The Word on Will

Will's Home

2010-09-05T14:50:00.000-07:00

Here is the WHOLE family waiting excitedly. I was amazed at the resilience of all the little grand kids. They were all happy and excited in spite of the late hour - it was after midnight.

Here we are still waiting. We sent the 4 oldest grand kids up to the top of the stairs to see if they could spot them coming down the hall. They kept a very close watch for what seemed forever.
People from the Atlanta flight kept coming and coming but no Elders. When they saw 3 excited families waiting, the LDS people would get big smiles on their faces and say, "Hey, there are 3 Elders coming behind us. They were at the back of the plane." A few minutes later, someone would ask again, "Did you see any Elders? and some nice person would say, Yup, they are coming. We saw them."
I think the non LDS people coming down were quite surprised to see such a welcoming committee at well after midnight. They must have thought that the folks in SLC were really friendly.
So, when the kids actually spotted them, they came racing down the stairs saying, "They're coming, they're coming." We quickly got our cameras ready and finally, we caught a glimpse of them at the top.

Here he is coming down the escalator.

My first hug in two long years. I couldn't stop crying.

Elder Smith, Elder Lee, Elder Barnard.

Will looks a little older to us but then again, it has been two years.

Returning With Honor

2010-08-09T20:55:00.000-07:00

Will, along with Elders Lee and Smith will be arriving at the SLC airport late Wednesday night (August 18). He will be speaking at the LDS South Stake Center in Evanston, Wyoming the following Sunday in Sacrament Meeting which starts at about 12:30 P.M.

Dear Family,
Well it’s crazy to think how near the end really is. Two years ago from tomorrow I was giving my "farewell" talk. Really it seems like it was much less than 2 years but at the same time it seems like a whole other life ago. wow.
This week has been another good one. I can happily say that I will finish my mission working hard and I have "Fought the good fight" and "kept the faith". I don’t know if I will be around an internet to say anything next Monday so the next time we talk it could be real talking.

But anyhow, this week we have continued working with our investigators and fighting to help them progress and make covenants with God. Martha and Stefani Garcia are doing great and are excited for their baptism on Friday. Sadly, Noe has been away managing their farm and couldn’t be in any lessons or in church this weekend. Is his case we will just have to get hold of him this week and see if he feels prepared to be baptized with his family, but be this week or a few weeks later I know he will be there with them? Another investigator named Slendi who is a teenage girl who lives with a member family will also be baptized, but on Wednesday. The bishop showed up this week with a ten year old girl from a member family whose baptismal records were lost so we will also have to quickly teach her the lessons this week and she will count as a "convert baptism", also on Friday. So it looks like I will be able to finish my last week with a minimum of 4 baptisms and go out on a good note.

Everyone in the ward here has found out that I am going home so we have dinner appointments booked for the whole week. We have gotten along great with the members here so no one misses a chance to ask how long I have left and act amazed at how little it is. The church is putting more emphasis on a few parts of Preach my Gospel so we will receive some more training from Monday to Thursday. We will be spending the mornings doing that and then working normally in the afternoon.

The zone is still doing great, we have already baptized 12 more in the first 2 weeks of this month and we are well on pace to pass 20 at least again. So there had only been 20 or more baptisms here twice before and we are about to drop two in a row. We have been very blessed. I had some areas like Barranca or Sogamoso where we worked our butts off but the people just weren't ready or it wasn’t the right time but the Lord really has blessed us to find many people here. It really is a great way to finish the mish and I can’t say how very grateful I am for it.

I am not scared or nervous about what will happen as I get home. I think everything is lined up very well but just the same, it’s going to be really strange. I will probably be a weird RM for a little while but I know good things are to come and it will go well. I’m excited to start at BYU.

Looks like we will do the baptisms on Friday. On Saturday, they invited us to go to Barranca and do a little Barbecue / Goodbye for Elder Mura and me. So we will go in the morning and come back in the night. Sunday I just happen to have a talk in church and Sunday night it looks like we will head out on a bus to Bogotá. I think Monday will be a free day there and the rumor is that President Camargo is going to invite us over to eat dinner with them. Tuesday we will go to the temple, have the last interview and have a little goodbye dinner / testimony meeting and Wednesday bright and early we will be in the airport. wowsers.

So fam this is the end of the road. It will be sad to leave Colombia behind. I really do love it and love the people here. I imagine I will shed a few tears this next week. I can't describe how great it has been to be a missionary; I wouldn't trade it for anything. It has been the best experience of my life and I’m very grateful that I was called to serve here. It’s a very strange feeling I have as I write this and realize that I am really that close.

I know that we are in the truth and I have a testimony of it. It’s hard to end but I am at peace with the mission I have served. I haven't been perfect by any means but I really can say that I have tried my best and I have always wanted to be the best missionary I could be. I have learned that by ourselves we may be able to do good things, but when we learn to depend on the Lord and humble ourselves is when we really find out our potential. Don’t worry about planning out anything fancy in the airport. I love you mucho and as sad as it is to finish, it will be so nice to see ya again. Take care this week and if I don’t send a quick letter on Monday I will talk to ya next Wednesday. wow crazy. Love Will

August 2, 2010

2010-08-02T14:49:00.000-07:00

As it gets closer to seeing you, I feel less like spending time writing letters but here is the weekly report of another good week in Bucaramanga. Please don't take that as a trunky comment, I feel very untrunky and we are going as hard as ever and the spirit is very strong. But it’s inevitable and all the missionaries and ward members like to constantly remind me how soon I will be home. Actually I may only have one weekly letter left after this one depending on what they do with us.

This was a very good week. We finished the zone leader conference in Bogotá, it was a very good meeting held in the visitors center of the temple. It was nice to see big old Bogotá again and I felt pretty cold. I can’t imagine how dry Utah and Wyoming will feel.

After the conference, those of us who are traveling went to McDonalds and I got myself a nice quarter pounder with cheese and fries. McDonalds is actually funny here, the food is the same but they make it seem like a fancy thing and basically only rich people eat there. After that we went to the terminal and headed out on another all night bus ride back. I tried about every possible position to sleep that you can on a bus but without much luck. We got home at about 6 am, took a quick nap and then had district meeting.

Elder Mura and Elder Romero both know quite a bit of English so we did the meeting in English by their request. I spoke a little about the restoration in English and it was pretty awkward trying to talk about the gospel in English. I have found that when I try to talk more formally or about specific topics it’s pretty weird.

Anyway the week went great. I did divisions with Central and worked there with Elder Romero. They were struggling a lot to find investigators but we worked like crazy and we invited 7 people to be baptized and all accepted.

The Garcia family is doing great. We taught them with the Bishop. Marta and Stefani are very decided about baptism. Noe the dad is still a little unsure but he is progressing slowly but surely and continues with his goal for the 14th.

Also you may remember N. She is showing a lot of progress and starting to seem more like a member of the church and less like an evangelic. She always goes to church etc and is just waiting because she has to have an interview with president Hacking first. He should be here next week. She is reading the BoM like crazy, going to church weekly and even invites her friends to come. She bore a nice testimony yesterday in Sacrament meeting.

Today for Pday we got the zone together and gave out the cool zone t Shirts we had made. They look like the Bucaramanga soccer team jersey but they say “Terrazas Zone.” And there is a little 26 for the new baptism record and all our names on the back. They turned out really well. Then we played a little soccer and Bball and Elder Moen, Butler and I went and ate lunch at the mall here.

The sports pass sounds great and I’m sure it will work out just fine. Mom asked about the other missionaries in our group. Those of us traveling together will be me, Elder Moen - Idaho, Elder Lee - Utah, Elder Smith - Utah, Elder Larsen - Houston TX. So by the time you see us it will just be Elder Lee, Elder Smith and me.

Family I want you to know that I know this is the true church and I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. I have had the blessing to read and search the book of Mormon and pray about it many, many times and I know that it is true. I think we may be the most blessed people in this whole world if you really think about it. I’m so thankful and happy for the experience my mission has been and the great way the Lord has blessed me to be able to end. Have a great week and I will talk to ya next time. Love Will.

July 26, 2010

2010-07-27T07:50:00.000-07:00

Hola family,
I am here in Bogotá now. Today and tomorrow we are having the zone leader’s conference here in the temples visitor center. We left on a bus last night and drove all night. We got here at about 6 in the morning, caught a nap and then went to a synthetic soccer field they rented and played a little soccer. Here the temple has like a hotel by it because lots of people have to travel a long way to get here so we are staying there and the conference will be in a conference room here. Also today is president Hackings birthday so we will have a little birthday party tonight. It is nice to be back and see Bogotá after almost 9 months, I forgot how gigantic it is, but the weather here is perfect, always cool. We are writing from an internet cafe in Tierra Linda, my old area where I was before I went to the offices and on our way out of the temple we saw an old member from here who I was good buddies with and we traded email adds etc. Good memories.

The weeks keep on flying by like they always have. This week as yall know we went to Barranca for a few days to participate in the Independence Day activity they did. Another good chance to see old members and friends which was very cool and I got to see our old converts from Barranca and they are still firm and active :) The next day we did interchanges with the elders there which went very well. Friday I also went to Real de Minas and did divisions with Elder Thomas (another old area that I was in!). ha so without planning it I have now been in three old areas this week, but cool. We had a very good day working with Elder Thomas. He was just made district leader there for the first time so he has lots of questions and we had some good talks so I think it was a very good chance to help him and give him some confidence.

Things in the area just keep going great. We had 2 baptisms on Saturday, German and Vanesa. Unfortunately after his baptism German basically disappeared and when his mom and sister got to church the next day they told us he had gone with a friend after his baptism to visit and that they hadn’t heard from him yet. So Vanessa was confirmed but not German, hopefully he is alright and we can find out something. Please keep them in your prayers.

With this weekend we finish the month with 26 baptisms here in the zone, breaking the record of 21 :) It is very rewarding to see goals, plans and hard work pay off. We started as soon as we got here to put new ideas etc in place and just try to get the spirit and work hard and it has paid off in the whole zone. This week we designed and ordered zone shirts for everyone with all of our names (the shirt is modeled after the Bucaramanga soccer teams jersey) Now August will be starting so we can’t sit and celebrate because the idea is to keep things going.

We had a very spiritual experience this week with the Garcia Family. Noe, the dad, finally got back from working on their farm so we were finally able to have another lesson with the whole family. They are an awesome family and very good people. I don’t know if I told you but the other day they had special Colombian hats and bags brought in from the coast and gave them to us! They are the first investigators I have ever had that have 2 cars. The daughter studies no where else but in Alberta! She is at the University of Alberta, but she doesn't go back to study for a few months ... But anyway that’s not the spiritual experience. We finally got to teach them all, we planned a special lesson about the restoration and then the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was a spiritual lesson and we shared some strong testimonies etc and then we "sacamos la fecha" (took out the date, invited them to be baptized) on the 14th of August, my last week in Colombia. The mom Marta said "you know me and Stefani (the daughter) have been talking about baptism and we think we should." So they all said they would prepare to be baptized the 14th of August. The mom and the daughter were both sure and happy about it, the dad was a little bit unsure but his wife put her hand on his shoulder and said "don't worry, you'll be ready to be baptized with us too" and he accepted to prepare for that same date. It was really a spiritual high, even for missionary life. They really are good people and they are looking for the truth and what’s right. I don't want to get ahead of myself because a lot of things can happen in a few weeks, but it would be a really great experience if they could stay strong and make it to their goal. I would love to see them be baptized my last Saturday here. It really is a testimony that the Lord guides his elect to us. If you remember it was one of our first weeks in the area and we had taken a wrong turn looking for a member’s house. They drove by in their SUV and almost kept going but a little ahead of us they stopped and called us over. Honestly, it can’t just be a simple coincidence. I know the Lord led us and them to each other.

So we will be busy working with them, also a few other investigators, and the rest of the zone. I am happy to say I will finish very well and working as hard as ever. I know this is the true church and I know that Christ lives, loves us and knows us. Thanks for all your support and love and have a great week. Mucho Amor, Elder Barnard

July 20, 2010

2010-07-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

July 20, 2010
Hola Familia.
Well it’s been a good old week. We had another baptism and we had the chance to do a few good intercambios. The transfers in the mission were Wednesday, so we saw a few missionaries off and received a few others here in the zone. Unfortunately we have been slowed down (both of us) by un poco de gripa (a little flu) but we haven’t missed any days of work for it so we are still marching along. Right now we are in Barranca doing interchanges with the Elders here and helping them with an activity they will have today. Today is independence day and the 200th anniversary of Colombia. They are showing their patriotism.

We have both had some serious coughs this week and for a few days were feeling a little out of it but we keep working hard and trying to take care of it and now we are starting to get better. The members here have suggested about every remedy there is from certain pills to eating honey with eucalyptus. But just the same we did divisions with the Elders in Giron which turned out very well. I think we were able to help them get more excited about how things were going and we were able to secure a few commitments with investigators and find some new ones as well.

On Saturday we had another baptism, his name is Carlos Rincon and I think he will someday be a very good priesthood leader. His girlfriend is a member, so at first he started coming with her but then she left for a while and he kept coming and progressing. He has a very strong, new testimony and shared it after his baptism. He is very converted and the best part is he isn’t doing it just because his girlfriend dragged him into it. She even told him straight up in one of the lessons that if he was going to do it, it had to be for him and not for her. He really is converted for himself and even established his own baptismal date. In his testimony he thanked us a lot for teaching him and helping him find out for himself and we feel very blessed for another one of los hijos de nuestro pardre celestial who we have been able to help find the real source of happiness.

Lia and Claudia (our recent converts) moved to Bogotá and they are going to church there and settling in great. All 4 members of the Gomez family are more than happy and working great in the ward. Cesar, the dad, is soon going to be called as Elders Quorum secretary and they all seem to be very firm.

Things in the zone are going great, actually the best they have ever been in this zone. The Terrazas zone/stake includes the North Part of Bucaramanga and was the first stake to be established here in Bucaramanga (there are now two stakes in the city). It’s been a stake since the 80s as far as we can tell. The other day we were looking through the history as far as mission stats for the zone and we found out that the most baptisms that the zone has ever had in one month has been 21. Last week with the baptisms of the zone, we reached... 21 for July so far. And this week we will have 2 more baptisms in our area and 2 others in the zone which would leave us at 25, breaking the record by 4. We don't work to attain numbers ever, but numbers must be used to measure progress and are used in every part of the church because each number represents a soul and it gives you something you can easily measure and compare to look for progress. So we are very excited and very grateful for all the success that the Lord has blessed us with and at least for now we can say we were there for the best month this zone ever had.

The days are ticking down faster and faster. I don't in any way, feel trunky like happiness to end the mission, but I know its coming and that I should be content to do what the Lord has called me to do and to finish when he has called me to finish too (Alma 29). I love what I am doing. We are still working are butts off and we are far from finished. I still have faith that I can see the Garcia family and others come into the church and I will do my best till the last day.

I know the church is true and I know that this is the Lords work and that being a missionary is the bomb. Les amo mucho familia, gracias por todo su apoyo y gracias por su amor y sus oraciones. Despues de esta carta, solo escribiré 3 mas como misionero. Espero que estén bien y recuerden que siempre estan en mis oraciones. Con Amor, Elder Barnard

Last Transfer

2010-07-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

Hello Family,
This week has been another fast one and another good one. We spent a lot of time working in divisions with the others in the zone which meant a little time outside our area but we were able to help out some other areas in the zone. Another transfer has come and gone.

Last night the 6 week transfer period ended so everyone was waiting like always to see if they would stay or if they would go. Luckily there were a few changes in the zone but not in our district. Elder Butler will be the missionary that "kills me" as we say. Our 2 roomies, Elder Mura and Romero, will also be here for this transfer. It’s very strange to think that I have begun my last transfer. The next 6 weeks that my planner includes will not just be lessons and meetings but a homecoming talk and... college... weird.

But anyway this week we took 2 days to go to Barranca and work with the missionaries there and make sure they don’t feel forgotten. I got to work with Elder Machacuay in Pinos where I used to be. It was very cool because I got to see quite a few of the members I got to know there and they were all very surprised and happy to see me. That (Barranca) was definitely one of the most challenging parts of my mission but one of the most memorable and I really love the people there.

The next day I worked with Elder M who is from Idaho and from my group (we went thru the MTC together and will go home at the same time). He is a very interesting case if I never told you. His dad is a preacher in an Evangelical church and his family is quite anti Mormon. He was baptized about a year before he came on a mission and is very hard working as a missionary. He will have a lot of challenges after finishing his mish and there are a lot of unsure things so it was good to work with him and talk about plans etc.

Right now it’s "winter" here so although still very hot and humid, Barranca isn’t like it was back in my day during the hot summer months. We got back to work Thursday in our area and Friday we went and worked with the sisters in their area to help them out. It’s very weird to work with sisters because obviously we both have to go which makes us 4 people walking around and trying to teach people. Their names are Sister Berrios from Peru and Sister Wolosko from Argentina. It was a good chance to encourage them and help them keep feeling good about the work.

Our stats dropped in Pinos because we spent over 3 days out of the area but we were still able to have 10 investigators in sacrament meeting (that’s our sixth time in a row with 10+) and there are 5 with baptismal date. This Saturday we have one for sure named Carlos. He is about 27, studying and working and his girlfriend is a member :) But he is developing a strong testimony and he established his baptism date by himself and is very excited. Also for the coming Saturday, there are 2 teenagers (German and Vanesa) who are preparing to be baptized. There mom is a member who was inactive for a while but through our visits and the wards support she is now active and happy in the church and her kids are excited too. Our most interesting investigator is Nury. She went from being atheist, to spending 10 years as a Christian missionary and evangelical pastor to dropping it all and now she is determined that she has found the truth in the church and "needs to start working for Jesus. " She wants with all her heart to be baptized. We only teach her in the church and we are putting challenging commitments to make sure she is doing things for the right reasons. Her plan was to be baptized with her daughter this week but for some reason they didn’t come to church. So this week we will have to see what happened and how she continues to progress.

We are still working with the Garcia family. They are progressing slowly but very surely and we really believe they are one of those golden families. The dad has been out of town working but the rest have been coming to church and receiving the lessons great and we call him every once in a while to see how he is and he is very enthusiastic. So please keep those people in your prayers.

And so begins the last transfer of my mission. I am not trunky at all but I can start to feel the end coming and like President has told us, we have to start wrapping our minds around the fact that the mission is going to end and to be ready for it. But I still have hopes to help many more people make covenants with our Heavenly Father and make this the best transfer yet. I have planned to work like crazy in our area and do as many divisions as possible with the zone and leave everything on the field. I really don’t know what else to write haha, in 5 weeks I can just tell it to you.

Thanks for everything, I love yall and I love this work. Hasta luego. Elder Barnard

White night a great success

2010-07-05T18:06:00.000-07:00

New Members
Elder Butler and Elder Barnard
Stairs to their apartment.

Dear Family,
Hooray. Well it was a great week here. We had lots to prepare and lots to do but all turned out well. We had investigators to finish preparing, a mission conference and interviews to help prepare, and the noche blanca to get all planned out and finalized. And today to celebrate we went with the zone to Chicamocha National Park here in Santander which was very cool.

The first part of the week we spent finishing up all the interviews for Saturday. The zone leaders do baptismal interviews for their district leader so Elder Butler and I spent basically a whole day doing interviews for Central, our district neighbors. They all turned out well.

Also Elder Romero who lives with us got Dengue fever so he had to spend some time in the hospital getting tests done which meant us being short one missionary and one of us spending time with him there. I spent Tuesday sitting in the hospital with him.

Also this week we had a special mission conference with an Area 70 from Venezuela named Elder Mestre. All in all there were about 60 missionaries, everyone from Bucaramanga, Cucuta and Barranca plus the assistants and President and Sister hacking. The conference was held in our chapel so we were in charge of getting everything organized nice and early and arranging for something to eat. We organized with a member here who does catering and we got some nice sandwiches for everyone during the break and everything turned out very well. Elder and Sister Mestre gave very good training sessions and it was a very good conference.

Saturday morning we had interviews with President Hacking. It was a nice short interview. He thanked me for the work we had done in the zone and said it was a clear example of how a few good attitudes can change a whole zone. He expressed that he had no worries about how things would go for me after the mish because I already know where I will be, what I will be doing and I have great family support.

Saturday night at 6 we had our baptism service. We arranged this whole past week the clothes for it. We collected all the white baptism suits we could find in the zone and even had a few brought in from Barranca. We spent Friday night and Saturday afternoon arranging the church and all the last minute details. At the end of the day all 12 baptisms from the zone and 6 from our area went great and were confirmed on Sunday. We had over 100 people attend and many investigators from other areas who absolutely loved it. One of our investigators named Carlos who was trying to decide on a baptism date but was struggling to make the decision went and really really felt the spirit. On Sunday he came up to us by himself and said "I made my decision, I want to be baptized this coming Saturday".

The church has 2 floors, the sacrament / cultural hall and kitchen upstairs and all the classes downstairs. We arranged everything from who would use what bathrooms to get changed faster. We set up a room across from the baptism room with all the white clothes. We started upstairs in the sacrament hall because of the large crowd. We played a short video "finding faith in Christ" from 6 until 6 30 and during that time we got all the famous baptism pictures in white with all the missionaries and families etc. The first counselor from Pinos directed and President Hacking gave a nice talk about baptism and we had a special musical number from some of the members in our ward.

After that we had everyone go down in groups to keep the reverence. We had the baptism room filled with as many chairs as would fit. First we had all those who were baptizing and being baptized go down and we waited in the room across from the font. There we got everyone lined up in their order with their baptizer and explained to them how it would be etc. Then we had them send the investigators down and take up the chairs closest to the font up front. We sent all the members down and they filled up the rest of the chairs and a lot of people had to stand up in the back or in the doors.

Then we started baptizing!! Haha it was so awesome, we just went through the line and started baptizing them like crazy. I baptized 2 of our 6 investigators (Lia and Karla). I was one of the first to baptize and I had time to dry off, change, go upstairs and get my suit and when I got down they were still baptizing people.

Afterwards everyone headed back upstairs and reverently listened to interlude music while the last ones got changed. They gave the time to the new converts to share their testimonies. The only ones that were brave enough were Cesar Gomez and his wife. It was a very spiritual thing, they told about their conversion etc, their testimonies and the new process they were starting. It’s such an amazing feeling to see people and especially families make these changes and become converted.

Nights like Saturday are what it’s all about. I can’t lie - I did drop a tear or two. Baptizing families is what we live for and these people really are converted. To just think about the generations that could change because of this step, the kids, the grandkids, the great grandkids and all the missionaries who will come from them and go find others... it’s the greatest. I am so grateful that the Lord has allowed me to be a missionary and I know that he puts us where we need to be and where his elect are waiting for us. I remember praying in the MTC and knowing that there were families here waiting to hear what my companions and I would tell them and praying that we could be led to them and I really know that we were and just at the right moment. We are far from done with our work here but this is close to a very great way to finish the mish. The stake president gave a very nice welcome to all the new members and everything turned out great.

Today to celebrate (and because it’s been planned for a while) we went with the whole zone to Chicamocha Nat’l Park about an hour from Bucaramanga. Last week we collected 25 dollars from everyone to pay for the trip. We rented two big vans for 8 bucks a person and the rest we used to get into the park and prepare everyone some food. We made 60 peanut butter and Jelly sandwiches and included oreos and chips. We met up early this morning and spent the day in the park. There are all kinds of beautiful views and a cool Gondola thing that takes you to the actual park. I got some good souvenirs and everything turned out great.

Well I’m about out of time but like I said I am loving life and everything is going well. This week we have transfers so we will see what happens in the zone. Pres told me I would not be going anywhere but who knows if my comp will be changed, I hope not but we will see. Despite baptizing 6 people we still had 10 more investigators in church, the work just keeps on going and we can’t quit now. Tonight we will head to Barranca to spend 2 days working with them and then back to our area to keep on keeping on.

I love you fam. Happy 4th of July and Happy birthday Cameryn! I know we are in the truth and I am so grateful for all the blessings we have. Stay great, love life. Love Elder Barnard (PS I have sent about 12 pics of us, our apartment, the baptism and the trip so hopefully they all arrive.

An even greater week

2010-06-28T21:01:00.001-07:00

Well its been another great week here in "la ciudad bonita". We're still working like crazy and it’s looking like our goal of a "noche blanca" (white night) is going to turn out great. The zone is out of the slump it was in when we got here and for July we already have over 30 people with baptism dates as a zone.

The weather has been great, a little rain but nice and cloudy so it doesn’t get too hot and everyone is still going crazy over the world cup (The US lost and got knocked out by Ghana... they'll just have to wait till we play em in Ball). But I have to admit that after 2 years in South America I have grown to like and even understand soccer.

This week we did 2 days of splits with the missionaries in Central and Gijon. I went to Gijon for a day and worked with Elder L. He is from chile and is from my group(ends in August). We studied together and had a very good day. He started in the same zone as me and I worked with him a little as AP so we are kind of buddies so we had some good talks during the day about the mission and ending well etc. We worked hard, got another baptism date for them and set some good goals. Divisions with missionaries, just like lessons with investigators, should always have commitments. so we set goals for them to always pray as a district (the 4 that live in Gijon) each night and morning. It’s really cool to help the other missionaries, you almost have to treat it like when you work with an investigator and think about their needs, plan how and what to do and try to lift them and get them excited. And if you really don’t love them and want to help them, it will never work. They say things are going much better and they now have a good list of progressing investigators so we are very happy.

We have been working very hard with the investigators I mentioned last week. Unfortunately the Garcia family (the ones that knew the Camargo family) went to Bogota for the week so we haven’t talked to them but we have plans to go back. We've been working very hard with the Gomez Family and Lia and Claudia. On Saturday we had 2 baptisms - one at 10 and the other at 6 and between them we had Elder Mura (our district leader) doing all of their interviews. And they all turned out fine!!! Mura was about spiritually drained because an interview can be a very spiritual thing and he was there all day doing them. But that night we bought him some ice cream and had a little celebration.

Afterward we had Lia (22) and Claudia(20) call their mom. She lives across from the church and has been member for almost a year. She has tried with all the missionaries that have been here to get her daughters to follow her example but they just weren’t feeling it and when we started teaching them, she explained to us and told us that all the other Elders had tried and that it was likely that nothing would happen. After they told her (she is in Bogota for a few days) they gave us back the phone and she started crying and thanked us for the way we helped them feel the spirit and our patience with her daughters. We seriously feel like it’s a miracle how the Lord has touched these peoples hearts and they have all progressed just as we planned. So this Saturday the 6 of them will be baptized at 6 o clock and we have possible one more baptism depending on how this week goes. The week really turned out great, our weekly stats improved again and we were able to teach 16 lessons with a member present and 29 lessons in total. I can’t help but feel like the Lord is specially blessing us at the end of my mission with so many great people.

This week was ward conference so the bishopric has been working hard for the last month to get out invitations etc. All the stake leaders came and its turned out very well. Elder Butler and I sang with the ward choir the tenor (I think?) part of I am a child of God. We felt like it was way too high for us but we squeezed it out and the choir sounded good. Also, here the chapel as I have said is very nice, its only a year old and is supposedly the nicest chapel in Colombia. In the Sacrament Hall the piano is big like a normal one but its digital and has all the hymns programmed into it. So you can put it on a special mode where you just push whatever key to the rhythm of the hymn and it plays it as you go. For some reason they haven’t been using it in sacrament meeting so I told the bishop I could program it for ward conference. Ha I tried to make it look like I was playing by myself and afterward a bunch of people congratulated me on how well I played. . Maybe I will keep doing it for the sacrament meetings.

Anyway we had 12! investigators in church. We are yet to have less than 10. Its really ridiculous how much we are being blessed and how well things are going with the ward. We got a reference of another sister from Barranquilla who has been inactive. We visited her this week and invited her to come back and she was very happy, and the best news is that she brought her 2 kids (16 and 11) who aren’t members yet and they are all loved the church.

Also another member brought a friend named Lury. She spent over 10 years as a preacher and missionary in evangelical churches but says that in the end she found out that it just wasn’t what she thought it was. She knows the dang bible from front to cover and had some crazy questions in the class on Sunday but we answered them and taught her a little about the restoration and she left really interested. Later we visited her and she told us that during the stake presidents talk and during our lesson she thought she saw a special light coming from us and him and she felt like she was where she needed to be. We taught her about prophets and gave her the new Liahona from General Conference and she loved it. She told us she wanted to start over and wanted to start working for Jesus haha. She wants to hear from us again ASAP so we set up another lesson and were going tomorrow. She also brought her teenage daughter so there are 2 more great references. She would definitely be a good ward missionary to go and help some of the Protestants.

So basically things are going great. This Saturday will be the "white night" and we are going to hold all the zones baptisms at the same time in our chapel. There will be 6-7 people from our area and possible another 6 or 7 from the rest of the zone. We invited the stake president and he will be coming and somehow President Hacking even heard about it and called to say that he was going to be there too!

I wish I had time to tell you all about our investigators. The Gomez family who will be baptized are people who I really can see going to the temple. They have also spent months investigating the church and gone through various pairs of missionaries but for whatever reason we are the ones who will have the blessing of helping them reach baptism. Cesar the dad is a stud, I think he’s gonna be a bishop someday. Aside from the baptisms Saturday we have more investigators who are going to church and are there with family or friends who are members, at least 7 more. I am very grateful that the Lord has blessed me to be here right now and I know he has heard our prayers and my prayers. I have been praying since I left Barranca for the chance to bring a family into the church and now there are several. The Gomez family will be one..., Lia and Claudia will now complete a family of members and I have been talking every once in a while with Guillermo and Lina and it looks like they will get married this week and then baptized in July

I can't imagine ending my mission in a better way. I’m not trunky by any means but I feel at peace with the way I have lived my mission and the way it is ending. Its hard to believe there’s only 7 weeks left but I feel great. I've just about done what I was called to do. But there is no time to talk about that yet, we've still got much more to do. I know that this is Christs true church and I feel so blessed and humbled for all that I've been given. I love you so much familia, you’re in my prayers and I hope you’re loving life. Love Elder Barnard

Best Week Ever

2010-06-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

My birthday package got here last week. Thank you very much; we have enjoyed all the food. Haha I liked the Hawaii shirt and the ties also.
This has been another great week. We have all kinds of investigators and they just keep coming. This week we had over 11 investigators in sacrament meeting for the third straight time and we now have 10 people preparing for baptismal dates in the next 2 weeks and maybe 11.

I started the week going to do splits in Barranca. I didn’t get to Pinos where I was but I saw a few members from the other branches who remembered me and we worked well with the missionaries.

On Wednesday we had Zone conference here which went very well. We also did divisions with the missionaries from Kennedy. I stayed in our area with Elder Acosta from Peru and Elder Butler went to their area with Elder Vergara. It’s always cool to work with the newbies and get to know them and get them excited or feeling better. They were both a little down but we worked hard and when we met back up they were both more excited and we now have their confidence, so mission accomplished.

Things are going amazing in our area. The other day we were looking for a house and we took a wrong turn and just as we were turning around an SUV pulled over and called us over. It turned out to be a family whose daughter had been friends with President Camargos daughter and they recognized us as being from their church. They said they really liked the example etc. of the Camargos and would like to learn about the church. Serious Jackpot, they are married, well off financially and a very nice family. We went to teach them and they were very nice and receptive. The dad is from Mexico and the mom from here and they have a 19 year old daughter and a young housekeeper girl who lives with them.

Afterwards I found out President Camargos number and called them. It was cool to talk to him and sister Camargo and they sounded very excited to hear from me and asked how I was, how my mission was going etc. I told them about the family and gave them the number so that their daughter could call her old friend and congratulate her etc. They called immediately, turns out that the family is going to Bogotá for 2 days this week so the 2 girls are going to meet up and eat lunch and she is going to talk to her about the church etc.

This Sunday despite the election and raining, they all showed up in their car and it was a great Sunday. The ward had just got back from a temple trip and 4 families have been sealed, so Elder Butler and I each gave a talk and then the 4 couples gave their testimonies about their temple sealing and it was way spiritual. In total we had 11 investigators and apart from the Garcia family we also had another family of 4 (Gomez) who have been investigating for a long time. They both loved it and in gospel principles class we taught about eternal marriage to explain a little more and they all loved it and wanted to know how they could go to the temple and do the same thing. We had a very spiritual lesson with the Gomez family and challenged them to prepare themselves to be baptized on the third of July and they accepted. So we have 2 golden families and we will soon be inviting the Garcia family to be baptized also.

Literally baptisms are falling into our hands. This Saturday we will have 2. Basically we got to church and a member lady approached us and said "hey Elders we have been inactive for a little bit but now we are back coming to church, my daughter is 9 now so I need you to prepare her to be baptized" and basically the same thing has happened with 2 other families. I honestly don’t have time to tell about all the investigators we have but in a few words there are 2 baptisms this week and 8 more planned for next week. It was awesome because everyone was welcoming the new family at church and shaking their hands etc. and the same with our other investigators. The ward is really working great and we are working like crazy ourselves.

Elder Butler and I get along great. He is such a good worker and so humble. This week we will be doing more splits with the missionaries of the zone and getting our investigators ready. Please pray for them that they can keep progressing and not lose sight now. We are very close to doing amazing things here, it’s so rare to find two such great families and I really feel like the Lord is blessing us so much.

Although Colombia just missed making it to the World Cup it’s still a big deal here and everybody had their schedule or their sticker book. I actually bought the world cup sticker album too just to be down with what’s in. It’s got all the teams and you buy packs of stickers with players kind of like Pokemon or baseball cards and then try to collect all the players and stick them in your book. The book only costs $1 so I have it with a few stickers but all the little kids here go crazy about their sticker albums so it’s a good way to start conversation etc. The USA seems to have a decent soccer team now and if they win their next game they will go to the next round. We have little rivalries between the missionaries of whose country will do better although most of the Gringos don’t really know anything about it or our team.

Also the presidential Elections were yesterday so they made us be in our apartment at 4. Santos the conservative guy killed Mockus from the green party like 75 to 25 percent.

Well time is short but I’m loving it and trying to squeeze in everything possible in these last weeks. There are now less than 2 months left... Keep being of good cheer, I love ya, thanks for everything and talk to ya next week. Sorry if my letter is all over the place. Love Elder Barnard

Lizards and Stitches

2010-06-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

Hola Familia,
It’s been another great week here in Bucaramanga. We have been working hard in our area this week and there is lots and lots of potential. We also went to the Zone Leaders Seminar in San Gil which was awesome and had our first baptism here in the area and with it my first trip to the hospital :) The weather here has been great, not really sunny and hot but not raining lots either, just cool and fresh.

Bucaramanga really is the best looking city I think in the mission. Nicer roads and parks etc. and lots of nice big apartment buildings etc. The UIS (Santander Industrial University) which is one of the biggest and nicest in Colombia is here in our area and also the Bucaramanga soccer team stadium is here in our area.

Our apartment is small for the 4 of us and was a huge mess when we got here but today for P day we got it all cleaned up and organized and now it’s looking much better. Our bedroom has a big slide open window with a somewhat view of the city so that’s pretty cool.

Things are going very well with the ward. This is a nice strong ward with good leadership and experience and we are seeing the blessings of that. We are working very well with the Bishop and leaders and things are going great. On Sunday we had 17!!! people in church who aren’t members. Only 12 of them are officially investigators but just the same, that number is great. It’s a challenge to talk to all the people who want to talk to us at church and organize all the visits people want us to make. We have hardly had any time to do contacts since we got here because the planner has been full of appointments with members’ references.

Since arriving, we have been out of our area 4 of the days, we have taught 30 lessons and 27 of them have been with member present. So things are going great and we are working like crazy. We get home every night dead tired, we plan for the next day and update the area book, talk with the district leaders (we have 4 districts so in order to really have good communication with them we talk with 2 each night so that its not a rush etc). For some reason the offices sent us another cell phone so now Elder Butler and I both have our own phone which really helps. It’s really awesome to get to know the missionaries in the zone and see how much some support and encouragement and example can help and how much we have grown to care and worry about them.

On Wednesday morning all the zone leaders from the mission got here (Bucaramanga) because it’s the closest major city to San Gil where the leadership seminar was. We all met together at a chapel and then our rented bus got here and we all went to San Gil. They let us watch some movie about a high school football coach who turns Christian and wins state etc.

It’s funny to see the make up of the zone leaders. When I got here there were about 8 Gringos in the whole mission and now the U.S. is the country that has the highest number of missionaries here and so the majority of the zone leaders are gringos. Since the last time I did a zone leader seminar (as AP) there are none of the same ZL's but I know all of the ones who were there so it was nice to talk to them etc and we had a fun time. I got to see old mission homies like Elder Wagstaff, Larsen, Williams, my son Elder Larson among others.

The first day was basically a free day. First they rented some little fields and we all played soccer, then everybody got cleaned up, ate lunch at our hotel and they gave us a few hours to go into San Gil and look around etc. I bought a plastic ant (they eat big fried ants here) and a cool typical Colombian Hat. Then that night we watched a movie and just relaxed a little bit. The next day was full of training sessions etc. They assigned various Zone Leaders to give training sessions about things that have worked well in their zones which was very cool and we got lots of good ideas to use here. They asked Elder Butler and me to talk about how we are working with the church leaders in our ward and stake. We presented our plan to visit each bishop in the stake and all the things we are doing in our ward and everyone thought it was great. We stayed in a hotel room. Elder Butler and I are getting along great. We both have similar personalities although he is a little more soft-spoken than I have gotten to be. But we have great unity and we are really enjoying and working hard together.

On Friday we had the baptism of Yicell. She is a little girl (10) who is living with her aunt here who is member. She has been going to church forever but the missionaries never talked to her mom to get permission for her to be baptized. We started teaching her, found out she wanted to, then called her mom and she was fine with it. So on Friday we were getting everything ready and as the font was getting filled I noticed that there was a tiny lizard in the water. I started walking down into the font to get it out and luckily I had my almost worn out Rockport shoes with no traction and slipped on the stair. I grabbed the rail but fell and hit my elbow on the other stair. It hurt but I thought it was just pain so I got up and walked back out. Yicell arrived and when I shook her hand she said "me pintaste....you painted me" I looked at my hand and my whole sleeve was covered with blood. We rolled it up and found that the impact had opened a nice big hole right below my elbow. It was like when I cut my shin and you could see right in there. We got it cleaned up a little bit. I wanted to stay and finish the baptism so I covered it with some gauze, finished the baptism service and we headed to the hospital. The mission has insurance with the nice hospital there so they just send a fax and we go right in to the "VIP" service. We went in, talked with the doctors etc. Everyone looked at me kind of weird, for one because I’m a tall white guy with blonde hair and second because I had blood all over my shirt. The doc and nurse looked it over a little bit and decided I would need a pre shot for hepatitis or something even though I already had one and then gave me a numbing shot on my elbow and put in 4 stitches. Haha I had to get the hepatitis shot on my butt which was a tiny bit awkward, but after the stitches went quick and painless. I taught the doctor and the nurse a little as they were doing the stitches and told them how to get to the chapel where they live. So in the end it will be a good remembrance scar of my time in Bucaramanga and next Friday they will take my stitches out.

As of now as soon as I finish writing this Elder Mura and I will take a bus to Barranca. It is part of our zone and they have a possible baptism on Saturday of a guy who I actually met there so I will go with Elder Mura and do interchanges and work with the missionaries until Wednesday which is Zone conference here in Bucaramanga and possibly interview this guy for baptism. And Elder Butler will stay here with Elder Muras comp, Elder Moreno so that they can teach all the lessons we have planned in our area.

Well fam life is great. I think some Colombian post office workers are eating my birthday package haha but who knows, there still is hope. If not at least someone can enjoy it. I'll get to have plenty of whatever was in there after the mish I’m sure. I am trying my hardest and the spirit is very strong. I know we are in the truth and I absolutely love life. It is such a blessing to serve the Lord as a missionary and I’m so grateful that I can. HAPPY FATHERS DAY to Ben Bill and of course Dad. Be of good cheer and enjoy life. talk to ya next week. Love Elder Barnard

Back in Bucaramanga

2010-06-07T17:51:00.001-07:00

Well fam life is great back in Bucaramanga. My companion Elder Butler and I are doing great and working like crazy. Elder Butler is from Houston Texas. He is about 6 foot and used to play basketball and football also. He is a very good missionary and a great guy. He is very humble and easy to get along with and I think we make a veery good team. He is a hard worker and we are doing great. He has about 6 months less than me in the mission. He was here in Bucaramanga as Zone Leader but in Real de Minas (where I started) but now President put the ZLs in Pinos so we are both new here.

It is the strongest ward in the stake and we use the brand new big stake center (it’s the nicest chapel in the mission). The Bishop here has had some problems with the missionaries but we now know that it’s because he has the ward and its plans very organized. He wants to make sure that what needs to be done, gets done. The first thing we did in our area was visit him and tell him we were there to serve him and asked what we could do. He gave us all kinds of ideas and we have been helping him lots. He seems to be really happy with what we are doing. Haha so the ward has very good leadership and he has them helping us like crazy and I think we will do great things.

This week we were all over the place moving into a new house and organizing things. We taught 14 lessons and 13 were with a member present which is almost unheard of. In church we had 11 investigators and all of them have friends and are progressing. This week we will have our first baptism. It’s a girl named Gicell. She is living here with her aunt and been going to church forever but the missionaries didn’t realize that they only had to call her mom and get her permission to be baptized. So we did just that and she will be baptized on Friday.

We live in a huge apartment complex with like 5 towers of 14 floors. We live on a 7th floor apartment with a nice view of downtown, there are 4 of us in the house and it’s a little small but it has a washing machine and its good enough.

We have all kinds of ideas to start helping the zone. Right now there isn’t a whole lot going on in the other areas but there are good missionaries and we are going to try very hard to support them and get them going. We have made a calendar of the whole transfer (6 weeks) with all the splits we will do with each area and all the activities we have planned. Our zone includes 7 companionships in Bucaramanga and the 3 in Barranca and we should do splits with all of them at least once each transfer. That means we are in at least 2 every week from now on. I can’t wait to get started working with them.

Today we gathered the whole zone and did a little training session about some things we thought were lacking and to set goals for this month. Then they played sports for a little while, watched a movie, and the sisters (there are 2 in the zone) and some elders prepared a lunch. We had everybody put in 5 bucks and then they went and bought a bunch of steak and potatoes and we had Argentina style Milanese (basically chicken fried steak) with mashed potatoes. Ha, we spent the whole first part getting things ready etc so my companion and I couldn’t play sports with the others but at the end we finally got to rest for a second. It was a good chance to improve unity in the zone and teach the missionaries and get them pumped for the month.

You can really see the needs that they all have and our job is to elevate them and help them be happy and be able to work as well as they possible can. Ever since we got here we have hardly stopped to take a breath. Even today was like that but on Wednesday and Friday we go to the zone leader council in San Gil so that will be a second to stop and relax for a bit. I think I have always been a hard worker in the mission, but knowing that there are only 2 transfers left I feel an even greater desire to make every second worth it and do everything possible so we have been going like crazy. The spirit is great and I am loving life.

I’m so grateful for all the great experience I have been able to gain throughout the mish and now I feel completely comfortable helping all the missionaries and our investigators. I get almost 3 more months to use all that I’ve been able to learn and it looks like it’s gonna be great. It’s so good to have a good companion. I feel like we are a great team even if we are 2 gringos in Colombia. We have all kinds of things planned and are working as hard and smart as we can.

I know the church is true, thank you for everything, Love you, Gotta run. Talk to ya next week. :) ELder Barnard

New Calling and Transfer

2010-05-31T14:02:00.000-07:00

May 31, 2010
Aloha familia,.It’s been another good week here in Sogamoso. The situation in Sogamoso couldn’t have been better. We had good attendance yesterday in church and all the investigators are progressing and looks like they will all reach their goals.

On Sunday there were presidential elections here so they had us be in the house by 4 in the afternoon in case of any unfavorable reactions. It seems like President Uribe (the president right now) has been really good. He is conservative and has done tons to beat down the guerrilla group, the FARC and Colombia has progressed tons (before he got in they didn’t send American missionaries because of the violence and now its safer). Here, if someone doesn’t take 50% in the first go around, they do another vote 20 days later with the top two to make sure that somebody ends with the majority. The conservative guy, who will keep doing the same stuff as Uribe, won 46 percent to 21 for the other guy who is from the "green party" but since he didn’t get 50 they have to do a second vote on June 20th with just the 2.

Anyway as I was saying, just when it looked like I was going to see the fruits of our labors here in Sogamoso and see all of our investigators join the church... transfers came. Since the whole mission was in their houses early they called the transfers in the afternoon. I of course was expecting nothing. I have a good companion and we are on the verge of seeing the results. Anyway to get to the point, I'm out of here. I will be going to Bucaramanga! I will be in the Terrazas zone, the same one where I started the mission and I will be a Zone Leader. Right now it is the biggest zone in the mission (20 missionaries) and includes my first area Real de Minas and they just made Barranca part of the zone. Haha talk about surprises. Obviously it is tough to leave these special investigators, especially Guillermo and Lina. I worry because my companion and his new companion are both new and inexperienced, but I have talked to the Elder who will stay here as District Leader and Zone Leader and told them to pay extra attention and give them lots of support. Despite that I am STOKED. I think this will be an awesome way to end these last 3 months working like crazy.

My companion is Elder Butler, yeah he’s actually a gringo. He has been out about 5 months less than me and is from Texas. I know him from when I was in the office and he is a very chill easy going guy and he is a very good missionary. Also I will get to do splits every once in a while in Barranca (2 hours from Bucaramanga). I couldn’t hardly sleep because I really am very excited and I had all kinds of ideas running through my head of things we can do there.

I kind of skipped the Zone Leader step in my mission when I was A.P. but I got to spend 6 months working with them and "training" them so I know what needs to be done and I have many special ideas to really get things going. I’m really excited because it’s a position where you can have a lot of impact on the missionaries, especially newer ones. Actually I called President Hacking last night to thank him and the assistants also called to "brief" me a little. They told me that the zone has been struggling a little lately and there are a lot of new missionaries. They told me they wanted to use my experience there to help get things turned around and develop future leaders with some of the new Elders.

My ward is called Pinos and they say it’s the strongest ward in Bucaramanga. The chapel is a brand new stake center and is definitely the nicest chapel in the mission. Elder Butler was already the Zone Leader there but he was in a different area so we will both be arriving new in the ward at the same time. I already know the Stake President from beforehand which will help a lot because the zone corresponds with the stake so we should be able to work very well with him to coordinate things for the whole zone and implement all the ideas we have.

It's gonna be sad to say goodbye like always, but I know this is a great opportunity and an awesome way to end the mission. I will get to use 21 months of experience in every phase of the mission and I get three months to really utilize it. I will get to work with new missionaries, have leadership trainings, work in a great area and I am very very decided that I am going to "leave it all on the court" as we say in basketball. Three months to work my butt off in my favorite part of the mission and do every thing possible. I want to work harder than I ever have and talk to every person possible. Its scary to think that this will be my last chapter of this amazing experience and I want to make the absolute most of it.

I'm so grateful for all your support and I am so happy to be working for the Lord. I know that he lives and I know that we are in the truth. I hope with all my heart that the people I will have to leave here will not leave the path they have started and that I can do my very best in my last part of the mission and I can grow closer to the Lord than I have yet. Well gotta go, I'll be writing next time from sunny Bucaramanga. Love you all, thanks for everything, Elder Barnard

Good week in Sogomoso

2010-05-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

Buenos Dias Familia,
Well its been another very good week here in Sogamoso. My new companion Elder Melendez is here and we are working very hard. We have a good group of progressing investigators and things seem to be really picking up even more. Yesterday they had us go to Duitama (30 minutes on a bus) for a zone P day activity and we got delayed because it rained like crazy so we got home yesterday just in time to work and couldn’t write.

We picked up my new companion Tuesday morning. He is from Tacna, Peru and is 23 years old. He is somewhat tall, maybe like 5'9" (that’s tall here). He is a good guy. He doesn’t really know his dad and his mom died when he was 14 so he has lived with his aunt or by himself since then. He has a good attitude and is willing to work. He is pretty shy but I have been trying very hard to serve him however I can and build a good friendship. I think I am basically training him. He has only 2 months in the mish. I know the idea is to be united in effort so I am going to try very hard to ask him for ideas, suggestions etc. and help him raise his confidence.

As far as the work here things are looking great. This week is already almost booked full with appointments and lessons. This week in church we started a program to have the priesthood members go with us to our lessons etc. We passed around a little calendar with each day of the week and the hours of each day. We sent it around in priesthood so that each brother could sign a time slot to work with us and present us to friends or inactives that he knows. We got about 8 guys to sign up so hopefully that will give good results this week.

It is possible that Nubia will be baptized this week, we will visit her and make sure she is ready and we feel good about it, if not we will wait another week. Manuel finally accepted a solid goal for his baptism on the 5th of June. He is a really good guy and great dad. He is from a religious family so we are veery excited. I know he will be a great leader someday. We found out that he is actually friends with a few members so we are going to take advantage of that and start fellow shipping him really well. Guillermo and Lina are still very excited and preparing for their wedding / baptism. The other day we were talking to them about how we met them etc and they talked about how sad it would be when I get transferred. Haha Guillermo told me I was the one who "started this new book they are writing, ever since I knocked on his door" and that they were very grateful.

We are so blessed to have found good people who have good desires and I hope so much that they can all reach the goals they have placed and endure to the end. It really is amazing how much you get to love the people you teach. Please keep them all in your prayers and pray that we can keep finding the elect . Well I am pumped for another week. I really do feel a special extra energy and I am very happy to be where I am, doing what I’m doing. Next week are transfers but I don’t anticipate any changes here (knock on wood). Thanks for everything fam, Be of good cheer, Love you, Elder Barnard

May 17, 2010

2010-05-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

Hola fam.
It’s been another good old week here in Sogamoso. We had a baptism on Saturday, we secured a few more baptism dates. I am full of ideas to get things moving even more.
The good news is that our baptism turned out fine. Nicolas, who was baptized, is only 11 but by reaching him we have reactivated about 9 other people. His aunt and uncle were inactive members and they have 5 kids. He now lives with his grandma and his 2 brothers. We found out that his mom was inactive so we started visiting them and they slowly started coming back. Then one day we invited her to present someone for us to teach and she said her nephew wasn’t a member but his brothers and grandma were. So we started teaching him and now all 10 of them are back in the church. Four of the boys are now going to receive the priesthood and the young men's leader has them very involved and excited, so it has been a great blessing to be able to find them and see their return.

Apart from that we have also been working with one guy named Manuel. We have now been teaching him and he has gone to church twice. We have invited him to be baptized and he wants to but he feels like he wants to learn more or receive a real answer, so we have been teaching him a lot about the spirit and how to receive and recognize an answer.

Guillermo and Lina have been working very hard as far as the word of wisdom and although she still occasionally falls into smoking, they are progressing a lot. This week he finally got a break from work so they both came to church and loved it. He is a very funny guy and outgoing so he made friends with all the members and even knows a few from before. We committed them to be married and baptized. It was a great lesson and they accepted. We tried to commit them to a sooner date but they decided on June 19 (Saturday) so that they can organize things well and have a nice wedding. Here, only the Catholic church and the government can legally do marriages so we are going to hire the Notario to come do the marriage in the church so we can invite everyone and have a nice meeting. Then afterwards we can baptize them. They are very excited and very committed. The only problem they have is the word of wisdom but this gives us time to work with them and have them very prepared. The only thing that worries me is the long time until that day. There could be a lot of challenges and opportunities for them to fall but I know we can get it done. They have an awesome little kid (4) named Juan Carlos and I can already see him as a missionary. So please pray for them that they can reach their goal and be married and baptized like they have decided to do.

There are more investigators, one named Nubia, that could possibly be baptized next week. Anyway, there will be lots to do. I have lots of ideas of ways to get the members moving and presenting their friends.

Today for P day, we had a ward sports activity and a bunch of members and the 6 missionaries played sports. Our chapel has a nice basketball/soccer court behind it. So we first played a little soccer. haha I basically have no idea how to dribble or kick the soccer ball but I’m a pretty good goalie and I can run with everyone and at least play defense. But afterwards, I got my turn and we played a little bball. It’s not really that exciting to play here because almost no one knows how to play but today there were a few that had an idea so we had a little fun. Then we played some volleyball which was a little more evenly matched and entertaining. Anyway it was a good Pday activity and Guillermo came and played so it was a good chance for him to get to know the members etc.

Also another cool experience from this week. We were walking down the street (Monday) and some kids shouted out "hello" to us in English. I usually have about 10 people a day shout something out in English as they see me walk by or say something about gringos which I usually just ignore, but this time I felt like I should talk to them. We walked over, which surprised them, and presented ourselves. They said they were also Christians and invited us to a meeting at their house the next day. We ended up with Elder Soria so the three of us went to visit them. At first it was just the kid who invited us but then person after person arrived until there were about 14 of people present. Then their Pastor arrived. haha . I have taught a few people of their religion and they are very, very, very, intense and hard to talk to. They believe that Jesus and God are the same person.

We thought it was just going to be a lesson and it turned into a meeting for their church like a fireside in their house. Their pastor welcomed everyone and said that first they would do their normal thing and then give us a little time to share what we came to share. They said about 5 prayers at random times during the meeting. And for the prayer they all stand up and close their eyes and start talking or shouting things at the same time... It was quite confusing so I just stood there and closed my eyes and waited for them to end. Anyway, after that their pastor read some verses from the Bible and shouted a lot and they played a few songs on guitar. Then they gave the time to us and the other 2 missionaries just looked at me haha. At first I was a little afraid to say anything "too Mormon" so they wouldn’t start fighting or anything. I talked about how we both believe in Christ etc. but then I really felt like we should tell them what we tell everyone so we started teaching them about Christ’s ministry and his original church with apostles and prophets. We told them that we believed that those things were lost for a long time and had been restored today and that there were prophets and apostles again in the world. Their pastor tried to clarify that the calling of prophets ended with Jesus but we clearly answered all of his questions and even used his own Bible. We ended up committing all of them to pray and ponder about what we had taught them and finished with our testimonies while the Pastor was looking for something to read them from the Bible. We finished and everyone started asking us questions about where we were from, our cultures, the church, why they call us Mormons etc. We could barely leave on time because they all wanted to talk to us. The family whose home we taught in even went with us outside and asked if we could go back and talk just with them.

This week we will return and teach them. We basically went into a house full of people (who are usually very difficult to talk to) and committed them all to pray about the restoration. We will return to their next meeting and keep visiting them. Who knows if any of them will really progress but it was really a cool experience because the Spirit guided us and for at least that moment they knew it and recognized it.

Well that’s about all the news there is to write this week. I have high hopes for the future and to make this the best part of my mission yet. I know we are in the true church and I feel very blessed to be a missionary. I love you, be of good cheer and I will talk to ya next week. Love Elder B

May 3, 2010

2010-05-03T18:23:00.000-07:00

Well family another week has come and gone just like that. Unfortunately this wasn’t the most productive week as far as stats for various reasons but we will never give up :) But there still was plenty of good this week despite the challenges. We committed Guillermo and Lina to get married. At first he was decisive that his marriage had to be in the Catholic Church with a big family party and everything. But we explained everything and taught them etc. and they realized that a civil marriage was the same as the catholic one, just cheaper. Hehe and they know that they should get married and said they would do it. They still aren't sure about a date but they agreed that this month... so hopefully they will keep progressing. Sadly they didn’t come to church yesterday, He had even changed his day off from Sunday to Saturday to go but for some reason they didn’t come and we haven't been able to contact them since.

Let me tell you it is veeeeery frustrating to have and know what people need to do to be happier and be SAVED and they don’t feel like doing it. I guess it’s up to us to improve as teachers, in commitments and really search to find those who are. But I am very grateful to be serving where I am, despite the difficulties. It’s one of the places in the world where the people are open and prepared to receive the gospel so we are going to do every thing possible to find em. We also are still working with Nicholas (12) and Nubia and they are sooooo close to getting over the hump, if we can just help them find a little bit more desire and increase their faith they will get there.

One of my favorite talks by Elder Holland talks about this more or less. Sometimes it’s hard when we know we have the restored truth, living prophets, ministration of angels etc and we wonder why things aren’t easier, why our only problem isn't getting pneumonia from spending all day in the baptismal font. But he says it’s because Salvation was never a cheap experience. We wear Jesus Christ’s name on our chests and it was never easy for him. He even asked the Father if there wasn't an easier way. So when it’s hard and the people just don't accept, we should remember that if we want to call ourselves Disciples of Christ, we better be willing to take a step or two towards Calvary or feel a second or two of Gethsemane. Obviously it would be sacrilegious to compare what He felt to anything we can feel but you get the point... It was a talk that really helped me and I know that everything is going to turn out great.

I have hopes to do the best I can and keep improving, I know without a doubt that we are in the truth and the closer I get to ending the more I want to do. Thanks for everything family, take care and have a great week. Love Elder Barnard

Testimony

2010-04-26T16:47:00.000-07:00

April 26, 2010
Dear Family,
Well it’s been another good old week here in Sogamoso, la capital de las vacas :) We are working well and this week we put lots of emphasis on finding and finding and finding and it went very well. The other area here got 2 extra missionaries so they divided it in two and now the 4 of them are working in that ward.

As far as good news this was actually a great Sunday. We had 6 investigators at church, and we have found some really good people. One is a 12 year old kid who the government just took from his parents because they have maharani problems. He is now living with his aunt who is a member in our ward. She called us over immediately to visit him so we are going to prepare him to be baptized.

Also, knocking doors we found a really cool couple. They aren’t married but that can be arranged and she went to church (Hewas working but really wants to go this Sunday) and said she loved it. They personally schedule when we will come back to visit and usually have food waiting. Haha last time they had us both a nice hot cup of coffee waiting. We didn’t want to be rude so we drank it... haha just kidding again. So it was a good chance to teach them the word of wisdom. They have a few problems with some of the substances but they really have a desire to know the truth and I know the Lord will answer their prayers and help them know it.

Today for P day we (this district) took a train and went to visit a little old pueblo (tiny town). There really was nothing to do but it was fun to ride the old clanky train and I got some cool pictures.

Well time is flying; it’s hard to believe I'm almost done. I really am trying to take advantage of every day and although clearly I’m not perfect I am trying hard. I was thinking the other day that maybe I don’t share my testimony enough in my letters. The other day at lunch we were talking to one member a little about sports and I told him how I loved basketball and my favorite team was the Jazz. He finished eating, went and got on the internet, came back and told me that they were tied with Denver in the playoff series and were going to play in Salt Lake that night at 8 30 (10 30 here). I remembered how much I LOVED watching bball and especially the jazz in the playoffs. But the jist of the story, that night at 10 30 as I was saying my night time prayer I realized that the game would be just starting and really I felt that I would rather be here in Sogamoso, Colombia saying a prayer than watching the greatest basketball game ever. Don’t get me wrong I was happy to hear that they won and I would like to hear how they do, but really there will be lots more NBA playoffs and this is a once in a lifetime thing.

I had a testimony before coming on the mission but as I have lived it and spent everyday serving the lord that testimony has become much deeper. I really have gotten to know Christ. I have felt his spirit at the times I was most scared or unsure or disappointed and I KNOW that he isn’t just an idea or some unimaginable thing but that he lives and I know that he loves us. I know that this is his church and even though we are so imperfect, he is perfect enough to lift us.

Thanks for all your support family, I love you. Happy birthday little ELLA (hehe Ella in Spanish means she) Congratulations Cameryn on the lead role. Well until next time, Elder Barnard

Plane Tickets for August 18, 2010

2010-04-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

April 19, 2010
Querida Familia.
Well it’s been a great, spiritual week here in Sogamoso. We had interviews with President Hacking, some cool experiences and stake conference in our chapel.

We have been trying to do weekly fasts to get more of the spirit and for specific things to do for us and our investigators. This week it was very cool. I have gained a strong testimony of fasting and prayer and the spirit they can bring when you do them right. We had interviews with the president and we started fasting the day before, especially for our investigators. We got to the interviews with a very good spirit and they were great. President Hacking first talked to us together and then each one alone. Things have been good with my companion. President complimented me in the Interviews and really expressed confidence in me. He was so positive and told me he really trusted me and was thankful for what I was doing. It really is nice to have someone like your mission president be so supportive and encouraging. He is such a good man. It’s humbling and makes me want to improve.

The Stake Conference was in our chapel which was a great chance to invite friends and investigators. Unfortunately the Lopez family, who we committed to baptism all missed except one daughter. We have been very clear with them about the Sabbath Day and about gaining a testimony and they keep saying "of course, sure we want to go" We even had a very spiritual lesson with them and the mom admitted that she felt a special warm feeling but once again something "came up" on Sunday. I think we will teach them this week and let them know that we want to help them with all our heart, but it’s so important for them to keep commitments.

There were however a few surprises, like an investigator who he had stopped teaching a while ago that finally came and really liked it. Also we had a little miracle this week. We got permission to do a sporting activity and invited one of our investigators, who plays basketball, and his team to come and play at the church. Unfortunately it rained all day and they didn’t come. On our way back to the house we realized that Elder R had left the keys inside and we have no spares. We went downstairs (we live on the 3d floor) to see if we could find the owner or anything. A lady walked by on her way out and said, Hi Elders. We asked if she knew how we could get a key or anything and she said that they were on their way to the plaza where there was a locksmith and that we could go with them. As we were walking we asked who she was etc and how she knew the Elders. Turns out that all her kids are baptized and she and her husband at one time were going to get baptized but they couldn’t work out the papers for him to be legally separated from his first wife and for the 2 to get married. They said that they finally got it organized but by that time the missionaries had already stopped coming and they lost contact with the church. They were excited to talk to us and we are now going to visit them (probably today) and start teaching them again. All because we just happened to do a sporting activity that day, we got rained out, and forgot the keys. Otherwise we would have had no idea... and they live on the floor below us. The Lord really puts people in your path and prepares the way if you are ready.

Well everything else is going great here. Don’t worry mom we are eating well and I take lots of pictures. Elder Soria is a really good cook so we often get together as a district and cook etc. It has rained every day for about 2 weeks now and we both left our umbrellas at members houses so the weather has been a challenge but we are doing the best we can and are excited to start another 6 weeks. I spent some time today setting some goals for the transfer as far as studying and other stuff like service and ways to improve in teaching and efficiency etc.

Today for P day we went to the Coliseum here and watched a few girls basketball games (supposedly our investigator Jordy was going to play but there were only girls teams). If you think 9th grade girls are bad at basketball in the US you should see them here haha just kidding. But it was at least nice to hear the sounds of a gym etc. Well fam all is great; I can’t believe they already have my plane tickets! Much love and till next time, Elder Barnard

New Coming Home Date - August 18, 2010

2010-04-11T17:49:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it but they just found out that they will be flying home on August 18, 2010. They left on August 21, 2008 - I don't know where the time has gone.

I laughed when I saw this picture. The arrow is pointing to a clean white sock. He had mentioned once before that they sweat so much that he keeps a sock in his pocket to mop his brow. I suggested that he buy some handkerchiefs. I don't think he has.

April 12, 2010
Well today I am writing from a disobedient keyboard so forgive my spelling errors or random spaces. It’s been quite a good week here in Sogamoso. Here it’s a great climate, just a little bit warm to wear suits so we just work in normal white shirts. The only problem this week is that it has been raining like crazy every single day. After nearly 20 months I finally broke out my rain jacket from Mr. Mac's but I left my umbrella at a member’s house so we have been getting soaking wet.

Amazingly all of my clothes are still ok. My 2 pairs of Ecco shoes are in excellent condition and my other pair is suffering a little but I think they will make it. All of my suits, pants and shirts are fine although some of my white shirts aren’t AS white as they used to be.
We have been working very hard this week and it has been a great week. We have taught a lot of lessons etc. and the investigators FINALLY came to church and really liked it. We are hopeful to have 5 baptisms on the 24th depending on their progress. That is the goal and we will do our best to help them get there.

Here in Sogamoso there are 2 areas, one for each ward and chapel. Our chapel is the stake center for the Duitama stake so it’s very big and nice and the other chapel is little and not so nice. Anyway a family who lives out of town but technically belongs to the other area and has been talking with the other missionaries, came to our ward Sunday because it’s closer to them. They are going to move to Bogotá in a month to start preparing travel stuff to go live in Montreal Canada. They say Canada wants more young families so the government will pay them to go live there with their young children. Anyway they love the church and want to be baptized before they leave so it looks like my companion and I are going to start teaching them as well and see if they can be baptized before leaving.

I had to laugh when I read Kaydee Browns letter. She was so excited to have found three investigators in one week in Denmark. It really is interesting to see how in one part of the world people are so easy going and easy to talk to and in others they are more closed. I have to admire her and missionaries there where it’s harder to find people. I remember weeks in Barranca where we found 20 plus new investigators who invited us to talk to them but then wouldn’t progress.

I sent Elder Soria the letter you wrote mom and he told me some amazing news. The other day President Hacking called him and told him that his mom had called him. She was now working in Spain, had got in contact with the missionaries and was BAPTIZED. haha She sent him some money and it sounds like she is writing him now. He said he could feel the spirit when he read your letter mom, and thanks a ton.

I finished a week early my goal of reading the New Testament this transfer so now I am focusing lots on studying Preach My Gospel more and I want to read Jesus The Christ which is way good.

This week we have interviews with the President which will be nice. President Hacking always helps me get a good spiritual boost and keep looking for ways to improve.

I really like the example you had in your letter mom. I always try to be positive in my letters and although I love the mission like no other, it obviously has discouraging moments. The other day I was praying and thinking about things and the words of President Hinckley’s dad came into my mind, forget yourself and go to work. So I have really been trying to focus on that saying, especially when lessons fall through or we have to run through the rain with wet shoes etc. And it really has helped.
Overall I am loving life and trying my best to be my best. Well I am about out of time but I love you fam and I hope all is well where you are, until next time. Elder Barnard

P.S. Also we have talked to President Hacking about college. Our release date was August 26th but he says we should fly home on August 20th instead (those of my group who need to meet college starting dates). Actually today they were taking out the flight plans because they always do them very early - scary thought, they are already booking our flights! I also sent you a letter from BYU. Thanks. Love Will

Great Conference

2010-04-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

April 5, 2010
Dear Family.
All is well in Sogamoso and it has been another great week. Now that I am a little more settled into the area etc. time is absolutely flying again like it always seems to. This week has been a productive one and the conference was great.

We spent more time this week with the Elders from the other area of Sogamoso. The conference was broadcast in our chapel so they stayed at our apartment from Saturday till Monday. We also did splits one day with them so I worked with Elder Soria in his area etc. The other companionship is a funny pair. The DL is Elder Soria from Brazil. He was born in Brazil and then when he was a teenager he moved to Bolivia. His first language is Portuguese so his Spanish is a little weird but sometimes I have him teach me words in Portuguese. He has 15 months in the mission and is a convert of 2 years. While I was Assistant, his family basically rejected him because they are from another church and his mom wrote him and told him that when he got back, his stuff would be in a neighbor’s house and he had no need to go back to his home. So he has had some tough times but it’s his first time as DL and he is trying very hard to do his best. Elder Soria asked me lots of questions for advice etc. and we talked a lot during the splits. Anyway that’s a little bit about our district.

Elder Quispe was in our area earlier in his mission so while he was with my comp they went to see some old investigators and started teaching them again. We have now visited them a few times and have been teaching them more. They are very excited. We actually invited them to prepare for a baptism date on the 24th and they accepted, but problems came up this weekend and they couldn’t go to the conference so we will have to see. But we are very excited to have found them and to have a family that has a desire to progress, hopefully they can gain a testimony and come along. We also have another family that we are teaching who seems very good from Barranquilla and a 21 year old kid who says he would like to go on a mission so we are working hard and hoping they will progress.

Elder R and I have decided to focus on faith (as one of the Christ like attributes from PMG) so this week we did a special fast to have stronger faith and testimonies and it was a very spiritual experience. I set goals to read the whole New Testament and Preach My Gospel during this transfer so I use my study time and also read a little every night. As of now I am way ahead and if I keep going consistently I should finish them easily. It has really helped because I know lots of scriptures from the Bible that I use to teach. It has also improved my testimony of the Book of Mormon and really how much clearer it is.

The Conference was awesome. As a missionary, conference is like the NBA finals of the super bowl of your life so its always exciting when it comes and I learned a lot. I loved President Monson's talks; he talks about simple things but makes you realize they are the important things. But all the talks were good, especially the Sunday Morning session was great.

It’s raining here and today for Pday we took a bus to a place called Lago Tota (Tota Lake). It’s a lake up in the mountains and has white sand like a beach and it has reeealy beautiful scenery. So we rented a boat and went for a nice swim and enjoyed the beach... haha ok just kidding. I had you nervous. We kept a good distance from the water but I got some good pictures and it’s good to get to know the culture and the sites etc.

Well I am about to head out. Things are going great and I am enjoying very much my mission and trying maybe harder than ever to do the best I can. It’s amazing how fast the time goes so I am trying to progress as much as possible and do as much as possible. It's hard to know if you’re progressing because it is so subjective, but I hope so and I am trying to improve.

I love you family, I always pray for you and I hope you are well. I am very happy. Talk to ya next week. Love Will

Sogamoso is Great

2010-03-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

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

Bochica - Lamanite Tradition

2010-03-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

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

I love Sogomoso

2010-03-16T20:23:00.000-07:00

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.

New Transfer and Changes

2010-03-08T15:10:00.000-08:00

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

Couple of Baptisms

2010-03-01T20:26:00.001-08:00

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

BYU Provo Acceptance

2010-02-22T14:17:00.000-08:00

Well fam, it’s been another very good week here in Colombia. We have worked very hard this week and it turned out very well.

As I said in the last letter we set a high goal to teach 35 total lessons during the week. It was tough but last night we managed to finish and taught number 35. It’s really cool to see how good goals can help you manage your time and focus on important things. We spent every free second last week looking for ways to help and teach people. It really helped us use ALL of our time working hard for the Lord, which at the end of the day is a very rewarding feeling even if all the people don’t progress.

As far as our investigators, we are about in the same situation. S and J, the two kids, are preparing for their baptism next Saturday and are already attending seminary every night with the other kids and seem to be very excited. Their dad always tells us yes when we talk to him but it is hard to follow through. Working with them should help him progress little by little.

Saturday we had a branch activity that was kind of a walking trip with the Relief Society (they planned it). Everyone met at the church at about 6 and walked to a place outside of town with activities planned and a restaurant etc. It turned out well. The branch unity has really improved tremendously.

I have learned a ton serving as the Branch President. I already said this but the Lord really has blessed me and helped me. There are always new difficulties and problems and trials that the members have and ask you to help them with. You never know when someone is going to call with a problem in their family or come in to talk with you. But it’s amazing how the Lord has helped me to know what to say to people and help them out.

Tuesday night President Hacking called me at about 10 P.M. which was a surprise and said "Want some good news? I just received an e-mail from your parents. You got accepted to BYU." I really have been blessed. I guess I will now have to give it some thought and prayer and see which college I should choose, but right now I’m leaning towards BYU. It seems to be a really good college and I would have plenty of friends that I have made in the mish that have encouraged me to go there. I know that it’s a great environment.

Well sorry if this is short but I am out of time. We are working hard and life is going great here. I love you lots and you’re always in my prayers. Any advice or extra info about studies is welcome. Thanks for everything. Till next week, Elder Barnard

February 15, 2010

2010-02-17T10:44:00.000-08:00

Hello family,
Another week has come and gone. We had a good week and it looks like are going to bring some new members into the branch. All is going well with my new comp.

At the start of the week, my companion was having problems with his inner ear. It seemed to be swelling up and hurting him so they had us investigate to see if there was an Ear Specialist here. We found nothing so they told us to leave on Tuesday and take a bus to Bucaramanga to see the doctor there. Soooo we drove down, got to the clinic, my comps ear was already feeling better, they gave him some medicine and we came back home.

This week until the last few days the intense heat kept up but now we've had a few cloudy days with a little rain. We had some cool experiences this week. One night we went with Sister Ramirez to visit a young mother from the branch who was having some difficulty with their living conditions etc so we shared a message with her and offered to help in what we could. On the way out of the neighborhood we saw an open house and felt impressed to talk to them. We found a lady and her husband who were very receptive and happy to have met us. We watched "The Restoration" the movie about Joseph Smith and the first vision and the wife said she really felt a peace as we talked with them and that she had always had the same question about why there were so many churches in the world and which was the truth. So we left them the commitment to pray and ask if what we taught was true and we have another lesson tomorrow to see how it went.

We also have continued working with the Caballero family; we had a lesson on Saturday with them. We invited John (17) who always goes with us and is getting ready for his mission and Gina (another YM from the branch). We had a really good lesson and taught about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We got to the section on baptism and taught it and invited the daughter (Saira) the son and the dad of the family to be baptized on the 27th and they all accepted. The mom has been inactive for a long time but is now starting to come back. Unfortunately on Sunday the dad didn't come to church so we are going to have to work more with him but the 2 teenagers came and really liked it and bonded well with all the youth here so they seem to be sure for the 27th. We’ll have to work hard with them because now is when the most temptations always come but things are looking good and I am very excited to have such great people who are receiving the gospel.

Sunday was also another good day. The classes etc are all functioning very well. One of the speakers didn't come so I spoke again, but I had a few things prepared on faith so it went well.

I am getting along very well with Elder Moreno, he is a very good guy so we have made good friends and he has helped a lot. It’s amazing how fast the weeks go. The transfer is already half over! It could be that I only have 3 weeks left here. I almost hope I get to stay a little longer. Although it’s a sauna here I really have gotten to love the people here a ton and it’s going to be tough the day I get transferred.

After I finish this letter, we are going to go play basketball with some kids from the branch and then it’s back to the battlefield. For this week, my comp and I have decided we want to work harder than we ever have and we have set a goal to teach 35 lessons. So I’ll have to fill you in on how it went next week.

I really know the church is true, it’s amazing how much the spirit teaches you and inspires you when you study and look and ask for it. My testimony has grown so much here. Well I love ya lots fam, have a good week, be of good cheer. Elder Barnard

February 8, 2010

2010-02-08T15:42:00.000-08:00

Hey Family
It’s been another great week. We are in the hottest time of year here and it’s been... hot. The other day it got up to 107 and they said it "felt like" 116 with the humidity factor. So there has been plenty of water being drunk and plenty of sweating. But it’s always worth it when you get home and turn on the nice cold AC. This week we have made progress in both aspects of the work here and also had the Zone Conference in Bucaramanga so it was a good week.
We found a family to teach and found out that the mom is a member that has been inactive forever; all she basically remembers about the church is that she got baptized but never really went back. She was excited that we knocked on their door and to have us there. She said she really wanted her kids to have that type of influence in their lives and wanted them to go to church and stuff. The husband is a little bit closed but we are making friends with him and he will come around soon. The good thing is the mom and her daughter came to church and really liked it. The used to be “wild” youth of the branch made her feel welcome and took her to the class and talked with her and everything. We even got her signed up to go to seminary which starts next week. We also have found a few other families in our neighborhood to start working with so we now have some potentially good and progressing investigators.
On Friday we had the Zone Conf in Bucaramanga. Elder Gagliardi (My comp as AP) is now training to end his mission. The conference was really good. President Hacking talked a lot about obedience and how important it was for us to obey even the littlest things. We stayed the night in Real de Minas (My first area) where my first son Elder Larson (from Ogden) is now the zone leader and that always makes a dad proud.
The branch keeps on improving also. We had a very spiritual fast Sunday and lots of good testimonies. We got back up to 50 people again and our average for the year now is about 49 which is 10 up from what it was last year. The classes all turned out well but the biggest way I think the change can be seen is that the investigators felt good. Everyone welcomed them and chatted, they learned in the classes and the environment is just improved. We also had Priesthood executive committee and we are going to put emphasis on getting the home teachers and visiting teachers organized for good. Things are going very well with my comp and we are working very well together. The only problem is that he has something wrong with his ear and it’s like swelled up inside so we are going to have to go see a doctor tomorrow.
I have been reading the book of Mormon in every spare second to finish on time with the mission goal and it’s awesome. Every time you find new light and new inspiration from it. I am now about to finish Heleman and I’ve only need to read about 8 pages a day now to finish on time. I may have already said this but I want to invite you all to make sure you are getting your daily dose of scriptures. It really makes a difference when you have a good morning and a good study. My testimony and understanding of the gospel is growing tons. Before the mish I had my testimony because I felt it, but now I can express my testimony with scriptures and more understanding than I ever had, and at the same time I realize there is soooo much more to learn.
Well I love the fam; you’re in my prayers and till next week. Elder B

February 1, 2010

2010-02-01T17:33:00.000-08:00

Wow, it’s still weird for me to see 2010 when I write the date and now it’s already February! Time really is flying, I am loving life here where I am and we have had a very good work week. I was glad to hear that everything is going well with the family. I can tell that our family is being very blessed.

President Hacking called the other day to see how all was going. He said he knew I had a lot on my plate but that we were doing a good job and to keep working. He also said that they are planning to put in the first councilor as Branch President the first week in March. That is so exciting. I have one month left being Branch President which is good. It’s been such a learning experience and so far I feel like we have done a lot but at the end of the day these people are the ones to take charge. I know that there are only 3 branches right now but I hope and pray someday down the road that there will be a Barranca Stake. I would love to come back to Colombia to attend the first stake conference.

It was a very good week here in the Lord’s work. This was the first week with my new comp. He is very outgoing and bold when he teaches and contacts etc. Elder M is excited to work hard and talk to everyone and invite them to listen to us. So I can tell it is going to be a great help to have a motivated companion.

We found 19 new investigators this week and although it’s a given that not all (or many) will progress, I have faith that there are some "elect" in there and we will keep looking for the rest. We have a challenge in the mission to read the Book of Mormon before March so lately I have kicked it into high gear because I was behind but it’s been great and I keep learning tons every time.

We are now settled in to the new house and have spent the last few days getting to know all the neighbors. We have found a few investigators among them. We are set with AC in the study room and bedroom which is always great and we have a fridge, ironing board, stove and sandwich cooker.

Lately, I have been making crepes just like the ones we have at home. We found some maple syrup at the store and so we have been eating delicious crepes for breakfast. There is also a little cement soccer court by our house so we have been going in the mornings to jump and do exercise etc. I’m actually the same weight I was when I started the mission.

Sunday we had a great day in church. The good thing is that every week church is improving and the organizations are now working. They are planning their own activities and the classes and meetings are spiritual. This week I decided to visit the youth Sunday school and it was a good class. Yes, the same teenage kids actually listened to their teacher and had the spirit there and learned. I really love the people here. I am very confident that some of the new people that we are going to be bringing to church will be able to feel the spirit now and be able to progress.

Today for P day we went to David and Shirley’s and had a little barbecue and ate mashed potatoes and just rested. Tonight, it’s back to work - we have a family home evening and it’s off to start another good week of work.

I love you family, I am always grateful for your support. You’re always in my prayers. You said the young women sent a package several months ago, but it has never arrived so I hope that it was not stolen.
I will talk to ya next week, with mucho amor, Elder Barnard

January 25, 2010

2010-01-25T17:46:00.001-08:00

Hola fam,
It’s been another hot week in Barranca. It’s also been another hot transfer in Barranca. Another 6 weeks is all over and that means more changes in the mission. This transfer there were 20 missionaries leaving and 20 new ones so lots of changes in the mish. Here in Barranca there have been a few. Elder Williams got transferred to Bogotá (I’ll miss him) and tomorrow his replacement from Paraguay comes. Elder Jimenez, my good buddy from Argentina also got transferred to finish his last transfer in San Gil and tomorrow Elder Furmanski (Utah) comes to be Elder Zari`s companion. And last of all, my son Elder Ravanales has been transferred. He is getting shipped off to San Luis (Bogotá) and my new companion comes tomorrow. His name is Elder Moreno. I am pretty sure he is from Bolivia. When I was the AP I got to know the new missionaries coming in so I already know him. He seems like a really humble, good guy. Now he has about 7 months or so in the mission so he should be a good help. It will be sad to see little Ravi leave but transfers are a good thing and always a good learning opportunity. I imagine he is a hard worker so I think we will do very well.

Some branch members got to go to the temple. They have been saving up by selling tamales (not like the Mexican ones) and actually a really good group went. There were at least 20 and two couples went to be sealed :) I did some last minute interviews for a few that went and then we wished them off on their bus from the church. It was great to see what an exciting and spiritual experience it was for them. They say the youth did baptisms like crazy and they were all excited and you could really see how happy and uplifted they were from the trip. Unfortunately they got home really late Saturday night (early Sunday morning) and some didn’t make it to church.

It was one of the most spiritual Sundays we have had. The individual faith and commitment of our members really help. We finally have all the organizations and classes organized. With the uplifting experience of the temple attendance and the increased enthusiasm of the members now working, our branch is doing great. As we went around Sunday and spent time in some of the classes etc. it was just really rewarding to see people teaching and participating in the class and planning activities and being friendly with each other. Comparing it with 2 1/2 months ago, it really seems like a new branch and the attitude is so positive. I love the people here. It is great getting to know them and listen to them and talk with them and participate in the activities etc. There are people here who are actually doing things like the Savior in his church. So our plans will be to continue visiting them and serving them and looking for those who are lost and keep on keeping on.

Investigator life is stiiiiiill hard. Marissa is seeming like she isn’t going to leave her boyfriend yet and we find investigators but they don’t seem to progress. I think now that the branch is looking better we are going to start working harder with the members to get references from them instead of knocking on so many doors. We have a mission challenge to finish the BoM before March so I’m using every spare second to read and it’s great. It’s amazing how you pick up new things and feel the spirit every time you read it. I really do know the Book of Mormon is true, with tough time like there have been here, it’s been a big help to me. I love the great examples of missionaries in the Book of Mormon.

In the good news of the week... after 2 transfers of living in bad apartments and hotels and far away houses, we finally have a house in our area. I don’t remember if I wrote last week but there are some members who have a house here that they rent out and the people who were there just left, so we got the contract done right away. They fixed it up a little and now we are all moved in. It’s about 12 minutes to walk to the chapel and it’s in a decent, quiet neighborhood. It’s not the nicest house and it’s little but it’s what we need. There are3 little bedrooms, 1 bath, a tiny kitchen and a place to hang up the clothes. But there is a park nearby to do exercise in the mornings so we are very happy. Also the mission let us put in AC so we now have nice air conditioners in the bedroom and study room. I guess when things are too easy they aren’t worth it. I know this will be a great lesson / experience for me to remember throughout my whole life.

Well I am about out of time. And so we start another transfer in Barranca. I want to make the most out of it. I want to be a really helpful Branch President and give my best effort. I’m excited to see how things go with my new comp and get started working with him. Thanks for everything fam, I will talk to ya next week. Love Elder B

January 18, 2010

2010-01-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

Hey there good old fam.
It’s been another week here in Barrancabermeja, Santander, Colombia. Just when I thought I was getting used to the heat I think we got struck with the hottest week yet. So we have drenched shirts every day but that’s life.

If you noticed I am writing from a different email address. The church changed the whole system and now instead of dinky novell email with 50 mb inbox, we have myldsmail thru gmail with 7400 mb inbox. So that means all my contacts and organization stuff is much better and now I have room for all the pictures and letters in the world (whereas before I had to delete anything big) so that’s cool. the addresses were automatically generated so they stuck me with William instead of Will but oh well. They have it set up so that all the mail that gets sent to the old one will be automatically forwarded to this one at least for a while, but you might as well just start writing here. But no worries I got all the letters from this week.

Now as far as the work in this neck of the woods. We had another hot week of work. Lots of time looking for new investigators and lots of time preparing for the branch activity. We used an idea my comp got from a young men’s thing. We spent the whole week inviting people etc. and on Friday we had "Noche de los talentos". First we gathered everyone together in the chapel and told them we had gathered together ppl from all over the world to teach us their international talents. We invited the other Elders to help us. We then made copies of monopoly type money and gave everyone 10 pesos. In each classroom of the church we had different activates set up to spend your "talents" on. We set it up so that there was productive activities (in which you gain more talents) and unproductive activities (which cost talents to participate in) Elder Williams from Las Vegas had a "casino" with dice and checkers that you had to pay to get in and play. Elder Jimenez from Argentina had a tattoo shop (you pay and he draws something on your arm). And Elder Mura from Chile had a Chilean bar (pay for cups of pop). Then we set up Elder Zari from Peru (studied medicine) to teach some first aid and Sister Serrano (from the branch) to teach how to make little craft things. Those who participated in the productive ones gained money at the end. So we gave them 20 minutes to go wild. In the end all the little kids went crazy and wasted their money while the adults did the productive things and got more talents at the end. Haha it was supposed to work out so that at the end we could compare it to the parable but Elder Williams started gambling with the little kids and some left with like 200 pesos. Ha but anyway everyone really enjoyed it and it was a good time to raise unity with the members. After we watched a little ces video and had refreshments (potato chip mix, little sandwiches and juice) that we bought and the relief society helped us prepare. So at the end of the day there was a good turnout and it was a good opportunity to get together and have a good time as a branch.

Things were also going well with Marisa until our last lesson... we arrived to the dramatic moment, invited her to be baptized on the 23d and she accepted, but then said she wanted to clear up one thing first. She really isn’t married to her "husband", they just live together. Basically he works away from home 2 out of 3 weeks and is not very good to her. She wants to separate from him but it’s tough economically etc. so she said she would think about what she was going to do and have a decision the next time we meet. Obviously she can’t get baptized if she lives with a guy she isn’t married to so hopefully she will leave him but we have to just wait and see what she says. We just gotta keep looking and doing our best to help the investigators we have.

Sunday was another very good day in church. We had 54 people come which is less than last week but the drop off was very small and every week the enthusiasm seems to go up. We figured out that last year the average was 39 and in the last 4 weeks we have now had 50, 42, 60 and 54 so there are definitely more people encouraged and remembering their testimony. Usually the counselor in the district is there but yesterday he wasn’t so it was the first time I presided over a church meeting in my life. I gave a talk about the book of Mormon and why it’s so important and why I know it’s true. It went very well. Also we continue fixing up the organizations and finding assignments and giving attention to everyone possible. So on that side of the work I am very excited to see how far we can go. We are doing the best we can to help prepare Brother B and he seems to have come a long way also.

Another crazy thing on Sunday was that we had to rush and get tithing settlement done. They had told us about it a while ago but just barely explained to us how to do it with the computer system etc. So I used the advice President Hacking gave me about it and used what was in the manual and it went through well. It’s amazing how much some people just want to be listened to. It’s like a magic button when you invite someone into the office or shut the door or visit their house. People just need to talk to someone and tell them what’s going on, or what they’re lacking or what they need. It’s been really an experience to see the trust people put in you when you sit down with them and how much the spirit guides you to say what they need to hear and help them. That’s not just a Branch President thing, it's a missionary thing or a friend thing also. But having the chance to interview people has made me realize just how important it is to really listen to people. Just let them talk and take a load off their shoulders and then follow what the Spirit says to help them. So this is a big testimony builder, I can see how much the Spirit really can guide when you look to help and how it literally just puts words in your mouth.

The normal transfers will be announced next Sunday but they told us yesterday that because some of the new Elders are getting here early, about half of the transfers will be announced tonight. Traveling will be on Thursday.

In other news we found a member who is renting a little house finally in our area. We have wasted so much time looking for somewhere to live and there is NOTHING. So it looks like we will finally have a house. The last weeks we have been on the other side of the city with the Elders Zari and Jimenez in their house. At first we were in a hot room upstairs with a noisy fan. But now we found a way to get our mattresses into a little room downstairs that has air conditioning, so we have enjoyed that. It’s possible that we could be in the new house this week. We’ll have to see.

Today was a good pday. We went to the banks of the river here (like a dock thing) where you can see the river and they have fish restaurants all along the side. So we ate some good Rio Magdalena fish and got some good pics and then went and saw the big bridges that crosses the river. The other side is another area so we were on the very edge of the mission, and could even see the Colombia cali mission.

Well I don’t think I have anymore news or comments about this week. I hope we can have success here and I’m interested to see what happens in the next week with transfers and the new house etc. Thanks for everything fam, I love ya much and have a good week. Love Elder Barnard

2010-01-15T10:15:00.000-08:00

Well fam it has been another good week here in Barranca :) We are doing very well right now and we had a good week of work even with the heat and humidity.

This transfer 18 Elders go home and 19 new ones arrive which means lots of changes. Last week I wrote Pres Hacking and told him a little of what was going on here etc, the challenges we’ve had and just asked for advice. So with perfect timing this week he came to Barranca to interview us all and then stayed until Sunday and went to our branch! The interviews went great. He asked what the challenges were here and about the church members. We have lots to do so we’ll just keep trying our very best. Pres Hacking really is great, he knows how to get you feeling good and inspired to do your best. He told me he knew I was under a lot of pressure here as Branch President in addition to being a missionary. He also said that I had and was gaining lots and lots of experience and when my first councillor was trained and ready to take over as Branch President, then he needed to decide at some point where else he could use me in the mish later on.

As far as the things here right now I would say they are at a high. As I said, President Hacking decided he would go to Pinos on Sunday for church, which is the first time in years a mish pres has gone to the little chapel house. So we didn’t have much time but we told a few ppl. Also our investigator Marisa and her 2 kids finally came to church and loved it. She is reading the Book of Mormon and is already in Jacob and says she really feels like it’s true. She feels peace when she reads. So we finally have progressing investigators.

Sunday was excellent. The attendance for sacrament meeting was up to 60! The average for all last year was 39 and the last 3 weeks we have had 50, 43 and now 60. The little chapel was about stuffed and Pres Hacking gave an awesome talk. As we were sitting there about to start he leaned over and said "What would you like me to talk about?" haha so I told him Unity and Love in the branch, because that’s what it needs. So he opened his scrips, took a few notes during the meeting and got up and gave a talk about unity and love in the church, cool. Then we combined Relief Society and Priesthood so he could give them the class and after church he got a few temple recommends taken care of. So in few words the branch is about at its high.

We have been all week with the list of neighborhoods visiting the less actives and although most aren’t even there anymore, we have found some and they are coming back. One brother who used to be branch president but went inactive has now attended two times in a row and it seems like enthusiasm is going up. Also for this Friday we have planned a branch activity. It is a cool idea my comp got from a young mens activity he did where you give everyone "talents" or coins etc. In the different rooms of the church we will set up activities where they can spend talents or earn new ones. Some of the bad ones are things like a tattoo parlor, a casino and the good ones are things like a first aid class or to learn other skills. So we are going to set up and decorate all the rooms to be different stations and then have a short message and snack. We put signs all over the church and have been giving little invitations to everyone with a line where they have to write the name of a friend that they will invite. So our hopes are that everyone possible comes and we fill up the little church and can build some unity and bring back some lost sheep.

So as you can tell it’s been an interesting week. We are very excited and things seem to finally be getting better. My little testimony for this letter is that adversity and trials really can serve to help us wake up and look for solutions and learn. I really am grateful that we can now see things improving in the branch as they have and I hope we can keep improving ourselves to keep them going.

I know the church is true. I love the gospel and my mission and the people. I’m learning a ton and I’m sure someday I’ll remember my time in Barrancabermeja as some of my best memories. You are in my prayers always and I know things will go well. Have a good week and we will talk to you next time. Love Elder B

Great New Year

2010-01-04T19:41:00.000-08:00

January 4, 2010
Hey Fam,
Its been quite another week here in Barranca. The new year went very well. We went to David and Shirley’s again and had a nice dinner with the other elders etc, and then just hung out and talked again with the other elders. There were also a few of the elders from my group that are in Bogota so I talked with them a little.
With the new year we set high new years resolutions to do everything we can. So the year is very new but we haven’t wasted any time since it started and have been working 100%. It is really hard to find investigators who will fulfill their commitments but we’re going to keep looking for them.
The attitude of the branch is improving a ton and we can already see the changes. Yesterday was fast Sunday, the attendance was up again to 40 something members there. The testimony meeting went very well.
Also after discussion and prayer we decided how to fill many of the empty callings here and so between the 3 of us (me, comp, bro Benavides) we spent Sunday interviewing ppl and extending their calls to them. It was quite an experience. They accepted their new callings and most seemed very excited to have a job to do in the church and I know it will help many more get involved. After we had ward council with all the presidencies and started to get things planned for the coming months. This Sunday we are going to have a training session with all the leaders to teach them exactly what they have to do and how. Next week we are planning a ward party to welcome in the new year and just to have a good time and build unity. We are learning tons about how to manage situations etc in the church but like I said we are seeing tons of progress in our branch.
We just have to find the way to get some new people because that is our first job as missionaries. But I finished the list that has every neighborhood and all the members (418) that live in each one so this week we are going to see as many as we can. I have faith that we will find some people.
That is what is so great about the mission is all the lessons you learn and my testimony has been strengthened so much. So I know I’m not perfect but I have promised myself that I won’t waste one second of my last calender year in the mish, I can’t believe how fast it’s going. So I’m going to try my best to improve for this new year and hopefully the Lord can help me.
I love you tons fam, you’re in my prayers. Thanks for everything, until next time, Elder B

Christmas 2009

2009-12-29T16:16:00.000-08:00

December 28, 2009
Hola fam,
It was another good week here in Barranca. It was very nice to talk to everyone and see y'all on the webcam also. I was actually a little surprised because everyone looks about the same (except the kids who have all grown a TON). Although it was very nice to talk to everyone I felt awkward trying to talk well. It’s a lot easier to write things in English and I can see how the RMs feel when they get back and can barely give their homecoming talk. (Will has a really cute accent when he speaks in English now).
Buuut anyway it has been another good week, we have found a few more good investigators and had a good Christmas and Christmas eve. For Christmas eve we got together with the other Elders and some members in the other branch and made a big old, mostly American style Christmas dinner. We had a load of mashed taters ‘n gravy, some stuffed chicken, brownies and ice cream. We ate and chatted with the members until the missionary curfew (9 30) and then headed to the apartment. The other Elders came to stay the night there so it was the 6 of us. We talked and hung around and then read the Christmas story from the Bible like a good family and opened our stockings from Mom. The Elders were mostly excited to eat all the chocolates and mom’s caramels were a big hit. Then we watched a few Christmas eve fireworks and got to bed.

Christmas morning we got up and went over to David and Shirleys because Elder Williams had other presents there for us.. Apparently, he has a really rich uncle so he sent us all remote control cars. Haha not exactly the usual missionary gift but we had a great time driving them around outside their house and chasing a few dogs away. We actually spent most of the day with them just talking about Christmas traditions etc. We left in the afternoon to do some visits but found absolutely no one the whole night so we ended up buying some frozen yogurt and heading back to plan. My companion and I set some really good goals to make sure we start off the year great and accomplish as much as possible.

Sunday was a very good day for the branch. We got there early and first thing a sister who had been inactive requested an interview. The Lord is blessing me incredibly and with his help I have been able to do the things I have been asked. Sunday meetings went very well. We had 50 people in church this time which is the most we have had since our first week and I can see the members gaining excitement for the work here. Just the simple act of having someone who greets them or talks to them about their life makes such a difference and we really are starting to gain the confidence of the members. In sacrament meeting I was asked to bless a baby... which I had no idea how to do, but I pulled out my faithful missionary handbook, followed the instructions and it went well. Also 2 kids advanced in the priesthood so I announced it in sacrament meeting and then ordained them in the second class. We also talked and prayed and decided who to call as the ward mission leader so I extended the call to him and we will set him apart next week. We will be re-organizing some of the auxiliaries during the next few weeks which will give some more people the chance to serve and have part in the branch. I’ve been advancing in the Leaders Manual that has all the little details and learning lots about how the church runs. I’ve got MLS (the church computer program) figured out which also is a big help and I am working on making lists with each neighborhood and all of the members that live there to start visiting them. I can also use these lists for home teaching etc. In less words, we’ve had lots to do in our little branch and we are very excited at the way things look to be going.
We don’t have as much time in the day as I would like. The missionary side is still a little difficult but we have some very good potential investigators and we have lots of ideas to do activities etc to find more. In the end our job is to help get brother B ready to be the man and run the ship. He is a great guy. His family is very, very humble but they always have us over for lunch on Sundays. He is at church every Sunday at 8 o clock to open up and make sure everything is ready. He has been a member for only 2 years and is learning so much. He and his wife are preparing to go to the temple and be sealed in January so we are encouraging them and I’m very happy for them.

Today was a nice lazy relaxing Pday. We basically just sat around and talked with Elder Jimenez and Zari. For lunch I made up the mashed potatoes and stuffing etc. that you sent. It turned out very well and it was the first time the others had eaten stuffing and they really liked it. I’m not sure what the plans will be for New Years but I am ready to get the holidays over with so we can get rid of the distractions and really get things going with the investigators.

BTW Dad that experience was amazing, I hope someday I can have something like that happen. Imagine the generations who will be members of the church and have the gospel because of that couple and the fact that you got to meet them. Amazing. (Will is referring to an experience that his Dad had in Calgary while visiting Will’s sister and son-in-law. He served a mission there years ago. This insert is how Will’s Dad described the experience).
“I hope this little miracle will help you see the big picture. In church yesterday as the First Councilor announced the program I realized that the final speaker was a man I knew. I taught and baptized him and his wife years ago. I hadn't talked to him in all that time. Turns out they have 8 children that are spread all over the US and Canada. They are active and happy and successful and he gave a great talk. Mom and I went up to meet him after and he hugged me and thanked me. We are going out to dinner and get the whole story. Of course their life has been theirs and they have done what they have done, but at least when my small part was to be played, I was there. It is a very good feeling. Now I am wondering about the other families and individuals that I worked with. But anyway, someday you will be able to look back and see that you were there and you did your part and it was good.”

I can’t believe I am going to start the last calendar year of my mission. I sometimes wish time would slow down but we learn as we go and I’m learning every day. I hope I’ve been able to progress and improve. I have gained a much stronger testimony and I know that we are in the truth. I wish more people would realize faster but if it were easy it wouldn’t be so good. Hope everyone has a happy new year and enjoys all the great things we have. 2010 should be awesome. TTY next week. Love Elder Barnard

Busy Branch Activities

2009-12-24T08:28:00.000-08:00

December 22, 2009
Ola family!

The first week as branch president was very interesting. Here they planned to have 12 small Christmas devotionals in the church up to the 24th, each one organized by a different family or organization. They have turned out well and my comp and I have been there to conduct and make sure everything got opened and closed etc. This week with all of the branch activities and the travel etc. we didn’t get to work a ton in the area but we had a few lessons and like I said we are just looking for more ways to have some success here.

My first Sunday as a missionary/ branch president was also very interesting. If you thought Sundays were busy just being a missionary, you should try it as both. Lots of things to do and lots of ppl to talk to. Before church, one of the young men had requested to talk to me. It is really amazing how the Lord can inspire even dummies like me, to know what to say and what to do. Throughout the week I have been reading and studying the church leaders manual to get to know the little details etc. of what I need to do. We made sure to start Sacrament meeting right on time. There were only 10 people there to begin with. By the end of the meeting, there were 40 which is about average. I planned to speak about Christmas and gave myself the last spot. I had been planning and praying for most of the week and the Spirit really helped me. I think everyone felt the spirit so I feel really blessed for that. I talked about what the Savior’s birth really means and talked about how the joy of Christmas comes from giving. I shared the story about the Christmas orange of the boy in the orphanage. I also shared the experience of when mom and I did the 12 days of Christmas and secretly took gifts to a family when I was in elementary school.
After that a few members wanted to talk during class time including a sister who felt that she could no longer hold her calling to teach the youth class because there was no one to watch her baby. I also interviewed two young men to advance one to receive the priesthood and the other to be a teacher. I looked it up in the manual and relied on the spirit. Then for the third hour, we went to the young mens class who are having so many problems. I don’t know how we are going to get control of them yet. We continue to pray and look for ways.

One idea that I felt would help was to organize every member on the branch list into the neighborhoods they live in and then take time each day to visit every single one. It would be much more efficient to reach everyone that way. It may be the way to find part member families as well as less active members and bring them back. On the list of members there are 418 and only about 40 attend each week. Yes, that is less than 10 per cent. Last week we went, as the priesthood of the branch, to visit less active members and found a few who were excited to see us so it may be the best way to start turning things around.

Another thing I was thinking about was to put a chart on the bulletin board that shows the attendance week by week and get the members themselves excited about finding the lost sheep and little by little getting the chapel filled.

We traveled to Bucaramanga for a big Christmas super pday. Everyone got together and played sports all morning. All the missionaries from Bucaramanga, San Gil, Cucuta, Opal and Barrack got together. I spent a little time playing soccer and we actually got to play a little organized basketball with some of the other Americans which was a first in a long time and was fun. I got a little sun burn also but it was a good chance to relax and have a good time. After that everybody headed back to the different houses (apartments) to get cleaned up and changed and ready for the afternoon part. We watched a really cool movie called Emma, played some games, had a dinner and a Christmas devotional where the Stake Presidents from Bucaramanga spoke.
The Christmas pday yesterday was a very nice spiritual experience and a good chance to rest and get re energized. ah I forgot to tell you that we also had a Christmas dinner and President and Sister Hacking showed up as Santa Claus and his wife. They gave everyone little presents which was a funny sight. It really is nice to see Bucaramanga again. It’s amazing how you grow to love the places where you work and learn.

I’m sure Barrack will be just the same because I know if we just keep fighting we are going to make good things happen here. We will continue and try our best to help the members increase their own testimonies, bring back the ones who are lost and find new ones.

But anyway onto today. We left early from Bucaramanga yesterday. I took out that extra money you told me about and bought each Elder in the district some little presents. For dinner last night, my comp and I bought ingredients and made "completos." It’s a typical Chilean food so my comp was happy. It’s actually just hot dogs but with guacamole and tomatoes and very good.
Oh by the way, we moved out of the hotel and are living in Elder Jimenez and Zaris house. At least, it gives us the chance to study and have a kitchen etc but it’s all the way across town so we have to take taxis everyday. I wish we could just get a normal house by our area but that would be too easy for us haha. I can’t doubt that our purpose right now is to be tested so we just have to go and do what needs to be done.

Tomorrow I will be talking to you. I can’t believe that after this phone call I only have one left in May. (He has only 8 months left in the mission field) It’s hard to believe all that happened since I spoke to you the last time. I’m interested to see how well I can have a conversation in normal English. It’s sometimes confusing to talk without using any Spanish words because you get used to it. I love you fam, know that we are probably as or more blessed than anyone in the world. I will talk to you tomorrow. love ya and until tomorrow, chao. elder Barnard

Branch President Barnard

2009-12-14T18:23:00.000-08:00

December 14, 2009
Hola Familia,
Well it’s been another week here in Barranca. The week in itself was actually kind of a strange week. I’ve got a cough and with grandma’s funeral and all, it was really hard not to think about the fam etc. and what was happening at home. I'm glad to hear the funeral went well and everyone is now safe and sound where they need to be. You guys should just take a day or two and rest up and recover physically and mentally because I am sure it was a stressful week and especially if you are sick just REST. But ok that’s the end of my family advice section.

So as I said it wasn’t the most focused week of missionary work in my life, but we just gotta keep on keeping on. We did have some good lessons and the Lord gave us a great blessing to cheer us up, a family of 5 who seems to be very ready to accept and live the gospel. Although they had a last minute thing (like all of our investigators again) they seem very good so we have high hopes. We seem to have found a good group of investigators to work with now so although we will continue finding new ones, we now have some good people to concentrate on.

They say that there is a package for me in Bogotá and they will mail it tomorrow so it may be a Christmas Package. Also unfortunately we are still in the good ole truck stop hotel. There was a 6´4 ish used to be man/ now woman who used to live in the room next to us that always said hi to us and he/she left this week which was good news :) It sounds like they are finally getting to the last part of the papers for our house, but what’s new.

That is true about the harmonica. I got hold of some music for a few church songs so I can play them and have figured out some other songs like home on the range. The other day at a baptism we, Elder Williams and I, played How Great Thou Art with guitar and harmonica, haha it wasn’t the greatest group ever but it turned out alright.

Today for Pday we did... nothing. The other Elders went with David and Shirley, the members who always help us out. They invited us over to the headquarters of the Oil Company to play sports etc. but I have been getting sick with that cough etc. so I decided it was smarter to just chill and get some rest.

Ok here is my crazy news. Elder Williams, a while ago, talked to President Hacking about the idea that the missionaries should have some leadership in the church here just to get things going in the right direction. Then this week after a priesthood meeting I felt the same thing so I called him and he said he already had it planned that we would be put in as councilors in the Branch Presidencies whenever the District President here got it all organized and decided what was best to do. So I was somewhat expecting that. Sunday morning we passed by to take a few investigators (2 families of 5 and 4) to church. Unfortunately like I said, they had last minute things come up. So as we headed for the church I got a call and it was President Camacho, President Hackings second counselor who covers Barranca. He asked if I would take long to get to the church and I told him we were very close so he said ok and that he would like to talk to me before sacrament meeting.

So I figured that what Pres Hacking had said was coming. So he invites us upstairs in the church house and has us sit down. He brings in the District President also and they start talking and the District President tells me that because the Branch President hasn’t been able to attend because of work, and because the branch needs help that they are going to release the Branch President. Then he called me to be the Branch President!?....... I was basically shocked. It had crossed my mind that we may get callings in the branch to help but I never expected this. Then he asked me what I thought about this new calling and I told him it was a complete shock but that I would go and do what the lord commanded and do my best. He then explained to us all the stuff about how the branch was struggling and the idea is that this would be a temporary thing (a few months). We would need to use the experience we have to help turn things around and help prepare Bro Benavides, the first councilor right now, to be a good branch president. Haha what experience are you talking about I’ve never done this. But the truth is I know we can help this little branch. At least my comp and I have had the blessings of growing up in the church and I have had the chance to work with Pt Hacking and Camargo so we know how things should be. Then, they had us go back down and start sacrament meeting.

During the second class they took us up and set us apart and conferred me the "keys". So at the end of the day I am the Branch President of Los Pinos and my companion is my second counselor. After church we had to organize all the tithing /offerings etc. which I have no idea how to do. Luckily Hno Benavides has been counselor for over a year so he knows how to do that part and my comp was the ward secretary at home so he also does. I also pulled aside the old Branch Pres for a minute after church just to tell him sorry if this happened as a surprise or he felt bad and that I was also very surprised and would need his help. He wasn’t mad at all and said that whatever questions I had, he was there. He really is a good guy but with his work he just never had time to do everything.

After lunch we headed back to the church and our "presidency office" to start reading manuals and looking at the MLS (church computer system) . The MLS manages everything from the money, to callings, to ward lists, to stats. Luckily my comp knows how to run it and I am pretty fast with computer stuff. There is a big old manual for Stake Presidencies and Bishoprics that has about everything you need to know - from how to bury people, to how to do interviews etc. I called president Hacking and he just told me to keep it as simple as I could and not get too worried about all the complex details. So I really don’t know what to think, I never expected anything like this on my mission. I already know I am going to delegate tons and use my counselor’s lots and do the best I can to help get this Branch turned around. As much of a surprise as it is, I know its going to be a huge learning experience and we already have so many ideas to get things improved here.

First we’re going to have all the meetings here (PEC, branch presidency, ward council etc) Also, I want to start giving assignments and callings because many people have nothing to do and there is a lot that needs to be done, which will help them be part of the branch. And the best thing is we are missionaries, we have all day, everyday so whatever we have to do we can. In the end the goal is to help prepare Hno Benavides to be a great Branch President and leave the branch with a good foundation and going in the right direction. So I'm going to have to get myself much more familiar with that manual. The hard thing for me to get my head around is things like interviews or personal problems that members have etc. So one thing I know is that I’m going to be calling President Hacking like crazy and praying really hard.

Pres Hacking also told us that it’s important that we find a balance, missionary work will be a little harder but we are still missionaries and we have to be teaching all that we can. Hopefully we can just keep things simple and strengthen every member and bring back those that have fallen away. I know that the Lord calls who the Lord qualifies and with weak and small things he brings to pass great things.

Well I am about out of time. Never a dull moment in the mission stuff. I love you all and you are in my prayers, especially lately, and I am really going to need to be in yours. I love you fam, you’re the best, please when you are sick, or stressed or whatever it may be, get some rest and remember the scriptures and prayer. Here goes nothing. Until next week. Elder B

Grandma Passed Away

2009-12-13T10:33:00.000-08:00

December 7, 2009
Hola Mi Familia.
Well it’s been another week here in Barranca. Last night while we were in a lesson talking with a few people outside their house, I got a call from President Hacking. I asked the people to excuse me and answered him. He asked how I was and told me he had some news that might be a little bit hard for me. As soon as he said that, my imagination just took off running. I was thinking about all kinds of things and wondering what had happened, then he told me that in the morning my grandma Barnard had quietly passed away. He told me that it sounded like she was very proud of me. It was quite a shock because you don’t expect to hear something like that. I remember I visited with her and said goodbye the last time, the morning before we left for the MTC. Although you never know, I think we felt that it could be the last time I would see her in this part of the plan. It was hard to give her those last hugs. It is a sad thing to know that the whole family will be gathering to celebrate her life and I won’t be there and that I won’t get to talk to Grandma again. My whole childhood was filled with happy memories, playing with cousins at grandma’s house, old Thanksgivings and Christmases, family reunions and sleepovers. I remember as the mish got closer I had the chance to spend more time that summer visiting grandma and doing things like drive out to Arbys or Subway with her and BJ when you were gone. She always showed me a special love and I will really miss her. It was very tough last night and today to think about and realize that she is gone. But just the same, during the last years of her life I know she always wanted to do so much more than her body could. I also know she loved and missed grandpa B and they are now doing what it says in Alma 40.

... The spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life. And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.

That’s the neat thing about what we know as the church of Christ. That grandma B was just taken back to the God that gave her life and is enjoying happiness, rest and peace. So while it’s hard for me to know I won’t get to talk to my good old grandma again, she is in "a better place" as they always say, and we will meet her again.

As far as Barranca, my son and I have just been working away and keep on fighting the sun and looking for Gods Elect. Haha let me tell you that they are hard to find here. This week, although not perfect, we worked out butts off. Lots of heat and looots of lessons and new investigators. The tough tough thing about Barranca is that everyone is down for whatever, so most anyone will let you in and show interest in the message, but when you set them a commitment like praying, reading or going to church no one does it. They are friendly and partiers but when it comes down to doing something or taking a step of their own, they don’t do it. This week, we taught 9 Lessons with Members Present (This is one strength of this area, there are some very good young men that are always willing to work with us), 18 other lessons and found 22 NEW INVESTIGATORS. I mean you never find 22 new investigators in a week. So we were pumped. For fast Sunday we fasted that we could get them to come to church along with the 18 we found last week. We spent Saturday visiting everyone, teaching about the Sabbath day, organizing how we would take some of them to church, calling and inviting all off them, even fasting. Sunday came and we set out very early to go and make sure some of the best ones were awake and remind them and it was amazing. We got there and they acted like they hardly even remembered promising they would go to church, some were sleeping, another said she didn’t want to wake her husband up to go because he would get mad, another family decided it would be better to pick weeds outside haha. So in the end, of the 40 new investigators we found in 2 weeks, 5 of them showed up to church and one of them after Sacrament Meeting.

To make things better we decided to send them to class with the members instead of doing the Gospel Principles class. The young men’s young women’s teacher wasn’t there so they asked us to teach them so we brought Roman, an investigator who is 15, also. The class members would not stop talking and yelling. It was the worst experience I have ever had in a church class, and our investigator left quickly after and wanted nothing to do with it.

But honestly at the end of the day, we are taught that effort is success and we are putting in our effort so I don’t feel bad or discouraged. It can be very frustrating but we are slowly picking out the people who really are looking for the truth. Also we continue doing all we can to get the branch excited. The Branch Pres didn’t come again, but we are bonding with the members and trying to build them up so that this branch does too. President Hacking is strongly considering putting missionaries in the Branch Presidencies here.

My comp and I are getting to be good friends and I really like working with him. Also I am going to have him teach me some Kung Fu because he is an expert.

It looks like we might FINALLY have a house after this week, but all we can do is work hard. I have faith that this little branch can grow. It’s not easy to completely change the momentum of something but that is our job right now and we can’t expect it to be an overnight thing. I know the Lord will help us and despite the challenges here I continue to love the mish. It’s such a simple life, you don’t have to worry about jobs or the economy or the government, you just work and improve. And we always make sure to get our fair share of having a good time in and joke around every night.

This will be a hard week for me, but I know it is best to keep working and doing what we can. Well I am out of time. I hope everything goes well this week, send my love and best wishes to all the fam. Love Elder B

Very Productive Week

2009-11-30T17:17:00.000-08:00

November 30, 2009
HOLA FAMILIA!
Well it’s been another hot week here in Barranca. Unfortunately we are still living in the $22 a night hotel but we are not going to use that as an excuse to be less productive. This week was actually a very good week for us in the area. We dedicated ourselves, set some high goals and achieved almost all of them so I am feeling really good about the area. We gave surprise talks on Sunday in church; also we had a nice little Thanksgiving party and a Training session with all the church leaders of the district so it was a very good week.

By the suggestion of President Hacking, we fasted on Wednesday to be able to find a house or get the situation worked out. That same day, the counselor in the district presidency called and told us he found us a house. It was almost golden. It was in the perfect position between the two branches, it wasn’t with the renting agency that gave us so many problems but was a direct contract with a family who was moving out and it was cheaper. It wasn’t as nice as the hopefuls we had but it was enough and what we needed. We agreed with them we would have the contract by the next day and could be moving in today. We took all our papers, did the contract and just had to get the contract signed and emailed by a guy in the church offices in Bogotá. We emailed it in and it turned out that for some reason the guy wasn’t there for like 5 days. So in the end we couldn’t get it signed and they gave the house to different people… So “Pailas” as they say in Colombia (basically out of luck).

So we told president Hacking who is pretty tired of all this mess and he organized a meeting with the people from the church office today to see if we could get permission to look for … (I don’t know how to say it in English but its a person who signs that they will be responsible for the rent if the church can’t pay it). The general policy is that the church doesn’t do it but these rental agencies are sticklers for papers etc and they are requiring it. It was pretty ridiculous; we had some papers sent in about the Bogotá Temple just to show them that the church was a solid entity. It showed part of the payments to make the temple that summed up to about 9 million dollars. We took it (when I say we I mean the other missionaries because I was in my area) to them but the lady just said sorry but they needed people who could be responsible in case that we couldn’t pay. So I guess we will find out tonight what came out of Pres Hackings meeting but in the meantime we are stuck in the good old Hotel.

As far as the hotel we decided we weren’t going to let it be an excuse or reason to work less so we have been looking for ways to be more productive. One thing we have done is go to the church in the mornings to study there so that we can have tables etc. and a decent study area. Also, like I said this week we had high goals and we worked very hard and at least statistically we were able to reach them. We ended up with 10 lessons with a member present which is one of the highest I have had in any week of my mission. We also finished with 19 new investigators which is a record for my mission. The definition of New Investigator is someone who you teach for the first time and who accepts a specific date for you to return. The thing about Barranca is that you can find lots because they are very open but few really progress, so you have to be able to drop those that don’t and find the “Elect” who hear the Lords voice and don’t harden their hearts. Of these 19 people we were able to have 5 go to church and various others who couldn’t because of travel but promised to next week.

To make a long story short we got in contact with an investigator that I had in Bogotá a few months ago. We were teaching him and he even had a baptismal date but he happened to move to Barranca. Anyway one day he saw Elder Zara and called him over. They got his info and turns out that he lives in my area so last Monday we taught him and he committed to go to church again and was excited to be hearing the missionaries again. Sadly something happened and he didn’t show up but we have high hopes for him and with all the people we are finding I know some of them have to be elect. Like I said it’s tough but we want to help people gain a testimony of the church themselves so that they can be part of the building up here. But like dad used to say, we can’t chose what time we are given, but we can choose what we do with that time. So we just have to get our butts to work and get it done.

This week we got all the leadership together in the main chapel (Barranca has 2 house chapels and one real one) for a leadership training meeting by the missionaries. Each companionship took time to train about one subject and it turned out really well. It was such a blessing to be AP because I gained a lot of experience about doing such things. So we prepared a nice session about goals and got them involved and participating etc. and in the end I think they left very excited to put what we talked about in practice.

Also on Sunday the speakers weren’t there so as we were singing the sacrament hymn one of the young men ran back and told us they were asking us to speak. So I wrote down a few key points, took up my scriptures and talked for 12 minutes about prayer. I’ve learned that talks can be the same as lessons. You have an outline of what you want to talk about and you follow the spirit and look for ways to apply it to the listeners and keep them interested. In the end it turned out very well. Honestly I wouldn’t mind if we could speak every Sunday but I guess it’s good experience for all the members. So anyway this area definitely isn’t going to be easy to turn around but we hope to keep working hard and do just that.

Also this week was Thanksgiving as you know. There is a young couple here named David and Shirley (Great Spanish names right!) But anyway they love the missionaries so they help us out with everything and always invite us over for pday etc. We dedicated Thursday morning and lunch to do a little mini Thanksgiving with them. So Elder Williams and I hit up the grocery store and tried to find what we could to make a “Thanksgiving dinner.” David and Shirley got us some chicken (You can’t find much Turkey here) and for not knowing anything about cooking Elder Williams and I did a pretty good job of putting together the dinner. We made mashed potatoes and gravy, fruit salad and some corn. We were both surprised because it actually turned out good. Then we filled every body’s plates with mashed taters and gravy and corn, explained a little about why we celebrated Thanksgiving and then went around the circle and had everyone say what they were thankful for. It was a nice little emotional time. We really are incredibly blessed where we live.

In other random mission notes - I bought a harmonica a few weeks ago and I have been learning and figuring out a few songs in free time. I have realized here how cool it is to play instruments and be able to make music. I kick myself for fighting out of piano lessons and I have decided that when I finish I have to learn how to play piano and guitar.

Also today for Pday we went to a place that has a soccer /bball court that is covered and got some sports in with some of the young men. I wanted to play bball but we couldn’t find a pump so it was all soccer. I have actually grown to like soccer here and even watching it but as far as playing I am clueless. It is amazing how much you sweat here with all this heat and humidity so we were all drenched and after the losers (we won) had to buy pop for everyone so we enjoyed that.

All is going great with my son. He is funny. He has a good attitude and is always happy working. What I want to work on or help him learn is to be a leader, so I have to be reminding him to get himself ready etc. or else he just kind of wanders. I think it will come with time. He is awesome at Kung Fu and loves Asian culture and martial arts and is a great cook. His attitude is good and I’m glad he’s my son.

So anyway we’re off to start another week of work here. Hopefully we can fix this house situation but just the same we are going to work hard again this week and hopefully we can accomplish our goals and find the elect and help them find happiness and salvation. I love you all, I know the church is true and I know the book of Mormon is true, Have a good week and talk to ya next time. Elder B

Veery Hot Here

2009-11-23T17:51:00.000-08:00

November 23, 2009
Hola Mi Familia,
It’s been another week here in Barranca. We’ve been sweating like crazy but working hard and looking for new investigators. This week was pretty rough because we are still living in this hotel a long ways from our area. The whole situation is frustrating because we have to spend a lot of time filling out papers and running around etc. to get the new apartments. Because of this we weren’t able to get as much done as I hoped until Saturday. But we had a few good days of work and found some solid new investigators.

Right now we have a really good investigator named Eduarda. She is a teacher at a High School here and she was very impressed that at such a young age we would dedicate ourselves to being missionaries so she invited us to go talk to her class. On Tuesday the 6 of us went. Haha she also invited a guy who was preparing to be a catholic priest. The point was basically for the kids to see people living spiritual lives and accomplishing goals etc. So first the priest talked about the problems of drugs with adolescents and then although we didn’t prepare anything we talked about goals (having a vision for your life and how following what our Father wants us to do we can be blessed). Then we had a session of q and a and explained about the church etc. Another thing I realized even more is how blessed we are. This school was in bad condition and there were very few resources for the kids to learn from. But it was a cool experience all in all.

President Hacking came to do a training session with the leaders here and interview us. He told us that if we had to just drop our work and basically focus on getting somewhere to live until we were set then to do it. My interview went great. He said he knew I would be doing fine and just to keep up the good work. After he took us all out to eat greasy fried chicken which was great. All in all I am really frustrated because we have so much to do in our area and for a lot of the week we just didn’t get the chance to do what we really wanted to.

On Friday not much progress was being made so I myself started calling the secretaries of the apartment places etc. and going to the place where they rent houses to get things taken care of. We finally got all the papers in and sent off. Tomorrow they will tell us if we are approved, I really hope so. The thing is that they ask for 2 people who will pay the rent if the church fails to do so and asks for the churches bank record, which the church never shows to anyone. haha In the end they sent it in with some documents that show that we own chapels in Bucaramanga and here, so hopefully that’s enough for the person who approves to let us make the contract. If it works out we will live 4 in one house (Elder Williams, Mura, my companion and I) and the other 2 in a different one in their area. So until that all gets sorted out we are still in this hotel far away.

We did have the first English Class and Ward Home evening on Fri and Sat. There were about 11 people at the English Class and 14 on Saturday and we tried to make sure that they were spiritual and fun at the same time. In English Class I taught them how to use pronouns etc and then we learned the Head Shoulders Knees and toes song. For the family home evening, we talked about the Book of Mormon and watched one of the CES Videos. We did an activity where each group had to read a part from The B of M and act it out. In the end it turned out well and I think it will move us towards building unity.

This Sunday 41 people came to church (although many were late) and the reverence was improved (Pres Hacking talked about that at his meeting). We only had one investigator due to the frustrations of this week. We have been making an effort to congratulate anyone who participates and welcome them and get to know everyone there. The strength of the branch is the youth. We have a solid group of young men and a few young women who are very active and want to work with us.

On Sunday we split up and I took one young man, my comp the other, and went off to do contacts and look for new people. It turned out great and we were able to get lots of contacts and find some new good potential investigators. The kids are about to have their school vacations so I am going to try and get some little name tags and start putting them to work every day with us so we can double up and get lots of lessons with members present. This week we’re gonna do everything we can to work consistently in our area despite the living problems and hopefully the contract for the new apartments works out.

Another cool thing that happened, in Bogotá we had an investigator named Asned, a 20 something year old guy who went to church a few times and was getting ready to be baptized, but he moved to Barranca. The other day Elder Zari ran into him and got his info so I called him and he remembered me and we are going to meet him tonight at the church for a lesson. So hopefully he is still interested. Cool coincidence So anyway these last few weeks have been rough because we’re limited and it’s made us get a little off track but were gonna do the best we can and start to get things changing around here.

It has been ridiculously hot this week. I think one of satans tricks is to make it hotter after lunch. Here they give us huge lunches and going out into the steaming sun with a very full stomach is not always an easy thing and makes you veeeery tired. Haha I sweat like crazy, I have started taking around a clean sock to wipe my face all the time but we drink lots of water and I don’t think I am losing a lot of weight.

We really are incredibly blessed; sometimes this work is a sacrifice. But I really loved a talk by Elder Holland that talks about how the atonement was such a sacrifice and if we really want to be called disciples of Christ we should be ready and willing to pass through a few challenges ourselves. Haha so whenever I find myself hot ’n sweaty and thirsty even at night I just think about how one day I will enjoy cool nights with a sweatshirt on with my fam or friends in the future, doing things like listening to country music, drinking a root beer, going for a drive, or a movie or a basketball game, maybe even with snow again. Haha but I'm not complaining, it is all worth it.

I am very happy where I am and what I’m doing .I know I’m where I should be and I really love it. I hope I am progressing as much as I want to. I learn everyday and my testimony has grown incredibly. I really know that we have the truth, and in the end that is what brings happiness. But I have to go, much love, take care and I will talk to ya next week.

November 16, 2009

2009-11-17T07:02:00.002-08:00

These are all new Elders in Barranca

Will and his companion.

Querida Familia.
All is well in Barranca, it’s been a very interesting week here. My comp and I have been working very hard in the area and getting to know the branch etc. better every day. In our 2 Sundays we have had 53 and 40 people in the little church house, the branch is very weak but we have found some great members as well as some of the youth in the branch who are very faithful and strong in the church so we are using them a lot to help us teach etc. and help show us the area.
We worked very hard during the week and found 15 new investigators, had 12 who committed they would come to church and read the book of Mormon and when Sunday arrived, 1 showed up. I just need to remember that effort is success in this business and were gonna find the way to get these people to our church and strengthen this branch. It’s honestly a rough thing because you want people to come to church so bad so that they progress but I am almost afraid to let them see the church. Haha it would be easier if they could just know the missionaries, get baptized and then meet the other members. There is very little unity or friendship in the branch and the reverence has a lot to be desired.
But we are not here to look for problems, rather solutions. So we planned and announced Sunday that every Friday we will have English classes at the church and every other Saturday we will have branch activity nights to bring the members together, train them, help them become friends and help strengthen their testimonies.
This week President Hacking will be here to speak to the priesthood leaders of the district so hopefully that will help. Basically, there is a lot to do here, we’ve gotta make the church a place where people can feel the spirit and where there is love and at the same time bring new people in. No one said it would be easy, but we are going to do our best and enjoy it.
To make things better is our apartment. The rumor is that when they first rented it they never dedicated it, it has bad vibes. The water from the tap isn’t safe to drink and the entire week we have had on and off water. I have had to shower 2 days with a big bucket and a pitcher and we went 2 days without being able to flush the toilet or wash the dishes. So we were not able to follow the mission schedule.
We have been house hunting but they had a 4 day weekend so we can’t do anything until tomorrow. President Hacking called and we told him what was happening and he told us to get out. We got hotel rooms until we could finalize our new apartments. You don’t realize until you don’t have it just how much you can’t live without water. But President sent a good group of us here and we know it’s up to us to change things so we’ve just been doing the best we can and keep fighting.
Elder Williams and I could relate to driving around in our Chevy trucks and listening to country music. Haha he is a cool kid and we are the pioneer gringos here so we have been getting along great and it’s nice to relax and talk about sports or music etc. every once in a while.
This week it’s been in the 90’s most days, I actually feel like I am getting more used to the heat, honestly it just depends on your attitude. If you go out whining about how hot it is you will suffer but if you don’t worry about it, it’s just fine. The thing here is you really don’t ever get sun burnt. The humidity is the major drawback. There is no wind and the heat seems to come from the ground so you go under a tree or in shade and it doesn’t change haha. But Im doing fine, drinking lots of water and working hard.
My son is doing great. He hates sports even soccer and is a big time kung fu expert, so at least no one should mess with us. He has a good attitude and has no problems working hard. His only problem is that he loves Chile and compares every thing to Chile but we have been working on that and I’m sure he will get over it and get used to Colombia. He taught me how to make Chilean cheese empanadas so I will have to whip some up when I get home.
Moms Questions :
For laundry we rent a washer and hang up stuff on a line we have going across the apartment.
Every day here is short sleeve shirt and washable pants, I gave one pair to Elder Amador so I only have 2 left (possible Christmas present).
It doesn’t rain much honestly and I have yet to use my raincoat in the mission.
We have lunch every day except pday with members which is good and the food is similar to Bucaramanga. We have lots of stuff like Yucca and rice every day but I have no problems with the food. Breakfast is usually oatmeal or cereal or a sandwich.
Our area is humongous but we have been working in the part close to the chapel only, so we have only used a taxi twice so far.

It’s been all over the news that Chavez is telling Colombia to get ready for war and that the US is putting bases there to invade Venezuela and steal his oil. No one thinks he will do anything but he is buying tons of war stuff and they know he gives stuff to the farc which is no good but that’s life.
We all live in the same apartment but this week we should have our separate apartments finalized.
There are no bad mosquito problems. I could maybe use some insoles for one pair of my shoes.
For Christmas I think it'll be the same as last year as far as phone calls, maybe a day or two before.
The church is true. I’m out of time. I love you all. You’re in my prayers. I always want to remember that we are called to serve, not be served, and we are having a good time at it. Love Elder B

November 9, 2009

2009-11-17T07:02:00.001-08:00

It is really hot here. Haha hola familia, it’s been a busy,busy week and I'm here settling in and working here in Barranca.
Last week we stayed around Bogotá until Thursday to help with the transfers because a big group was going home and a lot of work to do. Elder Zari and I were there helping with that. Elder Jimenez (a Zone Leader from Argentina) also stayed in his zone until Thursday to help show the new missionaries the area and my comp worked a few days in Bogotá so the 4 of us could go up together.

Everyone here in Barranca was changed except Elder Williams so we are all new here. We received the new missionaries at the office on Tuesday so I got to meet my son but I didn’t say anything to him about being his comp or anything.

We helped take trunkies to the airport so I got to say gbye to all of them and got to see Elder Corro off so it was cool. Thursday morning we got up early, met up at the office and headed to the Bus Terminal to catch a 9AM bus for Barranca. It was so sad to say goodbye to our converts and everyone after all the time I was there. It was definitely a cool experience and lots of memories and lessons learned but it was time to move on to another challenge.

My companion is named Elder Ravanales from Santiago Chile. His parents are converts so he has been a member all his life. He has a good heart and a good attitude. I think the whole week he heard everyone talk about how bad Barranca is etc. but I told him how excited I was to go there and how we were going to change things etc, and he was very excited and motivated. We got here at about 8:00 P.M. and Elder Williams and Mura were there with some young men to welcome us and get everything to the house in a few taxis. We were sure happy to see them. You could just feel the humidity right as we got off the bus and the heat, even at night. We got everything hauled up the stairs (4th floor apartment) and finished sweating like crazy. Then some members invited us to eat some pizza and talk for a while etc. Our house is a little outside the area to the south part of the city. We didn’t sleep well, (gotta get a little more used to the climate) all I put on my bed is the bottom sheet. We sleep with a fan on.

We got up, hit the park across the street for exercise and started our first day. It’s Elder Williams first time as DL so he is excited and working really hard. We had a mini district meeting and just talked about how we are going to change the image and feeling of Barranca and start the change that will continue for time to come. Elder Mura took us to our area for lunch and to eat with a few members.

To get to our area you leave the pure city part and follow a large road that is basically surrounded by a flat jungle area to our part of the city. Our area is gigantic. We spent some time looking for a few members. We were going to meet with the Branch Pres and his counselor that night so we went to the church but the Pres never showed up so we just talked to the counselor. He is a convert of 2 years; they are working on going to the temple in December to get sealed. You can tell he wants to do things but he just doesn’t know how and the attitude here is very negative, so we just tried to get him excited and told him we were going to work hard and help him in everything we could. Then we did contacts etc and got home dead tired. Tons of walking.

Sunday we were there at the Church House bright and early. It really is tiny, it is a 2 story house that the church rents and has a plaque on the outside with the church logo. The sacrament hall is tiny, it holds about 70 people if crammed tight. The pulpit is up front on the right side and there are a few normal chairs up front and a table for the sacrament. 53 people came which is more than they usually have but I can already see there is a lot to do. There are just lots of little things they don’t know like they gave the sacrament first to the priests, they did the announcements at the end, people don’t talk into the microphone so you can hardly hear and most of the people in the congregation are talking or looking around during the service. We asked for a minute to present ourselves and tell everyone how happy we were to be here and work with them etc. The Branch President couldn’t come because of work so we still don’t know him. My comp used to be the ward’s secretary at his home, so afterwards he helped teach the counselor how to run the church computer program etc. and then we had lunch at his house.

We spent the day Sunday getting to know the area, contacting, looking for members and investigators. Today for Pday we went to some members home from the other branch and cooked some brownies that Elder Williams had and hung out there for a little while and then went to the store to buy food etc.

What we have here is a very unique situation. My entire mission I have had pretty solid wards but here it’s going to require a lot of help on our part to improve this little branch. There are 4 active holders of the Melchizedek priesthood and 7 in total that are somewhat active plus one active sealed, complete family. Haha but we have tons of ideas and we have been completely working and will work like crazy. I am very, very tired.

The weather has been around 93 to 97 during the days and in the high 70s at night. The humidity is incredible and although we sweat a TON I can feel myself getting used to it and it’s really not as bad as they say. I have been trying to show my comp all the things that need to be done and how. We plan well every night and actualize the area book and are planning how to work with the members, strengthen the branch and get new converts. My comp, being new, doesn’t know all the lessons yet, so I do most of the talking but he is learning more everyday and I make sure he participates and practices. So I get to help with training my companion, starting from scratch with investigators and working to help this branch. We already have the whole week loaded with plans etc because there is so much to do. Our only problem is that we don’t have enough time.

But I see lots of potential in this little branch. There are big families we can bring back, leaders we can help strengthen and the people are receptive. We already have a few potential investigators. Haha I really am beat but we are going to continue working hard and I know the Lord will bless us with results. I have so much I could say but so little time. I think I have always been a hard worker in the mish, but this is the hardest I have ever worked and I am confident we can see things change here. Well out of time.

As far as Christmas packages etc. you don’t need to worry about it, whatever you decide to send I will love but if not it’s not a problem at all. Ha it’s going to be an interesting 100 degree, humid Christmas.
I really can feel an increased level of the spirit here. Getting to the apartment at night with sore legs and dead tired and thirsty but knowing you’ve given your best really is such a rewarding feeling. Hopefully we can get this area figured out so we can spend more time in lessons with investigators. I know we’re doing the Lords work and it’s going to be worth it in the end. I love you tons, thanks for everything, you’re in my prayers. Elder Barnard

November 2, 2009

2009-11-15T11:54:00.000-08:00

Hola Familia!
Well it’s been another good week here in the mish. We finished up the last week of yet another transfer. We spent a lot of time in the office getting ready for the transfers etc but we did get to spend some time working in the area and we recently found an awesome investigator. His name is Ricardo and he is a single student at the university here and works in construction. He is 23 years old and has gained a strong testimony way fast. He, by himself, asked us if he could be baptized, came to church in a suit on Sunday and says if it’s possible he would love to serve a mission. The reason it’s so cool is because the church really needs future priesthood leaders and they are very hard to find. A future missionary or priesthood leader is a huge boost for the church. We really can tell he is an "Elect". Haha the sad thing is, I will not be here to see his baptism.

Last Monday after writing, we had our weekly meeting. President asked to talk to me for a minute. The church now recommends that each mission only keep an Elder for about 6 months as an AP. That way most of their mission can be spent proselyting. He told me that I was being released, which I have known for awhile would be happening. He told me how grateful he was and said I had done a great job as Assistant. He said Elder Corro and I were his "Dads". He also said that it was a much higher responsibility level because we got to organize and help show him, as a new Mission President, how certain things were done as he got used to it. He also said that as a very young AP, it was very difficult but that I really "stepped up to the plate" and did a great job and that it was time to go back into the field full time. It really has been quite an experience to be the AP. I remember when President Camargo told me. I was completely shocked and scared and I got to see a lot of personal progress as I grew and got used to it and gained confidence. Haha now that I feel like I have finally figured out good ways to do things I am getting shipped out. I think most stuff usually works like that. I learned even more that if the Lord asks you to do something, no matter how incapable you may feel, he provides the way. Getting to know and work personally with 2 great Mission Presidents has been a huge blessing, just being around and talking with them I have learned soooo many things. I have been given so many blessings and opportunities. They have helped me to humble myself and improve. I worked really hard and did my best so in the end I feel very happy with the effort I gave. The new AP is a really great South American Elder from Chile.

Anyway back to the story, President Hacking told me he wanted me to train a new missionary and he was going to put me in the area that needed the most help in the mission – BARRANCA!!! Haha I think I already explained Barrancas history. It is very, very, very, very, hot and humid, I mean it feels like you’re in a sauna. Over the years it came to be thought of as the Siberia of the mission or the Punishment area for missionaries. This made it lose almost all productivity. It has about 185,000 people and a district with 3 little branches. It is the Colombian home of petroleum so it is a very key place for the economy and has a gigantic refinery. Because of that in years past it was a target for the FARC but with the new President Uribe the guerilla has been almost eliminated and such emphasis has been put on Barranca that it is now a safe city. Honestly, ever since I went there for a few days to help out as an AP, I have felt so strongly inside that I would love to be transferred there and see what I could do but I never said anything to Pres, so when he told me, I was amazed and way excited. I know it is where I am supposed to be.

I will train a missionary from Chile named Elder Ravanales. His whole family are members of the church and from his papers he sounds like a great guy - we are ready to work miracles! It’s the second time that I will train in a new area but last time I was new and clueless and now I have 6 months of ideas and experience with mission presidents built up so I am pumped to get out and get to work and try to teach my son everything I can. We will be going to the Pinos Branch, of the three in Barranca it is the weakest. They have a House Chapel. I have heard the Branch President attends about half the time because of work and all the other problems a tiny isolated branch may have... I am way excited to get there and see what we can do. A few weeks ago Elder Williams was sent there. It’s amazing - he was the first American missionary in about 17 years to go there so I will be the second :) President is sending in very strong, obedient missionaries. Elder Williams is the new District Leader and he is amazing. Another one is Elder Zari who was the Financial Secretary and a way hard worker, one named Elder Mura (also a very hard worker) and me and my new son. I have loved being Assistant but I’m ready to leave the high life of airplanes, high rise offices and restaurants and get back on the front lines haha. Now it will be the life of rice every day for lunch, a struggling branch and 90++ degree heat and 90% humidity.

I am "stoked" as we say to get there and get to work side by side with my second son. It will probably be very difficult, it’s about as difficult of an assignment as there is in this mission but I think the 6 of us, with the Lord’s help, are going to make miracles happen and change the whole perspective of Barranca. My dream is to be sitting at home a few years down the line and see the news of the new Barrancabermeja Colombia Stake. It’s a long long ways away from happening but we hope to help start the process. Elder Zari and I will not go until Thursday or Friday so that we can help finish the transfers and then we will be off. Don’t worry it is safe. President Hacking wouldn’t send us there if it wasn’t, and as long as we are doing his work the Lord will look out for us.

Well I'm about out of time, it’s a huge blessing to have such a great family, thanks for all you do. You will all be in my prayers, thanks for everything, I’ll be writing you from Barranca next time! Chao, Elder Barnard

Out of town

2009-11-02T03:58:00.000-08:00

HI,
I probably won't be able to post Will's letter for the next week or so because I'm heading out of town. As soon as I return, I'll get them on the blog.
Janine

October 26, 2009

2009-10-26T17:45:00.000-07:00

Hola familia querida,
Well it has been a good very fast week. We dedicated the week to work with the Duitama Zone so we were there the whole week going on swaps with the missionaries. It is a unique zone in the mission because it is made up of about 4 small cities, each with a ward or 2 so it is more spread out. Each day from Wednesday to Saturday we traveled to one of the cities and spent the day working with the missionaries there. It was a tiring week because we traveled on bus to the next city each morning, worked like crazy with the missionaries to help them get excited and work hard and sleeping on a mattress on the floor every night... But we worked hard, had a great time getting out and trying to be examples and it was a good experience.

I worked the first day with Tunja (Elder Rodriguez and Saure). Then with Sogamoso (Elder Corro and Burns) it was cool to work with Elder Corro (his first AP companion) again, they are doing great and he is juuuust about to head home next week but still working hard. Then with Duitama. There was only one companionship there so we split up, me with one and Elder Gags with the other. I was with Elder Wagstaff from Salt Lake. We had a great time. If you think one 6'2" blonde gringo in a small Colombian town gets a lot of weird looks you should see 2 of them together. Haha but we worked hard and had a good day.

There was a ward talent show that night so we sang in a little missionary choir with them and they dragged me up to be part of the joke in one of the skits. Saturday and Sunday we worked in Barbosa. It is a little tiny town with a little branch. There is one missionary couple there (the Chapmans from Florida) and one companionship. Again we split up with the Elders, and then went to Church with them on Sunday. It was the first time I have been to church in a "House Chapel" which was interesting but it was cool to see the little branch and how it is growing. Then we took a bus back to Bogotá and here we are.

Well we are now in the last week of yet another transfer. This mission stuff goes way too fast. The usual limit of time someone spends in one area is 4 transfers which I will now have. Tonight we will have our meeting with President Hacking so I will probably find out what my future holds... Ha so we’ll see what happens. I will go and do.

Sorry this is a little short, I am loving life, I can’t believe how fast time goes. Much Love, Elder B

Computer Stolen

2009-10-19T16:35:00.000-07:00

October 19, 2009
It has been a good busy week here. We had some good days of working in our own area and we spent a good amount of time preparing and participating in the big zone leaders meeting in Bucaramanga.

Monday and Tuesday we spent working and preparing all of the plans etc for the Zone Leaders Seminar. We finalized and made sure that the zone leaders had everything in Bucaramanga prepared and ready. We also spent a lot of time studying about the things we were going to discuss and preparing PowerPoint presentations and etc. It was a lot of preparation and planning but we got everything ready and headed out Wednesday at about noon on a flight for Bucaramanga.

We had a meeting with President and got all of the last little things ready for the Seminar. Meanwhile all the Zone Leaders from the other parts of the mission were on buses traveling to Bucaramanga. We got a good sleep Wednesday and were up bright and early to get over the chapel. We did a lot of delegating to the ZLs to get the church, food, housing etc prepared and then we made sure everything was alright. We started at 9 AM and I conducted the meeting. We divided it into three sessions.

The first session went from 9 to 11 30 in the sacrament room. It was cool because we gave several zone leaders some presentations to prepare which went really well. Sister Hacking also spoke a little and President, Elder Gags and I gave a presentation about how to prepare and carry out a meeting (knowing who presides, everything to prepare and what to do during and after etc). Then we had a nice lunch brought in by a member from Bucaramanga who does catering stuff. We then had the Second Session which was in one of the classes in the church. We used it all to talk about teaching skills and do practices of them. We took my camera and recorded some of the practices to review them after and see how we teach.

Then we had another break and had the third session which was up in the sacrament room. This is where the interesting part started. I went up to make sure our power point presentation was ready and presidents laptop was gone with all the cords and stuff left sitting there. I went to ask him if he had moved it and he hadn’t. Turned out that someone had left the gate outside open and someone had seen 2 teenagers come into the church but just figured they were members. So president’s laptop and my memory stick which were in it were stolen while we were in the other presentation. After a long unexpected time of looking around the whole chapel we started the last session. President was out reporting the theft and told us to go ahead and start our part.

Some of the Elders sang a special number and we started our presentation. The only problem is that the whole thing was with PowerPoint. So we just winged it and talked about service as leaders in the mission. It actually turned out very well, there was a great spirit and with all the "drama" of the stuff getting stolen and the unplanned mess, it turned out to be a great spiritual session.

So after all was said and done it was 8 o clock and we had finished the first "zone leaders seminar" It was a little stressing and we lost a few full nights sleep in the process but it was rewarding to see everything turn out well even if it all didn’t go as planned. The cool thing was that the idea to change things up and do the meeting was my idea a while ago and President Hacking basically just let me and my comp plan and prepare it all and it ended up going very well. It was fun to do.

We stayed that night and celebrated a little :) We went back and stayed at the apartment in Real de Minas where I started the mission. We stopped at Perro Luchos, the famous hot dog and hamburger stand in my old area that makes the biggest, cheesiest hot dogs and burgers the world has ever seen. We bought huge cheesy hot dogs and some pop, put on shorts and tee shirts and went up on the roof of the apartment. Then we put our feet up and enjoyed the greatest hot dogs ever and a cold pop looking over my old area and the skyline of the city in the warm Bucaramanga night air. Haha dramatic right? But the meeting was a cool experience and took up most of the whole week so I don’t have much more to write about.

We got to work the last few days in our area and we spent a ton of time knocking doors and looking for new investigators and we have been able to find some very good ones the last few days, so hopefully we can keep up the success we have been having in our area.

Today we got together and played soccer at one of the chapels that has a nice field. It was a good time but Elder Lee got hit pretty hard in the eye with the soccer ball and they had to take him to the clinic, so hopefully he is alright and nothing serious happened. I’ll check on him.

Time is flyyyying very fast, the weeks seem like days but I am having a great time and trying to do the best I can. This week we should be out on swaps with other missionaries all week, and then the same thing next week and we will already be at the transfers, yikes. But all is well, I love you. Best wishes to everyone from Canada to Kansas to wherever else.
Hasta next week, Elder B

October 12, 2009

2009-10-12T16:09:00.000-07:00

October 12, 2009
Hooooola Familia,
Well it has been another very good week. We are working extra hard to have ideal mornings like we talked about in the Zone Conference and it has been very rewarding and has led to very good days. Things are going great with my comp and with the work. Elder Larsen (Texas) who is also from my mtc group, was called to be the new financial secretary and start his training. So he is now living with us in our apartment which makes things quite crowded again (he sleeps on a mattress between our beds) but it’s another buddy from our mtc group in the house and we are having a good time.

This week we had the last 2 zone conferences, somewhat of an adventure with them, some good days of work in the area, and some preparation for the big zone leader seminar. The zone conferences in Bucaramanga and Cucuta went well, we did the activities about goal setting and the “ideal morning” with the movie and everything and everyone seemed to like it and left excited to work. We did do the Bucaramanga Conference in Real de Minas in the chapel where I started the mission so that was cool.
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Back in Bogotá we had some good days of working in our area and we think we have found some really good investigators who are progressing. Saturday we had another baptism, it was a girl named Alejandra. Her mom was baptized in another ward a few months ago but now they live here and she wanted to join the church also. It was actually very easy, she just kind of showed up and said she wanted to be baptized, of course as missionaries are thrilled when people do that so we were glad to help :)

The last few days we have been doing everything to prepare for the big zone leader seminar this week. Every month we have what is called a zone leader council where all the ZLs gather in Bogotá and we have a meeting and a temple session. We decided it was time to change things up and do something bigger and cooler so we have prepared the first ever "zone leader seminar". All the ZLs and secretaries and us will travel to Bucaramanga, the promised land, and have a big all day meeting. It will go from 9 AM to 4 PM with a movie activity after, being divided in 3 sessions and with a lunch being brought in. We have assigned different missionaries to talk about special things outside what we always hear based on their talents or characteristics. One missionary who is really creative and tries all kinds of things will give a short presentation about creativity in missionary work, another will talk about enjoying your time as a missionary and another companionship will talk about unity outside of the lessons. President Hacking will also have various training sessions. Elder Gags and I will have about 3 hours worth of training stuff and activities divided up. We have planned the first session in the sacrament room with all the presentations of the zone leaders and then me, my comp and President doing a presentation about how to prepare and organize a meeting. (Because of the problems in organization with a few conferences and to prepare for future leadership in the church). Then we will eat lunch and do the second session in one of the big classrooms where we will talk all about teaching skills and do a bunch of filmed practices and situations with the different teaching skills. Then we will have another break and go back to the sacrament room for the third session which will be a little more spiritual, My comp and I will talk about the importance of service in our calling and as leaders and President will end with his last presentation. And then after that and another break time everyone will watch a nice movie. Not something from the church but a good clean movie like Remember the Titans or something to relax us a little and get excited to go get to work again. We are going to be very busy preparing everything but we have delegated a lot to the zone leaders of Bucaramanga to prepare. Anyway it should be awesome and it was my idea a while ago so I am excited to see how it turns out.
The time is passing incredibly fast, we are now half way through another transfer and the days continue flying. I have been working and trying extra hard to be a good example this last week or two and it really has been rewarding, although tiring, to put in more effort and feel the spirit that it brings.

If you remember Barranca, last week President sent the first American there (Elder Williams), so the times have changed... who knows what could happen with me haha I think that Barranca would be a fantastic challenge. The whole mission seems to know I have 4 transfers here as AP now, so people keep asking where Pres. is going to send me or who will be my replacement. Honestly we have been working so hard lately and I think I am just figuring out how to get the most done in this position and have big ideas for the mission BUT I also have tons of ideas and new things learned that I would love to put in practice as a proselyting missionary... so at the end of the day I will be happy with whatever happens.

But anyway thanks for everything, for your support and love and all the sacrifices you make to help me and others. When you are in the service of your neighbor you are only in the service of God. With the new challenge to read the book of Mormon again in our native language, my testimony of it has continued to grow, it really can explain what is happening in our world better than any daily newspaper can and every time I read I learn something new and see the application it has to my daily life. Hope everything keeps going well, the pics were awesome, and the kids are big! Till Next Week, Elder B

Loved Conference

2009-10-05T20:48:00.000-07:00

October 5, 2009
¡Q´Huuubo familia!
Well it’s been another good busy week. We had the first 3 Zone Conferences and they went very, very well. Also the work continues in our area and we have some good investigators but we need to find more. General Conference was great, I really learned a ton and it was great to hear what the General Authorities had prepared for us. Also today was a good pday so all is very well.
Wednesday, Tuesday and Thursday we had the first 3 Zone Conferences of the 5 that we have every transfer and they all went very well. Sister Hacking talked about keeping the apartments clean and gave some tips on how to better take care of money by being smart in food shopping. She gave suggestions like ramen noodles, sandwiches etc. Elder Gags (his name really is Gagliardi but no one wants to say that) and I prepared and talked first about the new goal setting system we created based of PMG and explained exactly how it was going to work. We actually started it about a month ago with the zone leaders in the zone leader council. We reviewed and explained everything. Then we talked about goals and their benefits etc. President Hacking talked first for a while about money because lots of missionaries are not managing their money well and ending up without. He then talked about the Book of Mormon and it’s importance and power and he implemented a challenge in the mission for everyone to start right now and read it from Cover to cover whether it be your first or 50th time, and every time you read, to start with Moroni 10:4-5 and pray to receive a stronger testimony about it.
Knowing that President was going to talk about that, we then talked about how important mornings are in the mission and how we can take advantage of them. Haha it was great, using my camera we made a video called "the ideal morning" with Elder Zari and Smith (the two secretaries who live with us). We used lots of different and changing camera angles so it actually looked cool. Afterwards, I got on one of the office computers and got to use what I learned in that video editing class I took. I made it nice with music and titles etc. It started off with a nice piano version of "Joseph Smith’s First Prayer" and it shows Elder Zari getting up before 6 30, praying, doing his exercise and studying obediently and on time. Then the music stops and changes to a rock version of "Do What is Right" that we found. It shows Elder Smith hit his alarm at 6 30, get up at 7 30 with food and stuff all over his bed, play games on his phone instead of exercising and look at pictures of his girlfriend instead of studying. Haha it cracked everyone up but I think it was a good way to show what should happen and what sometimes does. Then we talked about the importance of a good morning and a good study time and how it will help us throughout the whole day. Now this week we will be going to Cucuta and Bucaramanga to do the last 2 Zone Conferences so hopefully they go as well as these ones. Everyday, working with the other missionaries and President, I learn so many things and lessons but those mostly go in my study journal.
Things are going well in our area. The Diaz family is doing great, not to mention that the mom is a professional chef and she very frequently invites us over to eat :) ... We have a few good investigators that we are working with now but they have some big challenges like marriage problems and word of wisdom probs but we are trying and praying for ways to help them and hopefully they can progress.
The conference was awesome. haha Its hard to believe that a few short years ago mom had to drag me out of bed to make me watch it, and now I find myself looking forward to every session. We went to the stake center of the Bogotá stake to watch so all of the members from Tierra Linda were there which was very cool. That ward really was awesome and way strong and had great members. It was great to see and talk to some of them and see how they were doing. Also ALL of the people I found that were baptized were there; it was so awesome to see them all. One sister is now the secretary in the Relief Society and is preparing for her patriarchal blessing. Another one they say is getting ready to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. The biggest surprise was a little boy named Julian. When we first started teaching him he said his mom would probably not let him go to church because she was very catholic. We later visited her in their home and she told us she was very Catholic but we had fasted and prayed for them and we presented her with "For the Strength of Youth" and told her about all the good things Julian would learn in the church. Anyway after that she allowed him to progress but told us she was born and would die Catholic. We continued working and praying for them and my last week there we were getting Julian ready for his baptism and she had agreed to come to church. So long story short she felt the spirit and she and the other 4 children were baptized and this Sunday at conference they all walked in (Julian and his bros with white shirts and ties and the mom and sister with dresses). Julian ran over a gave me a hug and his mom just came over and shook my head and told me "muchisimas gracias por ayudar mi familia" I talked to the ward mission leader and he said the ward is taking great care of them and making sure they feel welcome and keep progressing, it was so awesome.
But also awesome was the conference, there were too many great talks to mention but if you missed Elder Holland talking about the Book of Mormon you should look on the Internet because it was intense. President Monson's talks in priesthood and Sunday were also amazing. I thought I saw a real tendency this conference for talks about personal testimony development and having more of the spirit. The cool thing is that 2 weeks ago when we established what we would talk about in the Zone Conferences, President had come to the conclusion that was exactly what he would talk about and that he was going to do this book of Mormon challenge because he wanted the missionaries to gain stronger testimonies and have more of the spirit. Maybe it’s just because that’s what I was thinking about but I really believe that God knows what he wants us to hear and our Mission President was inspired with the same idea that the general authorities were inspired with before he even knew what that had planned... another testimony builder.
Ha I realized sometimes my letters make it sound like life is perfect and the mission is a 24 / 7 joy ride. Honestly sometimes the same day to day schedule can make things feel a little dry or repetitive and of course there are always challenging days or times where it feels like a struggle. But I realize as I end every day or week that the great experiences we have are so many more than the challenges and how worth it, it is. Especially when I write my letters and start to think about all that has happened during the week I realize how much I am learning and all the good things that happen to me or blessings I have.
Today we had a good P day. We played basketball and soccer with our district, I am pretty rusty but I can still basically dunk and I made a few threes. Then it was my turn to get taught a lesson with the Latins in soccer. Haha I really can’t handle the ball but I can run with them and once in a while I get set up for a lucky goal or two. Soccer is life down here as far as sports and when Colombia plays and scores a goal you can basically hear the entire city scream wherever you are in the street. This weekend Chile plays Colombia in Medellin (Colombia) and if we don’t win there is no hope left for the world cup so it should be pretty intense around here.
But anyway I have had a little more time to write today but my hour is about up now. Thanks again for everything. I love you and you’re in my prayers, thanks for the letters and be safe and be of good cheer. Bubbye. Elder Barnard

Closing some areas

2009-09-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

Our daughter Angie gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on September 23. She seems to be a very healthy and content baby. Her daddy, Ben has started chemotherapy for stage 4 Lymphoma. He will continue every other week for 6 courses and then 4 times a year for 2 years after that. We keep praying that everything will be okay. I'm here in Kansas helping out and it has been a busy week.

September 28, 2009
hoooola familia,
All is well here in Bogota. We had another busy transfer week but it was much smoother and simpler than the last one. Almost everything went well. We had the arrival of the new missionaries (from Peru and Bolivia) with the orientation we give, their welcome meal and then shipping them off to their areas. We had the farewells for the "trunkies" so we had to make sure they got into Bogotá, had their goodbye meeting and dinner and then coordinated everything for them to get to the airport and head home.

The only problem we had was a few missionaries and tardiness. There was a group of 4 that had to go home on a night flight so they had the day free but they knew they were to be in the office at 5 P.M. to get to the airport on time. Two of them were there but the other two were not so we had to leave without them. That got back to the office at 6:15 P.M. and called me asking what they should do... The only thing they could do was to take a taxi to the airport as fast as possible. Unfortunately, they got there too late and missed their flight The mission home had to pay 200 American dollars to get them switched to another airline on a flight 3 hours later. I imagine that was nerve wracking for their families at the airport. Apparently, their stakes will have to pay the money for them being late. But other than that all went smooth and we were able to handle things well.

Things are still going great in the area. We had 2 more baptisms (Noralba and Natalia) A mom and her daughter. We found them a long time ago with Elder Amador way up on the mountain and their progression process has been very slow but they got to the point where they were ready and they were very happy. We held the baptism Saturday morning and there was a good turnout and a great spirit. After the baptism we had lunch with an American family from Virginia with some nice spaghetti and french bread. Then we ran to the airport for a flight to ...... Barranca.

This week was district conference in Barranca so we went with President to attend it. Barranca is one of the most famous cities in the mission because of the climate. It has like 200,000 people and a district with 3 branches. The average temperature is close to 100 degrees and it averages like 85% humidity. Haha not joking it feels like walking around in a sauna and you drip sweat just standing there. It is like the center of oil production in Colombia and has a huge refinery. It has gained the reputation of being like the Siberia of the mission. President Hacking is working hard to change that perception and send hard working missionaries because despite the climate and a little bit of a rough history with the FARC a while ago, the people are very receptive and they could really use the gospel. So we had a good chance to meet members and work with the missionaries there. President even surprise asked us during the priesthood meeting and the conference to talk for a few minutes, but it was cool and we took advantage to put in a good word about working with the missionaries etc. American missionaries haven’t been there for a long time and the little district needs help but there are some great families that do all they can there. Despite the killer climate I really would love to work there. I think with a good attitude and some desire, someone could do amazing things there to build up the branches.

After a long time without them, it is now time to start getting ready for zone conferences and the zone leader meeting. We are going to have the meeting in Bucaramanga this time. We have been talking a lot with Pres etc and we are going to make it a super zone leader council. It is going to be an all day thing, everyone is going to travel in and we will do tons of practices and discussions and trainings etc ... so that will take a lot of preparation but I am very excited. Plus I love Bucaramanga like my home which is also good.

Elder Gags (Gagliardi) and I have set and are working with goals to always work harder and improve but we really are having a good time. We work very hard but we never forget to joke around and enjoy this great time of our lives so things are going great.

As far as the mission, right now we’re down to 149 missionaries and dropping. I guess the church is now into India and other places so they are sending lots to other parts of the world and our numbers are going to drop to about 132! Which means closing 11 total areas. This transfer we had to close 3 and it’s just going to keep dropping.

Elder Corro goes home this transfer, in November. He is training in Sogamoso and doing an amazing job with his son so I am happy for him. One blessing of being assistant has been having great companions. Elder Corro was awesome and I learned a ton from him and so is Elder Gagliardi. He is a great person and a great missionary and I am learning a ton from him to.

Oh by the way, President Hacking called me right away when he got the email about Annaleigh! That’s Awesome!!! The pics look very cute but what surprised me even more was little Caroline. I can’t believe how much she has changed since I last saw her. But hope all is going well with health etc as far as Ben, the new baby and Angie. All I can do from here is pray and try to do my best. But the family everywhere from Calgary to Kansas to Wyoming is on my mind and in my prayers. So thanks for everything again, gotta run, love you, I know the church is true . Elder Barnard

Transfer Week Again

2009-09-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

September 21, 2009
Hooola familia,
It’s been another great week. I got to travel and do swaps with some missionaries, things keep going great in the area and we are about to start another infamous transfer week.

Tuesday thru Friday I spent in the Yopal District. Yopal is a city here in the mission of about 60,000 people. It is a little isolated from the other main parts of the mission and the highway going there isn’t safe so everyone goes by plane. I spent the first 2 days in Yopal which has a very strong branch of the church and 2 companionships. We had a great day and we set goals to serve more in the companionship.

The next day I left with a great missionary who was a Zone Leader for a long time and is now training for the first time. His comp. is an American (Elder Naumu) who is very new and is still learning the language, but they are both very excited and working great.
Aaaaand the last day I traveled about an hour outside of Yopal to "Aguazul," It’s the newest branch in the mission. It’s in a little town of a few thousand and was officially organized just a few months ago. Working there is Elder Torres and Elder Huanio. First of all Aguazul was awesome. After so long in bustling cities it was nice to see calm, quiet streets and things like big fields and cows (made me remember home a little). It was great because both Elders were veery excited about their area and they have people preparing for baptismal dates every week for the next month. It was cool to meet the members of the new little branch and see how excited they were about the church. They are pioneers there and almost all new converts, so the missionaries play a big part in running the branch. It is growing quickly and gaining momentum. Overall it was a great trip.

The purpose of working with all the other missionaries is to be an example of what should be done and all the things we are implementing in the mission so I always focus on that and try to get the missionaries excited and serve them haha. I think I end up learning probably more than they do, so I love getting out and working with them.

Saturday was also a great day. We had the baptisms of Lily, Bridgette and Angie. A little American girl from the ward also got baptized so we coordinated the baptism with the family and did it about half English and half Spanish. It turned out great and they were all very very happy. I baptized Lily (the mom) Elder Zari baptized Angie (The older sister) and brother Barrero (the ward member that helped befriend them) baptized Bridgette (the youngest daughter). The baptism was very spiritual. Lots of members came and Sunday after being confirmed, Bridgette wanted to share her testimony in sacrament meeting and she talked about how happy she was that God guided the missionaries to them and that they could enter into the true church. It really was a miracle how we found them like I told you. We were just walking down the street and Elder Zari said something like "I've always wanted to knock on doors in there, let’s go try". From there they invited us in and we taught part of the first lesson and about a month later they are now members of the church.... awesome.

After church yesterday we had 2 more people receive their baptism interview and they will be baptized next Sunday morning. They have accepted and kept every commitment we have left and their only doubt about baptism was if we could still visit them after :). It is a mom and her daughter named Noralba and Natalia. Elder Amador found them a long time ago and they showed much interest but we just couldn’t get them to go to church. Just as we were about to stop visiting them something happened, they felt the spirit and made the sacrifice to go to church. Since then they have progressed slowly but surely and they are now ready so we are very happy for them and excited about it.

Saturday and Sunday we spent with President Hacking helping him a little to decide all the transfers. When we got there he had already done most all of them and then we just gave a few suggestions and explained a little about some missionaries he didn’t know well yet. There were a lot of transfers again (not as many as last time but a bunch). Last night we made the calls to all the Zone Leaders for them to announce everything to the mission. Many were very happy, others called today complaining, but that’s life.

We really got to see President Hacking receive revelation about certain transfers as we were talking and moving faces around on the projector and I know the way they turned out was the way the Lord wants them to be. We have an internet program from the church that has all the missionaries pictures organized into their areas and zones with info. etc, so we set up a projector in his office and use that. So this week we will be busy organizing all that business like every transfer week but it’s all good and I think it will go great.

So that means ANOTHER transfer is starting. Time is flying, I now have over 13 months! I have 3 transfers as Assistant or approximately 4 months. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the last transfer I am here but I also wouldn’t be surprised if I stay here longer. It just depends on President and The Lord. The Church recommends that you be an Assistant for no longer than 6 months. I have thought about it a little and I will be very happy whatever happens. I love what I am doing now and getting a chance to learn about leadership but if he sent me tomorrow to be junior companion anywhere in the mission I would be just as happy and keep enjoying the mission just as much. I have so much joy in being a missionary and I will be grateful to go and serve wherever he wants me to.

I have set new goals to make this transfer better and keep progressing. The church version of the Spanish Bible just barely got released so I am putting some serious study time into the Gospels and learning a lot.

Today we played soccer which was fun, everything is going great and I hope everything goes well with all the travel, with Ben’s health etc. and all the business that life has. You will stay in my prayers and thanks for everything, Much Love Elder B

San Gil is Great

2009-09-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

September 14, 2009
Hola querida familia,
This week has been another good one. I spent the week away from Bogotá in Bucaramanga and San Gil. I can’t believe how fast the weeks are passing, it seems again like I wake up one day and its Thursday and the next morning its Monday again. Last Monday after we wrote, we flew up to Bucaramanga.

I got there and was going to go on splits with the zone leaders etc. but we found out that Elder Williams (who got his appendix taken out was going to have to spend over a week in bed. It's a good thing that he made it to Bucaramanga before it happened. He is in a little old town called San Gil that’s about 2 hours away from Bucaramanga. We spent the first day in the house with him etc. and then we decided that I could go back to San Gil with his comp (Elder Butron) until Friday at least so that we could help keep his area up.

Anyway, we took the winding bus ride to little old San Gil on Wednesday to spend some time working there. It has about 40,000 people and a little solitary branch. Actually they have been having lots of problems with the branch and some of its leaders doing things like asking converts for money etc. so President Hacking also went to do interviews. The town is shaped like a V... there is a river that crosses thru the middle and the rest is just hills going up from either side. You get tired pretty quick climbing the hills everywhere. It’s got the Spanish design with their type of buildings and only tiny little streets. It’s an amazingly cool place.

One crazy story from San Gil, they explained to me is about a strange family that lives up out of town on a farm. I guess they had tons of money but now they are completely poor. They have lost everything and just live alone up on their farm. One of the little girls has claimed to see spirits and stuff and the people seriously just look like the walking dead. They asked us to visit them and say a prayer or a blessing for the home. It was seriously crazy. We went to see them and they are all losing their teeth, they are completely pale even the little kids. They just slowly walk around like zombies. It is so sad. We shared a message with them, said a prayer and blessed the house and got out.. We had a good time working in San Gil, taught some good lessons and it was a great all around experience.

Also, the Jensen’s were traveling to Bogotá so they asked if we could go and teach at the little university where they volunteer teaching English. So we went with Elder Butron and followed their lesson plan and it went well. It was a little weird because the class only had 8 students and they were all college girls between 18 and 21. We told them about the church etc and practiced English and the missionaries should be visiting them this coming week.

Friday, yes September the 11th, I took a flight back to Bogotá. On the airport TV I saw the clips of some tributes and stuff they did in the States and also a clip of Obama talking and then a senator called him a liar. Ha I guess I am glad I don’t know anything that is going on there. It’s a little scary. The only thing you hear around here is that the US is thinking about putting military bases here and all the other South American countries are freaking out about it, especially Venezuela.

But anyway returning to the work here, everything is going great in our area. The Diaz Family (the ones Zari and I found by randomly knocking on one door that we felt good about) are progressing amazingly. We have been taking an awesome member family, the Barrios, to every lesson and they have become great friends and helped them a ton with everything. This week we taught the Word of Wisdom and Law of Chastity and they accepted them right them away, it was amazing. I was a little nervous because the mom (Lily) used to drink tons of coffee, but she completely agreed with it and has stopped drinking coffee. She also tells about how her family and coworkers have been trying to tell her bad things about the church and stuff like "are you sure you want to do this? this isn’t like you Lily" and she just tells them that she can feel that it’s right and she knows it’s what she and her children need. It really has been amazing how quickly they have gained testimonies and how strong they are. Yesterday they all came to church with their dresses on etc. and after they had their baptism interviews and all passed. They are way excited for their baptism this Saturday. A little girl from the ward is also getting baptized so we are planning it all together and it should be an awesome service. I am so excited and happy for them, you really do grow to love your investigators. The little girl (Bridget) asked that Brother Barrero baptize her, the older sister (Angie) asked that Elder Zari baptize her and the mom Lily asked for me to baptize her. Also the 26th we should have 3 more people who I will write about next time cuz I am out of time.

But all is going great; I am loving every minute of it. It’s weird to think that I have spent more time here than I have left so I am just trying to enjoy every second. Thanks for Everything; you’re all in my prayers. Hope all goes well with the Chemo for Ben, and Happy BDAY AMY!!!! The church is true, I love you, Bye. Elder Barnard

September 7, 2009

2009-09-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hola family,
It’s been a great week. We spent a good part of the week preparing for the Zone Leaders council because we had nearly 2 hours to talk. We have a Zone Leaders council each month where all the Zone Leaders gather (usually in the mission office in the conference room) and my comp and I organize it. Elder Nash talked a lot about developing teaching skills as far as how to work with unity, using the scriptures asking good questions and teaching to the investigators needs. Chapter 10 of Preach my Gospel is the teaching skills chapter so we talked a lot about it and did lots of practices of different teaching situations and teaching skills.

Because we stayed here in Bogotá this week, we have had the chance to work a lot in this area lately and it has been going great. We had another great Sunday with 8 investigators in church and this week we had some great lessons.

One example is the Diaz family. We found them a few weeks ago and they came to church. They have really gained testimonies already. They had read the B of M every time we have left them and they have all (3) prayed to know if it was true. Each says they really feel something special when they do. We planned an awesome lesson (Elder Zari and I) for Thursday using the story of the iron rod to explain how their family could be happy by living the gospel. We taught them about the steps to baptism and I invited them to be baptized on the 26th. Haha it was so awesome, they didn’t even hesitate and the three of them all said "of course, what do we need to do?" We went back a few days later and they said there was a little problem that their son had his birthday and the whole family was coming so they wouldn’t be able to do it that day and asked if they could change the date... so now they will be baptized even earlier on the 19th :) They really are awesome people.

Another mom named Lily was left by her husband who took off with another lady and left her with the three kids. She spent like 8 years working day and night shifts to provide for the family and worked her way up in a local restaurant here. She is now the head chef over like 8 other chefs. She really is an amazing person and wants so much for her kids to have good lives. Her daughter who is 15, became pregnant at the age of 12 (they haven’t told us anything about the situation but you can tell it was very rough for the family) but Lily has done everything necessary to raise the baby. She is now a happy, healthy 2 year old. She also has a younger daughter named Bridget who is awesome. She takes her Book of Mormon to school and shows her little friends and tells them about the missionaries. She always runs up and gives us hugs when we get there. The other day she made us a card with little notes and pictures saying things like "thank you for teaching us about Jesus and helping my family" haha it was great. They have loved church the first few times and are making friends quickly with all the members.

We have another family of 2 named Noralva and Natalia who we found awhile ago with Elder Amador. They have now progressed and started going to church. This week we also invited them to be baptized the 26th and they said yes.
We also have an older man named Luis who we recently found. He loves the church and has already read to Alma. This week we invited him to be baptized on the 26th and he said yes. Also, the daughter of a recent convert in our ward wants to be baptized the 15th so after all is said and done we should have at least 7 people to be baptized this month. Please pray that it will all work out for these people.

It really is amazing how you grow to love the people and to see and watch a testimony grow from a desire for good in their lives or for their family. I really know that the Lord has his "elect" people that are prepared and ready to receive the gospel and he has led us to many of them lately.
Our house is a little stuffed with 5 of us there but it has been fun to have Elder Smith here and our area is going great so we are all very happy.

This week I won't have much time to proselyte in our area because I am heading to Bucaramanga to go on interchanges with the missionaries there and work with them until Friday. I am very excited about this. Well I don’t have much time but thanks for everything. Hope all is well with everyone and I will talk to ya next week. Love you all, Will

Awesome Week

2009-08-31T18:18:00.000-07:00

August 31, 2009
All is grrreat here in Bogotá. I don’t have as much to time to write today but I will try to get down the important stuff from the week. We started off the first few days in Suba (the very north part of Bogotá) working with the missionaries there. It was awesome and we worked really hard so I think the Elders there are a little more excited about the work which is the goal and we had some great lessons so all went very well.
In other news, this transfer Elder Amador (mission secretary) (and my trainer) is going to be transferred and since his job is really complicated it was decided to bring his replacement in 3 weeks early. My comp and I live with the secretaries (Amador and Zari) and we have a pretty good time. But anyway President chose Elder Smith (my comp from the MTC) to replace him, so now it’s the 5 of us in the house for awhile. It should be pretty cool to live with Elder Smith again because we got to be good friends and we have a good time together (but being reverent when necessary).
Also this week in our area was awwwweeesome. We found a new family named the family Diaz who is really interested and have loved our message so far. It is a single mom (husband left them) who is the head chef at a restaurant, her 2 daughters, her son and his friend who they have basically adopted because of the lack of support from his family. Anyway they went to church and loved it and got along great with the members so we have high hopes for them. They really were a great example that the Lord guides us to his elect. We were walking down the mountain from another lesson and to the right there was an opening in the houses that led to another door kind of hidden. Elder Zari looked over as we passed and said “let’s knock on that door" completely randomly so I thought, " ok why not?" They received us very kindly and listened to us and when we went back the next time they all said they really felt something special when they read and prayed about the Book of Mormon. We have other great investigators so we are very excited about the possibilities of this month. They are others I could mention but in total we had 11 PEOPLE attend church with us Sunday and attendance really is a huge key in the progression of investigators so we are pumped.
In May just when I got here we had a baptism of an older Man named Edgar. He is basically a genius and has degrees in Law, teaching, tourism, publishing, history etc... he has like 20 diplomas. So today he invited us to go with him all over the historic part of downtown Bogotá and the national government area etc. It was awesome and absolutely amazing how much he knew about the history and just random info about Bogotá. We saw Simon Bolivar’s house, who was the leader in liberating Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia from the Spanish and he showed us the oldest part of the city with tiny little streets and the ancient Spanish buildings etc. He also showed us the historic places were Bolivar and his wife hid when a group tried to kill him and where General Santander lived and told us all about their stories etc. He then showed us the Presidential House (their white house) and capital building and where the senator’s buildings are and museums of the history of the currency with all the old money and another museum of Colombian Art. We also saw "Plaza Bolivar" which is like the center of the whole Country. They always have something important going on there because it’s a big Plaza between the "4 powers of the country" The buildings of the Executive branch of the gov, the Judicial and Legislative and of course a huge catholic cathedral. The history of this country is filled with all the bad things the Catholic Church has done to the people and all the power they have had. But it was really cool to learn so much about this country and see the historic Spanish style buildings and all the places of interest here.
This week we have planned to work with another zone in Bogotá and we will also have the Zone Leaders council and continue working with the great people we have in our area so I am very excited.
Well about out of time but thanks for everything, you’re in my prayers and I will talk to ya next week! Elder B

Incredible First Year

2009-08-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

August 24, 2009
Hola familia,
It’s been quite a week; actually it’s been quite a year. This week was amazing. We had the mission tour with Elder Nash so we had 4 special zone conferences over 4 days, traveling the whole mission and getting to hear a Seventy and the President of the Area. We had conferences every day from Monday to Thursday (in this order) Bucaramanga, Bogotá, Duitama and another in Bogotá. Elder Gagliardi and I went to organize things for each conference before Elder Nash and the Hackings got there. We rotated conducting the special meetings. I really know that the leaders we have in the Church are called of God and getting to see Elder Nash on a personal level was a big testimony of that.

Apart from having the conferences we got to have an interview with him, talk to him in meetings after the conference and eat 2 dinners with him so I basically got to know him like a friend. Also leaving Bucaramanga, both of our flights got cancelled so it was just me, Elder Gagliardi and Elder Nash for about 2 hours talking about our families and the mission and questions about what we could do to improve and hearing experiences etc, it was awesome to say the least. He just has a special spirit and love for the work and the people and I took advantage of the time with lots of questions so I learned a TON. It really is a rare opportunity to have so much time with a general authority and learn so much.

I told him about our family and he said I must have very special parents because special people get the opportunity to have special spirits like BJ. and it almost felt like he knew us. It really was humbling and a huge blessing to have that chance to meet a General Authority on that level and help me realize how much I need to continue to humble myself and improve. So anyway the week was great. We lost a lot of sleep, made some long travels and had a lot of things to organize but it was great.

So my mission is halfway over, I can’t believe it was a year ago I was walking into the MTC without a clue of what would happen, it really doesn’t seem like more than a few months ago. Haha I was surprised to hear about the house sell. I definitely had a lot of memories in that good home but now another young family can enjoy it and mom can build her dream house.

Other random news, Brandon told me James Johnson who I always guarded from Cheyenne, got picked by the Bulls in the first round of the draft. So I will always be able to say a first round NBA draft pick alley oop dunked right over me haha. (But I gave him his share of post moves also).

It’s hard to believe all that has happened in such a fast year. I have had 8 companions and 3 areas and I have grown to love every one of them. Every time I get to go to Bucaramanga or Tierra Linda in Bogotá I just get excited to see the people and places and really do feel love for them. With my companions I have been able to help good people to be baptized and join the true church. Some of those conversions have led to family members or friends that have now joined the church. haha but the great thing is that I have learned that Elder Barnard isn’t the one who convinces people or converts them, everything is due to the Lord and he has blessed me to be able to meet these people and be there to watch him change them. I have been able to develop an incredible love for each one of those people. I have more than any other year of my life, learned the importance of charity, humility, diligence etc and I wish I was better in each one of them and that is why we are here. I hope I have improved as a person. Every time I have had a change (getting here from mtc, changing comp, area or position) I have had to try and humble myself and rely on the Lord because it’s always a jump and he really has come through every time. I may have had a few days discouraged, feeling unable or nervous but I can easily say I have loved the first year of my mission and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m excited to start the next one and hope I can make it even better than this one.

I love you all. You are always in my prayers, thanks for everything, and I’ll talk to ya next week. Love Elder B

Called the Police

2009-08-17T08:29:00.000-07:00

Hola familia,
This week has been intense. As you know we had transfers and lots of them in the mission. Adding to that we received news that Elder Marcus Nash, Area President and from the First Quorum of the 70 is going to take a tour of our mission this week. So we will have had two very very crazy weeks.

Speaking of the week that is now over, it was very busy. Monday night when the new American missionaries got here it was fun to see them get here in a group almost exactly the same as mine and how they reacted etc. to Colombia. We got them shipped off to the different houses they were to stay in for the night and even had one come to our house. Elder Corro was with us until Tuesday so we had his "son" stay the night with us but didn’t tell him the ex assistant was his comp. until it was time for them to go to their new area which was fun.

The next day the 4 sister missionaries got here so we spent the day having a lunch with them and running them around doing paperwork and legal stuff. They all had millions of questions for me about how long it takes to learn Spanish and what the country is like and what the people do etc. It reminded me a ton of when I first got here so I could relate with all of it and tried to help them out. It also helps that my now "official" comp, Elder Gagliardi speaks perfect English so he could also talk to them.

Wednesday we spent most of the day organizing everything with the last meeting and lunch and interviews of the missionaries that were going home. One of them had his family move here to Bogotá so they came and had dinner at the mission home and then just took him with them.

Thursday we spent most the day in the airport. We had to get all the ones going home sent off. While all this was happening we got to prepare for the week we are now in, in which Elder Nash will go on a tour and do 4 zone conferences in the mission. At the same time we prepared and organized the Zone Leader’s Council which was Friday morning so you could say it was a stressful week. Like I predicted lots of getting up early and staying up late but it’s necessary to make sure everything that needs to be done gets done.

Friday after the Zone Leader’s Council, we ran to the airport and barely caught our flight to Bucaramanga. Today was Stake Conference in the Bucaramanga Terrazas stake and Elder Nash spoke. It was awesome today because my first ward (Real de Minas) is in this stake so afterwards a bunch of members from the ward came up all excited to talk to me and see what I was doing there etc. It really is cool how much you grow to love the people you work with and that help you and it was just an awesome feeling to see all of them. I even got to talk to 5 of our converts that were there and it looks like they are faithful in the church which was also great to see.
As far as this week, Elder Nash will be doing 4 big Zone Conferences, one tomorrow here in Bucaramanga, 2 in Bogotá and 1 in Duitama. We have spent the last few days here preparing every last detail for them and getting everything ready. Tomorrow will be the biggest because everyone from Cucuta, Bucaramanga, Barranca and San Gil will travel in (over 60 missionaries) so we have had to make hotel reservations and plan out where everyone will stay etc. Elder Nash has asked the assistants to conduct the meetings so I am going to conduct tomorrow and we will rotate every other one. Also after each conference he wants to have a 40 minute interview with the Zone Leaders and one of the days he is going to have personal interviews with me and my comp which should be very cool.

Ha I really have felt more pressure I guess you could say now being the "old" assistant. Whereas before if I didn’t know about something I could ask Elder Corro, now I’m the one being asked. So it’s been a good opportunity to learn about leadership. There have been plenty of cases where someone has a question that goes up the line until it gets to me and I have had to just make decisions.
For example last night the Zone Leaders we were staying with got a call from the sister missionaries saying that they were in their bed room and they had heard the apartment door open and someone was in their apartment walking around! They asked me what we should do. It was 3:30 A.M. and there really wasn’t time to call President Hacking first. We quickly called public info. on one phone to get the apartment complex’s number to send security. On the other phone we called the cops. They got there quickly and by the time they arrived, whoever was in their apartment had ran away. By the time we could call President Hacking, it was all over. There is stuff that has nothing to do with finding investigators or teaching or baptizing but you’ve got to be ready for as well.

But like I said, this week is going to be another crazy one getting the mission ready for the conferences etc. It is challenging and exciting to have so much to do and I am loving my mission and all the wonderful experiences.

You’re all in my prayers, I am loving what I am doing. It’s hard to believe but the next time I write I will be half way thru with my mission. It’s been quite a year for sure. But thanks for everything, much love and I will talk to ya next week. Bubye, Love Elder B

Tons of Transfers

2009-08-10T19:26:00.001-07:00

August 10, 2009
Hola Familia,
It’s been another good old week. Lots and lots of preparations for the transfers that we announced yesterday. They will take place tomorrow.

As far as work in our area everything has been going well. Our investigator Soraira who had her baptism date for the 15th had to leave last minute this Sunday with her mom so she couldn’t go to church so we will have to see what happens this week. We have continued teaching the Pentecostal lady and it has been going well although it might be a long shot. We have had some great lessons teaching them about the plan of salvation which really really interested them. When we first started teaching they were completely opposed to even looking at scriptures that weren’t the Bible but the last lesson was another good one. She now has agreed to read the Book of Mormon and ask God if it is true or not. She told us that before we met them she had a dream that there were three people sitting at her table in dark clothes teaching her something important and a few days later two of us arrived so she feels it is something special. We really hope they will give it a chance and ask in faith. Really the goal is to find humble people who aren’t initially closed to our message but it really has been proof that if they give us a chance and we can teach with the spirit, anything is possible.

Like I said this week has been very busy so far with transfers. We had various meetings with President Hacking. He first told us that he had decided who was going to be my new companion. He is an Elder from Bolivia named Elder Gagliardi. He is an excellent Elder and he speaks basically perfect English. He is a great person and I know we will get along great. For the other transfers, President Hacking gave us all his ideas and we gave opinions and suggestions. One thing he wanted to accomplish was to change many Zone Leaders because a lot of them had been in a long, long time. So that he did. It is one of the biggest transfers that the mission has had. Elder Lee and Moen from my group are now Zone Leaders and many other missionaries will have their first opportunity to train or be a leader in some position. All the missionaries that were changed will travel to their new areas tomorrow. Six American Elders, 1 Latin and 4 Sisters will be arriving today and tomorrow. The gringos tonight and the latins tomorrow. Elder Adams that you told me about will be arriving tonight. So this starts maybe the most hectic week the mission has seen.

Transfer week is always especially crazy for the assistants and now that Elder Corro is gone I am left to organize it, so I’m excited. Tonight the American Elders land and we will be there with Pres Hacking to greet them and get them all to the houses they will be in for the night. Elder Corro's "son" will be one of them so he will stay with us tonight, have his welcome lunch and paperwork tomorrow and they will head to their new areas tomorrow afternoon. Tomorrow we receive the new Latins from the MTC here, organize their interviews and welcome lunch etc and make sure they get sent to their areas. Wednesday, the missionaries who are leaving have their interviews and goodbye lunch and Thursday we take them all to the airport for their flights. Friday we will have the Zone Leader’s council here so in the meantime, as we manage all the traveling throughout the mission as well as those leaving and arriving, we also get to organize the 3 hour Zone Leader Council. We will be going to bed late and getting up early every day, lots of organizing and decisions to make and no free time but it’s all good and I love every minute.

It’s hard to believe that a year ago today I gave my "farewell" talk. I can’t believe how fast the time has passed. Its tough to tell when you’re in the mission if you are progressing like you want, but I know I am learning a ton, having amazing experiences and hopefully I am changing and progressing in the way I wish to. I hope everyone is fine at home. Hope all is going well with the Heavens and the new house and all the nieces’ n nephews. The Bates are in my prayers and especially the situation with Ben and the new Baby. Give my love to all my sobrinos!

Thanks again for everything, I know the church is true, Christ lives and answers our prayers. Be of good cheer always. Love Elder B

Great Week

2009-08-03T17:56:00.001-07:00

Angie and Ben Bates Family
August 3, 2009
Hola Familia,
This week has been exelente. We started off with a few days full of office work but we spent Thursday and Friday in interchanges with some of the missionaries in Bogotá and a little town about an hour outside called "Facatativa." Yes it’s very easy to say. But we worked hard and had good lessons, found new people and it was a good experience.

Elder Corro and I fasted for Ben this week. (our son in law who has just been diagnosed with cancer – he starts chemotherapy in 2 weeks that will continue about 6 months.) All we really can do is fast and pray, "Be of good cheer." I feel that everything will turn out fine. I also feel very calm about his situation. My prayers will be with Ben and Angie and the kids and the soon to be new baby. (This is a very frightening situation for our whole family (my eyes are sore from crying) but after fasting and many prayers, we all feel calm and have a certain peace with us. They have four little children and a new baby due Oct 1 so we will really need to rely on faith to get through these next few really stressful months. We are so grateful for the gospel and the peace that it brings as well as excellent doctors and modern chemotherapy)

Saturday we had a baptism in our area. She is a woman named Sandra. Her husband was born into the church but has been inactive most of his life. Things started going rough for the family so she decided it was time to turn to God. We started visiting her a while ago and she loved the message of the Restoration and the Plan of Salvation. She tried the promise in Moroni to read, meditate and pray to know if El libro de Mormon is true and she received her answer. We had the baptism well prepared so there were lots of members. Elder Corro, Sister Hacking and I also prepared a special number and sang the Saviors Love with the different voices and stuff. It was a great baptism service. On Sunday she was confirmed and it has also brought her husband back. It is the first time we have seen him in church with his white shirt and tie so we are very excited for them.

Also some more awesome news. When I was in Tierra Linda before, we found a young 12 year old boy named Julian. We started teaching him and he wanted to be baptized. He was baptized the week after I left to be an AP. His mom was very Catholic and let him be baptized but told us frankly that she was Catholic and that was that. But we convinced her to go to his baptism and she liked it. The missionaries then got her to go to church and bit by bit the seed of faith started to grow. Long story short, now 3 months later she and her four other children were baptized this last Saturday. I really was amazed and it is such a rewarding experience. From a little kid who we were able to find and prepare for baptism, a whole family has now found the Church. The missionaries say his cousins are now receiving the lessons. It really shows the worth of not giving up. The Lord blessed us and it is worth it a million times over. We also have some good investigators that have baptismal dates for this month in our area so things are going well there.

Today for pday we went to the Chapel as a district and played half an hour of Soccer and half an hour of BBall. Elder Amador was the only one who really knew anything about basketball so it was kind of a disaster but it was fun to get some exercise and have a basketball in my hands. After that the 6 of us went to our house and Ordered Dominos pizza for lunch. They had a special of 10 thousand pesos a pizza (5 BUCKS) so we ordered 4 and downed them. I know that’s a very nice spiritual experience(haha) but I was amazed at how cheap they were and even more amazing was that they were gone in about 10 minutes.

Today, we will have our weekly meeting with President Hacking. We have lots to talk about including the transfers this coming week, some missionary situations and more. Oh by the way, Elder Corro got his shirt and it is perfect he was very grateful.

Oh another cool experience, The other day we (Elder Amador and I) ended up in a lesson with a Pentecostal Lady who was like "Bible Guru know every scripture in the world to prove us wrong" We went in there with our scriptures and testimonies and taught and testified with clarity, every principle of the Restoration and literally left her silent. We gave her a Book of Mormon and she agreed to read and pray about it. It was awesome because we didn’t at any time fight or speak badly of anything she believed, we just shared and testified what we believed with the scriptures. Literally the Spirit worked through us to be able to teach her. As far as my knowledge of scriptures or ability to teach I know very little, but with the Lord anything is possible. I learn everyday and my understanding and testimony grow everyday.

Haha I am sorry if my letter is dramatic or corny but it was a great week and I really felt the spirit. I know what I am doing is right, I love ya mucho and my prayers are with you. Be of good cheer, we might as well. Love Elder B

Difficult Times

2009-07-31T21:14:00.000-07:00

July 27, 2009
Hola mi familia,
Well I know my letters always start the same but it’s been another good busy week. This week we had the last 3 zone conferences and some good time to work in our area so I’m very content. The last 3 zone conferences went very well, 2 of them were in Bogotá and the last one in Duitama. We put emphasis and talked a lot about our purpose as missionaries and the how we could convert ourselves in missionaries that strive for our purpose for the right reasons. Having these Zone Conferences and Leader Counsels has really helped me with public speaking and I now feel comfortable talking in front of the missionaries etc.

President and Sister Hacking are great, we have really grown to love them.
Today was a good P day. We had a great personal and companionship study, and then went and played basketball and soccer a little as a district. The new rule is that the districts (4-8 missionaries) can get together 2 pdays a month and play relaxed sports for an hour without getting too competitive. I was a little rusty with the basketball and it’s always different to play outside so I shot for a little bit and then we played some soccer, which although I have no idea how to play right, was fun.

This was a great week for the mission, we finished with 56 confirmations which is a new record for one week in our mission. Also we have a baptism in our area this Saturday, it’s a woman named Sandra. Her husband is almost a lifelong inactive member. She decided to come to church and after a few lessons made the choice to be baptized. We (Elder Corro and I) have started the habit of fasting every Saturday to try and improve and have a bigger porcion of the spirit. This Saturday we had a great experience, almost everything we fasted for turned out exactly, including the interview of Sandra.

I’m really sorry to hear the news about Ben. I am going to start fasting tonight and pray for him and Angie and the kids. (Our precious son-in-law Ben, has been diagnosed with cancer (Lymphoma). He has three tumors on his back and has been through many tests these past few weeks. We are waiting to find out how advanced it is. The results will be in on Monday. We have just found out this past week from his Oncologists, that it is a very rare and rapid growing cancer and they will start him on 6 months of chemotherapy right away. He and our daughter Angie have four little children and she is expecting a new baby girl Oct. 1 which makes this even more difficult). There is a scripture I really like, Alma 7:11 that talks about how Christ would go forth and take on all of our sadness, sins and infirmities (sicknesses) and would feel and understand every one of them at once. So that when we had to pass through them he would know exactly how to comfort us. It really is reassuring and has helped me a lot to know that however bad I might feel or whatever might happen to me or someone I love, Christ felt it once and did it all by himself, so that we wouldn’t have to all by ourselves. I know there is not much I can do to help 3000 miles away but try to serve the people here, but I do know the Lord knows what he’s doing and He can help us get through anything. 28 ¶ aCome unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
I loved Elder Holland’s conference talk. He said, “Brothers and sisters; one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone or unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said, “I will not leave you comfortless. [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you].”
And lastly one of my favorite scriptures that may apply perfectly. D&C 6 36. Look unto me in every thought, doubt not fear not.” So the main thing I could say during such a difficult time, is to look unto the Savior and let him help. I know how strong and faithful Ben and Angie are in the gospel and He will help them get through this.

Thanks for all your love and support. I love every day of my mission and I know I am incredibly blessed. I really have come to find out we are never alone. Don’t forget to enjoy all the great blessings we have. The family and Ben will be in my prayers continually. Much love and chiau till next week.

Eleven Months in the Field

2009-07-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

Will standing in front of the Logan temple where he took out his endowments almost one year ago today. We all went through with him. Bill & Amy Heaven and Ben & Angie Bates (his two sisters and their husbands) and mom and dad.

July 20, 2009
Hola familia mia,
It’s been another good and busy week, Monday night, we caught a flight to Bucaramanga my tierra querida (beloved land) we then spent the next two days there with President Hacking interviewing all of the missionaries in the 2 zones there. I am always happy to go to Bucaramanga, I really grew to love the people and that beautiful city. Both days we spent the mornings and afternoons running the interviews etc. and then left to work with the missionaries there both nights.
Thursday morning we had the Zone Conference with the 2 zones in Bucaramanga and the missionaries from San gil and Barranca. (40 in total) It went very well and the plans we had made turned out great. It was very spiritual but we also did activities so there was laughing. I think we accomplished just what we wanted which was to re emphasize out purpose and leave all of us inspired to work harder. The usual zone conference has the following schedule
Hymn and Prayer
Talk by missionary (President chooses a few topics that we announce a while before that everyone has to study, when we get to the conference he randomly chooses someone to talk so we have to all be ready.)
Time for the Assistantes (we prepare what we will talk about and do. This lasts about an hour. Rather than stand at the pulpit we walk around among the missionaries as we talk and do activities.
A break to stretch legs and have a snack
Time for President Hacking
Testimonies of missionaries who are new or about to leave.
Hymn and Prayer

So anyway the conference went great there. Thursday afternoon we caught a flight to Cucuta (a city of about 600,000 on the border of Venezuela) We met up with the Zone Leaders and stayed with them for the night.
The next day we pulled a double header and did the Conference and Interviews there in one day, which meant being in the chapel from 8 to 4. The conference there is smaller because there is only 1 zone (14 missionaries) so the ambient is always different but it also went very well. We worked (tracted) with missionaries there that night and then in the morning took a flight back to Bucaramanga (Saturday).
Some missionaries had moved into a new house with nothing so we went with Hna Hacking to buy dishes, an iron, blankets, cleaning supplies etc. for their new house. President Hacking was invited to speak at a fireside and Elder Corro and I went to a Noche Blanca (white night, which is a night when a District or Zone plans all their baptisms together in one church) I got to see some of the members of Real de Minas my first ward which was nice and the baptisms were great.
Elder Corro and I are always monitoring the baptisms and how all the Zones are working as we talk with the Zone leaders every night. This week was very good and next week should be even better so we will see how that goes, but back to the story.
On Sunday President Hacking was invited to a ward conference. He interviewed and called his other counselor from there. Then we caught an afternoon flight back to Bogotá and finished up Sunday night working in our area. So it was a long week with 4 flights, living out of my little suitcase and planning and making last minute adjustments, on the run everywhere. I love getting to travel and see other parts of the mission and work but it’s also nice to be "home" and unpack my bag and breathe for a second.
I have caught a cold so right now I have a congested, sore throat but nothing at all serious. Today the Camargos invited the missionaries from the office and the Hackings to visit them and have a lunch together. It went very well and it was nice to see the Camargos again.
Also, Elder Corro will be leaving the office this transfer (August 12) to go to the field and train a new American Elder to finish his last 3 months. Six gringos and four Latin sisters will get here this transfer so Elder Corro will get to be in the field training before he goes home.
I can’t believe how fast the time has passed. I've been on a mission almost 11 months now and can hardly believe that it is about half over. The time really passes fast when you stay busy and these last few weeks have been especially that way. I don't want it to go so fast - I love being a missionary.
Ha I think I’m finally comfortable with all the responsibilities of being assistant to a new Mission President. I really have no idea how long Pres Hacking will keep me here, but I am happy both ways. I miss being out in the streets more and finding the Lords elect, but where I am, I am learning a ton and it’s an incredible experience and it’s exciting because every day there is something new that presents itself or a new problem to try to solve. So I really can say wherever I am I will be happy. (Our church authorities say that the A.P.’s term of service varies but is usually no more than six months.)
As far as the dear elder letters either way is fine with me. I like to get them and I commonly use stuff from them in Zone conferences etc. You are all in my prayers. That’s awesome about the Heavens and their new house. And Ben (brother-in-law who has a second tumor on his back) is especially in my prayers.
Thanks for everything, mucho amor hasta la proxima. Elder B.

Great New Ideas

2009-07-13T14:14:00.001-07:00

Bogota
Q'hubo familia,
It was another week jam packed with interviews to get to know all the missionaries and dinners with Stake Presidents to start a good relationship with them. President and Sister Hacking are very comfortable and everything is going great with them.

This week we had our first interviews outside of Bogotá in a city called Duitama. It is about a 4 hour drive so we headed there early Friday morning with Pres and Hna Hacking. Elder Corro and I hardly knew the way there but we got some maps off the internet and managed to get everyone there alive. We stayed the night and we got to work with the Zone Leaders. We had a dinner with the Stake Pres that night and headed back in the morning.

We also had a lunch welcoming the new missionaries that got here a few weeks ago. One of them is Elder Sorenson that you mentioned mom. Tell his mom that he is in the north part of Bogotá in kind of a separated part called Suba. He's a great new Elder. We also had a goodbye dinner with an Elder from Chile named Elder Madariaga who I lived with for about 4 months in Bucaramanga and was my Zone Leader and a great missionary.

I am learning a ton about how to get around Bogotá because we guide Pres Hacking to the airport and to the different areas etc. We have also been having frequent meetings with Pres Hacking to get figured out what we are going to do and how. Some things are going to change in the mission like the “no music rule”. We came up with the idea to make mission approved CDs with MoTab and church music to give to the missionaries to listen to in their apartments. I think music is something that really invites the spirit and will be a big plus for all of us. Also the “sports rule” is about to end :) While discussing what we could do, I suggested we could set apart one or two P days every month where the respective Zones could get together and play soccer or basketball etc. but for a limited time and not too competitive. President Hacking agreed completely and we decided to put restrictions on the time etc. so people aren’t getting hurt or forgetting their purpose as missionaries.

Pres. and Hermana Hacking really are awesome, they are great people and I can see they are getting used to the mission and doing great things for it. We are going to get a new Assistant to the President. Elder Corro only has 2 more transfers after this one before he goes home and Pres. Hacking has been saying that he will definitely finish in the field because it’s always a great experience to end your mission that way. So there is a very good chance that when this transfer ends (August 9th), Elder Corro will be going to the field and we will have our new A.P. Pres Hacking asked us both for some suggestions so he can make the decision. It looks like I will have a new comp in August.

Now as far as this week, I am way excited. Tonight we are heading out on a flight to spend the week in Bucaramanga. Pres and Sis Hacking have dinners with the 2 Stake Presidents there, interviews with the 2 Zones there and the Zone Conference. We will be in Bucaramanga until Thursday, when we will go to Cucuta and have the dinner, the interviews and Zone conference. Then we will fly back to Bucaramanga on Saturday because they asked President Hacking to speak in a Ward Conference there on Sunday. We fly back to Bogotá Sunday night.

That also means we are starting the second tour of Zone Conferences with the first two this week. We had a good planning session and decided we would talk about chapter 1 of PMG which is "my purpose as a missionary" to help with the focus on what we need to be doing and why we need to do it, and then talk about Christ-like attributes. The basic message is that our purpose as missionaries isn’t totally to bring more people to the church or encourage people to live happier lives. It is to allow them to open the door that leads to the Celestial Kingdom which is (faith, repentance, baptism, holy ghost, endure to the end) and then we will talk about why that is our purpose and why our focus is baptizing. It is not for numbers or recognition, but for love of the people and understanding that it is the best way you can help someone. We have come up with some good and fun activities as well, so I think it should be great.

Saturdays are Baptism days and this August we have a rare "five Saturday month" which means there are 5 chances to baptize rather than 4. I really think we can break the mission record for one month (174 baptisms), so we are really going to try to get the missionaries excited and motivated to help the people here. It looks like we are about to start even busier times and I am very excited about what we have coming up.

Also on Saturday, Angelica (the girl we taught in Bucaramanga whose mom wouldn’t let her join the church) was finally baptized. I also ran into a member of Tierra Linda who had presented us a reference when I was there named Elena. We taught and then baptized her. She is now the Relief Society Secretary and completely active. She has applied to go study at BYU. It really is the best feeling in the mission to see people you find and teach and pray to find happiness in the gospel and really see the miracles that can happen.

Well I love you all. I have noticed lately my grammar and spelling seem to be getting worse so sorry if my letters seem weird. Thanks for everything; you are always in my prayers. Love Elder B

Our New Mission President is awesome!!

2009-07-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

Colombia Bogota Temple
July 6, 2009
Hola Familia,
It has been an all over the place week and a great one. I’ll tell the story of the week and then the details. President and Sister Hacking arrived last Monday night. We went to the airport at about 7 P.M. with Pres. and Sis Camargo to wait for Pres. and Sister Hacking. Their flight was delayed so we waited about 2 hours for them to arrive.

Everyone greeted and introduced each other and then we threw their stuff in a van and we (Pres and Sis Camargo, Pres and Sis Hacking, Elder Corro and I) headed out in the Camargos SUV to take them to the mission home. We got there and they showed them around and took a few pictures. We headed back to our apartment.

The next morning the Hackings had interviews and trainings with the Area Presidency and then we had a meeting at about noon with Pres Camargo and all the missionaries from the office. ha It was sad. Pres Camargo handed over the office keys, the car keys, they talked a little bit about how to get around etc. and he headed out, no longer the Mission Pres. President Camargo really was a great president and a great leader and I will miss him. It’s always exciting to have a change also. President Hacking wants to meet every missionary and Stake Pres in the first 3 weeks, so the schedule has been stacked full of interviews and dinners and mini conferences etc. Elder Corro and I have been very busy organizing these things.

President and Sister Hacking are great. They were both born in Utah, met in high school and afterwards both went on missions and then were married. He joined a business that makes chemicals for pipes when he was young and basically climbed the corporate ladder. Within a few years he was a Regional Manager. For 20 years he was the boss of the company in Latin America. It turns out they have a cabin about 30 miles south of Evanston towards the Uinta Mountains so they know Evanston (Will’s hometown) very well. President Hacking says he even met BJ (Will’s handicapped brother) in Smiths about 3 weeks ago when they were shopping - that's amazing even in a town of 12,000 people - what a small world.

They are both very nice people and very humble. Haha I can’t imagine what it would be like to spend 4 days in the MTC and have them send you out as a Mission Pres.

It’s been a change because President Camargo, after being in for 3 years, was very sure and concise in what he did. You would ask him a question and he would say "you need to do this..." and answer right away. President Hacking is still trying to get to know the missionaries and the culture etc. so right now he is depending a lot more on asking what was usually done and then he makes a decision. He has said that he knows the mission has been doing amazingly well, so he just wants to keep it the same until he gets everything down and then start putting in his ideas, which to me seems excellent. He used the comparison of a train. The mission is a train going 100mph in the right direction so he doesn’t want to turn it around or start changing things, but rather figure out how we can get to 120 mph.

They have spent about the last 12 years traveling South America so he knows a lot about the culture and you can tell he is a business man. He knows how to work with people etc. He is very humble and very loving and I think he will be an awesome Mission Pres. One thing I can see is that he is very spiritual and he puts emphasis on working directly with people and their needs etc. and doing the little things. For example we have been with him all day for 3 days this week, doing interviews with every missionary just to get to know them. They have said that they want to be at the airport when every missionary arrives and have great dinners to wish them off when they leave etc.

The first day he did interviews with Elder Corro and me individually. It was great. It’s amazing how fast you can start to love people. Sister Hacking is great - just really, really happy and friendly. She knows her basic Spanish. Pres Hacking knows how to speak Spanish and say what he needs to say. He just has this excitement and happiness that he transmits. Sister Hacking actually reminds me a lot of Mom. Pres Hacking prefers to talk to me in English which has been helpful but a little strange also because I've gone a long time without talking a lot of English, but it makes the communication a little more natural also.

Elder Corro and I have been very, very busy with everything this week. We have been organizing maps, calendars and answering about a million questions about how the addresses in the city work and how we travel to the other parts of the mission, what we do in interviews, zone conferences, comp interchanges, and about everything else that you only know when you’re a missionary.
But it really is amazing, we already love the Hackings and I can tell within a transfer or 2 the whole mission will also and we will all be doing great things.

It was also a great week in that Saturday and Sunday we were able to work in our area all day and we found some new people as well as committed a couple we have been working with, to get married and baptized with their daughter on the 25th.

Ha The fourth of July wasn’t exactly the same here as it is in good old Evanston. I remember it was always about the best time of year (especially in Evanston) because the town really came alive with tons of fireworks going off in every neighborhood and the family was all together etc. I really am grateful to be a Red Devil (name of our sports teams), Wyoming Cowboy, and Gringo also. Even more, I have realized from being in a third world country just how great we have it back there. For lunch on the 4th, we found a TGI Fridays here by the office, so the four of us (Corro, Zari, Amador) went for lunch to have some American food. We also have some English hymnbooks in the apartment, so I convinced and taught every one to sing the Star Spangled Banner. It really is evident, even in the scriptures, that there are so many blessings our country and continent are promised if we don’t forget where they come from and why we are so blessed. Even if there are some bad things going on there, the church is strong and I think there is a bigger share of the best.

So anyway, to end my letter, thanks for everything "always and all ways" as mom says. I think the testimonies of little kids are the best, and that is my testimony too... I know the church is true, I love my mom and dad and my family and my country, in the name of Jesus Christ Amen. ok that was a little dorky, but much love and talk to ya next week. Elder B

June 29, 2009

2009-07-02T17:16:00.000-07:00

I'm a few days late in posting this - we have been super busy.

Will in front of the Bogota Temple

Will with some friends

Hola Familia,
Well it’s been another good week. After my awesome week traveling in the field we have spent a ton of time in the office in preparation for the arrival of Pres Hacking. We have spent almost every day preparing forms, having the office cleaned and getting every last detail ready. Sooo it has been hectic around here (I am in the office right now) but about an hour ago we finally got everything done and the place is looking pretty good and everything is ready.

This week we had all the zones get together and send in videos saying bienvenidos (welcome) to Pres and Sis hacking. It was a good chance to use what I learned in my video production class.

Also, I got the idea to make little goal cards that say "como mejorare hoy" (how will I improve today) with goals like a scripture to memorize, things to read, new Spanish words, an attribute to work on and goals of service acts. It has worked out really well so that I always have something I am working for. I really can’t wait to get this switch over so we can get back to normal mission life. But we know that we have everything ready and are just waiting.

Tonight President and Hermana Hacking will get here at about 10 o clock. We will go to the airport (me and Elder Corro) with Pres and Sis Camargo and a church driver to pick them up. I guess the way it works is once Pres Hacking touches Colombian Ground, he is the Mission Pres. We will take them to the mission home for tonight and have a short meeting tomorrow. President Camargo will give him the keys to the office and the mission car and he will head out. It’s kind of sad to see the time of President Camargo go because he is amazing and has done so much good but it will also be exciting to start a new period with the revelation and ideas that President Hacking has.

My goal is to be able to take everything he says and make sure it is accomplished. I have had some ideas like making a notebook to put just the stuff that Pres Hacking says and see that it gets done no matter what it is. I'm going to do the best I can.

Here is some info about the office and Bogotá etc. There are 4 of us that live in our apartment, Elder Corro, Zari and Amador. Zari and Amador are the financial and mission secretaries and are both great. The apartment is pretty small for 4 missionaries but it’s nice and we all get along great. Every few days we have pizza or something delivered to the house and these last few Sundays we have been making lunch for ourselves because the Camargos are now moved out of town. The mission office is about a ten minute walk from where we live. Bogotá is lined up against a big mountain and the tendency is the closer to the mountain the richer the people and the taller the buildings. The office is on the tenth floor of a building called Liberty Seguros (Liberty Insurance). It is in a really nice commercial sector with some fancy tall buildings and malls. The missionaries who are secretaries or APS get little security cards because you have to pass by a checkpoint to get in, so we just put our wallet over the sensors and it reads our cards and opens.
The office consists of a small waiting room which has little plaques that say Elder Barnard and Elder Corro Assistente al presidente. Inside there is the office room which has 3 computers and scanners and printer etc with another side room that locks where the safe and the financial office is. There is also a conference room that holds about 30 people and a great view of Bogotá, a room with all the materials and equipment and the presidents office. Also on the 3d floor there is a big section of the floor that is the general offices of the church for the South America north area. We always run errands down there etc so I have gotten to see a lot of how the church works etc which is really cool. Also in our area is downtown that has the skyscrapers and the gold museum etc. There are some pretty impressive big buildings, I think a few that are over 40 stories.

Elder Corro my comp is awesome. He is from Santiago Chile, his dad is a stake pres and his whole family are members. He is an awesome singer and like I said speaks great English. He has 20 months in the mission so we may only have 1 or 2 transfers left together, but then again you never know what the new pres will do.

Earlier this week I sent 2 cds full of pictures thru FedEx which I think is pretty safe and they should get there this week. They have all my pictures from the last time I sent cds up to last week so you will have them all.

I don’t know what else to write but all is going great, thanks for everything, I can’t believe it’s already almost the 4th of July. Hope everyone is going well.

I thought of a good idea the other day, if you could send some spiritual experiences that you have had or personal stories etc, things I could use in lessons to back up commandments or stuff like that it would be great.

Once again I love you all, happy birthday to Cameryn and have a good 4th. Love Elder B

New President arriving next week

2009-06-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

June 22, 2009
Dear Family.
Well it has been a hectic but amazing week. But first of all I want to wish a Happy Father’s day to Bill and Ben and Dad. It was father’s day here as well. I really have realized over the mission how blessed I have been to have such an amazing family and amazing parents. I could write on and on of all the reasons I am thankful for such an awesome dad but I’ll just keep it to thanks a ton y te amo papa.

So I said in my last letter that we had scheduled for me to travel and do interchanges with the missionaries but we thought we would be too busy and I would stay here. But as I thought and prayed about it, I really felt like I should go, so that’s what I did. Elder Corro stayed here with the secretaries. That’s one thing that is a little strange about being an AP is that you have to be alone sometimes to travel etc.

But the week was an amazing spiritual experience. I got up at 4 A.M. on Tuesday morning to go to the airport and head off on a flight to Barranca, known here as the "oven". Haha they don’t send American missionaries there to work but we can do interchanges. I got there early in the morning and the Zone Leaders picked me up at the airport. I worked with them the first day and the second day with another companionship that needed some assistance. Barranca is a city of about 300 thousand people. The economy is completely based on all the oil and refineries that are there. I can say it lives up to its name as far as the heat. Both days it was between 100 and 107 degrees and high humidity. But it was awesome, especially after a week of confinement in the office. We walked and did contacts and taught lessons all day in the blazing heat and found tons of investigators. I even did my first two baptismal interviews which was also cool. Haha it really was amazing. The water isn’t heated, but somehow the showers don’t even feel cold. As soon as you step out, you are sweating and they sleep with fans running all over the place but it was an awesome experience and I loved working there.

Since Pres Camargo is about to be released, he and sister Camargo are traveling through the mission and having little goodbye firesides with the missionaries. Thursday was the fireside in Bucaramanga so I traveled on a bus with the Elders from Barranca on Thursday morning to Bucaramanga to attend it.

Another great experience. I really grew to love the city and the people there and it almost felt like going home to be back in Bucaramanga. I even got to stay at the apartment in Real de Minas where I lived my first 5 months. It is amazing how you grow to love the people. I saw the guy who worked at the little store below the apartment and the door man and I was like excited to talk to them and see how they were doing. That night was the fireside with Pres. and Hna Camargo which was great. They bore their testimonies and thanked the missionaries etc. and then everyone sang a few hymns. He also had me conduct the meeting, which was my first time.

After that we headed back to the house and we planned and got ready for the day with the missionaries in my old area (who the Zone Leaders wanted me to work with). It was cool to see some of the old members and they even had a family home evening planned with Marta and Jose (the amazing family that we taught and baptized). It was great to see them and talk to them and see their progress. They have been very actively going to church every Sunday. Jose is getting ready to receive the Melchizedek priesthood; they are getting ready to go to the temple, hopefully in January. Their son Pablo just happened to be on a trip with the youth of the ward to do baptisms for the dead in Bogotá at the Temple. I can’t even say how happy it made me to see them active and all the blessings they have received. It really is amazing to remember the day we knocked on their door and they let us come in for a few minutes - and now to see where they have progressed.

Later that night, we had another amazing experience. I don’t know if you remember from my letters, but with Elder Araujo we taught a 16 year old girl named Angelica who had been going to church for over a year and really wanted to be baptized, but her mom ended up never letting her, despite us asking about 4 times. The missionaries had recently returned to visiting them because she still keeps going to church and they wanted to share another message and ask if the mom would now give permission. They were happy to see me because we had spent a lot of time teaching them and really got to know them. We shared a message about the covenant of baptism and then it came time to ask the mom...and both the missionaries looked at me. So I asked her if, having heard all of these things she would give her daughter permission to be baptized and join the church. She thought for a second and looked at Angelica... and then said yes! haha it was a miracle. We had taught them and fasted and tried so hard to get her to give permission and now months later, she actually said yes and I got to be there. We were all amazed, including Angelica but it was a really great spiritual experience. She will be baptized and join the church on July 4th. It shows that the Lord knows what he is doing and has his plans.

The next day I went back to Bogotá. Three gringos arrived and today we had a party for Pres Camargo’s birthday and it all went great. Answers to some questions. Elder Corro goes home in November. His family are all members. All of the Elders here went to the MTC in Bogotá. Pres Hacking gets here next week so we have a lot to do. The transfer will be quite an experience but I know we can do it.
The church is true, I know it, thanks for everything and I love you tons, love Elder B

June 15. 2009

2009-06-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

Will, with suit coat off, and some Elders in Bogota.

June 15, 2009
Hola fam.
All is well in Bogotá and it's been another great week. We have been very busy as usual but this week has been a little more relaxed. I can’t believe it is another P day. We have spent lots of time in the Mission Office getting everything ready for the new president and working on various projects that we do there. We also spent a day with president Camargo in Chia (suburb of Bogotá) while he did interviews with the missionaries there. I have finally had some time to really study and put some good time into Preach my Gospel and the scriptures. I have made the goal to read Preach my Gospel again from cover to cover before the end of the month so I have been putting whatever little bit of free time I can into that. We also have computers in the office so I looked up some talks about Leadership and Charity today. (Elder Corro and I made the goal to pick attributes every week to work on and study and improve so we chose those two. I have been learning a lot of great things and working hard to become a good leader and have lots of charity which also has a lot to do with being humble.

Elder Foote’s parents flew in last night to pick him up (he’s going home) and spend a few days in Colombia. So Elder Corro and I went to the airport and picked them up and took them to a hotel to spend the night. This morning we picked them up with a church driver and took them to the Presidents’ house to see Elder Foote and have lunch with President Camargo and his family. They are very nice, very humble people and we had a good time talking. haha We had them waiting inside and then they brought Elder Foote in and they hugged and cried and laughed and all that good stuff. Then they took Elder Foote out for a minute so Pres and Sis Camargo could talk to the parents and they had me come in to be the translator. They both expressed thanks and Pres. Camargo told them what a great example and missionary Elder Foote was. After we had a good lunch that Sister Camargo made and then we took them all to the hotel so they will spend today and tomorrow seeing Bogotá and go home on Thursday.

Also in other news, I gave a talk in church yesterday which went well and we had a good chance to work in our area Sat. and Sunday. This week we had scheduled that I would go to Barranca (the hottest place on earth) and Bucaramanga until Saturday and work with different missionaries, which had me really excited to get to know Barranca and go back to Bucaramanga, but it looks like we are going to be too busy this week here to be able to. We will make the final decision tonight on what is better.

I really like to get out with the other missionaries and work in the field but we are needed to organize things here in the office. The time is flying by (snowballing) and it goes faster and faster every week it seems. Tomorrow there will be transfers in the mission so we will call all the Zone Leaders tonight to tell them who is being transferred to other areas. It was really cool to work with President Camargo and see how he does the transfers. There are new missionaries arriving this week and there will be new Trainers pretty soon.

It really is humbling to see that president Camargo trusts in us so much, I still feel sometimes like I am walking in shoes a few sizes too big because there are so many missionaries that are so great, but I have also found the truth that to be a leader you need to put himself below all others (humble). Dad used to say that you can’t choose what time (or place) you are given; you can only choose what you do with that time and what you make out of it. That is really helpful to me.

My testimony grows every week and I know challenges help us. I know the church is true and I love it. Thanks for everything you do to support me and for your love and prayers.
Much Love, Elder Barnard

Another Awesome Week

2009-06-08T17:38:00.001-07:00

A group of Elders in front of the Bogota Temple. Will is in the back.

June 8, 2009
Hola Querido family,

Ok so I think I finally have some time to write a little. First off, congrats. to the Heavens on the move! and Happy Bday to Angie. It sounds like it was a great birthday and I am praying that nothing happens with the crazy weather and tornadoes there!! Umm if I forgot anything else sorry but it’s been another hectic week but I'm settling in and the spirit of the work and the strength I have received have been amazing.

Last Monday I opened the package. Maybe it was for a reason that this package was the first one yet to arrive early, but after a long pday that wasn’t really pday and getting to the apartment very stressed, I got to open my package, read what the family had said and enjoy some American candy and salt and vinegar chips. I’m pretty sure it was the Lord helping me out that it got here when it did.

Tuesday morning we got up early and Elder Corro went to Bucaramanga and I went to Cucuta. Bogota has 2 airports, one for international flights and one for national flights. We went to the smaller one (national) and took our separate flights. It wasn’t a big Jumbo Jet but it wasn’t some dinky little plane. It is a big airline here called Avianca and it’s all approved by the church so no worries. The flight was very short and I left the chill of Bogotá and felt like I entered inferno haha (hell) Cucuta was ridiculously hot, much hotter than Bucaramanga. I think it got to 40 degrees which is over 110 F.

I worked the first day with the Zone Leaders and then the second day with a companionship that were having problems with arguing. We try to help them out. We worked very, very hard and talked with President Camargo. One of the best ways to help missionaries with troubles, is to show them that working hard serving the Lord, feels good and brings more happiness than almost anything else you can do. This has been a great lesson for me also because when I get to the interchanges I have to do my best to be a really good example, which is hard for someone who is imperfect, but I did the best I could and I think they are doing better now.

The next day was the Zone Conference. (A note about the money, we got there and the Zone Leaders who were in charge of having food for the break told me they had spent all their money and had none. So I lent them our card to buy McDonalds for everyone. Of course the mission pays it back.) As far as the conference, we had based almost the whole presentation on a PowerPoint, which President Camargo couldn’t bring with him from Bucaramanga, so I got to do a Zone conference without my companion and without the presentation. But it actually went great and I was able to do more on the spot talking and get the missionaries involved rather than reading from PowerPoint and the President liked it. He said that for the next one we shouldn’t even use it. After that I flew back home with Pres. Camargo. It was awesome because we contacted some people, including a taxi driver, who will be visited by the missionaries soon and were absolutely waiting for the gospel.

We got back late Thurs. night and prepared a Zone Leaders Council for the next day. This is when all the Zone Leaders come to Bogota and the Assistants and President give trainings on how we can be better leaders and help the mission. We put something together as fast as we could and talked about practicing what we preach and being examples. It went very well but was a little intimidating to be "training" Zone Leaders who have more experience than me.

The rest of the week we got to work in our area and today for Pday we went to Monserrate. It it a ferry that takes you up to a giant mountain that overlooks all of Bogotá. It was amazing and you could see everything and I got lots of great pics that I will try to send when I get a chance.

I have had some amazing spiritual experiences in the last few weeks also. Four of the investigators that we found in my last area that I had invited to be baptized and set baptismal dates for, have been baptized along with 2 more baptisms here in our area. One of them was the week before last. A 23 year old girl named Elena who was a reference from a member. I taught her the first lesson. We had worked so hard because she felt like the church was true, but she said she hadn’t received her answer, so we did everything we could think of to help her receive and recognize her answer from the Holy Ghost. The first time the Elders there went to teach her she said, "I got it, I got my answer, I need to be baptized this week." She then asked them if I would be able to come baptize her because she said I had helped so much for her to reach that point. We were able to go last Saturday to my old ward and see 3 of the baptisms of my investigators and I baptized her. It was such a blessing and a great feeling to see them there and that they had followed through and received their testimony. Elena wrote a little card and said thanks for all your help with a little box of chocolates from where she works. Julian, a teenager we taught who was also getting baptized, ran up and gave me a hug when we got there and said he missed me. It was such a blessing to see and it is seeing things like that that makes the mission so great and brings so much joy.

Some other news, at the Zone Leader Conf. I got to see Elder Larsen, from my MTC group, for the first time. He just got put in as ZL, and afterwards we all went to the temple so I got to talk to him for a while. The temple was amazing.

Things are going great with my comp. Elder Corro. He has a great sense of humor and is very upbeat. We really have great unity and we work very well together. He is an awesome singer and very smart. He speaks English really well so usually, as we are walking or planning, he speaks English to practice and I help him with any problems and I, of course, speak Spanish so he helps me. haha Sometimes we get weird looks on the bus or in the street when people see a dark Chilean talking to me in English and me responding in Spanish.

Questions. Every morning we walk to the office and sometimes we go to the mission home to do exercises. They are very close. The mission office is on the 10th floor of a large building and in the office there are 4 comps. who work there. There is Pres. Camargo’s office and a seminar room. We usually don’t eat with members but sometimes they give us dinner. This is an interesting barrio because all the people from the U.S. Embassy work in this area so the ward is half gringos and we have had dinner with a few. Well, I'm out of time - love you all so much - the church is true. Elder B.

Zone Conferences

2009-06-01T20:33:00.000-07:00

We didn't get Will's letter until really late. I was getting a little worried. He was not able to get to a computer until tonight because he had so many things to do. What a prep day.

HOLA Familia,
Sorry it’s so late - life is great. We spent the whole day helping Pres. Camargo move out of his house so we got to the offices late and just finished the rigorous work of compiling ALL the stats of the mission so now with 5 minutes left I can start my p day. I guess that’s my new life haha, I will go I will do...

This week has been nuts, there is so much I could write but not too much time. I am trying to get things down in my journal and hopefully next week I can get everything written. This week we did 2 zone conferences here in Bogotá with about 35 missionaries each. We trained them for an hour and it went great. We used some pretty cool ideas.

Also we did companion interchanges in 2 little suburbs of Bogotá. That’s where my companion and I each go with different companionships for a day and a night and try to get them motivated, help them in their area, and fix any problems if there are any. I will be learning to live out of my little suitcase. Its so crazy because we get to the lessons and when it’s time to make the commitment, teach some of the main principles or take out the baptismal date, the other elders just kind of look at me and I know I have to be able to do it. But the Lord has really blessed me and all has turned out very well. We were able to have some great lessons and take out some baptismal dates and find great people. President Camargo says the purpose of the interchanges is to re-motivate the missionaries, correct what they are doing wrong and leave them excited and spiritually uplifted to work hard.

I still feel sometimes like I am walking in shoes a few sizes too big (more responsibilities than I am prepared for) but everything we have had to do has gone great and I have been able to do everything I need and still remain sane and happy thanks to the Lord, actually more than sane, I am loving all the things we get to do and the chance to help the other missionaries. I am learning to humble myself and I know it’s for my best.

I haven’t been able to read your letters, I just barely had time to print them and I will be able to read them in the apartment as soon as we get back. Tomorrow I am going to Cucuta by plane to stay until Thursday working with the missionaries and then doing zone conference there by myself because Elder Corro will be in Bucaramanga doing the conference.

I have so much I wish I could write you but time is short so I will try and get everything in my journal and hopefully get some more written next week. We have been very busy getting everything ready for the change of the mission president and there has been a ton to do with that as well as preparing the zone leaders conference where all the zone leaders come to Bogotá and we have a meeting of how we can improve every zone. All I can say is I am learning tons, very busy but I love it and I can rrrrrreally feel the spirit helping me more than ever.

I got a package today. I haven’t had time to open it but will do so when we get home. I really feel bad that I can’t write more, I read a few of your questions but I will have to answer next time. Please tell Scott I am very proud of him and he will love his mission and do great. Thanks for everything.
I Love you all tons, Elder Barnard

P.S. Please tell my friends that I have not been able to write, it is just very, very busy and I'm going as fast as I can to get everything done. I hope they understand.

Busy First Week

2009-05-25T18:10:00.000-07:00

Will in front of the Bogota Temple

May 25, 2009
Hola familia,
Thanks for the letters, support and prayers. It has been a crazy week but a great one. Ha I feel like I have been tired all week because the schedule has been hectic but I am learning a ton and it’s going very well. I think the good old days of getting into bed at 10:30 and getting up at 6:30 are over.

This week was transfers in the mission so Sunday, we went to the mission offices and into President Camargo´s office. We finalized all the transfers and made sure they were all organized correctly. He has a big open up board with pictures of all the missionaries and their companions that says where they are, where they have been and for how long. After that we had to verify all the stats that the zone leaders had sent We then sent them to the General Offices in Salt Lake. They say the weeks of transfers are always a little sleepless and very busy so we were in the office almost all day Monday getting everything ready for transfers. That night we called all the zone leaders and told them who in there zone, had transfers and where they were going so they could pass it on down the line. For most of them Elder Foote called and then said, “Ok I’ll pass you to the new assistant and then I would talk to them for a little bit etc. I think most of them are probably as shocked as I was.

We talk to all of the zone leaders every night and see how everything is going with the baptism dates they have lined up and encourage them to keep working and make sure all the missionaries are in their homes, so we usually get to bed around 11 or a little after each night. Also, there was a group of missionaries going home this week, 2 from the states and 3 from Peru. We made sure everything was lined up for the last meeting and dinner for the missionaries that are going home. We were up at 4 A.M. to get ready and take them to the airport and make sure they got out safely (that was the 2 Americans).

Then, that night we took the 3 Peruvian Elders to the airport to get them sent off. It was nice because my second comp Elder Araujo, was one of them and we got to be really good friends. Only 2 new missionaries arrived, 1 Sister from Peru and one Gringo. The Sister arrived in the morning so we introduced her to the office staff and gave the mission orientation until her comp got to the office. The new American Elder got there that night so we went and picked him up at the airport. He is Elder Atkinson from I think Ogden, so he stayed at our house and then we got him all ready and sent him to the field the next day.

Another day we were up at 4:30 again because Pres Camargo had interviews in Yopal which is about 4 hours outside of Bogota and he took us with him. It was a chance to get to know and talk to President Camargo more than I have in the whole time I have been here because we went in his SUV. So we talked most of the way there and back and I asked him what I needed to do become a good AP and advice and stuff so that was a great opportunity.

Pres Camargo is amazing and he knows so much about the doctrine and how to work with the missionaries etc. He has a great sense of humor and is funny but he doesn’t waste words and he gets his point across quickly. At the interviews while the missionaries were getting interviewed, we were responsible for "training the other Elders" about some things he had told us an hour before, so we just went with it and it went very well. It’s kind of intimidating to train missionaries who are district and zone leaders that have been out longer than me, but I think it all went well. I will do the very best I can with a positive attitude and lots of energy.

Also I have gotten to know the Camargo family a lot better and have been at their house a lot more. Sister Camargo is also awesome and cooks veeeery good. Whenever missionaries arrive or leave they have a meal at the mission home and we are always there so I definitely can´t complain about the food.

As far as the future, this week we have 3 zone conferences and the APs prepare about 40 minutes of presentation for the missionaries. This makes me a little nervous but we have some good stuff prepared and keep preparing. Also in the next month I will be traveling to Cucuta and Barranca to work with the missionaries there. They are both cities they do not generally send Americans to work in. I am way excited because Barranca is like legendary in the mission for its heat (it averages over 105 degrees) and I have heard so many missionaries talk about it so when we had the chance to choose who would be going where, I asked if I could go to Barranca.

We have done so much this week it’s hard to write it all down but I love the stuff we do and trust in the Lord. It’s hard work, but it’s very interactive and I am very involved with the missionaries and very, very busy. I will do the best I can to serve the missionaries here.

Now I will answer a few questions. The mission has 176 missionaries . My comp (the other AP) is Elder Corro from Chili. He is awesome, he is a great singer and really upbeat and we are getting along great. We are practicing the English language and I am helping him but he already knows a ton. Usually when we travel, it will be by plane unless it’s really close, in which case we will go with Pres. Camargo. The office staff is great and they are all Elders from the mission. We live in a normal apartment pretty close to the mission home, just like all the other Elders, so the food, laundry etc is just the same.

Well out of time but I love you all, thanks for all your support and prayers Sorry if this is short. Love Elder B

Humbling News

2009-05-18T13:57:00.000-07:00

Will has learned so much in the past (almost 7 months) in Colombia but this last month he had some very unique and growing experiences.

Hello family,
Hope all is going well where you all are. That’s great that everyone could come and visit and I’m sorry to hear about BJ's seizures, he and the family will definitely remain in my prayers extra.

Well it has been a crazy day and a half. I’m still waiting to wake up and realize I have just been dreaming or something but I’m starting to think I might not. We had a great week with my new companion Elder Mullisaca. We were just about to reap the fruits of our labors in Tierra Linda with 2 baptisms lined up for Saturday and 4 more for the next. We had a baptism on Friday and President Camargo decided to come and after he invited us to come to his house Sunday for lunch.

After church we hopped in a taxi and headed to the mission house (8th story huge apartment). We were just kind of standing around in the kitchen helping prepare lunch and talking and he called me to come into his office. We sat down and he asked how I was and if I had any issues I needed to clear up with him. I told him no and the next thing he said was, "ok good, Elder Foote will be leaving (back home to Saint George) this next transfer and starting today you are going to be the new assistant." I don’t really know what I thought but my heart just started beating and I kept waiting for him to say he was just joking or something and he just started to explain to me some of the responsibilities and what I would be doing. He told me to get all my bags packed and head to the house where the assistants and secretaries live, by that night. So I walked out and everyone was waiting outside smiling and laughing and asking if I was surprised…uuuh yeah.

So last night we went to the house, threw everything in my suitcases and we headed over to the assistants house with Elder Foote and Corro (The assistants). I will be with them the next 2 days to try and learn from them and see all the things we do. Then Elder Foote will go to Tierra Linda where I was (ha and baptize all our people). I was completely sure I was not going anywhere this transfer and it all just kind of came at once.

I am completely shocked. I feel so humbled and inadequate to be an example and leader to so many good missionaries who probably know more and have more experience than me. I know President Camargo is the person who receives the revelation for these things and the Lord is the one who chooses but if I haven’t already explained, I am completely dumbfounded. I have been here in Colombia less than 7 months. I am very excited for such an opportunity and I know I am going to learn more and be humbled more than I ever have. I guess I just have to say I will go and do the things the Lord has commanded because I know he provides a way. At least I will be with Elder Corro who has good experience and I guess it’s going to be a "baptism by fire" as I think they say.

Some of the responsibilities I will now learn, will be traveling to all parts of the mission to work and help the other missionaries, train at all the Zone Conferences and the Mission Leader Meetings, answer the questions of missionaries that call in, be in communication with all the Zone Leaders about how the work is going in their zones and many more things that I have yet to learn. So I’m just going to do the very best I can with a good attitude and trust in the Lord to help me.

It was nice to see all the kids there together. Thanks for all of your support and prayers, I am going to need them now more than ever. I love my family so much. I will talk to you next week.

Much love, Will

We're Back

2009-05-14T15:54:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful phone conversation with Will on Mother's Day. It was so good to hear his voice. He is working very hard and loving every minute. You can just hear the happiness and exuberance, not only in his voice but in his expressions. He's always been a happy kid but I think that the experiences he is having on his mission surpass anything he has ever done before.

He wrote me a special Mother's Day letter and actually sent it off several weeks ago - boy is he getting organized. I got it the day before Mother's Day when we got back. Anyway, it was one of the best letters I have ever received. I couldn't hold back the tears - he is a wonderful son. We are so grateful to have the privilege of having a missionary. The blessings received and the lessons learned are beyond anything I could imagine. If there is anyone thinking of going on a mission - DO IT. You will be eternally grateful that you did.

May 11, 2009

Hello family and happy mother’s day!
I don’t have a ton to say that I didn’t say on the phone yesterday but it was great to talk to the family and hear that all is going well.

They assigned me a new Companion from the mission. His name is Elder Mullisaca. He is from Peru and he doesn’t know his genealogy but there has to be some Japanese with that name. He was a member for 1 year before his mission and his entire family are 7th day Adventist so I have a lot of respect for him. We are going to be working very hard in these coming weeks to do everything we can to help our investigators so I am very excited about that.

Well I think I said about everything yesterday but I wanted to wish a happy mother’s day to mom, Angie, Amy, Grandma and everyone else and thanks for all the support and prayers.

Until Next week, love, Elder Barnard

2009-05-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

May 4, 2009
Hello Barnard, Bates and Heaven Families,
I know the Lord has been with me and as far as the work, things are going great. The couple of Mauricio and Tatiana that we found my first week here are just waiting for some papers to get here and they will be married and baptized the first day possible, hopefully we can get the papers in this week so they can get married.
Also we received a while ago references of two young kids (dario and ana maria) 14 and 12. Their parents both died and they are living with their aunt who is a member. We were teaching them and trying to take things very slow. We got ana maria lined up to go to a campout with the young women this last weekend and I guess it was amazing and she loved it. She bore a perfect little testimony of what happened in sacrament meeting yesterday and they have now both decided they want to be baptized this month.
We also received another referral yesterday, from one hermano who is a convert of 5 years, and he took us to his friend’s house. We taught him the first lesson and invited him to be baptized on the 23rd and he said yes. So I am very "pumped" as you say in English as far as the work and it looks like the fruits of our work with the members is going to start paying off. It is very rewarding and I am very excited about the work we are doing.

Other random things that I don’t think I have written about yet. Elder Quentin L cook came the other week and talked to all the missionaries which was very cool and I got to sit with Elder Smith (my mtc comp). It was the first time I have seen him in the field and we got to be really good friends so that was cool.

Also a few weeks ago a member called and said her sister had a new baby that was born two months early and was very weak and had surgery the next day and asked if we could give it a blessing. I went with Elder Alvarado and we put on aprons and washed our hands up and went into this secure room where the tiiiiny little thing was in an incubator. We put our hands over the incubator and gave it a blessing. They said there was about a 30 percent chance it would live thru surgery the next day. The sister called Elder A the other day and told him the baby was doing great, it was bigger and stronger and they thought everything was going to end up fine and that the doctors were basically amazed. What an experience.

But HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to mom and dad. Haha that’s pretty awesome to be spending it in Paris. I hope all the travel goes well and all the nieces’ nephews BJ and everyone are well. I’m out of time but much love and I will talk to ya next week.

Vacation

2009-04-14T19:40:00.001-07:00

Hi all family and friends.

This is just a short note to let you know that I will probably be unable to post regularly for the next little while. We are going to Europe on a vacation for four weeks and will probably have only limited and sporadic use of computers. I am so excited that I can hardly stand it. I can't believe that we will be leaving tomorrow morning. We are all packed up and ready to go. I will try to post a few things when I am able. Bye for now.

New Trainer

2009-04-13T16:33:00.000-07:00

Some beautiful pictures of the Colombian countryside thanks to Elder Lee.

Elder Barnard and Elder Lee leaving Bucaramanga

Hola querida familia,

Well I have been transferred to la capital (Bogota). They have called me to be a trainer. I will be working with a greenie named Elder Larson. I am very very excited and nervous. All is going very well up to this point and I’ll try to write a little about the last week. I am in the same zone as all the Mission Home people.
I got my stuff all packed up pretty early so I wasn’t up all night packing suitcases and at 5 30 I was up showering and getting ready. We lugged our suitcases ( Elder Fernandez and me) down the stairs of the apartment and took a taxi to the bus station. There were about 8 elders and 1 hermana that were heading to Bogotá so we all got tickets on the same bus. It was kind of ironic because I got to sit with Elder Lee and we talked about how 5 months ago we arrived on a similar bus without any idea about the mission or being able to speak much Spanish and now we were leaving to start the next part of the mission on a similar bus. I said goodbye to my comp and the other Elders and we headed out at about 8 30.
Coming to Bucaramanga it was the middle of the night so I couldn’t see anything but this time I was able to see all the little villages and Colombian scenery as we drove. We stopped at about 1 for lunch and they showed 2 movies during the ride but they were both kind of dumb so I didn’t watch. It was a very long bus ride and we got into Bogotá at about 7 30 but Bogotá is gigantic so we got to the bus terminal at about 8. I was a little nervous as we started to drive through Bogotá thinking about being a trainer and starting in an area we know nothing about. We got to the terminal and our zone leaders were there waiting.
They hauled me off in a hurry and we took a taxi to our apartment. We got to the house at about 8 30 and headed upstairs to the apartment. It’s an apartment complex somewhat like the other I had but it’s designed differently. It’s got like curvy stairs that lead up to little balconies where all the doors to the apartments are. We live in Apt 307. It turns out that there are 9 new American Elders. They hadn’t arrived yet so we waited at the house about 15 minutes before they got there.
My son (haha that’s what the missionaries say when you train someone) was the first one up the stairs. His name is Elder Mike Larson from Kaysville Utah. He is awesome. He is about 5 10 and has short blonde hair. He has been to BYU for one semester. He used to play sports but in 10th grade he had an accident that messed up his ankle so he couldn’t play after that.
But anyway they opened the doors and we got the first view of the house. Haha after the nice apartment in Bucaramanga with open roof deck and lots of space you could say it’s a downgrade. Haha but its a nice little apartment with a little kitchen and dining room, a little bathroom, 2 bedrooms and a tiny study room. It’s got a beautiful view of some rusty tin roofs of some shops that are next to it :) But it’s the only apartment I've seen in Colombia with carpet so that is good. The sisters left it quite messy with extra clothes left behind and dirty plates and stuff but not too bad. From there the other Elders headed out and I got to know my comp a little bit.
My comp has a very good attitude and wants to work hard so that’s very good. He is very humble and he seems to be a very nice elder. His Spanish is good for a greenie but he still doesn't understand things because everyone talks so fast. I remember those days ha. We talked a little in English to get to know each other but we put the rule in place that first he will try his best to say something in Spanish and if he can’t then I can tell him how. I know that he will learn it much faster that way. It was so good for Elder Lee and me because we had to speak Spanish from day one. We got a little sleep and spent the morning getting the house all cleaned up. We bought some eggs and bread and I fried them and made egg sandwiches for breakfast (my cooking skills are very limited). After that we studied a little and headed out to walk around the area a little bit.
The temple is about 6 blocks from our house and the chapel is about 4 so its a great location. Its not in downtown Bogotá but it's somewhat close. Its pretty easy to figure out the directions and stuff because it's all basically a perfect grid which is a lot different than my other area. We got to know some of the members and they are awesome. It is a ward where the church is very strong. About 160 to 180 people attend church every week in comparison to 60 to 70 in my old ward and the leadership is very very good.
The area presidency of Colombia Venezuela and Ecuador live in our ward and many of the temple workers also. The members are great and we have met some families that are very very very firm in the church. We met the bishop and he was great and said he wants the goal of everything the ward does to be to help the mission work so we are glad for that. The ward has 2 companionships because the neighbor ward dissolved because of lack of priesthood so about half the members from there got put in our ward along with the missionaries. The district Leader Elder Alvarado has been here for a while so he has helped us to get to know a lot of the families and a lot of them have friends that want to learn the gospel which is great but has been stressing.
Ha The first 5 months here in Colombia, I have been a junior comp so I could just let my comp handle things. But now I am the person that communicates with all the members, organizes all the references and questions they have and make sure every thing goes well. I also have to communicate with the district leader and zone leaders.
It really has been a little stressing but at the same time I’m very excited to have more responsibility and I know it’s a blessing. Well I love you all, I think I’m learning faster than I ever have because I’m definitely being challenged but I’m loving it. Thanks for all your support, out of time. Much Love Will

Probable Transfers

2009-04-06T18:06:00.001-07:00

Hola querida familia,
Things are going great here in Bucaramanga. Sounds like hectic times there but all the travel sounds cool. That is awesome about the trip to Europe, what cities are you going to see? This has been a busy week but again a very good one.

We had interviews with the president. Went on companionship interchange with the assistants and of course conference. The interviews went very well, and after President Camargo told me that I was going to be leaving for another area. Ha, he said he had already done the transfers and he didn’t remember where I was going but he thought Bogotá, but we will find out tonight.

The conference was very cool. The first two Saturday sessions we watched in Spanish in the terrazas chapel. It was cool because I was able to understand everything they said, but it’s just not the same as hearing president Monson or Uchtdorfs voice. For the priesthood session they had a TV set up in the chapel with English so we watched that in English. The talks by the first presidency were amazing, I loved Presidente Uchtdorfs talk about the little light in the airplane. Sunday morning we watched the first session in English again and right as the second one started the power went out. It was kind of funny because in the English room were Elder Lee, Wagstaff and I, and a few Colombianos who served missions in the states or who learned from gringo companions so we sat there for a while and they practiced English with us. The power came back with about half an hour left so we will have to wait for the Liahona to read what was said.

They really talked a lot about the economic problems. This was a total surprise to me. What is happening in our country? And what is it that is causing the problems? If you could tell me in the next letter because I really am out of it as far as what’s going on there.

Today for PDay I spent most of the time getting my suitcase ready and I've got about two thirds packed so I won’t be up all night on Tuesday. Ha, I don’t think I have ever packed before the last possible second in my whole life for basketball camps and trips. I guess that’s because of the mission.

Bueno to the questions. I have plenty of space in my email inbox but I do delete lots of the letters so I hope you keep saving them. The mail here tends to come in big piles about once a month or once every three weeks so when I get stuff there is usually quite a lot but they have been arriving just fine, only slow. I’m about out of time but they call pretty late with the transfers.

Thanks for everything family. Much love and keep on being happy and healthy.

Elder Jed DeCamp

2009-04-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

Here is some news on Elder Jed DeCamp, a good friend of Will's. He is serving in Philadelphia right now. Isn't it fun to see these boys grow and serve so valiantly. I love to see their pictures. What amazing experiences they are having. We love you guys.

If anyone else has any news, please leave a comment.

Hi my family!
Well Dad, I think I am feeling a portion of what you felt as you were called to be bishop... ok maybe not quite lol, but President has given me an extrememly tough assignment. I have been transfered into a new area called "Ridley Park". It's the suburbs and Broomall is in my area. I'm in the Broomall 1st ward. So yes it's going to be interesting to adjust to the suburbs, but thats not the tough part of my assignment. I will also be training a brand new missionary. When President called me Sunday night and told me my assignment, I was pretty scared lol cuz usually when you train, it's in an area you have been in for a while, but now I have to learn a new area all by myself and train my new greeny lol. So wish me luck haha. My new address is 740 E Chester Pike Apt. E Ridley Park, PA 19078. So far, this is only my second day in the area. I do have a car and my area is about 10 times as big as my last area. I'm not sure if you are familiar with Andy Reed (the Eagles coach) but he is in my ward apparently, cool huh. I'll let ya know if I meet him. We also have a baptism coming up this weekend. I just met her the other night. her name is Maggie and she seems very solid. So it's lucky that we have an awesome missionary minded ward, because I've never had a baptism before and there is a lot that has to be done. I'll let you know how that goes as well. So my new greeny's is from Huntington Utah. He was home schooled and was also on a fire fighting squad. Cool huh? He's working very hard on his social skills since he didn't have the opportunity to meet alot of people since he was home schooled. He has a great attitude and is willing to work, which is all that matters. I'll be leaving my "comfort zone" alot these next few weeks lol.
So as far as the new apostle goes, I think it will be Elder Tingey. I have no idea though lol.
Oh I did get the package ya sent and thank you very much! So if you havent sent the last package yet, make sure you don't send any more candy haha People give us so much junk food! But granola bars and nuts are great! Oh and also there are a couple cd's i really like. They are both by "motab". One is called "Praise to the Man", the other is called " Love is spoken here" i think. But no worries about gettin those to me. So life sounds like it's goin great in Evanston.
It's weird to think that Evanston High School still exists lol. But i just want you to know how much I love you all and i can honestly say that the greatest desire of my heart
is to live eternally with all of you and invite others to come as well.
Well, I love you very much!
See ya, Love ya, Bye!!!

March 30, 2009

2009-03-31T10:02:00.001-07:00

Scenes from Bucaramanga

Hola Family,
All is great here in Bucaramanga. It has been a beautiful week with lots of little showers all week which equals more shade and cooler (which equals good).

We have had a successful week finding various people who seem to be very interested in our message. One of them is a 19 year old girl named Laura and her Mom. After writing you last week she asked us who we were so we introduced ourselves. She asked me where I was from and was amazed to be talking to a Gringo. She asked me if she could practice English for a second, so I answered a few of her broken English questions and she thought it was quite cool. She asked if we could stop by her house and explain better what we do so we have visited them twice this week. Both she and her mom seem very intrigued by our message and we are excited to keep teaching them.

It is hard to believe but yet again another cambio (transfer) has almost passed. Next Monday night the assistants will call and tell us who is going and who is staying. Ha I don’t think I will start packing my suitcases yet but it is almost a sure thing I will be transferred somewhere else. But I won’t know until after my next letter so that can be talked about later.

I really liked what mom and dad said about preparing the harvest in your letters. Sometimes missionaries get caught up in how many baptisms they have and forget the importance of preparing people and real conversion. I know I probably won’t see the end result with the people we are working with now or if they become converted or not so this week. This is a good chance for me to forget about my own results and try to help prepare these people so that hopefully if I leave they can reap the "harvest" blessings later.

Yesterday at church my comp and I spoke. The bishop told us we could pick whatever topic so I spoke on Prayer. I talked about 3 important parts of prayer, that we pray "at all times, in all things and all places (D&C 6:36), that we ask in faith (James 1:5-6) and that we are ready and know how to recognize the answer. With the last point I shared the experience that had happened with Marta and Jose a few months ago and how our prayers were answered. It went well and one sister told me after that I was "La persona clave de mi dia" and it was a message she needed to hear. So I felt very good about the talk and I know the spirit testified through my gringo accented Spanish to help her.

Now for your questions... I don’t think I have put on any weight – everything fits loosely - but I really don’t have access to a scale. We have been going to a soccer field every other day to run a mile and doing exercise in the house the alternate days so I think I’m staying in pretty good shape. I got the parcel with the two books and the candy. I took a few peeks at the book about preparation and it seems to have some awesome stuff. There is Jell-O here, cool whip I haven’t seen yet but pasta, yes there is plenty. We do have a cake pan but I couldn’t tell you if it is 9 by 13.
Well all I can say is thanks for all of the support. I know I always say the same stuff but I really am grateful for the family I have, especially as I see more and more how family life is in many cases here. The majority of the South American elders here were raised by single mothers or are converts of a few years and it really makes one think about all we have.
But again thanks for everything, the church is true, hasta next week. Love Elder Barnard

New Missionaries

2009-03-25T15:42:00.000-07:00

This must be Elder Wagstaff - he's a big handsome boy. With his blond hair he will really stand out. He looks like he loves Giron already.

Will with two of the Elders in his apartment - I think.

Will said that he was frying plantains - I am continually amazed at his new cooking skills. Ha ha.

March 23, 2009
Hola familia,
It’s good to hear that all is going well even if you’re all over the place traveling to Canada etc. This has been another good week in Bucaramanga, we just keep grinding along looking for the elect. These few weeks have been a struggle to find progressing investigators but we have been trying many different things and involving the members so I know it will come. I know the Lord always puts us with people or gives us challenges to help us learn and grow in something.

This week two new gringo Elders arrived here, Elder Wagstaff and Christiansen. They sent them on a middle of the night bus, all by themselves, exactly like Elder Lee and me. We're glad they got here okay. They had quite a trip.

Since I live with the Zone leaders, they asked me if I would go with one of them (Elder Fernandez) to pick them up and the other one stayed with my comp. Because it’s tough to communicate and understand people when you first start the mission, they gave them a cell phone to carry and I would call them every once in a while to see where they where (not that they knew ha-ha). So we were up waiting all night for them to get here and call. They called at about 4 in the morning and said they thought they were in Bucaramanga because the bus was stopped but they didn’t know for sure. We had them give the phone to the bus driver and he told us they had already passed the terminal and were like 10 miles outside the city up a mountain heading to parts unknown. So we hurried and grabbed a taxi and went to where they said. I’m glad we found them – it wouldn’t be fun to be lost in the Colombian jungle in the middle of the night. Who knows where they could have ended up. We picked them up and we couldn’t all fit in a taxi so I went in one with the two new elders and Elder Fernandez and the comp of Elder Christiansen went in another.

It was really cool because that was exactly the situation I was in a few months ago. I got to amaze them with my Spanish skills talking to the taxi driver and getting us to the house ha-ha.
Elder Christiansen left right away with his comp to Cucuta, but Elder Wagstaff stayed the night so I really got to talk to him. He is awesome. They both seem like really good elders. We’re so glad to have them here. Elder Wagstaff will be in Giron with Elder Lee and those guys there. They were lucky to be able to come to a really good area to start out their missions. I know they will love it here.

Today we went to Giron to play some b-ball with Elder Wagstaff and his comp and some of the members of their ward. Wow, it was great to play b-ball with these guys. I found out he went to Olympus High School in Salt Lake so we had played them like 4 times in spring league and he said he remembered losing to us ha-ha.

But to los preguntas. Elder Amador only has been in the mission a little over a year so he has plenty of time left so I’m sure the package will get to him fine (I think the best way to assure packages is to plaster them with stickers of Jesus and the Virgin Mary because they are all Catholic. Now for your questions. I would like to get some recipes of typical dinners you make, the elders want me to cook some normal gringo food, so recipes would be very useful. Usually we take a taxi to the church because it’s pretty far but after we almost always walk to the next lesson or the house. When the sisters have a baptism they either ask a member or one of us to do it, last week they had one and a member did it. I am always very happy with the packages so whatever you send I will be very grateful. Also the church supplies are very cool and I was grateful for it but don’t worry about sending proclamation to the world or stuff like that because we basically have closets full). The rules are that we should be out of bed by 6:30 and praying followed by exercise. I haven’t had any problems with shirts getting stretched and to dry them, we have ropes tied up on the roof (we have an awesome roof pario thing) and I hang hangers there like a clothesline. And yes I take my vitamins frequentlyJ Well I’m short on time but thanks for all the support and the prayers I hope all goes well with the travel/tornadoes/kids/etc and I will talk to you next week.

Learning Patience

2009-03-16T17:23:00.000-07:00

Here's an adorable little child with Will

Here is Will's former companion in one of the beautiful parks with a white, furry rabbit. Will says that there are lots of little animals running through the parks.
This is something that Will would spot from a mile away - a basketball court!!!
This looks like a shoe store named after me - ha ha. I couldn't believe that it is spelled exactly like my name.

Hola family,
Well it has been another good week here in Bucaramanga. This week I have been given the chance to learn about agency and improve in patience. I wrote last week telling about all the great people we had found and the experiences we had and our many progressing investigators. This week they have basically been dropping like flies. Ha not to say that anyone died but like I said the Lord is giving me a chance to learn about patience and the agency of people. Literally 4 investigatoes that had goals for baptisms this month, now do not. One fell back into a drug habit that he had stopped for 6 months and has now moved to another city. Two others that have promised us to go to church for 3 weeks again didn’t come. Its tough but we are taught over and over that if people don’t progress and comply with assignments we have to move on to the people that will progress. Ha it’s frustrating because we can hand wrap the gospel, plan lessons, bring it to their door whatever time they want but if they don’t do their part they can’t receive the blessings and learn for themselves, so we have to move on to the people that are escogidos (the elect) that are waiting to hear this message. But I know it’s just a challenge and I’m excited to work with the people that we have and keep looking for the elect.

Today has been a P day of just relaxing and taking it easy to recover from a long week. I found a little sandwich toaster thing so I have been experimenting by making cool sandwiches. I used it to make us lunch today followed by some reading and a nice nap.

We got some really exciting news. Today one of the new gringo elders will get here from Bogotá. They say his name is Elder Wagstaff so I wonder if he is related to the Wagstaffs in Evanston. He will be in my zone and live in the same house as Elder Lee in Giron.

Here's the answer to your questions. My morning schedule is to get up at 6:00 A.M., have personal and companion prayer, exercise from 6:30 to 7 (sometimes running or else pushups and jump rope in the house). I iron my shirt at 7 and then into the shower, make a quick breakfast (recently my famous toasted sandwiches) and then personal study at 8 o’clock sharp.

As far as the mission approved library, I bought the ones I didn’t have in the mtc so I already have them all I'm pretty sure. With the last package I did get the pillowcase with all the good mom advice ha-ha and the CTR Rods, I put one in my keychain. Elder Araujo is very happy with the camera and takes lots of pics.

As far as Diana, (who had been in jail), the final decision is that the first of May, when her probation ends she can get baptized. Sadly I probably won’t be here to see it but we keep visiting her to make sure everything goes well. Two of the teenagers who accepted the invitation to get baptized are the ones that we just can’t get to go to church, so we may have to let them go and look for others. No new parcels have arrived here yet but they might be in the office in Bogotá.

Well I really love you fam thanks for all the support, you’re in my prayers always.

Mucho Amor, Elder Barnard