Monday, December 27, 2010

Last Shot



We were playing around with Elder Johnson´s camera today. It has a cool panoramic setting. I hope you enjoy the view!

--
Elder Robinson



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New Years!


Family and Friends,

There really is not a lot to report... sorry. Let me give you a day by day description so that you can understand why:

Monday: P-day. I only have 3 hours to work... so nothing big to report.

Tuesday: District Meeting... which will not be held at 9:30 AM. Cool no? We had a Zone Activity and we gave each other presents. I received a tie and I gave a "Rain Maker" Who can beat that I ask?

Wednesday: Interchange in Miraflores. My companion went with the other Zone Leader to teach our family that was preparing for baptism... They had a great lesson. We put 2 more baptismal dates in Miraflores... and lost 2 others. We taught an amazing lesson on the law of tithing. The Sister had a baptismal date for Christmas. She accepted everything... but when it came to tithing... she told us that God would never associate himself with money and that it was something of men. After 2 hours of trying to reason with her, sharing scriptures, testimonies of the members... she finally told us that she was not going to accept. So we had her pray. And in her prayer she decided she was going to tell God what he should do... O´well, It was a lost cause. It was a good lesson though. My faith in the law of tithing is stronger.

Thursday: No one wanted to listen to us. Oh Christmas Season.

Friday: We were locked in the house all day, starting at 2:00 PM. We didn't leave until Saturday at 5:00 PM. Thus is the life in Ecuador when everyone is drunk. I am pretty sure that this week will be the same... the word though is that they will be extending it for a whole 2 days. Talk about 10 games of Monopoly!!! I also talked with my family. I love them so much. They are the best. ALL OF THEM!

Saturday: Familia Guaman (see picture) was baptised. They are super powerful. They accepted everything we taught them and there were about 40 people at the baptism. My clothing showed up late so I was unable to do one of the baptisms. But the Bishop did 2 of the 3 and Elder Caal did the other.

Sunday: Church! We ended the week with poor showings... but 3 baptisms. So who can complain? Not me! I love the work here in Ecuador. It is cool to be starting another year here.

Happy New Years everyone!

Love,

--
Elder Robinson



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Monday, December 20, 2010

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year


Family and Friends,

So the Christmas Season is upon us again. A time when Families are together (well most of them), People enjoy giving and sharing presents (if you are in North America), Snow is abundant and Hot Chocolate is delightful (Snow: Once again if you are in North America; yet I drink a lot of Hot Chocolate here), and there is an ever present feeling of love and warmth all around. It is the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year!"

Thought things are different: It is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year here in Cuenca, Ecuador as well.

My Week:

So I forgot to mention that there were changes here in the mission a week back. Nothing changed in my house. We are still the same 4 Elders. In Cuenca we received a new Zone Leader and 2 New Missionaries: Elders Neilson and Romney. Both are great Elders.

We have been working hard but we have also been doing a lot more activities than normal. Christmas is a time to enjoy... and there are more ways to share the Gospel than knocking on doors (or ringing electronic computerized devices that make it all the more easy to say "sorry, I´m busy"). Anywho (good phrase from Christy) we went Caroling. Last night with many of the Young Adults here in Cuenca we went to the houses of the Less Actives and sang to them. They were so excited to see 15ish people that actually cared for them... singing to them... To finish off the night we went to the Bishop´s house (who also is a recent convert) and sang to him and his wife. His wife and neighbor cried when we started singing. Oh the Christmas Spirit.

Saturday we went on a ward activity to the mountains to have a "Paseo" or to say: Ward Barbaque. It was a ton of fun and the mountains of Ecuador are SO pretty. We had pork (something we can now eat) and a ton of Coke Cola. We did have a few investigators present but I highly doubt that any of them will actually progress. We did teach a "homestead" family. When we gave them the Book of Mormon we also gave them a bowl of pork. About a half our later they called us back to explain a few things about the Book. The husband was so excited to have the book (especially with the page that has the abbreviations for the Book of Mormon, Old Testament, New Testament, and D&C) that could help him understand the other scriptures God has given us. He said, "Look! It´s like a Light bulb... if you really want to see well you need 2... and now, if I understand what you are saying... I have 3!" He than asked for 3 Books of Mormon more. One for each of his daughters. Though they live FAR out of our sector... it was fun to teach someone a little bit about the Book of Mormon. They will be a great reference for Tarqui.

We are preparing the Familia Guaman for baptism. They were Hari Krishna... but now they are determined to be Latter-day Saints. Due to a few problems we had... they were unable to attend to the Ward Activity. I personally went with a member to pick them up. Due to a few hurtful words and actions on the part of alguin... Sister Guaman said that she would not be going to church nor the activity. I felt devastated. I watched as the 3 kids sat down to cry... and I about died. No!!! We had worked so hard to help the family... only to have a few words and actions destroy EVERYTHING. When I returned to the chapel I was not in a talking mood. I told my companion that we would not be going to the activity and that we had to go home and rethink. Unfortunately the members did not take my decision in a good manner... and we were carried off to the ward activity. I was in a silent mood until the aforementioned story when we shared the Book of Mormon with the "homestead" family.

When the activity was over my companion and I went home to pray. and pray. and then I started a fast (OK: I am not trying to puff myself up by telling you all I fasted. But sometimes it is what needs to be done). We had to gain Familia Guaman´s confidence again and we had no clue how we were going to do it. So we put everything into the Lord´s hands. We went to go contacting and had absolutely no success. Some funny contacts... but no success. We really didn´t talk much. We were both thinking of what we needed to say to Familia Guaman for we had planned to pass by their house later that night.

When it was finally time to pass by their house we stopped a block before and sat down to have another prayer. I dreaded the fact that I had to face the family again (Side Note: It was not something I said or did that made the family sad... I was just present) and I really didn´t want to talk or to look into their eyes. I personally feel that they lost all confidence in me (that´s what happens when you promise blessings... and then the blessings don´t come) and my calling as a missionary. When we knocked on the door all the kids came to greet us. When Sister Guaman arrived she was quite short in words with us. We tried to convince her to come to church with us the next day... and she said no. That she had to go to work and what. I put it all into my companions hands (I was still unable to make eye-contact). My companion began to talk... and talk... and talk. Neither he nor I remember what he said. But at the end she, with tears in her eyes explained to us that what had been done was now done... and that it had cut her to the soul... but that she would be going to church with us the next day. It was all a miracle The kids were super excited.

Needless to say they loved the Church. The members are so kind and gentle towards them. The Bishop had an interview with Sister Guaman and tonight we are going to confirm if they are going to be baptised this Saturday. There are still some major problems that are in our path... and we are going to depend on the Lord to help us resolve these insurmountable tasks. But He can do it. and He can help us. Sometimes we just have to put more trust in him. I personally learned that everyday I have to put the same trust in the Lord as I did Saturday. Really, I can´t do His work without Him. I really have a lot to improve and I feel like there is not enough time left to become the person I need to be.

Christmas is this Week!

I hope you all have filled your free weeks with fun activities with your families. It does not matter what the activity is... but you have to do things with your families. You will never know how important they are to you until you don´t get to do anything with them for 2 years.

I love you all so much.

I wish you a the Merriest of all your Christmases

Love,

--
Elder Robinson



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Monday, December 13, 2010

Conferences and Such

Family and Friends,

This week was an absolute blast. I was really quite pleased with the results. Lets talk about them:

1. We had conferences. We had Zone Conference and a Specialized Training. (Silly keyboard is not working... this will really try my patience!!! Or make for a short email)

2. We started teaching a "Hardi Krishna" family. I never thought I would teach someone that believes in 50ish gods. But I am... and they accepted a baptismal date.

3. We were teaching a guy from Ivory Coast... and he gave the final prayer in French and I understood! Cool thing about knowing two languages that are realated... I can now understand Portegues and French (no I can´t speak them).

4. The keyboard still isn´t working... it takes me 2 minutes to type 1 sentance!!!!

5. Enjoy the pictures!

Love,

--
Elder Robinson

Spencer,

     The changes have to do with the way we teach. Good luck with the cars. They kill!



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Monday, December 6, 2010

Brrr...

Family and Friends,

I forgot my jacket and a freezing to death so we will make this email short.

The last week was great. We didn´t have a whole lot of success when it came to finding new people but we did find some people that can potentially progress. We had to revamp our program. The people that were progressing before... are not progressing now so it looks as if we are going to drop them if they don´t start making some progress. Sad day... but necessary so that we can use our time more effectively.

Friday Elder Caal and I were just running around contacting whatever house that was in our path. We had probably contacted 30ish houses without any success (which can do a lot to the moral that one has). We decided that we were going to make our way to a members house to teach them some things from Preach My Gospel when we walked past a house with no lights on. I turned to my companion and said: "no lights, next house." so we started to move on when I thought, "lame excuse not to knock on a house..." We turned and went back to the house. We rang the doorbell, I openly sighed, and we waited. About a minute later my companion said, "no one´s home... lets go." when the door opened.

We were received by a middle aged man and his 9 year old son that has some mental illness. He invited us in and we took a few minutes to get to know him. Once we knew who he was we taught him about the restauration. He listened really well and the spirit was really strong. At the end of the lesson we asked him how he felt and he told us that he felt great. He then said, "Most importantly, as you can see, my son has mental disabilities. He is always hyper and never stops talking. But the entire time that you talked and taught me... he stayed quiet and payed attention." It was just a little miracle but it was enough to help him recognize that our message is true. We have another appointment with him and he is excited to receive us.

Saturday we went Caroling as the Zone in Calderon Park. It is a part that is situated in the center of the city in front of the city´s largest Cathedral. It was really cool. A lot of people stopped to listen to us and of the 18 of us, 2 were always contacting and receiving references. A lot of people want us to visit their houses... they thought it was strange that "Mormons" believe in Jesus Christ... let alone sing songs about his birth!

Like I said, it was a great week. Better weeks to come!

Love,

--
Elder Robinson



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Monday, November 29, 2010

Fwd: Thanksgivingish

Family and Friends,

So... this week was a really great week. I forgot that it was Thanksgiving. As is the work and in Ecuador they don't celebrate the same holidays that we do.

I wish I knew what to say to you all. Deep advice. Stories. Miracles. But I really have nothing. I hope my pictures all have 1000 words or more because this email might have less than 50.

This week we worked really hard to put baptismal dates. Last night we found a family that was super interested in our message and they even asked us what they need to do to be members. We put a date for the family for the 18th of Diciembre. Way to go them!

The mission is changing dramatically but I find it is easier just to go with the changes then trying to fight them. I am also a whole lot happier for it.

Anyway. I am super thankful for all the support that I receive from each and every one of you. The mission just would not be a mission without family and friends at home. Thanks!

Oh-

So today we went to Azogaz. Its a super Catholic city that is about 30 minutes from Cuenca. We hicked to the highest mountain to see the Viren of the Clouds. She was really kindof boring. So to make our journey even more interesting my companion and I climed up the face of the mountain. Perhaps I am super dirty, scratched up, and 40 minutes behind schedule but I firmly believe that the journey is more important than the destination. And seeing as how the destination was an Idol... the journey rocked!

The Zone is doing great. We are planning some awesome baptisms for Christmas.

Love you all,

Stay in contact.

--
Elder Robinson



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Monday, November 22, 2010

"Rain, rain, go away..."


Family and Friends,

Now that I have time to sit at a computer and rethink of ALL the things that have taken place over the last seven days, I can honestly say that I have one word to describe it all: Miraculous.

We continued at full speed here in Cuenca to keep the members, our investigatores, and ourselves alive. We set some pretty impressive goals and we saw some great success. We decided that we needed more help from the members so unbashfully we started calling, visiting, and asking for help. The members came to the rescue and Sunday we had exactly 6 members help us and 2 families. We were litterally switching members every hour and we had 3 designated drivers to take us around town (the work goes by so much faster when you don´t have to walk 20 minutes between apointments). We finished off this week with 92 contacts, 11 new investigators, and 1 baptism.

The Baptism: Ximena Zhirapa was baptised. She was absolutely a golden investigator and was a complete miracle for us to find and teach. At her baptism she was crying as she told us that she has waited years and years to find answers and peace. Finally, with the Gospel in her life: she feels it. We felt it.

We were never able to heat the water so I baptised her in water that was close to -20 Degrees F. Hot water - Cold water. It all works to baptise people. You just have to convince them to enter: "Hermana... itttsss.... no...not...t.t.t....c..c.c.c.c.cold!"

Thursday: Like I said we spent the week working as hard as we possible could. Thrusday we even left the house a little early to contact people before they started making lunch. The entire day was a complete flop. We only talked to people. No one really wanted to hear our message. We set a few appointments and we just kept on working. At the end of the day (8:00) we made it to our last appointment. I thought they were going to tell us that they were busy and that we would have to come back later. While I was thinking these same thoughts I became facinated with the giant spider (triantula?) that was sitting in the middle of the street. When they finally opened the door they told us that we could come it. We spent some 10 minutes talking to get to know them and we were just about to start the lesson when I noticed that a giant rat was playing in the hallway. I was the only one in a position to see it... so I ignored it, not wanting to cause a fuss. We pulled out our hymn books and were teaching them how to use them when the rat decided to make a public apperance and ran into the room. All chaos broke loose. Needless to say we spent the next 20ish minutes looking for the rat to kill it. A good hit with a broom does the trick (see posts from Guayaquil- Independencia). We never foud the rat.

We restarted the lessson. From the very first words that began the lesson: the spirit was present. They accepted everything: Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, Prophets: The whole shabang. They told us they wanted a book. We gave them one (naturally). We left the appointment with smiles. They will be baptised. We will visit them tonight and put the date. I love the work.

I have pictures to send home... but this computer is not accepting my camra as it. Maybe later today I will be able to send some pictures off. We are leaving now for "The Valley" some members are taking us up there to eat Cuy (Guinie Pig). We will each kill our own, cook it, and then eat it. It is a very popular food here in Cuenca. I ate it twice in Naranjito and didn´t like it very much. For all the bones the animal has: it have very little meat. Not worth the time. Like crab.

Love you all,

"...come again another day!"

--
Elder Robinson


Monday, November 15, 2010

Bittersweet and Strange... Finding you can Change


Family and Friends,

Jumping into things: I was wrong about Cuenca. In my first two emails I sent out of Cuenca I played the "This is going to be Ruff" Card and the "Cuenca is Impossible" Card. But today I would like to play my "I was Wrong" Card.

This week was an amazing week here in Cuenca. Cold. Wet. and colder. It started raining this week... and it really hasn´t stopped. Rain in Guayaquil was awesome. It was warm and it cooled the super heated days... I loved working in the rain in Guayaquil. Here in Cuenca it is naturally cool. I wear a sweater. My Dad, with some personal revelation, bought me a heavy duty jacket (something I never thought I would use in Heat Swathed Ecuador) and I now use it to proselyte. But when the rains started... Now I am cold and wet. A fun combination when you want to work fast and hard.

Anyway, through the wet and cold Elder Caal and I are still at work. We tried to do EVERYTHING we could to get the message of the Restoration out to everyone. I would not be surprised if we had over 100 contacts last week. We did splits with the members, held a Family Night, went to a few ward meetings, planned  a few more activities, and ended up the week with the best results that Tomebamba has seen in months: 1 baptism, 19 lessons, 12 New Investigators, and 2 people in Sacrament Meeting! Whew... if you all only knew what it takes to get results like that. I think I went to bed each night dead tired (and cold).

My shoes finally fell completely apart. It was a sad day to throw them away. I have now gone through 2 pairs during my mission. I think the rain is what did them in. They couldn´t put up with an ice cold liquid sloshing around the inside and outside all day. So they went belly up and died. I am now using my 3rd pair and they will easily last me to the end of my mission (which surprisingly is only a few short months away (I really am not trying to think of it...)).

Daniela Flores was the girl that was baptised. The Elders before me worked to reactivate her family and I showed up just in time to get her baptised. Her dad after the baptism privately thanked us for everything we do for him and reminded us that we have to keep visiting the family. He shouldn´t worry. We are obligated to teach the Recent Converts and Less Actives: His family meets both requirements.

We are now planning the baptism for Ximena Zhirapa (Cool spelling no?). She was a blessing to find and is super excited to be baptised. The ward members are SUPER excited for 2 weeks in a row of baptisms. The Bishop even called us last night to invite us to his house to teach his friends during a Family Home Evening. We already have plans... but a split should do the trick. The members are SUPER excited for the work and super ready to help us. What a blessing it is when the members want to help out. I absolutely love it.

I wanted to write some letters home this week... but there were more changes in the mission last night (something that seems to happen ever 2 weeks- as of late) and I was put into a 3some as Elder Garcia left for Guayaquil and Elder Pavioli was left without companion. So we went to the Terminal Terrestre of Cuenca at 7:30 this morning to drop Elder Garcia off. Needless to say: I didn´t get letters off this week. So I would like to Publicly write to a few people:

Someone who just put in their Mission Papers: WOW!!! You will love the mission! Keep strong the next few months... Satan is a killer just before the mission. Let me know where you are going and the mission office address so I can write you.

Someone who is going to Michigan: Thanks for the package. I will try to write back as soon as possible... but I will have to write your parents home... I doubt you will be in your apartment by the time the letter arrives to the states.

Someone who can´t seem to get better: So sorry to hear that your health is doing poorly. I will keep you in my prayers. Maybe you should try working less. Relax. Enjoy life. I love you.

Someone who is in another continent: I got your picture. I love it. Thanks so much for thinking of me. Sorry, I wont try sending you letters while you are living so far away. I doubt they would arrive.

Someone who went to France: Thanks for the Birthday card. The 10 lines were super funny. Did you marry your missionary that got home last summer?

And to all of you other "someones" out there: Thanks for your support.

Learning I was wrong,

--
Elder Robinson



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Friday, November 12, 2010

Warning

If you get an email with nothing in the subject line and only a link in the body of the e-mail - don't open the link!  This has been going around alot!  Send the email to the trash.  We have received a lot of these lately.  Sorry if you've received one from me.
Doreen

Monday, October 25, 2010

Bucay


Family and Friends,

Today brings another chapter in the lives of those that interact with the Robinson clan... Ann and Jeff Maas just had another baby (Girl, born 1 day late, 22 October). All is well in Zion.

This week was great. We had a huge ward activity that took me 2 months to plan. It went for the whole day, was a success, and we walked away with 86 references from the members. I will send pictures next week.

Last night the Zone Leaders surprised me by telling me that I could go to Bucay today... So I went with my district. It was a great trip to visit the mountains. I took tons of pictures... but I am really tired now.

Maybe next week I will tell you more. But until then,

Love,

--
Elder Robinson



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Monday, October 18, 2010

Once upon a time...

Family and Friends,

My last email that I sent out was short. I was not feeling the best when I sent it. However, I feel great now and would like to give a true update on how my week was for all ya´ll.

Missionaries Tale:

So the life of a missionary never was and never will be a fairy tale. Yes the mission does begin with "Once upon a time..." and the hope is it will end with "...happily ever after!" but there is a LOT between "Once upon a time..." and "...happily ever after!" We missionaries, like in the fairy tales fight monsters, adventure to exotic places (Sorry you lost out on that one Elder Robinson II), take on quests, meet enchanted peoples, learn, grow, receive battle scars (or parasites), and every now and again we come out conqueror (baptisms). I have seen all of these phases in my mission and I will relive many of these phases time and time again until I am once again home safe. So here we go...

Once upon a time... there was a young man known to all as the Great Lord Jethro. (In this story, to save on ink and unnecessary red tape... the Great Lord Jethro will be known by his shorter title: Elder Robinson). Elder Robinson lived in a far away land, far from home, friends, family, and loved ones. He would arise each morning, exercise, eat, and prepare. Every day he was expected to face unknown foes in overgrown forests, or witty thieves on dusty open roads, but through it all Elder Robinson was prepared. Using a book as protection and with a trusty Aid at his side (commonly called: the companion) he braved every day... never knowing if it would be his last.

Our story for this evening brings us to a time in the tale of Robinson the Great, or otherwise known as, Elder Robinson, when he was roaming in the Shiredom of Fatima where the Virgin Queen Fatima herself ruled as the Great Matriarch. In this untamed realm Elder Robinson was to establish the Kingdom of his great Master and King Christ. Starting the early morning of Monday, before the average dragon and bluebird had awakened Elder Robinson was busy preparing himself for the weekly preparations. With other Elders, known as the Great Castro of Collinsbury, and the Great Hebdon of Wishingsberg (hereto after known as respectively: Elder Castro and Elder Hebdon) he began a treacherous 3 week routine to increase his physical strength and durability. Arising every morning, to the sounds of the early market, they three would brave the home-made-weight-set and the "Perfect Pushup" bars until, with prideful delight, they three were doing 120 pushups. Not important to the story.

This week would bring news of great fortune to our beloved Elder Robinson. Monday at dusk leaders called to inform Elder Robinson that he and his band would be expected in the Cement Jungle of Guayaquil to conference with their grand General Montalti. Tuesday passed in a rush. Elder Robinson and his trusted companion Elder Cruz spent the day preparing for a Sacred Service of Baptism for one of their beloved friends. As they prepared it came to the general attention of all that Sara Suares of Vargas would not be pursuing her dreams to baptise. She, having lost desire and valor, would rather postpone. With loving respect both Elder Robinson and Elder Cruz acknowledged her decision and continued to prepare the service for Squire Smith Jesus of Vargas Tomala.

Wednesday, early, mounting a steel steed Elder Robinson and Cruz road to the Cement Jungle of Guayaquil and conferenced with their Grand General Montalti. Excitement, emotion, lies, humor, and deceit were part of the conference process and with a quick smile and a cunning stare... the Elders returned to their home in the land of Miracles. With much to think about and more than a little fear to face the trials ahead Elder Robinson and Elder Cruz went back to work. Unfazed, undaunted, happy, with the knowledge that the Eye is ever watchful.

Thursday, with the help of faithful Rolando the Elders changed the coarse of the war they had waged and moved the front lines (and their house) to the shiredom of the heretofore mentioned Queen Fatima. From the close proximity of their current holding the Elder Robinson could wage a more perfect war against sin and ignorance, advancing the Kingdom of the King Christ. Though, tough as it was, Elder Robinson and Elder Cruz had to live alone without the ever present protection of Elder Castro and Elder Hebdon (who having been poisoned weeks previously and still being sick was finally diagnosed with parasites). The fellowship of 3 had split and in a future tale we shall see if Elder Robinson keeps up with his morning workout routine. Not important to the story.

Friday Elder Robinson fled to the Land of Miracles yet again to fight beside Elder Castro in the far reaches of the land among the fields of locusts and scanty dogs. Elder Hebdon fought alongside Elder Cruz in the Shiredom of Fatima and without fail everyone prevailed! Even during this great day the Mistriss Avila married her fiance Mister Gonzalez, so that he might be baptised the following week.

Saturday was the Grand Banquet Baptism of Squire Smith Jesus of Vargas Tomala. Baptised by his brother: Sir Santiago of Vargas Tomala. A memorable night never to be forgotten. And though Smith was not bestowed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit (The following day) he has been put to oath that he will attend the next Sunday to receive the Heavenly Gift. Sir Santiago of Vargas Tomala blessed the emblems of our King Christ during the Sunday Meetings and with a twinkle in his eye and joy in his heart Elder Robinson finished his week the Great Conqueror.

Finishing the night, calling all of his troops home and receiving an accounting from every one Elder Robinson, The Great Lord Jethro began to prepare for his next long week. And climbing into bed, with a prayer of thanksgiving to his great Lord and God... Elder Robinson finished his week... Happily ever after.

--
Elder Robinson


Fwd: Family and Friends,

I don´t have much to report this week. The roads I walk are still hot and dusty. The paint is still peeling on the walls of homes. The sugar cain houses are still an every day teaching setting. The river and fields are my constant friends. In the heat of the day I listen to the silence (when buses are not passing from Guayaquil) of the flies and the dogs. The language is still alien... but I am the alien here. I am a normal human encharged with the salvation of the souls who know not the truth. I love it. The trails, the lessons, the ups and the downs, the heat, the noise, the smells, the culture, the language, the other missionaries, the wards and branches, the leaders, and prayers, the fasts, the studies, the animals, the cement houses, the brick houses, the tin roofs, the ancient people, the younger generations, the converts, and the investigators are all part of the mission. This great cycle that begins and ends every two years: is my life. The committees, the reunions, the youth, the meetings, and the activities... everything. I love it. My charge gives me energy to find and teach every single day. The weird looks I get when people recognize me as an outsider are the norm. The streams, the fields, and the falling ash are my silent companions. And yet these people... so lowly and humble living in their shanty huts... often accept the Restored Gospel. The roads will get longer, hotter, and dustier. As such, I don´t have much to report.

You keep me going,

--
Elder Robinson
 

Monday, October 11, 2010

The Puzzle

Family and Friends,

The Happenings of 7 Consecutive Days (Notices from the Middle World)

The last few days have been odd. I am on the luke-warm side today so I wont be writting very much. We had a great week full of some ups and some downs. We changed houses this week. and we finally live in KM 26! The first missionaries that have ever done it!!! It is cool to finally live in our sector... but now we dont live with Elder Castro and Elder Hebdon. That is a definite down. I love those two Elders. They and our evening chats will be missed.

President Freire, our Bishop, is helping us a ton with our plans to have "Dia como Misionero!" We talked with all the ward members yesterday (oh, Church without electricity... a divine experience indeed) and about 40 of them told us they will show up and participate. I think we will start planning for 60ish people... that way we won´t have any surprises.

Is it just me or... is it getting really hot? I think the house we bought had a previous life of an oven. Or Ecuador is entering those months where if one touches something... the something is drenched in the sweat of the one.

Reading all the family emails was great. I love you all. I am excited that everything is still going great.

My great news this week: Smith Vargas was baptised. He just needs to be confirmed a member of the church.

Letters will be sent out this week. We have not received mail in... over a month... so I dont think I am going to wait any longer. I am just going to write some great letters to ya´ll.
 
That is about it folks. This is the great puzzle of my life: To know what to do and how to do it without making enemies or getting nothing done in the process.
 
I with Sara Skousen luck with her wedding preparations.

Send me questions if you want answers!
 
Home! You got to love it!

--
Elder Robinson



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Monday, October 4, 2010

Chaos!

Family and Friends,
 
Some interesting things happened this week and it put me to thinking... When I was 15ish I read this poem... it fit my life well:
 
The lions sing and the hills take flight,
The moon by day and the sun by night,
Blind man, deaf woman, jackdaw fool...
Let the Lord of Chaos Rule!
Not that I am an agent of Chaos (like I was a few year back)... but that is just what happened in The (last) Happenings of 7 Consecutive Days (Notices from the Middle World):
 
We started this week off great. We have some high goals we are trying to meet... and it requires all of our time and effort to do it. We want to finish off October with 5 baptisms. We have the names of the people, 4 of which have baptismal dates, but working through their personal problems is a muddy mess. We love it thought! Monday we had a Family Home Evening with Santiago and his wife Sara Suarez de Vargas.
 
*Pause* Sara Skousen- You have some explaining to do. Engaged! I await your response by next Monday.
 
Sara taught obedience and the 10 commandments. For a family that still doesn´t know the in and outs of the church... I love their Family Home Evenings! We will be with them tonight.
 
Tuesday we had a full day. Teaching lessons, contacting, walking by the river... all of it. I love Ecuador!
 
Wednesday I had an interchange with Elder Mejia. I worked in the city and my companion went to 26 with Elder Palmer. It was a worthwhile interchange. I love the interchanges I have with the missionaries.
 
Thursday was a different day. The day just felt different... We went to 26, worked for 2 hours before lunch and made our way to lunch. I thought things were a little quiet... I didn´t notice that all the buses that pass the 26 to go to Guayaquil were not passing... When we stopped in for lunch I thought it was weird that all the shops were closed... but I didn´t think anything of it. The family ushered us in and told us that the Zone Leaders had called and that we had to return home immediately without questions. As it turned out the National Police Force (the cool guys that think they know how to use guns and bring peace to Ecuador) went on strike against President Correa, took him hostage, and decided they were not going to work... Ecuador went into CHAOS! Thieves were everywhere. The 2 bridges from Guayaquil were taken over by mobs and closed (that is why no buses were passing the 26). Stores everywhere were mobbed and trashed. As we left 26 we heard gunshots and decided to take a back alley road to make it to the bus. People started burning tires in the streets to close the roads... fortunately the highway between 26 and Milagro stayed open. In Guayaquil the Missionaries from the Island (next to my last house) were taken out by the office. I called Independencia and Elder Vuinovic sounded SUPER shaken... they had no clue what was going on... but the most dangerous sector in the mission went MAD! Milagro stayed calm... but the Shopping (the mall) was robbed and everything closed down. We played chess all day and sat around. That night we went over to the Bishop´s house and watched the news. While we were watching the news station was taken over by mobs... it was interesting to watch how the anchormen... knowing that people were trying to break in... kept their cool... I think the newswoman broke into tears thinking she was going to die. All of the major events took place in Quito... but like I said the entire country went crazy. That night the military stepped in and rescued President Correa. Many people were wounded and 4 people were killed. They tried to kill President Correa, but the bullets and bombs all missed him. Everything is back to normal now... but nobody trusts the Police.
 
Conference was great. I loved the talk that Elder Holland gave. Both talks from Elder Uchdorf were amazing and I was enthralled by the entire conference. I don´t have words to express it all.
 
We are planning two more baptisms for this Saturday. Wish us luck! It will turn out to be a White Night with 5 other baptisms from other missionaries from my District.
 
This month is going to work out great!
 
Love,

--
Elder Robinson



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Monday, September 27, 2010

The Happenings of 7 Consecutive Days (Notices from the Middle World) II


Family and Friends,
 
I love the title of my new section that describes my weekly happenings... that I decided to name my letter to ya´ll in favor of this most important section. So if you will please read on...
 
The Happenings of 7 Consecutive Days (Notices from the Middle World):
 
SANTIAGO VARGAS WAS BAPTISED!!! We finally got Santiago into the waters of baptism... it was not an easy process... and Satan was against us the entire time... but we finally did it!
 
Friday Santiago was married to his wife Sara Suarez and then he had his interview with the Zone Leaders and a phone call to the President. He passed his interview and we started putting the finishing touches on his baptism. That night we stopped by his house to see how he was doing and to remind him of everything that was going to happen the next day. As we were leaving I reminded him that in the next 24 hours Satan was going to fight against him... in every way possible.
 
The next day we set everything up for the baptism, made some agendas, and then we started inviting everyone to the baptism. That night Santiago and his wife showed up a little late... Satan had done some dirty work. Santiago decided to go play some soccer before his baptism to keep his nerves down. He was returning home when he got in a wreck on his motorcycle. With a quick run to the hospital, a bumbed foot, and some stitches... he said he was well enough to be baptised. Nothing was going to stop him. As I entered the water I noticed he was wincing... but the baptism was completed. Sunday he was confirmed a member of the Church.
 
We are preparing an activity for the 23rd of October. "Día Como Misionero!" (Missionary Day!). We will start at 6:30 in the morning, have a breakfast, 4 hours of "MTC" time, and then the entire afternoon to teach and preach. All the members of ages 12+ are invited and EVERYONE that isn´t a member. When Santiago heard about the activity... he asked us... "even though I have a wife and a child... can I be a missionary for a day?" YES! His conversion is practically complete. When KM26 becomes an independent branch at the end of the year... I bet you anything he will be a Councilor or the Branch Secretary. Super powerful convert. This is why I am a missionary... to find and teach people like him. He will baptise his wife and brother (and maybe his mother) in 2 weeks... along with 5-6 other baptisms that will be taking place in the chapel.
 
We will be changing our house to KM26 next week. I am a little frustrated with how slow the process is... but that is life... paperwork.
 
I don´t have anything else to say. Ask me questions if you want to learn something more. Get ready for General Conference!
 
Here are some pictures:
 
Picture 1: My district/zone. Crazy guys but I love them to death! GO MILAGRO!!!
 
Picture 2: Who just can´t be in love with rivers and nature? BOLICHE!
 
Picture 3: My Jersey that says "PILSENER" (popular beer) but now says "Robinson"
 
Picture 4: Elder Castro (Columbia) with Santiago Vargas a week before he was baptised.
 
Picture 5: Us with Family Vaca (Cow). They feed us every Sunday and I love them to death!
Love you all,

--
Elder Robinson



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The Happenings of 7 Consecutive Days (Notices from the Middle World)


Family and Friends,
 
I love the title of my new section that describes my weekly happenings... that I decided to name my letter to ya´ll in favor of this most important section. So if you will please read on...
 
The Happenings of 7 Consecutive Days (Notices from the Middle World):
 
SANTIAGO VARGAS WAS BAPTISED!!! We finally got Santiago into the waters of baptism... it was not an easy process... and Satan was against us the entire time... but we finally did it!
 
Friday Santiago was married to his wife Sara Suarez and then he had his interview with the Zone Leaders and a phone call to the President. He passed his interview and we started putting the finishing touches on his baptism. That night we stopped by his house to see how he was doing and to remind him of everything that was going to happen the next day. As we were leaving I reminded him that in the next 24 hours Satan was going to fight against him... in every way possible.
 
The next day we set everything up for the baptism, made some agendas, and then we started inviting everyone to the baptism. That night Santiago and his wife showed up a little late... Satan had done some dirty work. Santiago decided to go play some soccer before his baptism to keep his nerves down. He was returning home when he got in a wreck on his motorcycle. With a quick run to the hospital, a bumbed foot, and some stitches... he said he was well enough to be baptised. Nothing was going to stop him. As I entered the water I noticed he was wincing... but the baptism was completed. Sunday he was confirmed a member of the Church.
 
We are preparing an activity for the 23rd of October. "Día Como Misionero!" (Missionary Day!). We will start at 6:30 in the morning, have a breakfast, 4 hours of "MTC" time, and then the entire afternoon to teach and preach. All the members of ages 12+ are invited and EVERYONE that isn´t a member. When Santiago heard about the activity... he asked us... "even though I have a wife and a child... can I be a missionary for a day?" YES! His conversion is practically complete. When KM26 becomes an independent branch at the end of the year... I bet you anything he will be a Councilor or the Branch Secretary. Super powerful convert. This is why I am a missionary... to find and teach people like him. He will baptise his wife and brother (and maybe his mother) in 2 weeks... along with 5-6 other baptisms that will be taking place in the chapel.
 
We will be changing our house to KM26 next week. I am a little frustrated with how slow the process is... but that is life... paperwork.
 
I don´t have anything else to say. Ask me questions if you want to learn something more. Get ready for General Conference!
 
Here are some pictures:
 
Picture 1: My district/zone. Crazy guys but I love them to death! GO MILAGRO!!!
 
Picture 2: Who just can´t be in love with rivers and nature? BOLICHE!
 
Picture 3: My Jersey that says "PILSENER" (popular beer) but now says "Robinson"
 
Picture 4: Elder Castro (Columbia) with Santiago Vargas a week before he was baptised.
 
Picture 5: Us with Family Vaca (Cow). They feed us every Sunday and I love them to death!
Love you all,

--
Elder Robinson



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Monday, September 20, 2010

Mostly Marriages & Missionaries


Family and Friends,
Special Thanks: To all of you who wrote me this week. There were a ton of you... that was really cool. The moral boost that EVERY letter brings to a missionary is something special and for the most part sacred. From the deepest portions of my heart please accept my thanks.
 
My Week: What a selfish person I am. For exactly 16 months now I have been writing letters home and have always had a section called "My Week." I think I am going to change this sadistic habit. Not that it is MY week or anything I did that made it special. It is more of The Happenings of 7 Consecutive Days or Notices from the Middle World.
 
The Happenings of 7 Consecutive Days (Notices from the Middle World):
 
Our house in 26 was aproved by the Assistants! This means that we will begin moving in... THIS WEEK! What day? I hope that the process is said and done by Saturday. I don´t want to drag this out. We actually found a better house for only $60 per month. But... it was more than slightly filthy... and with first impressions these days... We are going to stick with the $100 apartment that covers the light and water bills.
 
We had changes today. I was super nervious last night that I was going to be changed from 26. I had more nerves because I had no clue what President Montalti was going to do. He is still on the "unpredictable" side. We have so many families that are progressing... I can´t leave yet. Anyway. I am practically positive that I will be here for another 4-5ish months. !Que Bueno¡ But the changes did hit my District.
 
In my district there are 4 wards and 10 missionaries. I am the District Leader and love teaching lessons every Tuesday. Actually. I got sick of teaching lessons last Tuesday and we played a game called "Maestro Mas Persuasivo" that deals with how well you teach and know the Lessons and the Scriptures. Back to the District. Elder Lopez from Columbia, Elder Aballay from Argentina, Elder Sanchez from Columbia and Elder Lema from Ecuador were all changed out of the District. I am sad to see them go... but I am still super stoked that I get to work with Elder Mejia, Pavon, and Castro. 3 of the coolest missionaries I have ever know. District Activities are an absolute BLAST! This change we want to go to Bucay... I hear there are some amazing photos to take of Waterfalls.
 
This week we will be baptising Santiago. I think I have said this for the last 5 weeks. But this time is for sure. We have ALL of his paperwork so that he can be married and he has been going to church for the last 3 months... so he is far more ready that any invstigator I have ever had. He will baptise his wife, mother, and brother in 2-3 weeks. We are going to wait for General Conference to be finished to have the baptisms.
 
We are also working miracles in Boliche. The Ward President (The Ward does not have a Bishop... but it isn´t a Branch) assigned 6 ward missionaries to help us and they are all super excited. Our days are now full of appointments with the help of the members and I feel that something big is on the horizon...
 
Oh- more marriages. Maria Chavez I believe will be married this month. When that takes place we will go forward with her baptism. This week we are also working on the marriage for Dario. That should take place this week... or next week at the latest. Marth Tomala, the mother of Santiago Vargas also wants to be married so we made a stop by the Registro Civil to take out some of her documents. Maybe that will happen in 2 weeks. All in all... we have 2 marriages planned for the next 2 weeks and 2 other marriages that could take place in 2-3 weeks. I have participated in 4 marriages during my mission and I absolutely love it when people decide to get married and to get baptised. I will try to end the mission with 10.
 
I received a package from home this week. I have new shoes and had some great No Bake Cookies. Thanks mom. I love you and Dad so much. The mission is flying by so fast. Mom, Please make time stop. (When I was little I thought my Mom and the Primary teachers could do anything... so one day I asked them to make me younger... that is when I learned that they can´t do everything).
 
This change will bring more miracles, stories, and growth.
 
Bring it on!

--
Elder Robinson



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Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Twists and Turns


Family and Friends,

My Week:

This last week was an absolute blast! I had three interchanges (Elder Pavon, Elder Castro and Elder Mejia) and a ton of fun working in my sector. I am of the opinion that if someone is not enjoying their time as a missionary... they are dfinitely wasting their time. The mission is "chucky jam full" of great experiences and excitement. How can one not love the mission and its "twists and turns?"

Twists and Turns for this week:

This week starts the "Specialized Training" that we have to undergo every 3 months... or 2 months... quizas cada mes.... yo no sé! The Twist: Elder Cruz ( mi hijo) has been sent to live in Naranjito for the next 4 days. I am now companions with Elder Rivero from Bolivia (Santa Cruz). He is a great missoinary and I am looking forward to working with him over the next few days. Every morning this wekkk we will be leaving our apartment at 6? AM so that we can arrive in Guayaquil (that lovely l city) at 8 to be ontime to take a bus/taxi for the conference at 9. We will then return home every night at 6ish and work with whatever time we have in KM 26. I doubt we will have any working time this week. You got to love the twists. All Jr. Comps have to stay in their sectors. I guess they don´t need training.

Elder Lema from Otavalo left to go live in La Troncal and Elder Castro is now with Elder Catamayo from Peru. Our house now consits of 1 American! 1 Columbian! 1 Bolivian! and 1 Peruvian! I think they are some of the 4 best missionaries in all of Milagro/Truinfo. It will be a blast to live with them for the next week.

Other twists that should be covered:

My entire mission (even before my mission) I always heard stories of people that had dreams of the missionaries.... and then the next day the missionaries arrived. Or people that recognized the faces of the Missionaries even though they did not konw them before. Well... here is my story that I have to tell you:

We found Maria Chavez while I was on an interchange with Elder Mejia. She lives just short of the 24 (KM 26 is SOUTH of Milagro, you will NEVER find it on a map). We always walk past her house while we are on our way to visit Familia Vargas. I have always felt... "hmm... that is a pretty trail, maybe we should to there..." but I never ever took the trail... until the interchange. We had some extra time on our hands, so on our way back from Familia Vargas we entered a trail that lead back into the brush and some houses. The first house we stopped at we asked them if we could share a message. We did. We met Maria Chavez and she accepted our message. I didn´t really think much of the lesson. We gave out a Book of Mormon.... and left.

The day after we stopped by again and retaught lesson 1 to her sister. Maria showed up at the end of the lesson and we reminded her that she had to ask the Lord if she wanted to know if these things were true.

Finally Friday we stopped by again and she invited us back to her house (some 4 houses behind the first house we found her in, 1 room separated by sheets, house of sugar cane) and she started to talk to us about her work in the Banana Fields. She lightly touched on the fact that she fogot how to pray... and felt bad because she wanted to pray while she was aty work so that the Lord could help her have more strength. She talked about how she works with som other woman and how they usually talk about their days and families. She then mentioned the following, "I ahd a dream. Are you here to change my family?"

Me: Yeah. We help families change for the better.

Maria Chavez: I thought so. I had a dream that 2 boys came to my home to teach me and my family things that would make us happy.l I dreamed that everyone in my family accepted the message (except for my husband) and that with time my husband came to realize that we were happier than he was and he accepted what the 2 boys had to say. Are you the two boys?

Me: Stunned

Elder Cruz: Yeah!

Maria Chavez: It was a really beautiful dream. It made me feel really good to have it. And then a few days later... you showed up at my house.

Needless to say we have now taught a fraction of her family (10 people of 30ish) and all of them were uper interested in the BOok of Mormon. Sunday Maria Chavez came to church with us and absolutely LOVED the experience. She told us that next week her entire family would be present so that they could be as happy as she was during the meetings. We are on our way now to go teach her. We have a lesson at 6 with her and the Ward Missionaries.

The Lord is preparing peoplall over the world to hear the message of the Restauration. Sometimes we just have to take the "pretty trails" to find these amazing people... and if we do... when we come to the end of our journey we will find the people that the Lord has put in our way that desparately need the message. How grateful I am to be a missionary! And to think that I only have... algunos meses mas!

Family and Friends: I love you all so much. I don´t miss you. I will see you again. But until then...

That is all,

Love,

--
Elder Robinson

Mom- Did ou send out the pictures that I sent you last week? Or did you never receive them? Shucks... why do you have to be in Yellowstone!?!

Sorry. This is the 2nd time I have written this letter... Internet failed in the last place... and I don´t have time to fix all the errors that are in this letter.



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Monday, August 30, 2010

School Again...


Family and Friends,

Before I start this letter I would like everyone to know just how inept I am when it comes to computers. Last week my companion and I went for our Pday to KM 26 y Boliche to take TONS of photos... We had a blast doing it. I would have sent them in an email to you all last week but the computer in KM 26 did not recognize my camara. I decided to send them to you this week. The computer recognized my camera. I had the pictures... and then I erased all of them... How I don´t know. But that was 3 hours and 74 pictures that just went down the tube. Maybe not down the tube... but it has been confirmed that they no longer exist. I don´t even know how the computer erased them from the camera memory. Computers. Silly things.

My Week: Pictureless.

We are preparing Santiago and his wife Sara for baptism. All they have to do is get married. Santiago has gone to church for over a month now and he loves it. Sara will graduate from Collage in 2 weeks and then she will start going to church. Santiago will be baptised next week, receive the Priesthood and then 3 weeks later he will baptise his wife, mother, and brother. It will be a cool service.

We are also preparing Dario Gonzalez for baptism. He just needs to get married as well. The only problem I have with him... is that he is 35 and his wife-to-be is 15 and pregnant with his baby. O´dear. I guess I am not in the United States anymore. You just kind of go with the flow. She and her family are ok with the marriage. He wants to get baptised... but it always has to be the marriage question that gets in the way. When these two families get married they will make the 5th and 6th families I have married here on the mission (ok, I didn´t marry them, I just talked them into it).

Did I mention I just erased 74 photos and 3 hours of picture taking? I still can´t get over that.

Let me describe the photos I erased to you then...

Your imagination please:

Photo 1: The dark green landscape of Boliche looking off to the south towards purple tinted mountains. Fields and a sugar cane factory off to the left. Misted sky.

Photo 2: Elder Robinson standing under the sign that says, "Boliche" Highway that goes towards KM 26.

Photo 3: Elder Robinson sitting on a dyke as water rushes past. Behind me: a freshly plowed field and a line of trees. Misted sky with a "evening" feel to the shot.

Photo 4: Elder Robinson and Cruz standing on an old wire and metal hanging bridge. The rusted steel mixed with the majestic water below made a photo that would have taken an Oscar Award.

Photo 5. Elder Robinson sitting on a dirt road leading off into a rainforrest like setting. Arms crossed. Large palms and ferns drapping the sides of the photo.

...

...

Photo 74: Again Elder Robinson in KM 26 next to a road sign that says: Guayaquil, Milagro, and Naranjito. 3 of my 4 sectors.

Ok. Pitty party over. So is this email.

Love,

--
Elder Robinson



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Monday, August 23, 2010

I´m a Skousen!


Dear Family and Friends,
 
Shout Out: Skousens! Here in Latin America everyone has four names. Your name never changes. Even when you get married. Women don´t take on the name of their husbands but the children take on both last names of the parents. Technically, if I was a citizen of Ecuador, my name would be: Jeremiah Thomas Robinson Skousen. Anyway. I got this box from mom this week. It didn´t have a ton and it never has to... just to let me know that mom loves me. But the treasure that I found inside... the Skousen Family Reunion shirt. The one that says "Skousen Camp." I was so excited to see grandma and grandpa in front of their cabin that I left the shirt on my desk so I could admire it for 2 days. Then I took a picture of the picture so that if anything happened to the shirt I would have a picture. Call me crazy. But I am a Skousen!
 
It has been really neat to read everything that takes place at home. Especially with Gale´s family and the Johnsons. It is great to hear that Clint and Mike got the Priesthood and that Mike will be married in the temple in August. Why does everything have to happen while I am gone (oh, I guess things happen while you are gone as well, Elder Robinson II)? Needless to say... coming home in a year will be a thrill... everything will be different.
 
My Week: The search for a house continues. Maybe we will have one in 2 weeks... maybe we will have one in 4. Most likely it will be an apartment. But we HAVE TO FIND A SOMETHING! I am really tired of the hour long bus rides just to go to work. How can anyone commute to work each morning? Such a boring process. And a waste of time.
 
Sunday was a thrill. We were "en route" to our usual destination: KM 26, when one of our fellow travelers started yelling at the top of her lungs. Me, asleep, didn´t take note of it at first. Usually people are yelling on the bus and I was tired. When the yelling continued I decided to stir to see if it was anything worth my interest. What I found... was quite worth my time:
 
Sundays are Party days here in Ecuador. Starting Friday at 5 until Monday at 2am... all of Ecuador is partying, blasting music, and getting high/drunk. The normal worthwhile weekend pursuits. One such poor drugged partier was part of our traveling group to KM 26 when he decided that the woman next to him... or should I say, he came to some conclusions about her. She freaked out and started yelling. She changed seats and slapped him in the face. He, disgraced and drunk, decided to punch her. This is when I awoke. Just in time to watch her take of her shoes and throw them at him... and go all "crazy style cat woman" on him. I was still waking up from my slumber and things were not processing correctly. Our bus had just arrived at a "check point" and everyone on the bus started yelling for the National Police. I love these guys. Cutting to the chase... the yelling and  fighting continued until the National Police boarded the bus and took the man and the woman away quite forcefully. Finally processing... my brain asked, "Que pasó?" my companion told me everything. The bus stood still while everyone chattered joyously at the new gossip material. The man was detained and the woman re boarded the bus to retake her seat. The journey continued...
 
(side note: I might die in my sleep Sundays in Utah if nothing ever takes place. Ecuador is such a... vivid country. Always.)
 
... And so did my day. We were politely invited by many of the members in 26 to share dinner with them. We graciously accepted 3. The first was a high-end meal, 3 courses (soup, rice, and fruit) with rice that was slightly reminiscencia of Skousen Casserole. Or should I say: it had everything in it; shrimp, lettuce, potatoes, meat, cheese, spice, nuts, tomatoes, orange, peas, beans... the list continues. I partook and was filled.
 
The second dinner followed a wonderfully taught lesson to a 13 year old girl that knows the Bible far better than I do. I was corrected that the bible does not register any other prophet talking to the Lord face to face... than just Adam and Moses and only Moses since Adam isn´t considered a prophet for many. I will do my own research on the topic. 13 year old girls who want to be baptised don´t get away that easily. I know the Book of Mormon protects my claim, parts of the New Testament, and I need to clarify my understanding of the Pearl of Great Price.
 
The third dinner was small and to the point. Mashed potatoes (so rare here!) with a carrot and pea siding. Topped by a Cola-marinated chicken breast. Cup of "Tropical" to top me off. I thought I had finished for the day.
 
My companion, fresh from the MTC, is timid to say the least. Working on social habits we practiced our door approaches. This consits of me yelling, "Ha Ver!" and then looking at my companion to start the conversations. He said something like this, "HELLO WE ARE THE MISSIONARIES FROM THE CHURCH AND HAVE A MESSAGE CAN WE COME IN!!!" The first response... NO! The 2nd house... "We are the church... the missionaries from the church. We need 10 minutes of your time..." The second response... nope! The 3rd house... "We are the missionaries from the church we have a message. Can we come in." (we are still working on what to say)... the response... "come in Elder´s! I am an inactive member!"
 
The lesson was quick and to-the-point (unlike this email). We have another appointment with them tonight. We were leaving when we were recalled to receive "Chicken-on-the-stick" and a b-b-q´d banana. Wow. I was really full. The day then came to and end. Por fin!
 
We are preparing a few people for baptism. The difficulty we have run into: Chastity. If people would just commit to one another and get married... getting baptised would be a very easy process. I constantly need to remind myself that the process to be baptised NEVER should be an easy process otherwise the end result: the baptism, will never mean anything. The more the people have to change to be baptised, the more their baptism is going to mean to them. The more the Lord is going to forgive. The greater relief they are going to feel in their new life. Maybe Satan should mix it up sometimes and target something else than the Chastity questions.
 
As such I have been studying a ton this week about Virtue. I love the topic. Trying to control your thoughts is something that I need to do. Of coarse I am a missionary... but focusing on the work, on your investigators, and on everything good 100% of the time is something that I could definitely improve. It all starts with your thoughts.
 
And currently my thoughts are all with you...
 
on that note. Time to refocus.
 
I love you all,

--
Elder Robinson Skousen



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Monday, August 16, 2010

Photo Op


Family and Friends

I haven´t sent pictures home in a long while. I thought you might enjoy.

Picture 1: The Temple of Guayaquil. ¡Que Hermosa!

2 This is probably the most beautiful spot in all of Guayaquil. There are not many vews like this inside of the city. My sector now... has a lot of views like this. I just don´t have pictures of them yet.

3 The bridge I took to leave the city of Guayaquil. I like this bridge.

4 Elder Vuinovic and I enjoying the 4h of July with a cake! GO USA! USA! USA!

Love

--
Elder Robinson



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Asunto 1: Que Pasó?


Queridos Familiares y Amigos,

This week was another one of those weeks that... just... does... didn´t... flow well. I´m fine. Everyone is fine. But it was a hectic week trying to get everything done. Less see how it all started and ended...

So Changes were last week. As you all well know. I stayed a few days with the Zone Leaders until my companion, Elder Cruz got here from Lima Peru (the MTC) and he is from Quito Ecuador. I picked him up Wednesday in the morning in Guayaquil and then we rode to Milagro and made it halfway through District Meeting. We then dropped his things off at the house and rode to KM 26.

KM 26 is a great place. I enjoy being out in the middle of nowhere. There are lots of people to teach and everyone is willing to listen. It is fun to walk through fields, past fences, up and down highways... all the cool things that come from being in the countryside. Our day always starts at KM 26, but then we have to walk to KM 24, we have an investigator over there that is going to be baptised, then we walk to the KM 26 and up to KM 28 and trying to get to know the sector we then walked up to KM 32ish or 33 (Boliche) where there are a few more members. We then took a bus back to KM 26, walked down do KM 24, and then wandered around until we ended up wherever we wanted to go. We finish every day at about 8:15 because we have to take a bus back to Milagro. A trip of about 40 minutes (sometimes 30 sometimes 60). Its cool to work next to the highway because we can see how far we are walking EVERY day. (for example: the day I just explaned to you we walked about 13-15 KM or 6-9 miles. I personally think it is more... because this just takes into account how much we walked on the highway... not up and down all the side streets). We usually return home tired every night.

But even at night we can´t stop. We have planning at 9:00 and training a companion means that I have to teach something new every day. Easy to do but I often forget to teach things and then when he does something that is not totally correct... then I remember. President Montalti currently has the leaders controlling a lot of the numbers that are flowing around, baptismal dates, interview times, investigator problems... so it usually means that I am on the phone talking with the Zone Leaders or one of the Sectors until 10:15ish. Then I have 5 minutes to take a shower, have companionship prayer, personal prayer and jump into bed. That is if I don´t make an egg. If I make an egg... then I am late to bed.

Thursday we had Zone Conference. We received the call Wednesday night. At 4:00 Wednesday morning we got up, showered, shined shoes, and took an early bus to Guayaquil. At 6:00 we were in Guayaquil and on our way to the Salado Stake Center (the farthest Stake Center from the Terminal) at about 6:40ish our taxi stopped at a stoplight and I thought someone had turned their base up. The car was swaying... and then I noticed the stoplight was swaying as well.... and that the cars next to us were jiggling a bit. I decided not to say anything about it... we all just kind of looked at each other... the taxista changed the radio station and the news announced that Guayaquil had just had an earthquake. We felt the last 10 seconds of it. Being in a car kind of takes away the experience. Apparently it was on the stronger side... waking people up... shaking roofs... and such.

Zone Conference was killer. I learned... something. I think. It was 7ish hours long. Not planned well and most of the time off topic. I got a bad headache and have kind of had one ever since... I have never gotten headaches before in my life.

Running between the sector and the house was a usual joy. We had an interchange with Porvenir II and I enjoyed learning from Elder Lema from Uta Valo (the only missionaries in the world that can have long hair). He is a great teacher. He told me a ton about their culture and lifestyle. He lives in the city... so it was not as indianish as I would have thought... but still a super cool culture.

Sunday we woke up at 6 so we could get to KM 26 and back before church started at 10. We didn´t have any success in bringing anyone to church but it was fun to travel and see Ecuador in the morning. Porvenir is the strongest ward I have EVER seen in Ecuador. The chapel was FULL of people. About 150+. We and the other Elders work in the ward. They are planning a baptismal service for this saturday. 6 people! I have to return home early Tuesday night from KM 26 to do the Baptismal Interviews.

KM 26 is preparing to be a branch. They will break away from Porvenir at the end of this year. Starting this week they are going to have leadership meetings in KM 26 for the Missionary Work. This will save us time to travel back. They are taking the first few steps for separation. It will be a fun process to watch.

I would tell you more about the investigators... but I don´t really know them yet. Santiago Vargas will be baptised the 28th of August. He is amazing. His wife and brother will be baptised in September. His mom should be baptised around the same time.

Sorry this email took on more of an "informative" theme and not a spiritual one. We will end with a spiritual thought:

Thought: In Doctrine and Covenants I was reading the words of Christ as he spoke to some of the early Saints. It struck me as he said that he knows how to succor us through our temptations. Whenever I teach about Christ I always teach about his Atonement, how we can heal, and how we can return to a life of light after a life of sin. But I learned that Christ can succor us in our temptations so we don´t even have to enter the life of sin. It´s something obvious. It´s the little things like this that grab my attention when I read in the mornings. All should read at least for 15 minutes each day. You will learn something. To you I promise.

From the best sector in the world,

love,

--
Elder Robinson



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Wednesday, August 11, 2010

KM 26 o lo que sea (Provenir 1)


Queridos Faniliares y Amigos,

Estoy aqui en KM 26 terminando mi dia... and as such I don´t have a ton of time. I get to write you today because I received a new missionary and he gets to write home to his family, telling them how he is, where he is, if his flight was fine... minor things. My Trainee is Elder Cruz. He is from Quito Ecuador and is the youngest missionary in the misson. He is 18 and wont turn 19 until next Febuary. He has special permission to be here because he will be attending the University of Utah 2012 in the Fall. So... he needed to enter the mission early. Apperently writing a letter to the 70 and having a good reason does the trick.

KM 26, or La Virgen de Fatima, or Porvenir 1 (my sector has 3 names) is amazing. I feel like I am in Naranjito again! I know I will learn to love it just the same. In fact, I am already in love with it and the people. Country people are SO different from City people. Quite. Calm. Willing to listen. I love them. We live in Milagro... but we have to travel 40 minutes every morning on a really crowded bus to get to our sector... and then we have to finish early every night... to get home to our house. We leave the sector at 8. A time when it would be perfectly perfect to teach. President Montalti told me today to find a new house... in KM 26. It will definitely save some travel time (1.5 hours every day) and money.

The district is great. I am really excited to work with the Elders here in Milagro. It is such a blessing to learn from other people. Watching them make mistakes and then deciding that you are not going to do the same. Here in Milagro I don´t have to watch them make mistakes. They just don´t do it. So I just watch them do amazing things and then I copy. Unimaginitive... I know. But it works. Emulation. Or something like that.

We already have a family that is going to go to church with us! How cool is that! Thanks for all of your support. I have to sign out... got to get back to Milagro.

 Keep praying for the missinaries and all that they do. Not that we do anything. I am fully convinced that the Lord does it all. I just like following where he leads. And when he leads me to KM 26...

Love

--
Elder Robinson



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Monday, July 26, 2010

With my dreams to believe in...




Family and Friends!

Shout Out: Elder, Christy. 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! 
YES YOU: MOTHER OF TWO!!! 
WISHING YOU SOMETHING THAT...SPANS 2000 MILES OR MORE
OF LAND, COUNTRIES, AND OCEAN FLOOR!
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH MY SISTER DEAR
THAT I WROTE YOU THIS POEM FROM ECUADOR. FROM HERE!
NOTHING MORE. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. 
GOOD LUCK WITH THE KIDS, THE HUBBY, AND SUCH.
ENJOY YOUR BIRTHDAY. THE DAY CELEBRATION!
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY. O GRAND FESTIVISATION!

Um... the poem was really crappy. And I cant even type or read in English anymore. I try to sound things out like they are in Spanish. But know that I spent 5 minutes trying to write for you a poem that Hyrum could write. But his would probably be better seeing as he is your child and I am just that *Elder* that lives in Ecuador. Love you lots Christy!

My Week: Here in Ecuador we are in our Winter Season. I never have felt like I have left my eternal summer... but this week I got cold. We had a few days that the sun did not shine like it usually does. And the chilly morning air got to me... I pulled the sheet out of my suitcase... and I turned the night fan off... and then I got sick. I got what everyone calls the *flu* which means I just had a sore throat and the sniffles. I dont wish to think about what will happen to my body when I am back in the states and have to endure snow and ice for months at a time!

The work here in Independecia is slowing down. Not that we have stopped working or that we had 2 sick days this week... but because we just cant find people to teach. Well. I should refresh that statement. We can find lots of people to teach... we cant find people that want to be baptized or follow through with commitments. We were planning 2 baptisms for this week, Kevin and Yulexy Lino, but Yulexy didnt go to church... so only Kevin will be baptized. He is a great kid and will be a great addition to the ward and example for his family. 

Elder Vuinovic and I are getting along great. The transition from Man to Missionary for Elder Vuinovic has not been the easiest. We are still working on controlling our emotions in public... putting on the Spock face and not dancing in the street or yelling at young children. Usually it is all very comical. But I fear we could scare away some potential investigators if we dont look 100% like missionaries 100% of the time. 

The Ward has been such a blessing for me. The members that are active are SUPER strong in the Faith. I would publicly like to give appreciation for the following individuals:

Bishop Solano: Super forgetful but always willing the help the missionaries when we stop by his house. His love for the church and for our investigators is unmatched and he is such a great example of trust and devotion.

Hna Ofelia: There is no recent convert in the world like her. Her testimony is so strong and she is always so happy to see the missionaries. It seems like every reference that she gives us ends up getting baptized. If all recent converts were like unto her...

Jose Albuja: I worked super hard for 3 months to get this character reactive in the church. He now has a calling, helped us baptize his niece, gives us lunch on Sunday, leaves with us to teach lessons, and will be one of my best friends until the end of my life. Its great friends like this that make the mission worth it.

Familia Baqui: This family lives in a cave(ish) place. Super poor. But they do the following: our laundry, feed us (2x every week), give us hot chocolate and bread, help us with lessons EVERY day, make jokes with us, give us references... everything. Without Familia Baqui... the work would cease to exist. No jokes. Only the truth. 

Here in Independencia that is about it. Everyone helps out in their own way... but these people help out more than others.

Always there is a shout out for my converts. All of them here in this sector are absolutely amazing and I am so proud of every single one of them. I can only imagine how pleased the Lord is every time that one of his children accepts His Gospel and is baptized in his name. The chance that a missionary has to work in the Lords work for 2 years is a super sacred responsibility and I dont know why he put it into the hands of 19 year old boys. But I am sure glad he did and called me to work here in Ecuador.

It is nice to take time and realize just where in the world I am. I am always hearing about disasters, wars, and crazy things in all parts of the world. And I think to myself... *Why does that never happen where I am?* Then I think... YOU ARE IN ECAUDOR! Now I am satisfied. But to help myself realize just what Ecuador is... we go to the water a lot to look out over the rainforest and watch the boats go past. As we were waiting for a bus today I noticed that there was a turtle in the middle of the road dead. It was HUGE. It wasnt run over... it was just dead. Things you will only ever see here in Ecuador. 

That sums up my life. Working hard. Fighting off crazy jungle diseases. And missing home. Maybe I will change Sectors in 2 weeks. But you never know anymore.

...I could write my Book of Days.

--
Elder Robinson



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One note more...



Family and Friends,

My sister: Christy, sent me this quote from my Aunt. I love all of my Aunts and Uncles and have often drawn strength from their amazing testimonies.

I usually talk to my companion telling him how amazing my time in Naranjito was. How it was a perfect place for me and the work was absolutely amazing. I often tell him that I want to go back there to work. To return to a "season" in my life that I cant currently enjoy inside of the city of Guayaquil. My sister sent me this:

"Heavenly Father knew what he was doing when he created the world.  Everything has balance.  A tree drops its leaves at the end of a season not because they weren't beautiful or good, but because in the next season, if it tried to hold onto all those things, when storms came, the tree would break.  So it is with life, sometimes we set good things aside for a season so we can do better things, or so we can prepare for another season, or so our lives can have balance.  Some of those same good things can come back during another season in our lives."

Aunt Alice

It is so true. Just thought I would share my Aunts amazing insights with everyone. It is something that I needed to hear.

Best wishes.

Love you all,

--
Elder Robinson