Monday, May 23, 2016

This is it!

Date: May 23, 2016
Week: 99 Iñaquito, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Nielson/ Parma, Idaho
Colton's Address:
Quito Ecuador North Mission
Francisco Robles E-4 151 Av Amazonas
Edificio Iglesia de Jesucristo
Quito Ecuador



Me on the runway
 Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

Dear Family and Friends,

Well, this is it. I'm not sure they will give us time to write next week so it may just be better to make this the final letter, but with that being said, it ain't over until the fat lady sings!

This past week was just too great, but then at the same time, just too surreal. For the first time ever, Elder Nielsen and I had 7 for 7 mamitas! (women who cook their lunches) WaHoo! We literally left lunch one day so full that we felt we were about to vomit. Let me tell you that there is nothing better than eating ecuadorian food and then getting on ecuadorian public bus transportation. Talk about the definition of sick...

Last Thursday, I gave my last district training. It wasn't anything special. Just normal missionary business! We were just really focused on Vladimir all week. There is way too much opposition before someone's baptism! He runs a milk truck for his job and unfortunately he got robbed last week. Three armed men came to his truck and freaking knocked him out and took his cellphone and some money. The blessing was that they didn't take most of the money that Vladimir had hid under his seat, and that he made it home safe to his family!

 And since he got robbed he had to make up for the lost money and work overtime so we were not able to visit in the night like before! Then his old church (Comunidad de Fe) found out he was getting baptized and they started spilling all these lies into his head...Good thing freaking Vladimir was strong enough to fight off all the oppoisition this past week! So Saturday finally arrives! Elder Nielsen and I get everything all ready.......

......but then we start to fill the font at 4 and the baptism is at 7. By my calculations, the font should be filled by then with just the perfect amount of hot water. Well no that's not what happened. Elder Nielsen and I show up at 6 and the font got to the first line up...great. Well we start thinking what to do and we just grab buckets and go to the tank and start bucketing water from that to the baptismal font. We got it filled up sufficiently at about 7:30.  Good thing we were on ecuadorian time (everyone shows up at like 8). It was a great service.
Vladamir and his family at his baptism.  President and Sister Richardson were able to attend
 Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

All ready for Vladamirs baptism
 Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016
President Richardson and Sister Richardson also came! A bunch of other missionaries showed up with investigators and we were able to do a special musical number of "He Sent His Son". The Spirit was defintely felt, and Vladimir bore his testimony. He said that he never he imagined joining the church, but that he had truly felt the Spirit, he knows that the Book of Mormon is true, and that the Church is true.

Once again I find myself dumbfounded to try and describe my feelings of seeing a miracle such as that. There was so much against us. Elder Nielsen and I find ourselves in a sector where they hadn't baptized in almost a year and a half. The members try to be good misionaries but are unsure of themselves. Our sector is the biggest proselyting area in the mission and we sometimes don't have lunch. Let me tell ya, and Elder Nielsen can atest to this, that with so many things to be frustrated about it's hard to keep having hope.

 I remember getting to the sector and being a little disappointed that I would be finishing my mission in Quito. I asked Elder Nielsen if we had any investigators with potencial. He laughed and said "No!",  but then after a few seconds of thought and my very disappointed face motivating him he said, "Well there is this one family". "Then we will be focusing on them" I said. Turns out that family was reactivated and the husband/father was baptized to bless the future generations in his family! I love the Familia Guamaninga! and I know that they will continue strong in the gospel!
A few shots outside with Familia Guamaninga
 Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

This is probably my last baptism on the mission
 Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

Well two or so years ago, I embarked on this (what it seemed like then) never ending journey. Getting to the CCM and meeting my companion and thinking what I had I signed up for?...Finally getting to the mission field and being sent to the front lines to battle Satan in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. It is a beautiful city, but there was so much sin for this momma's boy to take. Good thing my trainer was there to show me the ropes, but I still missed my parents and siblings.

Later being packaged up with the old pieces of who I was once and being sent to Quito. With whatever remained of the unwanted pieces of the old me were probably thrown out there. Probably having two of the most difficult companions on my mission back to back it was defintely hard. Never before had I wanted to go home so badly. But never before had I learned so much about who I really was. Not finding much success in that first sector in Quito really affected my mentality. The painful growing process continued as I took my journey into the jungles of Ecuador. I finally decided to look at what pieces God left me to work with and assemble them together. I finally finished the puzzle and realized that I was missing alot of pieces. So I decided to work with what I had.

I learned to love a place hidden humbly in Ecuador. I had found my success and what I had thought would fill in the missing pieces of who Lord wanted this boy to become but....no. I was sent to what I thought once again was a prison of a sector, but this time I decided to approach it with a different kind of mentality. Instead of being a creation of the circumstances, I decided to be a creator of the circumstances. Instead of trying to find excuses of why not to do something, I decided to just do it. And slowly, I felt my Heavenly Father guiding me piece by piece.

 I arrived in Quito again to face my old foe. Being guided by the Spirit more than ever, I began to see miracle after miracle. I was able to train a great missionary in Elder Moreira. And still being giving the pieces by my Father, but I even began to take out other pieces of who I wanted to become and align more of my vision of who I wanted to be, with who God expected me to be.

Then I was called to finish my work here in Iñaquito. I haven't been more happy than I have been in my mission. I know that God speaks through His prophets. And that by one of His anointed, I was called to serve in the Ecuador Quito North Mission. I'll never forget these moments. I know that the mission has changed me but it hasn't given me all the pieces. I'm not done here. The Lord still has so much for all of us. We are supposed to live through the eternities and we can't do that without His help. I know that throughtout this life I will make mistakes, and I'll mess up, but thanks for the things I have learned on the mission, I can keep moving forward. I will remember this short amount of time forever but its is now time for me to make this short amout of time change the rest of my time into the eternities.

So this is it, my friends and family. You did it! You did it with me. You actually cared about me enough to read about my well being for almost two years. I thank you for reading these letters and I hope that there is something in them that can be used later. I love and appreciate your patience and your examples. Even if I do not know you as well as I'd like, know that your Heavenly Father does. I've learned that more than ever on my mission! He knows us and loves us!

To my Parents, Y'all know you are the best. Thanks for always being there for me. Thanks for raising me in this gospel and teaching me the principles and ordinances of it early in my youth. Thanks for always being examples of Christ. Thanks for loving me when there were so many reasons to hate(choke,punch,disown,slap,spank, so many words I could put right here.) me. Thanks for seeing my potential and helping me try and reach it every day. I love you both and whoever runs to me first, I'll hug.

To my Siblings, Choose wisely when following your older brother. Know that he made dumb decisions too, but always tried to become better. Thanks for helping me need to be a true example to you guys. Thanks for not hating me after teasing you to your limits. Thanks for writing me ever so often in the mission. And last but not least thanks for always making your brother feel special. I love you all, and you all are my number one most missed.

To my future self, I hope you are doing well and that you have remembered "the best two years" as "The Best Two Years". Read these letters ever so often so at least someone remembers how great you once were! Haha just kidding. Keep remembering who you are, and always try to become better and better each day. Thank Mom and Dad for raising you right and for giving you the opportunities to succed. Never feel down. Always try your best and trust in the Lord and you will become who he wants you to be. Be the man, that we both know you should become! I love you.

En fin, se que mi Salvador vive. Se que nos ama muchísimo. A veces, pensamos que estamos solos en esta prueba que se llama "vida" pero él está con nosotros. Se que el Libro de Mormon es verdadero. Se que Tomás S. Monson es un profeta de Dios. Se que todos somos hijos de Dios, si somos estadounidense, africano, o ecuatoriano, todos somos hijos de Él. Oro que todos podemos perseverar hasta el fin. Amo a mi Padre y mi Redentor y esto dejo en su sagrado nombre, amen.

Con muchísimo amor and one last time,

Elder Kimball

Monday, May 16, 2016

Baptizing BYU Brothers

Date: May 16, 2016
Week: 98
 Iñaquito, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Nielson/ Parma, Idaho
Colton's Address:
Quito Ecuador North Mission
Francisco Robles E-4 151 Av Amazonas
Edificio Iglesia de Jesucristo
Quito Ecuador
Senior Pic Pose
 Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016
Dear Fam. and Friends of Elder Kimball,
Another great week has been witnessed by the Elders Kimball and Nielsen. They were hard at work this week. They really had thier focuses on Vladimir and Marco. Vladimir has been known to give scares before so when the Elders called him Saturday night for his baptismal interview, and he said he wasn´t going to make it, they were disappointed. They expressed thier love for the little Ecuadorian man and his heart was obviously touched because within 5 minutes he was in the Church ready for his interview.

He passed! What a blessing! Crazy how the Lord works! So Vladimir will be baptized this Saturday at 7 pm. He asked if both of us could baptize him....Haha oooo Vladimir...  I told him that Elder Nielsen could baptize him, and that I could confirm him the Sunday after. He happily agreed. Elder Nielsen and I are beyond belief with all of these miracles. Vladimir was a very stubborn man when we first started teaching him, but his heart has changed before out eyes.
The Bro's Elder Nielson and Me
 Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

McMahon takes Quito
Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

Our Album Cover
Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

Unfortunately Marco was unable to attend this Sunday because he was at the coast.  So his baptismal date has been moved to next Saturday, the 28th. We are hoping that he can complete with this baptimal date. Just having a daily contact with Vladimir and Marco will help them know that we really do care about them!

We went to Teleferico today with the District and we took some sweet pics, and as you can see Elder Nielsen and I had a similar high school wardrobe. Go Cougs! Well I love you all and hope y'all are safe!

Much love,
Elder Kimball!
We went to Teleferico
ñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

Elder Nielson strikes a pose
ñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

Our district
ñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

Standing in line
ñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

Crowded!
ñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

Zone Activity last week
ñaquito, Ecuador May 2016


Bailey- No letter, no love...
Clay- Even though you don't write me, you still a bro!
Lexi- Miss you and I´m serious. We should team up at home and we can take everyone out!
Leah- Heard you tried out for soccer! Hope it went well!
Bella- You are the number one missed kid! I love you!
Collins- You playing duck, duck, goose was cute!
Capri- Guess I can´t really say I miss you, because I don´t know you, but ya mismo!
Mom- Miss you and love that you are so interested in what I will be doing after the mission. I've decided to officially tell you, I'm goin back to Ecuador to live here, and let you have little Ecuadorian grandbabies....hahahah just kidding.
Dad- Miss you and stinks to hear about the spurs! They were supposed to take me to the Finals!
Much love-
The Elder Kimball

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Nice Talking to Ya


Date: May 10, 2016
Week: 97 Iñaquito, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Nielson/ Parma, Idaho
Colton's Address:
Quito Ecuador North Mission
Francisco Robles E-4 151 Av Amazonas
Edificio Iglesia de Jesucristo
Quito Ecuador
Cleaning the church with Sister Richardson
Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016
Don't judge me for my devilish good looks!
Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

Well it was nice talking to my mom and dad, and I guess the rest of the kids too on Mother's Day. Elder Nielsen and I hunted out a good place to Skype from just because of my experience during Christmas with the internet cafe being so bad.  Elder Nielsen and I had a great week and there were of course more miracles to be added on to the miracle count.

We started of the week well. We worked hard with Marco and Vadimir this week. Marco is progressing well and it´s crazy how well he understands. Vladimir on the other hand, we have taken it slow and sometimes he is so stubborn.

Last Thursday we taught about the Sabbath Day. He said he would never miss another Sunday at church...Ha that lasted like 2 days until I called him Sunday morning to remind him of church and he said he would not be going. I immediately felt a different Spirit about him. He sounded angry and said that his family may be going, but that he would be absent. My intial thoughts were "I'm fed up with this guy. He just doesn't want to keep commitments!"
Squinting like a chinese man
Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

Singing to Sister Richardson on Mother's Day
Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

I then felt the Spirit tell me to just testify of the blessings that he would recieve. Little did I know that his 12 year old son Sebastian (who had just recieved the priesthood the week before) was listening and was also intune to the Spirit. Vladimir hung up on me and went back to fighting with his wife, Gabriela. Sebastian in the midst of the storm was the calming voice. He began to tell them of the many blessings if they continued in the way of the Lord. He said that he wanted an eternal family and that he couldn't do it without them. They immediately felt the Spirit and their hearts were changed.

Vladimir later called me and asked for forgiveness. I told him that there was no need since I understand how Sunday mornings can get. He laughed and then told us that he would be attending church! Him and His family all went! It was great. We were able to officialy rescue Gabriela and Sebastian and Vladimir is working for the 21st to be baptized!

I know that this work is full of miracles and I love it! I love you all, and wish all mothers a Happy Mother's Day! My mother has brought me most of the mircales that I have seen in my life. I love her to death, although she may not always love me;) I love you mom and hope you feel better after falling from the tree. Remember I love you very much!

Elder Kimball
At a recent  zone training in Inaquito
Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

Always trying to learn more!
Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

Monday, May 2, 2016

The Show Goes On

Date: May 2, 2016
Week: 96 Iñaquito, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Nielson/ Parma, Idaho
Colton's Address:
Quito Ecuador North Mission
Francisco Robles E-4 151 Av Amazonas
Edificio Iglesia de Jesucristo
Quito Ecuador

Elder Olsen and I with the goofy haircuts!
Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016
This week went well! We had our training with President and the Zones of Quito. We learned about how to teach the Plan of Salvation. So we were able to learn a little about that, and then we did some practices. Always got to practice when you learn something! Well, after the practices, four missionaries always get chosen to demonstrate in front of everyone. I got chosen and my companion was an Elder Vela from Plano, Texas, so I told him that the Texas Brothers gotta represent! We did pretty good. He has little time in the mission, but he taught really well. (The Texas Legacy will live on). We were able to have some cookies from Hermana Richardson that were so good! She always has some treats to give us!
Zona Quito Oeste
Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

Elder Ramponi and My Goofy Haircut!
Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016
We worked a lot with the Guamaningas this week, trying to help Vladimir progress towards his date for baptism on the 14th of May. We talked with Sebatian about recieving the priesthood so he was really excited for that! We also were able to find a new investigator from a reference from the other Elders. Marco Morales just moved from the coast because of the earthquake. We're working to help him and he accepted a date to be baptized on May 21st. He is doing well, and he even came to church so that was awesome! He is just struggling with finding work and moving his family over here.
The Bro!
Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

The Lance Stephenson
Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016

Elder Nielsen buying suits. There is a suit craze in the mish!
Iñaquito, Ecuador May 2016
Unfortunately, Vladimir decided to skip church so we were a little disappointed! but his family came and Sebastian was able to recieve the priesthood which was awesome! We are close to rescuing his family and then we just need to get Vladimir baptized!

Well I don't have alot to say this week, besides I'm fine, and the miracles here in Ecuador are abundant!

Elder Kimball

Bailey- Miss you, and too bad you don't write me!
Clay- Miss you too man! You still grounded?
Lexi- Harry Potter Marathon?
Leah- How goes school? You excited to go to whatever the next grade is for you?
Bella- Hope you are enjoying school also. Miss you!
Collins- Can't wait to see you! Can't believe I still haven't seen you!
Capri- Ditto for you too! I still don't know you either!
Mom- Talk to you Sunday!
Dad- Go Spurs Go!

Monday, April 25, 2016

Buzzer Beater

Date: April 25, 2016
Week: 95 Iñaquito, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Nielson/ Parma, Idaho
Colton's Address:
Quito Ecuador North Mission
Francisco Robles E-4 151 Av Amazonas
Edificio Iglesia de Jesucristo
Quito Ecuador

The Guamaninga Family
Iñaquito, Ecuador April 2016
Well I'm doing fine here in Quito, Ecuador. I would like to clarify that there was no harm or accidents in the city of Quito. I'm perfectly fine and well there won't be a lot of service to do, since nothing really happened.  There were accidents in the Coastal area of Ecuador so we have been asked to fast for those over there but it's crazy to see how people are so receptive! We have been able to talk with a whole bunch of people just because everyone just realized that there are bigger things than this life.

Elder Nielsen got back this week and while he was gone, I developed a relationship with our ward mission leader. We got him excited about the work again! Elder Nielsen got back and was like "Since when is the Ward Mission Leader our best friend?" The best is Hno. Armas (WML) has a car and will drive us around and since we had no lunch all last week from the mamitas, he helped us out on the weekend to got us food. Let's say that Elder Nielsen and I decided to fast a couple days.
Iñaquito, Ecuador April 2016


We have been working with the Guamaninga Family practically my whole time here. After putting a date on the dad, Vladimir, for baptism a couple times, and him not coming to church, we needed to change things up. So using our new weapon (Hno. Armas), we decided to have him help us in our lessons. He was the perfect hermanador! Its Sunday Morning and Hno. Armas comes to ward Council for the first time in over 6 months and we were telling the council about the Guamaningas. I call the Guamaningas like 5 minutes before and they said they were still at their house. (By the way, Ecuadorians are terrible with time, if you have an appointment at 5 pm, they will expect you at 7:30 pm...)
Anyways, Hno. Armas was freaking, and then he called his wife and she picked 'em up! Buzzer beater, 3 for the win! (Elder Nielsen and I always say that when something crazy happens). They got to church and we sat right in front of our mission president, President Richardson (embarassing). Well then the whole time , Vladimir, was telling members, how he was preparing to be baptized on the 14th of May. We are so excited for him. We celebrated his 38th birthday last week and Elder Nielsen still had left over cake ingredients from my birthday, so we took advantage! Our cake skills are getting better!
Vladimir's Birthday!
Iñaquito, Ecuador April 2016

Elder Nielsens Cake Game
Iñaquito, Ecuador April 2016

I had my first (and probably last) baptismal interview on Sunday. The assistants have Jean Carlo preapring to be baptized this Saturday, and the interview went well! He passed! Great to see the office missionaries still having success!

Elder Olsen (old Zone leader) had changes to Ofelia last week! I'll miss that brother but seeing he will probably be my roommate in college, I'll see him soon.

Well just a little update on my voice leaving me. My voice is now just a little deeper and I can't do my high pitch squeal and  can't sing soprano. The whole mission is now joking that Elder Kimball finally hit puberty... Ha...Ha....Ha.... not funny...
Well I love you all!
Miss y'all, Elder Kimball
Us at work
Iñaquito, Ecuador April 2016

Us not at work!
Iñaquito, Ecuador April 2016

,
Bailey- No letter once again...
Clay- Skipping fiesta chairs is a grave sin!
Lexi- Mom says not to use the word Bully when I write you,  so "Bully!Bully!Bully!". Whose the bully now?
Leah- Hey there betrayer,  I might as well call you Lebron James!
Bella- I miss you sweetie! Hope you can survive these last couple months with your big bro not there!
Collins- You putting on Nana's wig was priceless! New class clown in the making!
Collins dressed as her Nana!
San Antonio, Texas April 2016
Capri- Miss you, and you look more and more like dad everyday!
Mom- Miss you mother and thanks for getting all my roommate stuff set up! Hope you are preparing to have a wonderful Mother's day!
Dad- Keep being a great example! Your a bro and thanks for sending me my flight plans! Not all dads would do that! i miss you and hope you have a great safe week!
Elder Kimball

Monday, April 18, 2016

La Semana del Infierno

Date: April 18, 2016
Week: 94 Iñaquito, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Murillo/ Genova, Italy
Colton's Address:
Quito Ecuador North Mission
Francisco Robles E-4 151 Av Amazonas
Edificio Iglesia de Jesucristo
Quito Ecuador

Elder Murillo and I
Iñaquito, Ecuador April 2016
Well, this week was one crazy week! Probably one of the toughest and strangest weeks of my entire life. I'll try and get everything in, but we'll see how fast these fingers can type.

So I was with Elder Murillo this past week. Elder Murillo really is a great elder. We had some good times together but sometimes we make dumb decisions. Elder Murillo taught me a lot about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I saw the atonement work not only in him, but also in me. I will think of this scripture (D&C 3:10) whenever I think of my dear missionary companion, Elder Murillo.
 "But remember, God is merciful; therefore, repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the commandment which I gave you, and thou art still chosen, and art again called to the work;
The boyz.  Having a slumber party all week!
Iñaquito, Ecuador April 2016
So for certain reasons, we were given instructions to spend the night with the Zone Leaders all last week! It was actually a blast! The zone leaders (Elders Wheelwright and Olsen) are two funny dudes! I got to work with Elder Olsen most of the week and it was pretty awesome!

We had just returned to the house in Iñaquito Saturday night to pick up some stuff Elder Murillo and I needed. So we were in the house and then the window starts shaking. I didn't think anything of it until Elder Olsen was like, are you feeling this? All of a sudden the curtains are swinging back and forth and some dishes fell and we recognize we are witnessing an earthquake!

I started trying to remember all the things I learned to do in an earthquake (running, sitting, walking, etc.) The earthquake lasted a good 3 mintues of shaking. I got pretty sick by the end of it. It was the first earthquake I had ever experienced. People were running outside and screaming while these two gringos were wishing that it would last longer. It was so cool!

Unfortunately, it wasn't as cool as we thought for others. It was extremely strong for people near the coast. It's been reported that there are over 300 deaths. There isn't much service for us Quito missonaires to be doing, but it's crazy how open the hearts of the people have been since then.
Cristo en Las Americas activity
Iñaquito, Ecuador April 2016

The Zone Leaders
Elder Wheelwright on the left and Elder Olsen on the right
Iñaquito, Ecuador April 2016
On Sunday, we did an activity called Christ in the Americas. This is where we contacted people in this huge park for a good 3 hours. We set up a little tent asking for information to visit the people. The people were so receptive, it was crazy! Left and right, we were taking down peoples addresses and numbers. We want to keep doing it every Sunday, just because it was so effective!

Just to finish up, Elder Nielsen and I have been playing basketball these past couple weeks at 5:00 in the morning against the Zone Leaders and we haven't won a game. Well, this morning Elder Nielsen and I put on a show. We destroyed them. So our bball skills are slowly returning, and it's a great workout!

Well With all the earthquakes and stuff happening, it reminds me of one of my favorite mormon messages. Men's Hearts Shall Fail Them. With all the people that were open to hearing our message just because of the earthquakes, it reminded me how we must always be prepared for the Lord's coming. We must prepare ourselves now to be brought forth unto the tribunal of the Lord to be judged of our works! (Alma 34:31-37)

 31 Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you.

 32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.

 33 And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.

 34 Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.

35 For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and hath no place in you, and the devil hath all power over you; and this is the final state of the wicked.

 36 And this I know, because the Lord hath said he dwelleth not in unholy temples, but in the hearts of the righteous doth he dwell; yea, and he has also said that the righteous shall sit down in his kingdom, to go no more out; but their garments should be made white through the blood of the Lamb.

 37 And now, my beloved brethren, I desire that ye should remember these things, and that ye should work out your salvation with fear before God, and that ye should no more deny the coming of Christ;

I know that we must always be ready. As Jeffrey R. Holland says "Sanctify yourselves". We must always be ready, and we must always remember this council:  "Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor." (D&C 88:81)

I know that this a sacred work. I have loved my mission. Friday night, Elder Olsen and I were invited to a missionary farewell and we were invited to talk to the congretion about what we have learned on our missions. I have loved my mission to the fullest. It has been the greatest thing I have ever done. Many people told me before going that I would lose time or waste time that I could have been doing for other things. Boy, I can't wait to prove them wrong. Although I may still be immature, dumb, and sometimes prideful, I am trying. I have learned how to turn my weaknesses into my strengths. I have learned to recognize them and the experience I have gained out here is priceless. I didn't give 2 years to the Lord, He gave me his guidnce and love.

I know these thing are ture, and I share them in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Much love to all,
Elder Kimball

Bailey- Ñaña, no letter from you this week! Feeling sad but wanted to let you know that I didn't die in the earthquakes just in case you were heartsick worried.
Clay- Bro you know I miss you! Keep being awesome and you know I'll be trying that hoverboard when I'm back!
Leah- You just told me that your love will be my homecoming gift. I wouldn't want anything else. I love you too!
Lexi- Notice how I put you after Leah... maybe I would appreciate a little letter....
Bella- Sorry Lexi is being mean! I hope you can keep being strong and not let her bully you. Don't  worry, I'll be home soon and I'll set order to the Kimball Kingdom, my princess!
Collins- Nice pot belly. Leah sent me a video of you riding the hoverboard and your little white stomach had a nice appearance. It looks like mine!
Capri- You know I love you and can't wait to meet you!
Mom- Thank you for your prayers and sorry for making you cry all the time. I just have to make sure you still miss me now that we're nearing the end!
Dad- You know I love you too! Thanks for alwats giving me great advice!
P.S Beating you in basketball and stealing your car has been a crowning moment of my life just wanted to remind you of that. Love you!
Love to all!,
Elder Kimball

Monday, April 11, 2016

God Knows You

Date: April 11, 2016
Week: 93 Iñaquito, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Murillo/ Genova, Italy
Colton's Address:
Quito Ecuador North Mission
Francisco Robles E-4 151 Av Amazonas
Edificio Iglesia de Jesucristo
Quito Ecuador
Foto de la visita de Elder Holland
From March 2016
So Tuesday morning, I had just gotten out of the shower and we recieve a call from the Zone Leaders. They told us that the other companionship of Elders (Elder Morgan and Elder Murillo) weren't doing too well, and that we were going to have to do a little changes for this next two weeks so Elder Murillo's back could heal up. That means I have a new companion and Elder Nielsen will be vacationing in Santa Anita for one more week.

Elder Murillo is from Genova, Italy but he was born in Manabi, Ecuador. He speaks Italian so that's cool! He was originally assigned to the Guatemala Rethaluleu Mission before he got reassigned to our mission. He has had one crazy mission but he keeps enduring through every trial he faces. We were in the hospital this week to see what was up with Elder Murillo's back. The doctor checked him out and said it could be a herniated disc but the MRI said otherwise. So Elder Murillo's back seems to be fine and he'll have to start to toughen up if he wants to keep up with the Lord's work here in Iñaquito.

So we are still working with Vladimir. He accepted a date for the 30th of April. We visit him almost everyday to help him get to church. I found some old white shirts in the house and we washed them and gave them to him so that he wouldn't use the excuse that he didn't have nice clothes. With a cool tie too. So everything was all good until little Sofia (his daughter) got pneumonia Sunday morning. Come on Satan! Pick on someone your own size... So Sofia had to go to the hospital with Vladimir included...We asked him the other day if the church was true and he said it was and that he wants to be sealed with his family in the temple. Well, Buddy if you want all those blessings, you gotta start living up to'em! Well, we will keep working with Vlady and I will keep y'all updated!

Our Ward Mission Leader (Hno. Armas) is pretty cool. He heard my voice yesterday at church and he told me to come over later for some special oil his wife has. They gave me this stuff from some Utah company called DoTerra. It is really nasty just saying, but it seemed to relieve my throat a little. Hno. Armas and his wife are literally like gringos to me. I mean what Ecuadorians know who Mitt Romney is and invest in small Utah companys....I mean come on!

Alright so many people might be wondering why this email is called "God Knows You". It is something we here often. Whether it be said at General Conference or learned in primary. It's generally known and quite common. It is as Donald L. Hallstrom said,

"This doctrine is so basic, so oft stated, and so instinctively simple that it can seem to be ordinary, when in reality it is among the most extraordinary knowledge we can obtain. A correct understanding of our heavenly heritage is essential to exaltation. It is foundational to comprehending the glorious plan of salvation and to nurturing faith in the Firstborn of the Father, Jesus the Christ, and in His merciful Atonement. 

Further, it provides continual motivation for us to make and keep our indispensable eternal covenants.
With few exceptions, everyone participating in this meeting could right now, without written lyrics or music, sing “I Am a Child of God.”  

This beloved hymn is one of the most often sung in this Church. But the critical question is, do we really know it? Do we know it in our mind and in our heart and in our soul? Is our heavenly parentage our first and most profound identity?"  

With those words lingering in my mind this past week, I really began to put the things I knew to be true to the test. I began to see if I actually believed them. I started with the simple "Does God or my loving Heavenly Father know me?" A simple question with which I know the answer too, but do I really believe it.

So this is what happened. A year or so ago the mission asked us to fill out those "My Family" Booklets. There is a section to write about yourself and then your parents, your grandparents and so on. Since I was in the jungle, I hadn't received the instructions, so by mistake I did my booklet in English. Turns out we were supposed to do it in Spanish. So the mission recently decided to check those booklets again and they said that I should probably rewrite mine in Spanish to share with members and investigators.

Fine I said to myself I'll change it to Spanish. So that's what I started to do. I got to the part that I had written about my mom. This is what I had wrote less than a year ago about my dear sweet mother.

"My Mom is the middle child of 7. She was raised in Northern California in a small cow town, (literally) called Vacaville. My mother says she was a cheerleader in high school, but I've only ever seen her in a mascot uniform. My mother was accepted to Brigham Young University and later finished her schooling with me in class with her when I was seven.

My mother has always taught me of the happiness that can be found in the knowledge that can be found in the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. With a father and two brothers who have passed on, my mother is a great example of enduring to the end. She is now the mother of 9. She shows Christlike love for each of her children by raising them in the restored gospel." This little passage of personal revelation was delivered by God. With the passing of Baby Quinn, it was really hard for all of us but especially mother. I had prayed to know how I could help my mother in her time of need. When all I really had to do was to look back and see what she had taught me my whole life. I had written that before baby Quinn passed, but it stands as a testimony today of how my mother has taught me about the Plan of Salavation.

With overwhelming joy in my heart, I knew and then believed that God knows me. He knows my mother and he knows each and every one of us. He loves us and the little miracles we find in our lives each day are how he shows his love. I am grateful for my mom and all that she has done for my family and me. I know this church is true, and I want to continue growing that belief by acting accordind to my belief. I love each and everyone of you and hope you all know that God knows you!
Elder Kimball

Bailey- You looked beautiful in your prom photos. I sure miss you and love you!
Clay- Keep being the bomb! Can't believe you are 14! Wow just wow!
Lexi- I love you and miss you.  Stop being mean to Bella!
Leah- The other day I was reading a letter you wrote me and I honestly though it was Clay's writing because of the handwriting, but at the end you put "P.S sorry for the bad handwriting" Hahaha miss you!
Bella- Well, Bella you are growing up, I can't believe it. I hope you are being good!
Collins- For some reason I feel like you are most loved in the fam.  Hope you are ready for your position to be taken when I get back.
Capri- You are still a baby and you can't read this, but to future Capri when you read this: Know that I love you!
Mom- I hope you know I am always praying for the family but especially you! I miss you and love you too!
Dad- Keep being awesome! I wrote a few nice things about you too but I'll save'em for another day when I make you mad, or need to apologize for something! haha

Love you all,
Elder Kimball

Monday, April 4, 2016

Mute Missionary

Date: April 4, 2016
Week: 92 Iñaquito, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Nielson/ Parma, Idaho
Colton's Address:
Quito Ecuador North Mission
Francisco Robles E-4 151 Av Amazonas
Edificio Iglesia de Jesucristo
Quito Ecuador
Outside in the city.  Yes, it's been raining all week! (Can you imagine the Temple in the back?)
 Iñaquito, Ecuador April 2016

Well, this week was exciting, no? Our beloved prophet Thomas S. Monson announced a temple in Quito, Ecuador! Wow! I was so stoked. Every conference when President says he will be announcing temples, the missionaries sit on the edge of thier seats waiting to hear Quito, Ecuador. Well this time he said he would be announcing four temples and immediately I thought how awesome it would be to finish my mission with a temple announced in Quito.
Boom goes the dynamite! 
The Gringo room went loco! All we heard was Quito and we knew it! Tears wear shed, and hearts were gladened! Much hard work was put into seeing the fruit of being blessed with a temple.  I truly feel as an instrument in the Lord's hands!
My sick pic
 Iñaquito, Ecuador April 2016

This week was a little tough. We worked hard with our investigator Fernanda but she was busy at work all week! We are hoping to visit her this week and help her keep progressing to baptism. We also helped Vladimir and he wanted to be baptized but he didn't go to Conference! That bum. I know that both of them can get baptized they just have to stop being bums!

Well my voice has officially been absent for the past week or so. So I have been trying to teach the gospel as a mute missionary. I teach in a whisper and people are a lot more sensitive to the Spirit. It sounds like I'm going to cry every five seconds so the Spirit has been strong haha. Elder Nielsen says I should just teach in a whisper all the time. But it's also been a humbling experience! I find myself trying to speak but then I just can't. I just want to ask Elder Nielsen if I can borrow his milk and I have to motion it to him so it's been fun.
Bro date after the Priesthood Session of conference
 Iñaquito, Ecuador April 2016

Went to Chilis.....
 Iñaquito, Ecuador April 2016

The Crew...I lost by 2 points!
 Iñaquito, Ecuador April 2016
We were able to have a fun P-Day though. We went bowling with the Zone Leaders and I got second place. We get quite competitive! We then had some Chili's afterwards. I didn't even know we had Chili's in Ecuador! What a blessing. I had pink lemonade! It was amazing!

Well I'd just like to share this this week!
I am proud to have President Richardson as my mission president. He is man called of God! It made me sad to think of all of the things that he has done for the mission and especially for me and to see missionaries who do not always appreciate that as much... it's hard for me to comprehend. He has done so much for me and this mission, and honestly I am so grateful to be in this mission. I wouldn't have been able to reach my potential as a missionary, person, or even man, if it was in any other mission. I thank him for everything and the fruits of his labors are evident! We truly have been instruments in the hands of the Lords to bring to pass great things!
Elder Kimball
Elder Nielson and I  and bad photo creds go to Elder Olson
 Iñaquito, Ecuador April 2016

Go Big or Go home!
 Iñaquito, Ecuador April 2016

Bailey- No letter from you this week. Disappointed...
Clay- Thanks for writing me bro! I love you man!
Lexi- Looking very beautiful!
Leah- You too. Don't freak out about the apostates!
Bella- I love you sis and you are becaoming one beautiful pre teen!
Collins- How was the plane? Travel much?
Capri- Looks like Aunt Susan is your new grandma! haha
Mom- Thanks for being a gem. Be careful with the password to my email. See how much I trust you. Don't abuse it!
Dad- Go Spurs! Thanks for everything dad! You have always been a great example of Christ and I thought of you during the PH Sesh!
Elder Kimball

Monday, March 28, 2016

103

Date: March 28, 2016
Week: 91 Iñaquito, Ecuador
Companion: Elder Nielson/ Parma Idaho
Colton's Address:
Quito Ecuador North Mission
Francisco Robles E-4 151 Av Amazonas
Edificio Iglesia de Jesucristo
Quito Ecuador
A mural by the Boy Socuts of South America....
Iñaquito, Ecuador March 2016
They got their Grafitti merit badge!
Iñaquito, Ecuador March 2016
103 people we contacted this week! Just kidding we didn't contact 103 people...That would have been cool, but instead the little sore throat I had, turned into 103 degree fever. Not fun especially in Ecuador. My throat feels as if I swallowed a hundred knifes but it's all good.

Elder Nielsen and I taught by the Spirit like crazy this week. We are teaching the Guamaninga Family. The wife, Gabriela, is a member along with her son, Sebastion. We are trying to reactivate them both but the husband, Vladimir, is being real lame! We walked into the lesson, and we hadn't really talked about what were going to share. We went over their commitments to come to church and basically tried to make Vladimir see that he was doing anything that we were going to tell him to do.

Elder Nielsen decided to teach about Eternal Families. I followed his lead and we both bore our testimonies on the opportunity we have to be with our families forever.  However, Vladimir wasn't quite catching it yet! So I recieved an impression to share a video by the church called Families are Eternal. It was probably made in the 90's because it basically was a slideshow with music in the background. So I decided to ignore that impression because it isn't that cool, plus I wasn't sure I even had the video. Turns out I had the video.

So I started looking around to see if they had some sort of updated technology to plug my USB into. I paused in the middle of the lesson and asked if they had some sort of TV or computer that would play a video from a flash drive. They said no...So I just sat there like an idiot asking myself, why I would ever listen to the Spirit! Then Vladimir says that we could use his laptop. I then found myself repenting asking forgiveness because the impression worked. By the end of the video we had everyone in tears and they decided they wanted to be an eternal family.
Elder Nielsen made me a cake!
Iñaquito, Ecuador March 2016

The cake the Ocarez family made me.
Iñaquito, Ecuador March 2016

And of course the aftermath of pushing my face into the cake!
Iñaquito, Ecuador March 2016
My brthday was fun! Elder Nielsen made me a cake, so that was awesome! The Ocarez family also made me a cake, but they stuffed my face in it. Look's like they like doing that here in Ecuador.
Well not much is going on! I love you all and wish y'all a Happy Easter!
Elder Kimball
The closest I could get to an Easter picture, plus I'm showing a little leg!
Iñaquito, Ecuador March 2016


Bailey- Thanks for the insta shoutout. I swear you use the same pic every year...
Clay- Honestly, I love it that you think that I'm going to come home like a midget and you're going to be able to beat me up.
Lexi- Thanks for inviting me to your Harry Potter watching Marathon.
Leah- Thanks for the birthday wishes!
Bella- Hope you enjoyed Botanical gardens! I still remember that field trip...
Collins- Looks like you enjoyed the easter egg hunt. Did you get the one dad puts a hundred dollars in?
Capri- Well you look like you're enjoying life! You are one blessed baby!
Mom- Love you and hope you are having a wonderful Easter. Enjoy Conference!
Dad- Thanks for all the pics! I love ya!
Elder Kimball