February 1st, 1995 – Wednesday
Today I did a split all day with Elder Tomala. It was pretty cool and fun. He’s a good little missionary (4 foot 10) and lively. This morning we copied a lot of maps for this inactive program. After lunch, I showed him where certain people lived and introduced him to a few. Overall it was a good day. I’m excited to do this inactive program but I’m afraid my comp doesn’t want to do a thing. He’s all worried about the war. Today I couldn’t speak because I really didn’t have the spirit. Also, I guess Peru has bombed Ecuador a few times. Great. I don’t feel like packing up again. I need to wake up spiritually. Satan knows me, but he can’t beat me. OK. Elder Folster just talked to me. He just finished talking to Hirst and I guess the Peru- Ecuador conflict is big time. I guess it’s almost world wide. I was pretty scared hearing this but after thinking of my patriarchal blessing I felt peaceful. I know that I’ll be just fine.
February 2nd, 1995 – Thursday
Well, the latest rumors are that Puyo is going to be bombed tonight. OK. What else? Well, Today Elder Zambrano & I located a lot of members on the map. We walked around looking for a map of Shell but didn’t find anything. The People here are talking of the war. They’re expecting the help from the States. I’m feeling sick & need help with the Spirit.
February 3rd, 1995 – Friday
Today my comp & I worked all day in Cumanda. We looked for Menos Activos. Man, we walked all over and asked about everyone for different people. There are a few members here who I’ve never met. I lost my patience a few times because we just couldn’t seem to find a few names. I’ve got to calm down. But the reason is because I don’t have the spirit. I’m doing some stupid things and need to realize my calling. I need to relight my fire I had, and get back my attitude about the work.
February 4th, 1995 – Saturday
Today my comp & I kept working with Inactives. It’s pretty frustrating and tiring. It’s tiring mentally because we’re constantly thinking of where & who, etc. trying to remember things. Plus we are always outside the house in the sun. Usually we enter and teach charlas but now we’re 100% outside. We’ve had a few experiences where I know God helped us out. Some kids have run up to us, and their parents happen to be inactive members. Tonight we had a charla with Jovani & Margot. The spirit was strong & they know that they need to be baptized. Our Inactive work we are doing is going to take longer than I thought. I hope we can finish it up. I need the Spirit and I sure don’t help myself!
February 5th, 1995 – Sunday
Today I’ve been fasting all day because I need to WAKE UP spiritually and also so that nothing bad happens in this war. I feel stronger spiritually. I need to get to my old “Elder Brown” self. I haven’t been getting up on time nor going to bed on time. That’s inexcusable. This morning we got stuck in the rain looking for inactives in the Pindo neighborhood. It rains HARD here! Today church was great. The Spirit was very strong. After church we had a meeting, once again, full of contention. Man, I was fed up with these members. They just lack so much. I think that it is just that they don’t realize how the church really should be. They just don’t know. We found a few more members, and also we gave a Presentation to Jovani. Tonight the TV showed a lot on this conflict between Peru and Ecuador. They are still having little battles here and there by the border in the Jungle. It looks like another Vietnam war. I sure hope not. I hope they don’t declare war or we’re out of here (the Gringos). Well this Inactive program is urgent. I hope we can finish it off before Zambrano leaves. It’ll be the key to turn Puyo around!!
February 6th, 1995 – Monday
Today we got up and did a few things. Last night, it was raining sooo hard! The hardest I’ve seen in my life! Plus it was thundering and lightning like crazy! It woke me up in the morning too! I wrote a few letters today. We left to Banos and ONCE AGAIN my thoughts went out of control on the bus ride. Man, Satan makes me so mad. He knows my weaknesses, but if I’m humble the Lord will make my weaknesses become strengths. I’ve realized that I’m not being the missionary that I want to be, know I should be, it eats me up to know I’m lowering my standards. I need to be the missionary that the Lord wants me to be. Man, when I make wrong decisions I hold back the work, and also my personal progress. Why do I let Satan win? I’m embarrassed to admit that Satan has beat me in a few aspects. He’s won a few battles but won’t win the war. I need to be the missionary that God wants me to be not what others want me to be. One day I’ll get to my goals. Tomorrow I’m on my climb back up. Satan has set me back, but I’ll bounce right back!!!
February 7th, 1995 – Tuesday
Today I did a split all day with Elder Jimenez. This morning I decided to buy some more Indian woven stuff from Otavalo. In the morning Elder Jimenez & I took out 7 references. In the afternoon we walked forever and visited a pueblo up in the mountain. Man, it was high up. Banos is by a volcano that’s about ready to explode. Yesterday the people started Carnival. That’s where they throw everything at everyone and everyone gets wet. I ate some sugar cane today. You just suck on it & chew it. The people here make candy & drinks out of it. Today in comp study we studied about personal revelation. It’s important, and I need to practice on it. One day I’ll get it down.
February 8th, 1995 – Wednesday
This morning we got up early & left to Ambato for our Zone Conference. I learned quite a few things. The importance of the Spirit (do all I can) Those who are 100% obedient get the best investigators. Those who aren’t, the lesser ready investigators. Also – Clean House! (so the Spirit can dwell). He (President Farnsworth) reminded us that all members of the church are the House of Israel. When someone is baptized is when they are a part of the House of Israel. We aren’t here to convert the people, just to help them remember the gospel because they’ve heard it once in the heavens (Doctrine & Covenants 138:57). We (as a mission) are going to start to work a lot more with the members. We need to take out references from the members. President talked to Elder Zambrano and I and told us he wanted us to finish up Puyo because on the 22nd he wants to take us both out. He told Zambrano that he wants him to extend another month, and he’d like Elder Zambrano & I to go around to all the branches & wards to do this inactive work. He told me that after Elder Zambrano leaves, that he’ll give me another comp and we’ll go throughout the mission to fix them up. AFter the conference, I asked President to put me together with someone who could play baseball so that I could throw. He told me not to worry about that, he’s going to take care of it. 🙂 We came home, and the people here in Banos were throwing water balloons and water at everyone. I had a mandarine in my hand just in case someone hit me (I’d throw it at them). We ate some sick food tonight. Folster had a heart in his soup, and I had a chicken throat and chicken ankle and toe. Man, these people put all the innards and leftovers in their soup! It’s pretty sick!! Well, I realize now the importance of the Spirit. I need it, especially during this work with the inactives. At 1st, I was worried about being a DL or ZL, but that’s not what matters. This work will help more people than I can imagine to be baptized. I’m excited!
February 9th, 1995 – Thursday
Today was ….kind of a waste! Not really, but Elder Zambrano fixed up the Banos inactives until 1:00pm or so. It’s aight, but I’m worried more about Puyo. Today I bought another coat from the Otavalo store. Man, I got to watch my $$. Man, also the people here have been trying to rip me off because I’m North American. (Folster is talking to me as usual. He thinks it’s a cool thing). We got back here to Puyo at 5:00pm and we did a split. We visited Jovanni & Margot and taught the 3rd charla. The Spirit was strong and they have to pray tonight. I know they’ll get their answer. We also have a presentation to the Coronel family. I’ll miss these two families. They’re sweet and will get baptized. Well, Dickman and Flores told a lot of people that I was leaving. So now the Mamita will plan something for me. Well, we got a lot of work to do here.
February 10th, 1995 – Friday
Today was tiring! My feet are aching! This morning Elder Zambrano & I got a few things organized. After lunch we went to Pindo looking all over the place, walking all afternoon in the heat!! Ooooooo Man! This work tests the patience big time. But it’s good for me. I’ve got like 3 months of this I feel. We’ll see. Tonight we had Sport night from 6pm to 9pm. We hopped & played some soccer. It was pretty fun. Tonight I got a little ticked at Elder Tomala. I just need to chill out. He just hugs a lot, man. The President gave Elder Folster & I permission to play catch every day. Sweet. Well, my comp & I got a lot of work to do.
February 11th, 1995 – Saturday
Today my comp & I got a lot done! We went to Pindo neighborhood again, & then we went to the Mamitas. She was mad at the Elders because last night we didn’t pay attention to her. (yah, yah, yah) All this Branch does is whine and complain. I’d like to see the day when this branch is NOT in Apostacy. But I must remember to have patience. This afternoon my comp & I were in the house until 5:30pm. We fixed up and organized all of the member records. We did a little bit more finding tonight, but Elder Zambrano watched about 30 minutes of the war. Both Peru and Ecuador both saying that they are winning, etc. They both are probably lying. Well, my comp is mad at Janette. He stands on the other side of the street when I go to her store. Nice. I bet that makes Jannette feel real good. This house is full of contention. There are 5 Elders living together here. It’s a bit too much for this house. I’m going to miss the things of Puyo when I leave. I’m taking a lot of pictures.
February 12th, 1995 – Sunday
Today was a sweet day. We went out on bicycles looking for inactives. We found nine in like one hour. It was a lot more faster and funner. Church was good today. I gave a talk on loving others. I talked for like 30 to 40 minutes. The thing is, the Branch President told me there weren’t anyone else to speak. Tonight we found a few more inactives. When we were riding along I stopped to fill up my tires with air. I look up & saw my comp and a bunch of other people throwing big rocks at a 6 ½ foot long snake. My comp took a pix of it, and it was a big mug. Man, tonight I found a bubble on my back side. Folster told me that I might have hemorrhoids. Nice one. Man I just hope it isn’t a parasite or some jungle disease. This work Elder Zambrano and I are doing is awesome. I’m excited to help out the branches & wards in the mission.
February 13th, 1995 – Monday
Today was a sweet P-day. We cleaned the house a bit, then left with the missionaries from Banos & Pelileo to the Jungle! We walked back in the jungle on a trail by where we baptize. We took a lot of sweet pictures. It was a lot of fun. We showed the other missionaries around puyo and showed them a few monkeys & parrots. We played some indoor and it was really fun. I kicked a few goals. After, the ball was kicked up above on the roof of the cancha. So of course my “not thinking” comp decides he’s going to climb up on the top of the roof to get it (about 3 stories high). Well, the roof’s here in Ecuador are very weak. So he put his hands on top to pull himself up and “SNAP”!! He about fell but somehow his legs caught on the ledge & he didn’t fall. If he could’ve fallen he probably would’ve died. But of course he still could care less. Tonight my comp was calling about when school starts to see when he’d leave. He just doesn’t seem to have the desire anymore. He’s in a bad mood tonight & I hate feeling hesitant because of what he’ll do. Well, our work is important so I need to improve my obedience & way to a t. I need to stop talking bad about other people and need to show more love.
February 14th, 1995 – Tuesday
Today was a pretty sweet day. We found a lot of people & members. This morning we were on bikes all morning hunting houses. In the afternoon we tried borrowing bikes but the one I had hurt my bum too bad to sit down, so we returned to the house. We walked It’s so cool finding members that haven’t assisted for a long time. You can see the love they have for the Elders. They always show us the pictures of the Elders or Sisters who visited them. I want to sit, visit with them & get them active, but I’ve got to give them to the other Elders. I love Puyo. It is so peaceful here. It’s pure dirt roads, & the main ones have stones (a pain to ride bikes on) and there are 1 or 2 paved roads. The people here are nice, and say hi or good afternoon. I’m taking a lot of pictures to be able to remember this place. I’d love to end here, or if my parents come down, to come here to visit. Yesterday, Peru & Ecuador had a cease fire, but Peru kept on shooting. Peru doesn’t seem too cool. Or their leader at least.
February 15th, 1995 – Wednesday
Wow. This morning I got ticked at my comp. All morning he was making smart aleck remarks, and bugging me like a little kid. He then started making fun of me, etc trying to put me down. I let it get to me, and the last straw was when he tried pushing me into a pile of dirt. I pushed him back & told him to chill out & quit acting like a child or I’d hit him. I need more patience, but this Zambrano guy sure does know how to push it to the limit. Today we couldn’t find anyone at all on the member list. It was frustrating and gets you down. But we did get a lot done. My comp is deciding on staying or going. He’s basing his decision on what people say rather than through prayer. To tell the truth, I hope he goes home because he really doesn’t have the true vision of the work. He doesn’t take it serious. But the Lord’s will be done! Today I learned I need to work on my pride & learn to take suggestions & laugh at my mistakes. I need to make a better effort to be Christ-like!
February 16th, 1995 – Thursday
Today the Morroes came here to Puyo. Sister Moore did a lot of paperwork. We went to Shell and drew the map of it. It took about 45 minutes to do it. We then went & looked for them in Shell. There were a few members there and we located it. We looked for a few more people. Zambrano got mad at me today & I didn’t care. I know I should change that attitude quick because I should be humble to find out. But I’m realizing now how much pride I’ve got. Tonight we called Guayaquil about 20 times b/c my comp thought he lost his package. We also talked to Sister Moore while. My comp made fun of Folster’s investigator who was drunk today. Not too nice.
February 17th, 1995 – Friday
Today we figured out who were the people we falted to find. There were 51 left (out of 208 families). We ate in the downtown and then we went to the house. We went out looking for a while and we couldn’t find anyone, only a few. We then went to listen to President Farnsworth talk. The Coronel family was there and so was Jovani & Margot. It was sweet seeing that they’re still progressing! Too bad I won’t be able to see their baptism. Tomorrow Enriketa is getting baptized. I’m so happy for her! She’s so neat! Tonight Elder Zambrano was big time bugging! 1st of all he threw some cockroaches on my bed. (grow up). Then when I was praying he was throwing things at me. Man, he just makes fun of and jokes around at the WRONG time. He wants to extend 2 weeks, I pray for patience, understanding, and more patience.
February 18th, 1995 – Saturday
This morning I got up at 6:00am very tired. My comp didn’t want to get up. We ate breakfast with President this morning. We talked about some doctrine and he told me not to waste my time thinking of things that have nothing to do with my salvation. I’ll work on that in my thoughts & studies. This morning we had the baptism of Enriketa. The service was very spiritual. President Farnsworth was there. He told us that my comp & I were going to go to Cayambe but to InaQuito. Goettsche is there. My comp didn’t want to extend to only teach charlas. So he called his Mom and he’s going home the 22nd. Good timing because I don’t know how two weeks more would’ve been. He’s a great guy etc, but big time different and we don’t have the same vision of the work. He isn’t doing it for himself or for love it seems. But I hope I’m not incorrect in writing that, but it seems. We didn’t do much today because we had two FHE’s tonight. One with Alexandra, the other with the Flores! I’m learning a lot. I still need to get the spirit better. I seem to blame a lot on my comp but maybe it’s time to look at myself.
February 20th, 1995 – Monday
Today was a SWEET day. I woke up at 5:00am to start on my studying, and working on Inactives. Also I wrote the family. We left for a waterfall toward Tarqui. The Mamita had told us to not get a tour guide to go there, that she could get it done cheaper. So we go, and no one, not even the driver knew where it was. So they guessed a few roads, and a few more, & we walked, guessed a few trails. Needless to say, we didn’t get there. Man, I’ve never went someplace without knowing where I was going. To me it’s common sense! Well, we went and hung out for awhile by a river. We also went inside the Jungle and took some smooth pictures! We walked back & waited for the truck and played “Carnival” (water fight). We got home & I was all worried because my comp wanted to leave early on Tuesday. We still lack a few more members to find! Well, we were going to call President but we called the ZL’s. They told me that I’d be staying here longer and that I was going to train! Wow. So I guess I get a greenie. We’ve got to be in Quito at 9:00am but my comp wants to do a few things so we probably won’t get there until 12pm or so. Well we had a “Going Away” meeting at President Calderon’s house. It was cool and I let everyone know that I was staying another month! I’m so glad! We had district meeting, and during it I realized how much I’ll miss Puyo and the Elders (especially Folster) and the members. I had a good cry (Folster started it). I realized a few things that I had to make better. I repented of the things that I had done bad here in Puyo. The Lord knows what He is doing because I didn’t have a good attitude – I was just coasting. Now I’ve refueled my feeling of the importance of this work. I hope I can help this new companion I’ll get. I pray I’m directed by the Spirit and that I can have good success here in Puyo. I realized tonight how special of a relationship that Elder Folster and I have had. I’ll value it more now almost losing it temporarily. I know he and I were great friends in the pre-existence. We hope and pray that we, along with the other Elders, can help Puyo out a lot. I love this work and I’m going to make the best of it. I owe it to the Lord.
February 21st, 1995 – Tuesday
Whoooowee! 12 hours plus of traveling today on windy dirt roads (sickness!). Elder Zambrano and I left this morning to Quito at 4:45am. We got there at 10:30am. I got there & saw a lot of people from the MTC. It’s so good to see them. 4 from our group are now training. We listened to President speak. He let us know that our missions are preparing us for eternity. Controlling money 0 will help us when we have children. Will help us to watch this sacred money. We use the mission $$ for mission things, and when we’re married our money will be used for the kids. Companions – we should always talk things out. It’ll give us a lot of practice when we’re hitched. Obedience is eternal. It was a great talk. After we found out our companions. Mine is Elder Navarro. He’s so sweet. He’s from Guayaquil. He couldn’t go to school much because he had to work to support his Mom & 5 brothers & sisters. He didn’t tell anyone that he was going on his mission and people are helping him to go. He only has one suitcase with him (and I’ve got 3) He’s humble and ready to work. He’s giving me my old fire that I kind of lost. We talked a lot on the way home. President told us to finish up in Puyo, and then to head back to InaQuito. He’s sent 12 missionaries there to baptize 100 to 200 a month! Sweet, huh! Well, I’m excited and I want to be everything for my new missionary that I wanted mine to be. Elder Navarro is clean, and without wounds – ready to fight Satan! Also, all of you who have read this journal to this point, the things negative that I have wrote about other people please disregard. I am usually a very positive person, but it seems not so in my journal. I have repented of the bad things written, that Satan inspired. From here on out I’ll concentrate on the positive. My own words will not condemn me because I have repented. But I won’t erase them so that people can learn from my mistakes. I love Elder Zambrano and will miss him. We had a lot of fun together, and that is all I plan on remembering. He is always trying to improve, and just has different weaknesses in different areas. I’ll miss him and his fun ways!
February 22nd, 1995 – Wednesday
Today was pretty sweet. My comp & I got a lot done. We studied a bit and then we took off to Shell. We found a few people. We walked around awhile. We ate with the Mamita. The members here don’t know what to believe with me. If I’m leaving or not. This afternoon we looked for and found a few more members. We finally finished it up. We started cleaning up the lists and doing a new map. It was taking a while. We left at 8:00pm to say by to a few members. I’m going to miss these people. Nataly Sanchez, my 1st baptism, started to cry. I did too. She’s very special to me, and I pray with all my heart that she says active, marries in the temple, and makes it to the Celestial Kingdom. All that I’ve met I want to do that. Last night I came home with too much to do. We’re going to leave to Quito like at 2pm. My poor comp I know just wants to work. He’s a great guy. The members here have been giving me presents. I’m going to miss Puyo.
February 23rd, 1995 – Thursday
This morning I got up at 5:30am. I studied a bit and wrote in a lot of notebooks. My comp & I spent the morning fixing up the maps and lists for these Inactives. We bought our bus ticket for 3:00pm. That gave me a little more time to pack and get the Inactive thing settled. The members have given me a lot of stuffed animals and some sweet wooden birds. I couldn’t take ‘em with me, so I told Hirst to take them to Quito. I finally packed, and we left to Quito at 3:00pm. It was a little sad to leave. I thought of little Nataly a lot, hoping she’d stay on the straight and narrow. I also thought of Cesar, and if he’d die in the war. I know he’ll be OK, whether he lives or dies. I’ll miss the people of Puyo, their love for me and just being with them. The ride was long and once again Satan attacked my thoughts. No more of him! We’re now in Quito. I still don’t know what’s going to happen. We’ll find out tomorrow. I’m excited to work here. I want to step up a level as a missionary. Satan didn’t help too much today. I’m sleeping in Elder Beck’s bed tonight. Maybe I’ll catch his fire that he’s got for the work.
February 24th, 1995 – Friday
Wow! Today was a little strange! We woke up and got ready to go to the office (ate bread for breakfast – with eggs). We waited around the office for awhile for President. My comp & I were all excited to find out where we were going. Also, Elder Mann was waiting for his comp, and his comp didn’t make the flight. So now Elder Navarro got put with Elder Mann and I’m with Elder Hanks (from Seattle Washington). He’s a big stud, and a Sweeper of the mission. There are five sweepers and I’m in there with them. I’m not a sweeper but it’s a blessing enough to be able to work with them. Elder Hanks & I planned out what to do. We’re here to help organize the InaQuito stake. We need 200 baptisms by March 20th! Our job is to find people to do splits with the missionaries. We need to look for them and so forth. There are so many details that it’s hard to begin. So Elder Hanks & I made a copy of some things, talked to the Laminita Ward Mission Leader, and had an FHE. It was a good day. We are sleeping in the Assistant’s house. Quito is cold, but the people here seem active (the members). It’s weird to see active members. Those that really help out. It’s a blessing.
- April 25th, 2020 – I wanted to comment here that this was the beginning of being a Sweeper, and eventually becoming the District Leader of the “Sweepers”. We changed the name from “Sweeper” to Coordinator a bit later, and our role was to work directly with the local church leadership on helping them fulfill their missionary duties. Even though I mention I’m “not” a Sweeper, in time it became clear that I was meant to be a permanent Sweeper as President Farnsworth kept me there for over a year. I found it interesting that as I was working with the Sweepers, the North American missionaries took it upon themselves to continually debate and tell me that I didn’t “deserve” the call of Sweeper because it was in between Zone Leader and Assistant to President. They felt I should have served as a District Leader first, then a Zone Leader second, etc. However, the Latino missionaries were 100% supportive of me and my new “calling” as Sweeper, and treated me as one from day one.
February 25th, 1995 – Saturday
Today I started off on the wrong foot. Satan = Punk. We got up at 5:00am and left to have a lot of leadership meetings with the leaders of the Stakes & Wards. We travelled all over the place, spending a lot of $$. We also had an FHE. It was alright. Sister Taylor is working here. She has hair down to her ankles and is a cool sister. She’s having a tough time. Well, I’m very tired, but very happy I’m with Elder Hanks. He’s a great guy and great missionary. Tomorrow we’re up at 5:00am again.
February 26th, 1995 – Sunday
Today I woke up at 3:30am – sick as a dog. I had diarrhea and felt like I was going to throw up. Elder Hanks took off to the office to do some paperwork while I stayed home thinking I was going to puke. Well, we went to church at 9:00am. After church we hung out in the office for a while, waiting for the calls of the Sweepers to tell us some info about Stake Missionaries. Elder Beck and I talked a while. He’s so sweet. He’s a stud and the best missionary here. He told me a few things to help me out when I’m District Leader or Zone Leader – 1. Make them believe they can do it & that they’re the best. Help them realize their potential. 2. Give them enthusiasm. Use creative ideas, always be excited with a smile. Help them to see the results and rewards of being obedient & working hard. Becks’ so sweet. I want to be like him. Maybe I’ll hook him up with my sister Meredith. We got to know each other better & he’s smooth. I drove around with him a bit in the car before President’s talk to the Stake Missionaries. I’m very tired & very ready for bed. (Elder Beck & I invaded President’s kitchen!)
February 27th, 1995 – Monday
Today was P-day. We slept in until 6:30am and it felt so good. This morning we went to President’s house. We made french toast. I wrote a lot of letters while president & my companion got some things done. After we went & played some hoops. I saw Goettsche & met Elder Pearce and Bills. They’re cool. Pearce is a stud. We went shopping at Super maxi (a big grocery store…..well, not too big) It was amazing to see a lot of food. Stuff I didn’t’ see in Puyo. Tonight we had a meeting with all of the Sweepers. I realized how bad my language is. I just couldn’t explain what I wanted to. It was frustrating & it humbled me. I need to work on it. Tonight we talked about the capacitations that we’ll give to all of Quito, and then to just the ZL’s. We’ll see how people react seeing me (only having 8 months) up there teaching. I’m tired. Good night.
February 28th, 1995 – Tuesday
Today was a quick day! We were in the office all morning working on papers for the Stake Missionary Program. We’re making papers where we can fill in the results and see the progress of this. We ate some lunch (wasn’t too good -rice, soup, with a weird salad). We went & talked to President Flores in the Area office. We talked to him about our role with the Stake Missionaries. Man, I want to talk better Spanish. Talking with really educated people here in Quito is making me really want to talk good. I’ve got to get back to a regular study routing if I ever want to improve & that’s a fact! Tonight we went to Quito Lamanita and did splits with 4 missionaries. They took out 24 references from the members. Wow! It’s starting to roll now, baby!