A Mouse to the Chest!

Date: September 28, 2015
Week: 66 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

On an island!  Actually we are on our way to church.
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

First off I would like to say that I hate making titles for my emails. I really do hate it.

Elder Blas and I had a good week. You probably rememeber the story of Elder Lomeli and I trying to kill the mouse that was living in our house... well the mouse came back. Elder Blas found it hiding in his open bag of sugar that he left open on the counter. I know, not smart, but give us a break we're 19 year old kids. So Elder Blas calls me over and tells me that there is a mouse in the house. So I go and get the home made baseball bat, and he gets the broom, and we got it out of the sugar, and running around on the ground.  Elder Blas does a hockey swing at the mouse in my direction. Direct hit to my chest. I took a mouse to the chest! So I'm screaming on the ground when I see the mouse trying to catch its balance on the floor so I quickly collect myself and take the bat to it, and that was the end on the mouse in the house. Elder Blas could not stop telling that story to the whole zone. The day I took a mouse to the chest.

Speaking of the zone, we were able to meet all the new missionaries that came to the Otavalo North Zone. I have a new District Leader because Elder Hagemeyer is now a Zone Leader in Quito. Elder Perry is the new District Leader. He was with me when I was in Quito. I'll try and get a pic with him next week so you'll remember.

The squat on a rock pose.
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

Elder Blas on the rock
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

Elder Blas and I have been working hard but with not alot of success. We visited Jorge Mafla everyday but he ended up not coming to church which was sad. We still don't know why, but he told us that for sure he was going to come.

We have been working with Mishel and Fernando alot. The bishop told us that Fernando will receive the priesthood after conference along with Mishel's brother Sebastian. Its great that they are staying so active in the church! Fernando wears my white shirt every week but not the tie. The tie is normal because everyone shows up to church without one which is weird! But they wear their ponchos which I guess makes it okay.

So the converts are doing well which is great for a ward that doesn't have great retention. It's kinda of funny because when we tell the memebers in ward council that we aren't having the best success with teaching investigators, they tell us its because we just baptized and we can't have too many baptisms in Agato. Must be what happens when you adjust to mediocracy.

The typical Elder Blas and me pic.  This is at someones house who feeds us.
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

I was made English Tutor again. I think this will be my 8th change as an English tutor. Who knew promising them candy for passing English tests would work so efficiently.

Laborers in the Vineyard
So I really like this video because it really helps understand the fact that even though some enter the fold late and some early we all receive the same. According to ours works we will be judeged and according to our works we will be rewarded. I love teaching about Jesus everyday and I am excited for the day when He will come and we all may meet Him. I know He lives and I know that He loves us!
P.S People that should be expecting letters are the following:
Dave and Carla Meine (Sent a month ago)
Cael Kimball (Family included) (Sent a month ago)
Annika Carlson(Sent today)
If you don't get the letter let me know.
Elder Kimball

Bailey! Thanks for not writing but keep being beautiful!
Clay! Keep being awesome man! Great to hear that your are on BBN! You must be hilarious!
Lexi! Dad says you play great as a goalie, must be because you are so big!
Leah! Love to hear how great you are playing! Keep practicing that Bicycle!
Bella! O my dearest Bella! Little do you know how much I love you! I miss you a ton!
Collins! Hey beautiful! Keep being the cutest in the family besides Capri of course!
Capri! So great to hear how well you are doing! Can't wait to see you!
Mom- I miss you and love you! I am glad to hear that you are in loving mom mode. You sort of just signed yourself up for another 18 years of it. Babies are like Puppies. They grow up.
Dad- Really jealous about the meeting Jimmer experience. I am sure you were in shock because he put his arm around you and you did the awkward floating arm. Its cool I probably would have done the same. I love you dad and keep cheering for the Cougs(34-0).....
Love Elder Kimball

Mission Possible

Date: September 21, 2015
Week: 65 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

Now I know the whole mission. We went to Ibarra today.
Ibarra, Ecuador September 2015

Dear Everyone,
So to make a long story short I am still serving in Agato with Elder Blas! To tell you the truth whenever I try to guess cambios (transfers) to see where I go, or who I'm with, it's always the last option that I think of that happens. I am excited to keep working here with Otavalans and especially to learn as much as I can from The Elder Blas. Let me tell ya about the miracles that we've seen this week:

So raise your hand if you rememeber Jorge Mafla. (Everyone's hand should be raise right now!). Well if you don't remember dear ole Jorgito just think back to the beginning of my time here when I almost baptized my first contact, until the last minute when he decided to not be baptized. Okay so now that we are all on the same page, a couple weeks back Elder Blas, Jorge and his wife (Rosa) attended church together. It was super awesome. We were happy and we thought we were going to be able to keep teaching Jorge. Well we taught Jorge after church and didn't mention anything about baptism, but he felt we were pressuring him to be baptized so he asked us to not visit him.  He then said he would never step foot in a mormon church again. So that was really sad for Elder Blas and I because we felt we had done nothing wrong. And in all reality, (don't won't to be prideful or anything) but we had done nothing wrong.

Well fast forward like 4 weeks after a bunch of contacting and walking around Agato trying to find the prepared people of the Lord, we fast and felt the need to set up a ward activity for missionary work. After making some plans and phone calls everything was all set up for our ward activity which I named "Venid y Comed" or in English: Come and eat. I know genius name.

Banana Split
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

Puppies!
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

This is how we do it at a ward party
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

So Elder Blas has the idea of setting up the church building like Lehi's dream with the iron rod, great and spacious building, and whole thing. So Relief Society comes to the church and makes a rice, sausage, chicken type mix (I know it's not like Raising Canes can come and just cater the dang thing). So food is all ready, and the activity is all set up, and everyone should be coming at 6. Of course they don't show up till 6:30 or 7 (Ecuadorian Standard Time) and we finally start the activity and guess who comes strolling through the door. Nope not Jorge Mafla, The Ward mission Leader! And then came Jorge Mafla in after him. So we have a great activity and the only thing Don Mafla tells us after the activity is that he needs to hold onto the iron rod and persevere. I was afraid to even speak to him because I might say something about baptism so all I say is that we hope to see him Sunday.

Well turns out Sunday was Ward Conference for Agato. (By the way I always thought that ward conference was an excuse to not attend church.) Editors Note:  He never missed a ward conference! Elder Blas and I were chosen to sing in the choir because we all know my voice. And in comes Jorge with his wife, Rosa! By this time, I am freaking and I ask Elder Blas what we should do because Elder Blas is just a genius and he said we will take it slow and see what he says. Well Jorge ends up staying for all three hours and he comes up to me and apologizes for the way he acted. Here is a 62 year old latin man asking a 19 year old gringo for forgiveness. Now when I say the Lord works in mysterious ways, I mean MYSTERIOUS WAYS!

So we set an appointment with Jorge for tomorrow and we are hoping for the best especially since Elder Blas and I stayed in the sector together. Now we have to take advantage of such opportune timing.

You know the Zone made shirts
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

Back of Shirts With Elder James tushie
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

Now to explain why I was in Ibarra today.... So in the mission we have these notebooks that you give to other missionaries so that they write you a little letter and put a photo in it so that you can have a little book of memories. (Quick sidenote: I was in refusal mode of not having one until an hermana finally made me one and I had to use it.)  So Elder Blas left his in Ibarra where he served last and he had been complaining the whole change how he didn't have it. Well he calls President to shed light on his little mishap and usually President says no to anyone leaving the sector but Elder Blas somehow got permission and off we went. So now that I have stepped foot in all major cities of my mission, I officially know the whole mission so it was fun to go and get his little book of memories.

So that was my week. I am stoked to be here in Agato and especially to keep learning from Elder Blas! I know BYU lost but "There is always next year!" I hope everyone is preparing spiritually for Conference! I am super excited!

Please remember dear ol' Elder Kimball!

Ward Chior with some Returned Missionaries they all served in Guayaquil
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

Transfers...
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

Bailey- I'll write you in a second! Cool you got your patriarchal blessing! Just remember that you have to do your part to recieve those promises!
Clay- I am so proud to hear that you are sticking with Football and Theatre! You are much more talented than I ever was!
Lexi- So cool to sing a solo at church! I am sure it was fantastic and that you brought the Spirit in to the room!
Leah- I hope you are loving school! Keep practicing hard at soccer! "Friendships come and go but banners hang forever!"-Kobe Bryant
Bella- Mom and Dad are telling me how funny and awesome you are! Keep being amazing sissy and obedient I guess...:)
Collins- You are getting pretty cute and a little chubby. Maybe you should come and live in Ecuador to lose some weight...
Capri- I almost forget you on the list everytime...I'll get used to it soon. Ask your sister Collins to lend you some of the fat she has...
Mom- Your life sounds wonderful! Enjoy these moments with the little girls! And know that I love you and that your son is fine here on the side of an Ecuadorian Volcano.
Dad- Stinks for BYU but only by one point, that's not so bad! Tanner must be on fire. There must be some left over spirit power from the mssion. Thanks for your advice by the way. I love you dad and the example you set for all of us.
Love you all,
Elder Kimball

Volcano

Date: September 14, 2015
Week: 64 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

Elder Blas & Me at zone training
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

Dear Friends and Family,
I am fine, just to let everyone know, but let me tell you what's going on with the volcano... So this past week we had a reunion with President. He was planning on doing a spiritual training but we ended up having to have a training for an emergency. He said that within 6 months the Volcano Cotapaxi will erupt, so that was sweet. It isn't in our mission but all volcanos are connected and it just so happens that I live on the side of one, Volcano Imbabura. Then there is another one near Otavalo called Cotacachi so I am basically surrounded. They gave us masks and googles so we can use them if we have to run in the streets. We got trained on what to do in case of an emergency so I'm not scared or anything just to let you guys know.

We also recieved other training. We did a training on reading the map for your sector and I can't believe it, but there was actually a map for Agato. It had the roads and little footpaths on the mountain and everything, so that has been a lifesaver. I was able to mark all the members houses and investigators so the missionaries after me can find the houses because its hard sometimes.

Cooking with Sister Richardson
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

Reading the maps!
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

We recieved a training from Sister Richardson on cooking healthier food for cheaper so that was neat. We made all sorts of stuff from pancakes to arepas. I was in charge of the pico de gallo and boy do I make a good pico de gallo! I also cut up some pineappes for the shake but I cut them up wrong. We were putting the skin in with it, so I think Hermana Richardson could tell what a great cook my mother was by the way I was working the kitchen. (sorry mom ;)

Finally we were trained on missionary dress and we aren't allowed to wear llama sweaters anymore so I guess I will save my cool jacket for home. So those were the trainings but of course there was the spiritual part. We focused more on revelation through prayer as an investigator so that was neat.

Where's Colton?
Otavalo Ecuador September 2015

Sure love my comp!
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

This week Elder Blas and I were asked to train the whole zone. It was scary but I was with Elder Blas (One of the best teachers in the mission) so it wasn't so bad. We trained on helping investigators keep commitments. It was alot of fun. We were helping the missionaries understand the importance of helping the investigator realize their own desires to keep a commitment. Instead of just extending a commitment the investigator was able to realize what they needed to do on their own and then that's when  we extend and give specific blessings to the investigators needs. I can't explain perfectly over email but it was a spiritual meeting.

I was able to do divisions with Elder Caballero(ZL) again this week so I ended up staying in Agato again and then Elder Hagemeyer(DL) came and did divisions with me friday and once again I stayed in Agato. The leaders make fun of me because they never take me out of a agato but its whatever. The divisions went well. We were able to contact a less active so now I have a new less active which is neat.

So we actually had good attendence at church. We don't teach alot of investigators but 3 came to church. One is a wife of my rescue who is still contemplating baptism but doesn't want to meet with us right now. The other is a brother of a recent convert here who has to wait till he gets confirmed in the Catholic church and then his dad will let him get baptized. Finally is Veronica Cando who I taught my first three weeks here but I ended up leaving her alone because she wanted to attend a church where they paid her to be baptized.  I had a member make an appointment with her so we will visit her this week and see if she has changed her mind. We had 5 converts come and 2 less actives. We really are doing great on rescuing here. I have had 5 rescues and we just keep find more less actives and to rescue.

The Otavalo South Zone
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

This week is cambios (transfers).  Honestly anything could happen. Elder Blas sorta of wants to go which is cool. This sector can really stress one out so I can understand that he wants to finish his mission somewhere else. As for me,  the question is "should I stay or should I go?" I'm fine with staying in Agato. Just more time to finish some work I have left here and if I go there are always good things ahead.

On exchanges with the DL's
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

Yes I've got Mangum madness down here!
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

Well everyone don't worry about me here in Agato. The Volcanos aren't too dangerous! Just keep watching my Cougs win games. My love for the Cougars is there, it's just being surpressed.:(
With much love, Elder Kimball

Bailey- I basically wrote to you but I want to thank you for that letter. It was really awesome to get a letter from ya! I hope all goes well Senior year!
Clay- Are you WR? Do you watch BYU football? I hope so! Keep being a funny kid. I love you alot!
Lexi- Direct your defenders. You are the only one that can see everything. You know your surroundings!
Leah- Why must you be so awesome? Nice goal but you need to play defense too. Defense wins championships.
Bella- Boy I can only imagine how you must feel. Oneish years ago you were the baby and now there are two right behind you. You just have to start realizing the perks of being the oldest. Bigger. Stronger. Smarter. Stuff like that. You'll get the hang of it!
Collins- I hope you are learning to be a babysitter. The world you lived in is now upside down.
Capri- I realized that you are the fifth C in the family. Capri really is a pretty name!
Mom- Stop having Kids! I can only write so fast to all of them! I appreciate your cooking. Those warmed up uncrustables were always the best. I love you. ;)
Dad- You best be going to the Michigan or Mizzou game. BYU is having a magical season while I live on the side of a volcano...I love you dad!
Sincerely,
Elder Kimball

Heart Locked

Date: September 7, 2015
Week: 63 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

Heart is locked but wardrobe not quite....BYU gamely apparel
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

So a couple weeks a go, President made us read this talk by President Spencer W. Kimball called "Lock your Heart". It was talking about locking your heart from girls and stuff like that while we are on our mission, but something I quickly learned at the beginning of my mission was to lock my heart from BYU sports. When he told us to read it, I knew that it was divine revelation for me especially with the BYU football season starting up. I won't be talking about the BYU game that happened this past Saturday but just so everyone knows all of my greatest sports dreams are coming true while serving a mission. #jimmertothespurs #mangummiracle

So enough about that, I have been having a great time here in Agato. The work is still a little slow but we have been focusing a lot more on recent converts and less actives. Hermana Luz and Fernando (convert) said they are planning on getting married next week so that is really awesome. I was able to give some of my white shirts and ties to Fernando so that he could come to church. The Bishop is planning to give him the priesthood so that is really exciting. Mishel is doing well also. She recently started personal progress and seems pretty excited about that. Her brother Sebastian will be passing the sacrament next week after receiving the priesthood so they are all doing great!

This little guy is 100 years old!
Otavalo Ecuador, September 2015

This is where this little old man lives!
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

Elder Blas and I totally blanked on fast sunday so we are fasting today. We felt pretty bad about it, but I guess that happens sometimes. Elder Blas and I really connected this week as he was telling me how he came into the church. He accepted to be baptized after attending one time and was baptized two weeks later. He then left on his mission a year later! Crazy! He really has such a strong testimony of the restored gospel and teaches really well.

Ejercicios...getting ready to walk on to BYU's football team next season. ;)
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

I got Elder Blas on the bench!
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

We have been contacting a lot but with not a lot of luck. We feel great though. We are working hard and we know that sooner or later we are going to find someone. So we have just been focusing more on recent converts and less actives. We just rescued Anita Váquez so that was awesome. Ever since we found her she has come to church off and on, but now she is fully commited to attending and even going to activities with the young single adults.

Elder Blas and I were able to share our testimonies yesterday and I was able to share a little bit of mine in Quichua which was cool. Elder Blas speaks Quechua so he knows a little bit of Quichua. I can speak a couple sentences but I have been working on it. My Spanish is getting better. I feel myself talking more and more like an Otavalan which is kinda bad. They speak more with their mouths closed.

Weird machine they use to make clothes
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

This is what you make on that wierd machine
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

We will be having a meeting with President this Thursday. It's weird getting to see President every month but it's refreshing to see him. The last time he challenged us to read the Book of Mormon in 90 days. I am on 2 Nephi 27. I was behind at first but I a caught up and am right on schedule. It's really great to read the Book of Mormon like that everyday because you always find direct little messages written especially for you. The Book of Mormon really is the key to our religion.

A Book with a Promise
In all reality if we ever feel stressed or overwhlemed we just have to read the Book of Mormon. It is written for our day and they are the words of Christ. The Book of Mormon will testify of the truthfulness of the Bible but will give us "Another Testament of Jesus Christ". I love preaching about this wonderful book everyday and resenting the day when I come home and won't have such a sacred calling as this.
Elder Kimball

Live Guinea Pigs hanging on the back of the truck.Some guy is getting married so he has to give a bunch of food to the parents.
Otavalo, Ecuador September 2015

Bailey- Sad that you are the only sibling that didn't write me this week.:(
Clay- Bro Siga adelante con el fútbol americano. Se que es duro pero juega con el fin en mente.
Lexi- Thats awesome about your secret!  Congratulations!!
Leah- You're are the awesomest ever!
Bella- Didn't quite understand what you wrote, but you are still my favorite sister.
Collins- 23 lbs! That's about how much weight I have lost out here!
Capri- 5lbs! That's about how much rice I eat daily!
Mom- Sounds like you are having a blast with all the kids now under one roof! I hope you are enjoying every minute and counting your blessings!
Dad- Well that game sounds like it was one for the ages. I hope BYU keeps winning. I'll keep sporting my gameday attire for the wins! Love ya dad!
Elder Kimball