May 31, 2010
Hey Everybody!
Its your favorite Elder again, all the way from Santiago Chile! The mountains are now permanently sprinkled with a powdered sugar coating of snow, and its turned into scarf season. Its kind of weird; I´ve never worn a scarf before the mission, but now I´m wearing them all the time. I think that with my glasses and my sharp lookin suit gives me that suave rich boy look. Its pretty fun to slick back my hair and pretend Im like Richie Rich or something. But now that is hard, since I just got a haircut from one of my companions. It actually looks suprisingly good! News for Alyssa: I finally got that letter from your friend in Seminary. Tell him thanks, it felt good to get a letter. And News for Dad: I wore my Wolf shirt today. ;)
In other news, Patricio got baptized on Saturday. It was an amazing experience, like all baptisms. He had so many problems and has changed so much its simply amazing. He went from an out of work bum alcoholic to a boss of the gaurds at some company who doesnt smoke, drink, nothing. Its been the greatest affirmation of the "Change of heart" that it talks about in Mosiah 5. I have been blessed to see how the Gospel is not something stagnant, not solomente words on a page, but real tangible evidences of Gods love for his children. I think that missionary work really is the best way for the gospel to come alive in peoples lives. If someone has doubts about the gospel, do missionary work. They will gain a testimony of the truth of all things real quick. I am a solemn witness of the truthfulness of the gospel, of the power it holds, which is more powerful than the bottem of a beer can, more potent than a life of fast cars and one night stands, more lasting than the earth and sky (sorry Kansas, but its true). Everything in the gospel has a purpose, and Patricio has been a witness of it.
We were enfronted with problems. That is one thing that no one sees about baptisms. The fact that any of them happen is really a miracle because there is always something that goes wrong. For us, the bishop wasnt convinced that Patricio has changed his ways, and said the baptism was too soon. Eventually, everything worked out and we had it, but there are always problems. The miracle is greater than the problem.
Things with me and Elder Martin are great. He really has quite an amazing story, and one I would like to write down when I have more time, but he has made me appreciate the ease that I got on my mission and the great support my parents have been through all of this. I love you guys so much and hope all is well. Mom, I need pens! Thats about it!
Con Amor,
Elder Westover
Monday, May 31, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
La Mudanza de Mr. Bean
Hello Everybody!!!
I wanted to let everyone know that I am recieving your emails. Aunt Polly, I love your little notes. Granma and Grandpa, Im always glad to hear how you two are doing, how the weather is down there, and how Jeter is taking over your guys´s lives. Have you guys thought about downsizing still? Im twenty years old, and I am having a hard time climbing up and down stairs with my knee. Mom and Dad, I love your emails as always and hearing how I am your favorite missionary. Ashlee, keep em coming! (fingers crossed) I always love hearing about BYU. And Alyssa and Andi, I really appreciate you guys taking time once and a while to write me. You are very thoughtful and awesome sisters. By the way, Andi... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Holy cow, 14??? My goodness, you guys are getting old. I cant really send you a whole lot, but Ill write you a letter today and tell you something that will make you feel good. I show my little photo of my family to a LOT of people here, and they love seeing all the gringos. One thing that I have gotten a LOT is people will ask me: "Which one is the older sister?" When I point you out, they just give me a disbelieving look. They all think you look like a 17 year old. Dad, buy a shotgun; or a BB gun at the least. (Alyssa, dont feel bad. I have had people tell me that you are an actress and they ask me what movie you've been in. That really happened!). And if I am not mistaken, I think Granpma's birthday is coming up. Grandma, I want to buy you a new moo moo (or however you spell that), there are a bunch of people here that wear them here, so I will keep my eyes peeled! Happy Birthday to you both! I feel sad to be away from you guys, but glad that I can be here to help people have the same happiness that I have. I kind of feel sometimes that this mission is kind of a time out to my real life. "Time out, this gospel is totally sweet! I gotte leave my family for a little bit so some other people can have the opportunity to be as happy as I am and be togeher forever." When I think about it like that, it makes not going on a mission very selfish to an extent. There are people waiting specifically for me to teach them the gospel, and if I dont want to come to their house, how am I going to feel in the next life when they come up to me and ask: "Where the heck were you?!" Being on a mission is such a great opportunity and one I am glad I did not miss.
Out in the field, things have been getting cold. Like really cold. Elder Bean (or elder Martin; I cann him Elder Bean sometimes because he looks EXACTLY like Mr. Bean. That, and he's technically European) and I moved our pensions not too long ago, so now its just us in a huge apartment. We havent figured out what to do with all the space yet, but there have been some pretty halarious mishaps. We tried to haul a closet from our old pension to the new one, which isnt too far away, and it ended up breaking apart in the middle of the street; clothes, books, everything going everywhere. Another thing is we have no shower curtains, which doesnt seem like a big deal until after you get out of the shower and see a giant puddle of water on the ground. Also, we didnt have gas for a while, which does sound like a big deal, and yes it was. But even when we got one, we were missing a hose to connect it to the house. So 26 dollars (13 mil pesos) and a super expensive taxi ride later, we had gas. There are still a lot of things that we need to fix, but I am happy for different reasons.
We have been having some great success in our sector. We are teaching a guy who just got out of prison, but he is so interested in the gospel, and we are going to ask him to be baptized on our next visit. Also, Patricio, one of our other investigators, is going to get baptized next week. He has changed from a depressed alcoholic chain smoker who cant stay away from the women to an upstanding wonderful man. He has been the poster boy of change and the reality of the change that the Lord can make in the lives of those who are willing to accept him.
Things are going great, and I am loving every moment. Look for the miracles. They are everywhere; we just have to be looking for them!
Con Amor,
Elder Westover
I wanted to let everyone know that I am recieving your emails. Aunt Polly, I love your little notes. Granma and Grandpa, Im always glad to hear how you two are doing, how the weather is down there, and how Jeter is taking over your guys´s lives. Have you guys thought about downsizing still? Im twenty years old, and I am having a hard time climbing up and down stairs with my knee. Mom and Dad, I love your emails as always and hearing how I am your favorite missionary. Ashlee, keep em coming! (fingers crossed) I always love hearing about BYU. And Alyssa and Andi, I really appreciate you guys taking time once and a while to write me. You are very thoughtful and awesome sisters. By the way, Andi... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Holy cow, 14??? My goodness, you guys are getting old. I cant really send you a whole lot, but Ill write you a letter today and tell you something that will make you feel good. I show my little photo of my family to a LOT of people here, and they love seeing all the gringos. One thing that I have gotten a LOT is people will ask me: "Which one is the older sister?" When I point you out, they just give me a disbelieving look. They all think you look like a 17 year old. Dad, buy a shotgun; or a BB gun at the least. (Alyssa, dont feel bad. I have had people tell me that you are an actress and they ask me what movie you've been in. That really happened!). And if I am not mistaken, I think Granpma's birthday is coming up. Grandma, I want to buy you a new moo moo (or however you spell that), there are a bunch of people here that wear them here, so I will keep my eyes peeled! Happy Birthday to you both! I feel sad to be away from you guys, but glad that I can be here to help people have the same happiness that I have. I kind of feel sometimes that this mission is kind of a time out to my real life. "Time out, this gospel is totally sweet! I gotte leave my family for a little bit so some other people can have the opportunity to be as happy as I am and be togeher forever." When I think about it like that, it makes not going on a mission very selfish to an extent. There are people waiting specifically for me to teach them the gospel, and if I dont want to come to their house, how am I going to feel in the next life when they come up to me and ask: "Where the heck were you?!" Being on a mission is such a great opportunity and one I am glad I did not miss.
Out in the field, things have been getting cold. Like really cold. Elder Bean (or elder Martin; I cann him Elder Bean sometimes because he looks EXACTLY like Mr. Bean. That, and he's technically European) and I moved our pensions not too long ago, so now its just us in a huge apartment. We havent figured out what to do with all the space yet, but there have been some pretty halarious mishaps. We tried to haul a closet from our old pension to the new one, which isnt too far away, and it ended up breaking apart in the middle of the street; clothes, books, everything going everywhere. Another thing is we have no shower curtains, which doesnt seem like a big deal until after you get out of the shower and see a giant puddle of water on the ground. Also, we didnt have gas for a while, which does sound like a big deal, and yes it was. But even when we got one, we were missing a hose to connect it to the house. So 26 dollars (13 mil pesos) and a super expensive taxi ride later, we had gas. There are still a lot of things that we need to fix, but I am happy for different reasons.
We have been having some great success in our sector. We are teaching a guy who just got out of prison, but he is so interested in the gospel, and we are going to ask him to be baptized on our next visit. Also, Patricio, one of our other investigators, is going to get baptized next week. He has changed from a depressed alcoholic chain smoker who cant stay away from the women to an upstanding wonderful man. He has been the poster boy of change and the reality of the change that the Lord can make in the lives of those who are willing to accept him.
Things are going great, and I am loving every moment. Look for the miracles. They are everywhere; we just have to be looking for them!
Con Amor,
Elder Westover
Monday, May 17, 2010
Soccer and Taxi
Hey Everybody!
Well Im pretty wiped right now because we jsut walked back from playing soccer at the stake center. We were going to take a taxi back, but no one would pick us up because one of the Elders was wearing a Mexico jersey; the team that just beat Chile the day before. Yeah, it stunk and it was kind of funny. But thats Chile and pretty much every other country outside of the United States. They live breathe and speak nothing but soccer.
Things in Los Canteros have been coming along great. I really like some of the people that we are teaching and Elder Martin is an awesome companion! He talks sooo fast! and he uses vosotros occasionally, which is always funny. He´s from Sevia, the south of Spain. Lots of beach and heat and nude beaches, apparently. He is very happy right now that Barcelona won out of all the teams of Spain. There is only one problem right now... I really miss all the people in Trinidad. I now know what you are talking about mom and dad about loving these people. I didnt think that I would, but I have grown very close to a lot of these people, and I loved that ward in Trinidad. Not to say that it is our recent convert that makes me miss the ward. Trust me, that is not it at all. The people were just all really great and I enjoyed being there every Sunday. I am so glad to have been able to serve these people.
But things in Los Castanos seem pretty good too. Although it is pretty small (we sit in plastic chairs for sacreament instead of pews becuase the ward is afraid that they would get stolen), they are some really nice people. My Spanish is getting a lot better, and I can basically say anything I want. I started having dreams in Spanish now, becuase that is pretty much all I hear all day, so my brain is started to just get used to it.
I hope things are going good back home! Love you guys! Remember to keep the commandments and always brush your teeth!
Con Amor,
Elder Westover
Well Im pretty wiped right now because we jsut walked back from playing soccer at the stake center. We were going to take a taxi back, but no one would pick us up because one of the Elders was wearing a Mexico jersey; the team that just beat Chile the day before. Yeah, it stunk and it was kind of funny. But thats Chile and pretty much every other country outside of the United States. They live breathe and speak nothing but soccer.
Things in Los Canteros have been coming along great. I really like some of the people that we are teaching and Elder Martin is an awesome companion! He talks sooo fast! and he uses vosotros occasionally, which is always funny. He´s from Sevia, the south of Spain. Lots of beach and heat and nude beaches, apparently. He is very happy right now that Barcelona won out of all the teams of Spain. There is only one problem right now... I really miss all the people in Trinidad. I now know what you are talking about mom and dad about loving these people. I didnt think that I would, but I have grown very close to a lot of these people, and I loved that ward in Trinidad. Not to say that it is our recent convert that makes me miss the ward. Trust me, that is not it at all. The people were just all really great and I enjoyed being there every Sunday. I am so glad to have been able to serve these people.
But things in Los Castanos seem pretty good too. Although it is pretty small (we sit in plastic chairs for sacreament instead of pews becuase the ward is afraid that they would get stolen), they are some really nice people. My Spanish is getting a lot better, and I can basically say anything I want. I started having dreams in Spanish now, becuase that is pretty much all I hear all day, so my brain is started to just get used to it.
I hope things are going good back home! Love you guys! Remember to keep the commandments and always brush your teeth!
Con Amor,
Elder Westover
Monday, May 10, 2010
Short Time Email
paul.westover@myldsmail.net
Thats my new Email! I was having problems before, but now we are in business. So change your emails to go to this address above.
Well, I had the wonderful opportunity to talk to my parents yesterday. It made me incredibly trunkie, so to speak, and I realized again just how awesome my parents are. They really are the coolest parents in the world. My dad´s gonna be on a TV show. What about your dad. haha! Good luck with that, by the way, dad.
Things are really interesting here in Los Cantaros. Today I had to take Elder Aguirre (not my companion), down to the Mission Offic to get checked out. Hes thrown up everything he´s eaten for the past week. Its pretty bad. I spent pretty much the entire day with him, throwing up and feeling like crap. It was kind of bad. After being around sick people for enough time, you yourself dont feel very good.
I have been doing really well apart from that. I have been improving in my Spanish, being in a pension with pure latinos (well, my companion is a Spaniard). I hope that by the end of the change I will be able to speak like a true spaniard!
Sorry that this email is getting kind of long, but things were kind of crazy and I have zero time to do anything. Alright, Love you guys!
Elder Westover
Thats my new Email! I was having problems before, but now we are in business. So change your emails to go to this address above.
Well, I had the wonderful opportunity to talk to my parents yesterday. It made me incredibly trunkie, so to speak, and I realized again just how awesome my parents are. They really are the coolest parents in the world. My dad´s gonna be on a TV show. What about your dad. haha! Good luck with that, by the way, dad.
Things are really interesting here in Los Cantaros. Today I had to take Elder Aguirre (not my companion), down to the Mission Offic to get checked out. Hes thrown up everything he´s eaten for the past week. Its pretty bad. I spent pretty much the entire day with him, throwing up and feeling like crap. It was kind of bad. After being around sick people for enough time, you yourself dont feel very good.
I have been doing really well apart from that. I have been improving in my Spanish, being in a pension with pure latinos (well, my companion is a Spaniard). I hope that by the end of the change I will be able to speak like a true spaniard!
Sorry that this email is getting kind of long, but things were kind of crazy and I have zero time to do anything. Alright, Love you guys!
Elder Westover
Monday, May 3, 2010
La Voluntad de Dios
Everything works out how its supposed to.
This last week has been the last week of the change, and so naturally all of us were nervous as to how it was going to work out. I really like being with Elder Wassom and Elder Johnson and Elder Bullough. They are all really good guys and I like em a lot. We really have a good time together. Sometimes it almost reminds me of the best two years and just how the dynamics work out in the pension. We are from different areas, all gringo, and we really get along well together. But every good thing has to come to an end.
"I think you´re going to Nuñoa, Elder Bullough," I told him. "And I think Im going to go somewhere in Puento Alto with a latino." That was my predicion. I thought that Elder Wassom was going to stay with some gringo, and Elder Johnson was going to get a latino for a companion. Its funny how things turn out the way they do, and how the Lord works. I felt so strongly that I was leaving, and that what I had to do in this sector was already done; I was ready to move onto the next challenge. Thats why I was so surprised when we got the call about the changes Sunday night and was informed that I would be staying.
"What?!!" exclaimed Elder Wassom. "I can´t believe it!" The fact that I was staying wasnt really what Elder Wassom was suprised about. It was what I had in my hand that made him suprised that I was staying.
Alright, to explain this, I need to remind everyone about Camila. Camila is our recent convert who had the hots for me a while back. Earlier that night, we came over to her house to say our potential goodbyes. As we were leaving, she gave Elder Wassom and I notes with our names on it. When we got back to the pension before the assistant called with our change results, we opened up the notes and began reading. My expression changed from sadness that I might not see our awesome convert again, to pride for who she is becoming, to worry about what she was writing, to nostalgia of seventh grade notes in lockers with little hearts on them. Im not going to say what it said, but after reading it, I realized that if the spirit was telling the president anything, I would leave. It was very mushy and kind of scary. So that was what I was holding in my hands the moment we got the call.
Even though I was staying, I felt like I should have been leaving. The next day, I took the letter to the change meeting where missionaries hear where they are being sent to and who their new companion is going to be. After the meeting (Elder Bullough did not go to Nuñoa, but Elder JOhnson did get a latino companion) I went up the president and explained my situation. He read the letter and nodded his head. "Well elder," he said. "You just gotta stop being so good looking!"
As of right now, I am writing this letter from an internet cafe in Puente Alto in the south of our mission with Elder Martin, my new companion. He is from the south of Spain and is a super cool guy. I knew I was going to get there. I just didnt know how.
Everything works out how its supposed to.
Love you all!
Elder Westover
This last week has been the last week of the change, and so naturally all of us were nervous as to how it was going to work out. I really like being with Elder Wassom and Elder Johnson and Elder Bullough. They are all really good guys and I like em a lot. We really have a good time together. Sometimes it almost reminds me of the best two years and just how the dynamics work out in the pension. We are from different areas, all gringo, and we really get along well together. But every good thing has to come to an end.
"I think you´re going to Nuñoa, Elder Bullough," I told him. "And I think Im going to go somewhere in Puento Alto with a latino." That was my predicion. I thought that Elder Wassom was going to stay with some gringo, and Elder Johnson was going to get a latino for a companion. Its funny how things turn out the way they do, and how the Lord works. I felt so strongly that I was leaving, and that what I had to do in this sector was already done; I was ready to move onto the next challenge. Thats why I was so surprised when we got the call about the changes Sunday night and was informed that I would be staying.
"What?!!" exclaimed Elder Wassom. "I can´t believe it!" The fact that I was staying wasnt really what Elder Wassom was suprised about. It was what I had in my hand that made him suprised that I was staying.
Alright, to explain this, I need to remind everyone about Camila. Camila is our recent convert who had the hots for me a while back. Earlier that night, we came over to her house to say our potential goodbyes. As we were leaving, she gave Elder Wassom and I notes with our names on it. When we got back to the pension before the assistant called with our change results, we opened up the notes and began reading. My expression changed from sadness that I might not see our awesome convert again, to pride for who she is becoming, to worry about what she was writing, to nostalgia of seventh grade notes in lockers with little hearts on them. Im not going to say what it said, but after reading it, I realized that if the spirit was telling the president anything, I would leave. It was very mushy and kind of scary. So that was what I was holding in my hands the moment we got the call.
Even though I was staying, I felt like I should have been leaving. The next day, I took the letter to the change meeting where missionaries hear where they are being sent to and who their new companion is going to be. After the meeting (Elder Bullough did not go to Nuñoa, but Elder JOhnson did get a latino companion) I went up the president and explained my situation. He read the letter and nodded his head. "Well elder," he said. "You just gotta stop being so good looking!"
As of right now, I am writing this letter from an internet cafe in Puente Alto in the south of our mission with Elder Martin, my new companion. He is from the south of Spain and is a super cool guy. I knew I was going to get there. I just didnt know how.
Everything works out how its supposed to.
Love you all!
Elder Westover
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