June 2, 2014
Dear Friends and Family,
Cultural Note:
Instead of I-pods here they use cubes, which is just an mp3 player but with a speaker all in one that fits in the palm of your hand. This week I saw a man walking around with a big one that was in the shape of a mini-boombox and it made me laugh seeing that fad come back again but modernized.
The power of prayer is real, and when it is accompanied by fasting it is even more powerful. This whole month has been a testimony of these two principles of the gospel.
This week is transfers and most likely I am going to be changed to another sector to spend out my "old age" as mother put it :P There were a lot of people who complained when Elder Powner left after 6 months and didn´t say goodbye to anyone so I said goodbye... (maybe) to the whole ward. When I went up to bear my testimony I looked out over the congregation and saw a lot of sons and daughters of God that I had come to love working in their service. I saw recent converts that I had helped find the gospel, Less actives that I had helped return, Laeders of organizations that we had supported, and lots of members that I had formed friendships with. All I could do was bear my testimony of the joy that you can feel in the service of God and others. I can really say I came to love this ward. It would be great if I stayed to "die" but I will go where the Lord wants me to go.
All is well :)
Elder Hall
PS. Housing sounds great! I love you! I love the power of prayer :) I prayed for that to happen too :)
[After spending a frustrating week looking for housing for Mark, I prayed for help Thursday night. Friday morning Jeffery Wilkens from University Park Apt. called and said he had someone cancel his contract that morning. It was in apt #5 instead of Scott's apt #9. I asked if there was a way Mark could be with Scott. He said he would ask the guy in #9 if he would move to #5 in the fall, but he said he wouldn't hold his breath if he was me. He called a few hours later and said we must be living right. The guy said he would move to apt 5 so Mark can be with Scott in apt 9.]
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Monday, June 2, 2014
Monday, May 26, 2014
May 26, 2014
May 26, 2014
Dear Family and Friends,
Because in the zone we reached our goal we are having an activity today and I don`t have time to write. I finished sending reports and I´ve got to go already.
All is well :)
Elder Hall
Dear Family and Friends,
Because in the zone we reached our goal we are having an activity today and I don`t have time to write. I finished sending reports and I´ve got to go already.
All is well :)
Elder Hall
Monday, May 19, 2014
May 19, 2014
May 19, 2014
Dear Family and Friends:
Cultural Note:
Here there are very few people who have a phone plan with unlimited minutes so there is a very distinct phone culture. Some people have 3-4 different phones so they have a number with all the companies so they can get all "verizon to verizon" type benefits. Also people are really thrifty with their minutes and they make phone calls really short or if they are near the end of the month or running out of minutes they will "pinch" you which means they call you until you answer and then hang up which means they want you to call them back.
This week was rather full! We had to replicate the Consejo de lideres de la mision to the rest of the zone which means Elder Barker and I were in charge of 4 hours of training. We also had interchanges with the assistants. I went back to Viña and got to see quite a few people again which was pretty cool. We then had a second interchange but with the zone leaders of Valparaíso while Elder Barker went to a training for new zone leaders.
Then to top it all off we had 3 baptisms!!!! Camila, Vicente, and Miguel got baptized.
I've been working with Miguel for the last 5 months so that he could get baptized and his testimony after the ordinance during the baptismal service made it all worth it! He said he felt the spirit :P but in a lot of other words.
I know that I have a calling from God and authority to do my calling.
Love y'all
All is well,
Elder Hall
PS. A shared or private room is not on my list of priorities :P unless it's cheaper to have one or the other. Probably a shared room. I would prefer a place at Scotts because it's half the price but if it's my only option then ask Gary to look for housing to see if he can find anything.
Alpine Village is totally rich kid :P Looks really nice though. I wouldn't mind living there but I don`t know if I want to have to work to be able to live there and study at the same time.
Dear Family and Friends:
Cultural Note:
Here there are very few people who have a phone plan with unlimited minutes so there is a very distinct phone culture. Some people have 3-4 different phones so they have a number with all the companies so they can get all "verizon to verizon" type benefits. Also people are really thrifty with their minutes and they make phone calls really short or if they are near the end of the month or running out of minutes they will "pinch" you which means they call you until you answer and then hang up which means they want you to call them back.
This week was rather full! We had to replicate the Consejo de lideres de la mision to the rest of the zone which means Elder Barker and I were in charge of 4 hours of training. We also had interchanges with the assistants. I went back to Viña and got to see quite a few people again which was pretty cool. We then had a second interchange but with the zone leaders of Valparaíso while Elder Barker went to a training for new zone leaders.
Then to top it all off we had 3 baptisms!!!! Camila, Vicente, and Miguel got baptized.
I've been working with Miguel for the last 5 months so that he could get baptized and his testimony after the ordinance during the baptismal service made it all worth it! He said he felt the spirit :P but in a lot of other words.
I know that I have a calling from God and authority to do my calling.
Love y'all
All is well,
Elder Hall
PS. A shared or private room is not on my list of priorities :P unless it's cheaper to have one or the other. Probably a shared room. I would prefer a place at Scotts because it's half the price but if it's my only option then ask Gary to look for housing to see if he can find anything.
Alpine Village is totally rich kid :P Looks really nice though. I wouldn't mind living there but I don`t know if I want to have to work to be able to live there and study at the same time.
May 19, 2014
May 19, 2014
Dear Friends & Family,
So, I´m going to print off all the things that were written this week, go get my hair cut and come back in like 45 minutes :)
Only my comp got his hair cut :P But it looks good.
No, nothing from the RA job.
Liberty Square looks great and cheap so that's an awesome combination :P
My first choice would be rooming with Scott but I don´t know how much time I can wait to decide and this looks like a good option; plus I know various people that are going to live at Liberty Square.
Alpine Village looks great but almost too great :P How easy is it to back out if we find something cheaper? Would I have to do the year contract for sure?
I could go for the 8 month contract because in the end it's cheaper, but the payments on the year contract would be easier to make each month. But if I get a year contract I can`t get married for at least a year :P But the year contract would force me to work there in Utah and not in Colorado.
Living back on campus is weird for a second year :P But if it's the cheapest I might go with that.
In my priorities of what determines where I live next year in this order:
1. Cost
2. Distance from campus
3. Commodities (pool,gym)
4. Distance from friends
Dear Friends & Family,
So, I´m going to print off all the things that were written this week, go get my hair cut and come back in like 45 minutes :)
Only my comp got his hair cut :P But it looks good.
No, nothing from the RA job.
Liberty Square looks great and cheap so that's an awesome combination :P
My first choice would be rooming with Scott but I don´t know how much time I can wait to decide and this looks like a good option; plus I know various people that are going to live at Liberty Square.
Alpine Village looks great but almost too great :P How easy is it to back out if we find something cheaper? Would I have to do the year contract for sure?
I could go for the 8 month contract because in the end it's cheaper, but the payments on the year contract would be easier to make each month. But if I get a year contract I can`t get married for at least a year :P But the year contract would force me to work there in Utah and not in Colorado.
Living back on campus is weird for a second year :P But if it's the cheapest I might go with that.
In my priorities of what determines where I live next year in this order:
1. Cost
2. Distance from campus
3. Commodities (pool,gym)
4. Distance from friends
Baptism of Miquel Angel Roman Gatica, papa de Michelle
Baptism of Camila Praxsedes Ruiz Leon & Vicente Andres Ruiz Leon
Monday, May 12, 2014
May 12, 2014
May 12, 2014
Dear Family and Friends :)
Cultural Note: (for Gary)
It was great to see you yesterday. Welcome Beth and Jacob to the family!! :) I just have so many new people to meet!! When Ellie was talking to me yesterday she looked a lot like Rachelle and it surprised me when she started talking :P
This week we had Consejo de lideres de la misión, by tradicion (tradition) the first time there you bear your testimony and then also the last time you're there you bear your testimony. I gave my "farewell testimony" and it was an interesting experience. The words of the song "I am a child of God" came to my mind. As the song went through my mind with what seemed to be with great force, the words "and he has sent me here" plucked a heart string. I know that I am where God wants me to be. I know that God is looking out for me and my family. I know that I am a Child of God.
I am Happy and yes, I know that happiness continues if we continue keeping our covenants.
All is well :)
Elder Hall
Dear Family and Friends :)
Cultural Note: (for Gary)
This week we had Consejo de lideres de la misión, by tradicion (tradition) the first time there you bear your testimony and then also the last time you're there you bear your testimony. I gave my "farewell testimony" and it was an interesting experience. The words of the song "I am a child of God" came to my mind. As the song went through my mind with what seemed to be with great force, the words "and he has sent me here" plucked a heart string. I know that I am where God wants me to be. I know that God is looking out for me and my family. I know that I am a Child of God.
I am Happy and yes, I know that happiness continues if we continue keeping our covenants.
All is well :)
Elder Hall
Interview with President & Elder Barker
Belloto Zone Conference
Destruction in Valpo
More Destruction in Valpo
Helping Hands in Valpo., Chile
Helping Hands in Valpo., Chile
Monday, May 5, 2014
May 5, 2014
May 5, 2014
Hey friends and family,
I sent a ton of pictures this week.
Love you all.
All is well,
Elder Hall
PS. We are going to call on Sunday (For Mother's Day) at 5 Chile time I don´t know what the time difference is :P
PICTURES:
1) This is the stand we used.
2) After the fire the people lived on the burnt remains of their house in tents so their neighbors didn´t steal their land.
3) Rebuilding Valpariaíso. I just wanted to take a photo of our progress and my comp throws up the Wacituros (a group of 16 year old ´gangsters´ that sing) sign and Elder Morales starts breakdancing :P
4) The foundation of a house that used to look over valpo.
5) Camilo receiving the aaronic priesthood.
6) Bautismo de Orieta y Ricardo.
7) We thought the church was burning but it turned out to be that people were burning trash behind the church in the open field.
8) Panoramic view of Belloto from the apartment of the elder that is in Liahona Ward.
Hey friends and family,
I sent a ton of pictures this week.
Love you all.
All is well,
Elder Hall
PS. We are going to call on Sunday (For Mother's Day) at 5 Chile time I don´t know what the time difference is :P
PICTURES:
1) This is the stand we used.
2) After the fire the people lived on the burnt remains of their house in tents so their neighbors didn´t steal their land.
3) Rebuilding Valpariaíso. I just wanted to take a photo of our progress and my comp throws up the Wacituros (a group of 16 year old ´gangsters´ that sing) sign and Elder Morales starts breakdancing :P
4) The foundation of a house that used to look over valpo.
5) Camilo receiving the aaronic priesthood.
6) Bautismo de Orieta y Ricardo.
7) We thought the church was burning but it turned out to be that people were burning trash behind the church in the open field.
8) Panoramic view of Belloto from the apartment of the elder that is in Liahona Ward.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
April 24, 2014
April 24, 2014
Dear Friends and Family,
No, I didn`t feel the earthquake; but there have been a couple of little shakes here and there.
My sector isn´t anywhere near the fires, but as you can see we went to help. It was very impacting. We were there helping yesterday but the fires started up again due to the wind so they made us leave.
[At least 12 people are dead and more than 2,000 homes have been destroyed by a large fire that wreaked havoc over the weekend in Valparaiso, Chile. Some 10,000 people have been forced to evacuate parts of the port city. The fire has been driven by strong winds, and efforts to fight the flames also have been complicated by the area's steep terrain and lack of essential infrastructure, as NPR's Lourdes Garcia-Navarro reports for our Newscast unit. She adds:
"This is a city built on steep hillsides — the houses are made of wood, the streets are narrow. There are no fire hydrants, and entire communities lack water connections.
"To contain the blaze, some 20 helicopters have been dumping water on the fires. But in some areas, fire crews have been able to do little other than watch buildings burn and hope the flames don't spread farther.
"The blaze began on Saturday in a forested ravine and has spread quickly — destroying whole areas and pushed on by hot winds. Schools in the city are closed today as many are overflowing with evacuees.
"President Michelle Bachelet is calling this a tremendous tragedy and possibly the worst fire in the city's history."]
The only thing about the doomsday stuff is that it only comes when the people are ripened for destruction.... :P
Yes, it was a wart that they removed. It's healing well. I think... :P I've got another doctors appointment in 10 days to check up on it.
About the BYU schedule, I think I´ll play with it when I get back, for now keep it how it is.
I don´t really write much now because not a lot happens in the week... or I should say nothing really surprises me anymore; so I feel like I don´t have anything to write about when Monday comes around :P
Make sure you talk to Francisco when you see him.
How is Janessa Burk? Seminary started for the kids in Chile, so it made me remember that I gave her a ride to seminary every morning.
I love you :)
Dear Friends and Family,
No, I didn`t feel the earthquake; but there have been a couple of little shakes here and there.
My sector isn´t anywhere near the fires, but as you can see we went to help. It was very impacting. We were there helping yesterday but the fires started up again due to the wind so they made us leave.
[At least 12 people are dead and more than 2,000 homes have been destroyed by a large fire that wreaked havoc over the weekend in Valparaiso, Chile. Some 10,000 people have been forced to evacuate parts of the port city. The fire has been driven by strong winds, and efforts to fight the flames also have been complicated by the area's steep terrain and lack of essential infrastructure, as NPR's Lourdes Garcia-Navarro reports for our Newscast unit. She adds:
"This is a city built on steep hillsides — the houses are made of wood, the streets are narrow. There are no fire hydrants, and entire communities lack water connections.
"To contain the blaze, some 20 helicopters have been dumping water on the fires. But in some areas, fire crews have been able to do little other than watch buildings burn and hope the flames don't spread farther.
"The blaze began on Saturday in a forested ravine and has spread quickly — destroying whole areas and pushed on by hot winds. Schools in the city are closed today as many are overflowing with evacuees.
"President Michelle Bachelet is calling this a tremendous tragedy and possibly the worst fire in the city's history."]
The only thing about the doomsday stuff is that it only comes when the people are ripened for destruction.... :P
Yes, it was a wart that they removed. It's healing well. I think... :P I've got another doctors appointment in 10 days to check up on it.
About the BYU schedule, I think I´ll play with it when I get back, for now keep it how it is.
I don´t really write much now because not a lot happens in the week... or I should say nothing really surprises me anymore; so I feel like I don´t have anything to write about when Monday comes around :P
Make sure you talk to Francisco when you see him.
How is Janessa Burk? Seminary started for the kids in Chile, so it made me remember that I gave her a ride to seminary every morning.
I love you :)
Pictures of the fire in Valparaiso, Chile
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