so. This week. Interesting.
Since friday we went saturday to Mayaguez to listen to Elder Anderson of the 70 he talked a lot about how the Carribean presidency letter that was sent out stating that missionaries in this area are going to need to elevate their spiritual level and obedience higher than we have ever raised it before. saying that this area the missionaries need to think of themselves as more than Baptizers and Temporary visitors but a part of the branch and a key role in the growth and strengthening of the branch that we go to. I have felt for a while that that is really my mission here. As i helped Ramonita in vega baja return after 25 years out of the church and here from other elders that she is stil attending. knowing that Brother linares who as well hadn't been to church in years came back and now all go to church. Doing service for Roberto who as well hadn't come to church visiting him regularly trying to help him leave the alcohol and many other things that destroyed his life. Hes now coming to church starting the sunday i left vega baja hasn't missed hardley any sundays. Here in Lares a return missionary that hasn't come to church in more than 5 months and has promised us he will come to church this week and next. In arecibo helping recent converts continue strong and continue teaching them till they went to the temple. in San nicolas 5 of the previous investigators i had found and taught have been baptized. In curacao teaching sister Rincon to prepare and not lose hope to be baptized when the opportunity allows. Helping Yenny come to the waters of baptism and see her be baptized.
I have not seen a whole lot of direct successes but i know my work has been of great benefit. I have two baptisms in which i saw them get baptized. My white clothes have stayed in their bag since the DR but i consider my mission a great time of learning and growth. as i have mentioned many times before i feel as though i have extended my family throughout the world. As preach my Gospel says in the very beginning the Restored Gospel is the only thing that will bring peace to different nations and will bring all races and cultures into unity of faith. I know that to be true.
I am now with Elder Rivera. He ends with me. we are two old stinky missionaries and president sent him here so we can help get a young man on a mission. That is our purpose in this next week do everything possible to help him realize the importance of the mission. We went to aguadilla the other day and had district meeting with President and the assistants. I dont know if i agree with all that was said and expressed and i will explain more after the mission. but i am more than willing to be obedient and continue striving and giving more and more of what i have making myself tired and wearing myself out in the service of the Lord.
I am very grateful for this change becuase i have learned a lot. The ways of president Alvarado are a little different but i will be obedient.
we had a great meeting with the branch president yesterday. we showed him the sheets that came out last year about new converts and recent converts the action list of their progress. We are going to start working harder on this. I really want to leave this area as i feel i have left all of my others. I honestly feel i have help people come back and helped them in many ways.
August 18, 2010
To all who follow these weekly letters of Elder Aaron Ellis: Just want you to know that today we received Elder Ellis' itinerary for his return home.
Wow!!! These 2 years have really flown by but we cannot wait for him to come back home!
Aaron arrives on Thursday September 16th at the Portland International Airport at 6:41pm via Delta airlines. You are welcome to come greet him at the airport with us if you feel so inclined.
Wow!!! These 2 years have really flown by but we cannot wait for him to come back home!
Aaron arrives on Thursday September 16th at the Portland International Airport at 6:41pm via Delta airlines. You are welcome to come greet him at the airport with us if you feel so inclined.
August 18, 2010
This fabulous week
Well. Since last Wednesday after we finished with our email and other p-day activities we started our ride out for San Sab. San Sebastian. We rode our bikes all the way from here to there then got a taxi then from there we went down to Aguada. When i got there i wanted so bad to go see Madeline one my first baptisms in my mission. We did. I put my hand out and she hit it out of the way and gave me a big hug. It was great to see her. But as we walked into her house her boyfriend walked out saying. I go to one church and I won’t confuse myself, and left in a very angry mood. I was shocked and immediately knew why she wasn't going to church anymore. We talked and she was pretty defensive and one of the Aguada Elders there said something that kind of offended her and it made me a little frustrated I only wanted her to feel the Spirit testify of what she needed to do. I invited her to read the Book of Mormon and she said she couldn't make that promise to me. It made me very sad. Then Thursday we were at Ponce and met with president and elder Vinas of the seventy. Great meeting that testified of things I had earlier mentioned to my zone leaders. I felt that they were kind of micromanaging the work. They had different ideas then Elder Vinas explained it very clearly and to me i got the answer.
Then yesterday we had district meeting it went well. Then after last night the Zone leaders called me and elder Knudsen told me that while they were in district meeting they were surprised because many of the points I was bringing up they had just heard from Elder Vinas and they asked each other wait a second did we share that with him yet? How does he know that?
It was a good moment helping me feel like a successful missionary.
Sorry we are going to the Mayaguez Zoo today. Woohoo!
No time.
Well. Since last Wednesday after we finished with our email and other p-day activities we started our ride out for San Sab. San Sebastian. We rode our bikes all the way from here to there then got a taxi then from there we went down to Aguada. When i got there i wanted so bad to go see Madeline one my first baptisms in my mission. We did. I put my hand out and she hit it out of the way and gave me a big hug. It was great to see her. But as we walked into her house her boyfriend walked out saying. I go to one church and I won’t confuse myself, and left in a very angry mood. I was shocked and immediately knew why she wasn't going to church anymore. We talked and she was pretty defensive and one of the Aguada Elders there said something that kind of offended her and it made me a little frustrated I only wanted her to feel the Spirit testify of what she needed to do. I invited her to read the Book of Mormon and she said she couldn't make that promise to me. It made me very sad. Then Thursday we were at Ponce and met with president and elder Vinas of the seventy. Great meeting that testified of things I had earlier mentioned to my zone leaders. I felt that they were kind of micromanaging the work. They had different ideas then Elder Vinas explained it very clearly and to me i got the answer.
Then yesterday we had district meeting it went well. Then after last night the Zone leaders called me and elder Knudsen told me that while they were in district meeting they were surprised because many of the points I was bringing up they had just heard from Elder Vinas and they asked each other wait a second did we share that with him yet? How does he know that?
It was a good moment helping me feel like a successful missionary.
Sorry we are going to the Mayaguez Zoo today. Woohoo!
No time.
August 11, 2010
SO this last week much time was spent on a special assignment from president. We were told by president to wake up early in the morning and talk to people taking their kids to school. They were all in their cars and we didn't really see much success. They just all dropped their kids off and yeah. But something we did do was split up with some young men in our branch. i went with the younger one and my companion went with the older one. It was a great learning experience for both of them and the older one told us yesterday. "you guys were right its so much better to share the gospel with friends. They understand you better and listen better" YEAH that was awesome to hear. I hope he takes us to more friends. While i was with the younger one. He just didn't really understand our purpose as missionaries and we started to tok. =) he got tired fast and would sit down while i was talking to people or walk around the street and it made it hard for the people to pay attention to us. so i decided it wasn't the most effective method. We saw an old lady and normally i ask if we can enter and talk to them. This time i just went in. and sat down. He didn't know that that wasn't normal. so he just followed me. We sang for her and talked a little. She didn't really understand. So i asked her a question about prayer. She said don't you think God has so many people to listen to that he wont listen to me. in that very moment i felt such a strong confirmation that GOD LISTENS TO ALL PRAYERS. no matter how pretty how simple how extravagant. I know he listens. and i testified to her that i know that God loves her. i testified that what she was feeling was God telling her of his love for her. as we left she said. God does listen to our prayers doesn't he. nice old lady. don't know how much she understood nor cared but i felt like she learned something and i know the young man learned something as well.
President came to our area and talked about the young men needing to be the ones who pass and bless and prepare the sacrament. That same week i had told them in a fireside that we wont have missionaries leaving from this branch until the Aaronic priesthood performs their duties that the lord has trusted them with. it was a great fireside and the members liked it. But then president Alvarado said the exact same thing when he came. It was great.
Yesterday as we passed by that young mans house he said. I have been assigned to bless the bread each week. =) IT is awesome. It made me so happy on Sunday to see them fulfilling with their responsibilities. They were all their preparing and they did everything. There is a lot for them to learn as youth but it has begun. What a great joy it is to work with youth.
So we were contacting on Wednesday and ran into a less active here in Lares. He went on his mission and came home early and was very active for a while then something happened and has stopped coming. We saw him and talked to him and i asked him about his testimony of the Book of Mormon. he said i have one but it will be gone soon. we told him how sad that made us but just kept talking to him. asking him about his mission and he loved telling us all about his stories and experiences. He also told us that he was writing a book. as he explained to us the plot of the story it seemed very similar to the book of Mormon and i told him that and he said. well i guess i cant leave all things. I told him i would love to see him come back to church and he said he will before i leave. Asked some questions about temples and masons. I was grateful that i had learned a little more about them and about Joseph smith being one and was able to help him understand the process of revelation. He told us he will come back. It was great. i told my companion that it totally reminded me of the song How to save a life. the story behind that song is fabulous. I invite you to look for it online and watch it. The story behind how to save a life.
they talk about how you just need to be a friend.
Then this week i read a quote by Joseph smith saying that we need to reach out to people and just help them. Not judge them. just like the phrase. They don't care how much you know till they know how much you care.
That was a great experience.
We also made some delicious pizza. While we were haciendo compras last week i asked my companion elder do you have pizza sauce. he said yeah there is some in the house. we got home and when i went to make the pizza. NADA. so we made it with BBQ sauce. it turned out alright. it tasted good. =) well
i love you and hope you have a great week.
President came to our area and talked about the young men needing to be the ones who pass and bless and prepare the sacrament. That same week i had told them in a fireside that we wont have missionaries leaving from this branch until the Aaronic priesthood performs their duties that the lord has trusted them with. it was a great fireside and the members liked it. But then president Alvarado said the exact same thing when he came. It was great.
Yesterday as we passed by that young mans house he said. I have been assigned to bless the bread each week. =) IT is awesome. It made me so happy on Sunday to see them fulfilling with their responsibilities. They were all their preparing and they did everything. There is a lot for them to learn as youth but it has begun. What a great joy it is to work with youth.
So we were contacting on Wednesday and ran into a less active here in Lares. He went on his mission and came home early and was very active for a while then something happened and has stopped coming. We saw him and talked to him and i asked him about his testimony of the Book of Mormon. he said i have one but it will be gone soon. we told him how sad that made us but just kept talking to him. asking him about his mission and he loved telling us all about his stories and experiences. He also told us that he was writing a book. as he explained to us the plot of the story it seemed very similar to the book of Mormon and i told him that and he said. well i guess i cant leave all things. I told him i would love to see him come back to church and he said he will before i leave. Asked some questions about temples and masons. I was grateful that i had learned a little more about them and about Joseph smith being one and was able to help him understand the process of revelation. He told us he will come back. It was great. i told my companion that it totally reminded me of the song How to save a life. the story behind that song is fabulous. I invite you to look for it online and watch it. The story behind how to save a life.
they talk about how you just need to be a friend.
Then this week i read a quote by Joseph smith saying that we need to reach out to people and just help them. Not judge them. just like the phrase. They don't care how much you know till they know how much you care.
That was a great experience.
We also made some delicious pizza. While we were haciendo compras last week i asked my companion elder do you have pizza sauce. he said yeah there is some in the house. we got home and when i went to make the pizza. NADA. so we made it with BBQ sauce. it turned out alright. it tasted good. =) well
i love you and hope you have a great week.
August 3, 2010
As we look through and study the points of focus and doctrine that they taught to us i am seeing and know that the lord guides this work. I have felt many times that he really is directing us here.
Last night i was contemplating my mission and how little i have understood till now and how little i still understand. and how much different my mission would have been if i would have learned and payed more attention at the beginning. I was thinking about the idea of asking to extend to be able to prove myself or make up for my faults or something. I thought about the two options ask for an extension or go with what i was given. I began to pray. I asked first about asking for an extension. I felt an uneasy feeling. confused. then i contemplated and asked about following the plan. and i felt peace and felt the confirmation. Throughout the morning preparing for district meeting i was wondering why i had received that answer and almost doubting because i was really feeling like i need to make up for my mistakes. Then in district meeting while sharing my testimony with the other missionaries i received a simple impression and memory about Zions Camp. If they never would have gone against or been brought to an all time low or made mistakes i don't think it would have been the same experience preparing them for the future. My mission is not even close to being a regret. I have worked hard. My mistakes and my weaknesses have prevented me from accomplishing many things here in the mission. But i know that it has been a learning experience and sometimes we need to miss out on blessings to open our eyes. to learn and grow. The tree that suffers the most wind has the deepest roots (or gets blown over =) ).
That simple thought brought peace to my troubled heart. Zions Camp. What a rich piece of history that the lord has blessed us with. I feel like i have passed through this small little part of My own Zions Camp and and striving to get the most out of it. I know this church was organized to make us happy. and i find so much happiness each and every day by learning about the Lord. I am working on my weaknesses striving to be a better missionary and disciple of Christ.
This week we taught the first English class here for them. It went very well but the had a baby shower right after so the didn't let me finish my class. =\ i was bummed.
SO walking all around Lares i have thought and felt. hmmm i must be losing quiet a bit of weight i am sweating more than normal. i was looking all over for a scale. i found like 5 but never had a quarter to us them. I finally in subway for lunch yesterday found one and my companion gave me a quarter. =) i with anticipation emptied my pockets took of my shoes and walked up to the machine. Stood in place deposited the quarter. thinking maybe I'm at around 180 or so. I waited as it told me it was calculating my weight. i thought calculating? is it weighing me in pieces or what? Then finally the weight popped up on the screen...WHAT??? I'm huge. =) i cant keep eating so many carbs and starches. That's all they give us here. Rice and potatoes. rice and beans. rice and this rice and that. rice and bananas. =) no i am not upset at all just now know i am getting more muscular =) i wish. =)
Well that was our week. A lot of learning opportunities. Chuggin along. i bought some new razors =) gillete pro-glide. Whew nice shave.
Last night i was contemplating my mission and how little i have understood till now and how little i still understand. and how much different my mission would have been if i would have learned and payed more attention at the beginning. I was thinking about the idea of asking to extend to be able to prove myself or make up for my faults or something. I thought about the two options ask for an extension or go with what i was given. I began to pray. I asked first about asking for an extension. I felt an uneasy feeling. confused. then i contemplated and asked about following the plan. and i felt peace and felt the confirmation. Throughout the morning preparing for district meeting i was wondering why i had received that answer and almost doubting because i was really feeling like i need to make up for my mistakes. Then in district meeting while sharing my testimony with the other missionaries i received a simple impression and memory about Zions Camp. If they never would have gone against or been brought to an all time low or made mistakes i don't think it would have been the same experience preparing them for the future. My mission is not even close to being a regret. I have worked hard. My mistakes and my weaknesses have prevented me from accomplishing many things here in the mission. But i know that it has been a learning experience and sometimes we need to miss out on blessings to open our eyes. to learn and grow. The tree that suffers the most wind has the deepest roots (or gets blown over =) ).
That simple thought brought peace to my troubled heart. Zions Camp. What a rich piece of history that the lord has blessed us with. I feel like i have passed through this small little part of My own Zions Camp and and striving to get the most out of it. I know this church was organized to make us happy. and i find so much happiness each and every day by learning about the Lord. I am working on my weaknesses striving to be a better missionary and disciple of Christ.
This week we taught the first English class here for them. It went very well but the had a baby shower right after so the didn't let me finish my class. =\ i was bummed.
SO walking all around Lares i have thought and felt. hmmm i must be losing quiet a bit of weight i am sweating more than normal. i was looking all over for a scale. i found like 5 but never had a quarter to us them. I finally in subway for lunch yesterday found one and my companion gave me a quarter. =) i with anticipation emptied my pockets took of my shoes and walked up to the machine. Stood in place deposited the quarter. thinking maybe I'm at around 180 or so. I waited as it told me it was calculating my weight. i thought calculating? is it weighing me in pieces or what? Then finally the weight popped up on the screen...WHAT??? I'm huge. =) i cant keep eating so many carbs and starches. That's all they give us here. Rice and potatoes. rice and beans. rice and this rice and that. rice and bananas. =) no i am not upset at all just now know i am getting more muscular =) i wish. =)
Well that was our week. A lot of learning opportunities. Chuggin along. i bought some new razors =) gillete pro-glide. Whew nice shave.
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