Got a call last night looks like I am going to the DR tomorrow! Here is a
picture from each of the islands.I will be going to an area called Los
Cianos in the zone San Pedro and I will be living in the same house as
Elder Huanca the Elder that trained me my companion is now Elder Diaz from
Guatemala.
Showing posts with label Aruba. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aruba. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Monday, October 21, 2013
10/20/2013 - Baylins 18th Birthday
Today I received a message from a lady that had bumped into Brennan in Aruba. I am not sure who it was as I could not understand her name but I think she was from Utah from her phone number. She said Elder Bell looks great and is so happy and that he is such a great missionary. It was so exciting to hear from someone that had actually seen him. So if you happen to read this blog, Thank You to my dear sister in the gospel for taking the time to call us! Denise
I am gone haha I leave tomorrow morning at eight thirty so strange I feel like I am being moved to a completely different mission again
.I am pumped to hear about Brittan being ordained to the office of a priest! It sounds like he has really been working hard and has grown up so much. It is really nice to hear about what is going on in the family all of the fun things you are doing sound like a blast. DAd told me you are working hard and staying really busy. I hope everything is going well for you in your work.
One thing that I am really excited about is that I will be speaking spanish 24-7 again. I really got in the rythym of Papiamento, but Spanish is so much better. I am pretty excited to be back in the DR where there are more than just two other missionaries. The only thing I don't like right now is that we have basically orders from the mission president to put the house in perfect condition for the sister missionaries that are coming. Lots of cleaning today! haha Not much is going on besides that pretty big news I will make sure to tell you all about it next Monday :)
I am gone haha I leave tomorrow morning at eight thirty so strange I feel like I am being moved to a completely different mission again
.I am pumped to hear about Brittan being ordained to the office of a priest! It sounds like he has really been working hard and has grown up so much. It is really nice to hear about what is going on in the family all of the fun things you are doing sound like a blast. DAd told me you are working hard and staying really busy. I hope everything is going well for you in your work.
One thing that I am really excited about is that I will be speaking spanish 24-7 again. I really got in the rythym of Papiamento, but Spanish is so much better. I am pretty excited to be back in the DR where there are more than just two other missionaries. The only thing I don't like right now is that we have basically orders from the mission president to put the house in perfect condition for the sister missionaries that are coming. Lots of cleaning today! haha Not much is going on besides that pretty big news I will make sure to tell you all about it next Monday :)
Love, Elder Bell
( I am not sure if this means he is going back to the DR or if he is just moving within Aruba. Last week he said he is flying out of Aruba December 5 so this mom is a little confused by this email)
Monday, October 14, 2013
10142013
Today at 7:41 AM
Well I have known for a while , but it was confirmed last week that I am no longer going to be in San Nicolas I am getting moved to the other side of the Island and Sister Missionaries are coming to this area . You know what that means..we have special orders to clean the house and make it really nice so that is what we have been doing a whole lot of.
I can't believe I only get six more weeks here on these Islands and then I get sent back to the DR to get culture shocked all over again. It is really strange that I have more time in these ABC islands than I have had in the DR.
We are doing well lately we have had some really really hard days, but some good ones too. The family that made it to the last thirty minutes of conference is doing well, however the father really doesn't like church because he has had a whole lot of prior experience with being cheated and stolen from in all the other churches so we finally got to talk to him last night and he still doesn't like the idea that his family wants to go to church. But his son that is seventeen has been going and his sister that is twenty, their mother really would like to go, but she has a hard time making it because of her work schedule.Last night she made us some see food it was the head of a squid cut into rings and fried and it was amazing.
Last week we went and played with some really good soccer players it was tons of fun got to really move around and enjoy playing a fast paced sport again.I never told you that I was really considering buying soccer cleats for a while did I? Then I realized it would just be a waste of money since I only get to play thirty minutes in the mornings and on p-day.
Today we are oging to have another Argentine style barbeqcue at the Branch President's house. We ate so much last time I don't know if I will do that again I also have plans to go buy stuff this Monday. I don't know it that will happen or not though.ahhh it is bugging me so bad that I can't spell barbecque right....oh well I love you all I am glad things are going well at home enjoy those freezing temperatures;)
Love, Elder Bell
Monday, October 7, 2013
10-07-2013
(I asked Bren if he needed to go buy a bike that wasn't from Toys R Us.) I am working on getting a bike repaired.(Of course I am worried about him being sick.) I am feeling well my body beat the amoebas I think. I miss the craziness in our house. (Brit and Brea were fighting over parade candy just as Brea was getting ready to write to Brennan. Kind of ruined her mood to write.) Tell Brittan he better say sorry to her buy her a bag of that candy and help her finish writing that letter. (Even though it may not have been her fault, funny even at a distance he is taking care of the baby girl., and bossing the younger brother around.)
I really enjoyed the conference even though we spent half the time trying to fix the internet in our little house chapel. We had investigators come to church for the first time this transfer and there were eight of them so that was an energy booster. Saturday I had the best barbecque of my entire life we helped with a service project on friday and cut up the ribs and the chicken for three hours and the next day in between conference sessions we got to the barbecque late and they gave us all of the ribs that were left. I am never going to forget that :)
This last week was a little tedious because I spent five hours each day in a customs place trying to get my visa extended so I can stay here until the fifth of December. It is done now so that stress is gone.It has been extremely hard to meet with people and teach and help them people aren't holding through on their commitments, but a few people came to church this week and it gave me some hope. Right now we really need to focus on our obediance to the will of God and work hard on following every little rule and doing all the little things like Dad always taught me and like it says in alma 37 and then we will see god realize his works of salvation through us. If I don't put the will of God first as a missionary I simply can not expect him to use me as an instrument. I have found that weakness is something that I need if I want to progress and as I strengthen my weaknesses I will be able to ascend to another level of faith. I love that quote about doubting our doubts before our faith also. Some of the best counsel I have ever heard every day we will be enfronted with reasons to doubt our faith and that just gives us an opportunity to learn where we can strangthen our faith, what we can study, and how we can serve someone else today to be able to forget ourselves and our doubts and invite someone else to be edified in their faith.
Time is going faster everyday. I feel like I start to get to know people and get kicked out of my area. I might be getting moved to the north side of Orangestad in two weeks because sister missionaries are coming to this area and we supposedly are going to have a new area in Aruba
. I thought it was really cool that there were alot of talks focused on basic covenants and ordinances Saturday. We so easily forget the importance of our covenants with God.
I have been loving it here with my comp we go and play soccer every morning at six , but he still makes me look foolish he played for a semi pro team before the mission haha. Well I better write my mission President now I love you tons! ,Elder Bell
I really enjoyed the conference even though we spent half the time trying to fix the internet in our little house chapel. We had investigators come to church for the first time this transfer and there were eight of them so that was an energy booster. Saturday I had the best barbecque of my entire life we helped with a service project on friday and cut up the ribs and the chicken for three hours and the next day in between conference sessions we got to the barbecque late and they gave us all of the ribs that were left. I am never going to forget that :)
This last week was a little tedious because I spent five hours each day in a customs place trying to get my visa extended so I can stay here until the fifth of December. It is done now so that stress is gone.It has been extremely hard to meet with people and teach and help them people aren't holding through on their commitments, but a few people came to church this week and it gave me some hope. Right now we really need to focus on our obediance to the will of God and work hard on following every little rule and doing all the little things like Dad always taught me and like it says in alma 37 and then we will see god realize his works of salvation through us. If I don't put the will of God first as a missionary I simply can not expect him to use me as an instrument. I have found that weakness is something that I need if I want to progress and as I strengthen my weaknesses I will be able to ascend to another level of faith. I love that quote about doubting our doubts before our faith also. Some of the best counsel I have ever heard every day we will be enfronted with reasons to doubt our faith and that just gives us an opportunity to learn where we can strangthen our faith, what we can study, and how we can serve someone else today to be able to forget ourselves and our doubts and invite someone else to be edified in their faith.
Time is going faster everyday. I feel like I start to get to know people and get kicked out of my area. I might be getting moved to the north side of Orangestad in two weeks because sister missionaries are coming to this area and we supposedly are going to have a new area in Aruba
. I thought it was really cool that there were alot of talks focused on basic covenants and ordinances Saturday. We so easily forget the importance of our covenants with God.
I have been loving it here with my comp we go and play soccer every morning at six , but he still makes me look foolish he played for a semi pro team before the mission haha. Well I better write my mission President now I love you tons! ,Elder Bell
Monday, September 30, 2013
09/30/2013
I have had a hectic week it has been very hot. Our bike gets a flat tire we have to pump up every mile. I also kind of got the flu a little and amoebas in my stomach :), I think my body is winning now, but I think my companion and I will be going to the doctor tomorrow because we both have it and it hits me at night so I have had a hard time sleeping. However I have still been very happy I just want to help people and be better I know I have a lot to work on and I am glad I get put in places where I can see things happen right in front of me that make me realize what is really importantly and what changes I can make in my life to really be a happier person and help those who I love have peace and feel good.
I found out that my flight to the Dr is going to be on the 5th of December I am excited to go back there, but this experience has really changed my life and I feel so blessed to have been able to come to these Islands
.I am so excited for General conference it is such a great time to reflect on what the Lord wants to tell me personally and we have had struggles getting people to come to church so we have a whole lot of focus on getting those people to at least go to General Conference.
So, in my christmas package there are two things that I know that I want, cambell's bean and bacon soup and a new belt, both of my are pretty dead. I would also like to ask how much money is on my Debit card? and please get on facebook and accept friend requests if I have any from people out here.
How are grandparent's Allens? and Bells? miss them. Tell Justin Allen congratulations and keep me updated if any of my other brothers get married holy cow ha.
So many investigators right now are afraid to go to a church they think they will be obligated to do things or questioned or judged or that it will be boring and the people will be too serious. It is very frustrating especially since this Branch needs new members more than any of the other ones I have been in since this area got re opend six months ago there have been no baptisms and before that there had not been any for two years. there was a man ready to be baptized the second week I got here and he left to go to venezuela. A little bit hard, but what can we do.
I am so happy for all of you love you all and you are all always in my thoughts I can work harder just because I know you are praying for me. Love, Elder Bell
I found out that my flight to the Dr is going to be on the 5th of December I am excited to go back there, but this experience has really changed my life and I feel so blessed to have been able to come to these Islands
.I am so excited for General conference it is such a great time to reflect on what the Lord wants to tell me personally and we have had struggles getting people to come to church so we have a whole lot of focus on getting those people to at least go to General Conference.
So, in my christmas package there are two things that I know that I want, cambell's bean and bacon soup and a new belt, both of my are pretty dead. I would also like to ask how much money is on my Debit card? and please get on facebook and accept friend requests if I have any from people out here.
How are grandparent's Allens? and Bells? miss them. Tell Justin Allen congratulations and keep me updated if any of my other brothers get married holy cow ha.
So many investigators right now are afraid to go to a church they think they will be obligated to do things or questioned or judged or that it will be boring and the people will be too serious. It is very frustrating especially since this Branch needs new members more than any of the other ones I have been in since this area got re opend six months ago there have been no baptisms and before that there had not been any for two years. there was a man ready to be baptized the second week I got here and he left to go to venezuela. A little bit hard, but what can we do.
I am so happy for all of you love you all and you are all always in my thoughts I can work harder just because I know you are praying for me. Love, Elder Bell
Monday, September 23, 2013
09/22/2013
Aruba is very very hot we are now in the hottest time of the year and I am in a huge area with bikes that don't really work. I prefer walking to be honest.
I speak all three languages, but English is the language of the San Nicolas branch. Right now we are teaching an awesome Jamaican family the father is very receptive.
I am so happy to here about sports and mom's job going well. I am grateful for you to and the love you have for each other .Tell Grandma and Grandpa that I love them.
This week we did a lot but not a whole lot of big and exciting news besides that the Aruban elections for government are this week and all they do is make huge parades that stretch the distance of the Island and party for weeks. I am getting lots of cool free stuff though. .I go with my comp evey morning to this nice indoor soccer field and we play. That is probably one of my favorite things we do lately.The food is good here, but we don't have many members to go eat with so we get meals about twice a week.
I have district meetings every Thursday through skype, I have been to one zone conference and that was before I left the DR. I think I have seen my pres twice, however he is coming to Aruba soon so I will see him then too.
That is awesome that Baylin is going to homecoming with Stihl love that kid. I am so happy to hear about all of your successes . I love you all and can't wait to hear from you next week.
Love. Elder Bell
I speak all three languages, but English is the language of the San Nicolas branch. Right now we are teaching an awesome Jamaican family the father is very receptive.
I am so happy to here about sports and mom's job going well. I am grateful for you to and the love you have for each other .Tell Grandma and Grandpa that I love them.
This week we did a lot but not a whole lot of big and exciting news besides that the Aruban elections for government are this week and all they do is make huge parades that stretch the distance of the Island and party for weeks. I am getting lots of cool free stuff though. .I go with my comp evey morning to this nice indoor soccer field and we play. That is probably one of my favorite things we do lately.The food is good here, but we don't have many members to go eat with so we get meals about twice a week.
I have district meetings every Thursday through skype, I have been to one zone conference and that was before I left the DR. I think I have seen my pres twice, however he is coming to Aruba soon so I will see him then too.
That is awesome that Baylin is going to homecoming with Stihl love that kid. I am so happy to hear about all of your successes . I love you all and can't wait to hear from you next week.
Love. Elder Bell
Monday, September 16, 2013
9/16/2013 ARUBA
I am saddend to hear about Matt Johnson's mother . My heart goes out to him.
Things that happen in our lives, like these, at least give us an opportunity to understand the atonement and I know we all love those that are struggling very much and I know Christ loves them even more.
I am grateful for you and dad and that even though everything is not always perfect that you have been an example of how to forgive and show love one for another.
The good news I have is that I love my companion and have never felt so comfortable with any of my companions before and we are working hard to help get this area going. It was not reopened until this year and it has its sturggles and needs. Not an easy places to be right now , but I am here for a reason and I plan on learning from it and growing.
Please let Mandy know that she has been one of the biggest supports for me as a missionary and I have received so much help from her and I know that her prayers have blessed me. She is one of the best examples in my life.
I love you very much mom. I hope you know that.
If I haven't told you yet, the house I live in now is the nicest house in our entire mission, so clean brand new with new beds. I have never slept so well in my life. My companion was born in Argentina and his family now lives in California we get along great. He likes wrestling and learning about it because he plans on going into the navy seals after his mission so I am going to teach him wrestling and he is going to teach me how to dance to latin music haha ;)
Love you mom have a great week tell dad I love him! Elder Bell
.
Things that happen in our lives, like these, at least give us an opportunity to understand the atonement and I know we all love those that are struggling very much and I know Christ loves them even more.
I am grateful for you and dad and that even though everything is not always perfect that you have been an example of how to forgive and show love one for another.
The good news I have is that I love my companion and have never felt so comfortable with any of my companions before and we are working hard to help get this area going. It was not reopened until this year and it has its sturggles and needs. Not an easy places to be right now , but I am here for a reason and I plan on learning from it and growing.
Please let Mandy know that she has been one of the biggest supports for me as a missionary and I have received so much help from her and I know that her prayers have blessed me. She is one of the best examples in my life.
I love you very much mom. I hope you know that.
If I haven't told you yet, the house I live in now is the nicest house in our entire mission, so clean brand new with new beds. I have never slept so well in my life. My companion was born in Argentina and his family now lives in California we get along great. He likes wrestling and learning about it because he plans on going into the navy seals after his mission so I am going to teach him wrestling and he is going to teach me how to dance to latin music haha ;)
Love you mom have a great week tell dad I love him! Elder Bell
.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
1st Day in Aruba 09102013
Haha so yesterday I got delayed in the airport for six hours so that is why you didn't get an email from me. I am in orangestad right. now. I am pretty excited to get bi kes again. My feet are killing me right now I got some HUGe blisters yesterday playing basketball. My new companion was born in Argentina , however he lives in California his name is Elder Villareal. That is so amazing of Uncle Leonard to do that thank him for me please send my love. Right now I feel very at home Elder Thornock is here and Elder Villareal is awesome too I am excited to see what we will do. Our P- Day got moved to today because there wasn't really time to do anything yesterday. His family is really supportive so don't worry about that Aruba has really clean water and it has taco bell so don't worry about food or anything either None of my areas have really been that bad with those things and in these Islands I will never have a problem.
I am so happy to hear that my brother and sisters are exceling at what they do and that they are happy. ............ There Is a huge focus out here getting members to do family home evenings and invite friends and have an enviorment where they can meet the missionaries and not feel awkward
.I am going to be here in Aruba for three months and then I most likely go back to the DR. Well not much more than that for now. Love you all tons. , Elder Bell
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