tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3768649355184636112024-02-18T20:04:21.126-08:00Elder Jorge VelazquezMexico Ciudad Juarez MissionAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-53152735494439346462014-11-22T00:42:00.000-08:002014-12-05T00:43:02.068-08:00Letter 52: Takis YogaLife as a secretary is a fast paced life.<br />
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Elder
Webster and I had divisions with the missionaries in Ejido Benito Juarez
on Monday. Elder Webster went to Benito Juarez and I stayed in Ciudad
Juarez. I got to work with Elder Trejo. Elder Trejo has about 9 months
in the field and is from Tequisquiapan, Queretaro...Or <i>Tequis </i>for
short. (or, as I like to call it, Takis) He is also a total yogi.
During our morning workout he just started doing all this crazy yoga
stuff. Apparaently, yoga is a HUGE thing in his lil town, and it's what
all the cool kids do. Elder Trejo is working in the Benito Juarez area
right now, and since it is so far away from the rest of the mission (it
is actually the last <i>pueblito</i> within the mission limits), he was pretty excited to be back in the City. </div>
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We
had a pretty cool experience teaching a less active family in the ward.
Elder Trejo and I gave them a lesson on fortifying their testimonies
through Jesus Christ. At the end of the lesson, we asked them for a
reference (of course). And then, something amazing happened. It turns
out that the Brother actually had non-member relatives living
in....Ejido Benito Juarez! Elder Trejo couldn't believe it! They hadn't
recieved a reference in FOREVER, and now, the Lord had put us right
where he needed us.</div>
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Thursday we took a lilttle
trip down to Janos, Chihuahua for some immigration stuff. It looked like
another routine trip for Elder Velazquez & Webster. When we got
out, the whole town went on strike and blocked off the main highway that
leads to Ciudad Juarez. Apparrently they went on strike because of gas
prices, and they were blocking off access to Ciudad Juarez. Needless to
say, Elder Webster, Thorpe, Alba, and I were stuck in Janos. We
(miracolously) got a ride to Casas Grandes, Chihuahua (the closest town
to Janos) and then waited until about <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_639477230" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">4 PM</span></span> for the roadblock manifestation to finish. We took a late bus back to Juarez, and arrived at around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_639477231" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">8:30</span></span> back in the City. </div>
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And that brings us to today.</div>
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Today
we got a call from President telling us that a shipment of Flu vaccines
are coming in today. He told us to come to the office and wait for them
to arrive, so we have been wating ever since for them to get here.</div>
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Hasta luego familia </div>
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Elder Velazquez</div>
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Kitty Kadavers (we found these in a house we were looking to rent) </div>
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Brownies and Ice Cream part I </div>
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Southpole XXL (a gift from our convert, Luz Elena) </div>
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Hipsta Vision</div>
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Elder Trejo and I </div>
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Motörhead Cheeks </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-46669402422732693912014-11-15T00:37:00.000-08:002014-12-05T00:37:37.739-08:00Letter 51: Trunky...Psych!Hello Familia!<br />
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We kicked off the week with our
monthly Zone Reunion. If you guys want to know what goes on in a Zone
Reunion, here's the link to the presentation I made:</div>
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<a href="http://prezi.com/q288pdzmfmk5/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy" target="_blank">http://prezi.com/q288pdzmfmk5/<wbr></wbr>?utm_campaign=share&utm_<wbr></wbr>medium=copy</a></div>
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Tuesday was travel day. Elder Webster and I headed down to Janos, Chihuahua to wrap up some immigration paperwork. </div>
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Wednesday
was a super busy day! We had to help 4 missionaries with some
inter-cycle changes. We dropped off a missionary at the airport, and
then picked up some sisters who were also being changed from Casas
Grandes, Chihuahua to Ciudad Juarez. Inter-cycle changes are kinds
common. They usually occur when there is companionship problems, a
missionary is sick, or whatnot. Aside from that, we had to go check out
and make a contract for a new house for some sister missionaries. I have
been getting real good with making and settling contracts lately. If my
whole computer engineering/ IT career doesn't work out, I think I'd
make a good real estate attorney.</div>
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Wednesday was also my 1 year anniversary</div>
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I
don't feel like time has made me distant. If anything, it has brought
me closer to all of you dearest family, and especially to the Lord, my
Saviour. I don't feel sad, I don't feel down. I feel happy and with an
unexplicable amount of placidity and stillness. I am right were the Lord
needs me to be, and I couldn't be happier. </div>
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I am super happy, and I wish time time went by this fast back in High School! </div>
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I love you all!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-46783318183609740332014-11-08T15:42:00.000-08:002014-11-08T15:42:06.437-08:00Letter 50: The 5th FernandoHello familia<br />
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Lately, Elder Webster and I have been
doing house inspections for some of the missionaries here in Juarez. We
have seen some of the craziest houses, but they all have one thing in
common...They all kinda smell like stale farts and concrete. We have
been checking to make sure they all have blankets and that their houses
are ready for the long awaited winter. Things are starting to get cool
over here in Juarez, but not as cool as the experiences we've been
having with our investigators lately.</div>
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For the
past few weeks we have been teaching some relatives of a member in our
ward, Fernando Garcia. We have been preaching to his Uncle, Juan, and
his dad, whose name is also Fernando. Quick tangent: This is the 5th
Fernando we have taught here in the ward (<i>Fernando </i>Rodriguez, Edgar <i>Fernando</i>, <i>Fernando </i>Soto, and Alberto <i>Fernando</i>) and
so far 3 of them have gotten baptized. Fernando Sr. Garcia is a very
humble, quiet, and simple man who has known about the Church since he
married his first wife 35 years ago. He has never had a single ounce of
interest...until NOW! He's been coming to church <b>every </b>week since
General Conference, and has been making significant progress. His
brother, Juan, has also been listening to our message, and has accepted a
baptismal date for the 22nd.</div>
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We had an awesome Mission Leadership Council with President Derbez this week! Part 1 of the Council kicked off <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_804782880" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Thursday</span></span>
night. We did some exercises and ran laps around the chapel. Then,
President Reyes (President Derbez's 1st Councilor) addressed us, and
talked to us about the importance of establishing confidence with our
investigators. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_804782881" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Friday</span></span>,
the meeting continued as we talked about the importance of the Book Of
Mormon, and how it truly is the best tool we have for conversion. </div>
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Elder
Webster and Elder Birchett went to Casas Grandes, Chihuahua to help out
with a meeting that they are having with all of the missionaries over
there, so Elder Allen and I have been chilling together for the last 2
days here in Pradera.</div>
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Time is going and it doesn't come back. Everyday seems to go by faster than the last!</div>
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Love you all <i>chavalos</i></div>
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Elder Velazquez </div>
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Elder Webster Birthday Bash (Luz Elena, Hna. Ostos, Hna Jimenez, Webster, Me)</div>
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Back to the Pop Era</div>
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Hermano Fernando Garcia Jr. on his sweet Bike</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-70443005993436802032014-11-01T15:36:00.000-07:002014-11-08T15:37:40.030-08:00Letter 49<div>
Because Juarez is a Border state, daylight savings time doesn't end
until tomorrow. That means that this whole last week, half of the
mission was an hour ahead, and the other half actually got to <i>fall back </i>into the new time schedule. This has caused some pretty crazy confusion.</div>
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We
had 18 new missionaries arrive on Monday. We did all of the usual
meetings with the new missionaries on Monday, and ran around getting
everything ready for Tuesday. We started the transfers at around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_804782570" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">7 am</span></span> and ended at around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_804782571" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">2 pm</span></span>.
As you all know, I am in charge of making sure everyone arrives at the
Mission Offices and departs to their new areas. This cycle's changes
weren't too bad, and everything went (for the most part) according to
plan.</div>
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President Derbez reunited <i>all</i> of the missionaries serving in Juarez on Friday for a special reunion. The meeting started at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_804782572" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">10 am</span></span> and ended at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_804782573" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">5 pm</span></span>.
In the meeting President Derbez addressed some important points on
safety, health, self-reliance, and a special Christmas program we are
having in December (more on that later). We also got a speciel visit
from the mission doctor, Elder Payan. He is the assigned
doctor/specialist for many missions here in the North.</div>
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We
had a great experience with our recent convert, Luz Elena this last
week. During the Ward night on Thursday, We had some of our recent
converts come to the church to set up their Familysearch account. As we
helped these new members get started on their family history, we
explained to them of its importance and the blessings it would bring to
them as they discovered their ancestors. We all got hooked on Family
History! Working on your geneology is actually pretty addicting! Later
that night we got a call from Luz Elena. She was so happy and excited
about all she had learned doing her Family History, that she over to her
friends house after the activity and talked to her friend about the joy
she felt in the Church, then she had her friend (Lupe) call us and set
an appointment for us to visit her! Lupe, was so amazed to see Luz Elena
so happy that she wanted to have the same happiness she saw in Luz.
Lupe told us that she was eager to come to our Church on Sunday and see
what it is all about! </div>
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Everyone have a great week</div>
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Elder Velazquez</div>
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Institute Fame</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The Stewarts </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
President Derbez "capacitating" (that's not a real word) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
President Derbez "capacitating" (that's not a real word) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
All the Zone Leaders in Ciudad Juarez </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The Other Secretaries (Elder Birchett and Allen) </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-67122686757510559412014-10-25T17:51:00.000-07:002014-10-26T17:51:45.652-07:00Letter 48: While the Cat's Away, The Mice Will...Keep WorkingHola Familia,<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
President Derbez had to step out this
week for a Mission President Meeting they had in Puebla, he gets back
later today, just in time for the cycle transfers <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1329709164" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Monday</span></span>.
We have been getting everything ready for the new cycle this past week
and its been...crazy. I have to come to notice that I always describe
everything as crazy, and I am sorry for my lack of adjectives, but it
really is always crazy around the office. A good kind of crazy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1329709165" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Monday</span></span> and <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1329709166" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Tuesday</span></span>
I had to finalize contracts for the new houses opening up in the
mission. Elder Webster went and bought all the new materials for the new
houses (electronic stoves, fridges, beds, etc.) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wednsday
was travel day for Elder Webster and I. Elder Webster had to go to
Ascencion, Chihuahua to get the house prepped for the new missionaries.
Ascencion is about 2 hours away from the city, and everyone calls it "La
Chona". In Spanish the nickname for everyone named "Concepcion" is
sometimes Chon, and since Ascencion sorta sounds like Concepcion,
everyone just calls it "La Chona". I hope that made sense to all of you.
Anyway, as we were getting everything planned to leave, the
missionaries in Benito Juarez call us and tell us that they need a
baptismal interview for their investigator. Since Elder Webster had to
travel to La Chona, and I had to travel to Benito (which is clear on the
<i>other</i> side of the desert), we had to banana split. Elder Allen
(the financial secretary) accompanied Elder Webster, and Elder Birchett
(the Referral Secretary) came along with me to Benito.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Upon arriving to Benito, we headed to the little house of prayer to meet the potential new member.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After
the interview, we headed back to Elder Chigüila and Elder Santoscoy's
house to bunk. When we arrived, we opened the door and a couple mice
scurried through the kitchen and the aroma of sweaty missionary filled
the room. There was no extra blankets or anything really so we decided
to stay at a little hotel nearby...Four Seasons At Ejido Benito Juarez.
(see pictures). It was no Buckingham Palace, but it was good enough.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We returned to Ciudad Juarez <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1329709167" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Thursday</span></span> and continued preparing for the changes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This
week we met a new investigator, Claudia and her daughter, Fernanda.
Claudia is a single mom who owns a beauty parlor nearby. She was a
reference from our recent convert, Luz Elena. I just realized that for
some reason, we have been finding and teaching a lot of single parents
lately. I really admire these investigators because of all the hard work
they do to provide for their families and to hold everything together.
Claudia told us that our recent convert, Luz, had really sparked her
interest in the Church, and that she wanted to feel the peace that she
saw in Luz. As we taught her, she expressed to us that she really felt
the need to draw closer to God, and to set an example for her young
daughter. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's all the time I have for now, sorry my letter was so late!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elder Velazquez</div>
<div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Hotel Moreno</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Classy floor design</div>
<br />
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Elder Birchett Chillin'</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Visa Renovation Trip</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-11854430714019106522014-10-18T23:47:00.000-07:002014-10-19T23:48:00.581-07:00Letter 47Familia!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These last few months a big focus we have had in the mission has been being of good cheer (ánimo). We had our Zone Reunion <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1798766797" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Monday</span></span>, and this was the main focus. We told the missionaries that everything they do, they have to do it with <i>ánimo. </i>Our
goal was to get rid of all the droopiness going around in the Zone, and
basically get everyone pumped and excited to work. A lot of times,
missionaries can get a little discouraged when work starts to slow down
in their areas, when they don't get along with their companions, or if
something happens back home. This really does effect their work, and <i>desanimo</i> (discouragement)
is usually contagious. A gloomy missionary can really bring down a
lotta people. Thankfully, their is a cure. Work! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1798766798" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Tuesday</span></span>,
tragedy hit the mission, when one of the Senior Couple missionaries
passed away. Sister Virginia Torres passed away. She had been serving
alongside her husband, Elder Torres for about 10 months. They were the
secretaries in charge of Materials and Housing. They were also our
neighbors, and good friends. There was a small ceremony in Juarez with
all of the secretaries and with the members of the Pradera Ward, where
Elder and Sister Torres attended. They will surely be missed, and we
have all been praying for Elder Torres.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Since 2
very important secretaries left, we were left with a lot of extra responsibilities and tasks. Most of the week was spent running around
tying up loose ends and catching up on other secretary tasks.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Apart from all of the <i>locura </i>around the office, we finished getting everything ready for the baptism of Luz Elena and Alberto Ayala.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We held their baptismal service today, at around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1798766799" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">12:00 pm</span></span>. But man, getting everything ready for this baptism was crazy! We finished giving them their last lesson <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1798766800" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Monday</span></span>,
and planned the week out so that they could have their interviews and
so that we could have a nice little baptismal service on Saturday. Ha!
As usual, everything changed the next day! Our schedule was cut a little
from what happened with Sister Torres, Luz Elena's daughter gave birth,
and to top it off, the Chapel building was going to be occupied
Saturday afternoon for a Young Men stake Conference! Well, after much
prayer, we were able to have everything fall into place just perfectly
for Luz and Alberto's baptism. It was a great service, and we had a good
amount of member participation. Luz and Alberto were so happy to
finally get baptised! They are such an awesome couple! Luz is always
super friendly; hugging and kissing everyone, people used to think she
was already a member! And Alberto has been reading his Book Of Mormon
like crazy and beefing up on his Gospel knowledge (plus he already kinda
has the High Priest look going on).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, that's about all the time we have for today!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Have a great week</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elder Velazquez</div>
<div>
</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-86161478367411786112014-10-11T20:50:00.000-07:002014-10-13T20:50:30.167-07:00Letter 46: BorregitoQuibole familia,<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Every time I go to the Border to
the Immigration Office, I always turn my paperwork in to the same 3
people; Vero, Andres, and Trillo. As you can probably imagine, these
people are pretty monotonous and bland, and sometimes, a little
heartless (or so I thought). Well, over the last few months I've been
working as secretary I've become pretty good friends with all of them.
In fact, this last time I went to turn in some papers, one of them
(Trillo), gave me a glass of Orange Juice and a couple brownies while we
worked on the paperwork. But the coolest part came when he told me
that he had finally had the missionaries over at his house a few weeks
before! For the last 8 months, I've been telling him about our Church
and he's finally started to investigate.<br /><br />This week, we had our monthly Mission Leader Council. The meeting started <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1058611030" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Thursday</span></span>, and continued on to <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1058611031" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span>.
Well, we got a very special treat this meeting, we got to eat some very
delicious barbacoa. Barbacoa is meat traditionally made out of borrego
or sheep. A sheep in its first year is called a lamb; and its meat is
also called lamb. Here in Juarez, people eat barbacoa made out of Cow,
but President Derbez went all out and got a whole lamb. We ordered it a
few weeks ago, and Elder Webster and I were in charge of picking it up
and having everything ready for our luncheon. We picked up the lamb way
across in the outskirts of town, and then booked it back to the meeting
to have everything prepped and ready. In the end, we all enjoyed some
pretty good barbacoa, and Elder Webster and I got to keep the leftovers.
Sister Derbez gave us a pretty good idea of using the meat to make
little taquitos and then putting them in the freezer and storing them
for later, that way we would have frozen taquitos whenever we got
hungry..so we made like 50 taquitos and we still have meat left!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We
have been really trying hard to keep all of our recent converts active
in the ward. So far, they are all active, except for 1 who moved to
Tlaquepaque, Guadalajara a few months ago. Our President has really
emphasised on this point of the Work Of Salvation. He says that the
fruits of our labor aren't when an investigator gets baptised, but when
an investigator progresses in the gospel and endures. We went and
visited Connie and Dasha whom we baptised 2 weeks ago. We had made a few
appointments throughout the past 2 weeks with her, but they always fell
through. We would stop by her house, and she would be at work. Well, we
finally got a hold of her <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1058611032" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Thursday</span></span>
and paid her a visit to see how she was doing as a new member of the
Church. Connie expressed to us that these past few weeks had been really
really tough. She no longer faced problems with her family criticizing
her for becoming a member, but she was now going through very hard
economic problems. She told us that she had been struggling at work, a
lot of things had gone south with her personal finances, and she was now
facing challenges scraping enough money to bring food to the table.
Then she told us something amazing. She said that just as she was
loosing all hope, she remembered to pray. After fervent prayer God heard
and answered her prayers. She was able to find some extra money in an
old photo album she found around her house, a fellow co-worker showed up
to her house out of the blue and paid off some old debts, and a fellow
friend visited her and helped her pay some bills. Small tears came to
her eyes as she expressed to us how she was able to finally find peace
and comfort, because she knew that The Lord really heard her pleas.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's
these types of experiences that show to me that the Gospel is so much
more than just nice words about Jesus. The Gospel brings peace to the
heart and comfort to the soul. It reminds us that there is a God in the
heavens who actually <b>hears</b> us, and loves us enough to build us up through challenges and trials. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you familia,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elder Velazquez</div>
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Lil Lamb</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdgGFq8Ryc3RVKDQjJCdD1MPovFmuQIFPT1cU7SO_UhHdIeHEJtxoQIW5Y9KHLwb5wq_OQJpsBIzvvYl8r1goqIj2g_BO_91-DV1ZYRhEA31vge6Ir4D46LJYP6XQiinGIS66wv3am3Nu/s1600/DSCN1091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdgGFq8Ryc3RVKDQjJCdD1MPovFmuQIFPT1cU7SO_UhHdIeHEJtxoQIW5Y9KHLwb5wq_OQJpsBIzvvYl8r1goqIj2g_BO_91-DV1ZYRhEA31vge6Ir4D46LJYP6XQiinGIS66wv3am3Nu/s1600/DSCN1091.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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President Derbez choppin up da meat</div>
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Elder Thorpe and Me kickin' it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4RZZhIl9Epw56BSbK_HlCJQ95AeR8MKjNmWCHriBkeArx0DDb752RQkD3qiGOKnXUmCXtseQEyISsquZqulqRfPYaHHJCpxC5MS6-DgZ5uz3R_orlERFSKY88sTu0OtYdjF1c7robFt3/s1600/DSCN1093.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4RZZhIl9Epw56BSbK_HlCJQ95AeR8MKjNmWCHriBkeArx0DDb752RQkD3qiGOKnXUmCXtseQEyISsquZqulqRfPYaHHJCpxC5MS6-DgZ5uz3R_orlERFSKY88sTu0OtYdjF1c7robFt3/s1600/DSCN1093.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elder Thorpe had to change his name tag to Throp, because Thorpe means clutz.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-9945766905841802132014-10-04T23:12:00.000-07:002014-10-13T20:44:03.198-07:00Letter 45: Trips and ConferenceHello familia!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, this week we are not having a
real P-Day, so we have this little bit of time between Conference
Sessions to write a lil' bit.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So this week was another one of those famous travel weeks.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_508451377" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Monday</span></span> and <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_508451378" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Tuesday</span></span>,
we had splits with 2 of the areas in our Zones. Elder Webster went to
Villahumada to work with Elder Gonzalez and his companion, and I headed
down to Ejido Benito Juarez to work alongside Elder Martinez and Elder
Chigüila.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This was the first time I actually
got to do some proselyting work down in Benito, it was pretty fun. The
town is really small, and almost everyone knows each other. We contacted
a TON of people, and talked to (what felt like) the whole town. Most of
the people who live in Benito have lived there their whole life, and
have never really left. The town is quiet, and the only things you can
really hear are trailers cruising by the nearby highway. The biggest
challenge that the missionaries are facing in Benito is teaching lessons
during the day. Almost the whole pueblo works in what's called the
"Pisca". The "Pisca" is when the people go and work in the nearby chile,
pepper, and alfalfa fields. Most of the fields are chiles though, and
as a result, almost everyone dries them and sells them alongside the
roadside. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After 2 days of good ol' fashioned proselyting, we headed back to Juarez.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_508451379" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Wednesday</span></span>,
we took a lil' trip down to Casas Grandes to take care of some
secretary business. We were there almost all day, and returned back to
Juarez late.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And that brings us to these last couple days.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well,
we have been teaching a couple (Luz Elena and her husband, Alberto) for
the last few weeks, and they are awesome! They found the Church through
their daughter and her husband, who got baptized about 3 years ago. Luz
Elena and Alberto saw a huge change in their daughter's life, and this
sparked a great flame of curiosity in their hearts. Well, Luz Elena has
been coming to church ever since we found her 3 weeks ago, and her
husband has been reading the Book Of Mormon and the Gospel Principals
book like crazy (he's already on lesson 18!) We are amazed on how fast
they have been progressing, and Luz Elena even came to both of the
General Conf. sessions today! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, I don't have much more time, time for Priesthood Session!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elder Velazquez</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-87609472335186021672014-09-27T23:08:00.000-07:002014-10-05T23:11:11.873-07:00Letter 44Hey familia!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another hectic week in the life of Elder Velazquez!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elder
Webster and I got to go on a trip alongside President Derbez this week.
We left early morning Thursday, and headed to Janos, Chihuahua where I
did a bunch of immigration forms for all of the new missionaries that
arrived a few weeks ago. After Janos, we accompanied President to
Buenaventura, Chihuahua to the LeBaron Colonies. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The
LeBaron colony is actually a polygamist colony that is not associated
with the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. The Church does,
however, have a small branch a few minutes away, in Buenaventura.
President went to go do some interviews, and we got to meet a few
interesting people. We met the Jones family, who are Latter Day Saints.
Their family line is all over the place, and rather confusing since a
long long time ago someone in their family was part of the polygamist
Lebaron family. The current Jones family isn't though, but some of their
step cousins are...or something like that. Anyway, it was weird seeing
so many blue-eyed blondies ALL over the place. Everyone speaks English.
After meeting the Jones family, sister Jones gave us some fresh Pecan
pie. Most of the people in that little town work with <i>nogales</i> which are pecan trees. I'm not much of a sweet tooth, or a pie guy, but that pecan pie was delicioso.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After
Lebaron, we went to Casas Grandes. We met with a few missionaries and
tied up some loose ends. We spent the night at the Hacienda Spa
Resort...just keeding, it's just a regular hotel. We visited Colonia
Juarez the next day, and a little town called Mata Ortiz. Mata Ortiz is
famous for their pots. After a short trip back to Janos, we headed back
home.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We just got finished with our baptism
service. Connie and Dasha Dominguez were baptized today! Ever since we
started teaching Connie and Dasha, they have had many many trials. They
have overcome those trials with such great faith, and they are now on
the path that will lead them to eternal happiness.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, that's about all the time we have today folks. Join us next week for more adventures.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elder Velazquez</div>
<div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Hotel Chillin'</div>
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Me, Jennifer (a friend of Dasha), Dasha, Connie, Elder Webster </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The Chapel in LeBaron</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-65788430304142404192014-09-20T17:30:00.000-07:002014-09-20T21:54:40.546-07:00Letter 41,42,43: Ketchup WeekFor the sake of keeping the numbering solid, I have numbered this letter thrice (3 times).<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hello familia it's been a little while since I've written and I have a lot to catch everyone up on!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So lets go back to the big events from these past few weeks.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elder
Robbins (one of President's assistants) finished his mission and
returned home. We had a provisinal "assistant" for 2 weeks, up until the
cycle ended. When an Assistant is released, everyone is on their heels
to see who the new Assistant is going to be. President is so secretive,
that he doesn't tell ANYONE (not even the other assistant) who the new
one is going to be. He then tells the whole mission the very day of the
new Transfer Cycle. And well, the new Assistant is Elder Leifson. Elder
Leifson was in a trio with Elder Webster and I way back in January, and
now he's back in the area with us!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Both of the
sisters who were in this ward had changes and we have 2 new sisters here
in the Pradera Ward, Sister Jimenez and Sister Ostos. They are both
from Veracruz.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_401717229" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Monday</span></span>,
the Mission received the most new missionaries it had ever received. We received 28 new missionaries. They come from all around the world, it
is exciting to see how the Lord is hastening his Work.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, with 28 new missionaries, coordinating the changes was crazy! <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_401717230" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Tuesday</span></span>, we coordinated over 60 changes and it was so hectic. We finished changing everyone at around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_401717231" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">1:30 PM</span></span>, and had no delays! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well that about leads us to this week.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This
week, I have been working hard in the office to get all the fun paper
work done for all the new missionaries. Aside from that, Elder Webster
and I are finishing preparing an investigator for baptism. Connie and
Dasha will be getting baptized next weekend! Connie and her daughter
have faced some pretty tough trials during the time we've been teaching
them, but after a month and a half, they are just about ready for their
baptism! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
During the past few weeks, we have
really seen a huge growth here in the ward, not only because of the
recent converts, but we have really been doing our best to bring the
Pradera Ward closer together.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, I don't have much more time, so I'm off!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elder Velazquez</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-31297435980256474982014-08-30T01:35:00.000-07:002014-09-02T20:46:04.544-07:00Letter 40: Rain<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hello familia,</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
I hope that all the photos I'm about to send make up for the lack of letter I am going to write this week.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
We had an awesome trun out at the baptism <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1256844389" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Thursday</span></span>! A lot of members went and showed their support and love for our investigators. We had a double baptizm. We baptised our investogator Edgar Dominguez, and the Assistants baptised their investigator, Carmen Chavez. We have had 6 batisms in the Zone so far, and will be having 3 more today in the other 2 areas. I am so happy and feel blessed to be able to have the opportunity to serve alongside these great hard working missionaries.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
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I'm just going to explain some of these pictures really quick. </div>
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We went to Janos this last week. We hadn't been there in like 2 months, and to our surprise it was crazy green! I thought Janos was all dirt, all year! We asked some of the locals, how often it is green in Janos, and they told us that it's usually green for 2 months and then everything dries out again.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
We went to Carl's Jr. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1256844390" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Monday</span></span>. Sister Gladis's son, Izack, took all 4 of us. Izack just returned home from his mission a month ago, and he has been helping us out and coming with us to lessons. He also helped baptize the Assistant's investigator <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1256844391" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Thursday</span></span>.</div>
<div>
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Izack and his brother, Chapo (Fernando).</div>
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It rains here in Juarez, and then everything floods. That's me on the monkeybars, sink or swim.</div>
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When it rains it pours. Juarez floods pretty bad.</div>
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The Assistants, their investogator (Carmen), our investigator (Edgar), and us.</div>
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Us and Edgar</div>
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Our investigator's mom, our investigator (Edgar), and Elder Webster and I</div>
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Love you guys,</div>
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Elder Velazquez</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-21775949727364535022014-08-23T22:22:00.002-07:002014-08-23T22:26:55.462-07:00Letter 39: Extra-Ordinary week.Hola Familia,<br /><br />Burritos are huge here in Juarez. People make burritos out of just about anything. They are very practical and (for the most part) delicious. But one bad burrito can really do some damage...even death. That was an actual headline in the newspaper last week (see photo), and I almost died from the laughter.<br /><br />This week was one of our few "ordinary" weeks here in the mission. I say ordinary because it was one of the few weeks where we don't travel or have any big meetings or anything like that. Having said that, this week was still extra-ordinary.<br /><br />We finished prepping our investigator, Edgar, for his baptism <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1402170395" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">next Thursday</span></span> (<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1402170396" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Aug. 28</span></span>). Edgar Dominguez has been investigating the church for a long long long time (like 8+ years), and he is finally getting baptised. We started teaching about 2 months ago, and at first, he wasn't interested...at all. He had had all of the missionary talks, and had pretty much heard it all before. His mom, whose been a member since Edgar was a baby (he's 25, now), had tried everything to get his son baptised...but at the end of the day, the Gospel never really interested Edgar. Well, after 2 months of teaching Edgar, he is finally getting baptised! Teaching Edgar was tricky, because he already had a good amount of knowledge of the Gospel, and had TONS of questions. We built a real relationship with Edgar, and gave him time to learn and applied the Gospel to his needs. Edgar has had a big change in his life, but most importantly, in his heart. He has gone to church every week for the past month and half (except one week he got really sick), and we've gotten him involved with all sorts of Single Adult activities. Elder Webster and I have really witnessed an incredible change in him.<br /><br />Aside from Edgar, we are also prepping a few more investigators for baptism this cycle. Amongst them is Jonathan Cabrera, a 19 year old young man who has made huge progress in the little time we've know him. His mother is an inactive member (she's been inactive for more than 20 years), and non of his 3 siblings are members either. We are currently teaching him and his sister, Evelyn. He loves coming to church and he even goes to Institute on Tuesdays and Thursdays!<br /><br />We found a great new red tomato this week! Her name is Luz Elena, and she is so sweet and so ready to be made into ketchup. She is 55, and her youngest daughter and son-in-law just moved in with her this past week. And guess what? They're both members. It turns out that her daughter got baptised when she got married a few years ago, and Luz Elena has been super curious to learn about the Church. She told us that she wants to be baptised (as a missionary, hearing this gives you a mini heart attack of excitement) and learn more about the Gospel.<br /><br />This week, I read an awesome article in the Liahona. It is in this month's issue, and it is titled "Why We Share The Gospel" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson. Elder Christofferson focuses on the main reason why we share the Gospel, and that is to "Invite others to come unto Christ". "Inviting others to come unto Christ" is our primary missionary purpose (Preach My Gospel, Chapter 1). Everything we do, it all points to this purpose. All of this great Work, has the sole purpose of bringing others to Christ. "Remember that our missionary purpose is not only to warn others but also to save them, not only to teach but also to baptize, not only to bring others unto Christ but also to make them steadfast in Christ to the end." If there is something I've learned here, it's that there is no greater joy as a missionary, than leading someone to Jesus Christ, and seeing His Gospel change them.<br />
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Elder Velazquez</div>
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Ordinary Costco Tasks</div>
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Oridinary Newspaper Headlines </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-88094777273108458772014-08-16T13:05:00.002-07:002014-08-16T13:12:25.857-07:00Letter 38: Cakes and Testimonies<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">There have been a bunch of birthdays this past week. Dad, yours was on the 6th, on the 8th was Elder Robbins (President's Assistant), and on the 12th was President Derbez's birthday. Needless to say, I've been eating a lot of cake lately.</span><br />
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On Tuesday, President Derbez invited us to go to his house and have a birthday lunch with him. All of Secretaries and the Assistants went to President's house and he cooked a special lunch...Mole <i>Poblano</i>. President is quite the cook (I'm not kidding, he really knows his way around the kitchen). All of the Secretaries pitched in and we bought him a <i>3 leches</i> chocolate cake. We shared some laughs, some stories, and then some burps.</div>
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I almost skipped over the events on Monday. </div>
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Monday was our 2nd Zone Conference as Zone leaders. Since our Zone is super spread out (4 of the areas are about 2 hours away from the city), we usually have all of the missionaries come a day early and stay over night. But this time we decided it would be easier if have them come really early in the morning, give them the conference, and then have them go back to their little <i>ranchos. </i>This way, the missionaries don't waste 2 whole days of work, and we don't have to have them stay at our house and rummage through our fridge. We had a really good Zone Conference, and we feel really pumped for this up and coming cycle. Tangent: I just realized that we are about to start week 3 of the cycle, so we are already half way through it...I told you time goes by super quick.</div>
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The rest of this week was back to the normal routine. We had some solid lessons with our investigators this week, and we found 2 new great investigators.</div>
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While we were walking towards the office yesterday, a man (Mario Calvo) stopped us in the street and asked us the reason why we preached. These last few months I've been on the mission, I've seen that this is actually a pretty common question. A lot of people see us walking around, and they wonder what we do. As we started to answer this Mario's question, he stopped me and asked me, "I want to know why you missionaries preach with such conviction. How do you know what you preach is true." I quickly realized that this man wasn't looking for just another common answer, he <i>really </i>wanted to know. I was prompted to simply share my testimony and I told him that I preach because I <i>sincerely </i>know that our message is true. I didn't add anything else, I didn't make it fancy. Just a simple, straightforward testimony. Well, this man immediately opened his heart, and gave us his phone number. He asked us a bunch of questions, and we told him we would be more than happy to answer them <i>in his home. </i>He agreed, and we set an appointment to see him on Sunday. </div>
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If there is something I've learned here in the mission, is that a simple and sincere testimony can be sufficient to penetrate even the hardest of hearts. </div>
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Elder Velazquez</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Jasmine & Anita's Baptism last week/ bad haircut #1</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Birthday Bash</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-29273483889623916692014-08-09T15:32:00.002-07:002014-08-11T13:43:54.865-07:00Letter 37<div>
It has been raining a lot lately here in Juarez. It usually rains for about an hour in the mornings or mid afternoon, and then the sun comes up and rains havoc over the people in Juarez. It gets so ridiculously hot and humid after it rains. And then come the floods. The streets here have a horrible irrigation system (worse than Mexico City), and a little rain costs half the city to flood. </div>
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Here in Juarez, there is also a surprising amount of people who know people who have either died, or almost died getting struck by lightning. I always thought that being struck by lightning was a "one in a million" deal, but I guess not<br />
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This week was week 1 of a new cycle. A fresh new batch of missionaries arrived <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_282495188" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Monday</span></span>, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_282495189" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Tuesday</span></span>, Elder Webster and I coordinated the changes for the whole mission. I broke my personal record for finishing the changes this cycle. We were able to move everyone around, and get them to their new area by <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_282495190" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">2:35 pm</span></span>. The previous change we finished at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_282495191" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">4:12 pm</span></span>, and the one before that we finished at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_282495192" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6:30 pm</span></span>. We finally got the hang of changes now, and I don't stress out too bad anymore.</div>
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Well, after changes, it was back to the daily grind for Elder Webster and I...almost. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_282495193" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Thursday</span></span> and <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_282495194" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span> we had our monthly "Mission Leadership Council" with President and all the other Zone leaders in the mission. To kick off <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_282495195" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday's</span></span> meeting, we had a mini work-out boot camp with all of the zone leaders and lead sister training leaders. Hermano Reyes (President's 1st councilor) taught us the <i>correct</i> way to work out in the mornings. Every morning we are supposed to work out for 30 minutes as soon as we wake up, and President wanted to see who <i>really</i> worked out in the mornings. Well, after an intense 30 min. session, we all realized that the exercises we all do in the mornings isn't even close to what we're supposed to be doing! The next day we all woke up crazy sore.</div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_282495196" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Friday</span></span> we had our regular meeting with President Derbez, and he announced a few changes we are going to apply to the mission. Most of it is pretty technical, and won't really effect everyone, so i will omit the details.</div>
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This brings us to today. Today we are having a baptism (in an hour actually). Jasmine and Anita Alanis are getting baptised this week. Jasmine and Anita were found by the sister missionaries here in Pradera and they have been coming to church regularly and have loved it. The sisters did most of the teaching (they live a couple blocks from their house), but Elder Webster and I helped teach them a bit as well. Jasmine is 20 years old and her sister, Anita is 11. Jasmine is cultivating a strong testimony in the Church, and has been a great influence for the rest of her family to start hearing about the Gospel. Elder Robbins and I will be baptising them.</div>
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Well, that about wraps up the week (and my time). I love you all!</div>
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Elder Velazquez<br />
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quick pic from Elder Velazquez</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-54951497845489062852014-08-02T18:48:00.000-07:002014-08-03T18:48:59.236-07:00Letter 36: Red Tomatos, Green Tomatillos.<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Quióbole familia,</span><br />
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<i>Quióbole </i>is a pretty commonly used slang word here. A bunch of the common folk here are always greeting us with<i>quióbole</i>. It's a pretty funny word, and it got stuck on me these past few days. </div>
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Well, this week is the last week of the cycle. I honestly cannot remember which cycle I'm on, but each one seems to end quicker than the last. Week 5 of each cycle is <b>always</b> the craziest week. Mainly because we are all running around making sure that everything is perfect for changes. We are receiving 13 new missionaries this cycle, and only 2 are leaving. President is opening up 3 new areas this cycle, and 7 the next! </div>
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Right now, I have been wrapping up planning the schedules for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_103012178" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Monday</span></span> and <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_103012179" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday</span></span>, as well as all the logistics for the changes <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_103012180" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Tuesday</span></span>. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_103012181" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Monday</span></span>, we usually just do a little "meet-and-greet" with the new missionaries. The first bunch to arrive is always the latino missionaries (coming from the Mexico City CCM) and the American missionaries usually arrive in the afternoon (from the Provo MTC). We go and pick them up at the airport, take all their bags to a Hotel (where they stay their first night), and then bring them back to the office for interviews with the President. Then we feed them, I do all their immigration paperwork, and then they go back to their hotel and chillax until district meeting. President changed the way new missionaries get incorporated into the mission, so that the new missionaries don't get so stressed out on their first day. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_103012182" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Tuesday</span></span>, Elder Webster and I are usually running around getting the rest of the mission changed to their new areas and the Assistants and President are giving training meetings. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_103012183" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday</span></span> is <b>thee craziest day</b> out of the whole cycle. But I love it!</div>
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For the past 2 weeks or so, it has been a little hard for us to find new investigators. We have really been focusing a ton on our progressing investigators, and working with our recent converts, and we haven't really been finding a bunch of new investigators. We are contacting and tracting a lot on the streets, but a lot of the people we find just don't make the cut. By "the cut" I mean, that they are interested in our message, and ready to take a baptism. Here in Juárez we call the people that are ready to be baptised "<i>escogidos", </i>or "<i>tomates rojos (red tomatoes)"</i>. </div>
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Quick tangent: Here in the North, people call red tomatoes "<i>tomates", </i>and the green tomatillos <i>"tomates" </i>as well. For those who may not know, the <i>"tomatillo" </i>is a common green chile here in Mexico and it doesn't really have anything in common with the red tomato (except the shape). This just drives me nuts because I never know what type of vegetable people are referring to. They even announce it as "tomates" at the supermarkets. </div>
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Another quick tangent: This tomato terminology originated from a meeting we had with Elder Johnson (of the 70) about 2 months ago. He made the comparison of an investigator to a tomato. He said that when a tomato is ripe, it is red and ready for the pickin. He said that an investigator is the same. When they are fulfilling commitments, assisting church regularly, reading their scriptures, and experiencing a true conversion, they are as ripe as a red tomato. But sometimes as missionaries, we focus a lot on tomatoes that are still green and hard and not ready for the pickin'. So we should let those tomatoes mature, and leave them, because in the future they will surely be "picked" by some other missionary.</div>
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SO ANYWAY, we hadn't really been finding a bunch of red tomatoes. A lot of little, hard, green ones. Well, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_103012184" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Thursday</span></span> we had our "tomato" prayers answered. As we were coming out of our lunch appointment, a white sedan stops and pulls up next to us. I was holding a copy of The Book Of Mormon, and this lady pointed at it and said "When do you guys give study sessions about that blue book?". We told her we gave them every single day, and were ready to give her one. She pointed out where she lived and asked us to drop by the next day. Well, we headed over the next day and gave her a nice little study about that marvelous blue book. She told us that her 2 sons in Texas had just recently gotten baptised in our Church, and this sparked a curiosity in her. She said that she had seen a few people walking around with ties on, but she wasn't sure if they "gave classes on the blue book" or if they were just Jehova's Witnesses. When she saw us holding The Book Of Mormon, she finally decided to talk to us. She loved the lesson, and accepted to come to church <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_103012185" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span> with us!</div>
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I know the Lord hears our prayers, and he knows <b>exactly </b>when we need them answered. I love praying so much. I hope you all do to.</div>
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Elder Velazquez</div>
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Elder Velazquez and his care package!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-17625179514135684112014-07-26T13:18:00.000-07:002014-07-28T13:19:16.144-07:00Letter 35: Maybe I Should Start Putting Titles On Each Letter<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We saw some blogs that other missionary's families are running for missionaries serving here in Juarez and I noticed they all add a title to each letter they write. I don't know if it's my lack of time or creativity, but I never added titles, just numbers. But now I will add a quick title to my letters (I will try my best).</span><br />
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This was the first week in a long while that I didn't have to travel anywhere. So I focused all my energy on getting down to the nitty gritty and setting some secure baptismal dates for next month. Well, after much prayer and teaching, The Lord delivered. We set 3 baptismal dates this week!</div>
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The first date is for an old investigator we've been working on. His name is Alejandro, and we have been so close to baptising him, but something always gets in the way! I´ve never had to push back a baptismal date as much as I have with Alejandro! We worked with him really hard this week, and finally set one more date, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_172587873" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">August 2nd</span></span>. We are going to have to work really hard, but I am going to get that man in the water!</div>
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We also set a baptismal date with a newer investigator, Connie D. Connie is a half Russian, architect/private eye/ criminologist/painter/single-<wbr></wbr>mom. She is one of the most interesting investigators I've ever taught, and she has tons of crazy stories to tell. She was a reference from a member, Sister Araceli G, and she is an awesome investigator. We are teaching her and her 8 (almost 9) year old daughter, Dacha. Connie has had some incredible experiences as she has started to investigate the Church. A little before she met us, she had a dream in which she saw her little daughter drowning, holding on to a book. As she got a closer look, she realized that this book was the same book she had seen at a friend's house. Well, that friend was Araceli, and that book was (you guessed it) the Book Of Mormon: Another Testament Of Jesus Christ! Connie is determined that this is the <i>true</i> church, and we set a baptismal date for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_172587874" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">August 14th</span></span>! She is anxious to learn more about the Gospel, and has been attending church and the Relief Society activities regularly.</div>
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The final date we set was nothing short of a miracle.</div>
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I think I´ve talked about this investigator. His name is Edgar D. He is the son of a less-active sister in the ward. He is 25, and has never had a solid interest in the Church. We started teaching him a few weeks ago, and really focused on becoming his friend and showing him how the Gospel applies to <i>his </i>own life. Teaching him was a bit tricky, and getting him to go to the church was even trickier. We were just about to drop him, when all of a sudden, he started to come to church. He's been coming for the last 4 weeks, and has gotten involved with the Single Adults in the ward. He has really seen a change in his life, and we´ve totally seen a change in his <i>heart</i>. At the end of our last lesson with him this week, I couldn't stop feeling this itch to invite him to be baptised. Thoughts of doubt came into my head, but I quickly discarded them. We invited Edgar to finally be baptised, and he accepted! Elder Webster and I couldn't believe it. We set his date for the 28th.</div>
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I love preaching the Gospel, and I love seeing people get closer and closer to baptsim.</div>
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Elder Velazquez</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-73624252112495494632014-07-19T17:04:00.000-07:002014-07-25T17:09:34.398-07:00Letter 33/34Sorry about last week's lack of letter everyone.<br />
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We were in the office, and I took a long time writing my reports to President and time escaped me. But, now I have more time to write to you all and there's a bunch of stuff to tell you all about.</div>
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So a quick wrap up of 2 weeks ago.</div>
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Elder Webster and I held our very first Zone Conference 2 weeks ago here in Juarez. It was a 2 hour conference, and we had a lot of fun doing it. We tried to make it not so..boring. So I made a little presentation, and slapped a couple of jokes and giggles to the conference. I think it went pretty well. </div>
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We did some mini-divisions that week. Elder Webster and I split off and worked with 2 of the District leaders in our zone. I went with Elder Beltran and Elder Webster went with Elder Jackson. During these "divisions", we usually work for a whole 24 hours with another companion to get an idea of how they work, the teaching methods they use, and their strengths and weaknesses. We then give them a small feedback, and send them on their way.</div>
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After our divisions, it was back to hard work. We really started wipping out lessons and working with our investigators to have them all at church this Sunday. One thing we learned was that the proof of our labors are shown with how many people actually go to church on Sunday. 4 new invesitgators at church that Sunday.</div>
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Now up to this last week (<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1019744356" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">June 14th</span></span> to today).</div>
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On Monday, President called us into his office and asked us if we had any plans for Tuesday and Wednsday. We are never really sure how to answer (sometimes it's a trap), so I told him same old same old. He laughed and asked us if we wanted to accompany him on a trip he was having. So Elder Webster and I packed our bags and headed on a little rode trip with the <i>Jefe</i>. We left Tueday morning at around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1019744357" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">7 am</span></span> and drove to a bunch of little towns that are dispersed around the state of Chihuahua. First off was Ascencion, Chihuahua. Ascencion is about an hour and a half away from Ciudad Juarez, and is a pretty decent sized middle-of-nowhere town. President Derbez had a meeting with the Municipal President of Ascencion and talked about how the missionaries can really be a great benefit to the community in various aspects.</div>
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After Ascencion, we headed over to Janos where I had to do some immigration stuff. After Janos we went to Casas Grandes and met with their Municipal President, President Baca. We were accompanied in this meeting with President Derbez's other counclir, Hermano Jeffrey Jones. Brother Jeffrey Jones is this big 'ol white cowboy who lives in the Mormon Colonies. He speaks amazing spanish (if you close your eyes, it sounds like a regular <i>Norteño</i> Mexican) and has been a Federal Senator, as well as a <i>Diputado (like a State Representative)</i> for Chihuahua. It was such an astounding experience being part of this meeting.</div>
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After the meeting, Elder Webster and I headed over to a local Church and took new missionary profile photos for the missionaries in the Colonies. That night, we ran some errands with President, had some dinner and stayed overnight in this little hotel. </div>
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The next morning, we woke up, had some breakfast (pancakes and <i>chilaquiles</i>), and headed over to another town, Galeana. We had ameeting with their Municipal President, President Areola, and then continued to the next town, Lebaron. Lebaron is a pretty well-known polygamist colony here in Chihuahua. It was a pretty amazing view, because as you drive down the desert, all of a sudden you come over a few hills, and you can see a bunch of green-ness, <i>Nogales </i>trees, grass, and huge Mansions are what make up this little colony. There are <i>thousands</i> of polygamist there, and they are all American-looking (most of them are bilingual). There is also 4 missionaries serving in that town, and the next one over, Buenaventura.</div>
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After stopping to buy some water melons and cantalope, we drove over to Buenaventura to run some errands with President.</div>
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Once we were all finished in Buenaventura, we drove to Villahumada to meet with their Municipal President (except he wasn't there). We stopped by a little town, Flores Magon, to get some ice cream first. </div>
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After Villahumada, we finished by stopping by in Ejido Benito Juarez and then we drove back to Ciudad Juarez.<br />It was a really neat trip, and we got to talk a lot with President and see his missionary skills in action while meeting with the Municipal Presidents. Presdient Derbez is <i>super incredible </i>at applying the Book Of Mormon to <i>all </i>situations. Let me give you an example, while we were meeting with the M.P of Casas Grandes, he whipped out Mosiah <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1019744358" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">2:17</span></span> and then talked about King Benjamin and how he had to be a rightous leader and also serve his fellow man. The Municipal President read the scripture aloud and BAM, the Spirit was there testifying left and right!</div>
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I learned so much from this trip, and I am thankful that I had this opportunity to be a part of it.</div>
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Well, until next time.</div>
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Elder Velazquez</div>
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Lebaron</div>
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Our travels, and places we visited.</div>
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President driving</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-6492153696132355362014-07-12T17:32:00.000-07:002014-07-13T17:33:00.375-07:00quick pic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">All of the missionaries that are serving in the Pradera Dorada ward (including the Senior couple)</span></div>
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Elder Robbins, Elder Rabell, Elder Webster and I, Sister Hernandez, Sister Rojas and Elder and Sister Torres.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-87267784777581709372014-07-05T15:19:00.000-07:002014-07-06T15:19:43.601-07:00Letter 32<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Familia,</span><br />
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Meetings, meetings, and then a little more meetings this week. I got a taste of another side of being a Zone leader that I wasn't too excited about, but all of that changed. After our Leadership Council Meeting <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_173324743" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Friday</span></span>, I was way excited and anxious to share all that we had learned in our meeting to the rest of our zone. The Leadership Council started <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_173324744" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Thursday</span></span> night, all of the 16 zone leaders and the 4 Sister Training Leaders were in attendance. President announced the calling of his new 1st counsler, Hermano Reyes. We don't really know much about him, except that he's from President Derbez's ward here in Juarez and that he also has a son who is serving a mission (and that he is <i>chorcho [he's rich haha])</i>. He does show much enthusiam about working with us, and we are excited to have him.</div>
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Part 2 of the meeting started Friday morning at 8, and ended at 2. We went over new saftey rules, proselyting techniques, and a new plan we are going to start implementing with The Work Of Salvation in all 6 stakes of the mission. We had a few special guests during the meeting, the Juarez Institute Main Director (Hermano Hernandez), and the stake president from the <i>Juarez North</i> Stake (President Robles). They came and we coordinated with them new ways that we can start involving the single adults from Institute to help us with The Work Of Salvation.</div>
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We also had a High Council Leadership meeting on Wednsday. During these bi-monthly meetings, all the Zone Leaders usually just report data to their local High Council member in charge of Missionary Work for the stake.</div>
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Aside from the meetings, we also had a great work week. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_173324746" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">On Tuesday</span></span>, I went to Janos, Chihuahua with another missionary (Elder Birchett) for some immigration stuff. We left at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_173324747" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">6 am</span></span> and were back in Juarez by <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_173324748" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">3 pm</span></span>. Going to Janos just drains my energy sometimes, but it's always neat to take new missionaries and get to know them on the bus rides to and from the 2 towns. Sometimes I just sleep for all 6 hours though because I am pooped.</div>
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Elder Webster and I have been giving a basic English class for a couple of less active moms in the ward who want to teach their kids english. But in order for us to give them a class, they have to bring an investigator to the class. We started with a sister, Hermana Araceli and her daughter, along with one of her best friends (Brenda) and <i>her</i> daughter. We taught them basic stuff (introducing themselves, parts of the house, commands) and then taught them how to pray in English and invite them to church. Well, last week, none og the investigators came to church. Elder Webster and I got a little bummed out, but we decided to keep going and really show them the importance of coming to church. We talked to Hermana Araceli, and she got excited to help us out. She brought 2 more investigators to the class, and they even came to mutual<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_173324749" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Thursday</span></span>! They then told Hermana Araceli that they want to go to church<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_173324750" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span>! We are super excited and have faith that they will go!</div>
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Well, that's all the time I have for now!</div>
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Elder J.A Velazquez</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-64562194892001293512014-06-28T15:14:00.000-07:002014-07-06T15:18:23.228-07:00Letter 31<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hello </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">familia</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">!</span><div>
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This was officially my first week as Zone Leader here in Juárez, and it was really exciting.</div>
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Monday and Tuesday were 2 of the craziest days I´ve had this whole cycle. On Monday, 16 new missionaries arrived to our mission. So we had to do all of the normal training and welcome meetings throughout the day. Tuesday was the day we did changes. We changed about 30 companionships this cycle, and we were in charge of coordinating <b>all</b> aspects of the changes. We were working and running around the Mission Office from <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_173324740" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">6 am to 5 pm</span></span>, almost non-stop. </div>
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Elder Webster and I had our first taste of the Zone Leader life on Wednesday, when we started to get our Zone´s dats (data?). All the district leaders in our Zone report to us every night, and then we do a quick feedback on how that leader can help his district improve. Shortly after that, we report to the Assistants, and then call it a day and go to bed. The Assistants, Elder Robbins and Elder Rabell, are in our area as well now (and they live right below us). It has been a pretty crazy change, and now that we have 6 missionaries working here in Pradera Dorada, we are all really focusing on making this ward grow.</div>
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We have been working hard to really be an example to our zone, so we have really been trying to bust out more lessons, and find even <b>more</b> investigators. President Derbez has taught us that as leaders, we have to be an example to the rest of the mission in <b>every way. </b>He said that if our numbers and data is low, it can often be a reflection of how the rest of the Zone is doing. I really want to set an example, and I know that I can't do it without the Lord's help.</div>
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I am happy to hear from all of you! I am so happy that you too are hastening the Work Of Salvation.</div>
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Elder Velazquez</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0oSeOOU6DDYJosMLkDPfZydfM-fLNC9AnFms_sPblPSG3smTGfDBQhbAUhZ8hjvGqTqXUGYtkZEuNuj8qbyHNSQ2x5BiqyEDwcHL0jq7zYdOh7Y3bT0MbnrNAwl5IahKPaXS8rdxEsN8/s1600/DSCN1523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0oSeOOU6DDYJosMLkDPfZydfM-fLNC9AnFms_sPblPSG3smTGfDBQhbAUhZ8hjvGqTqXUGYtkZEuNuj8qbyHNSQ2x5BiqyEDwcHL0jq7zYdOh7Y3bT0MbnrNAwl5IahKPaXS8rdxEsN8/s1600/DSCN1523.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"> Adventures in Proselyting part V</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">The only two Tongans in Juarez, Elder Lokotui and Elder Lotulelei.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-50331992536467327762014-06-21T16:49:00.000-07:002014-06-27T16:50:17.847-07:00Letter 30<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Hello familia,</span><br />
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Well, it has sure been a crazy week this past week. First off, some news. This past week, President told us that he would be splitting some Zones here Ciudad Juarez. He then told us that he was going to need some more Zone leaders. He then announced to Elder Webster and I that the Lord had called us as Zone leaders over one of these new Zones. We are crazy excited!</div>
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Our Zone, La Cuesta 2, will consist of just a few areas (eight) and will be spread out quite a bit. 2 of our areas are in Villahumada and 2 areas are in Ejido Benito Juarez! It is very exciting, and I am eager to learn.</div>
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We have been preparing for changes all this week. Changes are on Tuesday (June 24th) so we have been preparing for all the <i>locura</i> that changes bring to the mission. We are receiving 16 new missionaries, 9 are sister missionaries, and 7 are Elders. 6 of those 9 sisters are foreign (from Peru, Colombia, Dominican Republic, and the US) which means that I'm also going to have a good amount of Immigration work to do.</div>
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There are also 2 more missionaries who have been assigned to our ward, Pradera Dorada. Elder Robbins and Elder Rabell, the President's Assistants, are now going to be working in our area. That brings the missionary count to 6 (Elder Webster and I, Sister Hernandez, Sister Trueba, and the 2 Assistants, plus the senior missionary couple.) which is a boatload. We are one of the first wards to have 6 proselyting missionaries, which just shows how much this mission is really growing. President Derbez has told us that many other wards will also be receiving more missionaries, some with up to 8 missionaries in an area!</div>
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We have been working with Elder Lokotui, the polynesian, this week as well. He had some trouble with his feet (extreme blisters) but he has been recuperating over the last 2 weeks. He just arrived on the mission 5 weeks ago and is still learning spanish. He is one of those gentle giants, and people who see him on the streets can't really distinguish what he is. He always has to tell people that he is from Hawaii because no one knows where Tonga is. </div>
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Ok, well, right now I have to finalize the logistics for Tuesday's changes, but I thank you all for your love.</div>
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Elder J. Augusto Velazquez</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-16490134698707524682014-06-14T16:48:00.000-07:002014-06-27T16:48:56.882-07:00Letter 29<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Hello family,</span><br />
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Well, this week went by extra fast...again. I got to travel a lot this week, and it's been pretty exhausting! </div>
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On Monday, we had our Zone Conference. I was pretty excited, I love Zone conferences, they always pump me up to work! About 2 hours before Zone Conference, President Derbez calls and tells me I have to go to Ejido Benito Juarez to fix something another Elder had messed up. So I grabbed my bag, and headed to Ejido Benito Juarez with Elder Cruz. </div>
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Ejido Benito Juarez is a little middle-of-nowhere town about 3 hours away from Ciudad Juarez (see picture). It's a very small and quiet, square, town. There isn´t much too see, but I felt really relaxed there. EVERYONE knows who the missionaries are, and they're all really friendly. There is only a few streetlights, and everyone there mainly gets around on Quads. The Elder serving there, Elder Cruz, is the branch President as well. He used to be the President's assistant last cycle, he's also an ex-bene alumni. He was the generation above me (he knows Janette Mesa from our ward) and he's really funny. </div>
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After we returned from Benito on Tuesday, I quickly rushed and got a bunch of immigration stuff done. On Tuesday, we went with a new investigator we recently started teaching. His name is Edgar D. He is the son of a member who was just recently re-activated after being less active for 15 years. Edgar is a very closed and shy person, and rarely came out of his room. He is 24, and a couple years ago he had an experience were he almost lost his eye (Now that I think about it, this is the 2nd investigator we´ve taught with eye problems, ha). This experience (along with a few other strange phobias) had caused Edgar to be reluctant when it came to learning about the Gospel. Now, he has totally opened up to us, gained more confidence in the Lord, and has opened his heart once again to actually <i>listening </i>to the missionaries. We have approached Edgar in a different manner than the other missionaries before; we actually listened to his problems and related the Gospel to him. We are teaching him in English because he wants to learn and practice more English, and he has even started reading the Book Of Mormon in English!</div>
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Wednesday, I got a call from the Church Immigration Department in Mexico City, and was told that I had to go to Casas Grandes to wrap up some more immigration stuff. I was totally unprepared for this trip, and Elder Webster and I left right away with just the clothes on our backs. Casas Grandes is about 4 hours away, and we got there like at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2087624439" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">8 pm</span></span>. We stayed there with the Zone Leaders (Elder Stewart and Elder Rodriguez) and then worked there the next day. We got back to Ciudad Juarez Thursday at around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2087624440" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">6 pm</span></span>. </div>
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This week, we have still had Elder Lokotui and Elder Romero stay with us. Elder Romero will be going back to his area soon, and Elder Lokotui will be staying with us until the cycle ends (in 1 week).</div>
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That leads us to today. The whole Zone had interviews with President today, and we also had interviews with his wife and the Assistants. While President interviewed everyone one-by-one, the Assistants checked our agendas, our teaching knowledge, and our Area Books (a binder where we keep all the info about the are where we work). We just got out (after 4 hours) and now we have to start our P-day! </div>
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This next week is the last week in the cycle, and I will be going a little crazy since I have to do changes. So forgive me in advance if next week I write a short letter. </div>
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Elder Velazquez</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-76582826411109366962014-06-07T16:43:00.000-07:002014-06-27T16:47:07.592-07:00Letter 28<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">
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Hello familia!<br /></div>
Well, this is the first time in a while I actually have my full time to write to everyone. Thanks for all your emails, and sorry I haven't responded. But let me try to be as thorough as possible.<br /></div>
First, the past. We had Rafael "Miyagi" Palacio's baptism last week.. It was a pretty hectic day, but we were able to pull it off. That same day, we helped a recent convert family (The Lopez Quiroz family) in the ward plan and prepare for <i>their</i> son's baptism (Max).They had a really nice program and then we had our baptismal program.<br /></div>
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So let me tell you all a little about Rafael "Miyagi" Palacios. First off, <i>everyone</i> in his neighborhood knows him as Miyagi because he somewhat resembles Mr. Miyagi from the Karate Kid. Before we started teaching him, he had a real long beard and he only has one eye, so he was always squinting like a Chinese man. Plus, he uses a pretty awesome cane. Rafael is about 63 years old, and lives alone. He had struggled with alcoholism, and got into a pretty intense incident which caused him to loose his eye. He is a great man, and progressed so quickly as an investigator. He came to church every Sunday until he was baptized, shaved, started wearing ties all the time, it was so amazing! We had a very special baptismal service with him, and Hermano Yañez baptized him. Hermano Yañez is the high priest group leader assistant, He's so awesome! Rafael is the first investigator we actually <i>shared</i> with the sister missionaries who is finally baptized (the first of many).<br /></div>
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So now, the present.<br /></div>
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We got a few surprise visitors staying with us this week. First, Elder Lokotui. He's from California but his parents are Tongan. He speaks Tongan too, and he's been teaching us a few words. He's going to be with us for a while because he messed his feet up pretty bad from all the walking and now he can't walk. Then, we got another Elder on Thursday. Elder Romero is from Mesa, AZ and he's been out for about 3 months now, he got way dehyrdated and now he's chilling with us.<br /></div>
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Dehydration is real folks. The heat has been crazy here in Juarez, and the locals tell us that this heat is just the beginning. It's been about 90-95 degrees for the past few days, but it's usually like 100-110. The heat is dry, so dry. Good thing I'm in the office for at least 3 hours (AC!), because man, it is heating up. The nights are crazy hot too. I usually wake up sweaty like at 2 AM and pour some water on me. I'm <b>always </b>drinking water (I hope that makes you happy mom) and I put on sunblock (like 90% of the time, sorry mom, I forget sometimes).<br /></div>
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We had a special multi-zone conference with a General Authority, Elder Daniel L. Johnson on Friday. <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/becoming-a-true-disciple?lang=eng#watch=video" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Check out a talk he gave in the October 2012 General Conference.</a> Also, <a href="https://www.lds.org/church/leader/daniel-l-johnson" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">his biography.</a> Elder Johnson talked to us and the local church leadership about Hastening the Work Of Salvation. He focused on us as missionaries working more with local church leaders and members to get more investigators, more references, and more baptisms. We got 6 references that day<br /></div>
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Well, we are currently looking and finding new investigators. We have found at least one new investigator everyday (except for past Thursday) for the last 2 weeks. We just talk to everyone and really listen to them and find a way to connect the Gospel with <i>their</i> needs. We are also preparing a new investigator for baptism next week (fingers crossed). His name is Alejandro Mendez (I think I've mentioned him before) and he has been coming to church for the past 5 weeks. He is anxious and close to baptism.<br /></div>
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I hope everyone has a great week!<br /></div>
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Elder Velazquez</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;">Elder Lokotui</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; text-align: start;">Hermano Yañez and Hermano Rafael. (Baptism Last week)</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-31026836048544334152014-05-31T16:40:00.000-07:002014-06-27T16:42:35.591-07:00Ultra Mini Letter 27<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">This one is going to be an ultra short one.</span><br />
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We have our investigator's baptism like 2 hours, and we are helping with another baptism in the ward (a little 8 year old). </div>
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Rafael "Miyagi" Palacios is getting baptised today! He is a miracle, because he's been in the hospital (IMSS) for the past week! He had small dehydration problem and was hospitalized. We kept working with him in the hospital, and it all paid off, thanks to some help from the ward, and a little prayer!</div>
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I am sorry this is so short, but we have to book it. I am making the programs for the baptism, finishing a small speech, and finalizing some office work. That's life right now. </div>
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Side note: I saw a girl who was in Grandma's stake (Villa de las Flores) at church last Sunday. I swear, I am always going to find people from Villa my whole life! </div>
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Elder Velazqyuez</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; text-align: start;">Livin' on the edge (of Texas and Mexico)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; text-align: start;">Last week's baptism: Humberto and our Bishop, Bishop Corral</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03091746939413880385noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376864935518463611.post-17791410812964084012014-05-24T16:22:00.000-07:002014-05-25T16:23:45.138-07:00Letter 26<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hello familia!</span><br />
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />A lot has been going on this past week, but first let me catch everyone up on our baptism last week. Last Saturday we baptised Fernando Rodriguez, it was an incredible experience! Well, right before the baptism, Elder Webster and I were writing our letters and checking our email. So we left the font running. Since it usually takes 4 hours to fill up, we didn't pay much attention to it. When we finally finished writing and eating and whatnot, Elder Webster and I decided to go check out the font. THERE WAS WATER EVERYWHERE. We quickly grabbed a couple mops and brooms and started pushing the water out of the church building. It was around 5:00 when we started with the flood damage and it took us a little over an hour to get everything all dried up. Thankfully, we had the help of the sister missionaries to wipe everything down. Back to the baptism, I got to baptise Fernando, and right before I did, something very special happened.<br />As we were about to enter the font, Fernando expressed to me that he wanted to say a prayer before being baptised. Then, Fernando began praying and expressing his gratitude to God. He mentioned in his prayer that he was sorry to God for having been so stubborn and rebellious in his youth, and he thanked him for the opportunity he had to start again. Then he asked Heavenly Father for help in being able to find some way to help his father and his brother also find peace now that they are dead. Fernando has always expressed his need to help his dad and brother in the next life, and this was a big factor that played out in his conversion. Elder Webster and I feel privileged to have been able to find Fernando Rodriguez, and I know that he will remain a faithful member of the Church.<br />This week, we also had a great ward home evening. We organized a movie night and invited a bunch of less actives and investigators to come. With help from the ward, we were able to have over 40 people at our activity. We had a good amount of less active members and 4 investigators there. For the movie, Elder Webster and I played a <i>new movie. </i>We wanted a movie that not many members had seen, so that we could motivate them and the less actives to show up. The ward council had expressed how every time they had a movie night from the missionaries, it was always the same movies. So Elder Webster and I made sure we played one they hadn't seen. How? Well, we <i>made one (sorta)</i>. I downloaded all of the new bible videos that the Church has been releasing via <i>mormonchannel</i> on YouTube then cut, edited, and burned a movie. It was made up of all those videos which portray the ministry of Jesus Christ. We titled it <i>The Ministry</i> and played it for the ward. It lasted a little over an hour, and it wasn't too shabby. The new videos that the Church made are beautifully made and produced (of course), and not a lot of people have seen them. The ward loved the movie, and the Spirit was definitely felt.<br />Well, this P-Day we had a little more time on our hands, but we are still in a bit of a hurry (I'm starting to gain some infamy among the missionaries for always running around frantically). We have Humberto Z´s baptism <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_813966461" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">tomorrow</span></span> and are finishing up some loos ends. His interview is today in an hour! I will tell all of you about it next week. Also we have to go help a sister move houses,<br />Elder Velazquez</div>
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