tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90903620211139462082024-02-07T04:25:38.678-08:00Elder Sorensen - Ecuador Quito MissionKThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-40637904759981211562016-06-11T10:23:00.000-07:002016-06-18T10:27:21.418-07:00BreveGuess what that means in spanish? Yup! Brief, or short. I´m pretty sly, huh?<br />
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<i>double rainbow over the amazon forest</i></div>
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Well,
Monday will be the start of my last week in the mission. Can´t wrap my
head around that but am stoked to make it the best week yet! Will be
heading to La Concordia (coast) and then getting lots of stuff ready for
the following week with new missionaries and departing missionaries.
Gotta get that baton handed off to my comp! :)</div>
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<i>Eating some chontacuro (worms)</i></div>
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This
past week we had MLC, zonf conf in Chillogallo, and zone conf in Puyo
(the jungle). Thursday night we got in to Puyo and got to stay with the
zone leaders down there, two of my best friends in the mish!! One
finishes with me, and the other has about 10 months left. It was awesome
hanging out with them. All the conferences went super well this week.
Time flies when your busy. Today we went to the mall to go bowling, but
it was PACKED. So we just got some lunch and came to the office to hang
out and play some Star Wars Risk. For some one who has never seen any of
the movies...it was TOUGH. Haha!</div>
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Love you all. Will write more next week. Until then...</div>
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<div>
ES</div>
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-58312955115442113232016-06-04T10:18:00.000-07:002016-06-18T10:22:03.658-07:00Striding!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey all,<br />
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<div>
This week I will be brief. </div>
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We
are continuing to be blessed with both trials and miracles. This week I
am especially grateful for trials and small miracles. Last night we had
a rough night of work. As you know, our sector is VERY active on the
weekends. No one who we planned to visit was home, and many people in
the street were far to busy to talk to us. None the less, about 5
minutes before going home, after a long, slightly frustrating night, a
member from Washington DC calls out to us and thanks us for all we are
doing here, and asking us about the work and our mission experiences. He
had served in Paraguay and is currently with a few friends getting to
know a few other South American countries. It was awesome talking to him
and just getting a little reminder that God will never leave us alone. I
am so grateful for these past ¨few¨ months in the mission, although I
can hardly find ways to express that. The good times have made me more
grateful than I ever though I could be, and the trials have made me
stronger than ever. </div>
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Was able to visit and work in one of my old sectors. One of the hardest and most rewarding sectors in my whole mission. </div>
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We
will be having missionary leadership council on tuesday, zone
conference in Quito on wednesday, and heading into the jungle
thursday/friday. Time to stride out!</div>
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Love you all. </div>
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<div>
ES</div>
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<i>Risk. The Gospel will reach the 4 corners of the earth.</i></div>
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-25165374066565891422016-05-28T10:14:00.000-07:002016-06-18T10:17:28.726-07:00800km<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I forgot to answer my moms question...so, how many miles did we travel
this week? I dont know, but we traveled around 800 kilometers between
monday-friday. I think that is something like 500 miles....Jeff?<br />
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Needless
to say, it was an EPIC week. President´s son and his family (him, wife,
3 boys) have been here in Ecuador since last Friday, so due to that we
got to travel this week the old fashion way, Ecuadorian Buses. It was
awesome. Let me give a very breve run down...sorry if this sounds like a
travel log, haha!</div>
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Monday we were busy in the
office from 9-3, taking care of lots of stuff and holding down
President´s post, while he was out with his fam doing a little sight
seeing. At 3 we took a 45 minute tram ride down to the terminal, and
then headed out to Santo Domingo. We got there at around 8, got some
Carls Jr, visited my old bishop and a few converts, and then headed to
the zone leaders house, where Elder Higbee is. It was awesome chatting
with him, we are both getting a little excited about heading back to the
Y. But he is staying focused! ::)</div>
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Tuesday we
had Zone Conference in Santo Domingo. It went really well. I love SD,
the weather and people and food are just great. As soon as the
conference ended, we hopped in a bus and headed from Santo Domingo to
Ambato. We got to the zone leaders house in Ambato at around 10. </div>
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Wednesday
we had Zonf Conf in Ambato. It also went really well. While President
was going over the emergency plan with the zone (which we know have by
memory, haha!), I got to catch up on my journal, so that was cool. B
would be proud. Still keeping up my every day since the year mark
streak! Bueno...casi. After the conference we got on a 3 hour bus ride
and headed down to Guaranda, a tiny town a few hours outside of
Riobamba. There I met up with Elder S and Elder K, while my
comp went with another companionship. </div>
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Thursday
we worked down there in Guaranda. Elder S finishes with me, and
Elder K is a homie from Laguna Beach, CA. He only has 4 months,
but is powerful! The day went super well, we had a good day of work, got
to attend their district meeting in the morning, and barely caught the
last bus (<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1041457306" tabindex="0">8pm</span>) to head in to Riobamba.</div>
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Friday
we had Zone Conference in Riobamba. There was a few activities going on
towards the end of the conference, so I got to see a few member from my
old branch down there! It was a solid conf. 8 out of 22 missionaries in
that zone go home with me, so there were some powerful final
testimonies to finish off the conference. After that, we hopped on
ANOTHER bus, and got home at around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1041457307" tabindex="0">9:30</span>. Home sweet home. Never felt so good to sleep in my own bed. We slept 4 days in 4 different cities. Epic.</div>
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Today
we played some volley ball, hit a little AbRipperX workout in the
morning, bought a dope hammock from an Otovaleño Market, and are now
about to go buy some food cuz our house it EMPTY.</div>
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Well,
hope you all enjoyed the travel log. I should be a tour guide some
day...if anyone wants to visit Ecuador just holla at your boi. </div>
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Love you all! Have a great week!</div>
<div>
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<div>
ES</div>
KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-15221644653060363292016-05-21T10:08:00.000-07:002016-06-18T10:14:49.446-07:00One Month......one more month until we get 13 new missionaries here in our mission! I am so excited for them! They are going to love it.<br />
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This
week was ballin. I am currently a little sick right now, and my comp is
still sick...he has been pretty messed up for like a month, but they
finally got him some meds that actually help him.</div>
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This
week was full of trainings and finding. We had Zone Conferences on
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, in Los Chillos, Turubamba, and La
Colón. They all went super well! We also ate pizza in all three. So far,
3/3, let´s see if we can beat last Zone Conference´s 6/8. Haha! We are
training for 1.5 hours on the Area Book, we are getting a little
creative and so far all the trainings/workshops have gone super well! I
have also gotten to see some of my best friends, so that is always a
plus.</div>
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<div>
Oh yeah, the aftershock earthquakes are still going hard. This week there was one at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1041457294" tabindex="0">3am</span>,
which was a pretty big/long one. We woke up and ran into the kitchen to
wait until it stopped. Although it wasnt as big as the first one (first
of like 450 haha) last month, being up on the 6th floor and sleeping
with 3 big loud metal bunk beds in our room made it seem WAY stronger
than the first. And then that same day during our training there was
another one, right before <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1041457295" tabindex="0">noon</span>.
It was also a small one, but big enough to make the church building
shake a squeak, so we went to the bball court for a minute until it
stopped. It is always a little scary because they say a big quake is due
here in Quito, so every time there is a little one you just think to
yourself ´´alrighty...is this the ´´Quito Quake´´?!´´. I love this
country! I´d rather worry about earthquakes than Volcanoes like we did
last summer. EPIC.</div>
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On Satuday we had a great
baptismal service. F is a awesome, humble 18 year old who has
great desires to continue strong in the church and serve a mission! His
girlfriend is a member, so she definitely helping in the
fellowship/conversion process. ;)</div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week is
going to be crazy. Monday evening we leave Quito, and then will be in
Santo Domingo on Tuesday for Zone Conf, Ambato on Wednesday for Zone
Conf, Thursday some exchanges in Baños or Guaranda, and then Friday Zone
Conf in Riobamba. President´s son, daughter in law, and 3 grandsons are
here, so we will be bussing it like old times! Gonna be one heck of a
week. Especially if we are both still sick. But at this point, there
isn´t any time to hold back anything we got! I´m stoked.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, love you all! Have a great week!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ES</div>
KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-57310151554409109892016-05-14T21:27:00.000-07:002016-05-18T21:30:32.042-07:00Subject<br />
<div>
Good afternoon,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week has been crazy.
Like the first week of every change, we have been running around
non-stop. Although, today we got to take a little break to play some
bball and go bowling, but now we are about to get running around again
to prepare Francisco´s baptismal service a<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1678612340" tabindex="0">t 6</span>pm! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>cloudy days in Quito</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
First
off, skyping with the fam was epic. Can´t believe that was the last of
MANY Sorensen skype calls.... Like my mom said, we can always skype next
Christmas, we can all through our missionary name badges on, too! ;) It
was sweet meeting my new baby niece and talking spanish with my new
sister in law (even though we talked when you guys were engaged...it was
fun talking behind the whole fam´s back, haha!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Right
after skyping with the fam, my new companion, Elder L got to the
offices and we had a meeting with President to finalized transfers, then
call all the zone leaders to send them out, then went to say good bye
to a few families with Elder F, and then dinner at President´s
house! It was a busy but great day. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So my new
comp. My new comp is Elder L. He is from Colorado, born in Miami,
and his dad is Cuban and mom is Puerto Rican, so he speaks perfect
Spanish but is still a gringo in my book. He has 3 changes left, so like
me will probably be here for his last few months. He is a GREAT
missionary, I had a feeling he would be the one I´d finish my mission
with for a while, and I am super stoked. We get along great and have
very similar personalities. Best of all, he loves to work and be
obedient, so these last few weeks are going to fly by. He was a zone
leader he in La Colon, so he just had to take a 30 minute bus ride from
his old sector. My first kid, Elder B, took his place as the new
zone leader in La Colon, so we are super happy to be close together here
at the end of my mission. It is gonna be a good, bittersweet change.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This
week we made a few trips to the airport, gave a handful for trainings,
had a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner, and had a little bit of time
to work in our sector. Tonight F will be baptized. We are
stoked for him. On Sunday we had Stake Conference, and a member pointed
us to a 45ish year old man sitting in the back, so we went and talked to
him. Turns out he is from Cuba, lives here alone, has been looking for a
way to get closer to God, and has 2 kids in Cuba who will hopefully be
here in Ecuador at the end of Summer. He is excited about attending the
baptismal service tonight, and about preparing for his own on th<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1678612341" tabindex="0">e 28th of M</span>ay!
We are so stoked to be teaching him. We also found another great
couple, who lives in our same apartment building. He is from the Solomon
Islands, and she is from Rwanda. We found out she was baptized in
Holland, but due to some doctrinal misunderstandings fell away from the
church for the past 7 years. They are both really excited to come to
church tomorrow. Oh yeah, he went to BYU for a semester on a study
abroad scholarship...hahaha such a small world.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, we´re outta here. Gotta go get some grub!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ES</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-64056710752031420942016-05-07T21:26:00.000-07:002016-05-18T21:26:27.515-07:00Happy Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Hey all!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am not going to write too much because tomorrow I will talk to most of you! (Haha, I love that excuse....)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We
had another great week here in Quito. Last Sunday F, an awesome
18 year old dude with desires to go on a mission RANDOMLY showed up at
church after a full week with out hearing from him. He has a baptismal
date for this upcoming Saturday. He is DOPE. He brought his 2 younger
siblings to church, too!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Today we went back to
the QuiCentroNorte mall and went bowling again. My first 2 bowls were
strikes, and then I went cold. I lost by a point. #Humility ;)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This
morning while we were in the internet cafe looking at email really
quick there was this random 25-30 year old classy looking guy sitting
next to us. Out of no where he asks ´´what do I need to do to be
baptized in your church and to become a member?´´ After chatting with
him for a minute, we got his phone number, found out he lives a few
blocks from the church, lead him to <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mormon.org&source=gmail&ust=1463717505443000&usg=AFQjCNE5haTeWFHJwhVk39e-SfA7NusEfQ" href="http://mormon.org/" target="_blank">mormon.org</a>,
and got an appointment for tomorrow. Such a crazy miracle, hopefully we
can help this man come unto Christ! God is preparing people daily. Last
night we found a GREAT new family. The dad is one of the happiest,
friendliest, purest guys I have met here in Ecuador. And, he looks like
Gru from Despicable Me. Bald, big nose, big shoulders.....EPIC.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well,
can´t wait to skype with the fam tomorrow! Fourth and final
call....unreal! Oh yeah...on Monday my flight plan came in. Unreal.
Tomorrow will be the start of my 17th and final change here in the
mission. Can´t wait to make these last 6 weeks the best yet!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also,
SHOUT OUT to all the mommas out there. I love you, Mom. And I love all
my Grandmas and all the other wonderful moms out there. I would say
more, but tomorrow I´ll have a little bit more time to talk to my momma.
:)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love you all!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ES</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-47697805047446905662016-04-30T21:22:00.000-07:002016-05-18T21:22:24.198-07:00Week #___?Well, I truly dont have too much to say this week. Not because nothing
happened, but because I am really tired and dont have my adapter to send
some pics, which always jogs my memory. Oh yeah, and next Sunday I get
to skype with the fam, so I want to save some stuff to talk about. ;)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We
had another very solid, busy, fast, Ecuadorian week. Monday evening we
road tripped down to Riobamba with the Christensens. It rained like
CRAZY. At one point we couldnt really see anything and we felt like we
were on Splash Mountain. It was quite the adventure. We got into
Riobamba at around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1678612337" tabindex="0">7:30</span>,
got some bomb dinner from Chili´s, and then had interviews/trainings
the next day. All the trainings went pretty well. No one has beaten me
in arm wrestling ;) I love thinking of ways to make trainings exciting
(at least a lil bit more exciting, jajaja).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On
Thursday we went to Zone Meetings in Chillogallo, the zone furthest
south here in Quito. Afterwards, my comp stayed down there and did
exchanges with one of the zone leaders in their sector, while I came
back north to our sector to work with Elder W, one of my best
buddies from my group. It was a blast working with him. He is great
teacher! We also enjoyed some delish Cuy (guinea pig), because he hasnt
eaten any since his first month in the mish. At night we played some
epic rounds of chess. I have been playing a lot of chess lately. I cant
golf, so have to pick up a different Gentlemen´s Sport for now. ;)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love you all. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ES</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ps-
Shout out to my best friend, Cam, or Elder Cuvelier, who turns 21 on
Wednesday!!!! I know marriage is important and all, but I think Cam and I
are meant to be life-long roomies. Love you, brodda!</div>
KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-57695327006892786042016-04-23T21:19:00.000-07:002016-05-18T21:19:56.293-07:00Shake shake...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>A quick update on April 18th, after the earthquake ~ </i><br />
<br />
Hey guys. Just so you know, we are all safe and sound. It was a pretty
exciting night, but no big damage was done within our mission, just a
few houses fell in Santo Domingo, but no missionaries or members were
hurt. The missionaries in the Ecuador Quito North mission are all safe,
as well. We were teaching a lesson on the 3rd floor of a house when it
started, it was super intense/kind of exciting!! We stayed in the house
for about 30 seconds, and then went down to the street for the next 1.5
minutes of the earthquake. The houses were shaking and the cables as
well. A few of the families closest to me are from the provinces Manabi
and Esmeraldas, but I have gotten in touch with one of the families, and
am waiting to hear from the other. Hopefully everyone is doing okay. We
have received tons of calls and emails here in the offices, but we are
doing our best to comfort all the parents/family members and tell them
that all is well in Zion! We have been praying hard for all those
affected. Keep my people in your prayers! Love you all!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ES</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>And the longer email on April 23rd ~ </i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was quite a crazy week here in Ecuador. As most of you have heard,
there was a pretty severe earthquake Saturday night. More than 600
people were killed and 12500 injured, and many are still missing. Most
of the damage took place on the coast, so here in Quito everything has
been much more tranquilo, although we felt the main earthquake very
strongly and have felt a few aftershocks throughout the past few days.
Thanks for the prayers, and keep praying for this amazing country. I
have reflected a little over these past few days...thoughts: a) How
grateful I am to know that there is life after death and that if I do
what God has asked I can be with my family for ever. B) This gospel
truly provides peace and happiness. So many members or investigators
have felt a strong peace during all of this madness. It has been
especially cool to hear stories of members in the coast who acted in
faith and were protected during the main quake. C) While it is very
tragic what has been going on here, in many places of the world this
amount of people die with MUCH more frequency... Moral of the story, we
got a lot of work to do, folks. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Post-quake guinea pig</i></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
On Thursday we went
to Santo Domingo, which is the main zone that was affected. While some
houses fell and a few missionaries houses were damaged, everyone is
doing okay. President gave everyone a big pep talk and helped all the
missionaries down there calm down and get re focused on the work! We are
beginning to see many people open their hearts due to the current
situations in this country.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Today we played
some soccer, basketball, and ping pong, versus the assistants and
secretaries of the Quito North Mission. They beat us in Soccer, but we
beat them in Basketball. So...to be continued... It was super fun. We
went HARD for about 2.5 hours, it felt great to get a sweat on and ball
out. Almost had a SICK put back dunk...moral of the story...my glory
days are done.</div>
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Love you all and appreciate the concern/support/love/prayers! #ContigoEcuador</div>
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<div>
ES</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Gym in our new house</i></div>
</div>
KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-25115958134794756822016-04-16T20:00:00.000-07:002016-04-18T20:03:29.088-07:00HiLast Saturday we had a GREAT baptismal service for the Familia
C. I love
this work!<br />
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<br />
Today we went bowling. It was EPIC. In our mission we don´t have
bowling, so it has obviously been 21 months since I went...but today we
got special permission from President to go up into the North Mission
and bowl. It was awesome! I bowled 130 (help me, someone...is that
good?) and won 1st place. Too bad I am no longer in Little League, or
else I would be rocking a sweet plastic trophy right now. While we were
up north, we got Burger King. Rodeo Cheeseburger....lets goooo.<br />
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This week was great. Super busy, again. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_410799652" tabindex="0">On Tuesday</span>
we went to the jungle (Puyo), and had interviews/trainings with the
Zona Oriente. It was a beautiful trip and good seeing some buddies. And
we ate some BOMB chocolate cake. Wow. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_410799653" tabindex="0">On Wednesday</span>
we had interviews/trainings with Zona Ambato...which also went very
well. My comp and I found a new family to teach while talking with
people on our way to the Zone Leaders house...we taught a quick/powerful
15 minute lesson and then passed them off the the Elders in
Ambato..hopefully they can progress. God is preparing MANY! <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_410799654" tabindex="0">On Thursday</span>,
we had interviews/trainings with Zona Chillogallo. They, as well, went
well. It rained like CRAZY all weekend...so the 20 foot run from the
chapel to the car SOAKED President/Hna C and us...but it just makes the
experience that much better...right? </div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_410799655" tabindex="0">Tuesday</span>
we will move in to a new house. It is soooo nice. I am stoked. Our old
landlord was being super difficult and we have been taking cold showers
for 2 months. But now, there is light at the end of the tunnel. </div>
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Love you all and RIP Kobe. And wattup Steph Curry. RIP Bulls.</div>
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<div>
ES</div>
KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-17778460507612761952016-04-09T19:45:00.000-07:002016-04-18T20:04:42.392-07:00SupHey all!!!<br />
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<div>
Hope you all had a great week and enjoyed
General Conference last weekend. Also, hope you all are enjoying your
Saturdays. Especially you, Pops! Sorry I can´t help with some yard work.
Haha!</div>
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<div>
Well, my week was great. Busy as ever...but way solid. </div>
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As
most of you know...this past Sunday it was announced that there will be
a new temple constructed HERE IN QUITO in the upcoming years. For
Quiteños, it is about an 8 hour in bus to get to the temple in
Guayaquil...and even further for those who live more east...so needless
to say everyone is SUPER excited that there will be a temple here in
Quito!!! Everyone in all the chapels here in Quito went crazy when
President Monson made the announcement. After 21 months here in this
country, and 2/3 of that time being here in Quito, I am soooo happy and
grateful for this huge blessing for the people of Quito. So epic.</div>
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<div>
On
Tuesday we had a really solid mission leadership council. My comp and I
trained on ´´Unity´´. It went really well. This change we have
interviews with President, so we have been traveling with him and
Hermana C to all the zones and giving specialized trainings to all the
districts as President has his interviews. So basically we have been on
our feet all day Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday morning, and this
morning. I kind of miss having real P-days, but there is nothing better
than this work!!</div>
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I finally have a camera again!
I bought a pretty nice one from a missionary for just $25!!! I got way
lucky, seeing as he had two and really likes me so gave me the amigo
discount! So, I will finally start taking pictures again! This week I
took a few, hope you enjoy em! Haha.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, I love you all and am grateful for your friendships and examples and emails. You guys rock.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ES</div>
KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-61457628801756038982016-04-03T08:32:00.000-07:002016-04-03T08:32:34.987-07:00GC.LDS.ORG<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">First off, I just want to wish a special FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS a mi mamá, Carebear. My mother is amazing. Today, while listening to General Conference, I noticed that there were a lot of talks about families, children, and parents. I am so grateful for all the my parents have done for me, especially my loving mother. I do not know how on earth she raised four very imperfect children into four (in my mind) pretty amazing people. I love you mucho, Momma beat. And dedicate this talk, to you!!</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
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<a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/behold-thy-mother?lang=eng" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/general-<wbr></wbr>conference/2015/10/behold-thy-<wbr></wbr>mother?lang=eng</a></div>
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You have always been there for me and always supported me in ALL that I do. Thanks for everything. Love ya. See you in 11. </div>
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Well, aside from that, I am about out of time. Conference today has been amazing! <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2136894827" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">In 10 minutes</span></span> we will head back to the church to watch Priesthood session. If you have´t been watching...watch it dude! <a href="http://gc.lds.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">gc.lds.org</a></div>
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This week was busy and great! Four trips to the airport to pick up missionaries, a few deliscious dinners in Presidents house for Easter, Farewell, and Welcome dinners. And a great day long new missionary/trainers conference <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2136894828" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Wednesday</span></span>. Today CT has his baptismal interview, and the familia C has theirs <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2136894829" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Wednesday</span></span>. I love watching the gospel and love of Jesus Christ change peoples lives for the BETTER. If there is one this I have learned out here..I am nothing. But through Christ, I can become something. Philippians 4:13. </div>
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Love you all! Have a great week! Pray for CT and Familia C!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
ES</div>
KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-13507169550870570742016-03-26T08:26:00.000-07:002016-04-03T08:26:48.956-07:00Happy Easter!<span class="im" style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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All,</div>
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Hey. I will be quick this week. Figure you are all a little tired after a few long emails in a row... ;)</div>
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It was another great week here in Quito. This week we didn´t have any conferences or trainings, so we got to spend the week in our sector/doing divisions with other missionaries here in Quito! On Thursday we did a full day exchange with some missionaries from our zone, La Colon. I went with Elder W from Arizona and Elder J from North Carolina. They are both BIG BOYS, so it was fun roaming the streets/hills of center Quito with them. Elder J has 5 weeks in the mission, so it was fun seeing how he/ his companion are doing and improving and adapting to missionary life. It was a fun day with them and we were able to set some great goals for them and their sector! </div>
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Aside from that, Elder F and I have just been doing our best to get our sector moving along. We currently are teaching a part member family of 5, and a great old man named C. They are both preparing to be baptized on the 9th of March, the weekend after General Conference!</div>
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Today we had a great pday, climbed a huge Rebar ball in a sweet park in the center of Quito, and then played volleyball in the church. 2 on 2...it was great and exhausting. Felt so good to sweat and run around! My spike is getting nasty...watch out Misty May. ;)</div>
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Love you all and hope you have a great Easter <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2136894823" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span>! I am so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. I have felt His love and influence more so in these past 20 months than ever before in my life. I am grateful for His example, Atonement, and resurrection. Take a minute to think/read about Him...I promise you will feel His love.</div>
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Thanks for everything. You are all great.</div>
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ES</div>
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</span></div>
KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-56996381995191962832016-03-12T18:12:00.000-08:002016-03-14T18:16:02.128-07:00La Obra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHyXpxACD8GhHOfvUKXuowl8GyD3K-FXMyAkAXsdZD3MMDQLH-zth0IFup4sr97FTeiPAJvwQhAxgvTB0G8SeNGmjpKViBKVSpVAVbgNXg7-aYHLavB1Q11X4VR-RvVL1PvHZaAqnNR2q/s1600/IMG_1107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHyXpxACD8GhHOfvUKXuowl8GyD3K-FXMyAkAXsdZD3MMDQLH-zth0IFup4sr97FTeiPAJvwQhAxgvTB0G8SeNGmjpKViBKVSpVAVbgNXg7-aYHLavB1Q11X4VR-RvVL1PvHZaAqnNR2q/s640/IMG_1107.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="im">I am running low on time, again. Nature is full off patterns. Call me a naturalist.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It
was another great week here in Quito. I lied last week. I live one
block from the Hilton Hotel. Anyways. This week we continued with zone
conferences. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1129228683" tabindex="0">On Tuesday</span>
we had one with Zona Chillogallo. It went really well. We watched a
powerful video about Abraham/Isaac during the zone leaders training.
Unreal amount of faith shown by both of those men. We also ate some
tasty lasagna. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1129228684" tabindex="0">On Wednesday</span>
we had zone conf with Zona Colón, which is the zone we actually are a
part of, so that was cool. I got sung to for my birthday. And got a
really cool pencil case from Hna Christensen. I like it. It was cool
because Elder H is one of the zone leaders here in La Colón, so I
got to watch him train. I felt like I was back in Elders Quorom at BYU,
haha! That night we did divisions with him and Elder L from
Colorado, another one of my favorite missionaries in the whole mission.
We only have about 2.5 hours after the conference and travel, but we
had a great night! Talked with TONS of people, and taught a really solid
progressing investigator, Senor Tierra. Yes, his last name is
´´earth´´. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>{Kevin is in the back row toward the left}</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1129228685" tabindex="0"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1129228685" tabindex="0">Thursday</span> morning we woke up at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1129228686" tabindex="0">6:30</span>
and took a taxi to President´s house, and then drove out to Santo
Domingo. It was awesome being back in the coast. The zone conference
went great, and then afterwards we did divisions with the zone leaders
down there. I got to work with Elder Q, an Elder who was in my ward
in Solanda over a year ago. He finishes <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1129228687" tabindex="0">in 2 weeks</span>
and is such a stud. It was awesome working in hot, rainy Santo Domingo
again. We some some AMAZING lightning as well. I´m alive though, don´t
worry! Yesterday we were able to get some office work done/get ready for
the upcoming week. This week we will have the new missionaries/trainers
verification <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1129228688" tabindex="0">on Tuesday</span>, and then travel down south for zone conferences in Ambato <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1129228689" tabindex="0">Thursday</span>, Riobamba (YES!) <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1129228690" tabindex="0">Friday</span>, and the Oriente (jungle) Saturday. Hopefully we will find some time on Saturday or Sunday to write home, if not, I´m good. :)</div>
<span class="im"><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love you all! Oh yeah. We went on an epic hike today. Teliferico round 3, but this time to the PEAK! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</span><div>
ES</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-56142048117539848612016-03-05T18:02:00.000-08:002016-03-14T18:11:32.296-07:00Hello.<br />
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
Hola.</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
Hey
all. Hope everyone is doing great! We had another great week here in
the beautiful city of Quito! I love it, I missed this massive, unique
city. Gonna be weird leaving in it a few months....anyways!</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
This
week was excellent. On Tuesday we had a big Mission Leadership Counsil,
which was a big conference with all the zone leaders from the mission.
Got too see all my homies from other cities. It went really well.
President gave a few great trainings and we trained on ´´Living What We
Teach´´. It went pretty great. On Wednesday we went to Los Chillos (a
zone like 45 minutes outside of Quito) for a zone conference. It was
awesome being back in Los Chillos...hadn´t been there since I was born!
The conference went great. Lots of good teachings from President and
some bomb food! We trained on ´´Vivir lo que enseñamos´´ again, and it
went well again! It was cool seeing a few old comps and friends down in
Los Chillos. On Thursday we had zone conference with the Turubamba zone,
the zone I spent 8 months in. It was a great conference. It is cool
because even though we have the same agenda for each conference, the
Spirit always changes things up and we always get to learn new stuff
from President and change our trainings according to what we feel. I got
to see Elders A and U! My two best buddies in the mission.
After the conference, we did divisions with the zone leaders from
Turubamba. I got to go out and work a few hours with Elder U! It
was awesome!!! We hadn´t worked together since the Mexico MTC...so it
was way cool being with him. It was also awesome being back in my old
zone...I miss South Quito. Had some major nostalgia and though back on
some great times earlier on in my mission.</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
Due
to all the conferences, we have only been able to get about 2 hours a
night of work done in our zone, but wow! We are seeing serious miracles.
We are teaching a lot of great people and have a family progressing towards a baptismal date on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1129228672" tabindex="0">March 26th</span>. I love this work and am learning new things every day.</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
A few quick Qs from momma bear...</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<b>Do you drive a car when you pick up missionaries from the airport?</b></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
-No,
President Christensen always drives. And on the way home when we are
with the new missionaries, we take a van or a bus that we have scheduled
to pick us up, depending on the number.</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<b>Where do you live? How far away from the mission offices? Are the offices the same place as the mission home?</b></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
-I
live in ´´La Colón´´ in Quito. The offices are about 4 minutes north of the Marriott,
and our house is about 5 minutes north of the offices, walking. The
offices are our mission home. We do almost everything here besides
special dinners which we do at President´s house up in the Quito North
mission about 40 minutes north of here.</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<b>How many people live with you?</b></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
-Just
me and my comp. And every once and a while a companionship sleeps with
us if they are in town for a special reason, but often sleep a few
floors below us with the secretaries.</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<b>What do the mission office elders do, besides finance? </b></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
-There
are 3. One is for finance. One is for housing and visas and materials,
and one is for baptismal records, plane tickets, paperwork, references,
and other random stuff. He does what the Senior Missionaries would
typically do, but we won´t have new Senior missionaries until June.</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<b>Do you still tract and teach at all?</b></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
-Of
course! About 3 hours a day, from 6-9. Sometimes a lot less, and
sometimes a few hours more. Def learning some good time managment
skills!</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
Love you all!!! </div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
Oh
yeah, also want to wish a HAPPY HAPPY (late) BIRTHDAY to my biggest
brother, Jeffrey Todd! Thanks for everything, dude! You have been such a
huge example for all of us. Я люблю тебя, Старейшина Соренсен! Rocking
your Ukrainian tie in the pic, just for you ;)</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
Love you all, again. Have a great week. Remember who you are. ;)</div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="font-family: tahoma,sans-serif;">
ES</div>
</div>
KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-43652900051809464402016-02-27T17:55:00.000-08:002016-03-14T18:02:15.965-07:00Changes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
After three AMAZING changes down south in Riobamba, I am finally moving
on. I loved my time in Riobamba and grew so much. I met some wonderful
people down there and really learned a lot about a positive attitude and
hard work. We had a great last week with Elder B. On Saturday we
had the baptismal service of A. He is a great old man who has
changed SO MUCH! When we found him he was always sad, lonely, and
confused--but now he is so happy and his health has also improved like
crazy! I can´t believe how much the Lord has blessed him.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2084029306" tabindex="0">noon</span>
on Saturday I got a call from President. We chatted for a few minutes
about the mission and life and then he told me he wanted me to come back
into Quito and be his new assistant. It was a very humbling phone call
and I am so excited to learn from him and push myself to become an even
better missionary/person. Saturday night after the baptism a family who I
love threw me a good bye party...pizza, cake, sweet words, it was the
best! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sunday morning I bused up to Quito.
Since then, everything has kind of been a blur. On Sunday we had a
transfers meeting with President and then gave all the new
assignments/changes to the whole mission. Sunday night we visited a few
people and then went over to President´s house for dinner. It was super
nice of him/Sister C to invite, and we ate some BOMB food. Monday we
were in the office all day getting ready for training and
incoming/outgoing missionaries. Monday evening we went back to
President´s house for a ´´good-bye´´ dinner with all the missionaries
who went home on Tuesday. Monday night at around 11 we picked up 2
missionaries from the airport. Tuesday morning we picked up 9 more.
Tuesday night we had a welcome dinner for the new missionaries, and then
at around 11 went baaaack to the airport to pick up the last missionary
who had just barely gotten his visa. Wednesday we had a big conference
with all the new missionaries and their trainers. Thursday we went to
the zone/district meetings of our zone here in La Colón. Yesterday we
planned out the month and some trainings for MLC and Zone Conferences
next week. And today, we played Bball and Volleyball with the mission
secretary elders. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It has been a crazy week
with very little sleep, but I have felt the support from above (and you
all!). I am way humbled to be able to work so closely with President and
have already learned SOOO much from him in meetings, car rides, and
elsewhere. This week will be another hectic week with two zone
conference here in Quito and a Mission Leadership Conference on
Tuesday. </div>
<div>
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Oh yeah, my comp! My comp is Elder
F from SLC Utah. He is amazing. We are from the same group and
get along great. He loves EVERYONE and I love being with him. We are
super excited for this change!</div>
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Love you all! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
ES</div>
KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-80716711578738395502016-02-15T17:32:00.000-08:002016-02-17T17:36:35.219-08:00Baños Round #3<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">What a week! As far as la obra misional
goes...it was a rather slow one. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1723384764" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Monday</span></span> and Tuesday we were basically locked
in the house all day due to ´´Carnaval´´. But, we were still able to get our
and teach a few lessons each of those days. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1723384765" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Wednesday</span></span> and <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1723384766" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span> we went
pretty hard in the sector and tried to get as much work done as we possibly
could! Unfortunately I never got over that sickness from last week, but on
Wednesday the uncle of someone we teach gave me a free check up and then
prescribed me to some solid cough syrup and antibiotics. Turns out my left lung
was closing...but now I am feeling WAYYYYYY BETTER! Modern medicine
works...after 19 months trying to tough things out I gave in and well....it
worked. Haha!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1723384768" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span> afternoon, right after lunch, we bussed
down to Quito as a zone. Again. The trip was good, we got in to Quito around 7
and then from the Mission Offices jumped in some taxis and headed up north
about 30 minutes into the Quito North Mission. The Elders of our zone (12 of
us) stayed in the house/hotel of some zone leaders from the North Mission.
Turns out I knew both of them! Both the Elders were in the MTC with me!! They
came out 2 weeks after us but were in our same zone! We played soccer almost
every day together. With Elder A, them, and I, we had a sweet little CCM
reunion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1723384769" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Saturday</span></span> we had the Mission Wide Conference
with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. Wow. What an amazing experience! The conference
went from <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1723384770" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">1pm-3pm</span></span>. At around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1723384771" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">12:30</span></span> we went out onto the bball court to take a
mission wide picture with Elder Holland and Elder Montoya. Then we each got
shake their hands/greet them on the way back into the chapel. The conference
was just excellent. Sister Christensen and President gave small 5 minute talks,
followed by a 5 minute talk by Elder Espinoza (area 70), followed by a 15
minute talk by Elder Montoya (70 from Mexico) and then Elder Holland took the
stage for about an hour and a half. Wow. It was POWERFUL. He spent the majority
of the time walking up and down the center aisle, really getting close and
personal with us. He was extremely passionate. He talked about his own mission,
the importance of our calling, the importance of the Book of Mormon, and he
talked a lot about what it means to be a true witness of Christ. As he said, ´´I
get all crazy and passionate about this because it means EVERYTHING to me.´´ It
was truly epic. He pumped us all up and gave me exactly what I needed to hear
for these last few months. I´d share more but all my notes are at home, so fam,
wait a few months and I´ll get back to you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1723384772" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">This Saturday</span></span> we have a baptismal service for
a dope 76 year old man. He is awesome. We found him a few weeks ago
in a very tough situation. He has been lonely and very sick for a long, long
time. We have seen huge miracles in his life as he is slowly being healed by
Christ, both emotionally and physically. Like he says... ´´I don´t know why,
but when you guys are here I feel healthy, I feel good, I feel loved´´. So
grateful to be a missionary and spread God´s love to those who are in need of
it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today we went to Baños...again. It was EPIC.
We went to the Pailon del Diablo again....this time we went to the upper part
with those sketchy wooden bridges. It was epic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1723384773" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">This Sunday</span></span> we will get changes. Sadly, it is
likely that I am outta here and will be going to my final sector. But, anything
can happen! President knows best.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Love you all! Take heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">ES</span></div>
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-74500483985382025022016-02-08T17:31:00.000-08:002016-02-17T17:32:37.991-08:00feliz carnaval<br />
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<div>
<div>
Hey all! Today we had to walk around downtown Riobamba
for like 45 minutes to find this cyber to email. So I am way short on
time. Carnaval is going on. A big holiday in South America. Basically a
continent wide water/foam/color/egg/flour fight. Fun stuff. Today and
tomorrow we will only be leaving for set appointments. And on Friday we
will be heading up to Quito as a zone for the Elder Holland mission wide
conference on Saturday. We are all sooo stoked! It is going to be
great. This week was solid. We had a good MLC on Tuesday. I got to see
the homies...we are getting a little nervous because the months are
going by faster and faster! But needless to say...some epic BYU plans
are being made. Haha! After the conference on tuesday we stayed in Quito
one more day because I got a few more ingrown toenails ripped out. But
they feel great now. And health wise I am doing way better. Thanks for
the prayers, mamà!! On Wednesday there was the new missionary/trainer
verification conference, so my kid Elder B came in on Tuesday night
and we got to hang out in the hotel that night and talk about the past
few months and shoot the bull about our good times in Quito together. He
is tearing it up. My second grandson is from Peru, he is a BEAST! See
pic.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love you all. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
ES<br />
<br />
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<br />KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-66115477818201708102016-02-01T17:29:00.000-08:002016-02-17T17:30:41.383-08:00Hola....?<br />
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<div>
Hello. How is everybody? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another
good and crazy fast week down here in Riobamba. We just got off the bus
in Quito about an hour ago. It was another, beautiful, long drive. I
feel like I say the same thing every week. Oh well. I`ll just keep
typing and hope that my momma doesnt mind. ;) Tomorrow we have a
missionary leadership counsel which means more delish momma C food!
Can`t wait. I have been pretty sick since last monday. Gnarly headaches,
cough, chest pain, sinus pressure, and couldnt really hear out of my
right ear until yesterday....so I am probably gonna have a medical
appointment tomorrow after the conference tomorrow. Or I might wait
until next week...we`ll see.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Speaking
of next week... Next Saturday we have a mission wide conference and el
ELDER JEFFREY R HOLLAND will be presiding!!!!! We found out last week
but I forgot to mention it. I am sooooo excited! It is going to be one
heck of a conference. It is exactly what will help me get double
focused/motivated for these last few months. We will be traveling up to
Quito as a zone on friday and then returning saturday afternoon. I am so
stoked! Also pumped to see some past comps and a few grand children I
haven`t met. Dont worry Jeff, I`ll get a pic for ya ;)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On
friday we had interviews with President Christensen. It was good as
ever. We talked a lot about my goals for this new year/the rest of my
mission. It was great. I love this man, he has given me countless
advice! (2nd to Kent, that is. ;)</div>
<div>
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<div>
As a zone, we
have been trying to really get pumped up about talking with EVERYONE.
We have given incentives to the zone, challenging anyone to out-contact
us and they`d receive a prize. While the number of contacts had been
going up a little the past 2 weeks, this last week we had 1002 contacts
as a zone. In other words, 1002 people met mormon missionaries in our
two small cities of Riobamba and Guaranda. DOUBLE our number from the
past two weeks. We could really see/feel a difference. When you talk
with more, you smile more and enjoy more. The zone also saw lots of
miracles due to the efforts of everyone of talking with more people.
This week eight people were baptized and confirmed, and it has been
awesome getting to know each one of them and watching them make life
changing decisions. The church is true and offers us so many blessings.</div>
<div>
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<div>
Well, that`s about all. Love you all and glad to hear that everyone is doing well. Stay golden.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elder</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</span><div>
pics.... alguien quiere verde..? and pitahaya roja </div>
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-83143069769661803072016-01-25T17:26:00.000-08:002016-02-17T17:28:29.058-08:00Que Viva El Cumpleañero<br />
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What a week! First off, CONGRATS to Brian and Amanda!!!!
You two are the best. Pero ya lo saben... Second off, thank you so much
to everyone for all the birthday wishes! This birthday was the best yet.
For my birthday on Tuesday we did divisions with a few elders from the
zone, one Cali homie and one Kentucy homie. All 4 of us worked in our
sector and we had one heck of a day! Nothing like serving others on your
birthday. :) We had some bomb pizza in the house after a great day of
work. On Wednesday we went to Guaranda to do some interviews. Nothing
like a post birthday mini-vacation! We were able to talk to some solid
people on the bus and while we were down in Guaranda. ´´y predicarán en
camino´´. It was great. The drive was beautiful as ever. Thursday, after
the district meetings, some Sisters in the zone made me a birthday
treat....aka around 100 donuts. Homemade donuts and homemade
frosting....SOOO BOMB. Needless to say I ate one for every year. ;) On
Friday one of our investigators made us some BOMB bolones de
verde con chicharón (look em up) and a super good jello/flan dessert!
Then, Friday night, the Familia M threw me a little birthday
celebration with some bomb food and cake. I am so grateful for all the
people that made my birthday special. Why would we not love this work?!</div>
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We
ended off a good week with a great sunday. We found a new family
(costeños from Guayaquil), talked with tons of people, and then had a
branch family home evening in the house of a member. Like 50 members
showed up. It was great.</div>
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Today
we went to BAÑOS again! This time we went to a MASSIVE waterfall, El
Pailon del Diablo. All my pics are on Elder A´s camera, but this
one will do for now! It was amazing. On the way there the bus driver
took this sketchy off road dirt ´´road´´. We thought we were gonna die,
but then popped up right outside of Baños out of nowhere...ended up
saving us like 45 minutes! Epic. I love this country. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Love you all! Please keep my baby niece Quinn in your prayers! You all are in mine.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Elder</div>
</span></div>
KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-22783499994095441312016-01-18T17:21:00.000-08:002016-02-17T17:24:12.375-08:00Week of All WeeksHey all. This is gonna be a short one to make up for last week´s
monsterous email. Everyone has always said that in the mission you learn
how to think about others and forget about yourself. Even though I have
been far from perfect, I have definitely learned a lot have and grown a
ton. This week I turn 21, actually tomorrow. But I can truly say I
don´t think I´ve thought about myself/my birthday at all during these
past few days because I have been thinking a ton about my family. First
off, on Friday, January 15th, my oldest brother Jeff and his wife
Melissa had there first baby, Quinn. From the few pictures I have seen
and all the things my family have told me I already love her sooooo much
and am SO grateful for this huge blessing that my brother, and all of
us, have received. Love you Quinn! In addition to that, my other
brother, Brian, and his future wife, Amanda, will be getting married
this Saturday. As much as I wanted to be there I could not be happier
for them. They are both AMAZING people. Hope you two have one heck of a
weekend and know that Elder Sorensen will throw down some Martinellis
Sparkling Cider on Saturday night in your honor. After a few trials and
some long months down here in Ecuador I am starting to truly realize how
amazingly blessed my family and I have been while I have been serving
the Lord in this wonderful country. Quinn, Amanda, see you in 5. <3<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love you all! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elder Sorensen</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-20857629779554423432016-01-11T15:52:00.002-08:002016-01-11T15:52:50.252-08:00Changes<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Dear
everyone…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Well,
another change has officially ended down here in Ecuador. Good news… I AM
STAYING IN RIOBAMBA! Last night we received changes and to our relief both
Elder B and I are staying together. We had a great changes, but it was DANG
busy with all the traveling and holidays and combining zones and stuff…so we
are stoked about getting another change together and being able to work a lot
more in our own sector. Aside from that, nothing too big happened in the zone
as far as changes go. We are looking forward to these next six weeks!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_474531167" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">This Monday</span></span>
we traveled into Quito for MLC. Got some bomb burritos <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_474531168" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Monday</span></span> night with all
the homies who traveled in from outside of Quito. The conference <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_474531169" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Tuesday</span></span> was
GREAT. President talked a ton about the culture of the mission and what we can/need
to do to make it better. We set a lot of goals for the new month/year and as a
misison we have definitely been improving a lot. The food was good as ever and
it was fun hanging out with-chatting with some buddies from around the mission…including
Elder Higbee from May Hall at BYU…nioce!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">One
exciting thing we talking about in <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_474531170" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Tuesday</span></span>´s conference was a new way to do
exchanges. Now, instead of us going to the sector of the other missionaries, we
will bring those two missionaries into our sector, split up with them inside
our own sector, and get some serious work done in our sector. Then the other
companionship will stay the night with us, well do some studies together, and
then end the division that next day. It is a pretty big change that is going to
be happening in many missions around the world and we are stoked! We won’t be
losing as much time in our sector and it puts way more pressure on our sector
to have plenty of people to teach and requires us to have a ´´model sector´´ (y
nos falta mucho jaja). We tested the new method with Elder A and his kid
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_474531171" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Friday</span></span> and it went pretty well! Elder A and I were able to teach some
way solid lessons, and my comp with his comp were able to go out and talk to
people all evening. And like always, we ended the night with some BOMB pizza. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Oh yeah, on
Wednesday we bussed down to Guaranda to do a few baptismal interviews and
exchanges with the Elders down there. It was fun stuff. It´s a cool little town
and a way pretty drive down. We went down early <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_474531173" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Wednesday</span></span> morning and came back
late that night so that we could be home <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_474531174" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span> night to get ready for the
mini Zone Conference <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_474531175" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Thursday</span></span>. That went well, we touched most of the same
points President talked about <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_474531176" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Tuesday</span></span>. It went really well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Well, if
any of you are still reading this… I´m gonna stop now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love you all!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ES</div>
KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-83851977740625242442016-01-04T08:03:00.000-08:002016-01-11T08:05:04.929-08:002016. Let`s goooo!<span class="im"></span><br />
<div class="gmail_quote">
Watup fam!</div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
Didnt
have time to write a group email last week...but I hope you all had a
GREAT Christmas and an even better New Year! Our Christmas down here was
great. I got to talk to the fam on skype, which was awesome, and ate
TONS of turkey (which is super rare down here) and had some fun
Christmas activities/dinners. It was a super great 2nd Christmas down
here in Ecuador. I am definitely excited to be with the fam next one,
but these past two holiday seasons have been amazing.</div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
As
far as New Years Eve. On the 31st we were kind of ``locked in`` our
house all day because this country kinda turns up like crazy for New
Years. We were able to leave for a few hours to teach a few lessons and
have a bomb NYE dinner (tamales...bomb!!), but aside from that we
basically chilled in the house all day. Cleaned our house like crazy,
and napped/worked out/did nothing. It felt so good, jaja! At <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_993222820" tabindex="0">midnight</span>
we went up to our roof and watched all the fireworks. It was sooooo
awesome! Basically 15 minutes straight of fireworks in every direction. </div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
The
biggest two traditions for New Years down here (that are different from
US ones) are the vuidas and the viejos. The vuidas (widows), or locas
(crazies), are grown men who dress up as girls and run around the city
asking for money, and if you dont give it to them they do
embarrassing/ridiculous things. On the way home from dinner at a members
house they danced around our car until the dad of the family gave em
each a quarter. Its soooo redic, but its pretty dang funny too. They all
do it out of good fun and rarely does it get taken too far out of hand.
The viejos (old..as in old/past year) are huge paper mache
dolls/figures, which represent the past year, and then at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_993222821" tabindex="0">midnight</span>
everyone burns them and if they are small enough they jump over them or
kick them...as a symbolic way to kill all the bad from last year and
prepare for an even better new year! A lot of people make super heros or
disney characters or political figures...and there are some that are
like 20 feet tall! Impressive stuff. At <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_993222822" tabindex="0">midnight</span> it looks like straight anarchy because the streets are FILLED with burning things... Ill miss Ecuadorian New Years....</div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
Well,
aside from that, all is well. The work is progressing and I am
extremely excited for this new year! I have lots of goals/plans/things I
want to improve on. </div>
<div class="yj6qo ajU">
<div aria-label="Hide expanded content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Hide expanded content" id=":1yl" role="button" tabindex="0">
<img class="ajT" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gif" /></div>
</div>
<div class="adL">
<span class="im"><div class="gmail_quote">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
We
are down in Quito tonight for MLC tomorrow. Cant wait to eat some BOMB
Momma Christensen food! Wednesday we will go to Guaranda, and thursday
zone conference. But Fri, Sat, and Sun, we will be going hard in the
sector!!</div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
Say an extra prayer for my brother Jeff and his wife, Melissa, who are expecting their first child ANY DAY! Love you guys!!!!!</div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
Happy New Year. Love yall.</div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
ES</div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
<br /></div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
(sorry bout the lack of pics....currently working on fixing my camera. sorry, momma! hehe)</div>
</span></div>
KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-83189122522020756102015-12-21T07:59:00.000-08:002016-01-11T08:03:24.270-08:00¡FELIZ NAVIDAD!<span class="im">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Friends and Family,</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">First off, MERRY CHRISTMAS! I know we lack 4 days....but you´re
gonna have to forgive me for an early Merry Christmas Wish! I hope you all have
an amazing Christmas/Holiday season and can remember the TRUE meaning of
Christmas....He lives!!! Check out this sweet video, I like it. <a href="https://www.mormon.org/christmas" target="_blank">https://www.mormon.org/<wbr></wbr>christmas</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am a little short on time because today we had a crazy fun
activity! One of the districts in the zone went to ´´Baños de Santa Agua´´, and
because his district is full of Sister missionaries, we ´´had´´ to go to
accompany him. It was DOPE!!! Baños is a little tiny pueblo right in between
the Sierras (mountains) and the Oriente (jungle) and is a HUGE tourism
attraction. It is full of waterfalls and zoos and awesome Ecuadorian stuff.
Today we went to the big zoo they have and it was great and extremely
beautiful. It was similar to American Zoos, except all the landscaping and epic
animal habitats were almost 100% naturally made. And it was overlooking a
waterfall/river....word.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Last night we went Caroling with the branch. About 20 of us in a
school bus tearing up the streets of Riobamba. It was great! We got to visit a
lot of new members, less activates, and some old members who live alone. It was
wonderful and the Christmas Spirit was STRONG! </span></div>
<span class="im">
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Well, we got a crazy week coming up. Probably going back to
Guaranda Wednesday, Tuesday divisions with Elder A, Wednesday night
Branch Christmas Party, Thursday a few Christmas eve dinners and Friday SKYPE
with the fam! Cant wait!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I love you all and hope you have a great holiday season.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvLIPbZN9LfVJuSc41Zfn6jt4v3UHqACbAzmFGhx4VIpoQhs4_td-qndCB1naDKgGgxP0YqsSalPaNrMt6GBVEQJu-cUjhg2f2HlnS4zxlg2aELewAX14XG1ZrCXPW3lRW0jKscT8MufP/s1600/DSCF1156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvLIPbZN9LfVJuSc41Zfn6jt4v3UHqACbAzmFGhx4VIpoQhs4_td-qndCB1naDKgGgxP0YqsSalPaNrMt6GBVEQJu-cUjhg2f2HlnS4zxlg2aELewAX14XG1ZrCXPW3lRW0jKscT8MufP/s640/DSCF1156.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">´´Did you know that Ecuador is the country with the
highest biological diversity in the world?´´ </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></div>
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Elder Sorensen</span></div>
KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-33766838992681120992015-12-14T18:45:00.000-08:002015-12-14T18:51:00.334-08:00Christmas Part 1<span class="im">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Hey all. How´s it going?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">This week was even crazier, but one heck of a
week! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1617412677" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Tuesday</span></span> we went down to Guaranda, a
cool little city that is a few hours outside of Riobamba. We got some solid
divisions done with four elders down there. The city is a lot like
Riobamba...small, colonial, lots of indigenous. It was a WAY cool bus ride! We
got to basically make a big 2 hour circle around Chimborazo (that massive
Volcano we went to a few weeks ago). It was great. Aside from the AWFUL Chicha
music that was played the whollllle ride home while we tried to sleep. Oh well,
embrace the culture, right? :)</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoO9rRrbCR48Uq8En9wArSIC4gAJkdGbo0US2jvDQ5GkjygHRUfHLOKRBzpwcm2cmUQlFfuP8SVO6vmh-72u4i6vnAmvpVJkR-PsmOkoLdQugTs6aW0IyKWmKAnaqrfADI7enBuX2M0mx/s1600/DSCN3609%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoO9rRrbCR48Uq8En9wArSIC4gAJkdGbo0US2jvDQ5GkjygHRUfHLOKRBzpwcm2cmUQlFfuP8SVO6vmh-72u4i6vnAmvpVJkR-PsmOkoLdQugTs6aW0IyKWmKAnaqrfADI7enBuX2M0mx/s640/DSCN3609%255B1%255D.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><i>Christmas w/ the MTC comp</i></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLB8j2bNjKneMjWPhmiFrJtF-asP-jRTOLP7oZ3R56xsIr07MQBSrvsJ_mAmOOW-z5Rtci1qVj2nFWZKbC0Snq-LtsB2koIugyRgjFLTkL4L78ZKh46xcfpmOo06eAbZiwvfdbXcLo5xx/s1600/1+Riobamba+2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLB8j2bNjKneMjWPhmiFrJtF-asP-jRTOLP7oZ3R56xsIr07MQBSrvsJ_mAmOOW-z5Rtci1qVj2nFWZKbC0Snq-LtsB2koIugyRgjFLTkL4L78ZKh46xcfpmOo06eAbZiwvfdbXcLo5xx/s640/1+Riobamba+2015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1617412678" style="font-family: "arial";" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><i>Zone</i></span></span></div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1617412678" style="font-family: "arial";" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><br /></span></span>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1617412678" style="font-family: "arial";" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Thursday</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial";"> we bused down to Quito
as a zone. There was a big accident so we were stopped for about an hour..but
we had the whole zone on the bus so it was a great chance to get to know the missionaries
better and a have a nice little rest from the work. We then got McDonalds as a
zone and slept in the mission hotel. </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1617412679" style="font-family: "arial";" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial";"> we had an annual
Christmas Conference/Dinner from </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1617412680" style="font-family: "arial";" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9am-5pm</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial";">. It was GREAT. Some great
trainings. Three by President and one by us on ´´Ha Nacido un Salvador´´ (A
Savior is Born). We ate sooooo much good food. Snacks/treats every hour during
the conference and then a DANG GOOD Christmas Dinner of turkey, stuffing,
mashed Ps, bomb salad, REAL rolls, gravy, and other good stuff. And 2 BOMB
desserts...I love American food. And Hermana Christensen, she is the best! We
then had a fun ride home and got into Riobamba at around 11 </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1617412681" style="font-family: "arial";" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial";"> night. </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><i>#ChristmasDinnerSelfieGame</i></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YkSkfrii20k" width="640"></iframe></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="im"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><i>Our Christmas talent. Forgot to tell ya'll, I am now quad-lingual.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="im"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></span></div>
<span class="im"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span></span>
<span class="im"><span style="font-family: "arial";">We only have 2 full days in our sector, but
got TO WORK while we could. My comp and I are having a great time together and
really meshing as far as the teaching and missionary work goes. Its a happy
Holiday Season down in Ecuador. </span></span></div>
<span class="im">
</span>
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: "arial";">Love you all!</span></span></div>
<span class="im">
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">ES</span></div>
</span>KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9090362021113946208.post-14464041848451809372015-12-07T20:27:00.000-08:002015-12-13T20:33:03.543-08:00Holidays<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQYLEFK2ozHaXoVR3kUbKIJtDgWyxF2suvE9iyBlbGq3fcK7TQDCBB9I4TVNPGsy3hhv9MV5XYMCeDsRx4IDFo081jSx7WvMFUWdsePWaK9v0ikw5OYH_O9qW8nDOXfouAuSsdJWMaife/s1600/DSCN3580%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQYLEFK2ozHaXoVR3kUbKIJtDgWyxF2suvE9iyBlbGq3fcK7TQDCBB9I4TVNPGsy3hhv9MV5XYMCeDsRx4IDFo081jSx7WvMFUWdsePWaK9v0ikw5OYH_O9qW8nDOXfouAuSsdJWMaife/s640/DSCN3580%255B1%255D.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">MERRY CHRISTMAS MONTH! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hope you all enjoyed the
Christmas Devotional last night! If you didnt see it...watch it! </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/watch/christmas-devotional/2015/12?lang=spa&vid=4649166278001" target="_blank"><span style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">https://www.lds.org/<wbr></wbr>broadcasts/watch/christmas-<wbr></wbr>devotional/2015/12?lang=spa&<wbr></wbr>vid=4649166278001</span></a>.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> We got to watch it with some gringos and one
family from Utah who lives here in Riobamba...it was excellent! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was a crazy busy/great first week of the
change. We had about 3 days to work in our sector due to having so much stuff
to get done. This week will be similar. Tomorrow we will go down to Guaranda to
do splits with 4 missionaries down there, and then on Thursday/Friday we will
go into Quito as a zone for Christmas Dinner/Conference at President´s house!
We are sooo excited!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The work is going well. My comp and I are
getting along GREAT! We are so happy to be back with gringos and speaking a lil
english. It has been sweet. It is gonna be an amazing holiday season down here
in little Riobamba.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hope you all have a great week! Love you all.
Thanks for everything. </span></div>
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KThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11547960777937636260noreply@blogger.com0