I'm Alive!

Date: June 30, 2015
Week: 53 Otavalo, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Lomeli/Utah!
Colton's Address:
Quito Ecuador North Mission
Francisco Robles E-4 151 Av Amazonas
Edificio Iglesia de Jesucristo
Quito, Ecuador
Email Address: ronald.kimball@myldsmail.net

Me and Susan
Lago Agrio,  Ecuador June 2015

Okay really quick recap of everything that has happened because I don´t have much time. Last Monday we went to the Cascadas of San Rafael and those are like 3 hours out so I had zero time to write and wasn´t going to call and ask President if I could write because well I didn't want to bother him.

Cascadas of San Rafael
Ecuador June 2015

Me eating worms
Ecuador, June 2015

 Imelda Cuenca stopped selling alcohol and got baptized. She got called as Secretary in the Relief Society.

Imelda got baptized!
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

Entering the waters of baptism!
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

 We had changes! Wahoo! I went through two other missions to get to my new sector. I am now in Otavalo. My wards name is Agato and I am with Elder Lomeli. He is from UTAH! WaHoo! He went to Lone Peak High School. I got to Otavalo at around 11ish this morning so I don't have much time here but I am excited to be here! Well not much else has happened. Lomeli seems pretty cool so we should have a good time. Reminds me alot of Cousin Cody. Well, I love you all and wish you a good week.

Lomeli and I
Otavalo, Ecuador June 2015

Happy Birthday Dad!
Elder Kimball

Editors Note:  This came from Colton's grandfather, Ronald Kimball who is currently serving in the Albuquerque New Mexico Mission:
It is exciting to hear that another Elder Kimball is serving in Otavalo, Ecuador.  From 1971-1973 I served as the 1st counselor to Mission President, John Heward and Sister Kimball and I often traveled to Otavalo for District Conferences. We were reminded that Elder Spencer W. Kimball dedicated Otavalo for the preaching of the Gospel, and blessed the special people living there. Also of note is that Elder Colton's father, Trent Kimball also visited Otavalo when he was very young, and Elder Colton Kimball's uncle, Travis was born in Quito!
Way to carry on the tradition! Elder Kimball

Lo Siento (I'm sorry!)

Date: June 29, 2015
Week: 53 Lago Agrio, Ecuador In Transfer to Otavalo
Companion: Elder Lomeli/?
Colton's Address:
Quito Ecuador North Mission
Francisco Robles E-4 151 Av Amazonas
Edificio Iglesia de Jesucristo
Quito, Ecuador
Email Address: ronald.kimball@myldsmail.net

Colton during his last transfer to Lago Agrio.  Now he's on his way to Otavalo
June 2015, Ecuador

Si I don't have much time, but let me explain myself. We went to some cool waterfalls last Monday and I had zero time to write like absolutly nada. So that's why I couldn't write last week. And I will have no time today either because I had transfers. I will be going to Otavalo. So yeah that's it. I'll be boarding a bus in like 10 minutes and travel all day. Should arrive in Quito at 7ish. I might not even make it to Otavalo today, but yeah thats' my life. I'll ask President if I can write a little more tomorrow. My new companions name is Elder Lomeli. He is a gringo. Well I love you guys and will talk to y'all later. Ooo and Imelda finally was baptized like 2 weeks ago! I will have pictures of that in my next post.
Thanks for everything and sorry for worrying you!
Elder Kimball

Colton's new area Otavalo in comparison to where Quito is.  The red dotted line at the top of the map is the Colombian boarder not far from Lago Agrio where Colton had been serving.
June 2015, Ecuador

One year down, One to Go!!

Date: June 15, 2015
Week: 51 Lago Agrio, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Lares/Peru
Colton's Address:
Quito Ecuador North Mission
Francisco Robles E-4 151 Av Amazonas
Edificio Iglesia de Jesucristo
Quito, Ecuador
Email Address: ronald.kimball@myldsmail.net

Blurry but me with Christian and Imelda
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

Well this week I hit a year of being out in the mission. Crazy how fast time flies. I can't believe it! I really can't! I have so many opportunities out here serving the Lord. I started out in Mexico thinking how was I ever going to learn Spanish. I finally got to Ecuador and got sent to the Coast. Starting out there was definitly an experience! Eating rice everyday and having little to no success. It was hard. I then got to go to the city.

 I was then wearing jackets everyday and missed the hot sun. Having companions there who were different. I learned more and more everyday in Quito and was able to learn how to make better connections with the people.

And now I'm here. In the jungles of Ecuador. Baptizing in rivers and eating rice as if I was drinking water. You know when we have trials in our life we often ask for the Lord to remove them from us. To just take it away cause it would be way easier without it in our lives. When we realize the Lord won't take it away we get a litle scared. The Lord then does something intresting in our lives... in that moment. As we know He does not take the burden off our backs, but he makes the burden feel lighter.

Our Lord is not an easy God that will just come sweeping in and take away our own agency by just deciding for us. He knows that we learn more by surpassing our trials, by carrying our burdens. He loves us so much he lets us have experience here on earth that we can take with us after death. That's what I have probably learned the most on my mission. I always wanted the easy way out. You know feed the rice to the cat, or ask president to give me a different companion. I have learned that it doesn't work like that. Thanks to Jesus Christ, we all have the enabling power to overcome our trials and challenges in life.

Elder Lares with Hno. Bruno
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015 

Talent Show in the Church
Lago Agrio Ecuador June 2015

I'm silly
Lago Agrio Ecuador June 2015

Elder Lares and I
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

This week, Imelda is getting baptized. Its final. She officially does not sell any substances that are against the Word of Wisdom. After a whole year  of investigating and missionaries putting many baptismal dates she has finally decided to be baptized. Tily and Jazmin will most likely not be getting baptized this week because they didn't attend church and we still have to teach them quite a few things. Melissa, sister of Isamar, will not be getting baptized this Saturday because she went to Quito and got laser eye surgery. (Assmuming its laser eye surgery because she doesn't use glasses.) She told us that the doctor said she can't submerge in water that is unpurified for at least a month so we have to wait until July 11th. Ismar's dad attended church again which is great! He will definitly be baptized in the near future.

The daughter of Imelda also Melissa with her daughter and her "friend" Fausto.
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

Yo, Richard and Michelle
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

Elder Castillo and I
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

We rescued Pablo Mamallacta this week. He is the older brother of Tily and Jasmin. He lives about 22km from Lago Agrio so its a miracle that we were able to teach him all the lessons and he was able to attend church again. Richard passed the sacrament yesterday. I gave him one of my ties and Elder Lares gave him a white shirt. He is such a goof. He didn't want to do it at first cause he was scared.
For Saturday's baptisms we should have at least 4 which is great! President is really proud of us because when he first got here the Orient always baptized a whole ton with only 4 missionaries here. Then in the second year the baptisms were 1 to none for every month. These past couple months we have been having more and more. I feel like we are reviving the Orient. I am greatful for the success that I have had here but I know that it only comes from God.

Saturday morning, I woke up with a terrible cold. I felt terrible but we went to work. We went to the ward talent show at night and that was fun....Nothing better than loud music being screamed into your ear drums. My head felt like it was in an airplane and my body was running at full speed. I woke up Sunday morning and felt even worse but we went to church and I ran the music and everything. After Branch Council, I asked my companion for a blessing and I felt a little bit better. I really did not want to call the nurse but I think the blessing gave me guidance that the best thing to do would be to call the nurse. She put me on some antibiotics and de congestion pills. And today in the morning I was at about 80% so I am getting better. I don't get sick very often I am just glad its not affecting my stomach!
Lift (Watch this video!)
I really like this video because it explains how service isn't just a one time thing. So many times I have thought since I did one service activity one Saturday, my heart is full of service. Service isn't one church activity or one time you helped an old lady cross the street. It;s much more than that. It's an continous act that must come a part of who we are. I know we can all have a heart full of service and realize we are not only giving service, but receiving blessings also.

Elder Kimball

Oranges...
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

Elder Castillo and I
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

Pablo Mamallacta and I
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

More Oranges....
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

Richard, Elder Rubisch and I
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

Bailey- Have fun on your summer vacation. Don't do nothing stupid.
Clay- Guess you won't get this since you are at Scout Camp. Enjoy your time out there bud. Can't believe its your second time!
Lexi- I got all your letters in my Easter package today. You are pretty cute! Thanks!
Leah- Did you complete with your Lake Powell goals I made? I hope you did. Enjoy your fun summer!
Bella- I got some nice pictures of you giving me a kiss on the cheek. Thanks!
Collins- How was Powell? I think you entered into this family at a great time. Let's hope that we don't spoil you too much.
Mom- Well you're pregnant... anything else going on?
Dad- Keep working hard DAD! I love you! Oh and I guess I love mom too!

Your Son and Brother, Colton

Summertime Happiness

Date: June 8, 2015
Week: 50 Lago Agrio, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Lares/Peru
Colton's Address: Quito Ecuador North Mission
Francisco Robles E-4 151 Av Amazonas
Edificio Iglesia de Jesucristo
Quito, Ecuador
Email Address: ronald.kimball@myldsmail.net

At Imelda's House for her son's birthday
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

Don't hate me...I'm just being silly
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

Hello Everyone!
I´m doing fine out here, just letting everyone know! I guess it's officially summer. For me, it doesn't feel like it...but doesn´t matter, I´m a missionary.

Elder Lares and I had a blast this week. We went to Imeldas house on Monday for a Family Home Evening and it was her son's birthday so we got some cake. As you can tell from the pictures it was pretty fun and I did a little solo of the Happy Birthday song and if only I could show you guys that greatness.

The Zone Leaders went to Quito this week for The Mission Council and for the month of May meetings. We ended with 71 confirmations with over 100 rescues! In my zone we just ended with 2 confirmations and 3 or so rescues, but we should do better this month of June. Elder Lares and I just rescued Micaela and Rebeca Garcia Gordon yesterday so we are pretty stoked for that! We have the plan of ending the month with 4 confirmations and 3 rescues for just our companionship.

"Ecuador Love Life!"
My district Lago Agrio Ecuador, June 2015

They didn't like the BYU poncho:(
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

Me and my bro, Elder Lares
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

People we have planned for Baptism:
Imelda Cuenca- She is doing well. She stopped selling alcohol and cigarrettes!!! After a whole year we will finally be getting this woman to be a member. She practically is a member just that whole time she would sell alcohol so she couldn´t get baptized, but after much prayer and fasting she has dumped the drinks! She will be getting baptized the 20th and there is no doubt about it! I am excited for her! Tomorrow Elder Lares and I have a planned service to go and paint her store to make it more attractive so she can get some more business.

Melissa Pogo- We have Melissa who is Isamar's sister. She is awesome. She has attended the church twice, so she needs one more and she's good to go. When she was little she attended church with her aunt alot. She thought she was a member but we looked for her in the system and she isn't there. Melissa couldn´t come to church yesterday because she went to Quito for a doctors appointment for her daughter. She is excited for her baptism and I think Isamar is happy to have another family member join the church.

Daniel (Tily) and Jasmine- These two kids are awesome. They really are a blessing from God. They both accepted to be baptized from lesson 1 and have been completing with all their commitments. They travel 20 kilometers every Sunday to get to church. Their brother Pablo is preparing himself to be able to baptize them. Tily is ten years old and Jasmine is 16. It's awesome to see the sacrifices people make to be part of the Church.

I am excited for all these people and I´m praying that everything will go swell the 20th of June. Another set of Elders in our district had 15 investigators that attended church! So Elder Lares as district leader was super stoked for them. Last year the numbers for Orient had been dipping but we are starting to get the Orient back as the king of the mission.

Jorge and I
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

These guys love taking selfies
Lago Agrio Ecuador June 2015

They now go out with us everyday cause we cool. Jorge Macias and Pablo Lopez.
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

I had a pretty cool experience this past week when a family here asked me to bless their baby. I met the Familia Maridueña in my first 6 weeks here when I worked in the other sector. I literally only visited their house one time, but I guess I made an impression on them because three or so months later they asked me to give thier baby a blessing. It was neat experience. I was hoping the father could have done it but at this point in his life he couldn't.

As he gave me the baby Sunday, it hit me that I was holding a little baby. Tears started to rush in because it sort of reminded me of my family. All I had really done was a put a smile on my face and let this family know that we care about them and desire their eternal salvation and now they are almost rescued back into the church.

So that experience reminded me of eternal families. How crazy is it that we can live with our families forever? It's impossible that we can even comprehend this concept. The eternities have no end. I know that thanks to temples we can be sealed to our families for forever. It's sad to have left my family for two years and to see that they keep having babies to replace their first one, but I left my eternal family for two years so that others could have theirs for eternity. I am grateful to be here in Ecuador, especially in Lago Agrio. I know that this is the true church of Jesus Christ. We are led by Prophets and Apostles who are inspired by God. We are all children of our Heavenly Father and because of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can return to live with Him and our families again. I love you all and wish you a happy Summer!
Con Amor, Elder Kimball

Looks like the water in Africa that was loaded with crocodiles
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

Selfies for dayz...
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

And more selfies....
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

Yep, saw this snake in a tree on P-day.  Included it just for my Nana.
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

Bailey- I know my email to you was pretty rude but in all reality those are Grade A Colton answers but if you want Elder Kimball answers you'll have to specify. I have a question for you: How does it feel to be heading into your last year of school? P.S Please don't do a Senior Sunday insta post before you even step into school. Oh and thanks for the insta pics...
Clay: Bro whats up man? I miss you dude! You going to be playing football this year? or sticking with golf. This year at Powell I want you to learn how to jump the wake. I never could :(
Lexi- I forgot to tell you how good your comedy routine was. Where did you get those great jokes!? You better win the Lake Powell obstacle course race thingy or at least beat Leah!
Leah- What up Sweetie? How bout letting Lexi win the Lake Powell race this year? Help a sista out! (literally)
Bella- I think you and Collins are going to be the best looking Kimball Kids. You are one cute kid and I miss you alot! I hope you do well in the Lake Powell talent show this year. Your comedy sketch should win!
Collins! Haha The funny thing is that you haven't even hit a year yet and you have already been to Lake Powell twice. You are one blessed kid!. Last year we were talking about having mom helicoptered out if her water broke well looks like we will be saying the same thing since Mom is yet again pregnant. Love you lots!
Mother- Well first off sorry for the pregnant jokes. I really don't know any of your guys summer plans so you should tell what the deal is. Hope you enjoy Lake Powell! It sound likes it'll be a blast!
Queen Amy-I expect the teenage boat to meet expectations. And if you want to play a little "Sexy and I know it" in memory of me I wouldn't mind.
Dalton- Not sure if you are at Lake Powell but I'm assuming you are, and if you're not well now I know it won't be as cool. I have been through quite a few Lake Powell's without The Dalton and they aren't as fun. Keep it sexy, Bro!
Rollin- Well as you know that letter you promised my sister after 6 months of mission has not come so you were wrong. I have yet to cry myself to sleep due to all the teasing and pain I caused my siblings. None. Zero. Zip. Haha... no but I guess I do miss´em like you said I would. And I think the only persons advice I have actually used out here in the mission is yours. Maybe you were trying to get me to apply it with my siblings, but don't worry I have applied it with my companions!
Dad- Once again you are proving to me what a great dad you really are. Taking the kids to Lake Powell sounds like a blast. I love you dad and miss you (and as you know) the most. Keep it fresh out there!
Love you all, Elder Kimball

Editors Note:  Sorry for the late post of last weeks email.  We were obviously at Lake Powell and without any interest coverage!

Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas,

Date: June 1, 2015
Week: 49 Lago Agrio, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Lares/Peru
Colton's Address: Quito Ecuador North Mission
Francisco Robles E-4 151 Av Amazonas
Edificio Iglesia de Jesucristo
Quito, Ecuador
Email Address: ronald.kimball@myldsmail.net

The river that runs through the middle of the city.
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

Queridos Hermanos y Hermanas,
What a blessing it is to be able to write this letter to you all today. My week went well. Imelda was not able to be baptized because she was still selling tea and alcohol and she can't be baptized if she's doing that. We changed her date of baptism to the 20th of June. I know its seems a little far away but as a district we all have a bunch investigators set for that date.

Elder Rubisch and Elder Castillo
They have Katy and Ricardo who have been investigating for a while. They got married so that they could be baptized. They also have some kids that have not been baptized yet.

Elder Lares with napkins that say Dolly. Dolly is a term in the mission that means girls who like missionaries.
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

Us being obedient missionaries and eating outside if there is not a man in the house of our mamita.
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

Elder Ramirez and Elder Aliaga
They have Elizabeth who only speaks a language called Pinecoca but the daugher of Elizabeth translates the lessons so she can understand. They are planning to have some others to baptize as well.
Elder Lares and I
We have Imelda who should be completely ready by then and we also have the sister of Isamar, Melissa. Melissa wasn't able to come to church because she had to take a test in school. She is studying to become a lawyer. Isamar gave a sacrament talk this Sunday and it was really good. Her Dad even showed up for the talk which is a great sign. He may not get baptized while I am still here but I am planting seeds and I know God has a plan for him.

                                                Elder Aliago y Elder Lares and out district where we serve.
                                             Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

Who would have thought I'd be hanging out with three Peruvians?
Lago Agrio, Ecudor June 2015

We also had a gift from God this week. We found Pablo Mamallacta. He is a less active but he decided to come to church. His younger sister, Jasmine, and younger brother, Tily, are not members and accepted to be baptized June 20th. We are trying to prepare Pablo so that he can baptize his family. Pablo just recieved the Aaronic Priesthood yesterday!

In other news
Richard also recieved the Priesthood yesterday! So that was neat. We are calling the June 20th baptism a Tarde Blanca. We are planning to go to a cool river that has waterfalls. We are only allowed to baptize over there if we get enough people that will be baptized. I am excited to be able to be there for that.

The district is doing well! I am well. None of the Latin missionaries made any progress in English this week which is sad, but they are all a bunch of missionaries leaving soon... Hard to get them at least to do the work of the Lord, let alone study English.

Can't ground me from Chocolate milk now...
Editors Note: Yes I grounded Colton from chocolate milk once after taking his phone and car away didn't seem to make any difference.
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

My outfit today I've got BYU fever.....
Lago Agrio, Ecuador June 2015

We had interviews with President Richardson on Saturday. We had to go in a suit so we traveled two hours to Coca in suits so it was hot. My suit had some fungus on it but I just brushed it off. It was cool to see President again. He asked me if this was my favorite sector and I said of course! President trained us three months worth of training that we had missed because we are so far out here.   It was fast like 5 hours or so and he started on the interviews. I was happy to be able to talk to my mission president. It was a reassuring feeling that we are guided by leaders under the Lord's direction.

President shared some cool statistics with us which I find intresting to share since today marks my first day on my second year in the mission:
" The mission is two years long. Thats 17,520 hours. You have 5,840 hours to sleep. you have 2,190 hours to study. You have 2,190 hours to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. You have 1,303 hours to plan. You have 864 hours in the MTC. You have 520 hours of P-Day. 416 hours of church. That adds to 13,323 hours of your own perosnal use. That means you have 4,197 hours of preaching the gospel.

We know from Doctrine and Covenants that 1000 years is 1 day for God. So 175 days of preaching is 0.0005 days for God. Which would mean for God we only for 41 seconds. How extremly short is your mission?!"

I am pround to be a misisonary and I am excited for this next year year and for what God has in store. I wish you all a great summer and until next time,
Elder Kimball

Bailey- Stop being a brat and enjoy Powell
Clay- Be good at scout camp.
Lexi- Hope all is well for you and Congrats on finishing school.
Leah- The same goes for you
Bella- The same for you too.
Collins- I love you!
Mother- I love you and sorry for spending so much money.
Dad- Love you too and it was great talking to you!
Colton