Baptism

Last night I baptised someone for the 1st time. His name was Robert. He's 10, also, my comp. baptised his cousin, Stephanie. She's 18. The Spirit was real strong there. It was awesome. I'll send pictures soon.
Elder Lewis

New Email 2- reminiscin'

Hey!

We have two baptisms lined up for the 22nd. They're awesome. We had 5 investigators at church Sunday! Like wow ik.

I just bought like 300 note cards and filled 'em out with words I don't know. I already know like more than half of ‘em. I think I’m gonna keep doin that. It really helps build my vocab.

Right now I’m having a hard time learning like how to use reflexive verbs. Like se, te, nos all that junk. But it is coming. The note cards really help though, I’m gonna keep doin that. Then, with the ones I’ve learned. I'm gonna send ‘em to my buddies here who don't know as much Spanish yet here.

We played bball on the beach this morning. Uberawesome. They took the volleyball nets down :-/ 'cause the tide is coming up really close. O well.

There’s always too much to do on P-days. I don't like it. Someday I just want to relax and be lazy on a p-day. Oh well. I never take naps. I'm not a nap person. My comp takes naps sometimes, every p-day he does. I can't. I feel like I’m wasting my time. So I’m always the only one awake sometimes, reading, or studying or writing letters.

Thanks for the I-pod. I've been using it a lot. There are a ton of songs I want on it though. From other elder's cd's. O well, I think I’ll just try and burn those cd's. --Like motab singing lion king and lord of the rings and stuff like that. "Oklahoma" by motab is an awesome song. I never watched the movie. But that songs pretty cool.

That football game sounds awesome. I remember when Dad and I went to one. But it got thundered-out. Everyone wears Carolina blue. The whole stadium is light blue. I'm wearin' my NC soccer shirt that Brooke gave me right now.

Now that I look back on life and stuff, I'm glad for all I’ve been through and junk. Like Bro. Wayne Nier said: "kids these days aren't learning the meaning of hard work" it's so true. I think of him a lot. He's the man. Patrick Mitchell too. You know he got like a bunch of promotions right? And now he's a manager at that bank he works at across from Ithaca bakery. Remember doing food pantry? mmm.

Remember cutting down all those pine tree branches and dragging them everywhere and making huge piles of sticks and junk. I hated that. But, it made me stronger. Remember living in Grandma’s house for like a week, waking up @ like 7am, then going across to our house in NY--and just cleaning everything out of it? I'd never worked so much in my life up to then. We'd work from like sun up to sun down. Then we made it a pretty nice house.

Yeah this is a really long email. But I’m just writing my thoughts as they come.

I'm glad for all the hard coaches I had. Jack Reid was crazy ha-ha. We ran so much with him. He just yelled at us all the time ha-ha.

He said once: "I know I don't coach the best way, I don't even coach the right way, but I coach the way I coach." Then he also said once.

"These are the priorities is your life right now":
1st: Religion and Family, those went hand and hand
2nd: School, education
3rd: Basketball
4th: job

ha-ha he yelled so much. I didn't like him then. But I sure learned how to work my hardest and try my best and run as fast as a can. Ha-ha

all these experiences have sculpted me bit my bit. Looking back, yea I guess there were things I wish I would have, or hadn't of done. But I don't care about them anymore. I'm happy with who I am. They seem like "but a small moment" to me. All these experiences will be for my good, and if I endure them well. I’ll be exalted on high. It goes something like that in D&C 121.

People don't realize the effect they have on others. I really really looked up to my coaches. And most of my teachers. Especially you, mom, dad, and Evelyn. I hope people have looked up to me. Especially as a member of the church before and now a missionary.

Anyways this is a humongous email. I jabbered a lot. I'm pretty hyper right now. From running around on the sunny beach. :-p ha-ha.

Love Elder Lewis
bye

New email 1

Hey all,

I met a Puerto Rican at church today. He's from Vieques. Cool huh. He was in the Marines. So like half his family likes the army and stuff, and the other half don’t. haha. 'Cause of the bombing and the protest and stuff of Vieques. Also, some of his family live on Culebra! He was pretty cool. We joked around a bit. I've been in this area...since Sep. 2nd or so. Sep 2nd was my first real day I think. This is my 2nd transfer here. One transfer is 6 weeks. Transfer meeting is on the 24th I think. So in like a few days we'll see if I’m staying here or not. I think I’m staying here. However, because people here like to gossip and junk--we might be losing our car. So....I might need some $$$$$$$$$ for a bike. I'll let you know though. K? Cross your fingers I don't. Ha-ha, although it'd be fun. But our area would kinda stink---because we'd have everything west of Beyer Blvd. to the beach...which is mostly all English...hmm, idk… all rumors. I don't like gossipers. But my companion is a gossiper. lol---transfers, who's gonna be assistants to the pres., zone leaders, district leaders, trainers---people try and find out what’s going to happen b4 they're supposed to know. Kinda annoying. But...yeah.

Brother Allan and Brother Watson were at our church Saturday for a baptism. They are the big dogs in the church---in terms of missionary work. Look 'em up ha-ha. They are literally the head of missionary work in the whole world. They’re pretty cool guys though.

The cameras leave tomorrow!! :( I'm def in the film ha-ha I hope. We were filmed a lot. But we aren’t the main characters or anything. :-s it's nerve-racking having a camera in your face. The movie is gonna be really really cool though.

You should see if you can buy it. The old one that is. If you want to see what missionary work is like. Will can tell you about it. It's pretty cool. The last one was really good.

Thanks for the encouragement mom. That’s what we really need to do. Sometimes we forget and just start teaching and junk. But we have to think, "What are this person's needs?" and teach and stuff to their needs. It says in my Patriarchal blessing that "I will be a great teacher" something like that.

I'm trying. But it'd help if I knew Spanish. Ha-ha, I’m getting better every day. I've re-doubled my efforts. ‘Cause I was kinda lax with it b4.

Thanks for the story mom. Keep them coming. I'll send some too. Those are really nice. Plus, I’ll be able to use them in lessons. Cause, I don't have a testimony or experience about everything.

Love Elder Lewis

My Area

Hey Mom and Everybody,

Yeah, I thought I knew Elder Leavitt [from Las Vegas] was going to be [at the MTC]. I didn't really think about it though. He was there for one week I was there. He's serving in Everett, Washington mission I think. It was pretty cool to see him. I also met a couple kids there who were going to the Raleigh NC mission. I met them in the lunch line once at the MTC. I didn't meet anyone going to NY though--wait, just a couple girls who were going to Palmyra and stuff. I also met a couple Elders who were going to Puerto Rico. I told ‘em they'll love it there.

I see a lot of Puerto Rico and Filipino flags here on people's car mirrors. Most of the people here are Mexican. I don't see many African Americans; every once in a while. Lots and lots of Mexicans. And they're ALL from Tijuana. Everyone goes to Tijuana on the weekends. So...Saturdays really stink. NO one is ever home. " oh they went to T-J" we get that all the time. It's a big hindrance, because people go to Tijuana instead of coming to church.

We had a baptism last week. Trinidad Marin. I'll send some pics home eventually, hopefully next Monday, ‘cause I forgot my camera. It was real good.

Estamos ensenando una familia, se llama familia Chaidez. Son dos hermanas viviendo juntos. Son divorciado. Pero, sus hijos viven con ellas. Sus hijos y hijas son muy obediente. Y eschuchan a cada palabra que dicimos. Son muy joven, pero encantan iglesia. Especialmente la primaria y cantar. El mas mayor hijo, se llama Julio, tiene, creo que el tiene 16 o 17 anos. El es amigos con dos de los juventudes de nuestro rama. Vamos a jugar "pool" con ellos a las 5 hoy. Pienso que ellos se gustan la iglesia. Pero, no se si estan dispuestos a dejar algunas cosas y sacrificar su tiempo por la iglesia. Y dejar Tijuana en los Domingos jaja. Pues, vamos a sigiur adelante con ellos de todas maneras

The area we are in is pretty big. It takes like 20 min. to get from one end to the other. But if you wanna google it--it goes from the ocean east to Beyer blvd and dairy mart road, down to the border. And north our boundaries end at like a little north of Palm St. yeah...

I haven’t gotten the mail yet here today. But I hope I get your packages today! whooo!

te quiero mucho mama adios

Conference

Hi!
Yeah conference was purrrrty good huh?! There were a lot I really liked. Elder Hollands was intense!! Like daang yo watch out--but not. I really like his talks, he's a super good public speaker. They all are, and they all do it in their own way.
It's gettin cold here too! Last night got into the 50's burrr. I'm learning a little bit of Spanish everyday. I'm getting more confident and stuff. It's comin along. Now--I'm thankful I wasn't in the MTC for 9 weeks. Ugh that's a loong time. And I'm probably learning more out here than there anywho.
I liked Pres. Eyring's talk during priesthood. I don't remember exactly what it was about. I don't have my notes with me either. But I enjoyed how he stressed being "prepared" to answer the call. I think that's how he put it. The call to be worthy, prepared and able to give a blessing. Whenever, wherever, and any situation.
I've participated in a few blessings already. And gave one. But yesterday at the hospital, I anointed and did it all in Spanish for the first time. It was pretty neat. The nurse or the doctors might think it's silly and pointless. Even if they were right...but they're not-- I bet even the psychological effect on someone who received a blessing will help their condition. The power of the priesthood is real. How amazing it is! It's the same power help by the prophets of old. Same authority help by the apostles. The same power that they cast out devils and healed the sick. The same power that Joseph and others went around Nauvoo, healing and blessing in the name of Christ. I know the priesthood is real. And that President Monson holds the fullness of those keys. Those men and women we heard yesterday and the day b4 are called of God. And so am I. I've been specially set-apart. Set apart from the world, even from my own previous self. In a sense I do not belong to myself. Right now, I belong to the Lord. To serve the people here in San Diego, right now, Chula Vista. I'm trying to be like Jesus. I'm trying to do what he did. It's hard sometimes to be eternally minded. Sometimes I lose focus of the goal, or my investigators. I'm trying to represent what's written on my name tag the best I can. And that's all I can hope for. To do my best. No one's perfect, but if we do our best, that's when the Lord will step in. Everything is fine here. I'm in a very safe area if you were wondering. haha Keep me and the people I'm teaching in your prayers. Pray that they'll break that shell they have around them. That they'll try! that's a big problem here, people just aren't willing, or are afraid to try. They know what we're teaching them is true. They just aren't always willing to act...:-/ I love you all! Thanks for your examples. It's the people who've been around me who have shaped me to who I am today.
Love Elder Lewis
p.s. if this is on the blog--WRITE ME! i write back! ... ...in due time--i can only write on P-days though, which are Mondays. So if you send me a letter---that's best i think.

Simple and Plain

Hi All,
My Spanish is ok. Mexicans talk funny. People say I have a Puerto Rican accent. haha. I can usually understand most the things they're saying. But usually it's hard to tell in what context they're talking about you know? I don't know all those past tense/participle/blah blah --ia aba, iaba idk--all that stuff I'm learning. I gotta remember though that I'm super new. Most missionaries have said it's taken them 4 to 5 transfers to be able to be involved and stuff in lessons. I help teach and bare testimony and stuff. But there are just words I don't know.
Baring testimony is the most powerful thing though. Especially for me, cause it has to be super simple and plain. But that's how the gospel is. Like what Nephi says "my soul delights in plainness" And in plainness is how God works, and how the Holy Ghost works in us. When my companion stops talking and it's my turn to say something..hah... sometimes I do this: most of the time I have no idea at all what I'm going to say. So I just wait. Everyone is staring at me, and I’m not saying anything. haha--if you can picture this it's really awkward and feels like forever. But it's not. It's really not that long--if we can just be patient and really wait and listen to what the Spirit wants us to say--and not necessarily what our minds and our reasoning wants to say, then, we'll say exactly what they need to hear. So that's something I'm trying to do and work on. It feels so weird to just sit and be silent for a bit. It feels like hours! but it's probably only 3-5 seconds. In those few seconds, we're receptive to the Spirit. And it's happened. I'll say something I never would've thought I'd say. And it'll be very simple and plain. But later on my companion will tell me I said everything PERFECTLY.
I'm very thankful for the Holy Ghost is my life. It had been missing in my life a ways back. It's hard to explain how it feels exactly. But I can say that I feel more complete and optimistic. Estoy muy agradecido por toda mi familia. Gracias mama por tu ejemplo en mi vida. Eres la mujer mas fuerte que conozco. Tengo gracias por todas mis experiencias, malo y bueno. Por que con los, soy lo que soy hoy dia. Estoy agradecido por mis maestros en colegio y mis entrenadores tambien. Pienso de mis entrenadores muchisimo. Gracias por todas sus oraciones.
Hasta Luego bye,
--Elder Lewis

Living on the Beach!

I got a postcard from Ben. He is living on Imperial Beach, San Diego. His apartment balcony literally looks out on the ocean. He takes his morning runs on the beach. His first morning there he saw a pod of dolphins swimming off shore! He is living on Seacoast Dr. not far from a long pier. Here is the link if you want to see where he lives.
http://maps.google.com/maps?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4ADBS_enUS326US326&q=imperial+beach+san+diego&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Imperial+Beach,+CA&gl=us&ei=LCG8SsniB8XR8AaFxK2SDg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=image&resnum=1

Ben wrote:
"Tijuana is a few miles away. I can see it where ever I go. Latinos are so nice. We're not really having a hard time finding people. Missionaries always have referrals for the Spanish Elders. We're teaching a few people right now, but only a couple are progressing. I can sometimes understand most everything. But when I talk and stuff, it's usually very simple. But there's nothing wrong with that. My companion had me bearing my testimony and stuff the first day. Good thing I know some Spanish and I could do it. Yesterday at church, I blessed the sacrament in Spanish. The branch is only 3 weeks old now. Anyways, the work is good. I know this is where I'm supposed to be right now.
Ben

Ben's a Spanish speaking missionary now ... por la playa!

Hey Everyone--i don't really have much time.
I'm a Spanish missionary now haha--so yeah. We live on the beach. We started a new branch two weeks ago. Called the Rio Otay Branch. I blessed the sacrament in Spanish my first day. I live in Imperial Beach. the area is called Chula Vista. There's a big film crew down here for the church. they recorded zone conference yesterday. It was weired having a camera right all up in yo face. I had to pinch myself to keep a straight face and all. It's for the new movie they'll be showing at the MTC. Will would know the last one. Called "The District" so it's kinda a big deal. So we need to be the example for the MTC and the rest of the missionaries of the world.
I'm trying my best down here. but my Spanish is eh...I'm learning though little by little. Latinos are so humble and nice. I feel for the English missionaries in my district who got switched and don't know ANY Spanish. My companion is Elder Virrueta. He's from Peru. We get along very well.
Right now we have a car. I feel really really spoiled to be honest. It's not very hard work right now. haha--we always have people to teach and stuff...we have a car...we have a nice apt. on the BEACH i mean...like wow. Didn't think they needed to treat us that good. But we'll see. The Spanish branch was very cool. It's hard for my to pay attention though the whole time. Trying to discern and comprehend what everyone says for 3 hours is exhausting. Especially when it's not your first language.
I've been showing everyone magic. I'm famous. haha. Supposedly it's got around. Yesterday at zone conference even the president knew I do magic. He asked me if I could make my companion disappear, 'cause he was talking a lot. Then I snapped my fingers, and said, "Sleep!" It was funny.
But yeah, President Donaldson and his wife are awesome. They have a very strong spirit and knowledge of the gospel. Also a desire to keep learning. That's so important. This mission is truly unique. I know every mission says that. But here, they're experimenting and testing, and filming us. Researching and stuff really, to see what to do for future missionaries. The directors of missionary work were at zone conference yesterday. They both spoke @ the MTC. They have a lot of responsibility in the church, so that was cool to shake they're hands. Even Bro. Allen knew I did magic. anyways. I'll try to make my letters more spiritual next time. it's just everything is so new. and so much is going on. i want to share that stuff with you too. Keep me in your prayers and say hi to everyone.
Yeah---the new Institute director--or teacher guy and his wife---who will be teaching institute @ UNC and Duke---i met him in the MTC bookstore. Cause i had this UNC soccer shirt on. He seems pretty cool. And i told him the singles ward over there is da beeeeeeest. 'Cause it is. ok i gtg!! ahhh!! no time ugh. Love, Elder Lewis

Letter from Mission President

Greetings from the California San Diego Mission!

Elder Lewis has safely arrived in the mission field. I am delighted to have him serving with us among the wonderful people of Southern California. In addition to the tremendous weather and scenery, we have remarkable missionary opportunities.

Thank you for sending such a wonderful missionary to our mission. I am confident that with your prayers and his hard work that he will have a rich experience here in San Diego that will bless both him and those he teaches.

I have attached a couple of pictures that were taken this afternoon at the Mission Home.

God bless you for your sacrifice in sending us your son to labor among some of Heavenly Father's choicest spirits.

Lee Donaldson

President, California San Diego Mission

2nd email

Hey everybody!
Well---the MTC is just flying by. less than one week left. I'm not gonna lie I've gotten a little frustrated with the rest of my district. But that was only for a couple days. They weren't really using their time productively. And driving away the Spirit at times. But----an awesome talk by none other than Richard G. Scott last night kinda kicked em back into gear. it was awesome. He spoke on how to recognize promptings of the Spirit. Also, how to recognize it. "how do we know these promptings are from the mind or from the Spirit?" "it doesn't matter" he said. He also invoked the gift of tongues upon everyone watching in the gym.--there are like 2500 kids here i think. Then he invoked a blessing of protection on everyone. it was powerful. Then he testified of his belief in Christ. His talk was awesome. You don't always remember everything people say. But you remember how you felt. There were many thoughts to my mind, and many feeling to my heart that night. That was the Spirit. After he finished, i went outside with my companion and waited for him to drive off. But Elder Scott came up to us, i was like 10 feet away from him talking to us missionaries. It was pretty cool being so close to one of the 12.
I printed out a bunch of pictures today. I'll be sending some to you guys. Well, i got 7 min. left to send this email. I just want to say that I am so thankful for this Church. It's true. I've found out for myself and i know that you can find out for yourself. I've had reconfirmations many times. This gospel in the ONLY way to find true happiness. Here, and in the life to come. I think about Ally and Pauline a lot. Their decisions to follow Christ is such an example. I could see the light in their eyes after their baptisms. I can't wait to see those changes in the people of San Diego. I love you all very much, i pray for you. love,
Elder Lewis
p.s. WRITE ME and I'll write you back :-p

Email from Ben

Hey everyone,
Thanks for the letters!! simply put...everyone is jealous of all the letters I've gotten. I'm pretty sure I've gotten like the amount of letters of my district put together!!! :-0!! zomg!! I've also sent out 10 letters of my own so far. Thanks for the stamps and the labels! they really helped when i have no time. The first few days were long and full of tons of info. I can't believe it has been a week already! wow. Uncle David sent me a diaper box full of stuff. My fav stuff-aka hot Cheetos, cashews, and lucky charms. thanks uncle Dave! The Spirit if strong here. My district is growing together. We're becoming better teachers. I can't wait to really get into things. Especially out in the field. Everyone likes my magic. They call me the "magic man" then when one of them does something "cool" or idk, nifty. They say "who's the magic man now?!?!" they're funny. But i think magic really has helped me. Especially with talking. I'm better at improvising, and talking clearly and especially explaining things. Those are important when you're a magician. I just met some guy in the bookstore. He looked at my North Carolina Soccer shirt, and was like " what about North Carolina?" I was like "uhh" is there somthin' wrong with that? I thought he was a Duke fan or something. haha- then he said that he's goin' to UNC and Duke to teach institute!! haha I can't remember his name. lol--but it was a simple name I remember. So that's cool. I told him everyone there are really awesome. And you guys are. Thanks for the examples you've set. I wouldn't be here w/o. I g2g!! ahhhh noo time here in the MTC even on P-day. well I love you all and each one of you hold a special place in my heart. write me and I'll tell you about it sometime :)
Love, Elder Lewis

First Letter

I got our first letter from Ben, or rather Elder Lewis, today. Slight correction on his address:

Elder Ben Lewis
MTC Mailbox #332
CA-SD 0901
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, Utah 84604

"Well, it's really happening, I'm here...Everything is good." He's got a little cold, but is taking something for it.
His companion is Elder Jordan Barlow from Brigham City, Utah. There is an Elder from upstate NY and 2 or 3 from North Carolina. His neighbor is Elder Clay from Raliegh.

"It's kinda strange and surreal. It's going to take some time getting used to. The whole 'getting up @ 6:30 and the whole obedience to exactness thing. But I was taught those things in sports. Now, they're starting to really apply'."

A very excited Ben sends a big thank you to all the Lauret's and sends his love to everyone!

Hi All,
Well Ben is in the MTC (Missionary Training Center) where he will be for the next 2-3 weeks. He will be learning lessons, studying and praying. He gets to eat at the All you can eat Buffet. I hear the food is much better than Golden Corral. There's daily sports, usually basketball.

Here is his current address:

Elder Ben Lewis
MTC mailbox 332-0931
California San Diego Mission
2005 N 900E
Provo, UT 84604-1793

You can send a letter for FREE using the private vendor: http://www.dearelder.com/index.php.
They print and deliver letters daily that you type up on their web site. Just choose "Provo-MTC" on the select mission drop down menu and enter Ben's MTC mailbox number and mission found above. They have all kinds of care packages for sale as well. :)

Ben will be getting a new email address when he gets to Californina, where you can email him directly. He is NOT using his hotmail accounts.

Ben will be sending me emails and/or letters and I will be posting them here. Usually about once a week.

Feel free to comment here or email/write him directly. Ben does NOT have access to this Blog so I will try to forward comments on to him.

This is a work in progress so check back often for updates!!