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
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
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
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
Thursday, September 3, 2009
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
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
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