July 7, 2014
Dear Friends and Family :)
This will be the last weakly Letter of my Mission here in Viña del Mar because next week on Monday I will be visiting all of my converts and the friends I have made over these past two years. :)
This week we were teaching an investigator and he asked, "What makes you believe that God exists? What act in your life makes you believe that?"
When he asked me that question I thought of many experiences, that I could relate to show or "prove" that I know that God exists. I thought of experiences from the primary, young men, EFY, at the university, and on my mission. I related a few of them and my companion a few others. The investigator then tried to explain away our experiences which reminded me of the people at the end of the Book of Mormon who were shown great signs and they explained them away. This experience showed me the importance of faith, the ability to acknowledge the hand of God in our lives, and to be sensitive to the spirit to know when God is answering our prayers. We ended the lesson committing him to experiment for himself because that's the only way he will ever know if he doesn't have the gift to believe in our words or our experiences.
I´m glad that I know that this is the true church. I know that God exists, that he loves us, and that he hears and answers our prayers. I know that Jesus Christ is the son of God, He is my Savior and Redeemer. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, as is the Bible. I Know that Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God. I know that as we serve our neighbors we receive joy.
See you next week! :)
Love you all :)
All is well :)
Elder Hall
PS. Is that the tent that I burned a hole in? :P
Blake is Ginormus!!! Did you invite them to the airport on Wednesday?!?
hahaha, this is the last weekly email of my mission :P Next week I´m going to be visiting my converts all over Villa Alemana and won´t have time to write... sorry
As far as things to get ready for when I get back... I really can´t think of anything because I´m completely out of that mindset. I´m just going to have to deal with the things as they come. Am I going to have a cell or is Ken still using my old number?
I´m not going to read the Book of Mormon in English, I´m going to read it one more time in Spanish; but in 3 months not before I go to BYU.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
June 30, 2014
June 30, 2014
Dear Friends and Family :)
This week was busy. We had 2 emergency transfers so on Monday the assistants called us and said that tomorrow we had to be in the office at 9:30 am to receive a new elder to work in a trio for the rest of the change. Wednesday, the next day, President called us to tell us that we needed to be in the mission home at 12:15 pm to leave our new companion with another elder whose companion had to rest for 15 days after a surgery.
Also this week I had to do 3 baptismal interviews in Limache which is an area in my district that's 45 minutes away. That was a lot of traveling, traveling to and from Limache 3 times and to and from Viña 2 times. We didn't have the best week number wise but Limache is having lots of Success.
This week we also had interviews with President Kähnlein. In my interview he said he didn´t know if he was going to put us back into a trio later in the change or what he was going to do with a few heath problems so thats up in the air.
This morning I finished reading the Book of Mormon for the 2nd time in Spanish. It's still true just so you all know :). I prayed and didn't feel anything... a little unsettled I started reviewing the requirements in Moroni 10:4 to receive an answer and I felt like I fulfilled the requirements so I was a little more unsettled. Then what I´m sure was the spirit prompted me to review my Book of Mormon and read all the notes that I had written in the margins of the book over the course of the three months which I read it. After I had done that I felt like I should pray again and then I received the calm assurance yet again that the Book of Mormon is true. I had forgotten to meditate on what was said. I had so foolishly forgotten Moroni 10:3. You would think after 2 years of extending that invitation I would learn something :P But as Elder Boss says, it was "Amature Hour" :P Many times we skip or forget the basics of the gospel but the basics are the foundation. And the Book of Mormon is the cornerstone. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. With that simple fact I can guide my life.
Diego is doing great! this week he went to institute and the weakly elders quorum activity and then on Friday we had a lesson with him to set goals to be able to keep progressing. He got confirmed this week too!
I already had my temple recommend interview with President Kähnlein, so yes, it is current but he made to so that it only lasts until October. I would love to go to the temple with you guys :)
Love you Mother!
All is well :)
Elder Hall
P.S. Did you look into the scholarship stuff for this year? For the returned missionary? I have to reapply for the scholarship from BYU.
Dear Friends and Family :)
This week was busy. We had 2 emergency transfers so on Monday the assistants called us and said that tomorrow we had to be in the office at 9:30 am to receive a new elder to work in a trio for the rest of the change. Wednesday, the next day, President called us to tell us that we needed to be in the mission home at 12:15 pm to leave our new companion with another elder whose companion had to rest for 15 days after a surgery.
Also this week I had to do 3 baptismal interviews in Limache which is an area in my district that's 45 minutes away. That was a lot of traveling, traveling to and from Limache 3 times and to and from Viña 2 times. We didn't have the best week number wise but Limache is having lots of Success.
This week we also had interviews with President Kähnlein. In my interview he said he didn´t know if he was going to put us back into a trio later in the change or what he was going to do with a few heath problems so thats up in the air.
This morning I finished reading the Book of Mormon for the 2nd time in Spanish. It's still true just so you all know :). I prayed and didn't feel anything... a little unsettled I started reviewing the requirements in Moroni 10:4 to receive an answer and I felt like I fulfilled the requirements so I was a little more unsettled. Then what I´m sure was the spirit prompted me to review my Book of Mormon and read all the notes that I had written in the margins of the book over the course of the three months which I read it. After I had done that I felt like I should pray again and then I received the calm assurance yet again that the Book of Mormon is true. I had forgotten to meditate on what was said. I had so foolishly forgotten Moroni 10:3. You would think after 2 years of extending that invitation I would learn something :P But as Elder Boss says, it was "Amature Hour" :P Many times we skip or forget the basics of the gospel but the basics are the foundation. And the Book of Mormon is the cornerstone. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. With that simple fact I can guide my life.
Diego is doing great! this week he went to institute and the weakly elders quorum activity and then on Friday we had a lesson with him to set goals to be able to keep progressing. He got confirmed this week too!
I already had my temple recommend interview with President Kähnlein, so yes, it is current but he made to so that it only lasts until October. I would love to go to the temple with you guys :)
Love you Mother!
All is well :)
Elder Hall
P.S. Did you look into the scholarship stuff for this year? For the returned missionary? I have to reapply for the scholarship from BYU.
segunda vez en español!
June 23, 2014
June 23, 2014
Dear Friends and Family :)
This week was a good week Diego got baptized! He had to make a lot of changes in his life but he has such a big desire to change his life around and do what is right that he was able to do it. To me he is a testimony of agency, he chose to do what is right even though the rest of his environment was against him. His family kicked him out of his house 1 day before his baptism but he still chose get baptized anyway! A family of members that Diego knew from beforehand took him into their house :)
Sometimes I feel like I could write a book about all my experiences for all missionaries to help them and prepare them for the mission but then I remember what my Father taught me about the temple: A personal experience in the temple is more valuable than 1000 people telling you about it. I believe it's the same about a mission, you just have to experience it.
All is well :)
Elder Hall
PS. Yes, my clothes will still fit. I bought my mission clothes the same size as the clothes that I left in my box downstairs :P I am fatter, I´m not going to deny that; but my clothes still fit, haha.
Maybe you could send Father to RV to see if the wrestling team is practicing during the summer and if I can practice with them :P Other than that, I´ll just deal with the things as they come.
Dear Friends and Family :)
This week was a good week Diego got baptized! He had to make a lot of changes in his life but he has such a big desire to change his life around and do what is right that he was able to do it. To me he is a testimony of agency, he chose to do what is right even though the rest of his environment was against him. His family kicked him out of his house 1 day before his baptism but he still chose get baptized anyway! A family of members that Diego knew from beforehand took him into their house :)
Sometimes I feel like I could write a book about all my experiences for all missionaries to help them and prepare them for the mission but then I remember what my Father taught me about the temple: A personal experience in the temple is more valuable than 1000 people telling you about it. I believe it's the same about a mission, you just have to experience it.
All is well :)
Elder Hall
PS. Yes, my clothes will still fit. I bought my mission clothes the same size as the clothes that I left in my box downstairs :P I am fatter, I´m not going to deny that; but my clothes still fit, haha.
Maybe you could send Father to RV to see if the wrestling team is practicing during the summer and if I can practice with them :P Other than that, I´ll just deal with the things as they come.
Baptism of Diego
Diego Atudillo y Eduardo Velis. Eduardo is the best friend of Diego. When Diego's parents kicked him out of the house, he went to go live with Eduardo and his mom who are both members of the church.
Elder Limburg worked for a catering company so he knows how to cook. And every once and a while, he makes me really good food :D
Center of Villa Alemana - Villa Alemana is know for the windmill (I don´t know why) but I took advantage to take a picture. It's also close to the screen that they put up to watch the world cup.
The government put up a screen in the center of the city to be able to watch the World Cup so I took a pic as we were on our way here to write you guys
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Where is Mark?
The whole Vina del Mar, Chile Mission, see if you can find me :P
Mission plaque or logo
Monday, June 16, 2014
June 16, 2014
June 16, 2014
Dear Family and friends :)
Cultural Note:
Everything stops for the World Cup except the missionaries. Normally there are always Micros(buses) and Colectivos(taxis of some sort) always in motion all day everyday, but during the first game where Chile played there was no public transportation and hardly anyone in the street. Even though we were in the street we still knew exactly when Chile scored a goal because tons of people opened their doors/windows to yell and make noise.
This is how Chileans speak spanish (see attached photo) Cachaí
So this week Elder Lynn G Robbins came to the mission and we had a 3 hour question and answer session that was very spiritually edifying. Surprisingly he talked A LOT about marriage and I felt like I was in a BYU YSA stake conference again :P He also talked about how we should pray, that we should be obedient not only in acts but also in our hearts and desires, and how the spirit works in our lives. It was great.
All is well :)
Elder Hall
Yup, hahaha - I remember Elder Bent (from Lewistown Montana) :P I'll have to tell the story when I get back.
You guys are like real grandparents now :P because you have more than one grandchild and no children living with you haha [We actually have Ryan and Beth living with us, and soon to have Mark :) Guess the Grandparent title is still questionable :)]
Dear Family and friends :)
Cultural Note:
Everything stops for the World Cup except the missionaries. Normally there are always Micros(buses) and Colectivos(taxis of some sort) always in motion all day everyday, but during the first game where Chile played there was no public transportation and hardly anyone in the street. Even though we were in the street we still knew exactly when Chile scored a goal because tons of people opened their doors/windows to yell and make noise.
This is how Chileans speak spanish (see attached photo) Cachaí
So this week Elder Lynn G Robbins came to the mission and we had a 3 hour question and answer session that was very spiritually edifying. Surprisingly he talked A LOT about marriage and I felt like I was in a BYU YSA stake conference again :P He also talked about how we should pray, that we should be obedient not only in acts but also in our hearts and desires, and how the spirit works in our lives. It was great.
All is well :)
Elder Hall
Yup, hahaha - I remember Elder Bent (from Lewistown Montana) :P I'll have to tell the story when I get back.
You guys are like real grandparents now :P because you have more than one grandchild and no children living with you haha [We actually have Ryan and Beth living with us, and soon to have Mark :) Guess the Grandparent title is still questionable :)]
Saturday, June 14, 2014
June 9, 2014
June 9, 2014
Dear Friends and Family,
It seems to me that I have been called to the mission Villa Alemana :P I am Now in Villa Alemana A (Williamson) to finish of the last part of my mission. I´m now with Elder Limburg from Utah. He was in the army for 2 years before coming to the mission so it's going to be fun doing exercises with him this transfer :P
This week was pretty eventful. It rained for the first time since last July and it rained every day this week except for the day of transfers thankfully.
I was transferred to Villa Alemana A, also called Williamson. The borders of this area touch the borders of Peñablanca and Troncal Sur 2 of my previous areas. I have run into a lot of people I know from my other areas already :P
This week we are doing the Mormon.org Stand again.
We received news that Elder Lynn G Robbins of the presidency of the seventy is going to come visit us this coming week.
I received my "paquete de despedida" with my flight plans and instructions for my last transfer. But don´t worry, I´m not trunky. I don´t have time to be trunky I´m finishing the training of Elder Limburg.
The life of a missionary is great! Why is it great? Because it is simple, serve others and prepare yourself to serve others better. Everything we do fits into those two categories. While I was studying this week I was really enjoying the scriptures just feeling the power that they have to talk to us and answer our questions.
Austin is 18!?!?! When did that happen! (Mark's cousin, Austin, is going on his mission to Lubbock TX Spanish speaking. Mark was born in Lubbock :)
(The date to speak in Sac. Meeting, July 27th at 9 AM) Sounds good to me :P I don't have anything else on my schedule :P
All is well,
Elder Hall
Dear Friends and Family,
It seems to me that I have been called to the mission Villa Alemana :P I am Now in Villa Alemana A (Williamson) to finish of the last part of my mission. I´m now with Elder Limburg from Utah. He was in the army for 2 years before coming to the mission so it's going to be fun doing exercises with him this transfer :P
This week was pretty eventful. It rained for the first time since last July and it rained every day this week except for the day of transfers thankfully.
I was transferred to Villa Alemana A, also called Williamson. The borders of this area touch the borders of Peñablanca and Troncal Sur 2 of my previous areas. I have run into a lot of people I know from my other areas already :P
This week we are doing the Mormon.org Stand again.
We received news that Elder Lynn G Robbins of the presidency of the seventy is going to come visit us this coming week.
I received my "paquete de despedida" with my flight plans and instructions for my last transfer. But don´t worry, I´m not trunky. I don´t have time to be trunky I´m finishing the training of Elder Limburg.
The life of a missionary is great! Why is it great? Because it is simple, serve others and prepare yourself to serve others better. Everything we do fits into those two categories. While I was studying this week I was really enjoying the scriptures just feeling the power that they have to talk to us and answer our questions.
Austin is 18!?!?! When did that happen! (Mark's cousin, Austin, is going on his mission to Lubbock TX Spanish speaking. Mark was born in Lubbock :)
(The date to speak in Sac. Meeting, July 27th at 9 AM) Sounds good to me :P I don't have anything else on my schedule :P
All is well,
Elder Hall
Elder Mark Hall & his new companion, Elder Limburg.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Travel Itinerary
Here's Mark's Travel Itinerary! He will be returning to DIA on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 9:52 AM if anyone wants to come welcome him home!
Dearest Family Hall and President Michael D. Jones,
The purpose of this e mail is to let you know the return flight for Elder Mark Mahlon Hall.
It is necessary that you coordinate his release.
We also need that you confirm having received this e mail as soon as possible to the following e mail address:
secretariomv@outlook.com
Elder Truman
Secretario Ejecutivo
Misión Chile Viña del Mar
4 Norte 1112 l 68315332
ITINERARY:
CHURCH TRAVEL CWT DATE 15APRIL14
50 EAST NORTH TEMPLE ST AGENT VH/S2 BOOKING REF 3XWEKE
SALT LAKE CITY UT 84150
TELEPHONE: 801 240-5111 FAX : 801-240-5115 HALL/MARK MAHLON 274414-R
MISSIONARY TRAVEL
CHILE VINA DEL MAR MISSION
SERVICE DATE FROM TO DEPART ARRIVE
_____________________ _____ ______________ ______________ _______ ______
DELTA AIR LINES 15JUL SANTIAGO ATLANTA GA 740P 534A
DL 146 TUESDAY A MERINO BENIT HARTSFIELD JAC 16JUL
V ECONOMY TERMINAL INTL
NON SMOKING DINNER NON STOP
RESERVATION CONFIRMED 9:54 DURATION
AIRCRAFT: BOEING 767-300
SEATS 40B/40A NO SMOKING CONFIRMED
DELTA AIR LINES 16JUL ATLANTA GA DENVER CO 830A 952A
DL 1816 WEDNESDAY HARTSFIELD JAC DENVER INTL
V ECONOMY TERMINAL S
NON STOP
RESERVATION CONFIRMED 3:22 DURATION
AIRCRAFT: BOEING 757
SEATS 35C/35B NO SMOKING CONFIRMED
RESERVATION NUMBER(S) DL/H9HIEV
HALL/MARK MAHLON 274414-R
ETKT:DL/006 7361716197
Dearest Family Hall and President Michael D. Jones,
The purpose of this e mail is to let you know the return flight for Elder Mark Mahlon Hall.
It is necessary that you coordinate his release.
We also need that you confirm having received this e mail as soon as possible to the following e mail address:
secretariomv@outlook.com
Elder Truman
Secretario Ejecutivo
Misión Chile Viña del Mar
4 Norte 1112 l 68315332
ITINERARY:
CHURCH TRAVEL CWT DATE 15APRIL14
50 EAST NORTH TEMPLE ST AGENT VH/S2 BOOKING REF 3XWEKE
SALT LAKE CITY UT 84150
TELEPHONE: 801 240-5111 FAX : 801-240-5115 HALL/MARK MAHLON 274414-R
MISSIONARY TRAVEL
CHILE VINA DEL MAR MISSION
SERVICE DATE FROM TO DEPART ARRIVE
_____________________ _____ ______________ ______________ _______ ______
DELTA AIR LINES 15JUL SANTIAGO ATLANTA GA 740P 534A
DL 146 TUESDAY A MERINO BENIT HARTSFIELD JAC 16JUL
V ECONOMY TERMINAL INTL
NON SMOKING DINNER NON STOP
RESERVATION CONFIRMED 9:54 DURATION
AIRCRAFT: BOEING 767-300
SEATS 40B/40A NO SMOKING CONFIRMED
DELTA AIR LINES 16JUL ATLANTA GA DENVER CO 830A 952A
DL 1816 WEDNESDAY HARTSFIELD JAC DENVER INTL
V ECONOMY TERMINAL S
NON STOP
RESERVATION CONFIRMED 3:22 DURATION
AIRCRAFT: BOEING 757
SEATS 35C/35B NO SMOKING CONFIRMED
RESERVATION NUMBER(S) DL/H9HIEV
HALL/MARK MAHLON 274414-R
ETKT:DL/006 7361716197
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