Hello family! Hope everyone had a nice Easter! This past week in Ecuador was "Semana Santa" or Holy Week, so it was rather difficult finding people to contact and/or teach, especially Friday and Saturday, where basically everyone, except the members of our ward, left to go to the beach and have a mini-vacation of sorts. We only managed to get one of our investigators to Sacrament meeting on Sunday, but at least it wasn't zero! It's a funny story with our investigator, Francisco Chavez. He's basically the boyfriend of the Stake President's daughter. With that in mind, we feel pretty confident he will be baptized in a couple weeks, specifically the 14th of May. In our ward, we're really lucky because we have the Stake President, the Stake Patriarch, along with the Bishop to go to for help or whatever we need!
Our living conditions were a bit tough for me to get used to at first, but I'm adjusting quickly. Probably the toughest part is not having AC in the house, as is the case in every house here, so I'm getting used to that. We do have fans, however, so it's not terribly hot at nights! We live in an apartment with the Machala Zone Leaders, Elder Bigelow of Utah, and Elder Ochoa, of Guatemala. It's really nice to be with them and share experiences about our sectors. We eat breakfast and dinner in the house (sometimes dinner with members), and we eat lunch with "Mamitas" or the ward members. It is so nice to talk with the members on a daily basis. It's very important to have their support and friendship!
I will send some more pictures next week. I don't have my camera with me this week, but I'll snap some photos to give you more of a view from Puerto Bolivar!
Oh, and for Mother's Day... I will call the house some time during the day, but just so you have the number. You'll have to call the number back so we can talk. I know, sounds a little bit odd, but that's what we've been told to do. And we'll be able to talk for 40 minutes. Again, sounds a little too short, but I've been told it's just plenty of time.
No KFC today, but we went to Machala Central and ate at a hamburger place there. It was really quite tasty! I might have to go back in a few weeks!
Glad everything is still going going well and that everyone is doing alright!
Love you all tons! Write you next week!
--
Elder Garrett Cederquist
Misión Ecuador Guayaquil Sur
Garrett in front of the Guayaquil Temple
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Still In Machala, No Transfer For Me! 18 Apr 2011
Hello Family!
It's been a pretty crazy week with transfers and all! I'm happy to report that I'm still in Machala in the Puerto Bolivar ward. Elder Denison, however, was transfered to Guayaquil early Friday morning, 15 April. My new companion is Elder Ruiz, from Escuintla, Guatemala. He has over a year and a half in the mission! He came from a big sector in Guayaquil to one of the smallest in the entire mission, so it was a bit of a shock from him.
Baptism wise, still nothing... We were getting really close with a couple who lived in our sector, but then we found out they moved for pretty much good to Esmeraldas, which is in the north of Ecuador, in the Quito mission. As you can imagine, it was a little frustrating to find that out. But we can contact the missionaries up there and give them the reference. But we are still teaching some great people who have told us that they want the Gospel in their lives, so at least there is something to fall back on.
I'm glad to hear that everything is going well with everyone! Not too much is going on here, except that Elder Marcus B. Nash, of the Seventy, and President of the South America Northwest area will be here in Machala tomorrow, 19 April, giving a Charla Fogonera (Fireside) at the stake center. We get the chance to be there and talk with him tomorrow in the morning about 0900, and then his fireside is at 1930. It should be a good turn out! I actually met Elder Nash while in the Lima MTC, so it will be exciting to see him again!
For Mother's Day, we will get to call sometime during the day and get to talk for about 45 minutes is what I've heard. So that will be a very exciting time! I can't wait for it either!
Well, that's about all for this week! Hopefully there's more to report next week!
Oh yeah, still haven't had any "weird" foods yet. Today's lunch was KFC in Machala Central! A little spoiled? Maybe. :) It was really good!
Take care everyone!
Love,
Elder Garrett Cederquist
It's been a pretty crazy week with transfers and all! I'm happy to report that I'm still in Machala in the Puerto Bolivar ward. Elder Denison, however, was transfered to Guayaquil early Friday morning, 15 April. My new companion is Elder Ruiz, from Escuintla, Guatemala. He has over a year and a half in the mission! He came from a big sector in Guayaquil to one of the smallest in the entire mission, so it was a bit of a shock from him.
Baptism wise, still nothing... We were getting really close with a couple who lived in our sector, but then we found out they moved for pretty much good to Esmeraldas, which is in the north of Ecuador, in the Quito mission. As you can imagine, it was a little frustrating to find that out. But we can contact the missionaries up there and give them the reference. But we are still teaching some great people who have told us that they want the Gospel in their lives, so at least there is something to fall back on.
I'm glad to hear that everything is going well with everyone! Not too much is going on here, except that Elder Marcus B. Nash, of the Seventy, and President of the South America Northwest area will be here in Machala tomorrow, 19 April, giving a Charla Fogonera (Fireside) at the stake center. We get the chance to be there and talk with him tomorrow in the morning about 0900, and then his fireside is at 1930. It should be a good turn out! I actually met Elder Nash while in the Lima MTC, so it will be exciting to see him again!
For Mother's Day, we will get to call sometime during the day and get to talk for about 45 minutes is what I've heard. So that will be a very exciting time! I can't wait for it either!
Well, that's about all for this week! Hopefully there's more to report next week!
Oh yeah, still haven't had any "weird" foods yet. Today's lunch was KFC in Machala Central! A little spoiled? Maybe. :) It was really good!
Take care everyone!
Love,
Elder Garrett Cederquist
Monday, April 11, 2011
Another Week in Machala!
Hi Dad! Thanks for the update! Sounds like a busy week! Kind of like mine are!
Hello Mom!
I've been pretty good this week, although I got a little sick last Friday, I think it was from a hot dog I ate for lunch :( It was prepared well and all, oh well, I feel perfectly fine now, so no worries!
In terms of missionary life, it's interesting for sure! No interesting foods this week, but we ate chicken and fries twice yesterday, for lunch and dinner! It was really good! My daily schedule is really busy. We wake up at 0630 every morning, do some exercising for half and hour, then we shower (they're cold, but not freezing cold, so I'm always quick in showering) and prepare. From 0800 to 0900 we have personal study, from 0900 to 1000 we have companionship study. From 1000 to 1300 we go out and proselyte/teach and then eat lunch from 1300-1400. From that time until 2100 we proselyte and teach some more. We plan until 2130 (most nights it goes until 2200 though!) We're able to eat something while and after we plan! Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays are the only days that have a different schedule. P-Day Monday, district meeting on Tuesday, and Church on Sunday, we attend at the same time you do! From 1500-1800 for us!
We get $160 every month, which rolls over as well, so there's a little bit extra every month!
Everything is good here, it's starting to rain a little bit more every week, so the temperatures have cooled down a little!
Love you!
Elder G!
Hello Mom!
I'm not sure where my blessing would be, perhaps in my room... I think that's where I last left it. You can probably ask Patriarch Cornea for another copy.
The weather has cooled down just a little bit here, as it's starting to rain a couple times a week, a welcome blessing!
I'm glad you're staying busy with the business! I love hearing about the projects you're all doing!
Last week was pretty busy, and this week is sure to be as well, because next week we have "Cambios" or Transfers. I probably won't find out until Sunday if I'm going anywhere, or if I'll stay in Puerto Bolivar here in Machala.
Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers, I know you're always in mine as well! It keeps my motivation level up! That still, small voice is powerful at times!
This week should be fun, I get to speak in Sacrament meeting! Hopefully I don't butcher Spanish too bad!
Disfruta su semana! (Enjoy your week!)
Con mucho amor (With much love)
Elder G!
Monday, April 4, 2011
4 April 2011 Machala, Ecuador
Wow, what a busy week you had!
Yes, I was able to watch the 4 sessions of Conference, along with the Priesthood session Saturday night, all in Spanish! And I was able to understand a great majority of it! It was a great recharge of my batteries and gave me even more motivation to keep pushing on in the work! Are you surprised to hear about the Temple in Fort Collins, CO? I was so excited to hear that, along with the other temples in Idaho and Winnipeg, Canada! I noticed a lot of the messages were about being prepared, as the earthquake and tsunami in Japan showed, we should all be ready.
This last week was pretty tough, as we had to let a lot of investigators go and find new ones, because they weren´t progressing at all. We've managed to find new ones, however, and get lessons in with them. We're planning a baptism for THIS SATURDAY, the 9th! It finally seems the work is paying off! I'm really excited!
This morning (4 April) at 0430, we left to go to Guayaquil to pick up my Censo (or resdency card) here in Ecuador. It feels good knowing that I'm not "illegal" per say anymore! But it has been a very long day, as we woke up at 0200! At least the buses we take are confortable, so I was able to get a few hours of sleep to and from Guayaquil.
Sounds like all is chevere (Spanish for "awesome") back home, which I always love to hear! The time is going by so fast! I've been here a month already! Crazy!
Can't wait for next week!
Love you tons!
Elder Garrett
Hello Mom!
I can't believe it's Monday again! Last week was tough, but it got so much better when Conference rolled around! It was tough because our investigators weren't progressing at all, and so we had to go out and find new ones, a task I thought we would be working at for a LONG time. Luckily it took us only a day or two to get things back rolling!
We were able to watch all the sessions of Conference this weekend! It was incredible and in Spanish! I understood a lot of it! Oh, and I met Elder Tait on Saturday too and told him how you and his mom are emailing each other. Elder Tait is super cool, so it was really neat to meet him! I wish I would have seen the MTC special, but I bet it was just a KSL thing, as we got the Satellite transmission from Salt Lake City. Conference came on here at 11 am, 9 at home, so we actually saw it live, and not on an hour delay as it is on KSL. I thought that was interesting.
We're progressing towards our first baptism, which we're planning for this Saturday!!!! It should be a blast!
I'm glad the business is still doing good, along with everyone else! Staying busy as always!
I love you tons! And yet again, next Monday will be here in the blink of an eye!
Talk to you then!
Love,
Elder Garrett!
Right now, I'm good with everything. Clothes are holding up good, but I've somehow lost two short sleeved shirts. I don't know what happened to them, but that's it. Yeah, but for now, I have all I need.
Actually, if you could email me a copy of Patriarcal Blessing, that'd be great!
Love you,
G!
Yes, I was able to watch the 4 sessions of Conference, along with the Priesthood session Saturday night, all in Spanish! And I was able to understand a great majority of it! It was a great recharge of my batteries and gave me even more motivation to keep pushing on in the work! Are you surprised to hear about the Temple in Fort Collins, CO? I was so excited to hear that, along with the other temples in Idaho and Winnipeg, Canada! I noticed a lot of the messages were about being prepared, as the earthquake and tsunami in Japan showed, we should all be ready.
This last week was pretty tough, as we had to let a lot of investigators go and find new ones, because they weren´t progressing at all. We've managed to find new ones, however, and get lessons in with them. We're planning a baptism for THIS SATURDAY, the 9th! It finally seems the work is paying off! I'm really excited!
This morning (4 April) at 0430, we left to go to Guayaquil to pick up my Censo (or resdency card) here in Ecuador. It feels good knowing that I'm not "illegal" per say anymore! But it has been a very long day, as we woke up at 0200! At least the buses we take are confortable, so I was able to get a few hours of sleep to and from Guayaquil.
Sounds like all is chevere (Spanish for "awesome") back home, which I always love to hear! The time is going by so fast! I've been here a month already! Crazy!
Can't wait for next week!
Love you tons!
Elder Garrett
Hello Mom!
I can't believe it's Monday again! Last week was tough, but it got so much better when Conference rolled around! It was tough because our investigators weren't progressing at all, and so we had to go out and find new ones, a task I thought we would be working at for a LONG time. Luckily it took us only a day or two to get things back rolling!
We were able to watch all the sessions of Conference this weekend! It was incredible and in Spanish! I understood a lot of it! Oh, and I met Elder Tait on Saturday too and told him how you and his mom are emailing each other. Elder Tait is super cool, so it was really neat to meet him! I wish I would have seen the MTC special, but I bet it was just a KSL thing, as we got the Satellite transmission from Salt Lake City. Conference came on here at 11 am, 9 at home, so we actually saw it live, and not on an hour delay as it is on KSL. I thought that was interesting.
We're progressing towards our first baptism, which we're planning for this Saturday!!!! It should be a blast!
I'm glad the business is still doing good, along with everyone else! Staying busy as always!
I love you tons! And yet again, next Monday will be here in the blink of an eye!
Talk to you then!
Love,
Elder Garrett!
Right now, I'm good with everything. Clothes are holding up good, but I've somehow lost two short sleeved shirts. I don't know what happened to them, but that's it. Yeah, but for now, I have all I need.
Actually, if you could email me a copy of Patriarcal Blessing, that'd be great!
Love you,
G!
Monday, March 28, 2011
28 March 2011 Machala, Ecuador
Hi Dad! Thanks for the recap of the week! Kason left for Russia today, huh? I thought he still had a week left in the MTC. Wow, that's super exciting! I think I know his email address so I'll have to send him a few lines! And isn't Austin Berenyi going to South Carolina? I can't remember if it's North or South...
It makes me smile whenever the LA Galaxy lose, especially against RSL! And it rained most of the game, huh? Here it is supposed to be the rainy season, but it has been abnormally hot here, something the members say is really weird for this time of year. They tell us it will probably start raining within a few weeks.
While I'm on members of the ward, I'll tell you some of their names and their callings in our ward. First is Gustavo Granda, he is the President of the Elders Quorum and he comes along with us quite a bit when we go to teach our investigators. Second is William Sarmiento, who is the Ward Mission Leader here. He helps us out with references and teaches awesome Sunday School lessons. He is very well-versed in the Bible and Book of Mormon, so he can answer just about whatever question in religion. Third is Daniel Salinas, who, on my first day in Machala, returned after serving his mission in Cuzco, Peru! He has been a great help to us as well in teaching our investigators. I would consider all three of them friends! They, like all the people here, are really humble and nice.
Our investigators had a tough week this past week. We didn't have the baptism as we were planning, and next week is General Conference, so we want to have baptisms on the 9th, but most likely we'll have them on the 16th. Oh yeah, I'll be sporting my Fast Sunday tie on the 10th and I'm giving a talk on the 17th!
I forgot March Madness was even going on... I'm surprised Duke isn't in the Final Four.
Other than that, nothing new is going on. We just keep pushing forward! Time flies by here!
Thanks for the pictures! I'll print them out! I've attached some pictures as well of when we went to center of Machala today!
Talk to you next week! Enjoy General Conference!
Love you,
Elder Garrett!
My Dearest Mom!
This email always will find me happy!
This week went by pretty quick as well. We unfortunately didn't have our baptism as we were planning, so we've had to push it back to the 16th of April. We've not had a baptism yet in the time I've been here, something both Elder Denison and I hope changes really quick! Patience definitely is a virtue!
I haven't met Elder Tait personally, because he is serving in the El Oro zone, and I'm in the Machala Zone, but I'll keep an eye out for him. The weather has been hot here, it should be raining about this time of year, but it hasn't, so it's been really confusing for us and the members to figure out!
Cody's parents are awesome people. I met his entire family when he went through the Temple some months back! And I'm keeping in touch with Cody while he's out in the mission. And Alden's parents as well! All is well with them I take it?
Time is really going by quickly here! It seems like some days are really long, but then I look back on the week and think "Wow, we did a lot in a little time!"
I'm glad all is well back at home! Tell everyone I say hi!
Talk to you next week! I'm sure I'll probably still be thinking "Where did this week go?"
Love you!
Elder Garrett!
It makes me smile whenever the LA Galaxy lose, especially against RSL! And it rained most of the game, huh? Here it is supposed to be the rainy season, but it has been abnormally hot here, something the members say is really weird for this time of year. They tell us it will probably start raining within a few weeks.
While I'm on members of the ward, I'll tell you some of their names and their callings in our ward. First is Gustavo Granda, he is the President of the Elders Quorum and he comes along with us quite a bit when we go to teach our investigators. Second is William Sarmiento, who is the Ward Mission Leader here. He helps us out with references and teaches awesome Sunday School lessons. He is very well-versed in the Bible and Book of Mormon, so he can answer just about whatever question in religion. Third is Daniel Salinas, who, on my first day in Machala, returned after serving his mission in Cuzco, Peru! He has been a great help to us as well in teaching our investigators. I would consider all three of them friends! They, like all the people here, are really humble and nice.
Our investigators had a tough week this past week. We didn't have the baptism as we were planning, and next week is General Conference, so we want to have baptisms on the 9th, but most likely we'll have them on the 16th. Oh yeah, I'll be sporting my Fast Sunday tie on the 10th and I'm giving a talk on the 17th!
I forgot March Madness was even going on... I'm surprised Duke isn't in the Final Four.
Other than that, nothing new is going on. We just keep pushing forward! Time flies by here!
Thanks for the pictures! I'll print them out! I've attached some pictures as well of when we went to center of Machala today!
Talk to you next week! Enjoy General Conference!
Love you,
Elder Garrett!
My Dearest Mom!
This email always will find me happy!
This week went by pretty quick as well. We unfortunately didn't have our baptism as we were planning, so we've had to push it back to the 16th of April. We've not had a baptism yet in the time I've been here, something both Elder Denison and I hope changes really quick! Patience definitely is a virtue!
I haven't met Elder Tait personally, because he is serving in the El Oro zone, and I'm in the Machala Zone, but I'll keep an eye out for him. The weather has been hot here, it should be raining about this time of year, but it hasn't, so it's been really confusing for us and the members to figure out!
Cody's parents are awesome people. I met his entire family when he went through the Temple some months back! And I'm keeping in touch with Cody while he's out in the mission. And Alden's parents as well! All is well with them I take it?
Time is really going by quickly here! It seems like some days are really long, but then I look back on the week and think "Wow, we did a lot in a little time!"
I'm glad all is well back at home! Tell everyone I say hi!
Talk to you next week! I'm sure I'll probably still be thinking "Where did this week go?"
Love you!
Elder Garrett!
Monday, March 21, 2011
21 March 2011 Machala, Ecuador--The Banana Capital of the World
Hi Dad!
The banana capital of the world is treating me very well! Down here, they're called Guineo, but they're still the same thing! And they taste delicious! There's even a banana factory in our sector!
Nice to hear that Chelsea have picked it up a little bit and that RSL keep winning! The Avs and Jazz, well, what can you say? Tough year!
10,000 dead in the earthquake and tsunami in Japan? My goodness, when we heard about it, it was at only 100! Unbelieveable.
We also heard about the conflict in Libya from some of the ward members, but what exactly is it over? The explaination we got was rather vague, and probably lost in translation a little bit!
I'm sorry to hear about Aunt Mary and Papa. I will definitely keep everyone in my prayers. By the way, how is the Beus family doing, especially Brielle and Shawn?
Happy to hear you all are doing well! The work is going great here. We have baptismal dates for this Saturday, 26 March, 2 and 9 April! Exciting stuff!
The pictures that are attached are: One of our district here in Machala (Top Row L-R: Elders Ochoa, Denison, Gaitan, Denning, Tabi, Bottom Row L-R: Elders Roberts, Bigelow and ME!) The second photo is of me with a chapel in the background! I'll definitely take more photos and send them next week!
Love you!
Elder Garrett, G-Train, G-Man!
Hi Mom! Last week was great and somewhat quiet! The field is great, but hot! The temperatures range from about 80-90 every day here in Machala. It's taken a little to get used to, but it's not too bad!
In regards to the address, the one listed in my call packet is for the mission home. Mail goes to the mission home, and we receive mail every Tuesday. It takes about 3 weeks for the mail to get here, and sending packages is expensive, between $16 and $30. Also, for packages, make sure there is a green sticker on it, which signifies that you paid for it at the Post Office. If not, I'd have to pay for it, and in reality, I wouldn't have time to pick it up because of the schedule we have.
Time is starting to go by really fast here! I can't believe it's Monday either!
You'll have to let me know how Alden's farewell went! I'm so excited for him and for all my friends who are in the field, in traning, or about to leave! Tell Auntie hi! Everything is going really great! Also tell the ward family hi!
Yes, I like the picture of Pres. Montalti and I as well. Funny story, when we arrived in Guayaquil on the 8th, we met him in the airport. When he saw me, he said "Oh, mi chiquito", which means "little boy"! He is a very nice, loving man.
Everything is great here, I'll send Ky some photos for you to look at!
Love you!
Elder Cederquist
Hi sis! You are quite the rebel for staying up late! I love Mondays too, so I can write and here about the goings on the "normal world!" The field is great, but very hot here in Machala! As of yet, I've not tried any different foods. In fact, I had McDonalds when I was in Guayaquil last week for Elder Denison's visa renewal. Lots of meat and rice down here, but it is always good and something to look forward to! Today we were in the shopping district of Machala and ate at Chili's! It was very good, a break from the ordinary! All is well here! I've attached some pictures for you to look at of Machala and the view we have from our house!
Oh yeah, take some pictures of the family and send them to me so I can show them to the people we teach, they're very family oriented down here and love to see photos of our families.
Glad to hear you're keeping busy! Did you hear anything about Kent's yet? Keep up the good work in soccer!
Love you Ky! Have fun!
Elder G-Train
The banana capital of the world is treating me very well! Down here, they're called Guineo, but they're still the same thing! And they taste delicious! There's even a banana factory in our sector!
Nice to hear that Chelsea have picked it up a little bit and that RSL keep winning! The Avs and Jazz, well, what can you say? Tough year!
10,000 dead in the earthquake and tsunami in Japan? My goodness, when we heard about it, it was at only 100! Unbelieveable.
We also heard about the conflict in Libya from some of the ward members, but what exactly is it over? The explaination we got was rather vague, and probably lost in translation a little bit!
I'm sorry to hear about Aunt Mary and Papa. I will definitely keep everyone in my prayers. By the way, how is the Beus family doing, especially Brielle and Shawn?
Happy to hear you all are doing well! The work is going great here. We have baptismal dates for this Saturday, 26 March, 2 and 9 April! Exciting stuff!
The pictures that are attached are: One of our district here in Machala (Top Row L-R: Elders Ochoa, Denison, Gaitan, Denning, Tabi, Bottom Row L-R: Elders Roberts, Bigelow and ME!) The second photo is of me with a chapel in the background! I'll definitely take more photos and send them next week!
Love you!
Elder Garrett, G-Train, G-Man!
Hi Mom! Last week was great and somewhat quiet! The field is great, but hot! The temperatures range from about 80-90 every day here in Machala. It's taken a little to get used to, but it's not too bad!
In regards to the address, the one listed in my call packet is for the mission home. Mail goes to the mission home, and we receive mail every Tuesday. It takes about 3 weeks for the mail to get here, and sending packages is expensive, between $16 and $30. Also, for packages, make sure there is a green sticker on it, which signifies that you paid for it at the Post Office. If not, I'd have to pay for it, and in reality, I wouldn't have time to pick it up because of the schedule we have.
Time is starting to go by really fast here! I can't believe it's Monday either!
You'll have to let me know how Alden's farewell went! I'm so excited for him and for all my friends who are in the field, in traning, or about to leave! Tell Auntie hi! Everything is going really great! Also tell the ward family hi!
Yes, I like the picture of Pres. Montalti and I as well. Funny story, when we arrived in Guayaquil on the 8th, we met him in the airport. When he saw me, he said "Oh, mi chiquito", which means "little boy"! He is a very nice, loving man.
Everything is great here, I'll send Ky some photos for you to look at!
Love you!
Elder Cederquist
Hi sis! You are quite the rebel for staying up late! I love Mondays too, so I can write and here about the goings on the "normal world!" The field is great, but very hot here in Machala! As of yet, I've not tried any different foods. In fact, I had McDonalds when I was in Guayaquil last week for Elder Denison's visa renewal. Lots of meat and rice down here, but it is always good and something to look forward to! Today we were in the shopping district of Machala and ate at Chili's! It was very good, a break from the ordinary! All is well here! I've attached some pictures for you to look at of Machala and the view we have from our house!
Oh yeah, take some pictures of the family and send them to me so I can show them to the people we teach, they're very family oriented down here and love to see photos of our families.
Glad to hear you're keeping busy! Did you hear anything about Kent's yet? Keep up the good work in soccer!
Love you Ky! Have fun!
Elder G-Train
Monday, March 14, 2011
14 March 2011 I made it to Ecuador-last week!
Hello family!
Wow, this has been an amazing and absolutley crazy week! We arrived in Guayaquil on Tuesday the 8th without any problems and we stayed the night at the house of the Assistants to Pres. Montalti, which is in Guayaquil.
On Wednesday morning we left for our respective areas- I am in a city called Machala, 3 hours south of Guayaquil, in the Puerto Bolivar ward. About 2.5 hours into the 3 hour bus ride, the gas line on the bus decided to break, so our bus came to a halt in what felt like the middle of nowhere. A definite "Welcome to Ecuador!" We waited for about half an hour for another bus, and we finally made it, bags and all! I met my companion, Elder Denison, from Riverton, UT when we arrived. He is a great missionary, always ready to work!
Thursday was our first full day of working, and we taught some great lessons to some very humble people, who were ready to hear the Gospel. That's where the normal part ends... Because of the massive earthquake in Japan and ensuing Tsunami, we were evacuated from Machala to the mountainous city of Cuenca, three hours east of Machala by bus on Friday morning! We were able to see some of the news reports of the damage the quake and tsunami did. Luckily, since we're far enough away, the tsunami had dispersed and nothing happened in Machala. Yet another "Welcome to Ecuador!" We made it back to Machala Saturday morning and got right back to work!
The people here, both members and investigators, are great people. I know I'm definitely in a great place! It's been a little tough getting used to some things here, but it's becoming more and more normal every day!
Everything is fine here, so no need to worry! Glad to hear everything is fine at home, and I'm happy to hear everything is good with Chiaki's family. When I heard earthquake and Japan, I immediately thought of her and her family, I even said a few prayers.
P-Days here are on Monday, so I will write to you then!
Love you all!
Elder Cederquist
Wow, this has been an amazing and absolutley crazy week! We arrived in Guayaquil on Tuesday the 8th without any problems and we stayed the night at the house of the Assistants to Pres. Montalti, which is in Guayaquil.
On Wednesday morning we left for our respective areas- I am in a city called Machala, 3 hours south of Guayaquil, in the Puerto Bolivar ward. About 2.5 hours into the 3 hour bus ride, the gas line on the bus decided to break, so our bus came to a halt in what felt like the middle of nowhere. A definite "Welcome to Ecuador!" We waited for about half an hour for another bus, and we finally made it, bags and all! I met my companion, Elder Denison, from Riverton, UT when we arrived. He is a great missionary, always ready to work!
Thursday was our first full day of working, and we taught some great lessons to some very humble people, who were ready to hear the Gospel. That's where the normal part ends... Because of the massive earthquake in Japan and ensuing Tsunami, we were evacuated from Machala to the mountainous city of Cuenca, three hours east of Machala by bus on Friday morning! We were able to see some of the news reports of the damage the quake and tsunami did. Luckily, since we're far enough away, the tsunami had dispersed and nothing happened in Machala. Yet another "Welcome to Ecuador!" We made it back to Machala Saturday morning and got right back to work!
The people here, both members and investigators, are great people. I know I'm definitely in a great place! It's been a little tough getting used to some things here, but it's becoming more and more normal every day!
Everything is fine here, so no need to worry! Glad to hear everything is fine at home, and I'm happy to hear everything is good with Chiaki's family. When I heard earthquake and Japan, I immediately thought of her and her family, I even said a few prayers.
P-Days here are on Monday, so I will write to you then!
Love you all!
Elder Cederquist
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