La Serena semana 23‏

• Bryce my missionary son
  bryce.marvin@myldsmail.net
• 

From:	Bryce Marvin (bryce.marvin@myldsmail.net) This sender is in your contact list.
Sent:	Mon 8/05/13 12:32 PM
To:	rosalie marvin (rosaliemarvin@hotmail.com)

Hola de nuevo a todos!!! 

Well things here in La Serena are warming up! Its kinda funny and we are all hoping that its signs of spring, because it has been way colder than normal!! jaja Im going to die with the real cold of winter back home! jaja 

This week was a good one. We have been working hard, but not finding too many people that are dying to listen to us...jaja Thats alright, we still seem to be excited and happy to be out working!! 

We had interchanges this week and I went up with Elder Mickelson in his area. We had a great time although he was a little stressed. jaja He really wants to do everything right and it shows that he works hard! They just had 4 baptisms in the month of July, so it was pretty cool to see how much success they have had!! And well our day got  little hectic, but we had a ball! Everyone we visited wanted to give us food! jaja The only problem is when they want to give us meat and lots of meat at night! jaja I have learned in the mission that I am not a big fan of meat at night! jaja But thats alright!!! 

Then on sunday, bishop asked me to put up the hymns and I didnt even think twice about it. Then I realized he had me put up "God be with you til we meet again" and "El fin se acerca" (not sure what its called in english). jaja I thought it was pretty funny when I realized what I had done! jaja 

Well this is going to be a great week! We have our goals set high and we are going to go get ém!! I hope that everyone is praying to have missionary experiences!! Les quiero!! 

Elder Marvin

La Serena semana 22‏

 

:

 

Well another week. and im not really sure what to write about this week..

We worked...

we did service...

and...we studied. 

We also have n investigator who is son of a member and he is doing awesome!! We invited him to pray about the book of mormon and to ask if it was true. When we asked how it went for him, he told us it gave him goosebumps. We testified of the power of the spirit and he was super smiley!! and then we ask about his baptism and his mom takes over "not yet, right Nicolas?" NO!!!! She is a member, she should be helping these desires he has. Her lack of confidence es definitely not going to help him. Its sad, but we have plans to go talk specifically with her.  

jaja Ok so a few good storires:First of all, we did a table of materials again and contacted this girl who looked likeshe was avoiding us. As we started to talk about the gospel, the spirit just took over. and she asked lots of REALLY good questions and I was TOTALLY excited!! We explained how the book of mormon could answer her questions and she really liked it. She told us that sadly she lives in the area of the hermanas in our district, but she was SO GOLDEN!!! She told us at the end "This was the first time that I hve ever talked with mormons, and I really liked it. Im going to read this book!" IT WAS SO COOL!!! 

I had interchanges and a couple interviews to do on wednesday. Elder Stacey and I had a great time working up in his area!! 

So its been a good week and I have really loved my studies of the scriptures!! I love how God can teach us so many things and how some scriptures can touch us in different ways. 

I know that this is the work of our Savior and that He loves us and as the scriptures say, he is working right along side of us, so just keep on going!! You are not alone!! 

les quiero,

Elder Marvin

La Serena semana 21‏

Hola de nuevo. Que cuenten de nuevo? Acá, bueno, no hay tantas cosas nuevas! jaja 

Ok, ok. So another week and well you could say this wasnt too ideal, but then again, who can complain when they have a baptism? Not I!!! That would be pretty ungrateful!!! jaja It may not have been a prime week for teaching... or finding new investigators... but Ricardo´s baptism made everything awesome!! 

However, a few funny things. First of all, while doing a contact this week a little old lady was walking with her grand son and we asked if we could come and visit them and she wasnt sure what to say and her granson started jumping up and down saying "Sí! Sí! Sí!" jajaja It was rather funny because she just sat there a minute while he begged to let us come by sometime!!! jaja 

We also shared with someone this week who knows the bible VERY well. We talked about it for a few minutes, then he started telling us that we were sent to talk with him so that HE could teach us. I dont have problems learning new things, but I prefer doctrine. He showed us lots of good scriptures, but we didnt have anything to argue what he said. He doesnt believe in religion, and thats alright, but we know that Christ commanded his believers to follow him, to meet often to participate in the sacrement and remember the teachings he has left. He had only shared true things, but then he informed us something I just couldnt accept.

He´s a prophet.

Thats what he told us, he quickly cleared up and said that we were thinking of something different than him. Not a prophet like Moses, different prophet. So we, in the most lovingly way, explained that there is not different types of prophets. We knew it was time to leave. He didnt want to answer our questions, he didnt want to follow the doctrine. But he did ask for a service, so we hopefully will go help him this week. jaja 

Then saturday, the baptism went great! It was a smaller baptism, but a lot more personal. and it was great! I felt way happy to think our first investigator from herein La Serena got baptized!!!! Woo hoo!!! He is awesome and is going to help lots of people!!! 

SO thats the week in a nutshell. I hope that everyone is reading their book of mormon everyday. If you arent, do it!!! I promise you feel God more in your life!!! 

Les quiero!! 

Elder Marvin

 

La Serena semana 20‏

Hola de nuevo. Well this week was a little bit of fun! jaja I love the training experience!!! and Elder Pickett is an AWESOME Elder!!! We definitely were able to get in lots of contacts this week!!!

Actually wednesday we had interchanges like normal and Elder Mickelson and I did a table of materials in front of the new church that is almost done! and we were able to talk with lots of people!! IT was a blast actually ! Elder Mickelson even went up to the people who were waiting on the red light and was giving out pass along cards and it was really cool! We had a great time!!! 

On the plus side, we have Ricardo´s baptism planned for this next weekend so we are doing all we need to to make sure that this all works out!!! We are excited for him and expect to have a good turn out of his family that is not members! So that should be good! We had his last interview again, because it had been a while since he had his last and all is well!!! 

We also were able to get lots of lessons in so that was good! Now we just really need to get to finding some more new investigators. I think that if we can get some new investigators then we can get the cycle down better, so that we can be finding and baptizing all at the same time! jaja 

Well IM short on time this week, but I hope that everyone is doing well!! loves!! 

Elder Marvin 

La Serena semana 19‏

Well if you read that title you must know that even with the changes, Im stickin´ it out here in La Serena. It was a fun semana so I cant complain and my dreams came true--Im training again!! WOO!!!!

So my new companion, his name is Elder Pickett, ¿de donde es?, San Diego, Cali4nia. Cool right? jaja He is WAY AWESOME!!! He is stoked to be here to work and has a great attitude for the work and is very focused!!! I am way blessed to be working with him for the time the Lord gives us!!! 

So tuesday they called and told us the changes and Elder Holmes said that it wasnt a surprise, he was pretty sure I was going to stay. And everyone else said the same. jaja But he was sad to leave his first area and excited to go see more of Chile! What a great Elder, it was a HUGE blessing to see how much he has grown over the last 3 changes we had together!! And now Elder Pickett reminded me how much there is to learn! jaja I cant believe how much Elder Holmes knew by the time he left and Elder Pickett will do the same!! Its so cool!!!

So lets just say I had a few nights of little sleep. Wednesday we had to wake up and get Elder Holmes to the bus station by 5 am so we got up at 4 after getting in bed late. jaja and then I ran around with Elder Larsen who was also waiting on his companion. We worked together that day, and heard our changes that night while doing a service for a recent convert. Then we did some little changes with Elder Alcedo as well (I got to see Elder Wilson before he went out to Vicuña again) and ELder Alcedo went to the zone leaders house for the night... well for a couple hours. We were back at the bus station to get the new hermanas at, well we got there at 2am, and we waited until 4am because the bus got there late. Then we rested an hour back at my place, and at 5 we were back for mky new companion!! WOO!!! 

So we got to rest until 8 and then we were back at it!! 

SO it has been a great first few days back to training. I love it!!! Although I have to adjust to the hours of studying again. I love them, just have to plan them most days now! jaja 

Also, just a fun thought, we played tennis! and I played with a returned missionary who plays well! so it was a kick in the pants!! 

Well thats all I got for this week!! loves to everything. and guess what, the church is true!! There is  living prophet on earth just like Moses!! Go tell everyone!!! 

Elder Marvin =D 

zone confrence La Serena Chile

La Serena semana 18‏

Well, I cannot believe it. 4 and a half months here with Elder Holmes, and with the chance of changes, we went all out! We had the best week we have had the whole time we have been together! We taught a good 24 lesson week while finding 6 new investigators that are all GOOD!!! and we were able to teach our many others a few times!!! It was SO COOL! and like they say "a happy missionary is a busy missionary". I agree with that completely!!!

Sadly I wasnt able to have a second birthday baptism, but we have 2 people right now who I am very sure will get baptized in the next 3 weeks! I guess with changes being announced tomorrow, I will see if I will be here for them! 

We had just a busy week with lots of lessons as well!! Also, my birthday went quite well! The hermano who was conducting said that he was going to announce it was my birthday until the stake president came! jaja He kinda chickened out then, but it was still funny when he told us that he had it written on the plans! jaja They also gave me some brownies and we had lunch with Hermana Natalia, who just got baptized and she gave us cake and I got to take a bigole bite out of it with out anyone tryin to smash my face, so I just took  big bite! jaja and to end the day, I went by our investigators whos son, also had his birthday on sunday!!! They were pretty shocked when I told them that my mom and my sister also have the sme birthday! jaja I tihnk it shocks everyone, even me sometimes! jaja What are the odds!?! jaja And just to make everything better, it was probably the prettiest winter day! It seemed like summer, with the sun and no clouds in the sky!!! 

We also were pleased to share with Rocío who came to church again with her mom and her grandma! When we went to share with her, she told us that she has really been trying to share with her boyfriend who just hasnt been interested. She told us however that with her desires to have a stronger testimony of the book of mormon, and so we told her to read and pray everyday! And this week she told us that she did it!!! and she got emotional as she told us that she really felt that the things she read were exactly what she needed to hear. That God really was listening! I LOVE when I can see the conversion of others!!! Its just so cool!!! and she is already a member, but she doesnt remember anything, so she is learning everything from scratch and its just awesome!!! I love it!!! 

Amazing how God blesses those who do their best to complete with the commandments! Have you ever felt that way, that God was literally talking with you through the words in the book of mormon? This week, as you read, pray that God will show you that the words are true. and look for the answers that he has for you. When you need to talk to God, pray. When you want an answer, read the scriptures. I know that it really works! I know that God loves us and wants to answer us! I hope that you may all feel the same!! Loves to everyone nad happy 4th of July to everyone!!! 

Elder Marvin =D 

La Serena semana 17‏

You could say that it wasa little bit of a rougher week, but hey, thats life sometimes! I know that we are working hard and I know that God will help us so that we do our part and we can see the fruits of our efforts. Maybe they are just different than what we think or want. 

We visited my favorite family of the moment, Stephanie and Cristian. They are awesome! and we shared about the plan of salvation and invited them to pray aboutwhat we were sharing and was shocked to hear Stephanie say that she wasnt sure if she could do it. She said that she made some vows when she professed buddism. Im not sure what types of vows, but we bore testimony and really just tried to give our all so that they could feel the need. and in the end she told us that her husband the other day asked if they could pray together, and she said that they hadnt been able to do it yet, but they wanted to. SO we left them to do that. They are so awesome!! 

Also, our ward just started doing weekly activities in the church, more than anything to have it opened and to help the members to invite their friends to get to know the church. The first one turned out great as well! So I was happy! and we hda a few investigators there that we will be working with here shortly! 

Also in our interchanges this week I realized that God wants me to learn something from La Serena. With all the people I have been talking with lately, I seem to have met lots of people who believe in a greater spirit/light/power but not God. I met someone who believes in "old astronomy". It was crazy! I have never heard that! but I bore testimony and told him that his life has a purpose and that we would love to share more and he said he was up for it! So Ill have to ask the elderes how things go up with him. But it was crazy with all the buddist and different beliefs that I have heard lately! jaja God just proves to me that Satan works hard, and even though we all can see that God exists, Satan confuses us with where this greater sense comes from. 

We also shared with a less active ldy that we have been shring with a lot lately, and we just shared faith and repentance with her and told her that it is so important that we continuously repent and strengthen our faith. And it hit her. They committed to come to church, and they did it! Just as simple as that! It was awesome!!! 

and the missionary broadcast, who all saw it? if you havent, I invite you to do it this sunday afternoon!! It was SO GOOD!!! I love to see how many chnges are taking place to help this great work of our heavenly father adapting so that we may reach even more people and help more people feel the spirit and make these eternal promises!!! I love this work! and just as the broadcast said, I hope that everyone can invite someone into their house for a NDH or just to have a good time! Show them how this gospel makes you all so happy! Just invite them! 

Lastly, we had a conference yesterday as the 3 northern zones and it was incredible! I felt the main theme between the broadcast and the conference, was true love. We must continue with this work of sharing the gospel because we love our brothers and sisters and we want them to feel the great happiness that this gospel gives us!!! SO I hope that everyone can think on that. How much do you relly love your friends and familia? Sharing the gospel is easy if we share something that we feel so strongly about! Dont let fear get in the way, stand for what you feel is true!! 

Well I wrote a lot, jaja I love you all!! 

Elder Marvin 

La Serena semana 16‏

Bueno, this week wasnt a bad one. We went up some in some of our lessons, buteveryone I swear is getting sick and we had a handful of canceled lessons again. However, that familia that is part german/part chilean we were able to teach last monday! They are SO AWESOME!!!

So we asked if we could go in and just share a moment and sing them a song. And so well, first we asked what language they preferred that we speak in, and they said english (great...) so we started with a song, but in spanish. jaja It was Families can be together forever. and we just wanted to plant the first seeds, and then Stephanie started to ask us questions. "So what do you believe will happen with our families?" So we testified that God has a plan that we will all return as families if we follow his commandments. She really liked that. She then asked a few more questions and was comparing them with what she has been learning. She then opened up and told us that she felt a spiritual need 8 years ago and went to India to study Buddism, with the heart of buddism! jaja She said she learned how to meditate and really learn to take care of herself. She said how she felt there is a spiritual need that we all have, and she said she felt that she filled that need she had. It was REALLY cool to hear all her experiences, and we bore testitmony that God exists and that she could feel that peace all the time if she really desired. They were both very interested and even though their kids were playing the spirit was VERY strong there with them. It was SO AWESOME!! I loved it so much!!! They have a 5 month old girl and a 2 year old boy. They are just tons of fun!! But we hope to keep helping them so that they can see how their familia really can be together forever!!! 

Tuesday we started with a service of mowing a lawn...with lawn scissors...ya. Talk about slow progress! but fun! I believe it builds character!! jaja Then we had interchanges and I was with Elder Larsen. He is a great Elder and we had a ball of a day! Although at night there was  big Fútbol game Chile vs. Bolivia, and so at the end of the day there was NO luck of getting in! jaja But we still had a great day!! 

On Saturday, I did an interview for the Hermanas who have an investigator that will be getting baptized shortly. He is REALLY good! A father who really wants to get his life together and help his son who is 19 and just about to get out of jail. So he was be a great part of their ward!!! Then that night we went by la familia Carrasco and we were surprised to find Carlos home!!! Hewasnt suppossed to get home until monday so we were excited! He was doing awesome! And he told us how he read the gospel principles book all the way through while he was in Antafagasta working! So that was cool!! I was way happy to see them!! 

So we had a good week! Its funny how sometimes we learn through so many experiences here! Both the good and not so pretty, but the gospel is ALWAYS true and always helps me get through it all!! 

I love you all and a big ole "feliz día" to all them daddy´s out there! I love ya dad! You be the bestest!!! 

Elder Marvin 

La Serena semana 15‏

Semana 15, thats crazy! jaja But I had been very blessed here! So I cannot complain at all!!! 

However... lets just say 10 lessons canceled in one week... thats quite a bit!!! I guess canceled isnt the word... we get t otheir house to find that they really arent there! jaja Thats the life of a missionary though! ;) jeje We did find a few different new investigators though and so everything evened out! 

So we had the great idea of  doing a finding activity as a district this week! We all went up to La Florida and took an hour one morning to try and contact as many people as we could and to leave that with the new elderes who are opening the area. We came out successful as well! We were able to pass them 8 references! and a few of them that we contacted were really good! So everyone was happy with the outcome!! 

I also had interchanges with an Elder who got here with Elder Holmes, his name is Elder Mickelson. He is from a SMALL town in Idaho and we had some great farm and cow talk! Its always great to get back to the good stuff in life!! jaja We had a great time and we talked with lots of great people as well! however we had 5 lessons planned and EVERY SINGLE ONE did not work out. *quack* We still had a ball though! Great Elder!!

Then sunday was kinda a miraculous day! I was playing some prelude music and all of a sudden the hermana who told us a couple weeks ago that she wanted to feel the spirit more in her life, was standing right in front of me with her mom!! I was stoked!!! They totally just made it because Rocío asked if they could go and her mom said she knew she had to go with her. It was so cool. Then when I was sitting there and we didnt have any investigators there, I thought "dang it. I could have called them so they would come..." and then Ricardo walked in and then la Familia Carrasco with Natalia´s mom! It was such an awesome surprise! I sat back and then thought "how many people here are we currently working with? members, converts, investigators and I just had this sensation come over me as I realized there was A LOT there that we hve been working with. It was a very sweet confirmation that we were in fact doing our part here. I know that we are being very blessed here and I cannot deny the many blessings that God has given us! I love this work and I know that God has chosen us to come here in this time. 

I also have been studying how we can all be missionaries and I found 4 main factors:

Patience

Diligence

Hope

Faith

If you feel so inclined, study these! They seem like things that maybe we see lots but I promise that you will learn so much more as you study them thinking on your duties as a member missionary. I also invite you all to bring a book of mormon with you everywhere, and study these things as you are waiting! Do it!! I know that you will find many answers!!! 

I love you all! Love the heat because there is none here! jaja! Chao!! 

Elder Marvin =D  

La Serena semana 14‏

Well just like that another one up and down. This week was pretty calm, but good. =D

We had a few different NDH nights that were really good! We also found some new investigators so thats also good!! Now we just have to help them so that they can keep progressing! jaja 

So the first new investigator that we found is a student who is really cool! Actually the first time I talked with her, I asked myself "can she really be this chipper or is it just so we leave?" jaja but then we returned and she was really just that happy! jaja She has learned about just about every other church on earth but she is still looking for one that will "fill" her. So we shared a little of the restaration and we hope that she will keep going well!!! 

Also this week Hmo Carrasco, the recent convert, finally got a job and he had to leave on sunday and so we are happy that he was able to find something. Its just a little stinky that he works 15 on and 15 off. Although, sunday was really cool because ALL of the recent converts in our ward (about 10) all came dressed up very nicely and I almost didnt recognize them! It was so cool! and our investigator, Ricardo, came all by himself! He is so sweet! We just want him to feel his place! In our gospel principles class, we talked about baptism and the other "students" asked him "when are you going to get baptized?" jaja it was funny! he knows he will do it, he just hasnt said when. In the meantime, he just is basically an unbaptized member! He participates in it all!! I love it!! 

Thursday night, Elder King (from my first zone!!!) and I took a bus down to Viña for a district leader training. It went really well and we were able to see lots of good elderes!!! I really liked it! and it was POURING in viña! So that was cool as well! I love the rain!!! Also, it was cool when we were talking about the baptisms in our area for the month of may and I was applauded for our 4 baptisms in the month of may. Now we just have to keep it going so that we can keep finding and baptizing more people! It has been great! and I love getting to know the people that want to find christ!!! 

This week I have studied a lot of repentance and I have really enjoyed it! It is amazing how powerful repentance truly is! i know that we can truly be forgiven of all of our sins and I know that Jesus gave his all so that we could partake of the sacrament every week and feel the weight be lifted from our shoulders every week!!! i hope that everyone this week can really look for and understand what repentnce means to you and try and see what things we can do better at! Its the way to happiness, I promise you!!! 

Loves to everyone!!! Cuidense!! 

Elder  Marvin =D

La Serena 13

Well... Ive ran out of ways to start these letters....

jaja

So we had changes this week and well...I guess thats not completely correct. We called tuesday morning to ask about the changes because we needed to let the zone know if they were going south or not, and well at first we werent going to be told, but then later in the day the assistants called and let us know, and as I listened to the phone call, I realized that that hadnt said that Elder Holmes nor I was leaving. We completed another 6 weeks, however I did not Leave La Serena, nor did I change companion!!! jaja Elder Holmes and I stayed together again!!! jaja So for the first time in my mission I am going to have four and a half months with one elder! Woo hoo! What father could be more happy to stay with his hijito! ;) 

So we werent able to get too many lessons in this week because the first 3 days we were working in our trio on the other side of our ward! But we were able to teach some. Sadly, sunday didnt turn out as we would hope either, we didnt have any investigators in church. Turns out Ricardo hurt his knee and couldnt make it either. darn.

So also, turns out I am staying as district leader and more than half my district is new! So our first meeting we did a little "getting to know you" and a few cool facts: Elder Wilson (my MTC comp) is now with Elder Lopez in Vicuña, and we got two more elderes in our zone, elder Stacey and Elder Mickelson. Elder Stacey also came with me. For our Hermanas, Hermana Smith is still in our district, training a 3rd time! and her new companion is from Washington! I later was informed however that Vicuña was not going to be in our district! NOOO!!! Kinda sad, I was STOKED for the interchanges I would have with Elder Wilson! but I will see him in the Zone meeting at least. jaja 

We also have found some REALLY good future investigators! We hope that they will progress right along! And we have also found some new less active people, and we are hoping to help all of them to keep progressing. 

Thats pretty much how the week went with us... oh but one quick spiritual experience. So we shared with this young less active girl. She said as a kid she always felt close to God, and now she doesnt. She really wants to feel that way again and so she started to read and pray her book of mormon and JUSTO, we arrived when she said she needed us most. It was a very spiritual moment. She said she knows what she has to do and just really wants more than anything to have the guidance again in her life. It was awesome!!! Then we went to a cita with a less active lady who told us the SAME thing. She said "I knew that you were going to come. I felt like it was going to happen. So that was pretty cool! I love feeling like we are really doing what we are suppossed to and when others testify to it, it really helps me to feel that I am doing what I am suppossed to. 

I know that God leads us and impresses us to do His will, and I know that without it we could not complete with His grand plan. I hope that everyone can feel this week that they are really doing what God expects of them. I love you all!! 

Elder Marvin

La Serena semana 12‏

Can you believe that Elder Holmes training ended...just like that! Thats 3 months since he got here, and I feel like he just got here! Mi hijito es grande ya! *llorando lágrimas de felicidad*. jajaja Seriously though, I cant believe how time flies, nor how many blessings we have received! I remember about 6 weeks ago we were saying that we needed to pray for miracles and in these 6 weeks together, we have seen MANY miracles!!! 

First of, we were able to have the baptism of Tsuyoshi, and it was awesome! Also, Felipe from the other two elderes was baptized as well! So there was quite a few people there and it was all just awesome!!! We had all the clothes and they got there on time and it wasnt too stressful! jaja Thats a miracle in itself! jaja 

Also, sharing with Ricardo, he is SO AWESOME!!! He has told us his testimony, and he feels that everything is true! He has some small fears, but he knows that he needs to be baptized and he wants to do it. Now we just have to help him so that he doesnt feel scared to folllow through with his part! We are very excited for him .

      the funny side of things, Jueves we were walking over to lunch and we passed an englishman and he said " Los mormones, what can I do for ya sir?" in his thick accent, and Elder Holmes, with out missing a beat he replied "Get BAPTIZED, sir!" jaja It was quite hilarious!!! 

We also had a GREAT ward activity on friday, noche de postres (dessert night) and I made some 7 layer bars (oh were they GREAT!!!! jaja) and they actually were a pretty big hit! I had several different hermanas ask me how I made it because they didnt believe me that I had made it! jaja Thanks mom, I pass all the glory to you! ;) jeje 

Then Sabado we spent the day getting everything ready for the baptism and it all went well! We had all the white clothes and everyone got there on time. Tsuyoshi was happy and it was just awesome! I love when the familias can al be happy and excited for baptisms like that! And His older Brother was able to baptize him and I think I liked that most of all. To see two brothers in the baptismal waters together and that they can be sharing that spiritual moment together! jaja 

Then Sunday Elder Hancock had finished up his last day, and he left. Leaving elder Hales with Elder Holmes and I together! jaja So we are going to be in a trio until we have changes! It will most likely be like this until thursday morning! jaja But we are going to have a ball! Great Elderes, and the best mission, I love this life! jaja 

I hope that everyone is just loving this time! Felicitaciones to everyone who just graduated and I hope that the future brings you many great things! Always remember your prayers, and to read the book of mormon. I promise that it will be your anchor for when times get rough! I love you all!!! 

Elder Marvin

La Serena semana 11‏

So, who likes surprises? I love surprises... but the good ones. jaja And well this week had a good surprise.

So martes, we had a lesson with la familia Carrasco y el hermano told us that he could be leaving any day for his work. He is currently looking and he said that they can call him up to a mine any day and he would have to go. So I thought "NO!!!" So we explained our concerns with the zone leaders because they had only attended church twice and they have to attend at least 3 times to get baptized, but they talked with Presidente Kähnlein and he gave us the "ok". I was surprised! I have never gotten that permission before! jaja So We talked with the familia and told them that we wanted to help them be ready, and they said they wanted to do it! So we prepared them and on jueves they had their interviews. And everything went well!! They all passed! WOO!!!!! 

So Elder Hales told us before the interview "if they arent going to be ready, we dont want to baptize them, but if they are ready then lets do this." So I thought about it a lot! We studied lots for them this week and when we went over the baptismal questions, they had no problems. zilch. nada. and the spirit was so strong. The next morning I was thinking about them a lot, and I read Alma 32:15-16. And I realized THAT EXPLAINS THEM!!! They have truly felt their faith be tried, and they have chosen this path because they want thier family to have this happiness. 

Then Sabado they got to the baptism and Nicolas (13 year old son) wasnt there... So I asked and they said " We cant find him. He went to the park to play and disappeared." So in a nervous laugh, I say "Well, Hma Natalia can get ready and Carlos, just go and look for him." So we all got ready, a little behind on time, but not too bad. About 20 minutes later, they showed up and everyone got dressed. We took our pictures with everyone in white and it was SO COOL!!!! 9 people in White! Two families got baptized that night. and the spirit was just radiant. It was awesome! And I remember this very calming feeling come over me as I looked at both families that were baptized, and I just felt that they were all going to stay active! It was amazing! I truly do feel like they will become a great part of this ward!!! 

So we were blessed with those three baptisms this week. It was truly a miracle! I loved it!!! And on sunday I was able to sykpe the fam. All is well there, they were awesome!! I love my familia, I dont know what I did right in the pre-existence to get blessed so well! ;) 

 Happy mothers day to all those great moms out there!!! And for everyone else finishing up their classes around this time, finish strong. 

"Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 

until the good is better, and the better is best."

Les quiero!! 

Elder Marvin =D

La Serena semana 10‏

Well we had another wonderful week here in La Serena! I thought we were going to start getting cold, but this week it was HOT!! Yuck, I want my winter... jaja Oh well, thats life! jaja

This week there wasnt anything too crazy! We had interchanges on wednesday and I was with a Chilean Elder, Elder Araya. We had a good time and I think we both learned lots! jaja He has been in the mission a change longer than me, but I learned he has lots of hidden secrets. For example:He playes guitar WELL! While with a familia, he picked it up and played a hymn and lest just say I really wish I knew how to play! He made it look so easy! jaja Oh well. It was a really good way to bring the spirit there with an hermana who is pretty sick. She was very pleased with our visit and I felt good about the spirit we felt there. I love the power of music! jaja 

We also ate in the restaurant of a member this week! He is in the other ward that meets in our building, but when members want to help but they cant be home to cook, they send us there! My first time there, but it was good! Meat and potatoes! jaja 

Also, with Natalia, Carlos and Nicolas, we have been sharing lots with them and they are excited for their baptism! They came to church for their second time and they really like it! I love to see them and their excitement! And Nicolas even shared his testimony in the meeting! Awesome! 

We also went to a baptism saturday morning and it was VERY spiritual. The other two elderes had it planned and the guy that was baptized has really been trying to change his life. And right after he was baptized, he shared his conversion story and it was POWERFUL!!! I cried. Also, Hma Smith, she had taught him when she was in her other area, and she was able to come to the baptism as well, and it was just, wow. I LOVE how this gospel can help people SO MUCH!!! 

Lastly, sunday we were able to have lunch with the same hma we ate with last sunday! Although, her son is less active and her granddaughter isnt a member. So we shared with them again, but instead of getting overly excited, we just helped him to remember his old memories of the church and he loved it! and his daughter WANTS to come to church! So we invited them and they said they would come next week! YES!!! 

We also talked with an hermana who needs to get her boy baptized and she knows it, but she said its been hard. So we are going to help, so that his older brother can also start preparing for the mission and he can baptize him. Thats the plan! 

And from my studies this week, I was reading alma 32-33 this morning and it was GREAT!! You just gotta read it! For all of you who are saying "I have read Alma 32 before, talks about fe, I know..." read it together with 33. Then you will know. jaja 

Well I love you all!! Nos vemos!!! 

Elder Marvin =D

La Serena semana 9‏

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Yes, it was quite possibly one of the greatest weeks we had here in La Serena!!!! We have been praying hard and putting out all that we can and making sure that we are obedienteand God has blessed us! I am SO GRATEFUL!!!! 

On Martes (tuesday) we had a fun day of almost no lessons, that turned into 4 lessons that were great! We went and found Natalia in her house and we just talked with her for a minute and taught her a little about church. She said she would really try these last weeks, and this time she said "ok, I know that I need to go." and we invited her to be baptized and she accepted!!! She also was a little nervous, but her son was also excited to go. We invited him to go to mutual and he was excited for that! 

Then, wednesday, I had an interchange with Elder Lino out in VIcuña. We had a great day and taught a few different people! Although, it has been a little cold in La Serena and Vicuña was HOT! jaja Thats alright! We, back in La Serena, had a bautismal interview planned with Ricardo. Oh, tuesday night we had a NDH with him and an AWESOME familia that are basically his neighbors! He had a great time, and accepted to have his interview wednesday! WOO! So Elder Holmes told me that he passed! And he believes that everything is true, but he just wants to know a little more about the book of mormon before he is baptized. So i believe in a few weeks we will have his baptism! Thats the plan! jaja 

Thursday we also had a NDH with Natalia, and all her familia and we watched the restoration with them another great familia that lives near them! They felt the sincerity of the video and said that they really felt it was true. And then Carlos, the husband, was excited to go to Church because the hmo did and AWESOME job inviting them!!! And their kids became best friends and it was AWESOME!!!!! 

ALso, I had an interview with Presidente Kähnlein thursday and it went really well! He is so awesome and loving! Its awesome to work with him in this work of the Lord! I know that he is inspired to lead us and help us to become better everyday!!! 

saturday we shared with a less active familia whose daughter of 26 years told us how she really felt like she lacked the spirit in her life. We invited them to follow the commandments and to come to church. They are really good and her youngest son isnt baptized, so we hope to help them as well! great familia and spiritual lesson!!! 

Then, the test:sunday. We called to remind Natalia, and they were awake. There was also the hour change ("fall" back) but that should have helped. WE stood out in front waiting until the meeting started. and they didnt make it....NO!!!!!!!!! ..... that is until after the meeting started! THEY MADE IT!!! And they were prepared to stay all 3 hours and Nicolas had a ball at mutual, so he ran off with his friends to his class, and the little girl of the member familia took little martina, and we went with Natalia and Carlos to our class. They not only liked it, they participated! OH YES!!! and even for the 3rd hour, the members helped Natalia in the relief society. Sadly we had to run at the end with an hma for lunch, but we planned a lesson with them for that night. 

When we went by we asked what they thought, and they loved it! They said "I have never felt so welcomed and loved in any other place, nor church" They also said " they teach you in this church, not just talk and bore you to sleep" I was so impressed! Even the kids had a great time!!!! And just to make it all perfect, Natalia asked "The hermanas asked me when I was getting baptized,  when did you say we are planning on?" and I reminded her of the day and her husband said "and we can be baptized the same day right? Cause in the church they said its best to follow the church as a family" Oh.my.goodness. 

I know that this is the true church because I see how it changes the lives of so many! I know that God really does prepare some people to receive the gospel at any given moment. I know that sometimes we have to be like Ammon and the sons of mosiah and suffer through our afflictions patiently and God will bless us if we do. I love this gospel, I know this is the true church.

Lastly, I want EVERYONE to read Alma 26, and think how you can help this missionary wave. "catch the wave" 

I love you all! I love this awesome mission and I love this gospel!! 

Elder Marvin =D 

La Serena semana 8‏

I LOVE the weeks when we can see some good progress! Ricardo, came to church for his Second time yesterday and we was ready and waiting for us when we went by his house! He is WAY unlike the majority of the Chileans here! jaja And Natalia and her family are doing good as well! They said they were going to come to church this last week but THEY DIDNT! UGH!!! The members even went by to help them get there, but they had just woken up! ugh... thats life I guess! jaja 

We also got a phone call this morning from a member who went and visited a less active family and set up a cita for tomorrow night so that we can go and help them. They are looking for a little more help and she wants (the mom) to return to the church. She has a daughter that has 14 and she is not a member. So we are excited to go and to share with them as well!!!

Miercoles (wednesday) we had a few different meetings and we also had interchanges. I was with Elder Hancock in his side of our ward and we hada great day! We talked with one lady in the street who said "I think that there are many ways to get to God." and I thought for a minute and Elder Hancock said "You believe that God is merciful and just, right? How can we all be judged according to the same conditions if we have different visions of these conditions? If different churches teach that some things are ok, but another church accepts it, how can their judgement be the same?" God truly has blessed us with the true and living church so that we KNOW how to prepare to meet God. His commandments and laws are guides to us so that we can be prepared for that day. So that we can have more liberty while we are here. I really liked how he explained the judgement to her, and it makes sense. We also hada NDH with a less active family who invited their friends over . We talked about "the proclamation to the family" and temples and it was AWESOME!!! Their friends gladly set up another cita with us and the spirit testified to everything that we taught! I loved it!!! 

So I would like to make the same invitation to all of you. Think, and pray to know who YOU can invite over for a FHE. And then when you get it all planned, invite the missionaries! You can tell your friends as well that the missionaries will be there so there isnt any surprises, but you can do something SO simple to help your friends learn a little more, and fill the agendas of the missionaries, just as we were ALL invited to do in the general conference. What do you think? =D

Last night, we went and taught a young couple and talked about the same thing. They thought for a minute and felt impressed to invite a few different people over for a NDH, and they accepted to do it. They even felt more excited about the work as they took on their part in it all!! How cool is that?!  Dont you want to feel more excited about the work? I LOVE this work!! 

So thats how things went. I hope that everyone else had a good week as well! Just remember all your prayers and studies are so important. D&C 64:33-34. I love you all!!! 

Elder Marvin

La Serena semana 7

Well the changes came and left and well it appears that there are none for this change! jaja I stayed here in La Serena con Elder Holmes and we are just going to have to get some people baptized since they left us together! The work has been a little slow, but we are starting to see some good progress in our investigators.

Small note to ALL: I now have permision to write anyone! So if you so feel to write me an email, I will do my best to reply quickly, but I will reply! Thanks to all those that have respected this rule, and feel free to send me some love! Its always openly received! jaja

So one day we were putting up english class posters and this lady stopped and watched us put the whole thing up. Then as we finished I asked if she was interested. She rudely responded "No. Why would you even offer such a class?" We told her it was a service that we do and it is because many want to learn. She said "How can you even offer classes if you dont even speak english!? My ancestors are from england and they know how to speak english! What you are teaching is trash! Where are you even from!?!" and my companion calmly stated "We are from the US." and she said" Exactly! You offering english classes would be like me offering mechanical repairs; I cannot offer something that I do not know how to do." I chuckled, and I said "Hermana, so you think that we do not know how to speak english?" *pause, and ponders* "YOU ARE NOT MY BROTHER!!! My brothers have the same blood and you do NOT." At that point, I said "well classes are friday at 7, hope to see you there!" jajaja Now looking back I have to think "what could have possibly happened this morning that has left her angry at the world? People do not live to just give others hectic" I dont know what happened, but I hope that she is alright.  

Also, this week while we were looking for a less active family, we asked a lady who was watering her front lawn if she knew them. She said that she did not, but also that she just didnt even have anytime at all and it was just luck to find her there. We asked if we could sing her a song to help make her day better. She hesitated, and then said "ya, come in" So we went in and sat down with her and her son and his girlfriend. We told them that life can get crazy and a lot of times we may not have time to even take a breath. Then we sang her "nearer my God to thee" and she started to cry. The spirit was VERY strong and I LOVED it! It was just so awesome!! We explained how the book of mormon could help her so that she could have the peace that she needs EVERYDAY of her life. She accepted the book and said "I will read it!" SO PERFECT!!! And so we tried to get another appointment set up and then we left. As we were going out the door she said "Thank you vrey much. God always sends what I need when I need it. I truly know that you are servants of God" 

I was left speechless. I think that may have been the BEST compliment that I have ever received from anyone, ever! It was a moment when I could confididently feel that I was doing my part. I dont think there is a better feeling as a missionary! wow. 

So it has been another FANTASTIC week here in La Serena! Its starting to get cold, I think we might start wearing a jacket at night, but it still gets hot during the day. So we will see. I studied also a little in Alma 12-14 and its a really good area of the book of mormon. I invite you all to read them! And look for how you can draw closer to God and understand what he wants for you! I love you all!!! 

Elder Marvin =D

La Serena semana 6‏

Can you believe it!? Thats another change that has already come and gone! I have already been with "mi hijito" for a month and a half! And we havent had a single bad day together! I love this Elder, he is great! jaja

So this week was a little "short" to say the least because for General conference we basically didnt have ANY time to work the lessons or streets much. We also had to get all of our studies in on top of all of that. But MAN I just LOVE conference! Is anyone with me on that one!?! jaja They are just always awesome!!! My favorite talk... well there was a few different really good ones!! I feel like they hada really big theme of obedience. I feel like that is way important! We may start to tolerate more and more as a people in whole, but we must be willing to stand for what we believe. I really liked how Elder Holland said that same thing "If we feel that our testimony is week, the best we can do is BELIEVE IT!" I really liked how sometimes we may have felt these things, but Satan is going to work against us. Its so true! He also cited a few scriptures that were PERFECT!!! We had just talked with an investigator about the same scriptures that same week! and Ricardo (that investigator) was sitting there with us!!! I was pleased!!! And so that was just awesome, we actually had 2 investigators that came! I loved it! That might have been the best that I have ever had in my mission experience!! and they both really liked it. The other is a young girl who is friends with a girl that just got baptized (the one I interviewed) and so she is just way excited and we are excited to share with her more!! I also really liked how they talked a lot about how we ALL can be missionaries now, and how we need to help fill the agendas of the missionaries with people to visit. We have no need to fear. Maybe we have been rejected before, but perhaps now our friends and familyt are ready to receive the missionaries. Whats asking going to hurt? So I invite you all to take on the challenge. Be natural and your friends will want to know more! Just invite them to listen to the missionaries!! We aren´t THAT weird! ;)

So we also had a very, VERY good lesson this week with Ricardo. We had not seen him in a few weeks! I was stoked to share with him again, but he didnt seem too excited as we started to teach him. We asked how he had been, busy. And we went right into what he read last time, and he shared about faith and hope and Charity. I loved it! So we tied it all in and started talking about conference and prophets. and he asked how many prophets we believed in, and we shared how the bible and the book of mormon tell us there will be many false prophets and so we have to pray. Thats what we needed. WE needed for him to understand prayer a little better. And we shared 3 Ne 14 with him where it talks about how we are commanded to pray and ask for the help that we need, and he understood! He said "Now I understand that." He said at first he didnt think that wit was very good if we always asked for things, butwe cleared that up and he said that he wanted to go to conference! Then on sunday when we went to get him he was ready and waiting for us to get there! It was awesome!!! So now we really just hope that he will sprout and feel the spirit work within him! 

And to bless us more, we played bball this morning. Yes! and we have a lot of good players in our district! So it was fun! 

Lastly, we had a great NDH with Jose and his family. We did a good activity I love to do and it put things into perspective of what is most important in our lives and how we need to do those things that matter most to us. His mom FINALLY said "I reallywant to know which is Gods path." so we told her she HAS TO PRAY!!! She refuses to pray and so we just hope that now she understands a little better. She finally found for herself that she had to do it! So it should be good! 

So it was still a full week! I loved it! I love this work that we have, and now we are really driving to help a few different people so that they can be baptized! I really want to help Elder Holmes have his first baptism and feel that feeling that he has helped someone to make these promises with God. Its great!!! So thats where we are at. 

Things are great! I hope the same is for all of you! Just keep being obedient and remember to ask God for help. Be humble, and love all. Its the secret! =D Chao!!! 

Elder Marvin =D

Bryce tried sushi

La Serena Semana 5‏

From:	Bryce Marvin (bryce.marvin@myldsmail.net) This sender is in your contact list.
Sent:	Mon 4/01/13 12:03 PM
To:	rosalie marvin (rosaliemarvin@hotmail.com)

I cannot belive how fast time is flying!!! My poor hijo is just growing up too fast and learning too much!! jaja We had a great week although we really need to have some big spiritual lessons this week and see some more progress from our investigators. They have some good potential, but we just need everything to get up and start rolling!! 

To start the week we talked about how we can crack down and do our best in all that we do. I read this week in my personal studies from the last conference about how Presidente Uchtdorf said "we must not settle for "an alright effort". We have been saved for these days, and we must be able to give the example to everyone. We should strive to do all things well. So we are wokring on doing our very best, getting all of our studies in and being very prepared for all of our lessons and for everything that we do. So that the spirit can help us take every step along the way and we are not only blindly following.

Sadly, sometimes, like Alma relates in chapter 8, the results dont reflect our efforts. Sometimes, we put in a lot and seem to come out short. Thats kinda how the week was. We were also able to do some service and we had a conference so we didnt have as much time to work, but still, we have room to get better. 

However, we are still pumping away and loving it! I love how even when its rough, the spirit can truly keep us up! Although, our reference that we received from a member, the girl that came to church last week loved church so much that she went home, told her family, and all her family wanted to hear about it. I am glad that we were able to make her experience so geat and now we passed the reference to coquimbo so they can teach her whole family! I heard a statement in our conference this week in a video  we saw there. It said "Experience is what you get when you dont achieve what you were hoping for." I also read in my studies that "failure is temporary. Success is a product of hard work." So we know we just have to stick at it. I dont know if anyone else has felt this way before, but I invite you all to read Alma 8 y 9. They are great chapters where we can see that "life aint always bautiful" at first. 

I did go on interchanges out to Vicuña with Elder Toapanta. We had a great time and they on the other hand have LOTS of people that they are visiting! Its great! We visited lots of people and they should be having quite a few baptims out there this month. And, for a nice confusion, I was confused for a mexican again! YES!!! jaja I love it when that happens! jaja  

So things are on the uphill, we are loking at having a few baptisms in the month of Abril, so thats what we just gotta go do! I hope that everyone is just as excited for conference as I am! I COULD SCREAM with excitement! jaja Its going to be awesome!!! I just know it!!  Loves to everyone!!! 

Elder Marvin =D 

La Serena semana 4‏

Well my first month has here and come and well things are going pretty well! This week was a little bit of a "trier" (if that works...) but it ended greatly! We put the goal of contacting LOTS more people and well we are seeing the fruits! 

Also, we are starting to see the fruits of working with the members! We have lots that are willing to come out with us, and a few that are even starting to bring their friends to us to teach. There is one hermana in particular, who is a returned missionary and she is helping us a TON!!! She is sharing with EVERYONE in her college and a few of them are really interested. One, Nicole, became a new investigator for us yesterday. She really wanted to know more, and she came to church and loved it! She is WAY good and really wants to understand more of what we teach. She has an evangelical background, but she said she didnt get her fill there. So we are excited to start teaching her. We also found a lady this week who lives in the house of an old investigator. We started talking with her and she received everything quickly! It was really cool because we almost walked past her house, but we decided to stop and ask. We also havea lesson planned with her for this week. She even told us that she would like to be baptized if that would be possible! I LOVE IT!!!!!! 

Its really cool to see how some people are so prepared. We have been working for a month and its been a little slow, but things are starting to fall together now! I love working with Elder Holmes, he teaches me new things everyday and just is happy to be out here. He is really strong as well, and hasnt felt sad for himself or anything! I am really impressed with all that he does and we just havea great time together!!!

This week I have had some great studies as wellI! I was studying for a few investigators who dont really understand prayer. We tried to find some great scriptures and a few really called my attention. En Moroni 10:4 (famous), 3 Nephi 18:20 and D&C 63:7-11. Now for all of you, I hope that as you look these up, you can really think in how prayer has helped you in your life. and as well think of how prayer is not just us talking to God but He responds as well. Its so important that we always listen to see what He has for us! Also, dont forget about Easter and think of what it really means.  

Well thats all that I got for this week!" I hope that everyone is loving the easter season and your hopefully not too cold! ;) Its pretty cold down here, but then again, not really. Im just not used to it. jaja Cuidense!!! 

Con mucho caiño, Elder Marvin =D

La Serana semana 3‏

Well another week come and gone and well we are finally going to be moving! The zone leaders ar e getting the papers signed and we are going to be on our own and have space! I am so excited! jaja We should be changing right here shortly. 

So this week you could say we put a little (or a lot) of our focus into sharing with the members. We are trying to get to know them all as best as we can so that we can serve them and we can work with them to teach their family and friends. And well things are starting to turn out for us! There is a young couple who are studying and they have been sharing their testimonies and their friends said "wow, I love how I feel when you talk to me about your church" and they really want to come and learn more. So hopefully in these next few days we will be getting their info to go and teach. I hope they all live here in our area! jaja 

I had interchanges with Elder Hales, my zone leader that was here last change and he helped me to find lots of these members and we had a really good day! We talked with lots of good people and I really loved working with him! He is a great Elder and we just had a great time sharing with everyone and sharing our secrets of success. jaja 

Our investigator pool is a little dry right now, but we have one investigator whos name is "Ricardo" and he is really interested in everything and we were able to teach him 3 times this last week. We also shared with another college student who is only 22 and he is really receptive. He wants to be able to help his family the best he can; he has a 7 year old brother and he also wants to give back to his parents, so he is very mature. And he plays rugby... he`s a big kid! jaja We had a great lesson with him though, he told us that he really wanted to have the guidance he needs to make the best decisions. We had a joven who is leaving for his mission in a couple of weeks and he shared his testimony about how he felt the spirit and couldnt deny it for the first time and it was powerful. I love how the spirit can really strike home. 

I also have really liked how Elder Holmes is teaching me and I to him. We are working together really well! We havent had any problems at all! We get along great and I hope that I can just help him to get all that he needs to be the best missionary possible! Sometimes he is a little nervous and shym, but I am trying to talk less and leave him more to talk! jaja Its fun! I really like his personality and attitude. 

I was studying this week a lot from the atributes of Christ, it went really well! And I must say for all of you who have Preach my gospel, look up chapter six, think of how you can apply it to your life. and then to help, make goals that you can accomplish and better yourselves. I did it and I REALLY loved the scriptures that they share with it all. =D 

So that was my week, nothing too exciting this week, just the good ole work! Lovin it! 

Elder Marvin =D

La Serena semana 2‏

Bueno, another week has FLOWN by, and may I say that I have just a the greatest companion? Elder Holmes and I have had a great time together and its just tons of fun to be with a new missionary! But I have to remember sometimes that he really hasnt done some things before, and so I have to be way excited so that he just loves whatever it is!! But he is obedient, thats very important and helpful for me!!! jaja

So we had a nice and trying week. We still dont have many investigators, but we are working on it and everyday we are talking with more and more people! jaja One day this week while looking for investigators and a place to rent, we decided to knock one door and ask if it was open to rent. A young adult of 27 years answered the door and he said that he had just moved in there. We said darn and asked if he knew of anywhere nearby, he said no but then asked us about what church we were from. He lives just around the corner from where they are building a new stake center, so he was curious! So we started to explain and he invited us in. He explained how he was in his last years of studies and last year he was in a fatal car crash. There was 3 people in the car and he was the only one to live through it. He showed us pictures and it just surprised me that he was able to live: a head on crash with a semi. He was in recovery for a lot of time and said that he felt the pressence of his grandma when he was going through the hardest times. We explained that God had a plan and that his grandma really is closer than it may seem. We shared a little more and left a book of mormon with him, and tonight we are going to see how it went. 

Also,I went back to VIña on thursday for a District leader training. It was actually one of the most spiritual meetings that I have had in a long time. We had a member from the viña ward share his conversion story and it was powerful. He reminded us that when we share our testimonies we shouldnt be afraid rather we need to be so sincere so that everyone can feel that we truly know that this is the true gospel. I loved it. We also talked about how we can help all our investigators and our district members and their investigators to the MAX. I loved the spirit there and it inspired me to go out and work. I wish we had more meetings like THAT! jaja There in simply NOTHING that beats a spiritual meeting that excites you for the work!!! 

So I put the goal to make everyday a spiritual experience. It is NOT easy, it requires lots of organization, but it makes the world of a difference. I actually would like to invite you all to do the same. Be organized and when you do your estudies, think and pray about what you should study, and go do it. Expect God to answer your questions, and be faithful. Take time throughout the day to listen for his answers as well, and I promise you will find your days to be more spiritually guided. This week I read 2 scriptures that I wanted to share and I hope you can see the connection between the two. The first in Moroni 10:22 and the second in Alma 41:10. Now its your turn! 

So I hope that I can hear some of youir spiritual experiences as well! I would love to hear them! An invitation Presidente Kähnlein gave to La Serena in our stake conference, that EVERY MEMBER should always have a Book of Mormon with them where ever they go. So I extend that to you. Ask your bishop for a copy and take it with you everywhere. Put one in your car, in your backpack, and missionary experiences will find you!!! 

I love you all! Chile is the best! period. Les quiero!! 

Elder Marvin

La Serena semana 1

They did it. They finally did it. They kicked me up north. Thats right. I am now in the stake farthest north in our mission.... WOOO HOOO!!!!!! Other than the lat night bus that I didnt sleep on, it was great! I have been hoping that I would get to know the north a little while I was here in la Misión! and better yet, I filled my dream of going to the north with my "hijo" and we are opening the area we are in.

Some of you who know missionary work may be thinking "oh, thats kinda hard." You are absolutely correct, but its so awesome that we both just dont know anything about the area, and we are learning everday! Its a ton of fun!!! 

So a little about the week. Monday we visited and I said "chao" to some of the awesome people of La Ligua. I also got a phone call that reassured me that I was leaving La Ligua. Sad but true. and then tuesday was a regular day of work as well! So we did LOTS more visits and said goodbye to lots of people that I love so very much!!! La Ligua is by far the best branch in the WHOLE mission. Then, well lets just say I didnt have time to pack my bags until wednesday morning. I woke up and get it all ready, then we had brunch with Brian one last time. After all he has done for mei t was great to share one last time. He is a great joven!!! Then we had to run, and we got my suitcases that were STUFFED down to the bus terminal. We got on the same bus as the Cabildo Elderes. and well we had to kinda play tetris with the suitcases to get them to fit because they didnt have a place under the bus for them. Then only to make things a LITTLE more fun, the hermanas from troncal in Quillota also got on the same bus to viña, so we shuffled things around and then got everyone on. We made it to viña and all the way to the office before I had the devastating moment that no missionary wants... I broke my first suitcase wheel!!! NO!!!!!! I was sad, but thats life, just had to semi drag it along. It has 4 wheel,s but the one that died was a necessary one. but I will work to fix it. Switch around a couple of them. 

Then we had our capacitation for all the trainers, and well it started late.  and then they went over everything quickly, and told us to go wait for the changes meeting. I saw Elder Luna, my old zone leader and he said he knew where I was going, so I thought I was going to his zone, in Belloto. I was convinced! So we went in and sat down. Elder Rhoton and I sat together just nervous and way excited to see our newbies!!! Then finally Presidente Kähnlein came in and in a line he was followed by 17 hermanas and 15 Elderes. IT WAS A HUGE GROUP OF NEW MISSIONARIES!!! Way cool though. SO we listened to a thought by hermana Kähnlein and the news all sang a song. Then the changes came. Did I mention that I was nervous? and for some reason they always seem to save me for last! As the different zones had their changes announced, I sat anxious. Elder Rhoton got called and he is training a latino! So that will be great for him!!! and The belloto zone came and left!!! slightly confused I sat waiting until the last zone, La Serena. Then came my turn, Presidente Kähnlein announced Elder Holmes and said I was going to be his trainer! I was way stoked!!! In fact, I didnt hear where we were going!! jaja But we were good to go and excited!!! 

We had to wait until 930 before they brought us to the bus terminal and our bus left a little after 1130 from Viña. Sadly, I did NOT sleep very well, but I was excited!!! and we got to La Serena the next morning a little after 6am. Then we took our bags to our house. and right as we got there, ANOTHER WHEEL DIED!!! AHH!!!! but on the other suitcase. So I got some repairs to do. No worries mom, I have at least 6 weeks to try and fix everything!!! ;) jeje 

Then these last few days have been fun just trying to find some members and talkingwith lots of people in the streets! We are starting from scratch, so theres only one direction to go, right? 

So thats been my crazy life in a nut shell! I hope everyone is excited to hear about fun stories!!! As well as the power of the spirit here. The new ward is great and I can tell we are just going to have tons of success here!!! 

Well I hope that everyone is doing well, and if things are rough, turn to the scriptures, and read alma 56. God is with those who need him most, dont forget it!!! 

I love you all!!! Keep strong and remember that true happiness strarts with the basics!!! Chao!!! 

Elder Marvin

La Ligua semana 24‏

And so it comes, the oh so sad day when they tell me that my time has come. Thats right, you guessed it. "Se va de La Ligua". Or so they say. Its actually quite interesting the whole situation and I am still rather confused. But lets start with the week.

 This week we did everything that we could so that Tommy could have his baptism. We taught him everything he needed to know, and it as tons of fun! We had to teach him in a very special way. When they say "teach people not lessons, its true! For tommy, we have to be crazy and funny and then test him on everything! He likes to pull the shy guy "i dont know" but he does. jaja It was fun! And so wednesday we had his interview and he passed! WOO HOO!!! and we had him planned for a sunday baptism so that more members could be there. 

Saturday we got it all ready and we cleaned the pila and we even made sure he had clothes that would work! and then on Sunday by miracle, they got there early and there was just no problems with the whole baptism! Not a single one! Can you believe that? What a blessing!!! jaja And the spirit was way strong and his mom shared her testimony and it was just absolutely perfect!!! I loved it!! So it was a good way to have my last sunday there in La Ligua. 

So as you can say, we got called on saturday and our zone leaders said that I am going and Elder Rhoton is staying. As for some miracles that we were able to see, saturday we shared with Brian, the young man who got baptized almost a year ago and helps us out A TON!!! and his dad come in. His dad is going through a lot of trials, but he says he wants the peace. SO we had to leave, but we felt very strongly to invite him to church. He said he didnt have the energy to do that ,but if he felt different in the morning he would come. Then Brian got to church early the next day, but he was alone. So he sat with us after he blessed the sacrament and all of a sudden, I look at the door, and Jorge, his dad came in! He made it all the way to the church alone!!! We were so excited! When Elder Rhoton told Brian that his dad was there, Brian said "Elder, I dont believe you." Elder Rhoton insisted that he looked and then was just very very happy. It was an awesome moment and Jorge later said he felt very good in there for his first time. WAY AWESOME!!! 

So last night we also got a phone call about 3 minutes before "bed time" and it was the assistents to the president. They asked to speak with Elder Rhoton and he went to another room, but he had it in speakerphone. so I listened from my bed as Elder Ascanio said that Presidente Kähnlein wanted him to be a trainer this next change. and excited he accepted and then was somewhat calm. Then as we walked over to the bedroom I gave him a good congrats "WOOO HOOO!!!!!!!"""" jaja it was awesome! I was so excited for Elder Rhoton. 

Then we said a prayer to go to bed, and I was saying my personal prayer, when the phone rang again. and again, the assistents. This time they wanted to talk to me, so Elder Rhoton passed me the phone and Elder Ascanio gave me the "you know why I am calling, right?" jaja I didnt know! So I said "surprise me!" jaja and he said Presidente also would like you to train this change that comes, do you accept?" and I asked "can I pray about it?" In response he said "YOU ACCEPT!!!!!" jajaja So it looks like my time has come to do a little new missionary training. Its about time! ;) jk I am WAY excited though! and I cant wait to help whoever it may be! Althouh, it made me wonder, because they want to put 2 more missionaries in La Ligua, so by saying that I was "leaving" la ligua, did they mean leaving that pension and going to the other one? Or am I going to open a new area with a new missionary? That I do not know, and sadly you will all have to wait until next time to read about that one! 

So thats my exciting-ness for the week! I am loving the mission! I love this area so I REALLY hope I am just going to the other house!!! jaja But we will see! I am so grateful for the spirit that truly does help us to know when and where and what to say to our bretheren who are looking for the truth! I hope that everyone can take the time to try and receive some guidance from the spirit, and if you havent received it yet, I invite you to ask the missionaries about it. "Ask the missionaries, they can help you!" -Elder Nelson

Les quiero MUCHÍSIMO!! Chao

Elder Marvin

La Ligua semana 23‏

Hello again a todos!!! Its been a great week here in La Ligua. Yesterday while I was sitting in church, I just sat back and reflected on all my time and all the great battles and things I have learned here in La Ligua and i just LOVE this place! Now when I hear "theres no place like home" home falls right here. This branch is just the best branch in the entire world! Love my ligua!!! 

First of all I want to give a BIG BRITHDAY SHOUTOUT to the best father in the ENTIRE WORLLLLLDDDD!!!!! Love ya dad, just dont get too old now, alright? ;) 

So this week I got a couple different boxes and letters!!! I got a sweet valentires box, and also a box with the triple combinations I bought for converts! The ones I ordered the day of general conference... and they JUST NOW got here. jaja oh well. I was in Quillota for the inerchange with Elder Cabrera. We had a great day and at the end, well, it was his birthday and the last home we went to they had a cake. and well, it was a fun little way to end his birthday!! 

Miercoles we had a zone meeting and it actually went really well as well!! We were happy with the outcome! Although, we got out of there late, our bus took extra long in the Calera terminal, and then the whole day we were running behind! jaja Thats life though! You know, before the mission I was really good about being on time, but now, here in Chile, no one takes time very seriously and we just fight to try and stay on schedule so we can make our many visits! jaja 

Last fun thought, we had lunch with the new familia in our branch and we got there when they were cooking, and well, the little girl, Anita, was preparing dessert, so I asked if I could help. She accepted and after a few minutes we became the best of friends! and then her brother too! OH I love those little kids! They were shy last time, but now they love us! I just love that familia because they live, and understand the gospel and are just way awesome!!! I love it!!! 

Also, this week in my studies, I did an activity from "Predicar mi evangelio" and as I looked at the options of scriptures I could read I thought " well I know what these all talk about, so we will go with the one in Moroni." So I read what it said to read, but it was NOT what I was expecting. I thought it was going to be about charity and loving one another but it went into faith and miracles. And as I read it, it was a humbling experience, but not in a bad way. I really liked it and the spirit was very strong. I know that my faith could be A LOT stronger, and the answer was right there. Clear as day. I invite you all to read it.  Moroni 7:32-43. Read it and think how you can apply it to your own life and your own families. 

I know that this gospel is true. I know tht Jesus guides us even to this day through a living prophet who loves every single one of us. I know that this life isnt easy, but its worth it. and I know the key to happiness is found through obedience to our Heavenly father. Mosiah 2: 22-24, 41.

I love you all and I hope that everyone is just loving life! Keep on serving others and all your cares and worries will blow away!!! Cuidense!! 

Elder Marvin =D

La Ligua semana 21‏ sorry I forgot to post this last week

¡¡¡Hola mis amados!!!

 

Just another week come and gone. This week was a little more trying. We tried to get some good progress rolling, and well we were not able to see many of the investigators very much this week. Then when sunday rolled around, obviously it was a little drier.But thats alright, we just gotta pick up the shovel and get to work!!

 

We started with the NDH last monday that we had quite a few people show up to! It was fun and we just watched "the testaments" and had some muddy buddies! jaja Everyone loves those!!! jaja We also were able to get some of our visiting teaching done before the month ended. We had been trying to get it done and finally right at the end of the month got it organized with our companions. We will definitely get it done sooner this next month!!

 

I also got to know a new family that just moved here from Agua Santa, right outside Viña, and they are SO GREAT!!! I have come to love them a ton already! Its awesome!! I was talking with the hermano about his work and life and he was just full of advice and I just sucked it all in!!! jaja It was awesome!!!

 

Sabado we got to go to Papudo for lunch and we ate with their visiting familia from Santiago. The hermano was a returned missionary so we had a great talk there and we even got us a reference before we left! Thats what missionaries really love!!! When the members are excited and help with this work!!! I love it!! jaja

 

Lastly, Viernes was a fun day as well because we got to eat delicious pastel de choclo (corn casserole) and huma (tamales)!!! and then in the night we had a ward mission activity: noche de talentos (talent night!!) And it was a little slow to get started, but then we started getting everyone into it! We also asked the branch Presidente Gallardo to bring his laptop so we could have some karaoke for just in case! It turned out really well with probably 20-30 people there! Annais did a cool arabic dance! Elder Rhoton and I did a marshmellow catching (throwing them long distances and catching them in your mouth!) and then later we danced! jaja I think they enjoyed it! It was a lot of fun!! It was the biggest highlight of the week! jaja 

 

 So just another week in the mission, right? jaja I had a great time! although we do need to see our investigators a little more. There are LOTS that want and can be baptized shortly, we just need to be there to help them progress!! Just like all of us. This week, I want to ask everyone to think of someone, member or not, to give a little visit. Tell them that you love them and try and look for a way to serve them. I am sure we all know of someone, as strong as they may be, who would love a visit from one of their brothers or sisters.

 

I love you all and I just want to say happy febrero!!! Cuidense!!!

 

Elder Marvin =D