¡Feliz Navidad!

Date: December 24, 2014
Week: 26 Ofelia, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Macalopu aka Elder Pena

Feliz Navidad!
Ofelia, Ecuador December 2014

Well Feliz Navidad everyone!

Since our p-day was postponed until today its been a very long week!

Tuesday: This day we went over to a member's house to help him move some furniture. His rickity staircase and thousand pound furniture were not made a match in heaven. But he was pretty cool because he gave us knives as christmas gifts....what a nice guy (sarcasm)

Wednesday: We had a new Mamita this day and she gave tons of rice which was fun...(sarcasm)

Thursday: We meet with Familia Mediavilla everyday which is awesome! Great to be teaching a family.

Our Ecuadorian Santa and me
Ofelia, Ecuador December 2014

Me and Familia Morales
Ofelia, Ecuador December 2014

Friday: This day we had a ward activity and a Christmas dinner. It was just rice again..... Literally a little change up would be nice. I had divisions this day also with Elder Marshall. At the ward actividad we did another talent show. I am running out of cool ideas that are mission appropriate.

Saturday: We got a reference for a lady named Rosario. We went to her house and she was really nice, and her daughter lived in San Antonio for like 3 months, and worked at Schlitterbahn! It was sweet to talk about my hometown and the gospel. She speaks English as well, but it was easier just to speak in Spanish.

Sunday: We had baptismal interviews for Anghy and Luciana. They both passed and both asked me to baptize them which is really awesome. We are still unsure about Anghy though because she's not quite ready.

Monday: This day was supposed to be P-Day but president enlarged our week so we worked normally this day. Elder Peña and I made Christmas cards for some members in the ward and passed them out this day. The cards look pretty neat.

Tuesday: We met with Familia Mediavilla and they are all set for their baptism this Saturday. It should be great with all the primary children there.

My district here in Ofelia
Ecuador, December 2014

Well this Christmas week has been awesome. With the baptisms coming up and getting to call my fam. Should be great! I appreciate all the emails and letters y'all have sent! Really it has made this Christmas awesome! Today, the 24th, we have to be in our houses at 6pm and can't leave for any reason. President said it was chill if a member brought some Christmas dinner by to eat but they can't enter the house. Stalin is going to bring Cordon Bleu by, which I am extremely excited for.

Tomorrow we will have our district and zone meetings till 2ish and then I will got to Stalins, eat lunch, and then call my fam. Then we have to be in the house at 5. The rules sound strict but the people here are crazy. Nothing like celebrating the birth of Christ with alcohol. It's sad but that's why I'm here to teach these people.

Well I don't want to take much time of y'alls Christmas so here is a little spiritual message. Christmas in the perspective of children.

Okay, for the record those kids probably understand Christmas more than I do. Really the best Christmas I ever had will probably be this one. Even though I am far from my family, and I won't be eating a huge turkey, and recieving my new IPhone 6, I really am doing the best thing ever! I am teaching about Jesus Christ to people who either know little about Him or nothing at all. Really I couldn't ask for a greater gift. Spreading the Christmas Spirit is amazing. The tears that have been shed over the birth and death of my Savior are probably my most cherished Christmas moments. I hope every single one of you has a very Merry Chritmas and remember to give more than you get.

Bailey, TTYL

Clay, Enjoy every present you get tomorrow and don't forget to read Luke 2 with the fam.

Lexi! Love you sis! I'll talk to you tomorrow! Try not to cry!

Leah!  Thanks for talking to me! I'll talk to you more tomorrow!

Bella! Be good!

Collins! Your first Christmas in the world and mine on my mish. Only one more to go!

Mom! Thanks for all the love you send to me in your packages! I'll talk to you tomorrow!

Dad! Love you dad and can't wait to talk to you tomorrow in Spanish!

Ciao y Feliz Navidad! Elder Kimball

The Race for Seis (six months!)

December 15, 2004
Week: 25, Ofelia Ecuador
Companion: Elder Macalopu aka Elder Pena

Elder Macalopu and I at the Mission Home.
Quito Ecuador

Hello Everyone!
A ton happened this past week so here's another inside look at the life of Elder Kimball:

Tuesday: On this day I was studying when Elder Macalopu (changed his name to Elder Peña because its hard to say the other one and its the lastname of his mother) came up stairs and asked me to tie his tie. The guy has 21 months and he can't tie a tie. Thats all I'll say...

Wednesday: This day we had a practice to prepare something for a little devotional with President on Friday. These people don't have any imaginations. I prepared the whole thing and I wish I was overexaggerating.

Packages are finally rolling in!
Ofelia, Ecuador

Me in the Mission Home
Quito Ecuador

Thursday: We had another practice and we got to teach a lot of investigators this day.

Friday: We were with President in the Mission Home all day to celebrate Christmas. We got to eat Turkey and do white elephant. It was alot of fun. The food gave me bicicleta but it was still pretty good.

Me and Elder Quintana
Ofelia, Ecuador

The Main course
Quito, Ecuador

Dessert!
Quito Ecuador

My salad
Quito, Ecuador

Saturday: This day we found another investigator!!! She's 9, but she counts as an investigator. Her family is less active so we are going to reactivate them and baptize her and her sister(8) the 27th. We also have a girl who is part of a family of recent converts who we will baptize the 27th also. So we are planning a Noche Blanco this day for a bunch of the primary kids to come and see the baptism. It should be really sweet.

Sunday: The usual with church and everything. One of the members asked us to talk a little about baptism to the kids and this is probably the most embarassing moment of my mission. I felt like I asked for a circumcised loaf. I was talking about my baptism to the kiddos when I said " Yo estuve vestiendo mi vestido blanco". Which basically means I was wearing my white dress. When then one of the primary kids is like Vesitdo??? I turned to Elder Peña and was like "What does vestido mean?" He told me I told them I was wearing a white dress, like for girls. The whole primary burst out laughing. I thought it was pretty funny too but pretty embarassing also.

My ornament on the Mission President's tree
Quito, Ecuador

I saw this at the Mission Presidents's house
Quito, Ecuador

My Christmas tree at the apartment
Ofelia, Ecuador

The past week was great. I was having fun! Angie is on date for the 27th but she is still unsure. She attends church every Sunday which is good so she just needs more time. We have been finding alot more to teach her which is great.

Lucy is on date for the 27th also. She is the girl of the less active family. Its cool to be teaching a family and I teach great with little kids cause I keep it simple. Its alot of fun to teach Familia Mediavilla. I think it will be neat to reunite a family.

Honestly, I am having a blast! I really have just put everything in the hands of the Lord. It truly has been the most amazing experience of my entire life. I represent the Lord daily and I live in mircales. Representing the Lord really has helped me realize the importance of sharing this message. I was thinking the other day of how much I have given for this gospel. Family, friends, years...  Then I thought of what He has given for me. Really without His sacrifice I wouldn't be here. I would be nothing honestly. I know that Jesus Christ has sacrificed so much more for me and I am less than the dust of the earth. With Him I can do so much more. I love representing Him here in Ecuador. And I am eternally grateful to Him. This Christmas season has been the prefect time to really come to know Jesus Christ. In representing Him, I have been trying to study and do what he has done. To truly be like Him and I can't think of a better way to truly celebrate this Christmas. As you watch this next video, think of all the things He has done for you, and then go and read Mosiah 2:20- 25. There is no better way to celebrate Christmas than to represent Christ himself. His Hands

Just letting everyone know I love them! Keep on keeping on!
Bailey- Love ya sis! Work hard in all that ya do
Clay! I havn't heard from ya in a little while! Hope all is well!
Lexi! Hows it going? What did you ask for for Christmas?
Leah- Thats awesome that you and Lexi are going to do Club soccer! Remember to put the ball in the net!
Bella! Hows the haircut sweetie?
Collins! Keep up the videos! You keep getting bigger and bigger.

Ma, Honestly I can{t remember which packages are which. I ll start keeping track now!
Dad! That stinks with the Cougs and everything. My next P-Day will be the 24th of December. Thats a Wednesday. We have a bunch of rules for this Navidad with being in the house at a certain time do I will tell you what time I will call on that P-Day- Let me repeat that I till be calling you the 25th probably from between the hours of  2pm - 5pm Ecuador Standard Time. I will be more sure as to what time I will call next wednesday. I will be calling on thursday the 25th of December. Love ya pa! I still have one more pday before the llamada so we can play the 24th of December!

Ciao Folks!
-Elder Kimball

Dear People In The World But Not Of It

Date: December 8, 2014
Week: 24 Ofelia, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Macalopu, Peru

Mas Bolos!
Ofelia, Ecuador December 2014

Dear People in the world but not of it,

I hope all is well this Christmas season. The lights are definitly up here in Ofelia and the loving time of the year is definitly here or is it?........

Tuesday: Like I said we got two new hermanas in our district last week and they basically know nothing about their sector so we had to show them around. Being companion to the DL makes you go on a lot of errands.

Wednesday: Our goals for this month are to have 4 rescued and 2 baptisms. It is doable especially since we found out the baptism of Angies dad might have to be redone. We met with 2 less active families this day. Familia Ñacato Salazar and Familia Ñacato Guerro. They are planned to be reactivated this month and I hope for the best.

P-day fun
Ofelia, Ecuador December 2014

My shoes... Have no fear guy a in my ward is a cobbler
Ofelia, Ecuador December 2014

Letty made us breakfast this morning
Ofelia Ecuador December 2014

Thursday: Well ol' Monty (my first companion), officially went home this day. He has served his time and I got to say goodbye to him. I hope for the best for the ol' chap and I guess I'll see him later in life.

Friday: We had a Missionary Work sponsered Talent Show for the ward. It was well put together. This week was fiestas of Quito so there were tons of Friday night parties. I got a great night sleep! For my talent I did how fast I can eat a bowl of rice. The whole ward laughed cause everyone knows what a picky eater I am. Some have asked to speak with my mother and father so that they can talk to them about my eating disabilities. Sorry Ma and Pa if you guys get calls this next week from angry mamitas.

Feliz Navidad!  Voy a comprar un arbol!
Ofelia, Ecuador December 2014

My apartment with the banner ya'll made me
Ofelia Ecuador December 2014

Finally found a hotel for Mom to stay in when ya'll come down to get me in 2016.  Nothing better than the J-Dub!
Ofelia, Ecuador December 2014

Saturday: Funny thing happened this day. A few weeks ago E'Macalopu and I were unlocking the church building when some crazy lady just started yelling at us. I didn't understand what she said because she was using words I have never used before but E' Macky said not to worry about it. Well I was walking on the street this day and I wasn't looking up but this crazy lady straight punches me in the arm. It was good sized Lexi type swing so it didn't hurt but it had some power. Immediately I thought it was some member of the ward like Stalin or Letty but I looked back at who hit me and its this crazy lady. You should have seen the fear in her eyes when my long giraffe neck lifted my oversized noggin. I just smiled and said Gracias. I am sure that ticked her off. E' Macalopu was laughing the whole way home. That will definitely be something I won't forget.

Sunday: So the usual routine. Do nothing all day but church. After church we went over to a members house. Diego Robayo. He was a feeling a tad bit disanimated about his calling, Leader of the JAS. I think its young single adults in English. Anyways we shared a few scriptures with him to animate him and then we went to the Christmas Devotional! Great week!!!!!!!!

Me not thinking about home...
Ofelia Ecuador December 2014

Update on Angie:

She has been sick this whole past week so basically we haven't been able to teach her. We moved her date to the 20th so that we could have more time to fit in all the lessons. She is definitly Pilas so I am hoping for the best.

Update on Teresa: 

She really is what you would call a "Golden Investigator" but maybe just gold plated. She works 24/7 so its really a pass by and see type situation. If she is not busy we can teach her. We really just need to get her to understand the Plan of Salvation because I think that will be the make it or break it. I will definitly be praying and fasting for her.

What I love most about my mission is the realtionship I now have with my Savior. Really it is something I an not put into words but I know God gave His Son for us. Really we all go through rough patches some more difficult than others but I know with my whole heart that we all have the same Savior and his name is Jesus Christ. He is the Gift. WATCH

Bailey, Do what you got to do!

Clay, Hows Bball man? Try and give something for Christmas this year. And remember even if your new car comes in black don't cry for the blue one or Santa will just take the whole car away.

Lexi! How are ya Sweetie? Hows school? Thank you for all your wonderful Christmas letters. Your handwriting is alot like Bailey's.

Leah! What up Sis? Your growing up so fast! Keep working hard!

Bella! Its weird to see you with two front teeth! I don't remember them being so big! Keep being cute!

Collins, Heard the sick kids tried to kiss you this past week! You must be super cute!

Mom, Thanks for all the packages. With all the packages I have been getting I can't believe not one of them has my ATM card. I love you so much!

Dad, How are ya? I miss you and can't wait to speak to you in a different language. My biggest fear is that my Spanish will stink. I love you and thanks for writing.

Aunt Kym, Thanks for the package, for once you might have given me presents earlier than the desired date. Really though I appreciate it! I won't open it till christmas!

Nana, thanks for the package, if you want you can do food packages sometimes and then other stuff other times. and No customs did not steal anything!

Love everyone! Have the Spirit of Christmas this time of year!

Elder Kimball

From ABC's to XYZ's

Date: December 1, 2014
Week: 23 Ofelia Ecuador
Companion: Elder Macalopu

Me and my district.  The ultimate reunion
Ofelia, Ecuador November 2014

Dear Friends and Family,

Transfer Update:
I am staying in Ponceano 2, in Ofelia, along with Elder Macalopu. I am happy that he and I are still together. I learn a ton from him so its beneficial.  Elder Marshall and Elder Perry are together again also. Its good that Elder Perry will only have one dad (trainer). That's what I had, and look how I turned out and plus we all know it ain't right to have two dad's.  Hermana Irepan and Hermana Hancey left. This is kind of rare but both missionaries left from the same sector. We recieved two new hermanas (Dunne and Nethercott) and they will be opening a sector.

If you counted correctly, you are correct, there are 5 gringos in one district and of course our fearless leader Elder Macalopu. I think that it is safe to say Elder Macalopu ain't so happy about being with 5 gringos but I take it as a sign from the Lord that someone needs to start studying English.

Tuesday: I went on divisions with my Zone Leader Elder Urquieta. It was a great day because we found Hermana Teresa. She moved into my sector casi 15 dias arras (15 days ago) and she is awesome. My first visit with her was this day and we helped her hang up a curtain in her haircut shop. I can definitly tell she has been prepared by the Lord. She takes the lessons so well and she is asking all the right questions.

Me again
Ofelia Ecuador, November 2014

My district
Ofelia, Ecuador November 2014

Wednesday: I had interviews with President. Most missionaries go into their interview asking things of President but honestly I had nothing to ask. I had planned on asking for a new companion but I really prayed about it and felt like ole Macalopu needed me. I recieved my certificate for reading the Book of Mormon in 90 days. That was cool.  He handed out another challenge. I have to read Preach My Gospel before March 1st. I started reading the Book of Mormon in Spanish this past week and I can definitly see that helping my Spanish.

Elder Perry and I
Ofelia, Ecuador November 2014

More shots of our district
Ofelia, Ecuador November 2014

Just goofing around
Ofelia, Ecuador November 2014

Thursday: We had a last district meeting. Elder Macalopu challenged everyone to come with a talent. He trained us about being a good companion and then compared the talents we had to working together with our companions. Elder Macalopu always sings this one song from his country (Peru) called "Cholito". It's actually a pretty catchy song so we decided to dance to it and I dressed up and it was funny.

Dressing like an Ecuadorian
Ofelia, Ecuador November 2014

Our talent
Ofelia, Ecuador November 2014

Elder Macalopu's hat is my favorite
Ofelia, Ecuador November 2014

At night we had Thanksgiving dinner with Hermana Letty. The turkey was a little too expensive and we didn't buy it in time, so she made pasta which was actually really good. It didn't have rice so that was a benefit. She also made a chocolate cake which was really good.

Friday: We talked with Angie (Investigator with date for the 13th) and she is doing well. Its hard to teach because her Dad is never home so we can't go into the house, but she is still progressing. We just got to get in alot of lessons before her interview for baptism this Saturday.

Saturday: We walked alot this day. Like no one would recieve us so we had to walk from one end of the sector to the other.

Sunday: Had church and ward council and the chabang and by the time 5 o' clock rolled around we were back on the streets. We headed over to Stalin's later and talked with him and he drove us home and that's when we recieved the changes.

Unlike my last companion, Elder Macalopu actually smiles
Ofelia Ecuador, November 2014

Me
Ofelia, Ecuador November 2014

I think Elder Macalopu  and I are going to be great this next change. As I said I think we are past the ABCs and onto the XYZs. We are definitly going to have some success this change especially with Navidad on the way. People are going to be alot more open.

Well I guess all I can say to you folks this week is stay on your toes and I love ya!
Bailey! Keep writing me sister!
Clay! Play hard in bball, I haven't heard much about it his week.
Lexi! I love you and work hard in school!
Leah! Have you been studying Spanish? If so, I need you to teach me.
Bella! Sorry you were sick during your vacation! That stinks! Hope you didn't throw up turkey!
Collins! How ya doing? Love ya!
Mom! Got another package this week! Gracias. Keep'em coming. President told me of what a loving mother I had! You might be number 1 in the whole mission!
Dad! Love you and your emails have been really slacking! Can't wait for you to critique my Spanish!

Ciao,
Elder Kimball