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
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
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
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
Friday, August 21, 2009
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
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
Saturday, August 15, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
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!!
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!!
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