In Justin's email today he wrote, "Hey Everyone, Well not too much happened this week. It flew by. I don't have much time left I was writing my president letter. He told us this week that he wants us to write more because at the end of our missions he makes it into a book as a gift for us, so I put a little more detail into it this week. Well let's see. One of the highlights of this week is that I got to eat french toast on Friday morning.(See. Good food is a highlight in his life right now. The boy needs to find people to teach and find new and better highlights!) We had to pass by the offices and so we went to Dumbos (one of grandpa's favorites in Coch) and I had some french toast. I think I might get the same today. And it only costs a dollar! Great deal. I think I may either go play volleyball with Elder Powell or go paint balling. We are going to decide after. I've never gone paint balling before. My companion is teaching me the guitar as well, so I am going to go buy one today, only 30 or 40 dollars or so, just one to learn on.
Yesterday was one of those harder Sundays. No one came again! We had a bunch of people that promised us they would come to church and members set up to go and get them and everything. But we put together a plan to try and make our area better, help the members and everything. Next Sunday we are going to bring a couple of members to the house and split up and go to every single one of our investigators house to remind them or bring them to church. Our area is hugeee so it's going to be hard to do but we are going to do it because we are sick of them not coming. Because if they don't come, nothing happens. Hopefully it should work. We are also planning an activity for the 15th of August. My companion somehow got his hands on that Joseph Smith movie that they only show in the Joseph Smith building and that you can't buy so we are going to show it for our activity. We are trying to get everyone to come, we made posters, invitations, all that junk. We really don't care much about the investigators coming this time. We just need to get more support from the members. We know that if they come to this one they will like it and they'll come to other ones in the future and the investigators will get to know them more, they'll have friends, and they'll also bring us more investigators. It's tough though, the bishop tells us we need to coordinate more with the ward, so we have changed our plans for the past two weeks to go to ward council, but no one ever shows up, not even the the bishop. But I think we are going to be able to help the ward out.
We also put another person with a baptismal date this week, a 10 year old girl Maria Del Carmen Velasquez. Her uncle was the bishop and everything but her mom Elizabeth has been inactive for 10 years. She wants her daughter to get baptized though and says she is going to be an example for her and go to church and all that stuff, but for two weeks now she hasn't come. We will meet with them tomorrow , so we'll help them out. We are also teaching another girl Anabel, the cousin of members. She is the one that told us we weren't going to be able to convince her but we taught her and she was shut up and told us we were right. Anyways, we had another lesson with her yesterday and she got an answer but doesn't want to accept it. She's scared. Her family is way way Catholic and I think she is scared of that. She kept trying to make up excuses and do dumb questions. I told her that we have the answers to every one of their questions but that we didn't care much to answer them that night until she could make up in her mind if this message is true or not. Yes or no. And once she could tell us that we would keep going.
We had a little more success finding people this week knocking doors. Hopefully they can end up progressing. We had zone conference this week. President gave us a presentation that he wants us to give to the members about their responsibility that they have have to participate in the mission work. Hopefully it works. I think 4 more gringos got here this week, and it sounds like most if the others here in a couple of weeks. The weeks are flying! This year is going to go by fast.
Last Monday I went bowling. What a hoot. (A Justin-ism) Love you all. Bye.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Snow In Cochabamba
In AN email dated July 27, 2009, Justin wrote, " Hi! It's raining. It's the first time that it has really rained on me in my mission. Feels like home during the wintertime. We woke up this morning and all the hills in Cochabamba are covereddd in snow. It looks like Utah right now or something. Weird. All of our appointments yesterday weren't there. That was a bummer. We got a little wet because of it. No I lied, we taught 2 people. They are the cousins of some members. They talked with the missionaries about 5 years ago but told us that they weren't able to convince them and that we wouldn't be able to either. We told them that we weren't even going to try to convince them, only explain to them and invite them to pray and find out for themselves. It is such a difference when you teach by the spirit, it all comes out sensible and clearly. By the end they were both kind of quiet and knew that it was all true. So we'll see what happens. We had 1 person church yesterday! It's an improvement from last week. Jorge Foronda. He's 19 and really wants to get baptized but the problem is that he's studying in college every night, works during the day, and Saturdays and Sundays had to go to a high school thing because he never graduated and is working to finish. But he says he will be done by the end of the year. He wasn't supposed to be able to come yesterday but by some miracle he came. Made me happy to see him. (Yea! He is being blessed for his hard work, diligence and obedience!)
Things are still going well with my companion and I. We dropped a ton of our investigators in the past couple of days, sick of trying so hard to get people to listen to us. If they don't want to listen, we won't visit and we'll find people that do. I liked what mom sent me in that letter that quote from Sister Thomas from Elder Ballard. Makes sense. (Here is what Elder Ballard said to a group of missionaries he spoke to in England: The Lord is truly prepared people to hear the gospel and directs the missionaries to them. It is as Elder Ballard stated while he was here, there is no time now to teach those who are just not interested. He told the missionaries not to waste their time trying to persuade people to come to the gospel, but to deliver their message and if it wasn't accepted to find those the Lord had prepared to hear it. Elder Ballard made the statement that we no longer have the luxury of time and can only teach those who really want to hear.) And so now comes the hard part, finding new people. I don't understand why it's been hard for us lately. If all of our appointments that we take out were there, we'd have a lot more but the problem is they never are. We have to figure something out to fix that.
We planned a mission night activity thing. We were going to have a video, message, games and stuff. Our ward never has activities so we figured we'd do one to give them and stuff. Nobody came. Our bishop came up with a new plan he wants to do. Basically he wants a member to be with us at all times. If not two. It could work. Each member has to give up a half day to go with us and do everything, knock on doors, teach, the works. The young men also want to do a day in the life of a missionary type thing, so every Friday to Saturday they are going to send two with us and they are going to sleep at the house and everything for 24 hours. Should be cool. My companion and I will be able to split up as well and get twice as much done. We finished the month with only 1 baptism (July). It's not bad, but it's not that great either. Hopefully August goes better.
On Friday, we had to go to the offices for something and ended up being there all morning. My companion ended up having to go with the finance secretary to the bank and I was left here doing a few things. Well lunch time came and the church travel lady was there so they all went to lunch at this Brazilian buffet where they come to cut the meat off the stick things at the table and they had to take me because my companion wasn't there. So I got to eat at this way nice restaurant buffet called Buffalos. Soooo good. Steak things, pastas, everything. It cost about 60 a person, or less than 10 dollars but for here that's expensive. But the best part is I didn't have to pay because my companion is cousins with the finance secretary and he took care of it for us. We had good luck that day." Good food is a big highlight in Justin's life right now. He will be in hog heaven when he gets home!
Things are still going well with my companion and I. We dropped a ton of our investigators in the past couple of days, sick of trying so hard to get people to listen to us. If they don't want to listen, we won't visit and we'll find people that do. I liked what mom sent me in that letter that quote from Sister Thomas from Elder Ballard. Makes sense. (Here is what Elder Ballard said to a group of missionaries he spoke to in England: The Lord is truly prepared people to hear the gospel and directs the missionaries to them. It is as Elder Ballard stated while he was here, there is no time now to teach those who are just not interested. He told the missionaries not to waste their time trying to persuade people to come to the gospel, but to deliver their message and if it wasn't accepted to find those the Lord had prepared to hear it. Elder Ballard made the statement that we no longer have the luxury of time and can only teach those who really want to hear.) And so now comes the hard part, finding new people. I don't understand why it's been hard for us lately. If all of our appointments that we take out were there, we'd have a lot more but the problem is they never are. We have to figure something out to fix that.
We planned a mission night activity thing. We were going to have a video, message, games and stuff. Our ward never has activities so we figured we'd do one to give them and stuff. Nobody came. Our bishop came up with a new plan he wants to do. Basically he wants a member to be with us at all times. If not two. It could work. Each member has to give up a half day to go with us and do everything, knock on doors, teach, the works. The young men also want to do a day in the life of a missionary type thing, so every Friday to Saturday they are going to send two with us and they are going to sleep at the house and everything for 24 hours. Should be cool. My companion and I will be able to split up as well and get twice as much done. We finished the month with only 1 baptism (July). It's not bad, but it's not that great either. Hopefully August goes better.
On Friday, we had to go to the offices for something and ended up being there all morning. My companion ended up having to go with the finance secretary to the bank and I was left here doing a few things. Well lunch time came and the church travel lady was there so they all went to lunch at this Brazilian buffet where they come to cut the meat off the stick things at the table and they had to take me because my companion wasn't there. So I got to eat at this way nice restaurant buffet called Buffalos. Soooo good. Steak things, pastas, everything. It cost about 60 a person, or less than 10 dollars but for here that's expensive. But the best part is I didn't have to pay because my companion is cousins with the finance secretary and he took care of it for us. We had good luck that day." Good food is a big highlight in Justin's life right now. He will be in hog heaven when he gets home!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Working Hard and Praying For Success
In an email dated July 20, 2009, Justin wrote, "Things are going pretty well. This was a tiring week. ( My boy is working hard tracting all over the hills!) The people seem to be more humble and receptive there. You have to talk slower to them so that they understand. He is district leader now in Lima and is training. We just have to keep working and we'll have success if we do. We'll see how things go in August!Susan Jurado hasn't come to church in 3 weeks, but we have a plan with the ward missionaries to help her out. And Jose Rojas is way active. He is always at church and is there almost every night with his calling. He is sports president or something.
I am growing my hair out again. (YEA!!) I don't think President Tenorio liked it buzzed too much. Right before changes I did a number one and when I went up to get my change he asked me in front of everyone if I had lost a bet or something. Jokester. Haha but it's longer now. The other night I tried trimming it up but I think I did a little too much. Haha it had holes all over the place. Everyone got a laugh out of it. I took a picture but my camera is dead so I'll send it this week. Luckily one of the elders that lives with me fixed it up and it looks fine now. I don't ever want to go to these hack job haircutter places. They basically shave the sides and leave the rest long, doesn't matter what you tell them. Worse than the ladies that mom always says we shouldn't go to at Super Cuts or whatever.
My companion and I are getting along really well.He understands English and used to be able to speak it better. We read in English every morning for half an hour. I should speak more to him in English but I am lazy and it's easier to do it in Spanish. (Interesting that it is now easier for Justin in Spanish than English now.) Last night someone told me my Spanish sucks. That always makes you feel good after 13 months of trying to learn in. But then on Monday someone else told me it's great. Guess you just always need those humbling experiences. I don't worry about it, I'll try my best and if the Lord wants me to speak it, I will and if not, not my problem. The older sister of my companion is in Provo studying and is actually getting married there to an American. His whole family is going up to the wedding and sealing. He has already gotten accepted to BYU for after as well and is planning on going.
I bought some sweet grandpa button up sweaters to wear at night when it's cold. And the shower is still working (he means the heated shower head). Love scalding hot water.
Oh, I think we are switching pensions again as well. The old lady has to go to some medical witch doctor to get cured or something and so she told us that she wasn't going to be able to do it anymore, which my companion was happy about because he didn't like her either (her food that is) and was looking for an excuse to change. But the assistant's old pension lives in our ward now and has been giving us dinner Thursdays so we are going to her. She used to live in a mansion in front of the temple and now lives in a small two bedroom apartment in this part of town. We don't know what happened, but we are happy she is here. Her daughter knows English. She served her mission in Temple Square and worked as a movie producer in California with a ton of movie stars. Interesting family.
Apparently my vocabulary in Spanish is rather vulgar now. A bunch of missionaries taught me a bunch of bad, bad words but convinced me that here in Bolivia they aren't bad but normal. So I started using them and the general public didn't react well. I am trying to clean it up haha. Have a great week. Love you all. Write me. Here is my address:
Elder Justin Evans
Mision Bolivia Cochabamba
Av. Villarroel 1132 Edificio Confort 7c
Casilla de Correo 1375
Cochabamba, Bolivia
I am growing my hair out again. (YEA!!) I don't think President Tenorio liked it buzzed too much. Right before changes I did a number one and when I went up to get my change he asked me in front of everyone if I had lost a bet or something. Jokester. Haha but it's longer now. The other night I tried trimming it up but I think I did a little too much. Haha it had holes all over the place. Everyone got a laugh out of it. I took a picture but my camera is dead so I'll send it this week. Luckily one of the elders that lives with me fixed it up and it looks fine now. I don't ever want to go to these hack job haircutter places. They basically shave the sides and leave the rest long, doesn't matter what you tell them. Worse than the ladies that mom always says we shouldn't go to at Super Cuts or whatever.
My companion and I are getting along really well.He understands English and used to be able to speak it better. We read in English every morning for half an hour. I should speak more to him in English but I am lazy and it's easier to do it in Spanish. (Interesting that it is now easier for Justin in Spanish than English now.) Last night someone told me my Spanish sucks. That always makes you feel good after 13 months of trying to learn in. But then on Monday someone else told me it's great. Guess you just always need those humbling experiences. I don't worry about it, I'll try my best and if the Lord wants me to speak it, I will and if not, not my problem. The older sister of my companion is in Provo studying and is actually getting married there to an American. His whole family is going up to the wedding and sealing. He has already gotten accepted to BYU for after as well and is planning on going.
I bought some sweet grandpa button up sweaters to wear at night when it's cold. And the shower is still working (he means the heated shower head). Love scalding hot water.
Oh, I think we are switching pensions again as well. The old lady has to go to some medical witch doctor to get cured or something and so she told us that she wasn't going to be able to do it anymore, which my companion was happy about because he didn't like her either (her food that is) and was looking for an excuse to change. But the assistant's old pension lives in our ward now and has been giving us dinner Thursdays so we are going to her. She used to live in a mansion in front of the temple and now lives in a small two bedroom apartment in this part of town. We don't know what happened, but we are happy she is here. Her daughter knows English. She served her mission in Temple Square and worked as a movie producer in California with a ton of movie stars. Interesting family.
Apparently my vocabulary in Spanish is rather vulgar now. A bunch of missionaries taught me a bunch of bad, bad words but convinced me that here in Bolivia they aren't bad but normal. So I started using them and the general public didn't react well. I am trying to clean it up haha. Have a great week. Love you all. Write me. Here is my address:
Elder Justin Evans
Mision Bolivia Cochabamba
Av. Villarroel 1132 Edificio Confort 7c
Casilla de Correo 1375
Cochabamba, Bolivia
Thursday, July 16, 2009
A Trying Time
In a letter to our family dated July 16, 2009, Justin writes, "I'm tired. We worked a lot today. We went up to the big hill on our area and went looking for new investigators. By our house in the more urbanized part of our ward the people haven't really been listening much to us when we go knock on their doors, but further out the people seem to be a bit more humbler. We found a guy today that finally let us come into his house, Gumarcindo or something like that. It seems like he'll be able to progress. We also had an appointment with the Jurado family. Tomasa, the wife, has finally made the decision to get baptized although it seems like her husband Jose has since got a little less excited. He hasn't been there for the last appointments, but we are hoping to get a hold of him soon. The goal is that they get baptized this next week on the 25th. We have to work a lot to get them there."
July 17, 2009
"Sunday night. Just finished another week. It was a tiring one. We walked and worked a lot. Sunday is always kind of the make or breaker, to see if all of your work pays off, to see if the investigators go to church. We had 0. It's only been 2 or 3 times in my mission that I've only had 0 in the chapel. It can get frustrating. But I've learned that getting upset about it doesn't help much. We just have to do all of our part and we can't control the results. We can't control the decisions of others, although it makes you feel a lot better when they complete with the commitments. We also finally got a hold of Jose, the husband of Tomasa. Unfortunately he told us that he no longer wants to get baptized and of course Tomasa doesn't either. But we talked about it with my companion and we figure it's all just a test that the Lord has given us and we have to pass it. So we'll just keep on going and hopefully things go well." Way to go Justin!Persevere and keep the faith.
Justin wrote that their zone leader moved in with them and he is apparently not the most likeable person. Justin wrote, "I'll try to be more Christlike." Good move son.
"We're finally coming out of winter. It's not quite as cold at night or in the mornings. I didn't mind the cold much though. I think I've forgotten how much hotter it is in Peru. I used to always get home soaked in sweat, never here which is nice. Not complaining about that."
Wade Buxton. You. Are. The. Man. Justin wrote that apart from mom and dad, you are the only one who writes him. The rest of you repent and write him!
July 17, 2009
"Sunday night. Just finished another week. It was a tiring one. We walked and worked a lot. Sunday is always kind of the make or breaker, to see if all of your work pays off, to see if the investigators go to church. We had 0. It's only been 2 or 3 times in my mission that I've only had 0 in the chapel. It can get frustrating. But I've learned that getting upset about it doesn't help much. We just have to do all of our part and we can't control the results. We can't control the decisions of others, although it makes you feel a lot better when they complete with the commitments. We also finally got a hold of Jose, the husband of Tomasa. Unfortunately he told us that he no longer wants to get baptized and of course Tomasa doesn't either. But we talked about it with my companion and we figure it's all just a test that the Lord has given us and we have to pass it. So we'll just keep on going and hopefully things go well." Way to go Justin!Persevere and keep the faith.
Justin wrote that their zone leader moved in with them and he is apparently not the most likeable person. Justin wrote, "I'll try to be more Christlike." Good move son.
"We're finally coming out of winter. It's not quite as cold at night or in the mornings. I didn't mind the cold much though. I think I've forgotten how much hotter it is in Peru. I used to always get home soaked in sweat, never here which is nice. Not complaining about that."
Wade Buxton. You. Are. The. Man. Justin wrote that apart from mom and dad, you are the only one who writes him. The rest of you repent and write him!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The Coca Cola Debate
I (mom) sent Justin an article from an Ensign about drinking caffeinated drinks like Coke a while ago after he mentioned how he has taken a liking to the nasty stuff since being on his mission. Apparently they sell it in the vending machines in the temple there. If anyone knows me well, you know I am against the stuff or any caffeinated beverages. I have never had the stuff in our home. Ever. After sending it to Justin, I was waiting for a response in Justin fashion. My boy loves to debate. It finally came. In a letter dated June 30, 2009, Justin wrote, "Hi Family! I got your letters and package today! Thanks for those. I really like the photos. I forgot to respond to mom's article she sent me. I totally agree with her, although I find that mom and the article are talking about 2 different points. Really it has strengthened my testimony that drinking Coke is okay. (can't you all just hear him now?) A few points I'd like to share:
1. "The Energy Drink Epidemic" - the article is about the "recent explosion...... of highly caffeinated drinks" and not cokes. (It does talk about caffeinated drinks without mentioning names. Isn't that what Coke is???Yes!)
2. Yes, it talks about a "Mrs. Jones" (name has been changed) with many saddening health problems due to a "cola consumption" (paragraph 2). But might I point out the word that precedes.... "excessive." My friend Brother Thomas Boud goes on to explain,
3. "One must keep in mind,of course (Justin highlights those two words)....there are certain appropriate uses for caffeine.... used in moderation, caffeine may not pose significant health risks." The problem at hand is "high (or excessive) caffeine intake. From what I understand Brother Boud defines high caffeine caffeine intake as "6-7 colas a day" or as the main subject of discourse clearly states, the energy drinks. I completely agree with the man. Energy drinks or 6-7 colas a day isn't good for you. Luckily for all of us I probably only drink 1 0r 2 here. Still not bordering the description of the problems caused by this excessive" intake.
4. Let's go to the part "caffeine abuse and the Word of Wisdom" where we really get to the message of the article. The last sentence in paragraph 1 calls my attention. "Had my patient Mrs. Jones avoided caffeine or at least used in moderation (highlighted again), she would of fared much better." "Of course (highlighted), not everyone who drinks caffeine will have a negative health consequence."
After reading this article, and carefully reviewing section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants I've come to the conclusion that the Lord gives us principles. And he goes on and on and on. He ends his debate by saying "I have been able to decide that the moderate (highlighted) consumption of cola products is in harmony with the restored gospel. I will forever be grateful for parents who were able to teach me such great principles and how to live according to them." Did I raise a perfect future attorney or what?? He clearly needs and wants his coke and so can only see what he wants to see and believe what he wants to believe. Well my friends and his, this debate is not over. Ball is now in my court.
1. "The Energy Drink Epidemic" - the article is about the "recent explosion...... of highly caffeinated drinks" and not cokes. (It does talk about caffeinated drinks without mentioning names. Isn't that what Coke is???Yes!)
2. Yes, it talks about a "Mrs. Jones" (name has been changed) with many saddening health problems due to a "cola consumption" (paragraph 2). But might I point out the word that precedes.... "excessive." My friend Brother Thomas Boud goes on to explain,
3. "One must keep in mind,of course (Justin highlights those two words)....there are certain appropriate uses for caffeine.... used in moderation, caffeine may not pose significant health risks." The problem at hand is "high (or excessive) caffeine intake. From what I understand Brother Boud defines high caffeine caffeine intake as "6-7 colas a day" or as the main subject of discourse clearly states, the energy drinks. I completely agree with the man. Energy drinks or 6-7 colas a day isn't good for you. Luckily for all of us I probably only drink 1 0r 2 here. Still not bordering the description of the problems caused by this excessive" intake.
4. Let's go to the part "caffeine abuse and the Word of Wisdom" where we really get to the message of the article. The last sentence in paragraph 1 calls my attention. "Had my patient Mrs. Jones avoided caffeine or at least used in moderation (highlighted again), she would of fared much better." "Of course (highlighted), not everyone who drinks caffeine will have a negative health consequence."
After reading this article, and carefully reviewing section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants I've come to the conclusion that the Lord gives us principles. And he goes on and on and on. He ends his debate by saying "I have been able to decide that the moderate (highlighted) consumption of cola products is in harmony with the restored gospel. I will forever be grateful for parents who were able to teach me such great principles and how to live according to them." Did I raise a perfect future attorney or what?? He clearly needs and wants his coke and so can only see what he wants to see and believe what he wants to believe. Well my friends and his, this debate is not over. Ball is now in my court.
Monday, July 13, 2009
A New Companion, Swine Flu And Missing Letters
In an email dated July 13, 2009, Justin wrote "Well changes were this week and I have a new companion. Elder Guerrero from Ecuador. He was in the offices for 5 months as the personal secretary to the president before, so walking around all day is taking a bit of getting used to for him again haha. That would be a tough transition. My last companion. Elder Viloria went to Potosi, one of the highest cities in Bolivia and is freezing his tush off. Bummer. I think we are coming out of winter here in Coch, it's not quite as cold in the mornings and night.
What else. Oh I bought a new shower heater head for the bathroom. The bathroom actually stems up when I shower now and it's quite enjoyable. One of the finer things in Bolivia, hot showers. I've been enjoying the Mexican food mom sent. I made the bean dip the other night and breakfasted (his own word?) on tortillas.
I guess grandpa got back well, at least I hope so. It was great to see him, and even though everyone thought it, I am not homesick or anything, but just fine. (Good. That tells us his heart is in the right place.) Last Monday with him was great. After internet and everything we went to go pick him up at the hotel and went to hang out with Jesus (the statue) for a while to take pictures. Then we went down to a Japanese/ Korean restaurant and had lunch with President and Sister Tenorio there. We had kalbi (marinated short ribs) and bulgogi (thinly sliced marinated beef) and some noodle dish and kimchi (hot pickled cabbage). It was pretty good. Grandpa was the judge of that. I think everyone seemed to like it a lot. (Grandpa did not really care for Bolivian food. He said it is all too salty!) After that we took him to go buy a bunch of gifts and tourist stuff. He got a kick out of that. Then we went to go visit some Korean minister here in Coch and hung out there for about an hour. We didn't understand anything. But we got a full tour of their church/ college. It was weird to see Koreans here. They spoke Korean, English and Spanish. Afterwards we went to go eat at Tuesdays. It's a knock off of Fridays in the states. It was great, the first steak I have had all my mission. What more could I ask for?
We found a lot of new people to teach this week, kind of. (Kind of??) Elder Viloria hated going to look for new people, but my new companion is pretty go with the flow so we have tried. No one really wants to listen to us. Knocking on doors isn't too efficient. So we have been visiting the members a lot and asking for references. Hopefully it works. Our area is sooo big, it's impossible to work in all of it. We are mostly just in 2 little areas of it. I guess there used to be 4 missionaries in our ward, but now there is just us two.
This week Tomasa, who just had her baby, accepted a date for the 25th. By then her health should be good. We still haven't talked with Jose the husband but I suppose that he will want to as well since she was the only reason he didn't want to anymore. But I guess the members helped them a lot this week. It's tough to get a hold of him though. He has two jobs. Oh Tomasa and Jose really liked the clothing. Thanks mom.
Elder Parker emailed me this week. He said that right after I left they baptized about 8 of our investigators. Too bad I missed that. Sometimes I kind of miss Peru. But what can you do. My investigators from there always email me which is cool.
This pig flu thing is supposedly getting bigger. Grandpa says it's all just a big crock. The mission wants us to wear those doctor face masks all day and gave us all hand sanitizer gel to carry around. But every thing's good.
Well I haven't really been getting too many letters. Don't know if you are all just being lazy or if mail just sucks here." Write him people, please write!
What else. Oh I bought a new shower heater head for the bathroom. The bathroom actually stems up when I shower now and it's quite enjoyable. One of the finer things in Bolivia, hot showers. I've been enjoying the Mexican food mom sent. I made the bean dip the other night and breakfasted (his own word?) on tortillas.
I guess grandpa got back well, at least I hope so. It was great to see him, and even though everyone thought it, I am not homesick or anything, but just fine. (Good. That tells us his heart is in the right place.) Last Monday with him was great. After internet and everything we went to go pick him up at the hotel and went to hang out with Jesus (the statue) for a while to take pictures. Then we went down to a Japanese/ Korean restaurant and had lunch with President and Sister Tenorio there. We had kalbi (marinated short ribs) and bulgogi (thinly sliced marinated beef) and some noodle dish and kimchi (hot pickled cabbage). It was pretty good. Grandpa was the judge of that. I think everyone seemed to like it a lot. (Grandpa did not really care for Bolivian food. He said it is all too salty!) After that we took him to go buy a bunch of gifts and tourist stuff. He got a kick out of that. Then we went to go visit some Korean minister here in Coch and hung out there for about an hour. We didn't understand anything. But we got a full tour of their church/ college. It was weird to see Koreans here. They spoke Korean, English and Spanish. Afterwards we went to go eat at Tuesdays. It's a knock off of Fridays in the states. It was great, the first steak I have had all my mission. What more could I ask for?
We found a lot of new people to teach this week, kind of. (Kind of??) Elder Viloria hated going to look for new people, but my new companion is pretty go with the flow so we have tried. No one really wants to listen to us. Knocking on doors isn't too efficient. So we have been visiting the members a lot and asking for references. Hopefully it works. Our area is sooo big, it's impossible to work in all of it. We are mostly just in 2 little areas of it. I guess there used to be 4 missionaries in our ward, but now there is just us two.
This week Tomasa, who just had her baby, accepted a date for the 25th. By then her health should be good. We still haven't talked with Jose the husband but I suppose that he will want to as well since she was the only reason he didn't want to anymore. But I guess the members helped them a lot this week. It's tough to get a hold of him though. He has two jobs. Oh Tomasa and Jose really liked the clothing. Thanks mom.
Elder Parker emailed me this week. He said that right after I left they baptized about 8 of our investigators. Too bad I missed that. Sometimes I kind of miss Peru. But what can you do. My investigators from there always email me which is cool.
This pig flu thing is supposedly getting bigger. Grandpa says it's all just a big crock. The mission wants us to wear those doctor face masks all day and gave us all hand sanitizer gel to carry around. But every thing's good.
Well I haven't really been getting too many letters. Don't know if you are all just being lazy or if mail just sucks here." Write him people, please write!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
"Faith Is The Reward Of Obedience"
In a letter dated July 12, 2009, Justin shared with us a wonderful lesson on obedience. He said, "Yesterday we had our interviews with President. Went pretty well. He said something kind of interesting. That President McKay, or someone said that faith is the reward of obedience. That just trying to be obedient isn't good enough, but that we have to do it completely. But if we do, we can ask for things in prayer that we normally wouldn't be able to and we'll receive them." Justin is learning a lot of great lessons about obedience on his mission. He knows how important obedience is. We love when he shares these lessons with us.
He also writes, "Sounds like Hanson's baptism went well. That's good. Glad my video made it (he made a DVD of him that we played at Hanson's baptism) and that it was such a hit. Knew it would be." Humility at it's best.....
He also writes, "Sounds like Hanson's baptism went well. That's good. Glad my video made it (he made a DVD of him that we played at Hanson's baptism) and that it was such a hit. Knew it would be." Humility at it's best.....
Monday, July 6, 2009
"Grandpa Is Here!"
Justin was there to welcome him! Don't they look handsome?
An aerial of Bolivia.
With excitement, Justin wrote in his email today (that he titled,"Two Koreans in Bolivia") that "Grandpa (Hong) is here! I went to go get him from the airport yesterday. He looks good. I called president Friday night to ask him if I could go get him off at the hotel so that I'd know how to contact him for Monday. Haha, I could kind of tell he kind of regretted his decision. He was kind of hesitant about it all. He told me he didn't want me spending much time with him. But he told me to go get him from the airport and that he was going to send Godo (a returned missionary who works with the mission and has a car) to be his chauffeur for his stay. So he met us here and we took him to the hotel.
In the hotel room.
The view from the hotel room.
Godo and grandpa
Grandpa treated Justin, Elder Viloria and a new convert and his family to dinner at a nicer restaurant in town.
Thanks for the two suitcases full of stuff for me! That was great. The pants fit really well. I guess they were too short for my companion, but they ended up fitting me so it worked out.
President had us over to his house for dinner Saturday night. We had roast and potatoes and everything. Very American. (I love how Justin tells us about the meals he eats. He does not take good tasting food for granted anymore. At least for the time being.)Grandpa had a good time chatting with president.
Dinner at the president's home. Sorry the picture is blurry. It was all there was.
I guess during the day he went to go eat at Dumbo's with Godo and then he went to the temple. There weren't any sessions, but president Tenorio had called the temple president to receive him and he gave him a tour of the whole temple. Grandpa said he liked it. Godo was telling me that he saw grandpa in a video about President Hinckley's life that they played in his funeral that shows his picture and him translating and talks about how he went to California to study and everything. Me or grandpa haven't seen it. Have you? Yesterday he came to church and bore his testimony. I had to translate it. Then I took him to our pension's to eat and he went back to the hotel.
At the temple.
Elder Viloria in their apartment window.
In Justin's apartment
Hanging on the wall. Sweet!
Photos Justin put on his wall. Along with a coto pass.
Justin and his companion's bed. Justin had us send him his down comforter and brown duvet cover. He said it is freezing at night! Hopefully he is nice and cozy now.
The church building in his area.
Grandpa wanted to sit by a chollita.
The chapel.
Grandpa took a liking to this little one.
Justin's pension.
Ready to eat after a day of fasting!
Justin and Elder Viloria.
Today we are going to the Jesus statue to take a pictures and then I guess there is a Korean restaurant here in town. Grandpa invited President and Sister Tenorio. My companion doesn't want to go, he's going to play soccer. It has been great seeing him though. I don't think I'll be too sad when he leaves. I haven't been with him the whole time which I think is good. Still been working.
Grandpa with the Jesus statue having fun.
A happy Justin!
Loving his grandpa!
View of Cochabamba.
Group photo.
At the Korean restaurant in Bolivia. Who would have guessed there would be such a thing?
Ladies in the back preparing some food.
An example of food the missionaries are forbidden to eat. Anything that is washed in water and not cooked. Justin should be relieved for many reasons!
At a Bolivian street market.
We found out changes today. My companion is leaving. I am staying. There were a few rumors that I was going to be zone leader, but I am happy that I am not. I am more than content doing the district leader thing for a long time. Better that way.
Friday we had a great wedding, baptism and party. Of course it all started two hours late. The bride didn't want to show up. We got them married, then he got baptized, then the had a big old party. Dancing, food, cake, the works. He had to get baptized Friday and not Saturday because they wanted a party. Sunday is fast Sunday and they all start fasting her Saturday and stuff so we had to change it. Bummer, grandpa would have liked it. We are planning on going to the temple with them Wednesday before Elder Viloria goes. Jose Pedros was who got baptized.
Fourth of July was alright. I bought a bunch of fireworks to light off at night but when we were at presidents I got really sick. Came down with one of those 24 hour flu fever things and was knocked out in bed. I feel a lot better now. I also have some sort of fungus on my hands and the skin is falling off. I had to buy some cream to fix it. Thanks for all the sour candy. They give me a lot of gas, but that's okay. (For him or his companion? It is nice he keeps me updated on his gas and his bowel movements.)
Well president said that they have told him that the rest of the gringos should all be back by the end of the month. So we will see."
We are happy to hear he had such a nice time seeing his grandpa Hong. It was nice of his grandpa to fly so far to visit and for President Tenorio to allow the visit. Sounds like life in Bolivia is pretty good. Oh, and thanks for the photos grandpa!
Monday, June 29, 2009
"Who Wouldn't Want To Meet A Korean Celebrity?"
Justin's grandpa Hong comes at the end of this week to visit Bolivia and Justin. They are both way excited! As Justin said in his email today, "I am wayyyy excited to see grandpa! And all the stuff he is going to bring haha. It should be a really good weekend with him. I think everyone is excited to meet him too. Probably because we have that royal blood flowing through our veins. Who wouldn't want to meet a Korean celebrity?"
He also wrote to us that 10 other "gringos" arrived this week and now that makes 20 of them that have returned to Boliva. His mission president told them there are still 18 in Peru that will be returning sometime. "Elder Brinton (His first companion) is done in 8 weeks! Crazy huh?"
Justin has been sending us a list of things he would like us to send with his grandpa. Including a larger suitcase to trade for his smaller one. What missionary do you know that upgrades to a larger suitcase while in the field? Only our Justin. He even asked for some pants he found on line. Still shopping? He is a funny one. Of course his Crest whitestrips to keep his perfect smile perfect! The weirdest thing one the list was a George Bush bobblehead. I guess someone in the ward wants one. I don't think we will find that one in time. It will be nice and fun to be able to send a lot of stuff to him. I think he will enjoy the suitcase full of stuff.
They had a baptism last Saturday. Susana Jurado. She is the sister of the young and pregnant married couple. He said it went well. He mentioned how hard it is to fill the baptismal font in their chapel there. They have to fill tanks on the roof to get water in the baptismal font. He said the fonts in Bolivia have water heaters, unlike Peru, but he has no idea how they work. Bummer for Susana! "Only one person got baptized Saturday. Her brother and sister in law were going to as well, but her sister in law, Tomasa, said that she still didn't feel ready and wanted to wait longer. She said it just didn't enter into her heart yet. Jose, her husband and Susana's brother, wants to get baptized and is really excited, but wants to do it together with his wife. So we put a new date with those two for the 4th of July and Jose said that if Tomasa still isn't ready by then then he is going to go ahead and do it to show her the example. So hopefully that works out. But anyways not many people came to the baptism. Some 8 year old in the ward was having her birthday party and I think everyone went there instead. Susana got there and no one else came for another half hour. There ended up being around 8 people by the time we started an hour late. Jose and Tomasa still weren't there and when she called to see why, it was because Tomasa was in labor to give birth. So we did it all pretty fast so that she could get out of there to go to the hospital."
He is still working with his other investigator (a term we use for some one learning about the church with the missionaries) Jose Pedro Rojas. They are working on getting papers ready so he and his girlfriend can get married, so he can get baptized. He actually wanted Justin's grandpa to baptize him, but it's not going to work out now. But hopefully he will get baptized this Saturday when Grandpa Hong is there. Justin also mentioned that Jose and Tomasa want to name their baby after him and his companion. I wonder what names they will come up with and hopefully
the baby was a boy??
Saving the disgusting grossness for last.... "I may die of some Bolivian disease. (Kidding of course) Yesterday after eating lunch we were in a taxi going to the church for a meeting. I was sitting by the window and it was down, just not paying attention and we drive over this bridge and I guess the road was flooded with sewage water and at the same time a big semi drove by and soaked me. (He actually got more descriptive with the grossness of what may have been in that water...... gives you the heebie jeebies!! Justin could write a horror flick with his descriptive writing skills)I really didn't know how to react. And after I got to walk around in my poop covered suit, hair and face, go to a 2 hour meeting, go eat dinner and finally at night I got to shower. (Besides Justin I was feeling bad for the poor people that had to be around him all this time!) I almost puked 10 times, gagging from the smell of myself. I hope it didn't get into my mouth." Only in Bolivia.
He also wrote to us that 10 other "gringos" arrived this week and now that makes 20 of them that have returned to Boliva. His mission president told them there are still 18 in Peru that will be returning sometime. "Elder Brinton (His first companion) is done in 8 weeks! Crazy huh?"
Justin has been sending us a list of things he would like us to send with his grandpa. Including a larger suitcase to trade for his smaller one. What missionary do you know that upgrades to a larger suitcase while in the field? Only our Justin. He even asked for some pants he found on line. Still shopping? He is a funny one. Of course his Crest whitestrips to keep his perfect smile perfect! The weirdest thing one the list was a George Bush bobblehead. I guess someone in the ward wants one. I don't think we will find that one in time. It will be nice and fun to be able to send a lot of stuff to him. I think he will enjoy the suitcase full of stuff.
They had a baptism last Saturday. Susana Jurado. She is the sister of the young and pregnant married couple. He said it went well. He mentioned how hard it is to fill the baptismal font in their chapel there. They have to fill tanks on the roof to get water in the baptismal font. He said the fonts in Bolivia have water heaters, unlike Peru, but he has no idea how they work. Bummer for Susana! "Only one person got baptized Saturday. Her brother and sister in law were going to as well, but her sister in law, Tomasa, said that she still didn't feel ready and wanted to wait longer. She said it just didn't enter into her heart yet. Jose, her husband and Susana's brother, wants to get baptized and is really excited, but wants to do it together with his wife. So we put a new date with those two for the 4th of July and Jose said that if Tomasa still isn't ready by then then he is going to go ahead and do it to show her the example. So hopefully that works out. But anyways not many people came to the baptism. Some 8 year old in the ward was having her birthday party and I think everyone went there instead. Susana got there and no one else came for another half hour. There ended up being around 8 people by the time we started an hour late. Jose and Tomasa still weren't there and when she called to see why, it was because Tomasa was in labor to give birth. So we did it all pretty fast so that she could get out of there to go to the hospital."
He is still working with his other investigator (a term we use for some one learning about the church with the missionaries) Jose Pedro Rojas. They are working on getting papers ready so he and his girlfriend can get married, so he can get baptized. He actually wanted Justin's grandpa to baptize him, but it's not going to work out now. But hopefully he will get baptized this Saturday when Grandpa Hong is there. Justin also mentioned that Jose and Tomasa want to name their baby after him and his companion. I wonder what names they will come up with and hopefully
the baby was a boy??
Saving the disgusting grossness for last.... "I may die of some Bolivian disease. (Kidding of course) Yesterday after eating lunch we were in a taxi going to the church for a meeting. I was sitting by the window and it was down, just not paying attention and we drive over this bridge and I guess the road was flooded with sewage water and at the same time a big semi drove by and soaked me. (He actually got more descriptive with the grossness of what may have been in that water...... gives you the heebie jeebies!! Justin could write a horror flick with his descriptive writing skills)I really didn't know how to react. And after I got to walk around in my poop covered suit, hair and face, go to a 2 hour meeting, go eat dinner and finally at night I got to shower. (Besides Justin I was feeling bad for the poor people that had to be around him all this time!) I almost puked 10 times, gagging from the smell of myself. I hope it didn't get into my mouth." Only in Bolivia.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Introducing.... Elder Viloria
In an email dated June 22, 2009, Justin wrote that Aliana Pimiento ended up not getting baptized on Saturday. They aren't sure what happened. They can't get a hold of her. "I guess she wants to get baptized but is scared of what her family is going to say, even though they live in La Paz, Bolivia. She just lives with her little grandma who speaks quechuwa. I think she thinks we are mad at her or something, but we just want to help. We always try to help the people understand that we aren't going to obligate them to do anything, that all depends upon them. We are only going to invite, and they make the decisions." They do have another couple getting baptized this Saturday. The Jurado family. They are the couple that is 18 years old and she is 9 months pregnant. He wrote that his 20 year old sister, Susana, came to church again on Sunday. "Last week we brought them extra beds we have laying around the house because they had been sleeping on the floor in their little one room house. They always cook us dinner when we visit, it makes me feel bad because I know it's a big sacrifice on their part to give us that food. Luckily I've been able to get it all down. (And hopefully not get sick!) They now have 5 people with baptismal dates for July 4th, for when his grandpa come into town. "In total we have 12 people with baptismal dates, but there is a lot of work to do to get them ready."
This next part we found funny..... "Last Monday we went to go play beach volleyball in my old area La Chimba in this amusement park place. There were no nets of course, so we have to imagine the net. Kind of lame. "But they are all excited to play more volleyball now." Justin is converting the elders from soccer to volleyball. His sport of choice.
Today for their pday, a member is taking Justin and his companion to eat lunch at a "good" restaurant and then they are going to visit the big statue of Jesus Christ. We are so grateful to those that are so kind to "our missionary."
Last week they went to the mission home where Hermana Tenorio served lunch to all those that had their birthdays in May and June, plus their companions. The Tenorio's are very kind and loving to these missionaries. Justin said she served a good chicken casserole.
I was asking Justin to tell me more about his companion and he finally did. Elder Viloria has 2 older brothers that have both served missions. One in Chile and the other in Argentina. "The one in Argentina just got back a month ago. His companion "played soccer professionally before his mission and loves to talk about it. That doesn't get old. And he did military service. And he loves to talk about that too. He wants to be an orthodontist."
For those of you that have been curious as to what a chollita is, Justin explains. "A brief explanation on what is a chollita, that I always refer to. It's the little old typical Bolivian ladies that wear top hats, big old skirts, speak quechuwa, chew on coca, carry everything around on their backs, including their small children, in these cloth sacks they make. The rural or mountain, or farm people. That's a chollita. They also poop on the street corners. Squat and wipe with their skirts. (That last part is just lovely!)
Our shower has been acting up a lot lately. It sometimes doesn't want to heat the water up, so I have been remembering all the cold showers I took in Peru. It's worse here when you have to shower when it's 30 degrees outside in the morning or night. (Just like camping, I guess) Love you. Justin"
Monday, June 15, 2009
Baptismal Dates for Eleven People
In an email dated June 15, 2009, Justin wrote that "This week went really really well." We love it when we read that! He wrote how different their zone conferences are than in his Lima Sur mission. "More relaxed, but still great!" They have at least one baptism every weekend until July 10. "We are excited about that." One of the investigators are an 18 year old couple that just got married 3 weeks ago and they are eight months pregnant. "We went over there to teach them for the first night with a bunch of members (they are family of them) on my companion's birthday and they had a cake and dinner for us. We ate it on the floor though because they only have 2 mattresses on the floor. We have some extra beds in the house so we got permission from the president to give them 2. That'll be good."
My companion's birthday went well. We lit off fireworks at 6 am in his room haha. (What is with my son and fireworks?? And inside???) Then we had a cake and everything in the afternoon. And the members of course all treated him well.
Sounds like the rest of my group isn't going to get here until the end of June. One of them emailed me this week and said things are going good. I actually do miss it a bit in Peru, especially the food. I have definitely lost weight here, my pants are all a bit looser on me.
Spanish is still coming along. I feel like it hit a plateau for a while, but I am trying to keep on getting better. Still have another year to get it down perfect to talk with all the Mexicans at home. (I think he is looking forward to being able to communicate with the Spanish speaking people here at home.) I miss Mexican food. I told the members last night I thought I'd be eating tacos and burritos for 2 years. I was wrong about that. Love you all. And talk to you next week, Justin"
My companion's birthday went well. We lit off fireworks at 6 am in his room haha. (What is with my son and fireworks?? And inside???) Then we had a cake and everything in the afternoon. And the members of course all treated him well.
Sounds like the rest of my group isn't going to get here until the end of June. One of them emailed me this week and said things are going good. I actually do miss it a bit in Peru, especially the food. I have definitely lost weight here, my pants are all a bit looser on me.
Spanish is still coming along. I feel like it hit a plateau for a while, but I am trying to keep on getting better. Still have another year to get it down perfect to talk with all the Mexicans at home. (I think he is looking forward to being able to communicate with the Spanish speaking people here at home.) I miss Mexican food. I told the members last night I thought I'd be eating tacos and burritos for 2 years. I was wrong about that. Love you all. And talk to you next week, Justin"
Monday, June 8, 2009
Living In The "Red Zone"
In our email today, June 08, 2009, Justin wrote, "Hey everyone- This week went pretty well. Nothing too much happened. We have been finding a lot of new people to teach and had 6 people at church on Sunday and have a baptism for June 20th. Aliana Pimienta, she is 20 and lives with a member family. I have only met her once but seems like a really good person. She studies all week. Leaves her house at 6 am every morning and gets home around 10 pm. The only day she is around is Saturday, so we have a lot to teach her. Apparently our area is a "red zone" and is supposed to be really dangerous. Drug dealers, prostitutes, tons of bars, drunks, the works. But I guess compared to Peru, it all feels safe to me." Greattttttt.... I guess we never realized just how dangerous the area was in Peru.
"We had our interviews with President Tenorio this week. Haha, it's so much different than with President Fierro, it's more like chatting with a good friend, relaxed and friendly. He told me one of his best friends lives in Coto. He's never gone but has gone to Laguna Niguel. Pretty cool. He said that when he found out that Grandpa Hong was a mission president, he researched him on the internet haha and found out he was one of the first members in Korea and everything. I am excited for him to come and see me. I think President Tenorio will probably want to meet him.
Well what else. I bought a bunch of Quaker oatmeal packets and I like eating those for breakfast. And green apples. (Those two things have always been some of Justin's favorites.) And kiwi. The exchange rate here is great. 7 to 1. All of the stuff from America seems really expensive, but when you do the conversion, it's the same as what we'd pay in the states if not cheaper. Like my box of 55 oatmeal packets was 150 bolivianos, which is only about 20 dollars.
My companion and I are still getting along really well. Really cool kid.
There is an orthodontist/ dentist in our ward and I went to her place the other day and it actually looks pretty American. I think I am going to get my teeth cleaned today and might get a permanent retainer put in on my bottom teeth because she can do it for only 10 dollars. Pretty good deal.
Well, that's all I can think of. Love you. Bye. Justin"
Great, our son is getting Bolivian orthodontist work being done! Justin wrote in our email that it is winter there when it is summer here. They still have pretty nice weather in the winter as well. Nice!
"We had our interviews with President Tenorio this week. Haha, it's so much different than with President Fierro, it's more like chatting with a good friend, relaxed and friendly. He told me one of his best friends lives in Coto. He's never gone but has gone to Laguna Niguel. Pretty cool. He said that when he found out that Grandpa Hong was a mission president, he researched him on the internet haha and found out he was one of the first members in Korea and everything. I am excited for him to come and see me. I think President Tenorio will probably want to meet him.
Well what else. I bought a bunch of Quaker oatmeal packets and I like eating those for breakfast. And green apples. (Those two things have always been some of Justin's favorites.) And kiwi. The exchange rate here is great. 7 to 1. All of the stuff from America seems really expensive, but when you do the conversion, it's the same as what we'd pay in the states if not cheaper. Like my box of 55 oatmeal packets was 150 bolivianos, which is only about 20 dollars.
My companion and I are still getting along really well. Really cool kid.
There is an orthodontist/ dentist in our ward and I went to her place the other day and it actually looks pretty American. I think I am going to get my teeth cleaned today and might get a permanent retainer put in on my bottom teeth because she can do it for only 10 dollars. Pretty good deal.
Well, that's all I can think of. Love you. Bye. Justin"
Great, our son is getting Bolivian orthodontist work being done! Justin wrote in our email that it is winter there when it is summer here. They still have pretty nice weather in the winter as well. Nice!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
In a letter to our family dated June 7, 2009, Justin wrote how fast his week went. They had 6 investigators at church today. "A married couple, the Jordan family, they are about 55, a girl named Eliana Arias and a married couple and their sister that a member brought. We also put a baptismal date with a girl named Aliana Pimienta (20) for June 20."
He always mentions how excited he is for his grandpa Hong to visit him in Bolivia. He says his companion is also excited to meet his grandpa. He wants to meet him. Justin is teaching Elder Viloria English. He says, "He is picking up on it. We always try to pray in English in the house now."
His companion was looking through Justin's pictures and now has a crush on his cousin Kelli. He keeps two pictures of her on his desk!
Last Monday he went to an arts and crafts flea market and picked up his Bolivian Christmas ornament. That makes mom happy! In our family, each person gets a new ornament that has to do with something from that person's year. He can check that off his list for this year. What a good and obedient son! That's about it for now.
He always mentions how excited he is for his grandpa Hong to visit him in Bolivia. He says his companion is also excited to meet his grandpa. He wants to meet him. Justin is teaching Elder Viloria English. He says, "He is picking up on it. We always try to pray in English in the house now."
His companion was looking through Justin's pictures and now has a crush on his cousin Kelli. He keeps two pictures of her on his desk!
Last Monday he went to an arts and crafts flea market and picked up his Bolivian Christmas ornament. That makes mom happy! In our family, each person gets a new ornament that has to do with something from that person's year. He can check that off his list for this year. What a good and obedient son! That's about it for now.
Monday, June 1, 2009
In the email today June 1, 2009, Justin wrote to inform everyone about his change to his new area, Jaihauyco, in the ward Villa Mexico. He says, "There aren't nearly as many chollitas here, so everyone speaks Spanish which is good. But I have moved out of my mansion, oh well. Our new house is nice too. We live on top of a tienda (store) which is great, I can buy all the stuff I need at any time." Justin thinks it is "pretty sweet" being with a companion that also served in the Lima Sur mission. He says, "it's easier to do the adjustment again, haha." He says his companion didn't want to leave Peru, but is happy here too.
"Our area is hugeee too, so we have a lot of work to do this week." Unfortunately his companion was sick with the flu, so they had to spend a lot of time in the house. "Those days are always kind of boring, but they seem to happen a lot here, everyone is always getting sick. Justin said the swine flu finally got to Bolivia. He quickly added, "I'll live." He's hoping he gained some weight back. But yesterday when his companion was sick, they did not get to eat because their pension lives far from their house and his companion was too sick to walk there. Luckily, the packages we sent him got to him, so he was able to eat the cookies I made for him. He liked that!
Justin is excited for his grandpa Hong to come and visit him in Bolivia. "Apparently I have to find someone to get baptized for when he gets here, haha we will see how that goes." He is making a list of things for his grandpa to bring to him. Nice way for us to get Justin everything we need to send him, like new shoes!
Unfortunately, (to Justin's mom) the South Americans in the church drink Coca Cola. They even offer it at the temple in the vending machines. Justin has become used to drinking the nasty stuff. He said, "Ohh and President Tenorio threw out the no coke rule! So I am being able to drink my Coca Cola again, which is nice. It kind of sucked not being able to, I have grown to like it." Oh brother! He never did growing up in our home.
"This week I am going to have one year! In three days. So quick." Yes, we agree. So quick!
"Our area is hugeee too, so we have a lot of work to do this week." Unfortunately his companion was sick with the flu, so they had to spend a lot of time in the house. "Those days are always kind of boring, but they seem to happen a lot here, everyone is always getting sick. Justin said the swine flu finally got to Bolivia. He quickly added, "I'll live." He's hoping he gained some weight back. But yesterday when his companion was sick, they did not get to eat because their pension lives far from their house and his companion was too sick to walk there. Luckily, the packages we sent him got to him, so he was able to eat the cookies I made for him. He liked that!
Justin is excited for his grandpa Hong to come and visit him in Bolivia. "Apparently I have to find someone to get baptized for when he gets here, haha we will see how that goes." He is making a list of things for his grandpa to bring to him. Nice way for us to get Justin everything we need to send him, like new shoes!
Unfortunately, (to Justin's mom) the South Americans in the church drink Coca Cola. They even offer it at the temple in the vending machines. Justin has become used to drinking the nasty stuff. He said, "Ohh and President Tenorio threw out the no coke rule! So I am being able to drink my Coca Cola again, which is nice. It kind of sucked not being able to, I have grown to like it." Oh brother! He never did growing up in our home.
"This week I am going to have one year! In three days. So quick." Yes, we agree. So quick!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Loving My New Area And Companion
In a letter to our family dated May 31, 2009, Justin wrote, "Hey Family- Well changes were last Wednesday. I love my new area and companion. I'm still in Cochabamba, in the stake Jaihuayco, ward Villa Mexico as district leader. I'm actually really happy that I not zone leader. It'll be good doing the district leader thing for a while. My companion is way cool. His name is Elder Viloria and is from Colombia. He was actually in Lima Sur for 2 months as well right when we got there. He was in the CCM right before we left Bolivia, so they kept him in Peru for a little to see how things were going to go in Bolivia. We think we met each other once there before. He looked really familiar. He really liked it in Peru and actually didn't want to leave at all. Sounds like President Fierro really liked him. He invited him over to his house to eat (I never went in their house) and even told him he would've wanted him to marry his daughter if he wasn't a missionary (not that I'd want him for a father in law or marry his daughter). He's probably one of my favorite companions so far. We just get along really well. I'm happy about it all.
Other good news. I got all 3 packages that you sent. (FINALLY!!) Looks like the first one took a month or so, but the last two got here to me in 16 days. Not too bad. But thanks so much for all the stuff! The two (big) cookies were great, and I'm enjoying the oatmeal one (Justin's favorite cookie flavor) right now. It was nice to get the pictures too. And I've already eaten one of the bags of Sour Patch Kids (another favorite of Justin's!). Those packages always get you going again.
We had a baptism yesterday. Gabriela Parra Aira, she is 11. Her whole family is members, but her dad, Freddy was inactive. He came and participated in her baptism though and also came to church for all 3 hours today. That was good to see. And now we have got to start searching for more people to baptize this week. I guess Elder Viloria and his last companion here didn't get along very well and so they didn't have many people to teach. We spent most of this week getting to know the members and so this coming week we'll concentrate more on finding new people. The ward that we are in is great too. The bishop just got called about a month ago and is really young. Today in the combined 3rd hour, we talked about the importance of member involvement in mission work. What I like doing in every ward I'm in is pass around sheets where every member can write their phone number and when during the week they can go out with us so that we can always have a lesson with members. We are also doing a training for the members today on how to teach the missionary lessons and be a member missionary.
On Tuesday, we are going to the temple which I am excited for because I still haven't gone since we've been back. Then we have interviews with President Tenorio afterwards. Should be a good day.
My companion woke up sick today with the flu. He ended up going back to the house during sacrament with a youth and I stayed with another member. The bishop is coming to pick me up now to go to that training for the members and Elder Viloria is going to stay home.
Our chapel is only 3 or 4 blocks from the house. It's actually one of the first ones in Cochabamaba. Our house is nice too. We live on top of a tienda (or little corner store like what Sonia had) again which is really convenient. It's a 5 story apartment building that they have. We have the second floor with two other missionaries, the zone leaders. It's a pretty nice apartment. Spacious. Kitchen, bathroom, 3 bedrooms, living space. Good deal. It's blue inside, the tile and all the walls. Got to go send this. Love you, Justin"
Love it when he is happy and doing well! He is doing great work as well.
Other good news. I got all 3 packages that you sent. (FINALLY!!) Looks like the first one took a month or so, but the last two got here to me in 16 days. Not too bad. But thanks so much for all the stuff! The two (big) cookies were great, and I'm enjoying the oatmeal one (Justin's favorite cookie flavor) right now. It was nice to get the pictures too. And I've already eaten one of the bags of Sour Patch Kids (another favorite of Justin's!). Those packages always get you going again.
We had a baptism yesterday. Gabriela Parra Aira, she is 11. Her whole family is members, but her dad, Freddy was inactive. He came and participated in her baptism though and also came to church for all 3 hours today. That was good to see. And now we have got to start searching for more people to baptize this week. I guess Elder Viloria and his last companion here didn't get along very well and so they didn't have many people to teach. We spent most of this week getting to know the members and so this coming week we'll concentrate more on finding new people. The ward that we are in is great too. The bishop just got called about a month ago and is really young. Today in the combined 3rd hour, we talked about the importance of member involvement in mission work. What I like doing in every ward I'm in is pass around sheets where every member can write their phone number and when during the week they can go out with us so that we can always have a lesson with members. We are also doing a training for the members today on how to teach the missionary lessons and be a member missionary.
On Tuesday, we are going to the temple which I am excited for because I still haven't gone since we've been back. Then we have interviews with President Tenorio afterwards. Should be a good day.
My companion woke up sick today with the flu. He ended up going back to the house during sacrament with a youth and I stayed with another member. The bishop is coming to pick me up now to go to that training for the members and Elder Viloria is going to stay home.
Our chapel is only 3 or 4 blocks from the house. It's actually one of the first ones in Cochabamaba. Our house is nice too. We live on top of a tienda (or little corner store like what Sonia had) again which is really convenient. It's a 5 story apartment building that they have. We have the second floor with two other missionaries, the zone leaders. It's a pretty nice apartment. Spacious. Kitchen, bathroom, 3 bedrooms, living space. Good deal. It's blue inside, the tile and all the walls. Got to go send this. Love you, Justin"
Love it when he is happy and doing well! He is doing great work as well.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Down 15 Pounds!
In his email dated May 25, 2009, Justin wrote, " Hey everyone, well this week went pretty well. After internet and everything last Monday, we went to our zone study thing then ran a couple of errands and went back to the house to eat the lunch that the cook made. It was soo good. Filet mignon, chicken, potatoes and rice. It tasted really American. I guess being in the wealthier parts of town has its benefits. I even got to enjoy it all twice! Going down, and coming back up 5 minutes after. (Funny, Justin) So I called Hermana Tenorio after that and she made me go to the doctors and I had to wait all day there for a doctor. I pooped in a cup for the first time in my life as well. And they took blood out. And I couldn't go out and work on Tuesday they said and they put me on a white diet. Turns out I didn't have anything, just something I ate, probably that chollita ice cream. But I had to get weighed at the doctors office and I have lost 15 pounds since I have gotten here to Bolivia! Oh well. She (Hermana Tenorio) is making me drink this ensure shake thing every day to strengthen my immune system and gain weight or something. We will see.
Well I am not exactly sure when changes are. They are supposed to be this Thursday, but President was going to postpone them until the other 10 gringos get here a few days later. But this morning we heard they weren't going to get here for 2 weeks still, so who knows. Supposedly a lot of people are finding out the changes today, but they say everyday they know, so who knows if what they are telling us is true. I've heard that I am going to just about every part of the mission.
I had to go to the offices this week and I saw President there and he told me he got grandpa's email and that he gave him permission to come visit me. I am excited about that. Have him bring me a bigger suitcase because I am sick of trying to get all my stuff into mine. It's a joke every time I have to pack.
Our toilet is currently clogged, but there isn't a plumber. But that's not stopping anyone from using it still. It is turning into a septic tank. It's pretty gross. We have got to get that fixed today. (OHHH, SOOOOO Nasty!! I don't know how he can stand that!) I bought toilet paper as well so I don't have to use the newspaper anymore. And I didn't poop for a week after that disaster Sunday night. But I'm back to normal, fyi mom. (Yes, I am a mother that asks if he is regular. Always have and still do!)
There is so much American stuff here. There is this one little store that is just full of it. It's the one that gets all the damaged Costco pallets. I bought Starbursts and twizzlers there last week. For breakfast, I have been eating Fruitloops or pb&j's. (Justin would not eat pb&j's before his mission)The Latins have never tried peanut butter, a lot of them. It's not too expensive either, only about 3 dollars for a jar.
I found a lady to wash my clothes! (He has been doing it himself and he said it takes so long because they have to do it by hand.) She comes every Friday to pick it up, then brings it back in 24 hours. And she does it all for only 3 or 4 dollars. That's probably cheaper than going to a laundry mat and paying for the machines, not that those exist here. But it's better than spending 4 hours doing it myself by hand. Got to love cheap Bolivian labor.
Well in church we had a couple of people. This old grandma encarnacion who lovesssss the church because it is closer to her house than her last one. But whatever gets her there. Then this other guy Jacob, who doesn't like his last church because he can't do anything, like play soccer or dance. They both seemed to really like it. The family that is going to get baptized the 13th is about to have their baby today or tomorrow. They are really great and love it all.
In Bolivia, Mother's day isn't until May 27th, so all of the Bolivians are calling home this Wednesday. Weird, huh?
Well, that's it. Love you all. Oh use this address to write me:"
Elder Justin Evans
Mision Bolivia Cochabamba
Av. Villarroel #1132
Edificio Confort, Piso 7
Oficina #7c, Casilla de Correo 1375
Cochabamba, Bolivia
Now memorize that one! I still haven't! I wonder if Justin has?
Well I am not exactly sure when changes are. They are supposed to be this Thursday, but President was going to postpone them until the other 10 gringos get here a few days later. But this morning we heard they weren't going to get here for 2 weeks still, so who knows. Supposedly a lot of people are finding out the changes today, but they say everyday they know, so who knows if what they are telling us is true. I've heard that I am going to just about every part of the mission.
I had to go to the offices this week and I saw President there and he told me he got grandpa's email and that he gave him permission to come visit me. I am excited about that. Have him bring me a bigger suitcase because I am sick of trying to get all my stuff into mine. It's a joke every time I have to pack.
Our toilet is currently clogged, but there isn't a plumber. But that's not stopping anyone from using it still. It is turning into a septic tank. It's pretty gross. We have got to get that fixed today. (OHHH, SOOOOO Nasty!! I don't know how he can stand that!) I bought toilet paper as well so I don't have to use the newspaper anymore. And I didn't poop for a week after that disaster Sunday night. But I'm back to normal, fyi mom. (Yes, I am a mother that asks if he is regular. Always have and still do!)
There is so much American stuff here. There is this one little store that is just full of it. It's the one that gets all the damaged Costco pallets. I bought Starbursts and twizzlers there last week. For breakfast, I have been eating Fruitloops or pb&j's. (Justin would not eat pb&j's before his mission)The Latins have never tried peanut butter, a lot of them. It's not too expensive either, only about 3 dollars for a jar.
I found a lady to wash my clothes! (He has been doing it himself and he said it takes so long because they have to do it by hand.) She comes every Friday to pick it up, then brings it back in 24 hours. And she does it all for only 3 or 4 dollars. That's probably cheaper than going to a laundry mat and paying for the machines, not that those exist here. But it's better than spending 4 hours doing it myself by hand. Got to love cheap Bolivian labor.
Well in church we had a couple of people. This old grandma encarnacion who lovesssss the church because it is closer to her house than her last one. But whatever gets her there. Then this other guy Jacob, who doesn't like his last church because he can't do anything, like play soccer or dance. They both seemed to really like it. The family that is going to get baptized the 13th is about to have their baby today or tomorrow. They are really great and love it all.
In Bolivia, Mother's day isn't until May 27th, so all of the Bolivians are calling home this Wednesday. Weird, huh?
Well, that's it. Love you all. Oh use this address to write me:"
Elder Justin Evans
Mision Bolivia Cochabamba
Av. Villarroel #1132
Edificio Confort, Piso 7
Oficina #7c, Casilla de Correo 1375
Cochabamba, Bolivia
Now memorize that one! I still haven't! I wonder if Justin has?
Monday, May 18, 2009
Visiting My Old Area Again, La Chimba
In an email dated May 18, 2009, Justin wrote, "Hey everyone. This week wasn't too bad. We found a bunch of people to teach. I am with Elder Rodriguez everyday now and we go out and work. His companion and Elder Cooley took the top half of the area in the hills and we are down below. This week we had a family come to church that really liked it and they are going to get baptized and the other two have a baptismal date for this Saturday.
Well, I made it just over a week without getting sick. I was puking everywhere last night. Sucks that the house is so big, I didn't quite make it to the bathroom and it started coming out. It was a mess. And so much. (Got a visual, everyone?) Then diarrhea. Then an hour later all over again. And again. And again. It wasn't too fun. Especially having to clean it all up right after. I think I puked and pooped everything out of my body that there is. There wasn't any toilet paper either.... newspaper is not fun to wipe with. But luckily I woke up feeling a bit better, I am just going to run a couple of errands today then go back and sleep. The lady we live with is having all of the gringos that work in the temple over for lunch today and is having a chef come over to cook filet mignon. (Justin's absolute favorite thing to eat!) Hopefully I feel good enough to eat it. I forgot how bad the food is here. It flat out sucks. I am having a hard time getting it all down again. But at least my pension is a lot better this time around. Last night we had tacos. I think what made me sick was that this member bought me an ice cream cone but it was chollita ice cream bought from this guy out in the middle of a field. Probably not a good idea.
I got to go back and visit my old area for a day in La Chimba. I was so surprised, everyone remembered me. I guess they heard I was coming to visit, so all we did all day was visit members. It was cool. I went to my old pension there, the Pinchi family to visit. The elders don't eat there anymore. ( Justin did not think that was a smart move. She was his favorite pension. He actually enjoyed her food.) But it turns out the husband Alex is from La Villa in Pisco! And he showed me a picture of his mom and I knew her. And remember that girl Sayuki I baptized? It's actually his niece! Small world, huh? They have lost contact with them for a while, so I'm going to help them get their phone number. And Pablo who got baptized the last Saturday I was here is still going to church and they are teaching his mom as well. Brian Torrico, from the taxi driver family, doesn't really go anymore. There are rumors that President is going to put me back there in La Chimba. That'd be pretty sweet.
I got permission to go to the Cancha or big old market here last Monday and got a new camera, so I am good to go.
So many people speak Quechua. I may have to learn some words. They actually have classes in Quechua in church for the people that don't understand Spanish that well. It's weird. The Lady that we live with told us that all the hugeee mansions built up in the hills belong to 1 of 2 people. They either work for the government, or the are huge drug lords. Ha ha.
Well that is all that I've got this week. Love you all. Write me. Justin"
He really LOVES to get letters. Hint, hint!
Well, I made it just over a week without getting sick. I was puking everywhere last night. Sucks that the house is so big, I didn't quite make it to the bathroom and it started coming out. It was a mess. And so much. (Got a visual, everyone?) Then diarrhea. Then an hour later all over again. And again. And again. It wasn't too fun. Especially having to clean it all up right after. I think I puked and pooped everything out of my body that there is. There wasn't any toilet paper either.... newspaper is not fun to wipe with. But luckily I woke up feeling a bit better, I am just going to run a couple of errands today then go back and sleep. The lady we live with is having all of the gringos that work in the temple over for lunch today and is having a chef come over to cook filet mignon. (Justin's absolute favorite thing to eat!) Hopefully I feel good enough to eat it. I forgot how bad the food is here. It flat out sucks. I am having a hard time getting it all down again. But at least my pension is a lot better this time around. Last night we had tacos. I think what made me sick was that this member bought me an ice cream cone but it was chollita ice cream bought from this guy out in the middle of a field. Probably not a good idea.
I got to go back and visit my old area for a day in La Chimba. I was so surprised, everyone remembered me. I guess they heard I was coming to visit, so all we did all day was visit members. It was cool. I went to my old pension there, the Pinchi family to visit. The elders don't eat there anymore. ( Justin did not think that was a smart move. She was his favorite pension. He actually enjoyed her food.) But it turns out the husband Alex is from La Villa in Pisco! And he showed me a picture of his mom and I knew her. And remember that girl Sayuki I baptized? It's actually his niece! Small world, huh? They have lost contact with them for a while, so I'm going to help them get their phone number. And Pablo who got baptized the last Saturday I was here is still going to church and they are teaching his mom as well. Brian Torrico, from the taxi driver family, doesn't really go anymore. There are rumors that President is going to put me back there in La Chimba. That'd be pretty sweet.
I got permission to go to the Cancha or big old market here last Monday and got a new camera, so I am good to go.
So many people speak Quechua. I may have to learn some words. They actually have classes in Quechua in church for the people that don't understand Spanish that well. It's weird. The Lady that we live with told us that all the hugeee mansions built up in the hills belong to 1 of 2 people. They either work for the government, or the are huge drug lords. Ha ha.
Well that is all that I've got this week. Love you all. Write me. Justin"
He really LOVES to get letters. Hint, hint!
Friday, May 15, 2009
First Weeks Back In Bolivia
In a letter dated May 15, 2009, Justin wrote, "Family- Hey how are you? I found some normal paper to write on! There is so much American stuff here in Cochabamba, it's amazing. I've almost been back here for a week now. It was fast, but slow at the same time.
Today things got a lot better with my companion (the zone leader). He overheard me (he understands English) and Elder Cooley talking about how they don't work much. I kind of mentioned it in my letter to President and President called them and got mad. So my companion was kind of mad for most of the day, but we came around to talking and got to know each other better and agreed to just start over. I've noticed that if I'm ever having a bad day or something and kind of upset, getting to a good lesson and just teaching makes me feel so much better. Just turns my day around, probably because it lets the spirit in. I guess President told him that if I didn't want to be with Elder Rodriguez anymore that I could get a change, but of course I said no. The Lord puts us where He puts us for a reason and we need to learn from those experiences. And He will always give us all we need to get through them.
I guess this mission really kind of went downhill while we were gone, or maybe I just didn't notice it before. It just feels like a mess, like you don't even know where to start. Makes me just want to go back to Peru. But I guess you always want what you can't have. Things will work out. Elder Rodriguez even tells me this mission is really disobedient, especially the leaders. I've heard lots of reasons as for why, but that's just what I've heard, stories, so we'll keep it at that. I'd rather just see for myself. I actually really don't want to be a zone leader right now. It would be hard with no one wanting to do anything or all being disobedient. I'd rather just start from the bottom. I'd love to train again. But we'll see what the Lord has in store.
Everyday here reminds me of being back in California. Same weather, plants and smells. It feels like being back in the canyon by Saddleback or something and always smells like the mountains. It gets pretty cold at night and in the mornings. My clock said the lowest is 59 Fahrenheit. But then again, it probably feels so cold because I've been used to blazing hot humid Peru weather. It's a nice change though.
I noticed that the people here in Bolivia have their own distinct smell as well. I'd forgotten it when I went to Peru. It's not the most enjoyable, but you get used to it. (Justin has his mom's overly sensitive sense of smell.)
The water that comes out of the tap here feels like Utah water. It's so cold. But luckily, we have that water heater shower head. I guess there is a real water heater installed in the house as well. there just isn't a gas line in the neighborhood so they still can't use it. Would be nice though.
The lady we live with is named Lili. She is super loaded, so are most of her family. Most of them just did it on their own though. I guess she was one of the first people to bring Nalma Skin to Europe or something. She was always at world fairs there selling it or something. And she lived in Naples, Florida for 8 years as the "administrator" of this estate. Basically she was in charge of all the maids, cooks, etc. for this super rich family. But her kids and grand kids all live here so she built this house and came here to live. We live on the 2ND floor and her and her maid/ helper girl live below. They aren't connected from the inside, but you have to go outside and take an outside staircase to get up top, so it's like a separate house. Crown molding, wood floors, tile, nice bathrooms. It's great.
With Elder Cooley and I, there are 6 of us here. I guess her brother used to live on the 2ND floor, but not anymore. Elder Cooley and I live in the master bedroom, but we can't use the master bath because she is storing stuff in it, so we share with the elders across the family room. There's not furniture or anything, although the Tenorio's are buying all the houses new, nice furniture. Normally missionaries here just have a bed, desk, chair and dresser or something (I'm living out of my suitcase for these 3 weeks because there's not a dresser). We always laugh every time we watch the Preach My Gospel DVD's the Church made by filming a district of missionaries for a few months to demonstrate principles. The apartments they have (in the States obviously) are way nice with couches and a ton of furniture. But I guess President wants our houses to be like that so he's going to fully furnish all the houses as far as I've heard."
May 18, 2009
Justin continued, "It's Monday morning. Threw up a ton last night. That wasn't too fun. I guess you can't be in Bolivia without being sick. And diarrhea like you've never seen. And there was no T.P. so I had to use newspaper. Sucks. Well I am going to go mail email, send this and come and rest. Love, Justin"
Here we go again with the vomiting and diarrhea in Bolivia! A big worry we didn't have often in Peru. Keep this missionary in your prayers, please.
Today things got a lot better with my companion (the zone leader). He overheard me (he understands English) and Elder Cooley talking about how they don't work much. I kind of mentioned it in my letter to President and President called them and got mad. So my companion was kind of mad for most of the day, but we came around to talking and got to know each other better and agreed to just start over. I've noticed that if I'm ever having a bad day or something and kind of upset, getting to a good lesson and just teaching makes me feel so much better. Just turns my day around, probably because it lets the spirit in. I guess President told him that if I didn't want to be with Elder Rodriguez anymore that I could get a change, but of course I said no. The Lord puts us where He puts us for a reason and we need to learn from those experiences. And He will always give us all we need to get through them.
I guess this mission really kind of went downhill while we were gone, or maybe I just didn't notice it before. It just feels like a mess, like you don't even know where to start. Makes me just want to go back to Peru. But I guess you always want what you can't have. Things will work out. Elder Rodriguez even tells me this mission is really disobedient, especially the leaders. I've heard lots of reasons as for why, but that's just what I've heard, stories, so we'll keep it at that. I'd rather just see for myself. I actually really don't want to be a zone leader right now. It would be hard with no one wanting to do anything or all being disobedient. I'd rather just start from the bottom. I'd love to train again. But we'll see what the Lord has in store.
Everyday here reminds me of being back in California. Same weather, plants and smells. It feels like being back in the canyon by Saddleback or something and always smells like the mountains. It gets pretty cold at night and in the mornings. My clock said the lowest is 59 Fahrenheit. But then again, it probably feels so cold because I've been used to blazing hot humid Peru weather. It's a nice change though.
I noticed that the people here in Bolivia have their own distinct smell as well. I'd forgotten it when I went to Peru. It's not the most enjoyable, but you get used to it. (Justin has his mom's overly sensitive sense of smell.)
The water that comes out of the tap here feels like Utah water. It's so cold. But luckily, we have that water heater shower head. I guess there is a real water heater installed in the house as well. there just isn't a gas line in the neighborhood so they still can't use it. Would be nice though.
The lady we live with is named Lili. She is super loaded, so are most of her family. Most of them just did it on their own though. I guess she was one of the first people to bring Nalma Skin to Europe or something. She was always at world fairs there selling it or something. And she lived in Naples, Florida for 8 years as the "administrator" of this estate. Basically she was in charge of all the maids, cooks, etc. for this super rich family. But her kids and grand kids all live here so she built this house and came here to live. We live on the 2ND floor and her and her maid/ helper girl live below. They aren't connected from the inside, but you have to go outside and take an outside staircase to get up top, so it's like a separate house. Crown molding, wood floors, tile, nice bathrooms. It's great.
With Elder Cooley and I, there are 6 of us here. I guess her brother used to live on the 2ND floor, but not anymore. Elder Cooley and I live in the master bedroom, but we can't use the master bath because she is storing stuff in it, so we share with the elders across the family room. There's not furniture or anything, although the Tenorio's are buying all the houses new, nice furniture. Normally missionaries here just have a bed, desk, chair and dresser or something (I'm living out of my suitcase for these 3 weeks because there's not a dresser). We always laugh every time we watch the Preach My Gospel DVD's the Church made by filming a district of missionaries for a few months to demonstrate principles. The apartments they have (in the States obviously) are way nice with couches and a ton of furniture. But I guess President wants our houses to be like that so he's going to fully furnish all the houses as far as I've heard."
May 18, 2009
Justin continued, "It's Monday morning. Threw up a ton last night. That wasn't too fun. I guess you can't be in Bolivia without being sick. And diarrhea like you've never seen. And there was no T.P. so I had to use newspaper. Sucks. Well I am going to go mail email, send this and come and rest. Love, Justin"
Here we go again with the vomiting and diarrhea in Bolivia! A big worry we didn't have often in Peru. Keep this missionary in your prayers, please.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Grandpa Is Coming To Bolivia!
I thought I would post an email from President Tenorio to Justin's grandpa and the email from grandpa Hong to President Tenorio. Justin's grandpa received permission to visit Justin in July. They are both very excited to see one another!
>Dear Jim and Jenny,
I am forwarding the letter that I have received from Justin's Mission president. I am happy that I have received his permission to see him in Bolivia. Grandpa Hong
> Dear brother Hong,
>
> Thank you for your email and your expressions of kindness. I tell you that is an honor to have Elder Evans working in this mission. He is an extraordinary missionary and we are very happy that we got him again! I am sorry for the Lima Peru Mission, where his mission president reported that he did han outstanding job.
> Brother Hong, it was good to know that you are planning to visit Bolivia during your vacation. You are welcome to spend some time with Elder Evans and his companion during his P-day, and I will ask him to make the arrangements so you can attend a baptismal service if it's possible (regularly our baptismal services are on Saturdays).
> Please let me know of your arrangements and if you need some other help.
>
> Best regards,
>
> President Tenorio
>
> ________________________________________
> From: hongb6@cox.net [hongb6@cox.net]
> Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2009 9:43 AM
> To: Miguel Angel Tenorio
> Subject: Greeting from Elder Evans' grandpa
>
> DEar Pres. Tenorio,
>
> Thank you for welcoming Elder Justin Evans, a grandson of mine. He is very excited to be back to Bolivia where he was originally called to serve. I feel so blessed to have him under your care. Elder Evans is my forth among my grandsons to serve as a missionary. I know how important it is to have a great mission president whom a missionary respects whole-heartedly as he does to you.
>
> I would like to ask you a favor. During July, I like to stop by Boliva and visit Elder Evans during his P-day. As a former mission president (My wife and I have served in Korea Taejon Mission for 1995-1998), I know how hard mission presidents and their wives work. As I mentioned at my home-coming meeting, being a mission president is "the toughest job that I have ever enjoyed." With such knowledge, I send you my personal respect and compliment. If I am permitted to visit Elder Evans, I intend to visit Bolivia during the early part of July. Whatever your decision is, I will accept.
>
> If you are kind enough to permit me to visit Elder Evans, I will be glad to take him and his companion to a nearby restaurant. More than anything I like to hear from him will be his personal testimony on the gospel that he is teaching. Hopefully, I like to attend a baptismal service, too.
>
> Looking forward to hearing from you, I invoke the abundant blessings from our Father in Heaven upon your family and Bolivia Cochabamba Mission.
>
> Sincerely Your Brother,
>
> Byung S. Hong
>
>
>Dear Jim and Jenny,
I am forwarding the letter that I have received from Justin's Mission president. I am happy that I have received his permission to see him in Bolivia. Grandpa Hong
> Dear brother Hong,
>
> Thank you for your email and your expressions of kindness. I tell you that is an honor to have Elder Evans working in this mission. He is an extraordinary missionary and we are very happy that we got him again! I am sorry for the Lima Peru Mission, where his mission president reported that he did han outstanding job.
> Brother Hong, it was good to know that you are planning to visit Bolivia during your vacation. You are welcome to spend some time with Elder Evans and his companion during his P-day, and I will ask him to make the arrangements so you can attend a baptismal service if it's possible (regularly our baptismal services are on Saturdays).
> Please let me know of your arrangements and if you need some other help.
>
> Best regards,
>
> President Tenorio
>
> ________________________________________
> From: hongb6@cox.net [hongb6@cox.net]
> Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2009 9:43 AM
> To: Miguel Angel Tenorio
> Subject: Greeting from Elder Evans' grandpa
>
> DEar Pres. Tenorio,
>
> Thank you for welcoming Elder Justin Evans, a grandson of mine. He is very excited to be back to Bolivia where he was originally called to serve. I feel so blessed to have him under your care. Elder Evans is my forth among my grandsons to serve as a missionary. I know how important it is to have a great mission president whom a missionary respects whole-heartedly as he does to you.
>
> I would like to ask you a favor. During July, I like to stop by Boliva and visit Elder Evans during his P-day. As a former mission president (My wife and I have served in Korea Taejon Mission for 1995-1998), I know how hard mission presidents and their wives work. As I mentioned at my home-coming meeting, being a mission president is "the toughest job that I have ever enjoyed." With such knowledge, I send you my personal respect and compliment. If I am permitted to visit Elder Evans, I intend to visit Bolivia during the early part of July. Whatever your decision is, I will accept.
>
> If you are kind enough to permit me to visit Elder Evans, I will be glad to take him and his companion to a nearby restaurant. More than anything I like to hear from him will be his personal testimony on the gospel that he is teaching. Hopefully, I like to attend a baptismal service, too.
>
> Looking forward to hearing from you, I invoke the abundant blessings from our Father in Heaven upon your family and Bolivia Cochabamba Mission.
>
> Sincerely Your Brother,
>
> Byung S. Hong
>
>
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Blessed Phone Call! (and yes, you bet we answered this time!)
When you have a child on a mission, you look forward to the days you receive emails and letters from them. But two days a year are especially special! Christmas and Mother's day! Those are the two days a year your missionary gets to call home and talk with you! I forgot to post about my first Christmas phone call, but am here to post about our Mother's day call. We actually got a pre-call yesterday to make sure we had the proper means to communicate. At Christmas, there was no pre-call. Justin purchased a calling card in Peru and called us. We were able to talk for about 1 hour and 45 minutes. We had a couple of bad connections and lost his call. But he called back each time we were disconnected. At our pre-call, Justin called to give us the phone number of the home he was at and we were to call him there. He was obedient and only talked as long as it took to give us the information. Which was only a few minutes. Still exciting for us though! Once again, I was at the church setting up for a dance when Jim called me to say Justin had called and was calling to say he would call right back to give him the phone number we could call back on tomorrow. I don't think I ever drove home so fast! I got there right before the phone rang. A tender mercy! A quick but wonderful call. Just to hear his lovely voice!
On to the official call. Justin was quick to ask why dad kept hanging up on him. He was saying, "This is Justin!" To only hear dad say, "Hello? Hello? Pause... click!" Twice! Poor Justin was at the Lima airport excited to call home and no one was home and no one would talk to him. At least not on purpose! We explained ourselves and were forgiven. He then flew on to La Paz, Bolivia where he stayed overnight and left for Cochabamba early the next day. So early unfortunately that there was no time for a phone call at the airport. He arrived in between changes and is living with the zone leaders in what Justin called a "mansion." He said the home is really nice and he has hot water (!), and even granite counter tops in his bathroom. He said it is just like home. The owner used to live in the United States (Florida) and now works for the Bolivian government and is wealthy. He said it feels like I am starting a new mission all over again. He didn't remember the people there having an accent. He is having a hard time understanding them because they mix Spanish with Quetchawa. They all pronounce their "r's" like "z's". He said Peruvians speak a pure form of Spanish, but they do not in Bolivia and he doesn't remember that the first time he was there. He was very happy to see President and Hermana Tenorio again and said they were equally as happy to see him as they met him at the airport! He forgot how green everything is in Cochabamba. He really liked that. It reminds him of home. Peru is pretty much a desert with little or no rain. He said the mission went downhill after the North Americans were evacuated. He does not know why but there is a lot of work to do. The zone leader he is with does not want to work, so Justin is a bit frustrated to say the least. He will work it out. He is happy to be back! He mentioned that his camera broke so was not able to take any pictures of his trip back (bummer!), but will purchase a new one and get to taking more pictures for us (yea!). We got to talk for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Now it is 7 months until the next phone call. After next Christmas we will have one more Mother's day phone call, and a few weeks later, he will be home! I must say, that was the best Mother's day gift ever!
On to the official call. Justin was quick to ask why dad kept hanging up on him. He was saying, "This is Justin!" To only hear dad say, "Hello? Hello? Pause... click!" Twice! Poor Justin was at the Lima airport excited to call home and no one was home and no one would talk to him. At least not on purpose! We explained ourselves and were forgiven. He then flew on to La Paz, Bolivia where he stayed overnight and left for Cochabamba early the next day. So early unfortunately that there was no time for a phone call at the airport. He arrived in between changes and is living with the zone leaders in what Justin called a "mansion." He said the home is really nice and he has hot water (!), and even granite counter tops in his bathroom. He said it is just like home. The owner used to live in the United States (Florida) and now works for the Bolivian government and is wealthy. He said it feels like I am starting a new mission all over again. He didn't remember the people there having an accent. He is having a hard time understanding them because they mix Spanish with Quetchawa. They all pronounce their "r's" like "z's". He said Peruvians speak a pure form of Spanish, but they do not in Bolivia and he doesn't remember that the first time he was there. He was very happy to see President and Hermana Tenorio again and said they were equally as happy to see him as they met him at the airport! He forgot how green everything is in Cochabamba. He really liked that. It reminds him of home. Peru is pretty much a desert with little or no rain. He said the mission went downhill after the North Americans were evacuated. He does not know why but there is a lot of work to do. The zone leader he is with does not want to work, so Justin is a bit frustrated to say the least. He will work it out. He is happy to be back! He mentioned that his camera broke so was not able to take any pictures of his trip back (bummer!), but will purchase a new one and get to taking more pictures for us (yea!). We got to talk for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Now it is 7 months until the next phone call. After next Christmas we will have one more Mother's day phone call, and a few weeks later, he will be home! I must say, that was the best Mother's day gift ever!
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