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