March 1st, 1995 – Wednesday
Today was a tough one at 1st then got better. We went to the office this morning and didn’t do much. We ate lunch (shrimp wi/ rice w/ avocado). This afternoon we were planning our capacitation and I got frustrated & confused. We decided to go to the house & take a nap. We also ate some oatmeal & toast, then we planned out our capacitation. It should be good. We went & visited with Jose (Ward Mission Leader in El Inca) and came home. Today when i didn’t feel good, we sang to start our study. I felt much better after and the spirit was with me. Singing is a great uplift for me! Elder Hanks told me tonight that I was going to be a ZL. We’ll see. Hanks is a sgud. We have a lot of fun together. We have the same attitude about the work. He’s helping me a ton with Spanish and is a great example. He’s smooth.
- Capacitate means to train, and Capacitation means training. The word in Spanish is Capacitacion or Capacitar and I guess I thought it meant the same in English.
March 2nd, 1995 Thursday
Today was a good day. This morning we had a meeting with the Sweepers & prepared our capacitations. We decided to fast so that the capacitation would go well and the missionaries can apply the teachings. We’re talking of how to really listen & apply. It should be good. This afternoon I was really tired. I was pretty much a grouch. Tonight we talked with Jose de la Cuadra. We taught him how to capacitate. I’m so tired.
March 3rd, 1995 – Friday. (Howard W. Hunter’s death)
Wow. Today was incredible. We got up at 4:45am and prepared our capacitation on How to Listen Good. We prepared to talk about the three times that the people in the scriptures had to listen. Well, we got to Quito Colon at 6:30am. We started our capacitation with a short symbolistic skit. We had Elder Layedra and Elder Zamora give us instructions to put on the life vests. Elder Hanks & I didn’t pay attention at all, talking & laughing (it was fun 🙂 ) The other sweepers were listening intently. Then the time came to apply the instructions (the ship was sinking). Me & Elder Hanks died, & so did Elder Severson & Elder Cabezas. It was big time simbolistic and helped the audience realize the importance to listen and apply. Well, I went up with Elder Hanks and we spoke, and the rest of the Sweepers talked. It was incredible. The Spirit was strong, and President told us that he wouldn’t expect more from an Apostle. Wow. He complimented us a lot. We had the ZL meeting from 10:00am to 3:00pm. President told us all in there that we would all be Sweepers or Assistants if it were possible. He joked saying that I never would be. Hope he was just kidding. Well, our capacitation was great. We informed a lot. The ZL’s seemed a little bored. The book “Stake Mission” is inspired. This program that we’re applying is the Lord’s program. We will have the most success with this program. President was told before he left to Quito that there were 400 to 500 people ready each month to be baptized. We’re a little behind then & this is the answer. I want to be part of it. The Capacitations were excellent because we all fasted & prayed. I felt the spirit very strong. I really feel that the Angels of the Lord were gathered with us. Elder Beck told us that PResident Hunter had passed away. He has a special place in my heart. He married my mom and dad in the Salt Lake Temple. He’s just always had a neat ora about him. I imagined his entrance into paradise, embracing Jesus Christ. He’s probably very happy there. He’s an incredible man & example. I really realized the vision of the work. I need to drop a lot of trash that is impeding me to progress. I love this mission. I want to be the best missionary. I want this for the Lord.
March 4, 1995 – Saturday
Today was sweeeet! This morning we went up to the Lamanita to play a little hoops. We played some good games & got to be better friends with a lot of the Stake Missionaries. Afterwards we talked to the Sisters Sweepers who are so cool. Sister Larsen and Sister Ortega are really special sisters. They’re very patient and very humble. It’s neat to think that they would listen to my advice I give them. They give me a lot of respect which makes me feel good. We went to the office to do a few things done. We then went to the “Noche Lamanita” with the Wards El Inca and La Lamanita. We 1st watched a video on the Otavalan people (real Lamanite descendants) Then we went inside and watched the Otavalans play music and do dances. It was such a neat feeling to watch this culture entertain. They are the Lamanites the Book of Mormon profesies (Nephi Profesies) that in the last days they’ll accept the gospel. Elder Hanks, Sis’s Taylor, Larsen and Ortega, and I dressed up in clothing of Otavalo. We also did a few skits. I love that people. They are so special. I’d love to serve there and work with them. This mission is incredible. I learn so much. The ups & downs is what makes us learn. I love to learn!
March 5th, 1995 – Sunday
Today was a busy day! We woke up at 5:30am. Tired. We attended Sacrament meetings. All Day we were behind Geovanny and Jose de la Cuadra. They’re the Ward mission leaders in La Lamanita and El Inca. We attended 2 baptisms of the Sisters Taylor & Saltos. The spirit was very strong. I had the opportunity to talk about the 4 principles and ordinances of the Gospel. We went to the Lider Misional meeting and then fixed a few things up for the week. Last night I talked to Elder Dickman. Puyo is having a lot of success. They’re going to have 15 to 20 baptisms. That’s sweet to know. They aren’t really using the Inactive Maps much, but I hope they do. Tonight Elder Ashworth made us some good Chili. I fasted to improve the language and to control my thoughts. I know the Lord will bless me.
March 6th, 1995 – Monday
Today was a learning day. I woke up at 6:30am, and my comp & I studied the Ensign about temples. I learned a lot of new things from Boyd K Packer’s article. We were going to play hoops or some sports, but not all had time. Elder Beck & I talked a lot today. We had a lot of fun, and jabbed a bit. I learned today that I need to watch my actions. Small things can hurt people. I need to push aside my pride. When I start to talk about the past, I start to regain that pride I had and I begin to put myself on an upper level. It isn’t good. The North American society has a pride problem. Everytime we start to talk in English, the “groups” start to form. This is another reason to talk Spanish because all missionaries are equal when we talk it. Also, if we talk a lot of English, we’ll form habits with other missionaries (gringos) and the next time we see them, we talk English even in front of the Latinos. This is the cause of a lot of contention. I also need to show more love to my companion. I need to put bad thoughts away and live as if we are all equal (live the Law of Consecration even when it isn’t applied) Elder Bill’s sister died which got me to think a lot. I love my family and that’d be a tough situation. Tonight I got to talk with Elder Goettsche for a good while. He’s a great guy. Also last night I had a dream that President told me that I’d be AP. Then, Sister Sanford told me I’d better get used to the office. I’d be happy to serve wherever the Lord puts me. I’m just going to contribute and serve the Lord with all my heart, might, mind and strength!
March 7th, 1995 – Tuesday
Wow. The days are flying by with the months. Ya mismo It’ll be June! Crazy. Today we left early and all the sweepers, 2 ZLs, and the office staff had a meeting with President . We learned more about the Stake Mission. It’s the Lord’s program and I’m privileged to be a part of it. My comp & I made up a few sheets, and planned. We took a nap in the nurses room because we thought that tonight we’d be up late picking up doctors from the airport. It didn’t happen. We went up to a baptism in El Inca but the Elders never came with their baptism. Nice. Members waiting and all. We talked with Geovanny and we’ve got a few things ready. Today my comp thought I was mad at him. I probably carry a pretty bad look on my face. I feel it sometimes, but man – being in an office all day, not talking much with the people and thinking a ton, my mood changes & I get drowsy. I need to work on that. I need to always smile & have fun. No matter what.
March 8th, 1995 – Wednesday
Today we had a meeting with the Elders and Sisters in El Inca and La Lamanita. It was great and we got them excited about this program. Today President called me in to help him with some changes on his board. He told us that he won’t have any leaders for the summer and is a little frightened. It made me have more desire to study and work harder so that President feels good if he wants to move me up. We’ll see. Elder Hanks & I did a split. I waited in the Chapel for Geovanny for 3 ½ hours and also wasted 5 mil on a fake beggar. I hope she was real. On the way home, Elder Webb & I talked to a chauffeur in his taxi and gave him a Book of Mormon. The Spirit was strong and it felt great to feel it again with people on the street.
March 9th, 1995 – Thursday (Giro $$)
Today was a good day. We woke up and looked for a mini-missionary for Elder Moulton. We found a kid named Nolan, but the Bishop says he’s unworthy. Ooops. At lunch we had an appointment with Geovanny but we decided to go buy Pizza Hut. How stupid could we be? Leave an important meeting behind, and then we go pay 16 mil sucres for Pizza (8 bucks a piece). Stupid. Well, tonight was sweet! We talked to the Stake Missionaries of the Lamanita and they’re all excited because they now understand how things run. They realize the importance of their callings. I hope they keep going strong. I talked to a lot of people on the buses. Thi is something I need to improve on with Elder Hanks. I don’t know why I’m not talking to the people. That’ll change real quick because I’m the most happy talking & sharing.
March 10th, 1995 – Friday
Today was BORING!! We went to the office & hung out. We got a few little things done, but nothing big. We took a nap up in the nurse room because my comp didn’t feel too Good…..while I was sleeping the Area doctor walked in. Man, I felt real dumb! We had correlation meeting with Jose de la Cuadra. It was pretty pathetic, but we stayed positive. It’s a tough job we’re doing because we do things when the Stake Missionaries do things, otherwise we sit around. Satan is a punk. He knows my weakness but I had to beat him. He ain’t worth it!
March 11th, 1995 – Saturday
Satan is still coming at me! Man, he’s annoying and really tries to impede me to have the Spirit. I need to overcome his temptations because I know I can be a great instrument in the Lord’s hands. That’s my desire! This morning we had correlation meeting with the Lamanita. It was pretty well run. Geovanny did a great job. Afterwards we came home and slept for about 3 hours. My comp was really tired so he slept. Then I slept too. Should”ve studied. We then went to an open house. It was a good one. We watched “Together Forever” My comp asked a man what he liked about the move and he said that in the 1st case, the woman needed to learn that her husband needed to work. OK! 🙂 Not the answer we were looking for. The Open House was fun and they took out a few references. On the bus ride home Elder Hanks and I took out a lot of references. It’s fun talking with the people. It makes me feel more love for them. I need to open my mouth more.
March 12th, 1995 – Sunday
Today was a day I’ll never forget. 1st of all we had meetings from 8am until 4pm with Church and all. It was a great day, but I realized that I was just coastin spiritually. For 3 or 4 months I’ve been coasting. Anyway, Tonight Elder Norris started telling us an experience he had with the Sons of Perdition. A little girl was possessed with 6 demons and was talking with their voices. They had a baptism where Satand did all that he could to impede it. I won’t go into details just write a few parts. The demons talked with the missionaries. The demons said that they knew each and every one of the missionaries. They knew them from the grand council in heaven. They said a few things that made some missionaries mad, and what they said they could have only said if they knew them. The demons couldn’t leave with the power of the Priesthood that these Elders had because the sister of the girl possessed, She was playing the Ouija board and making contracts with Satan. Well, the Elders had a lot more scary experiences, even to the point where twice Elder Constantine was almost stabbed (by a knife & screwdriver) by the sister who was playing the Ouija board. Well, to sum it up – I GOT WOKE UP! I realized the importance of having the Spirit. I was just coasting through the mission wondering why it wasn’t all I had expected. I thought I’d be Elder Awesome, but I wasn’t. It’s because of my own decisions. I’m so scared to think how close I was to have Satan’s spirit inside of me. Some stupid decisions I have made in my life, I was in the stage to accept his spirits. It’s so disgusting to think of. At times I would look into the mirror and see a confused face & confused eyes. After hearing details of Elder Norris’ experience, I know it was because Satan’s angels were swarming all around me. When I would take a wrong choice it was as if my spirituality had left. I had blinders on my eyes and mind. (2 Nephi 9:32). I would only think of that sin I was doing and wouldn’t think of the pain I was causing Jesus Christ, his work, and the pain I would feel. It is so sickening to remember those feelings, and to realize that Satan and his Angels were with me during those times of sin. The feelings between the 2 are simple. Satan and his angels blind us, confuse us, and give us a feeling of emptiness. The air around us feels dry and creepy, and Satan tries to give you feelings of comfort. Bologna! The Spirit on the other hand is the opposite. A feeling of surety, of comfort, and of love. When you’re in a room, you don’t feel alone but you have no worries or confusion. Man, Satan is so real. I realize now the vision (or at least a tiny part). The work is so urgent, and this is my wake up call from the Lord that I’d been praying for. We need to be so strong spiritually in this world because there are evil spirits all over the place. President Farnsworth says 20 for every Elder. I believe it. I need to change. I need to be the instrument in the Lord’s hands. I need to be dependable. I can’t sin, or it will impede the spirit being with me and will invite a few more of Satan’s. It is so real. I need to focus 100% on my mission on earth. It’s so urgent. I’ve had a few experiences that I now realize were Satan. At Ricks College, more at the time when I had sent in my papers for the mission, I would take a lot of naps. Baseball would tire me out. During these naps I would have horrible dreams, with me fighting Satan (himself) in my dreams. He was such an ugly figure and screamed and looked like a Beast. I would try to wake up from my sleep, but at times couldn’t. I would be awake mentally, but I just couldn’t open my eyes or talk. It was as if someone was holding my tongue. I would try calling Leroy or Jeremy Bowman but I just couldn’t. When I finally would wake up I would be so tired I would fall right back to sleep and repeat the whole pattern. At the time I had these same “Evil” feelings around me but I ignored them. Now I know that it was Satan. He is for real, and didn’t want me on my mission. If I’m going to have an encounter with Satan, I need to be prepared. The spiritual war is still going on. When we sin, Satan wins that battle, when we decide not to, and we find the escape route (1 Corinthians 10:13) then the Lord (us) we win the battle. Satan won’t win the war, that’s a given. It’s up to us individually to win these battles. These battles don’t affect the Lord or his “victory” he will have over Satan, but rather these battles are for the salvation of each person. We need to win these battles, and save ourselves so we’re on the Lord’s side. I’ve learned from the experience of this Elder Norris. I prefer to learn from other people’s experiences more than to experience them myself. I hope you who read this do the same. Get on track – Fast! I’ll end this entry. I felt inspired as I wrote. I am a changed man. Another thing – when people talk too much of “Satan” experiences, they actually invite the Satan spirits to listen. They create an atmosphere where Satan can enter. I know all of you have talked of scary experiences and how do you feel? Spooked, huh? Maybe you feel like I described before. Just remember it’s good to talk of “Satan” experiences to learn from others. But when you talk too much of them and start to tell story after story – search your feelings & I bet you feel the presence of Lucifer’s angels. If this happens just simply stop (telling these type of stories is addicting, & it’s tough to stop. Satan’s way of working. Us telling stories & stories of him and how horrible he is – just so his angels can enter our presence. Satan is a clever guy) After stopping, pray and cast Satan out in the name of Jesus Christ. That is the only way they’re out. Just do it.
I learned a lot of things. Some people don’t know how to cast Satan out. 1st step – cast him out in the name of Jesus Christ with your right arm to the square. If can’t, get a Melchisedek Priesthood holder. If he can’t he’ll get a higher office holder. The bad spirits have to leave. Don’t be scared because the Lord is on our side. I love Him and I owe a ton to Him. He’s my best friend & I’ll always be on His side! Doctrine & Covenants 10: 20 – 27
March 13th, 1995 – Monday
Today I woke up & read my letters. Trent is playing varsity baseball as a sophomore. Perdon! Liz is playing fast pitch softball and is rocking. I studied a bit, then Elder Hanks & I did a few errands. We then went to Presidents’ house and he allowed us to play a bit of pool with his son’s Tom and Dave. It was pretty fun. After Dave, Elder Beck, and I played some catch in a little area. It was pretty fun. We then ate all you can eat pizza at Pizza Hut for 8,500.00 sucres (about $4.00). I ate 8 pieces. We next went to Chillogallo for awhile. Elder Ashworth & I talked a lot. He’s a good guy. Afterwards we showed up late to our District Meeting in Comete del Pueblo. We had decided to talk to the Sisters Taylor and Saltos. They just had been treating us a little manipulatively. We took them in a room & I began talking but didn’t tell them what was up. Elder Hanks told them how it was & Herman Taylor began to cry. Man, that hurt me to see her cry and then Hermana Saltos too. But we had to tell them what we told them. We needed to be direct & sincere & clear because the other leaders had tried other ways. I felt bad for them, but I know that what we did was right. I felt the Spirit while we talked & I know they did too. I pray that they will still love us & be our friends.
March 14th, 1995 – Tuesday
Today was…..aight. My comp & I studied for 3 hours. I kind of got impatience & crabby and snapped a couple times at poor Elder Hanks. But we planned quite a bit. I’m probably a pain sometimes. I’ve just got some moods sometimes where I’m sure I look so unhappy. Well today we waited for about 2 hours to talk to president Farnsworth. We let him know all the things that weren’t too good in the Stake Mission (Stake Missionaries). We ate oatmeal (oats) for breakfast & we didn’t eat until 4:30pm (after talking with President). Tonight we did splits in El Inca. I went with Elder Ponciano (from LA & talks Spanish). He’s a really neat Elder. He’s not too confident in himself but he’s so cool. I want to help him. We taught a few things tonight. It felt so good to be outside with the people. In the buses I’ve been talking to the people to take out references. I was rejected a ton of times in the past few days which is unusual for Ecuador. Usually the people want to talk & charlar. I’ve hit bad luck, but it’s a small challenge from the Lord.
March 15th, 1995 – Wednesday
Today we did a bit of things in the house. I fixed up this journal with pictures & also fixed up some other notebooks. We stayed in the house til about 1:00pm. We did a lot of errands this afternoon and did very little with the Stake Missionaries. Just waiting. We talked with Jose de la Cuadra tonight. I don’t know. I just wasn’t into it. Jose didn’t show much interest. My comp did a great job to excite him. After we gave a blessing to a sister in the ward. I just wasn’t feeling good. Satan is trying to discourage me.
March 16th, 1995 – Thursday
Once again I was in one of my moods. Anything that anyone did bugged. Even when people were being nice to me. I’m such a punk sometimes. I don’t know why I get in these no smilin’, no talkin’, no nuthin’ moods but I need to overcome it. We did a service project today cleaning a hospital. It was pretty fun. It was with Pearce’s & Bill’s Zone. Goettsche was in it. We had fun. Sister Taylor talked to me. She’s a cool sister. She gives me a lot of respect to me. She gave me a lot of compliments. I’m glad everything is cool with her because I was a little worried that we were too rough on the sisters. I got a few compliments, people saying that they had respect for me and all. That meant a lot because it’s tough having such little time here and being with a Sweeper. Today we chilled at home a bit. Not much to do. Tonight I talked with Elder Ponciano a lot. He’s a stud. He’s from LA and talks Spanish fluent. Today I beat Satan. I got to keep going STRONG!!
March 17th, 1995 – Friday (St. Patricks Day or something? I didn’t realize)
Today was ….aight. Right now Elder Hanks & Ashworth are wrestling over a tie. They’re crazy. This morning I started a personal fast because I need to have my actions in harmony with the Spirit. This morning we decided to start our Inactives program here in Quiot. It’s because we just sit around. We decided to do some service or maybe locate some member’s house. Today we walked all over Quito looking for a map. Tonight we went to an Open House in El Inca. It was pretty good. I’m tired.
March 18th, 1995 – Saturday
Today was a sweet one! This morning Elder Hanks & I shared the 1st Charla (only 3 principles) to a family upstairs (who kept saying that they were strong catholics). It was so great to be able to teach the Charlas. It’s been almost 2 months now since I’ve taught a charla. Maybe the Lord is helping me to realize how special & important they are. I’m going to start to study them everyday. They’re incredible. We went to the office & fixed up the map for the barrio Lamanita. After, we went to Correlation with El Inca. We played volleyball for ½ hour or so with the members with ties on & all. It was cool & the members were watching us laughing. Tonight we had an activity in La Colon chapel. We did the three grades of glory. They did it with the people having 10 tickets & having to choose some “worldly” games. We did “besitos” (little kisses). They would come behind the curtain blind folded and I’d put a piece of candy in their mouth. Those who had 7 or more tickets at the end went to Celestial. 5 to 6 – Terrestrial. 4 and under – Telestial. It was alright but wasn’t too spiritual. The other Elders didn’t help either. At the end we (the Gringos) sang songs harmonizing. It was fun, and good to hear good voices. I’m not so “grumpy” nowadays. I need to get better on that & need to watch my pride.
March 19th, 1995 – Sunday
Today was a good, humbling day. We 1st assisted all of the meetings. The sisters Taylor & Saltos gave the “Taller 2” (Workshop 2) to excite the members to Hermanar or Fellowship. It was pretty good! Elder Goettsche asked us to take Baptismal clothes to his ward so we took off there. They didn’t have a baptism, and Goettsche was pretty much fed up with his companion. Elder Barzola doesn’t talk to me at all. I don’t know w’s up with him but he needs to repent if he doesn’t start forgiving some people. Goettsche told me it was a “white thang”. He doesn’t like white leaders. Could be. Who knows? Well, we came home and did some work on the Ward Quito Lamanita map (before we took a nap). We then went to a charla upstairs & I did brutal! I didn’t feel the Spirit at all & was stuttering & worrying about the language. Here in Quito I get intimidated at times because they are more educated. I have to present the message more exacct & sophisticated etc. Last night I was also worried about what Elder Hanks thought of me as I taught. I was pretty much humbled and the Lord reminded me that I don’t know jack! Well, my comp & I talked about it, and he was worried about the ladies. They all fall in love with him. He doesn’t know why they just do. I told him to maybe cut back on joking with them. They might take that as flirting. Well, these are the kind of problems for great Elders. Satan puts all the temptation in front of them as possible. That’s what you get when you’re good looking too! Elder Hanks is a stud. I love him & we’re great friends.
March 20th, 1995 – Monday
Oh wow. This morning I was sick! Last night I didn’t sleep at all. I went to bed at 11:15pm, got out of bed at 1:15am and finally got in bed again at 4:00am. I was sick as a dog. I had diarrhea and felt like puking. I never did puke. I slept until 11:00am because I didn’t sleep at all the night before. I then wrote some letters to a few people. We got our haircuts & did a few errands. There are a lot of things I would like to do but I don’t have the $$. I’m really tight. We had a meeting with all the Sweepers. I learned a lot of things tonight. 1st of all to ask for suggestions. I seem to jump out & tell other people how things are or how they’ll be . I need to let others talk & shut-up. The 3 Sweepers Elders Layedra, Cabezas & Zamora all bore their testimonies. They all mentioned a lot of things very important. Layedra said that he learned 3 things to apply in his life: 1: Responsibility 2. Sacrifice and 3 Obedience. He counseled us to always be positive and always excited, to be sincere & direct. Elder Cabezas reminded me of the fact that I’ve promised Quite a few people that I would find them, some I’d teach, others I would baptize. This is my time to be in Ecuador. I know it because of the “coincidences” that happened before the mission to have me come at this time. Elder Zamora talked of the importance this time. Elder Zamora talked of the importance of callings & leadership positions. Callings are not to look for callings for power. Callings are just time of service, not power. You aren’t better than someone else because you have a leadership position. Be positive & the mission doesn’t end here on the mission. We should be members who magnify their callings. I plan to do this. They’re neat Elders.
March 21st, 1995 – Tuesday
Today was an uplifting day. We made a lot of progress in the Stake. We got a lot of data collected plus President Farnsworth talked to the Stake President and a few Mission Leaders will be released. (those that aren’t working). We were on the computer all day. We talked to President & we’re fine. He’s fine with the Map program that we’re going to do. He also said we need one more sweeper for Elder Severson. That means I’m with Hanks for a while longer! That’s sweet! He’s a stud. We ate at Tom’s farewell dinner. It was really good. Sister Farnsworth cooks some good food! I felt bad because ( sat & conversed with the Elders all night about sports, Star Wars, movies, etc but not with the Farnsworth family. Plus Sister Palacios was there & was very mad because we spoke 100% English. That’s what the Farnsworth’s want us to do. I’m pretty excited to stay here with the stakes. It’s a blessing for me to be able to learn and learn. I need to learn a lot!!!
March 22nd, 1995 – Wednesday
Today I had to stay home with Elder Bean who was a little sick. I missed Tom’s goodbye and a few meetings. I listened to President & he got us all excited about the Stake Mission program. He also said to all of us who have problems with a certain sin – just end his temptation. Push him out of our life because each time we succumb to his temptations we literally impede the work. This afternoon we did a lot of updates on papers & things. Tonight we went to Geovanny’s house & talked for a bit. He’s doing alright. We were in the office until 11:00pm doing papers & maps. I’m very tired. Ecuador is a pretty country. I’m so privileged to be able to be here. It’s so easy to take out references because the people are so nice. I love this place!
March 23rd, 1995 – Thursday
Today was a sweet day. We had a meeting at 7:30am in Comite del Pueblo. We got there & talked with the Sweepers. After I did a split with Elder Bills. He had to go to the hospital. I hung out there for a while talking with Sister Stahley. She’s the wife of the new area doctor. It feels good to have a real doctor from USA. Afterwards Elder Hanks & Pearce met us and Elder Hanks & I ate (some guy called us over to sit by him. 6:40pm – Escogido) We then went to Quito Lamanita and started looking for houses of members. We found 3 houses – all wooden shacks. They’re all surrounded by tall nice huge houses and they live in a two room wooden shack. We were led to a few by the Spirit because they’re such humble houses. After looking more we went to an Open House in the Inca Chapel. We took out 9 references and showed two movies on a movie projector. Afterwards we talked to Geovanny until 9:40pm! (oops) But we got a lot of things cleared up. We still got a lot of work to do to have this Stake rolling. Today I realized how much people look up to me. It’s such a privilege to be a representative of Jesus Christ. I always need to be worthy and NEED the Spirit.
March 24th, 1995 – Friday
Today was BUSY day! My companion & I got a lot of important ideas today to help our program. We’re going to write the Inactive Program on paper. It’ll help everyone to learn it. Today we bought a lot of things to help our program. I got a little mad because I’m already behind in my Giro. It’s frustrating to have a lot of things to pay for with little $$. I’m learning the importance of controlling my $$. It’s not too fun to not control $$. I had a few little embarrassing moments today, and a few little things got to me. I need to chill out when people do things that bug because sometimes I talk back. This afternoon we met with Geovanny & we went to the office. We barely had time to eat a hamburger & that was it (all day!!) We had a show of Talents in La Bota. It was pretty fun. We did a lot of cool skits. It was with the whole zone. It was pretty fun. It was good to see Goettsche. We got home at 10:25pm and I’m so tired. Tomorrow we get up at 5:15am.
March 25th, 1995 – Saturday
Today started out rough. The Quito Lamanita correlation meeting was brutal. It was discouraging to watch. Satan is working very hard & doesn’t want us to succeed. We went to the office & all day we wrote up our program of the location of Houses. Elder Ashworth & I went out together tonight. It’d be fun to be his comp again. We looked for a reference from a member in the Colon Zone. She wants to listen to the charlas with her Mormon friend. Sweet. We ate some bread (with drinks all over) and then went to the office & finished up the paper of the program. I can’t believe that all the stuff that was in my mind is now on paper! It’s so sweet! Tonight when I was praying, Elder Hanks fell asleep. I said Amen & waited awhile, but he was gone. Funny. I need to be more happy & loving. I need to enjoy what I’m doing. I need to always be positive and smiling. I love this work. Satan is working on me very hard. Last night I felt someone in my bed. I woke up and asked Hanks what he was doing. He started talking about moving beds (he was ½ asleep). The thing is – non one was in my bed. Freaky. OK. Elder Hanks just told me that he did come touch my bed last night. Phew!
March 26th, 1995 – Sunday
Man, today I’ve been a punk. Just everyone wasn’t following the Stake Mission program that we’ve been teaching for the last month. It’s frustrating to not see advancement. Sure there has been a bit, and I recognize it but we want them to “get in gear”! Geovanny hasn’t been doing jack and we went to his house. He’s busy. My comp & I are now seeing a lot of differences between us. We have different ways of thinking at times. That’s tough, but good because we’ll learn a lot from each other. I felt bad most of the day today because it seemed like he would tell me what we were going to do. He’d ask my opinion but it didn’t seem to matter. Well, we finished up our program in writing. It’s about time!
March 27th, 1995 – Monday
Today was a pretty sweet day. We woke up and cleaned the house up because the Mission Doctor is going to inspect it. It won’t pass. We went to the park (Carolina) to play. We played indoor and some hoops. Goettsche & I played a little catch. We left & finished up some things in the center & wrote some letters. We went to Zone Conference and had a little farewell party for Zamora, Layedra & Cabezas. Today I ate 4 pieces of bread & 2 bananas. I might starve soon. We only have pancakes & oats to eat in the house. Nice.
March 28th, 1995 – Tuesday
Wow. Today was a tough day. My comp & I studied and planned this morning from 8:30am to 1:00pm! We got a lot done! We had our program really figured out. We were going to match schedules and fill in the holes with members of the Relief Society. All afternoon we were calling people trying to set everything up. We visited the President of the Relief Society too. We got to this min-correlation and found out that Hermana Taylor was getting a change. That Herman Saltos was going to train. That meant that she’d receive a new Sister (most likely from the States) and couldn’t do many splits! Man, that jacked us up pretty good! Now only Stake Missionaries who know the charlas can go out with the “greenie”. It’s just a challenge from Satan. We’ll beat him and we’ll figure something out. Tonight Elder Zamora & I went to La Bota together. He’s headed home tomorrow. I asked him for advice on how to study – he said to get up earlier. He’s an intelligent young man. He told me to be like the sugar cane and grow diagonally, not vertically. He said to progress steadily. Elder Beck also told me to get studying, same with Elder Layedra. This summer there won’t be many leaders. I need to study so I can be an option for President. I’m studying as a Sweeper. Elder Pearce (STUD) was called as a Sweeper. I know I’ll get a lot of raised eyebrows and bad looks from people because I’m working as a Sweeper with so little time. I’ll be fine because I know the Lord called me. That wasn’t a coincidence being put as Hank’s companion. Today Elder Hanks & I had a good companionship inventory. I let him know of a few things that he was doing that bugged me. It was really good talk & I feel a lot better. I’ve figured out that most of my “complaints” were based on pride on my part. I need to get better at that. I love this work. It is very important. Tonight we were asked to cast out demons of a man. We couldn’t but it reminded me!
March 29th, 1995 – Wednesday
Today was a pretty long day. I did a lot of splits with Elder Beck which was pretty cool. We got the new missionaries in today. My companion & I were pretty much in the office today trying to fill out forms. We then went to the airport & sent off the Elders. We went to President’s house & we talked about a capacitacion that we were going to do. Wow, a few of President’s comment made me feel good, like he respected me. He kept telling me & Hanks to help Severson & Pearce, etc. It was cool. Also some others in the office (from around the mission) were saying they were happy that I was a “Sweeper”.
March 30th, 1995 – Thursday
Today Elder Beck & I got up at 4:30am to do exercises. The new greenies were all like thinking that we were crazy! We exercised a bit, then studied a lot. Today Elder Hanks I& I looked for members in Quito Lamanita. Not much luck. We took the Sister’s Larson and Ortega out to eat ¼ of a chicken (it was small & expensive) We looked like surgeons because we ate with plastic bags over our hands. We all then went to President’s house. We hung out there for a good hour, eating chili from Sister Farnsworth, and looking at pictures. PResident has such a pretty view from his house of all of Quito. You can see 3 or 4 volcanoes from his window. W e talked with President for a good while, and he told Elder Hanks and I that he wanted us working in Santa Ana (Southern part of Quito). Man, he kept complimenting us, telling us that we were the best, that we were the most positive of the mission, experts in the commitment pattern, etc. Wow! It’s humbling to see how much confidence President has in us, let alone me! Tonight we had an Open House at a sisters house. It was alright. Well, I’m so blessed to be in my position. I hope I can help people. I’ve had a few comments saying I’ll be AP. We’ll see. I need to learn, learn & learn! I love this work!
March 31st, 1995 – Friday
Today we got up at 4:00am & we’re getting to bed at 12:15am! We’ve been up 20 hours! I’m tired man. Well, today the AP subject kept coming up & there were other comments. I really don’t want to think about that. I need to watch my words & thoughts. Today we capacitated Giovanny for 2 hours. It was unplanned and on the spot but it turned out sweet. We basically just let him know how it was! It was cool. We then went to the office & did some errands & calls. We also planned our capacitation for tomorrow afternoon. When the electricity went out (it was off because of lack of rain. They turn it off in intervals) we made about 500 copies of papers for our capacitation. We’re going to teach them how to prepare in the commitment pattern. Wow I’m tired, but Hanks & I are having a ton of fun.