Week 63 - Merry Christmas!

My week was really good, but it looks like your week was better ;)  Today, I went to play indoor volleyball, then Elder Padilla and I went to visit my old pensionista in Colón, and we went to visit Williams and Deysi (Brad's converts in his last area)... Deysi wasn't there, and Williams was totally drunk. That was pretty dang heartbreaking. He remembered who I was, said he knows he shouldn't be doing it, but he said it's easy to walk until there's obstacles. Well, it's a no brainer, but we only gave him encouragement, then we left, you can't teach someone who isn't sober. That is awesome what the ward did, let's do it again next year (our ward did a Christmas Service Project to feed 100 refugee families as well as some other things for people in need in the valley). That's awesome, Max beat cancer!

About Williams It really stinks, seriously. But I think little by little he will be better. The problem is the ward. Colon is such an inactive ward, all the people I worked with and brought to church aren't active anymore because the people in the ward don't fight for them. It's sad. But one day they'll have to "rendir cuentas", I think the translation is they'll have to acknowledge what they did or didn't do.

I love you all, have a Merry Christmas!

Elder Howells

Week 53

This week was quite trunky/home-longing, but still really good. We got a lot done. We had an excellent zone conference, got a bunch of office work done, and on Saturday and Sunday we were able to proselyte. Schweet. The weather is supposed to be heating up but it has been clowdy and rainy for most of the time. Today we played basketball (I played all time D), then we went to a Peruvian Restaurant in my old ward, and now I'm writing. The work is good, we have 2, maybe three investigators with a date for the 29th of October. Whoot whoot. It is true, field work is so much better than office work.

Week 51

This week was really good! We did some proselyting, well... as much as we could given the circumstances. And it rained, for like an hour, thank goodness. It's been cooler these days, which is weird... considering that summer is about to start. I think the four of us are going to stick together for conference. It should be cool, I am really really excited for conference. Elder Wren (Brad's second companion from Southern California) told me about the game (Utah vs. USC), I don't know how he knows, but I am thrilled. I even sang the fight song for my comps. ;) I miss this time of the year, I really do, I tell ya, I really do. A year ago tomorrow I gave my farewell talk... How do you feel about that.....?

Have an awesome week and enjoy General Conference, listen with your spiritual ears, and have the best week ever.

 Love, Elder Howells

Week 50 - The Office

My first week was good, stressful but good. I really do enjoy it, it's cool. My comp is the immigrations secretary and I am the records secretary. I'm responsible for all of the baptism records, references, english and spanish tests, listing and filing the names of all of the converts and rescue in the mission (like 300 people) up to now, and President has given me two projects. But I already finished one of them, thank goodness. This is probably my favorite area... the 4 secretaries live in a house, and we have so much fun. It's me, Elder Tatum (my comp) from California, Elder Jorgensen from Idaho, and Elder Coronado from Nicaragua. Those guys are awesome, I love my new job.

My new area is like two blocks from my old area.... But in another zone. The office lies in the Colón Ward limits. So I have not gone far. We have a couple of investigators. Tomorrow I don't think I'll leave the office. We will go to the temple way early in the morning, then after I give a district class, and then I have a lot and a lot and a lot of paperwork to do. But today we have a family home evening at 7:00 so we'll go to do that tonight!!

I love you all, have a great week!

Week 49 - Transfer Time

I've been transfered as one of the four Secretaries of the Mission and I stay as a District Leader... My comp is named Elder Tatum, he is way tall and I think from California, a really good guy. Elder Coloma is receiving a Mexican companion who is really a stellar guy who should help Elder Coloma out a lot. The other secretaries pick me up tonight, we will live in another city, but we work in the Mission Offices, where you guys label the packages to send them. That's my building. I have my own computer and desk and chores. I have to pick up the new people that get here, help with their immigrations, log baptismal records, make the mission digital and not electronic, and all that jazz.

My last week with Elder Coloma was good, we worked as hard as his body would allow, we had good sucess, and I feel like I've left Colón in a better way than when I got here. I am 100% satisfied with my time here.

I love you all!  Have a great week!

Week 48 - Good Friends

Here are some excerpts from Brad's email on Monday.

I have found that my patience with people has grown incredibly, but with inatimate objects, it has drastically shrunk. Our cellphone makes me wanna jump off a bridge sometimes. I get mad at doors, locks, pens, I'm a wreck. :)

Katherine and I are out of town on a photography workshop, hence the following comment and of course he is aware of a particular football game this weekend.  I'm not sure who told him :) Bolivia has some great photo elements, but also a lot of robbers, so, a win lose situation out here. I think the Utes should win, I'll pray for them.

My week was good, nothing too special. I made my comp have another interview with Pres., we worked hard this week, we did splits like 3 times, but it was worth it. We have a lot of new investigators that listen and read and all that, but they don't come to church. It's tough sometimes.

And this week we have a lot of appointments, a baptsimal interview this Wednesday for the assistants, and transfers next Sunday. Tomorrow is 11 months, a fat inch away from you folks, and time is flying. I am ready for a transfer, I wanna explore the country... ;)  Time goes by really fast, I'm serious. And this next transfer is one year and a little. That's crazy. That's when everyone really says that time really begins to fly by.  It's probable that I stay here, but then again, I could very well head out to Potosi or Sucre, Who knows? 

And my scripture this week is Mosiah 28:3. It really urges the members to help the missionaries with the work

Katherine asked Brad to share a spiritual experience.  This paragraph makes it all worth it....

I would say that while out here, in the humblest place in South America, sometimes it seems like the humblest place in the world, I have gained an understanding of really how and where the Savior walked. Especially after my time in Quiriza. To live there, you step out of our world, and back many centuries to a simpler life. Working hand in hand with the people taught me a greater lesson in humility and charity than I think I could've learned any place else, or in any other way. I have grown closer to God in these short 11 months than the 18 years previously, and I would not trade it for anything else in the world. Words can't express it, you just have to live it and love every minute of it, good or bad. And there really aren't any truly bad minutes.

This picture is of Brad and a good friend Steve Adamson who was in Cochabamba this week on business.  He knew Brad was there but had no idea where he was and Brad literally walked in front of Steve.  They had a nice chat and Steve gave he and his comp some money for a nice dinner.  We are so grateful to Steve, he has taken down packages for us and has been so kind to Brad.  I guess he doesn't hold anything against me for being his Jr. Jazz Coach :)

Week 47 - Steady as she goes

I did a baptsimal interview this last week and I have to do another one this week. That is a really special moment for me, I thoroughly enjoyed it! This last week was slow, my comp had a couple sick days, and we had to really slow the pace down. Today we did a district activity (soccer) and then we went to a Mexican restaurant called Mexical, which is owned by Chileans, and it says Tex Mex on front. There's a lot of things that don't make sense here, hahaha.

Brad's answers to Katherine's questions:

1. Enos 1:27 - Just read it. When we feel worn and drained, all we need to think is that our rest is in the Lord, and that is where we need to turn when we have given it all we have and think we can´t anymore.
2. Best experience so far in the mission or in the week? You can't put a number on which was best or not!
3. 8 o'clock to 9. Personal study. It is a great time to really concentrate yourself and learn something else, to receive your own Spiritual witness of the truthfulness of the work. I love it.
4. The toughest moment I've experienced.... Probably when the stomach demons roll on in, then right on out. That makes the time pass painfully, literally, slow.
5. Hang on and be obedient and love your mission.

Week 45 - The Life of a Missionary

My week was great, almost! My comp had an emergency interview on Tuesday morning with President, which helped him for like a day. Then Thursday we had our regular 3 month interviews with President, which was great. I am a huge fan of my President. On Friday night in the middle of the street, after my comp tried to chew me out for being prideful, he threw his nametag and agenda and missionary handbook in the middle of the street, and screamed that he hates me and wants to go home, that was fun... Then I talked him out of it, and other than the fake illnessess which have been going on, our relationship has been good. Today we were with Hermana Maria, we watched Ephraim's Rescue, and now we're here! 

We had 3 investigators come to sacrament, which is awesome! One of them was a gal we contacted in the street a day before, and she came and stayed all three hours of church, which was amazing!

Mosiah 2:24, I believe, is my favorite scripture!

I hope you all have a great week! Love Elder Howells

Week 44 - First District Class

My week was good! I gave my first district class, the assistents were also there, and I killed it!! They all told me I did a really good job. Williams and Deysi are really good! I love those guys, and we have put a date on a gal, the daughter in law of an active sister. We shall see how she comes along. Also, do you remember about the situation of the two people in Quiriza who I baptized because their records were lost? Yeah, that happened again to a member here, so we have to give her the chats and baptize her again, as well! What a pain for her.

My favorite scripture this week is Jacob 7:25, and when you read it, you'll find three points in it. Fortify, Trust, and come off conqueror. It is a really powerful scripture for me!

I hope you all have a great week!

Love, Elder Howells

Week 43 - New Companion

How are you doing?! I am great. You guys are always always in my thoughts and prayers! My week was excellent! We have people who are reading and praying, but so far, they have yet to come to church. But that's okay, some just need more time. But we worked very hard this week. We have had quite a few new people this week, we shall follow up soon! Elder Infante and I finished on a high note, thank goodness. He's a good guy, but I was ready for this transfer. I am going to recieve Elder Coloma from Chile. He was just with my trainer and now is coming with me. He is a very hard comp, from what I've heard. But we're going to be fine, I´m not worried! He is also from my group, he just has 4 weeks less because I had 6 weeks in the CCM and he had 2. They also made me DL, so we´ll see how that goes. I will pick up and drop off my comp tomorrow at 10 a.m. I love you so much and I hope you have an awesome week! 

Brad's response to Katherine's questions:

1. My scripture is Alma 9: 26, I really like it a lot.
2. Our ZL, Elder Ortega, finished his mission a couple of days ago, so we had to be in a trio with his comp, Elder Carrasco. He was alone putting his clothes in the washing machine yesterday, and was taking forever. So I walked in the laundry all cat like, and he had no clue I was there... for like 2 minutes. I didn't say a word, and he even had a mirror infront of him and could see me if he would've focused on it. So while he was putting his clothes in the machine, I struck an oportune moment, right when he was standing up, and screamed in my most woman like voice that I could muster, and his feet left the floor. And I am pretty sure I wet my pants laughing. I didn't stop for about 8 minutes. And he was furious, but laughing at the same time. I'm sure he messed his pants more.
3. I've grown closer to the Lord than ever would have been possible at home.
4. Geez... I like em all. I like the Alma and Amulek duo. They are examples of two excellent, consecrated missionaries. While Alma teaches, Amulek watches the people's reactions, and then he testifies of Alma's words, and begins teaching following the spirit. They are wonderful. But, in reality, I like them all. Ammon, Moroni, Nephi, King Benjamin. From the Bible, I like Daniel.

I love you all.  Have a great week!

Love,
Brad

Week 42 - Progressing Investigators

HEY, how are you?! My week was good! We were slammed with lessons, and there are so many great people, but none of them came to church this week.... I feel really good right now. Excited for transfers! Because today is the last p day of the transfer, our district got together and played soccer and basketball, I still know how to ball out, fyi, and then the zone got together for a lunch at some peruvian restaurant.

Can you believe that we're closer to Christmas than January? Geez. It's August. Once ol' Santa comes to town, we're gonna be on the home stretch pops! I love, love, love, my time out here, but that doesn't mean I don't think about coming home from time to time.

Above is Brad's email to me and below answers to Katherine's questions

1. I feel really good, we walk a lot, so I feel like I am in really good shape, other than I'm getting fat, sooo.....
2. We have a mountain of new investigators, some really good ones, but none came to church this last week, but that's alright. Considering we've only had 1-2 lessons with each of them, I expect a lot of good things this week!
3. I don't have any pics of the outside, I will check my camera and see what I have!
4. 2 Nephi 22: 1-3. We will occasionally do things that offend the Lord, but he hasn't turned away, and he won't turn away. The joy we draw will be everlasting if we trust in Him, and make him our ¨song¨

Week 41 - New Investigators & Zone Conference

How are you doing? We have to contact a lot now, President said each comp has to contact 5 new people every day, so we have a lot of new investigators, but nobody is progressing quite yet. We are working on it, though.  This week we are slammed with appointments, so I really think we will have progressing investigators the next week. I am almost positive. We had zone conference as well. President Jensen from the temple (president of the temple) blew our minds with Book of Mormon doctrine. Let me tell ya, he´s gonna be an Apostle. And he went out of his way to talk to me, and we talked about Stewart Glazier as well, they are both awesome guys. And President Hansen taught a killer class as well.  

We went and played soccer this morning, which reinforced my dislike of soccer, and then we went to Luigi´s, and now I'm here! I love you so much! Have a great week!

Maria Vargas, Brad, Elder Infante

Week 40!

My week was slow, but we did get to go to the temple which was awesome!! I heard and saw the video of Logan (Amy and Justin's son, who was just called to Cusco, Peru) opening his call, that's awesome!! He will be close to me, and will experience much of what I have experienced, but from what the Peruvians tell me, and a fact, is that Peru is a step above Bolivia. And he will see a wonder of the world (Machu Picchu). Lucky dog.  I don't have a real story this week, but I do have a scripture: Jacob 3:1, when you read you'll understand why I like it so much. You can compare it with D&C 45:3-5. 

Today for P day, we played indoor volleyball as a zone and then we went to a Bolivian buffet.... I prefer Golden Corral! ;) I did get the package.. When I first saw the toilet paper, I questioned my parent's sanity, but then, after using the paper, I can't thank you enough. Bliss. Pure bliss.  One day this week we did splits with the zone leaders, which was great! And then we were just contacting a lot, looking for new investigators. 

I love you all!  Have a great week!

Week 38 - Temple Trip

This week was fine, nothing special, neither bad! No new investigators worth noting this week, we didn't contact a whole lot. But this Wednesday we are going to the temple as a zone, which should be awesome! When I get home I would like to do the first morning session once a week or every two weeks, something like that.

Katherine asked Brad the following questions:
1- Best memory this past week?
2- How are the investigators coming along?
3- Favorite scripture for the week and why?
4- How is your health?
5- Reasons you love your mom?

1. My best memory this past week, last Monday night a great guy in the ward took us out to eat mexican food like home style, so that was awesome. First time in 8 months, I went again today too!
2. The investigators aren't coming along too well at the moment. We are going to be working more the less-active members this transfer. They are progressing, just working over their fears to get back into the church,
3. 2 Nephi 4:16-35 (Nephi's Psalm) because it talks about why the things of the world bring us down, if only we trust in the Lord, we will be okay. Just because we are human doesn't mean that we have to give way to temptations and worldly things, we just hold to the rod and we will be just fine.
4. Edited for this audience :) He is fine; just typical health issues related to being a missionary in Bolivia
5. Because she is the most Christ like person I know, I do miss her little cheek kisses, and the mission has made me realize more than ever how much I do love you!
My companion is fine, I did pull the taser out on a dog though, my comp almost peed laughing. I yelled at the dog and he just thought it was so funny to hear me shout at a dog with a taser in my hand. 

Oh well! I love you!

Week 37 - No Transfer

This week was good. We talked with Williams and Deysi a few times, which was neat, they are doing great. For transfers, President Hansen sent Elder Rummler and Elder Pasten out to Potosi and Sucre, which sucks. And I didn't have a transfer. 

(I asked Brad if he liked cooking because he's mentioned it several times and a member sent me the picture below) I am not that big a fan of cooking, everybody just wants French Toast! (His French Toast is awesome) So I do it, we get the lesson as well, and it is all groovy.  

(I had an incident in Primary on Sunday with a folding chair - my kids have their mother's reaction to other people's pain and suffering!) Your chair collapsed?!? That is the funniest thing I have ever heard! But I am so sorry at the same time! That sucks. I hope T (my little brother) isn't too cruel with the jokes... Did the numbing shot hurt before they gave the stitches? That is the worst part! 

Week 36 - Williams and Deysi were Baptized!

I baptized Williams and my comp baptized Deysi!! It was pretty special. I didn't even mess up the words! It was great, we started almost on time (really, quite a miracle in this society), we had 4 investigators come, the room was full, it was great! (I asked Brad what he thought his greatest area of personal progress has been regarding the gospel) The biggest area of progress so far is seeing how there is literally an area of the Gospel to apply to every part of life, not important how or where. I am pleased with my ability to understand the needs of the people and help them understand how Christ can help and how he already has been helping them.

(Katherine asked Brad the following questions):

First question: Most valuable lesson you have learned thus far?

Second: What have you learned about yourself?

Third: What have you learned about service?

Fourth: How do you know God is with you and helping you?

Fifth: Please share your testimony with me.

Brad's Answers:

1. Nothing can replace charity. Moroni 7:47(ish) and 1 Corinthians 13.

2. After harvesting 6 days a week for the entire day, every day, I can do a lot more than I thought I could.

3. Service is the way Christ lived and died, and by losing ourselves in the service of others, we will find ourselves.

4. Because I couldn't do this work if he wasn't with me, I am not strong enough without him.

5. I don't know how to express my testimony, at least certainly not all of it. Ha, especially in this language. As our Father in Heaven sent us here to this earth, before we passed through the veil, I am sure he pulled each of aside and told us to be obedient and we will be just fine. As we came here, we did not remember this. Our purpose as His children is to help others remember their divine nature as children of a King. My testimony of the missionary work is this: As we lose ourselves in the Lord's vineyard, we fulfill the Savior's words, Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.  As we donate our lives (temporarily) to the Lord, we shall find it. As we deny ourselves, our wants and desires, we understand His plan, we experience the joy He offers us, we become more like Him.  Charity is the key and with the pure love of Christ, and as we try look at our Father in Heaven's children through a parent's eye, through his eyes, we can see miracles take place and lives change. I love this work!

Have a great week!

Week 35 - Baptism on Saturday

This week was really good! The most exciting thing is that Williams and Daisy are going to be baptized this Saturday at 11:00 a.m., so I am absolutely thrilled for them. That is going to be awesome. They haven't decided who is going to baptize them, but that doesn't even matter. And their kids who are 7 and 4 just love me and like playing on my back every time I sit down. 

Miguel is a great guy (Miguel sent the pictures below... nice guy), returned missionary, he is the nephew of my pensionista (she and her family is who Brad lives with, she cooks them meals each day) and he lives in my area as well, we see him often and we got to teach with him as well. 

At times the mission is crappy, these people are all Catholics or J-Dubs (Jehovah Witness) or self pronounced pastors, and as Joseph Smith said, they all interpret the Bible differently. Lol. But I love the mish all at the same time. The good far outweighs the bad. Far.  (Catholicism is very prevalent in South America in general) 

(I asked Brad what his mission was like, as far as, baptisms/missionary/2years, the number of lessons taught in a week, etc.) The average missionary probably has about 10 baptisms, more or less given on luck, if they were ever in Quiriza (Brad's first area... It was a service area not a proselyting area, which made it difficult to teach) (lol), stuff like that. We were the lowest in South America last November, but we have stepped it up quite a bit. 10 full lessons a week I would say is about average, at least for my zone. Maybe a 12 lesson average mission wide. But come what may and love it, I love the mission.

Week 34 - Progressing Investigators

How are you doing?? I am doing really well, this week has been great! Daisy and Williams both came to church and both have a baptismal date for June 11th.  I am feeling much better this week, not perfect, but better.  My investigators are doing much better, not having problems with the W.o.W., (Word of Wisdom) which is perfect, and both came church yesterday, I am so happy with them.

My weekly story is I was walking to my house at night I didn't see that one of my wolves was hiding and he came out of nowhere when it was pitch black, and I think I said a bad word, I don't remember, but it scared me!  

(I asked Brad if he had a feel for the upcoming transfers, also his companion was having some issues that may cause a change for him this week.  His issues are unrelated to Brad, in fact they have been getting along really well) Transfers.... I dont know. From where I stand now,  I will be in a trio with our DL and his comp Elder Rummler for the next three weeks until transfer day. But I would like to train, I am not picky though.

I hope you all have a great week.  I will talk to you soon!  Love you guys!

Week 32 - Black Plague and Progressing Investigators

This week was really good teaching wise, but unfortunately I have received the black plague Friday, Saturday and yesterday, but I am feeling a little better today.  Elder Stoker and I have been hanging out today, we went to Burger King. We put a date on Williams and Daisy (their baptism date is June 4th), which is dope, and two other investigators came to sacrament meeting. So, I am happy with the way things are going in my area.

(I told Brad he needed to get an anti-biotic if he wasn't feeling better soon)  If I don't improve by Wednesday, I have to call Hermana Hansen! I had an interview with Pres. Hansen this week, and we laughed a lot, talked a sec about football, and he is a great guy. He gave great advice, and just wants to make sure we all feel like we have a friend in him and that we feel loved. He is a good guy. And I expect a lot more latin comps. Pres told me to prepare for a comp who wasn´t ready to serve a full time mission or who wasn't wanting to keep serving longer... so we shall see in 5 more weeks! Lol. (I mentioned to Brad that every time I look at the weather in Cochabamba it's 80-85 degrees) And I will say that Cocha probably has the best climate in the world. It is consistently gorgeous outside, just the fact that it is in Bolivia is the problem. It is winter here too! But I miss the snow and the fall and the leaves changing and actual pines like crazy. Utah is still prettier.

I hope you all have a great week! Love, Elder Howells

Week 31 - Mother's Day Skype call

Hello all!

Good news! My family confirmed that I don't look any fuller (chubbier) than when I left home. What a relief. 

Yesterday we had the opportunity to have 3 different investigator families come to church, 6 of which are at the age to be baptized, which is awesome. They are progressing, and they are all really happy. I am happy for them. Also, as yesterday was Mother's Day, I got to Skype with my family, which was great! They are doing so good, and I was so excited to be able to see them and talk to them.

This week should be a good one, I anticipate progress with our investigators.  I hope you all have a great week, and Happy Mother's Day, if you're a mom, if not, Happy Monday! 

Talk to you all soon!

(HERE IS A SHORT CLIP FROM OUR CALL ON SUNDAY)