Special Guests

Date: August 31, 2015
Week: 62 Otavalo, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Blas/ Lima, 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

Bus Waiting. Bunch of Selfies this week...
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

This week went well. Elder Blas and I are sort of finding ourselves trapped in a corner here in Agato. Everyone knows who we are and no one is interested, but I feel like we have both come to the conclusion of trusting in Lord and all will be well (if we do our part).

Elder Ulisses Soares came to vist with Elder Uceda (South America Northwest Area President). The whole Mission except Esmeraldas and the Orient got to come and see them speak. The Quito Mission came too and I ran into some kid from Grandma and Grandpa's ward (Elder Rodgers). The best part was before the meeting I told my District Leader that the chances of me knowing at least one person from the Quito mission are super high and of course I run into someone I sort of know. I also got to see alot of my missionary friends (Lares, Bustillo, Valentine) there so that was awesome.

¡Taco Bello! Nothing better then some Mexican food. I miss San Antonio....
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

Elder Soares gave us greetings from Elder Bednar who is currently in Lima, Peru so that was neat. Elder Soares shook each of our hands and yeah that was eat. Then the 3 hour bus ride back to Otavalo.

We worked alot with Jose Ajala this week. The only investigator we have at this point. He didn't come to church again which was sad but after church we had a cool experience. We were walking to Waiki's house because the lazy bum didn't come to church either. We were feeling down after not a very good week and that's when I see in the distance a little waiki (Any Otavalan is considered a waiki especially if they are rocking the pony tail and poncho.) I finally see that its Jose Ajala! I see that he had just gotten off the bus and they had thrown his sack of potatoes in the middle of the road. I went into Superman mode and sprinted to go help. At first he refused my help but I pretended like I didn't understand and grabbed his super heavy sack of potatoes and started off to his house. His angry frown quickly turned into a smile. First off the sack of potatoes weighed like 50 or 60 or maybe even a 100 pounds so I was just like how is this 85 year old man going to get this sack of potatoes to his house. HOW!? As we dropped Mr. Ajala off at his house with his potatoes he gave us a little old man blessing. Telling us to go with strength and that God will uphold us and stuff like that. I'm sure he will progress after that little oportune service we did.

Soup and Choclo....I don't know what choclo is so don't ask.
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

We just set our goals for the month of September and Elder Blas and I decided that we are going to stick with 3 converts and 2 rescues. I was telling Elder Blas that if we are on game like 100%, we will finish the month with 3 or 2 converts and 2 rescues. If we go like 75% we will have 1 convert and 2 rescues. If we are at 25%, we will have 2 rescues. If we are just absolute complete losers, we will still have 1 rescue. Then again that is my way of thinking and we must remember the Lord works in totally different ways, so who knows.

Elder Blas and I are doing well. He is getting a little homesick since he goes home in December but he still is working hard. The guy teaches really good so its great to be learning a lot from him. At first he was set on finishing his mission here in Agato but after a couple weeks now he thinks he should finish in Quito. Hahaha. He can only take the pain for so long!

Waiki cooking up some Encebollado. I swear Dad will love this
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

As for me, I feel fine. My feet smell but that's about it. I have been eating my egg sandwhiches like always and I am really surprised that I am not sick of them by now. The members were telling me how the dusty season is here and they are not joking. I have been seeing these little tornados that couldn't be taller than me, but then I saw one take form to a literal tornado. Had to be at least 50 feet tall, it was crazy.

I can't think of much else to write that has happened. So I should probably share something spiritual. Building Families
This video was actually pretty funny and not because we saw a grown man sitting criss-cross apple sauce on the ground. Every moment in life is a moment of learning and teaching and we should never forget that.

I love you all and wish you a happy football season!
Elder Kimball

Bailey- Should have gone to the charla fogonera...look what you did you little jerk. ;)
Clay- Bro you can't quit on day one....
Lexi- Just keep your eye on the ball. Be strong and protect your goal!
Leah- Play your game and I'm sure you will be the best on the field!
Bella- I'm sure you were the master mind behind the movie the Monster.
Collins-You make a pretty good monster now let's see if you make a good older sister.
Capri- Mom and Dad are babying you but I guess that's what you have to do with a baby.
Mom- Good luck during football season. I'm sure you will see your husband in February.
I hope that you enjoy every minute of being a mother because one day we won't all live with you... well besides me;)
Dad- I hope you get to cheer for a winning BYU football team! I love ya dad!
With Love, Elder Kimball

Planting and Harvesting

Date: August 24, 2015
Week: 61 Otavalo, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Blas/ Lima, 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

My back to school photo in my new sweater.  I paid $15 for it because I'm terrible at haggling .
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

Dear All,
This week went well. We were able to have two baptisms! As I said last week... Miracles!
So Elder Godoy ended up not coming this past week, but Elder Ulisses Soares of the Presidency of the Seventy did, so that's pretty cool. President told us that we all had to cut our hair and shave everyday. If there is one rule that I ain't the best at following it would be the whole shaving everyday thing. I usually shave twice every six weeks. I know sad.

So we had our reunion with President which was awesome. He has challenged us to read the Book of Mormon in 90 days so that's cool. I just finished it in Spanish, so it'll be fun to see the difference in English, if there are any. We also talked about how we will never find our spouse on the mission so there goes that idea.....(just kidding:)

A cute little girl & I
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

So packed I had to sit out on the refreshment table
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

Elder Blas and I were running around all week this week. We were trying to find new people to teach but it didn't quite work out as we planned. The day of the baptism we passed by Jorge Mafla house just to invite he and his wife, and he graciously accepted as he always does. He came to the baptism with his wife so that was neat. The baptism was at 5 and we show up to at 4 to see if the first counselor had filled up the font. Of course he hadn't so I began running in sink filled buckets into the font. By 5:30 everything was set and a full house showed up. Standing room only. It was crazy how many people came but I guess that is what happens when you baptize in an area that hasn't filled a font since 2014.

Elder Blas complained that he had to baptize in freezing cold water. The water was pretty cold. The baptism was a great memory for all and we are hoping to see more in the future.

The day of our baptism in Agate
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

With our convert Fernando, Elder Blas and I
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

Fernando step daughter, Mishel, Elder Blas and I
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

Our invesitgator of 85 years, José didn't show up to church so I was sad about that. We will just have to put a new baptismal date and see what's going on. I'm sure there was an emergency. So we will end the month of August with 2 converts and 3 rescues.

Elder Blas is a good companion. We work hard and we both know the sector is difficult so we keep eachother on track and focused. We had a pretty cool experience when we passed this one lady who was at least over 80 carrying this heavy bag that weighed about 70 lbs. We asked her if she needed us to help and she gave us her bag and pointed to where she needed to go because she obviously didn't speak Spanish.

Well I took her bag and it weighed a ton I could hardly carry it. I was so surprised at this little ladies strength. Made me think of Nana carrying a huge bag up and down the Ecuadorian mountain side. We do a lot of little service type stuff like that on the spot just trying to contact people without using words. Honestly our actions speak so much louder than our words. I can officially say that I have knocked on every door twice here in Agato but just letting people see you help out in the community it really makes them think a little. That is what this sector has taught me. Every good deed I do or bad deed is like a seed and we are just planting. The fruit could be bad or good but they both yield fruit.

At the baptism
Otavlo, Ecuador August 2015

Another photo of the baptism
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

To sort of update on the whole Jorge situation, I was really excited when he and his wife came to the baptism and to church. I honestly couldn't believe it. Well things were looking great but then a member said something to him he said he felt to much pressure to be baptized, so he left during the third hour. It was weird but we have planned to let him go for a while so that he can figure out his priorities. The bishop will continue passing by to see what's up.

My main goal at this point is to keep myself humble and to find new people. I trust that the Lord will provide as long as I am doing my part. Just got to trust in Him, and all will come out smoothly.
I love you all and wish ya a happy school year.....
Elder Kimball

I had my mom send me a pic of all of us in a back to school collage
August 2015

Bailey- Once a Rattler, Always a Rattler
Clay- Football? Scouts? Girls?
Lexi- 5th grade! That's crazy!
Leah- "Theres no crying in baseball" Martin Frye
Bella- I feel like you are my new favorite sibling. You sound cool. We will see if the rumors are true when I get back.
Collins- Gheuhwbndjferfenr right back at ya
Capri- That Kangaroo care is something I was always trying to do with dad but it seems like he was more willing to do it with you:(
Mom- I hope for the next 18 years I am always in your Back to school photos
Dad- Keep being awesome and trust in the Lord and everything will work out!
Love ya family,
Elder Kimball

Rainbows After Rain

Date: August 17, 2015
Week: 60 Otavalo, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Blas/ Lima, 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

Me in a suit & tie
Agato, Ecuador August 2015

Dear Fam and Friends,
      This week was exciting. It's always fun adjusting to living with someone for 24 hours and 7 days a week. Elder Blas is pretty cool. He goes home in December. He is the only member in his family. He is the oldest of two. He likes to dance and he is learning to play the piano. He got to Agato at a high point. I ain't going to lie. Agato is known to be a hard sector. If you are trying to imagine how it is, I'll give you a little picture. Imagine a mountain. Now put the Shire near the top of the mountain and near the bottom I want you to put the village of Pocahontas. That's it.

     So I have been serving here for twoish or so months and I have been close to having success (converts) here. (Real Success: When the missionary feels the Spirit testifying through them). As y'all know we have Mishel Castañeda with a baptismal goal for the 22nd. She had her interview and everything went well. Her "step-dad" moved back from Brazil. His name is Fernando Santillan. He has been investigating the church for two years in Brazil.

     Well Fernando attended church last Sunday and I was a little reluctant to talk to him because I wasn't quite sure what the reasons were for why he came to church. I talked to him and he told me how he was living with hermana Luz (mom of mishel) there in Brazil for two years and they had a child together(Dylan). He told me how they were going to get married, and he was going to be baptized, but hermana Luz didn't have her papers in Brazil, so they couldnt get married. So they came here so that they could get married and be baptized. Soooo to make a long story short, we taught him all the lessons in a week and told President the situation. We were then given permission to baptize him with Mishel. Talk about Rainbows after Rain!!

     Mishel and Fernando both passed their interviews and will be baptized this Saturday (knock on wood). A member we work with named Darío Males will baptize Mishel, and Elder Blas will baptize Fernando. The ward can't believe that we are actually going to baptize here in Agato. Meanwhile I just sitback and smile because I know that God works in mysterious ways.

We have soup everyday
#orangetongue

      To just put the cherry on top, our 85 year old investigator who doesn't speak a lick of Spanish came to church all by himself and is preparing for his interview this Saturday and his baptism the next.

     At the beginning of every month, each companionship makes goals of how many converts you will have and how many rescues you have. Well this month we have rescued Fernando Maldonado, Luz Cabascango, and Sebastian Castañeda (Mishels brother). We put the goals of 3 converts and 2 rescues so I sort of miscouted on the number of rescues because we now have 3! We will have 2 baptism this Saturday, and 1 the next, which will give us exactly what we put as a goal. The goals were put with much prayer and thought. It just testifies to me how much God is in control.

     This week Elder Carlos A. Godoy, of the First Quorum of the Seventy, and Second Counselor of the South America Northwest Area Presidency came to visit. This will be my first General Authority to visit the mission. We had to take a questionario online to prepare for the visit. Waiki has made a ton of ties to prepare to sell to the missionaries for when he comes.

     To sort of bring myself back down to earth, it was so much fun to visit Otavalo today (sarcasm). Otavalo probably has the most gringo tourists I have seen, and not all are friendly. Today I was walking with Elder Blas, and Elder Goff, and his companion, and there was this one gringo that says "Go back to Utah! The Ecuadorians don't want you Mormons here." I tried to bite my tongue but I said "God Bless Texas!". I think that he now knows that we ain't all from Utah.

    Well, as I am sure you can see I am now feeling a 100%, but I am remaining humble. "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever."(Alma 26:12) This scripture has never applied more accurately to my situation. It's all thanks to Him and I will glory His name forever!

     Miracles still exist and I can't end with a stronger testimony than this:"And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles." (Mormon 9:19).

Elder Kimball

For my sis!
Agato, Ecuador August 2015

Bailey- Happy Birthday! I hope you like my little sign. Don't go singing Strawberry Wine too much.
Clay- The Bro. What up man? You never answer my questions. Boy Scouts? Football? Middle School? I'm in the dark Bro.
Lexi- You don't look like the same little Lexi from when I left. I remember when you wrote me last year saying that when I get back you will be 11. I can't believe that pretty soon you will be!
Leah- How's soccer been? Remember that if you score 3 goals in one match its called a hat trick. I know that only you can do it!
Bella- Mom and Dad haven't told much about what's going on your life. I heard that you are actually becoming quite a goof. Just remember that the Class Clown awards don't have as much value as the straight A's do.
Collins- How is sweet little Collins? Just wait till little Capri comes home and your wonderful world will be turned upside down!
Capri- I am sure hospital life wasn't exactly the greeting you wanted to have when you came here. Just never forget Texas Forever!
Mother- Well I hope you are feeling better. As I have said a million times before, there in no reason to fear when God is in control. Just learn to love the ride.
Dad- Looked like a boys weekend I would have loved. Funny how you would play basketball at the stake center with them but not me! BYU Football looks good. I hope you are planning to go to some games with Clay. Remember when I told you to go to the Texas game and rememeber what happened! I love you Dad and can't wait to visit all these cool places in Ecuador with ya!
Elder Kimball

Love of the Lord

Date: August 10, 2015
Week: 59 Otavalo, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Blas/ Lima, 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

La Zona Otavalo Norte
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

     Well what an eventful this week! Lots of craziness but hey that's life right?! As most probably know I was able to find out that yet again I have a new sister while out here in the mission. Hermana Richardson (my president's wife) called me Thursday morning was able to give me the wonderful news of having a new baby sister! Mother sent me pictures and she looks beautiful. Just reminds me of the love that the Lord has for all of us. I am blessed to be able to come home to two new beautiful sisters.

     The week was hard with the news of baby Quinn but it really reminded me of my purpose as a missionary. I said to myself if my famly has to go through this with the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation, I can only imagine others most go through these trials without that knowledge. I know my baby sister was just way too special for this life but even more importantly she is sharing this message in the next life to those who need it. The work of the Lord needs missionaries in all aspects whether that be in this life or in the next. I know that I will see her again because families are eternal.

My zone again
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

We get a little goofy
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

     As for my week, I ended up having to take antibiotics for the parasite I got. I am a firm believer that all misionaries have parasites just eventually we adapt to our surroundings and it becomes a way of life.

     Elder Lomeli and I were able to finish this transfer off strong by having two of our investigators progress. Of course we have our investigator Mishel Castañeda. Her mom is Luz Marina Cabascango. Luz lived in Brazil for two years with a guy but the missionaries found her there and helped her come back to live her in Agato with her children, Sebastian (14) and Mishel(12). Luz and Sebastian are members so we are in the process of reactivating her and we are working with Mishel for her baptism for the 22nd of August.

La familia Cabascango
Mishel is in the blue jacket on the couch
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

     Mishel is super cool. She said she had a problem with drinking coffee and we helped her leave coffee drinking completly. Her brother Sebastian is a little bit of a rebel and he fights and teases Mishel alot but I was able to talk with him. When I talked to him, I choked up a little bit because I was remembering all the times that I had fought and teased my siblings and I feel like that's when it finally hit me. I was able to help him understand his role as the man in the house and how he should help his family and not be a burden like I was. He has been getting better.

     The other investigator we have is Jose Miguel Ajala. He is about 85 years old and his Spanish is not the best. We visit him with Waiki as a translator.  Hermano Ajala ended up accepting a date for the 29th of August to be baptized. He attended church by himself at 85 years old. We just have to teach him everyday so that he can understand the gospel. This sector has been struggling for a little bit with the baptisms but we are excited to see some success here especially after everything that happened with Jorge.

Me just being goofy
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

Elder Goff and I
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

Birthday ties!
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

     Well yesterday we had changes and Elder Lomeli was changed. He went to Esmeraldas so I was able to hype up the Emerald city for him. I ended up recieving Elder Blas from Lima, Peru. Elder Blas is sweet for now! Elde Blas is a missionary with some time in the mission. He will finish in December. When Elder Montesino (My Trainer) was here Elder Blas was his first companion. So we have talked about Elder Montesino a little bit. I'm excited to work with Elder Blas this change and I know he will teach me a bunch.

Elder Blas and I
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

The mountains and I
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

Arise and Shine
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

Well I would just like to finish with my testimony. Although my family passes through challenges like this, I know that it is for the exact reason I am here in Ecuador. I must share this message of comfort with all so that they may know where they can find hope. I know that God is our Gardener and sometimes he must cut us down so that we may learn! I love this mission and know that this is the best two years of my life. I love you all and know that Jesus does too, that is why He paid the ultimate price. These things I say in His name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Kimball

¡Feliz Cumpleaños Madre!
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

Goodbye Elder Lomeli
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

Con Waiki
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

Bailey- Did you ever get your patriachal blessing?
Clay- How's the Eagle coming?
Lexi- Are you still goalie? How tall are you now?
Leah- I appreciate your letter. You are now my third most missed person!
Bella- Dad told me that you are just being Bella whatever that means.
Collins- Well welcome to the older sibling club! Kinda weird feeling right? Imagine having 7 to look over...
¡CAPRI!- And if it wasn't hard enough writing to someone I didn't know. Now there's two of ya. Sorry about your name, I know would have rather been called Cougar your whole life. I threw in the option of Cougarette but nothing bit. Haha just kidding. Welcome to the fam, Kid! Now just stay healthy! Aight?
Mom- As always you know I love you and I hope my letter met your standards.  I love you tons mom, and as always my prayers are with ya. Thanks for the medicine package. I really needed them!
Dad- As always you are always the strongest spirited in the family. The Lord trusted you to lead this family for a reason. Just remember that your first calling is as a father. I love you dad and I am glad I have the privledge of calling you "Dad".
With love, your son, your brother, your missionary,
Elder Kimball

Gods ways> Our ways

Date: August 3, 2015
Week: 58 Otavalo, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Lomeli/ Cedar Hills 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

Mathias and I
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

Mathias's smolder look...
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

On the mission we are always taught to accept Gods will over our own. That is something that has been forced into my mind this past week. So we were supposed to have a baptism this past week with Jorge Mafla. He decided to go another way which makes me sad, but the Spirit has confirmed to me that he will be baptized!... I just don't know when! But that's all tranquilo! Let's take a look at the week!

Jorge Mafla under the mountains.
I don't know when he will be baptized but I know he will!
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

Tuesday: Bout time I get back to those monthly trainings from President! We were taught by President and it was glorious. 

Wednesday: We were visiting with Jorge preparing him for his baptism:(

Thursday: Lomeli planned a baseball ward activity. It was pretty fun and we were able to find some new investigators from it.

Divisions: Elder Caballero(ZL) and I
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

Friday: I had divisions with my Zone Leader, Elder Caballero. They were 24 hour divisions so it was the second time in my whole mission where I had 24 hour divisions. It basically was just a sleepover!

Saturday: Heading over to Jorge and hearing the news....

Sunday: Found two new investigators to teach and they have baptismal dates for the 22nd of August! I go the chills this day. My body has been shivering ever since and I have a fever.

Someone got the chills
Otavalo, Ecuador August 2015

Monday: The nurse made me get a fecies sample and I proved positive with a parasite also....Ewwww

So as I was saying the Lord works in mysterious ways! At times we think that our way is the best way. That some guy should just get baptized that day, or my mom should still be having two new babies, but I testify that the Lord is in control here. He knows what He is doing! I love my Savior Jesus Christ! I love his Atonement. I know that He knows how each one of us feels through tough times. I testify that the Lord's ways are higher than our ways! I love the Plan of Salvation and know that it's sole purpose is to give eternal life to man. We should each remember why we pass difficult times. It is so that we can learn and progress in all things! This I share in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

The will of God
This video should remind us a couple things!

I love you all but especially my family!

With love, 
Elder Kimball