Antonio's baptism
Chopping a tree with a Machete...
Waterline after the rain... (before you gasp too much,... Shaun is on his knees)
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Testimony of the Savior
This weeks adventures, slept in a hammok, cleaned the refridgerator (ewwwwww.....) and went on exchanges with a new Elder from Idaho. It was interessting, The dayI spent with him didn't feel like work, passed by way fast, pure enjoying, and we had sooo much success/felt real good. Changes next week and yeah we'll see how it goes.
Spiritually this week was pretty fantazzy. The people that open up and tell you straight up "I normally don't do this, butI know its right"... Unfortunately it wasn't in our area, but fortunately that it happened :) Zone conference this week was also super great, great to see president Walker and his wife, and great to hear on what we can do better. It was a super meeting and I'm exited for things to come. Another.. and I would say most spiritual thing that happened this week was with an investigator, Antonio. 22 yrs old single, and cuts hair for a living. Two months ago we were contacting houses, and we stopped at his house. It was realy interesting to see his desires to listen, every lesson that we had with him was always special. He was open minded, in part because his uncle just died in an accident in Oaxaca Mexico, he was a return missionary of just months, and Antonio was praying, and asking questioning to find out more about what his uncle was doing, why he was serving a mission, and realy just wanted to know more about the church. He was really open minded to everything and is currently reading in Mosiah. After two months of teaching him, he felt like he needed to be baptised, and yesterday we were able to realize that. It's a great feeling as a missionary to have someone genuinely tell you thanks. What a privilege it is to be here, for all of me that wants to be relaxing on the beach eating taco salad enjoying the family "I normally dont do this, but I know that it's right" I think the most interesting and crucial part of my testimony that I have gained on the mission is that of our Savior. We testify evey day of tithing, Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith...etc. but sometimes we don't focus on who really is our Savior. I had the opportunity to finish Jesus The Christ a few weeks ago and I got thinking of what that really means to me, what the expiacion (atonement) really means. Although growing up (and I mean till I left on the mission) The Jesus thing is good, cute story, baby born in a super humble place and yeah does some miracles and died for us... but I didn't understand. I know my Savior lives, I count my blessings each day and know of his love for each and every one of us.
I invite you to read the discurso de Bruce R Mconkie of April 2011 written 14ish days before his death. Shaun Rhodes
Spiritually this week was pretty fantazzy. The people that open up and tell you straight up "I normally don't do this, butI know its right"... Unfortunately it wasn't in our area, but fortunately that it happened :) Zone conference this week was also super great, great to see president Walker and his wife, and great to hear on what we can do better. It was a super meeting and I'm exited for things to come. Another.. and I would say most spiritual thing that happened this week was with an investigator, Antonio. 22 yrs old single, and cuts hair for a living. Two months ago we were contacting houses, and we stopped at his house. It was realy interesting to see his desires to listen, every lesson that we had with him was always special. He was open minded, in part because his uncle just died in an accident in Oaxaca Mexico, he was a return missionary of just months, and Antonio was praying, and asking questioning to find out more about what his uncle was doing, why he was serving a mission, and realy just wanted to know more about the church. He was really open minded to everything and is currently reading in Mosiah. After two months of teaching him, he felt like he needed to be baptised, and yesterday we were able to realize that. It's a great feeling as a missionary to have someone genuinely tell you thanks. What a privilege it is to be here, for all of me that wants to be relaxing on the beach eating taco salad enjoying the family "I normally dont do this, but I know that it's right" I think the most interesting and crucial part of my testimony that I have gained on the mission is that of our Savior. We testify evey day of tithing, Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith...etc. but sometimes we don't focus on who really is our Savior. I had the opportunity to finish Jesus The Christ a few weeks ago and I got thinking of what that really means to me, what the expiacion (atonement) really means. Although growing up (and I mean till I left on the mission) The Jesus thing is good, cute story, baby born in a super humble place and yeah does some miracles and died for us... but I didn't understand. I know my Savior lives, I count my blessings each day and know of his love for each and every one of us.
I invite you to read the discurso de Bruce R Mconkie of April 2011 written 14ish days before his death. Shaun Rhodes
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Habanero peppers & Much Rain
This week was super fun, Started out with just a bunch of rain. With the rain comes humidity, so not a single thing dries. :) The water level in front of our house raised higher than the last time. And to resolve your question. In the last photo that I sent you, I am a missionary and I cant lie, but I was on my knees so everyone else is right. But the truth is, in other parts of the city it wouldve been more than that height. Dads right. We were riding bikes, and the water level was up to the butt. but with these pictures you cant see the back tires of the truck so it was a little above knee level. This week what was adventurous is that I ate habanero chile. usually it is blended in with the salsa, but in this house, they were just eating chunks, so Ii had to try it, they told me not to chew, butI started chewing and didnt feel a thing. And fifteen seconds laterI was sniffing and burning. It was fun.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Going along through flooded streets
Monday, July 25, 2011
Hello to all!
This week there isn't too much to report about. We had a good solid week of work, and nothing too "out of the ordinary". We had a capacitación in Luque on Wednesday, where President Madariaga and his wife came, along with the Assistants. The mission is really focusing on the 8 Fundamental Principles of Preach My Gospel, and we seem to always have these trainings on them. When I heard we were having another one, I was kinda confused because we almost always have them, but this one was really awesome. They focused on being able to apply instead of knowing them. I left the training really excited to get going and working. And once we walked outside of the chapel, the Paraguayan rain came stronger than ever. We were so excited to work, the rain didn't stop us. We were trucking on through the rain and trying to work, all the people thought we were crazy. We went to an investigators house that we had an appointment with, and the water was flooded up to the front steps. I thought it would be pretty awesome to not only clap at the house, but to tread through the ankle deep, flooded front yard and knock on the door. Even though they didn't answer, I felt pretty manly standing on their tiny front porch with nothing but a lake in between the street and front door. haha.
I have really enjoyed speaking Spanish in the mission. Paraguayans speak really badly in comparison to the Spanish world because of the heavy influence of guarani. Therefore, most of the missionaries here only learn "Paraguayan Spanish". I have been trying to get better and better every day through daily studies and talking a lot, and I can honestly see the difference. We did a visit at night with an inactive member, and since he doesn't pay his light bills we were sitting there in the dark. It was funny because he thought I was Chilean from how I was talking. I am enjoying the language a lot, and even though I don't speak perfect like President Madariaga, its something I find pleasure in.
Keep me and the people of Paraguay in your prayers, we really need it.
Until next week,
Elder Babcock
Hello to all!
This week there isn't too much to report about. We had a good solid week of work, and nothing too "out of the ordinary". We had a capacitación in Luque on Wednesday, where President Madariaga and his wife came, along with the Assistants. The mission is really focusing on the 8 Fundamental Principles of Preach My Gospel, and we seem to always have these trainings on them. When I heard we were having another one, I was kinda confused because we almost always have them, but this one was really awesome. They focused on being able to apply instead of knowing them. I left the training really excited to get going and working. And once we walked outside of the chapel, the Paraguayan rain came stronger than ever. We were so excited to work, the rain didn't stop us. We were trucking on through the rain and trying to work, all the people thought we were crazy. We went to an investigators house that we had an appointment with, and the water was flooded up to the front steps. I thought it would be pretty awesome to not only clap at the house, but to tread through the ankle deep, flooded front yard and knock on the door. Even though they didn't answer, I felt pretty manly standing on their tiny front porch with nothing but a lake in between the street and front door. haha.
I have really enjoyed speaking Spanish in the mission. Paraguayans speak really badly in comparison to the Spanish world because of the heavy influence of guarani. Therefore, most of the missionaries here only learn "Paraguayan Spanish". I have been trying to get better and better every day through daily studies and talking a lot, and I can honestly see the difference. We did a visit at night with an inactive member, and since he doesn't pay his light bills we were sitting there in the dark. It was funny because he thought I was Chilean from how I was talking. I am enjoying the language a lot, and even though I don't speak perfect like President Madariaga, its something I find pleasure in.
Keep me and the people of Paraguay in your prayers, we really need it.
Until next week,
Elder Babcock
Thursday, July 21, 2011
6 Month Mark
I will hit my 6 month mark tomorrow. Isn’t that strange? This has been the longest/shortest 6 months of my life.... The mission is like being in the Twilight Zone. Its your life, but slightly different, and the clock will slowly tick by, but then a week will pass.... I cant explain it but it is wild. I’m trying not to think about time though, because the fact is, I’m still here for quite a while. Thanks for writing me everyone (especially Andrew, 2 weeks in a row!!! I cant believe it, I almost feel like its mom and dad switching off and writing me but putting Andrews name so I dont feel bad... haha.) Thanks for writing me, I love the weekly updates. It’s great to get all your emails and whatnots
This next week we have a double header baptism. It will be crazy to organize but I am excited because they both really want to be baptized. They are both girls. One is named Isla, she is 17 and her mom is a less active, but Isla went to EFY and bore a way strong testimony, and then she came back and we taught her and she is completely ready to go to baptism. She has been really golden. And the others name is Kirsi, she is about 28. She has slight mental problems but has been working really hard to follow the gospel. She has quit smoking and moved out of her boyfriend’s apartment. Her only problem is remembering the lessons, but I am pretty sure she will do great and be baptized.
It has been really crazy this week. We have been running all over town and teaching a lot. It is very tiring, but pretty cool. I have noticed that almost everyday I have been hitting a wall. Either I am frustrated at my Finnish, tired of missionary work, just absolutely bored, or annoyed of my doubts. But it hits me and then it goes away after about an hour... haha. It is really hard to stay positive and happy 100 percent of the time. What are some things that you all have learned about how to avoid this wall? I am trying to scheme up an antidote... so let me know.
Vanhin Gamblin and I are working hard. I have learned a lot from him. Patience for one. Companions are a great way to learn a lot about yourself. But we have sort of found our groove and we are working together a lot better. Next change comes in a few weeks and I have a feeling I will be moved... We will see what happens.
Love you all. Have a good week. Keep holding down the fort.
Vanhin Mergley
Monday, July 18, 2011
Rainy Sundays....
Monday, July 18, 2011
Hello to all!
I had a great week, I can't wait to be able to share a little of it with you guys. After writing the family last week, we showed up at our house to see some members in our ward cleaning out all the huge bushes in our yard... It was so awesome to see the love of the members here for their missionaries, we didn't even ask them, nor did we know, but they showed up and cleaned out the entire yard. And next week they said they are going to come help with the inside. They are great, I am so thankful for the members.
This week we had lunch at a members house, and we had this delicious milanesa looking thing that I loved. Little did I know, it was Alligator meat...I know it sounds lame, but it really did taste like chicken.
Another random fun fact, as a mission we have a monthly newsletter, where there is a message from the mission president and his wife, nurse, assistants, and other news from the mission. Also, 4 or 5 letters that missionaries write to the president get published on there, and one of my letters from last change went on there, which was kinda funny because I always joked that it was my mission goal, to make it on the "Stripling Warrior", and that day surprisingly came. I just found it really funny.
Well I completed 8 months in the mission yesterday...6 here in Paraguay...I know I always say it, but times surely does fly by here.
This letter is filled with random fun facts. A primary teacher in our ward was looking at the Liahona (Ensign) magazine, and said how she always notices that the primary kids from the USA all seemed perfect, with their suits on, smiling, well behaved, and how the kids here are crazy. She asked me for the explanation, and I told her "photo shop", and I couldn't believe her reaction. She laughed so hard for at least 5 minutes, and called all her family in to hear the joke, and they all were dying laughing. It was a funny/awkward moment from the week.
I officially hate the rain on Sundays here. 2 straight Sundays, it rained, and therefore made it really hard for even the super active members to come, let alone the investigators. Right when we said the closing prayer, this thunderous boom came and the fastest hardest rain storm came, and made it so that not even the members could walk outside or leave. We live right behind the chapel, and the whole street flooded, so I had to run out in the rain, climb our fence in my church clothes (because of the flooded ground), and go into our house to but on my big boots and bring back all my stuff from the church. In addition to that, Paraguay played Brazil last night in the Copa America, and that made the streets absolutely dead. We would try to make visits, but of course everyone was busy, even the members. We finally found a really old lady in our ward that let us in, because she doesn't like soccer. I knew that the game went into penalty kicks, just by reading the peoples reactions while looking in houses walking down the street. Paraguay won, which was cool because the country was happy, but kinda lame because now we still have to try to battle through the work with the big tournament. But the work goes on.
This week I wanted to testify on work. I love the quote by Pres. Benson, which says "I love this work...and it is work." That perfectly describes my feelings with the mission...yes its hard, and yes its hard, but I honestly do love it more than anything. I hope all is well back at home, remember me and the people here in your prayers.
FUERZA PARAGUAY! hasta luego,
-Elder Babcock
Hello to all!
I had a great week, I can't wait to be able to share a little of it with you guys. After writing the family last week, we showed up at our house to see some members in our ward cleaning out all the huge bushes in our yard... It was so awesome to see the love of the members here for their missionaries, we didn't even ask them, nor did we know, but they showed up and cleaned out the entire yard. And next week they said they are going to come help with the inside. They are great, I am so thankful for the members.
This week we had lunch at a members house, and we had this delicious milanesa looking thing that I loved. Little did I know, it was Alligator meat...I know it sounds lame, but it really did taste like chicken.
Another random fun fact, as a mission we have a monthly newsletter, where there is a message from the mission president and his wife, nurse, assistants, and other news from the mission. Also, 4 or 5 letters that missionaries write to the president get published on there, and one of my letters from last change went on there, which was kinda funny because I always joked that it was my mission goal, to make it on the "Stripling Warrior", and that day surprisingly came. I just found it really funny.
Well I completed 8 months in the mission yesterday...6 here in Paraguay...I know I always say it, but times surely does fly by here.
This letter is filled with random fun facts. A primary teacher in our ward was looking at the Liahona (Ensign) magazine, and said how she always notices that the primary kids from the USA all seemed perfect, with their suits on, smiling, well behaved, and how the kids here are crazy. She asked me for the explanation, and I told her "photo shop", and I couldn't believe her reaction. She laughed so hard for at least 5 minutes, and called all her family in to hear the joke, and they all were dying laughing. It was a funny/awkward moment from the week.
I officially hate the rain on Sundays here. 2 straight Sundays, it rained, and therefore made it really hard for even the super active members to come, let alone the investigators. Right when we said the closing prayer, this thunderous boom came and the fastest hardest rain storm came, and made it so that not even the members could walk outside or leave. We live right behind the chapel, and the whole street flooded, so I had to run out in the rain, climb our fence in my church clothes (because of the flooded ground), and go into our house to but on my big boots and bring back all my stuff from the church. In addition to that, Paraguay played Brazil last night in the Copa America, and that made the streets absolutely dead. We would try to make visits, but of course everyone was busy, even the members. We finally found a really old lady in our ward that let us in, because she doesn't like soccer. I knew that the game went into penalty kicks, just by reading the peoples reactions while looking in houses walking down the street. Paraguay won, which was cool because the country was happy, but kinda lame because now we still have to try to battle through the work with the big tournament. But the work goes on.
This week I wanted to testify on work. I love the quote by Pres. Benson, which says "I love this work...and it is work." That perfectly describes my feelings with the mission...yes its hard, and yes its hard, but I honestly do love it more than anything. I hope all is well back at home, remember me and the people here in your prayers.
FUERZA PARAGUAY! hasta luego,
-Elder Babcock
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Adios Bella Vista, Hola Laurelty ...
Monday, July 11, 2011
Hello to all!
Well, we got changes last Monday night, and I received the news that...I am leaving (or better said, left) to another area, called Laurelty (pronounced Laow-Rell-Too). Its located not too far from my old area. My companion is Elder Hatch from Magna, UT. So, on Tuesday, I started my farewell run through my home for the last 6 months. I said goodbye to many great members and converts that I am going to miss so much. It was sad when a bunch of them cried, I did not expect that. I gave away a lot of things to them as well, and they were really grateful. It was a really really sad day, but I knew I had to leave, and it was the right thing. I don't know if another area will be able to beat Bella Vista.
I went to changes on Tuesday night in San Lorenzo, and ran into Elder Olson my trainer. It was great to see him. After waiting for a while without my new companion showing up, we called their number and they didn't know they were supposed to come pick me up...so we made some calls and I ended up having to sleep over at Elder Olson's house with his comp. We were able to catch up a little bit and talk about the last change, he is such an awesome comp., and on Wednesday morning we said goodbye for probably the last time because he is going home in a few weeks. I'm going to miss him and his friendship.
On Wednesday morning at the office I ran into Elder Colligan, who is heading out really far by Brazil. I met my new comp, said my goodbyes, and headed out to Laurelty. I showed up to the dirtiest house I have ever seen, it wasn't the nicest welcome haha but its alright. We had a pretty good week working and getting to know the area. He is also pretty new in the area, but he has 1 year 6 months in the mission. Its been a good learning experience already, because he is a really nice, shy, timid guy, so I have been able to take the lead more and talk in lessons. We don't have really any investigators, so we are starting practically from scratch and trying to find people to teach.
Yesterday morning it was raining...and Paraguayans do not leave when it rains...so we had a solid 35-40 people at church, which was a big change from the usually 150 in Bella Vista. When they were starting sacrament meeting, the bishop on the spot asked me to give a full talk, so I went up and talked in church for 15 minutes. I also had to play the piano. It has been cool to have more responsibility and be able to do more than I have done in the past.
Its been a wild week, but I wanted to bear my testimony on the importance of companionships. Last change was a fairly difficult change, but I was able to learn more than I could have ever imagined in the short 6 weeks I was with Elder Soto. I have learned the importance of patience, of kindness, and of charity. I remember reading in preach my gospel and the mission manual, and all the times it talks about the importance of getting along with your companion, and I always skimmed by that before because it wasn't applying to me. But I understand that to be able to preach the gospel, you need to be unified, and if you aren't, the investigators are going to see that, and the Spirit can't dwell in contention. It was an incredible change, we had a lot of success in terms of baptisms. But even more, we had success in terms of fixing a damaged companionship and finding ways to together solve problems. I am eternally grateful for being able to serve a mission. Its been the best, almost 8 months, of my life. Keep me and the people of Paraguay in your prayers. Love you guys.
Until next week,
Elder Babcock
Hello to all!
Well, we got changes last Monday night, and I received the news that...I am leaving (or better said, left) to another area, called Laurelty (pronounced Laow-Rell-Too). Its located not too far from my old area. My companion is Elder Hatch from Magna, UT. So, on Tuesday, I started my farewell run through my home for the last 6 months. I said goodbye to many great members and converts that I am going to miss so much. It was sad when a bunch of them cried, I did not expect that. I gave away a lot of things to them as well, and they were really grateful. It was a really really sad day, but I knew I had to leave, and it was the right thing. I don't know if another area will be able to beat Bella Vista.
I went to changes on Tuesday night in San Lorenzo, and ran into Elder Olson my trainer. It was great to see him. After waiting for a while without my new companion showing up, we called their number and they didn't know they were supposed to come pick me up...so we made some calls and I ended up having to sleep over at Elder Olson's house with his comp. We were able to catch up a little bit and talk about the last change, he is such an awesome comp., and on Wednesday morning we said goodbye for probably the last time because he is going home in a few weeks. I'm going to miss him and his friendship.
On Wednesday morning at the office I ran into Elder Colligan, who is heading out really far by Brazil. I met my new comp, said my goodbyes, and headed out to Laurelty. I showed up to the dirtiest house I have ever seen, it wasn't the nicest welcome haha but its alright. We had a pretty good week working and getting to know the area. He is also pretty new in the area, but he has 1 year 6 months in the mission. Its been a good learning experience already, because he is a really nice, shy, timid guy, so I have been able to take the lead more and talk in lessons. We don't have really any investigators, so we are starting practically from scratch and trying to find people to teach.
Yesterday morning it was raining...and Paraguayans do not leave when it rains...so we had a solid 35-40 people at church, which was a big change from the usually 150 in Bella Vista. When they were starting sacrament meeting, the bishop on the spot asked me to give a full talk, so I went up and talked in church for 15 minutes. I also had to play the piano. It has been cool to have more responsibility and be able to do more than I have done in the past.
Its been a wild week, but I wanted to bear my testimony on the importance of companionships. Last change was a fairly difficult change, but I was able to learn more than I could have ever imagined in the short 6 weeks I was with Elder Soto. I have learned the importance of patience, of kindness, and of charity. I remember reading in preach my gospel and the mission manual, and all the times it talks about the importance of getting along with your companion, and I always skimmed by that before because it wasn't applying to me. But I understand that to be able to preach the gospel, you need to be unified, and if you aren't, the investigators are going to see that, and the Spirit can't dwell in contention. It was an incredible change, we had a lot of success in terms of baptisms. But even more, we had success in terms of fixing a damaged companionship and finding ways to together solve problems. I am eternally grateful for being able to serve a mission. Its been the best, almost 8 months, of my life. Keep me and the people of Paraguay in your prayers. Love you guys.
Until next week,
Elder Babcock
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