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

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