The Man with the Razor

Hey Everybody!
Thanks for all your support this week! Its been a challenge, but I think in the end it will all pay off!
Mom, I know exactly how those missionaries feel. We had a great investigator in El Parque that went loved hearing us and was so ready to get baptized, but her machoistic husband didnt want any part of it, and it began causing a real problem in their relationship. As much as we wanted to keep coming over and teaching her, we couldnt risk the fragilility of their marriage and so we stopped teaching her. Sometimes the Lord puts us in a position to open doors, even though we may not be there to see them walk through it. But yeah it was really hard, Im not gonna lie.
Today I wanted to share an experience I had yesterday that made a big impression on me. We had a sector slam in El Castillo yesterday. El Castillo is an area in our zone and a sector slam is where all the missionaries go and are set loose in one area, for those who didnt know.. So anyway, we got sent to this area. It is known to be one of the poorer areas in the mission. I didnt know how poor it was because any time I went on divisions there for a day, it was light out.
Growing up in church, every little boy has the misconception that they will go to some unknown country, hacking away jungle brush, strangling snakes with your bare hands, and baptizing people by the thousands. When I first got into the mission, I embarassedly had that vision. I know now differently. However, going into Castillo was one of those experiences that makes you feel like one of "those" missionaries. Everyone was outside. All the kids were playing soccer with a worn down ball, yelling things at us. People congregated around firepits that they lit out in the dirt streets. Okay, technically they are paved, but I dont think anyone from municipal has been over for more than a century. The houses are built by the residents, I suppose. All of the houses look different, because they are all made of an assortment of materials. There are about five billion churches, and all of them have been converted into night clubs, if they only played songs saying how awesome Jesus was. They really dont understand what the spirit is. But thats a different email. Why I am describing this is because while we were there we met the man with the razor. He stopped us in the streets, calling to us in English. This was not uncommon. Almost everyone tried to talk to us in English. But this man was different. He began asking us questions ABOUT english, not just yelling curses. "How do you pronounce apple?" He would ask. We patiently explained the basic principles of English and tried to find out what he really was looking for. But there was one thing that really struck me. At the end of our strange conversation in the streets of El Castillo, he asked us how to say God Bless You. "G- God?" he said in a slow stammering tone, as if he didnt even know what the word was. I honestly dont know what it was in that moment that srtuck me, but somehow the way he said it reminded me of how many people dont even know wbout God or about his plan for us. I guess it helped to strengthen my determination to spread the word God to all those "men with razors". I know that god blesses everyone of us, no matter how badly we abuse the privilage of this life. He is always ready to accept a sincere prayer for repentance and a broken heart. Things are not always as simple as "sorry" or "Ill try not to do it again", but the answer is always the same.
Thanks for everything guys! Mom, dont worry, ill find some wool socks here.
Con Amor,
Elder Westover

Spiritual Accidents

Hey everybody!
I hope everyone is doing well and warm, unlike the poor kid in Chile who is still suffering from the cold. But things are still looking up. We have been having success in some suprising ways this week. We havent been having the numbers we´ve wanted, but the Lord has been blessing us in unexpected ways.
The other night, Elder Mondalgo and I were at the door of a house when the phone rang. It was the zone leader. He wanted to know the full name of one of people we baptized. I told it to him and hung up the phone. Then I stared at it for a long long time. Its funny really, the way God works. Im not sure if he just lets things happen or if he just guides us ever so slightly in the right direction sometimes. Regardless of the reasons, I ended up calling one of the less actives that we were working with. To this day, if you ask me why I did it, I would not be able to tell you. It might have been the Holy Ghost telling me what to do, or it could be just me running through my normal rounds. Whatever the reason, I called her. She said we could come over later that night.
When we came by later that night, we found the house oddly quiet. This fact is significant, since the house is normally occupied by her four screaming daughters all under the age of thirteen. I feel bad for her sometimes. You can see the battle worn house; marker on the walls of a pretty flower, makeup smeared on the ground and the table, and the TV was always on some loud annoying program. Yet for some reason it was quiet. Only the soft sounds of classical music filled the room. When I walked in, I almost raced back out, afraid I had accidently walked into the wrong house. But the melodeous singing in the next room reassured me that we were in the right place. Susan Ramirez, a single 35 year old mom of four bounced into the room, humming some made up song. Susan was a very outgoing person and is always floating around like nothing is wrong. But having taught her a few times, I know it is only a façade she has created for her children. On the inside she is tormented every day by the dreaded prospect of raising her family by herself. She doesnt ever show it, but she is hurting. She reminds me of the movie "Its a Beautiful Life" how the father never wants to show his son whats really going on. We chatted for a little bit about what was going on with work, Mundial, etc, etc. She had apparently put her kids to bed early. We had prepared to watch one of those little cartoon videos of the book of mormon; it was the only thing that kept the four girls tranquilized with entertainment for a half hour. Being well equipt missionaries and always prepared, we decided to share one of the mormon messages, a new favorite tool of mine. Before we watched it, she turned to me and asked: "Whats the point of going to the temple?" I looked at her with a stunned gaze. She wasnt super active anymore, but she grew up in the church and knew why it was important to go to the temple. "Its the castle where princes and princesses become kings and queens forever," was my simple explination. Then all of the sudden, our purpose for being at her house became clear. "I just dont see any point of going to the temple if I dont even have a family." She responded quietly. "Oh," I accidently said out loud.
We watched Motherhood, as well another one by Elder Holland. By the end of both of the videos, neither of which we planned on watching, Susan Ramirez took off her mask and began crying. Some of the things were very spiritual and powerful, but very sacred and special. I dont think I will ever forget what I learned at that house. I can say that I walked away with an immesly great respect for mothers and understanding some reasons why women and men were created the way they were. I want to thank my mom for what she has given for me and I wanted to say mom, thank you for everything you are.
I dont know why I felt prompted to call Susan, nor do I claim to know how things worked out the way they do. It could be inspired, or it could just be what happened that day. Whatever the case may be, all I know is that we need to just do what we are expected to do, and the Lord will take care of the rest.
Take Care family!
Con Amor,
Elder Westover

Dia de Independencia!

Well Im glad to hear that veryone had a good time at Zions and the 4th was good. Mom, I got your package, and I am loving it!! I know it takes so long to get anything here and its kind of a pain a lot of times, but Im glad that you guys keep sending them.
I dont have a whole lot of time today, but I wanted to relate a story about Patricio, the man who changed his life around for the church. The other day he broke my heart. We went by and he was drunk and cigarettes littered his house like crumpled up pieces of paper. It almost made me cry listening to his half drunk slurs and mispronounced words.
Leaving his house made me sick, knowing that I had let him go, slowly slipping ever farther away from what is the everlasting gospel. I know now a little bit more how Heaveny Father feels when we slip up or make a mistake. He is not angry, he is not ready to lift up his sword of justice and gleefully smite us down. I realized what he will be doing as the evil are swept into an everlasting pit of sorrow and dispair: crying. He doesnt want to be just, but he has to. For us to be saved, his plan has to be just. I know that my experiences here are making me understanding just a little bit more how God feels towards his children. I was given the privilage of being at the confirmation of Luis and Cesar, the 70 and 19 year old. As one is failing, two are coming into the fold. Being at their confirmation reminded me of being at a baby shower or something. It was the beginning of two new lives. Two lives that will journey through this life and try as hard as they can to obey their father. I wanted to just hold them there and not let them go, knowing what could happen to them. That I think would be another thing I imagine God felt as he sent us here.
I am appreciating the love of god more and more each day and understanding just a little bit more what it means to be a child of God.
I love you All!
Con Amor,
Elder Westover (the kid who celebrated the fouth of July in Chile)

Times and Memories

Hey Everyone!
It seems like everyone is enjoying the summer break while I am freezing my little hiney off here in Chile. Alright, its not that bad, but its still really cold and hard to type. The mountains are constantly covered by snow, but it will refuse to snow down here. Just frost up in the morning and then poof! just cold. But thats okay. Around october november Ill get my revenge. Haha!
Im glad to hear that everyone is doing well and I was happy to hear from everyone this time! I love all you guys! I wanted to dedicate this email to the duality, or the effects that the mission creates on a missionary. Seeing things now, Im not surprised that a lot of missionaries come back really weird. I feel like I am being split in two. As I am out longer in the mission, I have a growing affection for the people hear. Thats kind of hard when you have all your family and loved ones back in the States. But as you go on, you get so you learn to love both. Right now we are teaching a seventy year old man named Luis (actually, he already got baptized). At first he had a hard time accepting baptism. "Im an old man! Im not sinning anymore; I dont need a baptism!" I tried to explain to him that although we may not be staining an old shirt, it still may be a good idea to wash it before you go to a nice dinner or party. We all need the love of Christ in our lives, no matter how old we may be. After he got baptized, I asked him if he could come to another baptism that we were going to have the next week. He said yes, without hesitation. "Of course I will see another lost sheep be brought back into the fold!" Even though he was seventy, I still felt like a proud parent at that moment. I realized the love you can have for some of these people, and the affinity you create with the country, even though at times it is difficult.
Also, since I past the year mark, I feel like everything is going downhill now, in the sense of time. Its slipping out of my hands so fast I dont know what to do with it. But at the same time, Im not really sure what my life was like before the mission either. as of right now, this is all I know. My life before is a distant abstraction that I hold on a golden pedestal, even though some of my memories are failing me. I dont know if Ive been here for a day or a year. Thats the other strange thing. I dreamed I was a butterfly, but when I woke up, I wasnt sure if I was a human dreaming I was a butterfly or a butterfly dreaming I was a human. The Fluidity of reality on the mission scares me at times, but I know that if I just hold on tight and enjoy the ride, everything will work out how its supposed to.
Thanks everyone for everything! I Love you all!
Con Amor,
Elder Westover

ONE YEAR

I have been out on the mission for ONE WHOLE YEAR.... It seems like Ive only been out a few days, but at the same time, I dont realy remember much of what life was like outside of the mission. Its the change I think. If you stay in one place for long enough, each day feels the same and it seems shorter. But if you are constantly changing, it seems longer I have a feeling. I dont really know, to be honest. Im just glad to be out here.
Things are pretty great now. We are headed in midway through the Mundial (World Cup), and Chile is doing pretty well. But for everyone in the States who dont really care about Soccer, the States are doing alright. They tied both their games, but dont really have any hopes of progressing. I discovered that knowing what is going on in the World Cup actually helps us in the work? What a better way to make friends than to talk about the World Cup. On an unrelated note to my father: Dad, if the Lakers beat the Celtics on the seventh game of the finals, let me know. As much as I am focused in the work right now, I would like to know if Kobe is going to get his fifth ring or not. And let me know if Bret Farve decides to play again, something I heard from someone in my zone. But thats besides the point.
To be honest, it doesnt feel like any time has actually past until you look behind you and se how much ground you´ve convered. I looked back the other day and realized how much I have grown up. No one recognizes me anymore from that family photo we took when I was 18 (I think). I also realized that my personality has been maturing as well, understanding what is really important in life and what needs to get done and when. I attribute all of these changes to the mission, and the person it has made me. I realize that it is important to stop and look. Just appreciate the moment we have to be alive. Life moves pretty fast. If you dont stop once and a while, you could miss it.
I thank you all for all of the blessings I have receiving for being on this mission. I love you all.
Con Amor,
Elder Westover

PS- This is Luis. He is a stud. He is going to baptize his wife someday.

Changes again!

Hey Everyone!
I first wasnted to say happy Birthday to Grandpa! I remembered the other day that on the 14th is Flag Day. And that is also Grandpa´s birthday!! Happy birthday big guy! You are gonna live forever, I just know it. As long as you keep sending those emails, I will be a happy missionary. Seriously, I am going to have to award grandma and grandpa the most consistent letter writers award. Congrats guys, and thank you! Also, I would like to thank my aunt, Tracy, for being such a great support and for always being there for me! Thanks trac! :)
Well, this week was changes week, and my Spanish compadre left me here in Los Cantaros with my new companion: Elder Mondalgo. As you may have guessed, he is not a gringo. He is from Lima, Peru. As far as I can tell, he is a super cool guy! He only has one more change than I do, so Im pretty sure next time Im going to be senior companion. Hopefully by then Ill have a better grasp on the language, the lessons, and what the heck is going on.
I learned a lot from Elder Martin, and I know he will be missed in this ward. He was a great example to me and he taught me many things in the short time he was here. But I know that these things happen for a reason, and although that reason may be somewhat unknown to me and everyone else, there is one person we can always trust. Remember to always pray for help and for trust. This world is tough, and we cant do it alone. We need to trust that the Lord will pull us though all of our trials and that the next day will be better than the one before.
I know this email is a bit short, but we are kind of running short on time today, as usual. I hope everyone is doing okay. Im not sure when fathers day is, but Dad, happy fathers day! Thaks for being my dad and for loving me through everything, the good and the bad. Im so grateful for everyone of you guys, and I hope that everything goes well for everyone.
Con Amor,
Elder Westover

Mi Compenero Bakan!

Hey Everyone!
Today I wanted to share the true story of my companion, Elder Martin. He is the Spañard who I live with. He has a great conversion story and it is one that I wish he would share more often with our investigators. But I want to be able to remember it, so I will write it in this email.
Elder Martin was nine years old when he discovered the church. The missionaries were knocking his street and he didnt know who they were. He ran and sked his mom what two white kids were doing in Spain. His mother just shrugged and sadi she had no idea who they were. When they got to their door, Elder Martin´s mom abruptly rejected them. They left, but Rafael (Elder Martin) looked curiously out the window as they walked onward.
Weeks later, Rafael was tying his soccer shoes, getting ready to play another game. He liked it now. In fact, he loved it. Its almost hard to imagine back to the time when he was introduced to the game. When he was seven years old, there were tryouts for a junior little league. Rafael wasnt too interested; Soccer wasnt too interesting, just kicking a dumb ball around. But his father, eyes glistening with the vicariousness that all fathers get during sports tryouts, decided otherwise. "You are going to play Soccer," He said gruffly. "But I dont want to!" defied Rafael. His father, not to be talked back to, grabbed him by his hair, and dragged him to the soccer field to sign him up. Through the years, Rafael has grown to love the game, despite his brutal introduction to it. As he got ready to go out onto the field, the two missionaries came up to him again, this time with a different approach. "Hey, do you want to play soccer with us?" Rafael thought for a second. "Sure!"
They played all day and when the missionaries had to leave, they exchanged numbers. They began teaching Rafael in the spare room of the house becasue his mom and dad didnt want to listen to them. He went to church, the only one in Sevia, every week without fail. One time when it was raining, his father detested his plead to go to church, saying that he would get sick. Instead of obeying his paternal father, he obeyed his Heavenly Father and while his father wasnt looking, stiffed the pesos he needed for the metro ride to the church ten miles away. It was raining hard, but it didnt matter. That day, he was committed to be baptized at the beginning of February. He was so happy that the rain felt like drops of sunshine pouring onto his face. When he got home, his father was waiting for him. He hit the poor boy until he saw blood. He did not want a disobedient son.
Despite the obstacles and trials that Rafeal had to overcome to come to Christ, good always finds a way. On February ninth, Rafael Martin was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was happy. His Father was also happy. The one in heaven, watching. The only people in attendance were the missionaries, the bishop, and a couple members in the ward that he knew: Less than ten, including himself. His Mother told him that she was busy. He didnt even ask his father.
I dont know the whole story of how Elder Martin got to be Elder Martin. He overcame challenges that I will never face and became a valient servent of the Lord. I know that he endured many more encounters with his abusive father that to this day does not support him being a member of the church. He refused to spend even one cent towards his mission fund. But somehow the good finds a way through. A week before he left on his mission, Elder Martin had his first baprism; his mother. She is now first counselor in the Primary and loves sending her missionary letters.
I dont know everything about the story, but the important thing is the name he now bears. I am so grateful for this church and the changes it makes in peoples lives. Im thankful for you all and all the blessings I have recieved from being out here in chile.
I love you guys!
Con Amor,
Elder Westover