March 29, 2010
Hola Family,
It’s been another good week in Sogamoso. My comp and I have been working hard and getting along very well. We have been finding new investigators but once again they left us disappointed and only 1 came to church. It’s frustrating when you find people and set good commitments and even go to pick them up and they don’t come through. But we aren’t letting it get us down and we have many plans and ideas to turn things around.
We made a nice sheet and started a "plan" for the missionary work in the ward. I made a table on the computer with the days of this week and the hours of each day. We had them pass it around in the Relief Society and fill in an hour when we can visit every family and share our new "plan" with them and the paper got filled up. Really our secret plan is to visit them, share a message and plan to have a family home evening with a friend that they will choose to invite. So we should be busy this week visiting all the members and hopefully we can get some good references and people who are ready to accept the gospel.
I am starting to get the area down well and I think this should be a good week. It is now Semana Santa here "holy week". It’s a catholic thing where they have all kinds of traditions like not eating meat or listening to music etc. But it means most people will be on vacation and at home so hopefully that is good.
Other than that, the work is going well. My comp is making lots of progress and we are working hard and being very obedient. He really is a good guy.
This Sunday in church I gave a talk and spoke about how members can prepare themselves to share short messages about what we believe and what the church is. Lots of people said they really liked my talk and that I spoke Spanish really well which was nice.
Today we had a good pday. We played basketball and soccer at the church and a few kids and members that actually knew how to play bball a little bit came, so it was fun to get in some good games and work on my shot. After that we cooked lunch as a district in our house. Elder Soria (Brazil) made a steak thing called milanesa. It was way good and we had tons of food.
Well sorry so short but we got here late and it’s time to end p day and start working. I love you fam, have a great week, and thanks for everything. Love Elder Barnard
Monday, March 29, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Bochica - Lamanite Tradition
March 21, 2010
Hey Fam,
Life is great here in Sogamoso. Sometimes when I'm walking down the middle of the main street and I see horse poop all over I almost think I’m in Wyoming (after the Labor Day Parade with all the horses) haha. But things are going well. I really like this place and we are making much progress with Elder R. Life is much simpler when you’re not assistant or branch president and I am enjoying just focusing on my area and investigators.
This week I don’t have too many dramatic stories to tell. I am starting to get the area down and know where I’m going. Elder R and I are getting along very well. I have been very patient and positive in everything we do and we have been very obedient and working really hard. I ask him how I can improve or compliment him. Since then I have really seen a change in him and have seen that he is trying really hard to be positive.
The people here have been a little difficult but I know we will be successful. The ward, although much bigger than Barranca and with experienced leaders, needs help with unity and most of the people seem to be Sunday members. We are working hard to win their confidence and become their friends. We hope that we can encourage them to introduce us to their friends.
Sunday was also Ward conference here so the Stake pres came and talked. We had high hopes of lots of investigators but unfortunately all but one fell through. We arranged to walk to church with one family but they were no where to be found. Really it was a challenging week. Lots of lessons fell through etc. but we kept working and like I said I know we are close.
Saturday we had a cool experience. After a whole day of not finding anyone, we stopped at 7:30, said a prayer and asked Padre Celestial to help us finish the day well and find someone who was ready to receive us. We looked around as to where to go and I felt like we should go to the street behind our house and knock on doors there. About the third one, a really nice guy, a husband and father of 3, opened the door and happily let us in and we taught him about the importance of the family and how much happiness the family could bring. The spirit was really strong and he seemed to really like our message. The story isn’t all happy because Sunday we couldn’t find them but it was seriously cool to see how quick our prayer was answered and we were blessed for not giving up.
Today we had a good P day. We went to the archaeological museum and saw a bunch of artifacts etc. of the Laminates as we know them here in this part. Here in Sogamoso they had a huge temple that they used for "rituals that had eternal importance to them" it said. Another interesting thing is a tradition called Bochica. The natives of almost every Latin American country have about the same tradition with different names. They say that "Bochica", a tall white bearded god came to them thousands of years ago way before the Spanish and taught them how to live and many skills etc. sounds like 3 Nephi 11.
Anyway I don’t think I have any more news, Time is flying but I am really enjoying things here. If there is anything that comes up as far as college I will let you know. I love you fam, thanks for all your support, be safe and be of good cheer. Love Will
Hey Fam,
Life is great here in Sogamoso. Sometimes when I'm walking down the middle of the main street and I see horse poop all over I almost think I’m in Wyoming (after the Labor Day Parade with all the horses) haha. But things are going well. I really like this place and we are making much progress with Elder R. Life is much simpler when you’re not assistant or branch president and I am enjoying just focusing on my area and investigators.
This week I don’t have too many dramatic stories to tell. I am starting to get the area down and know where I’m going. Elder R and I are getting along very well. I have been very patient and positive in everything we do and we have been very obedient and working really hard. I ask him how I can improve or compliment him. Since then I have really seen a change in him and have seen that he is trying really hard to be positive.
The people here have been a little difficult but I know we will be successful. The ward, although much bigger than Barranca and with experienced leaders, needs help with unity and most of the people seem to be Sunday members. We are working hard to win their confidence and become their friends. We hope that we can encourage them to introduce us to their friends.
Sunday was also Ward conference here so the Stake pres came and talked. We had high hopes of lots of investigators but unfortunately all but one fell through. We arranged to walk to church with one family but they were no where to be found. Really it was a challenging week. Lots of lessons fell through etc. but we kept working and like I said I know we are close.
Saturday we had a cool experience. After a whole day of not finding anyone, we stopped at 7:30, said a prayer and asked Padre Celestial to help us finish the day well and find someone who was ready to receive us. We looked around as to where to go and I felt like we should go to the street behind our house and knock on doors there. About the third one, a really nice guy, a husband and father of 3, opened the door and happily let us in and we taught him about the importance of the family and how much happiness the family could bring. The spirit was really strong and he seemed to really like our message. The story isn’t all happy because Sunday we couldn’t find them but it was seriously cool to see how quick our prayer was answered and we were blessed for not giving up.
Today we had a good P day. We went to the archaeological museum and saw a bunch of artifacts etc. of the Laminates as we know them here in this part. Here in Sogamoso they had a huge temple that they used for "rituals that had eternal importance to them" it said. Another interesting thing is a tradition called Bochica. The natives of almost every Latin American country have about the same tradition with different names. They say that "Bochica", a tall white bearded god came to them thousands of years ago way before the Spanish and taught them how to live and many skills etc. sounds like 3 Nephi 11.
Anyway I don’t think I have any more news, Time is flying but I am really enjoying things here. If there is anything that comes up as far as college I will let you know. I love you fam, thanks for all your support, be safe and be of good cheer. Love Will
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
I love Sogomoso
Hey family,
It’s been a good old week. I am now settled in to my new area in Sogamoso Boyaca. It was sad to leave Barranca but exciting at the same time for a change and a new opportunity.
Monday, after writing we spent the day visiting members etc. One sister invited us over for dinner and thanked me for all the help etc. and a few people cried when we said goodbye haha. I gave away some ties and pictures to a few members etc. It was a pretty long bus ride so I ended up getting to Tunja at about 11:30 P.M. The zone leader, Elder Calton and 2 Elders from Tunja were waiting there in the terminal so I stayed the night with them and then took the bus to Sogamoso and got here in the morning (it’s only about a 40 minute drive).
Sogamoso is a city of about 125,000 people. It has 2 pretty good wards and is part of the Duitama Stake which was just formed last year. When I got there, my comp Elder R was waiting with the 2 other elders from the other ward. We loaded up all the stuff. (Each transfer I have less and less stuff so it’s easier to travel) and headed to the house. I did splits here in my area once before when I was an AP so I already knew a little bit. The apartment is pretty nice and today we spent some good time cleaning it, so it’s in very good shape now.
My first day, we went to visit an investigator that they have had for a while. He is in the army here and every so often he gets sent off to jungle places to fight against and help control Farc (guerilla communist group). He is getting sent to a place on the border of Venezuela and he was telling us that it’s really rough there because Venezuela gives these guys weapons and shelter etc. and then denies it. (Haha but no worries mom it’s a long ways away and it’s very safe here). But anyway, his brothers and dad and wife are all baptized and he had done everything necessary to be baptized but didn’t feel like he knew enough. Turns out he had to report Saturday to get shipped to where he will be stationed for 5 months. We got to the lesson on baptism and he really felt like he needed to be baptized now. So we talked with him about all the details etc. and verified with the mission and Bishop and they said definitely. So my second day here we baptized him and confirmed him right there and he is now in the jungle somewhere. Who knows what will happen where they are but I am very glad that he was able to do what he needed to do before he left. It makes you REALLY appreciate people who will risk themselves to protect their family, country, freedom etc.
Things have actually been going well with Elder R. President Hacking called me the other day and told me that I was with him by his design and that it was a “special assignment”. I have been trying very, very hard to be 100% obedient and very positive and patient and things have gone very well. He is very intelligent and knows a lot of scriptures and expresses himself very well. The thing is that he tends to get discouraged or negative very quickly. I can see where he has had problems with other comps. But I have just let it all pass and be positive and obedient and he is starting to see that it doesn’t work and we are getting along well. I can tell that inside he is a good guy. He is really warming up and I think things will keep getting better. Things are improving every day.
The chapel here was planned to be the stake center but then they moved it to another area so it’s gigantic. It’s really nice and has a little basketball / soccer court and grass etc. There are some good, experienced leaders here. The problem they may have is that there could be more unity, so they all come to church and then go home and only see each other again the next Sunday. But I have tried to be really friendly with all of them and set up lots of appointments to visit them etc. to win their confidence. Oh, the other day I ate a soup that had cooked chicken intestines and FEET. Yes they made a stew and I pulled out my spoon and there was a nice tender chicken foot. haha
Sogamoso is quite a weird town. As you get towards the edges it is like part town. part farm land and you will just see all these empty lots with cows or horses on them. The scenery is really beautiful and actually reminds me a little of the Uinta mountains etc. The weather is peeeerfect. It’s cool all day and chilly in the mornings and night, it basically feels like Evanston in the spring. And it’s not cold enough to have to wear suits so it’s just white shirts.
I have been having some great study sessions and I am really trying hard to take advantage of every second I have. The days keep flying by and next time I write I will have less than 5 months! I know it’s the Lords’ plan for me to be here and with Elder R and I’m confident we can do great things. Well fam thanks again for everything, I’m excited for this new challenge and I know the Lord is going to help us out.
Until next time, Love Will
P.S. As far as the college stuff I think BYU is the plan. I have been thinking and praying about it for a while now and I feel like it's what I should do. I thought a lot about trying to play basketball and then transferring somewhere else but, for various reasons and as much as I love bball, I’m just not feeling it. As far as the Y, I have no idea about the apartments, that one you said, the Omni, looks really nice and if you guys feel like it’s the best choice I do too, cuz I really can’t put any time into researching it. Thank you so much.
It’s been a good old week. I am now settled in to my new area in Sogamoso Boyaca. It was sad to leave Barranca but exciting at the same time for a change and a new opportunity.
Monday, after writing we spent the day visiting members etc. One sister invited us over for dinner and thanked me for all the help etc. and a few people cried when we said goodbye haha. I gave away some ties and pictures to a few members etc. It was a pretty long bus ride so I ended up getting to Tunja at about 11:30 P.M. The zone leader, Elder Calton and 2 Elders from Tunja were waiting there in the terminal so I stayed the night with them and then took the bus to Sogamoso and got here in the morning (it’s only about a 40 minute drive).
Sogamoso is a city of about 125,000 people. It has 2 pretty good wards and is part of the Duitama Stake which was just formed last year. When I got there, my comp Elder R was waiting with the 2 other elders from the other ward. We loaded up all the stuff. (Each transfer I have less and less stuff so it’s easier to travel) and headed to the house. I did splits here in my area once before when I was an AP so I already knew a little bit. The apartment is pretty nice and today we spent some good time cleaning it, so it’s in very good shape now.
My first day, we went to visit an investigator that they have had for a while. He is in the army here and every so often he gets sent off to jungle places to fight against and help control Farc (guerilla communist group). He is getting sent to a place on the border of Venezuela and he was telling us that it’s really rough there because Venezuela gives these guys weapons and shelter etc. and then denies it. (Haha but no worries mom it’s a long ways away and it’s very safe here). But anyway, his brothers and dad and wife are all baptized and he had done everything necessary to be baptized but didn’t feel like he knew enough. Turns out he had to report Saturday to get shipped to where he will be stationed for 5 months. We got to the lesson on baptism and he really felt like he needed to be baptized now. So we talked with him about all the details etc. and verified with the mission and Bishop and they said definitely. So my second day here we baptized him and confirmed him right there and he is now in the jungle somewhere. Who knows what will happen where they are but I am very glad that he was able to do what he needed to do before he left. It makes you REALLY appreciate people who will risk themselves to protect their family, country, freedom etc.
Things have actually been going well with Elder R. President Hacking called me the other day and told me that I was with him by his design and that it was a “special assignment”. I have been trying very, very hard to be 100% obedient and very positive and patient and things have gone very well. He is very intelligent and knows a lot of scriptures and expresses himself very well. The thing is that he tends to get discouraged or negative very quickly. I can see where he has had problems with other comps. But I have just let it all pass and be positive and obedient and he is starting to see that it doesn’t work and we are getting along well. I can tell that inside he is a good guy. He is really warming up and I think things will keep getting better. Things are improving every day.
The chapel here was planned to be the stake center but then they moved it to another area so it’s gigantic. It’s really nice and has a little basketball / soccer court and grass etc. There are some good, experienced leaders here. The problem they may have is that there could be more unity, so they all come to church and then go home and only see each other again the next Sunday. But I have tried to be really friendly with all of them and set up lots of appointments to visit them etc. to win their confidence. Oh, the other day I ate a soup that had cooked chicken intestines and FEET. Yes they made a stew and I pulled out my spoon and there was a nice tender chicken foot. haha
Sogamoso is quite a weird town. As you get towards the edges it is like part town. part farm land and you will just see all these empty lots with cows or horses on them. The scenery is really beautiful and actually reminds me a little of the Uinta mountains etc. The weather is peeeerfect. It’s cool all day and chilly in the mornings and night, it basically feels like Evanston in the spring. And it’s not cold enough to have to wear suits so it’s just white shirts.
I have been having some great study sessions and I am really trying hard to take advantage of every second I have. The days keep flying by and next time I write I will have less than 5 months! I know it’s the Lords’ plan for me to be here and with Elder R and I’m confident we can do great things. Well fam thanks again for everything, I’m excited for this new challenge and I know the Lord is going to help us out.
Until next time, Love Will
P.S. As far as the college stuff I think BYU is the plan. I have been thinking and praying about it for a while now and I feel like it's what I should do. I thought a lot about trying to play basketball and then transferring somewhere else but, for various reasons and as much as I love bball, I’m just not feeling it. As far as the Y, I have no idea about the apartments, that one you said, the Omni, looks really nice and if you guys feel like it’s the best choice I do too, cuz I really can’t put any time into researching it. Thank you so much.
Monday, March 8, 2010
New Transfer and Changes
Well another transfer has come and gone already fam. Since President Hacking had already told me in my interview I knew I was going to be transferred and last night we found out where. The surprise was that my comp also got transferred so I was worried for a little bit that they would leave Pinos without missionaries, but 2 new ones will come in our place.
Yesterday was a nice fast Sunday. I was released as the BP and brother Benavides was sustained. I hope everything will go well and our branch will progress and grow. They still haven’t chosen a counselor but they will keep looking. I hope things work out and the branch can keep going and growing. It was really a good feeling when they gave the vote of thanks to see everyone raise their hand. (haha not that anyone ever doesn’t raise their hand) but I really felt like I had done about as well as I could and that the Lord was happy with the job we did. I got to give the last testimony and thanked all the members and told them I loved them and would miss hot, humid Barranca. We spent most of the day visiting the ward families etc. and saying goodbye and sharing a little message with each one. By the end of the day I was stuffed because about everybody invited us to eat.
Last night Shirley and David had a little goodbye dinner for me and my companion. It really is so sad to leave here and these good people. I never could have guessed that my time here in Barranca would turn out so well. First, we lived in a crowded, derelict, hot apartment without water. Then, we lived in a truck stop hotel for a few weeks. Next, we lived in a tiny bedroom on the other side of the city in the other missionaries house and finally in a house in our own area...I got to be the second (by 2 weeks) American missionary here in 17 years. I was a trainer, a senior companion and a Branch President. I sweated in this 100 plus degree weather more than at any point in my mission and I REALLY loved it. Haha seriously sitting here at this computer and writing it all down and thinking that I have a transfer makes me feel like crying, wuss - right? But the mish really is an amazing experience. I haven’t been perfect here, it’s been the most challenging part of my mission but I really have tried to do my best and I’m proud to say I never wished not to be here or do this. Yesterday in church and in my prayers, I really felt that the Lord understands us and that he accepted these months of work. I have grown to love the people here very much and I will definitely never forget my time in Barrancabermeja. It has been an amazing experience.
But that’s life and there are always changes. I will now be going to a town called Sogamoso. It is a fairly small city in the Boyaca department. It’s a more temperate climate, not so hot and humid. It’s kind of in the mountains and a very cool little city. Its part of the Duitama Stake. It was just made a stake last year. The stake is made up of 4 little cities about 30 minutes away from each other. They have 1 or 2 wards each. Sogamoso has 2 wards and the one I am going to is called Sol (SUN). I did splits one day there and they have a nice, big chapel. Because it is a ward we won’t have to worry about leadership etc. I will be able to focus on just working as a missionary.
President Hacking told me in the interview that he would probably put me with a young missionary or one who was struggling a little to try and help. Haha but it looks like that’s the case. So I now have a new companion. When I was AP I got to know him a little and he had a few problems with obedience etc. Actually one day a long time ago, he and his comp were having problems so I was called to work with them. He ignored my phone calls and left me waiting alone in a park until his comp caught on. But, I think things will turn out well. I will just try to work extra hard and support him and be his friend. And that’s the news. I am sad to leave Barranca but excited to get to know a new place and new people and see what we can accomplish there.
Hope all is well where you are. As far as housing etc. for BYU, I have no idea but try to talk with other moms who know etc. I don’t think RM’s usually live on campus but I really don’t know how it works. Well I’m out of time. I love you fam, I love what I’m doing and you’re in my prayers always, till next week. Elder Barnard
Yesterday was a nice fast Sunday. I was released as the BP and brother Benavides was sustained. I hope everything will go well and our branch will progress and grow. They still haven’t chosen a counselor but they will keep looking. I hope things work out and the branch can keep going and growing. It was really a good feeling when they gave the vote of thanks to see everyone raise their hand. (haha not that anyone ever doesn’t raise their hand) but I really felt like I had done about as well as I could and that the Lord was happy with the job we did. I got to give the last testimony and thanked all the members and told them I loved them and would miss hot, humid Barranca. We spent most of the day visiting the ward families etc. and saying goodbye and sharing a little message with each one. By the end of the day I was stuffed because about everybody invited us to eat.
Last night Shirley and David had a little goodbye dinner for me and my companion. It really is so sad to leave here and these good people. I never could have guessed that my time here in Barranca would turn out so well. First, we lived in a crowded, derelict, hot apartment without water. Then, we lived in a truck stop hotel for a few weeks. Next, we lived in a tiny bedroom on the other side of the city in the other missionaries house and finally in a house in our own area...I got to be the second (by 2 weeks) American missionary here in 17 years. I was a trainer, a senior companion and a Branch President. I sweated in this 100 plus degree weather more than at any point in my mission and I REALLY loved it. Haha seriously sitting here at this computer and writing it all down and thinking that I have a transfer makes me feel like crying, wuss - right? But the mish really is an amazing experience. I haven’t been perfect here, it’s been the most challenging part of my mission but I really have tried to do my best and I’m proud to say I never wished not to be here or do this. Yesterday in church and in my prayers, I really felt that the Lord understands us and that he accepted these months of work. I have grown to love the people here very much and I will definitely never forget my time in Barrancabermeja. It has been an amazing experience.
But that’s life and there are always changes. I will now be going to a town called Sogamoso. It is a fairly small city in the Boyaca department. It’s a more temperate climate, not so hot and humid. It’s kind of in the mountains and a very cool little city. Its part of the Duitama Stake. It was just made a stake last year. The stake is made up of 4 little cities about 30 minutes away from each other. They have 1 or 2 wards each. Sogamoso has 2 wards and the one I am going to is called Sol (SUN). I did splits one day there and they have a nice, big chapel. Because it is a ward we won’t have to worry about leadership etc. I will be able to focus on just working as a missionary.
President Hacking told me in the interview that he would probably put me with a young missionary or one who was struggling a little to try and help. Haha but it looks like that’s the case. So I now have a new companion. When I was AP I got to know him a little and he had a few problems with obedience etc. Actually one day a long time ago, he and his comp were having problems so I was called to work with them. He ignored my phone calls and left me waiting alone in a park until his comp caught on. But, I think things will turn out well. I will just try to work extra hard and support him and be his friend. And that’s the news. I am sad to leave Barranca but excited to get to know a new place and new people and see what we can accomplish there.
Hope all is well where you are. As far as housing etc. for BYU, I have no idea but try to talk with other moms who know etc. I don’t think RM’s usually live on campus but I really don’t know how it works. Well I’m out of time. I love you fam, I love what I’m doing and you’re in my prayers always, till next week. Elder Barnard
Monday, March 1, 2010
Couple of Baptisms
March 1, 2010
Qhubo fam,
Another good week here in B/meja. We had a good week working with our focus more on the members and recently baptized. We had the baptisms of Saira and Jonathan on Saturday and the confirmations on Sunday. Also today we had interviews with the president which went really well. We just got back from them. As far as the week we spent a lot of time working with less actives and members who are having problems. We are working really hard with a few priesthood brothers who are less active to help strengthen their testimonies and build up the p hood here in the branch. We also had some good lessons with Saira and Jonathan preparing them for their baptism and everything. They are now going to seminaries Tue thru Friday and have already made good friends with the other youth which is way important because they have a support system and will be less likely to go inactive. We took them out of seminary to teach lessons and then would send them back to class.
On Saturday we had a rush to get all the clothes etc ready but the baptism turned out great. We held the service with the Elders in Parnaso who also had a baptism. The room was full; we had a really good turn out from both branches. I conducted the meeting and we had our two priests baptize the two new members which will be a good experience for them. The youth from Pinos prepared a little musical number and there was a video and a few short talks. Afterwards we went to an after baptism dinner with some members from Parnaso which was also kind of a goodbye for Elder Zari because he is about to end the mish. Sorry if I'm lacking a lot of spaces but this spacebar hardly works. Anyway Brother Benavides had a small eye operation so yesterday I was solo to run everything in the branch but it turned out well. My comp and I confirmed them.
Last night they called us with the surprise info that Pres Hacking would interview us today. He first talked with each of us with our comps and then individually. He thanked me a lot for what we’ve done as Branch President and said that next week they would make the change and put Bro B in as the BP and I would get to be a full time missionary again. It was a really good interview, its always energizing to talk to president Hacking. He told me this would probably be the area I would most remember and this experience would benefit me forever and that I did a really good job with the extra load etc.
He asked me what I thought could be done to improve this district etc because now that the missionaries aren’t going to be in the BP things will be harder. Honestly I think, and told him, that this place shouldn’t be a district yet. For so long everyone has been saying STAKE STAKE STAKE but they are nowhere near it and the little leadership that there is needs to grow and be strengthened. What happens is that all the leaders get called to be in the district and the branches are left without help. The branches can use all the people they have until they grow a little and are ready for a district and someday a stake. He seemed to agree with that and it looks like changes are coming. At least with the progress we have made I think Pinos can support itself and keep growing.
He also told me he wasn’t sure where or in what position but that I was going to be changed this transfer. It’s going to be tough to leave this place. haha. I never would have imagined how much I would learn or grow to love these people and this area. So I have 2 weeks left to do everything possible and leave this place as well as we can. I really have seen the Lords blessings in my time here and President is right that it will never ever be forgotten.
I’m pretty sure that my decision will be to attend BYU this fall. I have been praying and thinking about the options. As much as I love Wyoming and even more, love playing basketball, I feel like it’s what I should do and will turn out to be the best in the long run.
Well I’ve got to run. I pray for you always. I know we are in the truth. I finished the B of M again yesterday just in time for the mission challenge and I learned so much more and really felt yet again that it was true. Well love ya much fam, hope all is well and till next week. Elder Barnard
Qhubo fam,
Another good week here in B/meja. We had a good week working with our focus more on the members and recently baptized. We had the baptisms of Saira and Jonathan on Saturday and the confirmations on Sunday. Also today we had interviews with the president which went really well. We just got back from them. As far as the week we spent a lot of time working with less actives and members who are having problems. We are working really hard with a few priesthood brothers who are less active to help strengthen their testimonies and build up the p hood here in the branch. We also had some good lessons with Saira and Jonathan preparing them for their baptism and everything. They are now going to seminaries Tue thru Friday and have already made good friends with the other youth which is way important because they have a support system and will be less likely to go inactive. We took them out of seminary to teach lessons and then would send them back to class.
On Saturday we had a rush to get all the clothes etc ready but the baptism turned out great. We held the service with the Elders in Parnaso who also had a baptism. The room was full; we had a really good turn out from both branches. I conducted the meeting and we had our two priests baptize the two new members which will be a good experience for them. The youth from Pinos prepared a little musical number and there was a video and a few short talks. Afterwards we went to an after baptism dinner with some members from Parnaso which was also kind of a goodbye for Elder Zari because he is about to end the mish. Sorry if I'm lacking a lot of spaces but this spacebar hardly works. Anyway Brother Benavides had a small eye operation so yesterday I was solo to run everything in the branch but it turned out well. My comp and I confirmed them.
Last night they called us with the surprise info that Pres Hacking would interview us today. He first talked with each of us with our comps and then individually. He thanked me a lot for what we’ve done as Branch President and said that next week they would make the change and put Bro B in as the BP and I would get to be a full time missionary again. It was a really good interview, its always energizing to talk to president Hacking. He told me this would probably be the area I would most remember and this experience would benefit me forever and that I did a really good job with the extra load etc.
He asked me what I thought could be done to improve this district etc because now that the missionaries aren’t going to be in the BP things will be harder. Honestly I think, and told him, that this place shouldn’t be a district yet. For so long everyone has been saying STAKE STAKE STAKE but they are nowhere near it and the little leadership that there is needs to grow and be strengthened. What happens is that all the leaders get called to be in the district and the branches are left without help. The branches can use all the people they have until they grow a little and are ready for a district and someday a stake. He seemed to agree with that and it looks like changes are coming. At least with the progress we have made I think Pinos can support itself and keep growing.
He also told me he wasn’t sure where or in what position but that I was going to be changed this transfer. It’s going to be tough to leave this place. haha. I never would have imagined how much I would learn or grow to love these people and this area. So I have 2 weeks left to do everything possible and leave this place as well as we can. I really have seen the Lords blessings in my time here and President is right that it will never ever be forgotten.
I’m pretty sure that my decision will be to attend BYU this fall. I have been praying and thinking about the options. As much as I love Wyoming and even more, love playing basketball, I feel like it’s what I should do and will turn out to be the best in the long run.
Well I’ve got to run. I pray for you always. I know we are in the truth. I finished the B of M again yesterday just in time for the mission challenge and I learned so much more and really felt yet again that it was true. Well love ya much fam, hope all is well and till next week. Elder Barnard
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