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
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
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"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)