamales.
I learned that here in Postal way back when the capilla used to be a mansion and the members met in it for Sunday and the missionaries lived in it. A while later the church bought the land and tore the mansion downand built the capilla, but oftentimes the people here still call it the Mansion. As for a story of the week...My companion and I found a less active named Guadelupe (apolldo Wally) one day I asked her if she had a neighbor that was sick that we could visit. She said yes with her we walked up the road to the house of Guadelupe (sickj family). Whose mother was on the verge of death and has since this day passed away. But before she died we taught the family and sang Grand Eres Tu and lots of tears were shed. The biggest thing in my mind was how I remember feeling heartbroken after dad went to the hospital. It was the most heartwrenching experience of my life that day and my heart was really broken for them and their suffering though I could never experience exactlywhat they were experiencing. As for all things in the work we are working here, being obedient and giving it more and more everyday. Actually if you all have any advice remember I can always recieve e-mails. :)
Till Next Week You're Written On My Heart With Eternal Love,
Elder Benjamin David Baria
P.S. Dad and Aaron and Becca who were your converts in the mission?Also dad fun fact VTOL are called Ascenders in Spanish. :)Please send Omar direction again.
Let Dad know not to worry, he will get a fun suprise hopefully sometime this coming week. I sent a bunch of pictures to you all. I still have more but they make no sense by themselves but if you'd like them I can send them. What ever happened to the newsletter?
The weather here was very cold for awhile but it seems to be warming back up again, but who knows here. As for the new ward it is awesome. A fun story to demonstrate the ward. The bishop's name is Adrian Reyes,born on the of Los Reyes Magos. One time the street he lived on was flooded with mud he and his family came to church with mud up to their knees and thighs, the women in their skirts to just to get to church. I made it a life goal to do the same. :)
As for my comapnion and I we are getting along great. We have a good relationship and rarely have difficulties. We are baptizing and have people to baptize. Actually there's a fun New Year tradition my companion does with his family. They have balloons fill up their entire ceiling of their house. When the clock hits zero for the new year they take a lighter or algo asi and pop all the balloon.
As for my birthday here, a cake was indeed baked, on Sunday. And I think I will go to costco and buy me a cheesecake as well. The relief society president fed us after our food fell through on sunday and she knew I had celebrated my birthday so she baked me a chocolate cake. Speaking of food, I am growing more and more accustomed to the food of Mexico everyday. If you want to have a fun authentic tast of the food here have dad cook up some mole and mom make some tamales.
I learned that here in Postal way back when the capilla used to be a mansion and the members met in it for Sunday and the missionaries lived in it. A while later the church bought the land and tore the mansion downand built the capilla, but oftentimes the people here still call it the Mansion. As for a story of the week...My companion and I found a less active named Guadelupe (apolldo Wally) one day I asked her if she had a neighbor that was sick that we could visit. She said yes with her we walked up the road to the house of Guadelupe (sickj family). Whose mother was on the verge of death and has since this day passed away. But before she died we taught the family and sang Grand Eres Tu and lots of tears were shed. The biggest thing in my mind was how I remember feeling heartbroken after dad went to the hospital. It was the most heartwrenching experience of my life that day and my heart was really broken for them and their suffering though I could never experience exactlywhat they were experiencing. As for all things in the work we are working here, being obedient and giving it more and more everyday. Actually if you all have any advice remember I can always recieve e-mails. :)
Till Next Week You're Written On My Heart With Eternal Love,
Elder Benjamin David Baria
P.S. Dad and Aaron and Becca who were your converts in the mission?Also dad fun fact VTOL are called Ascenders in Spanish. :)Please send Omar direction again.
December 28th 2009: Just a Little
So back in December I was being a great little sister. I was posting all his letters and e-mails and I was on top of things. But slowly I started to slack of and then did nothing whatsoever with this blog. I apologize. Now though, I will not only being putting up everything you've missed since December, but updating every week. It's officially one of my Young Women Personal Progress projects so it will be getting done. Enjoy!
"Wants-Reeses, Genki -Taiwan Choclate, Joseph Smith Movie, Ear Warmers,sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, the blog to be going strong. shoe shine,strawberry milk.
OKay this will be the briefest email you get from me because this keyboard is terrible and I am out of time, but you will get a very, very nice letter from me. The work is good we had a baptism but no confirmation so I will save that story for next week. I love you all so much and was humbled and touched for the opportunity to speak with all of you. Go forward with faith in all that you do. Lean on the Lord. Sisters read Proverbs 31:10-31. I love you all. Till next Week. ElderBaria"
"Wants-Reeses, Genki -Taiwan Choclate, Joseph Smith Movie, Ear Warmers,sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, the blog to be going strong. shoe shine,strawberry milk.
OKay this will be the briefest email you get from me because this keyboard is terrible and I am out of time, but you will get a very, very nice letter from me. The work is good we had a baptism but no confirmation so I will save that story for next week. I love you all so much and was humbled and touched for the opportunity to speak with all of you. Go forward with faith in all that you do. Lean on the Lord. Sisters read Proverbs 31:10-31. I love you all. Till next Week. ElderBaria"
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