tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7495556279059718432024-03-05T13:33:50.933-08:00MISIONEROElder Connor Nef is serving a Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Chile Concepcion Mission from December 2015 - December 2017.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18145003873871842526noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-28508593179561172832017-11-20T19:51:00.001-08:002017-11-21T07:52:52.079-08:00Giving Thanks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild turkeys in Parral</td></tr>
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Our whole district had a challenging week - few of us reached our goals. Despite the rough patch, we had an inspiring Zone conference, and we performed a successful exorcism, which ended up blessing a family desperately in need.</div>
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I am grateful. How appropriate that this week is Thanksgiving.</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Giving Thanks</span></div>
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What do you say we mark this as the season to make it a habit of collecting blessings. Let's catalog the Lord's kindness. Assemble reasons for gratitude, and state it. Daily. This was the apostle Paul's advice to the Thessalonians.</div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Rejoice evermore.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Pray without ceasing.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>In every thing give thanks:</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-small;">1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</span></div>
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Look at the sum total of those terms: Rejoice...when? <i>Evermore</i>. Pray...how often? <i>Without ceasing</i>. Give thanks...in what? <i>In every thing</i>.</div>
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Gratitude is a conscious choice in all circumstances. Good weeks and not so good weeks. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Sharp, Elder Aparicio, Elder Evans, and me</td></tr>
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This is the Lord's work. The Church is True, and boy am I grateful to be a part of it. Working 'til I drop.</div>
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Have a blessed Thanksgiving, Everyone. And, save me some turkey and stuffing!</div>
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Elder Connor Nef</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15022655995608802264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-65068330429255193412017-11-14T19:12:00.000-08:002017-11-14T19:12:07.569-08:00Hats Off to My New Companion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3j8jVEFQqM-Hz50LFpt85W1dK2ds_atrIi7JJD9m7myObkKWWZgbAhGxDixy8iBG9ETdJ2dqrZQ7nDwQjI1zfHhJsot1UjFKQ7Wp8qI8DK4nOqI9770C6aiAjd8TTy-xBe4XKj9h6jpY/s1600/Hat+activity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3j8jVEFQqM-Hz50LFpt85W1dK2ds_atrIi7JJD9m7myObkKWWZgbAhGxDixy8iBG9ETdJ2dqrZQ7nDwQjI1zfHhJsot1UjFKQ7Wp8qI8DK4nOqI9770C6aiAjd8TTy-xBe4XKj9h6jpY/s640/Hat+activity.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We had such a great ward activity this week: Noche de Sombreros (Hat Night). Check these guys out! Just for the fun of it, they came in homemade hats, purchased hats, decorated hats. We played games and had a fun time.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Introducing Elder Evans</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uJfzSAbK5-K-IE7vrwenQppmwu94DKVF2IbTfymZ_stelnfx0dkSZH0aJtJWDkOaYtiUvwYuQLF6k_rV-I3fvNf2cZdPEVB8vgahui8FcClZJx2PjE8gMIgJg93L5a3mKJiSYDA2Z1oa/s1600/Eating+with+Evans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uJfzSAbK5-K-IE7vrwenQppmwu94DKVF2IbTfymZ_stelnfx0dkSZH0aJtJWDkOaYtiUvwYuQLF6k_rV-I3fvNf2cZdPEVB8vgahui8FcClZJx2PjE8gMIgJg93L5a3mKJiSYDA2Z1oa/s400/Eating+with+Evans.jpg" width="400" /></a>My new companion is Elder Evans. He hails from the midwest - Indiana. This is his first week in Chile, and I have been given the privilege of training him, which wont be a challenge since he is a chill dude and very excited to work.<br />
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We've been focusing a lot on teaching with questions, which is a bit of a hurdle since he does not yet understand the locals (it'll take time), but Elder Evans has initiative. For instance, during one lesson, I paused and was searching for the right words, when Elder Evans put his hand on my shoulder and began teaching in his broken Spanish. It was great.<br />
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We have four elders sharing our apartment. Elder Sharp, my previous comp, is still there with his new green companion, Elder Aparicio from Malaga Spain. Elder Aparicio's accent is very strong and the branch <i>loves</i> it.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Second Time's a Charm</span><br />
One day as we were out on the street looking for new people to teach, we came across a guy named Ivan. Elder Sharp and I ran into Ivan about 6 weeks ago and he wasn't interested in our message. But as we talked with him this time, he was suddenly very interested and even committed to coming to church. That was cool.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joaquin out working with Elder Evans and me</td></tr>
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Things are moving along. In fact, it's getting pretty hot around here - 36 Celsius (that's about 96 Fahrenheit). Whew. Hopefully our work will be just as hot. Already, Elder Evans is headed in the right direction. This week's gonna be great.<br />
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Love to All,<br />
Elder Connor Nef<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15022655995608802264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-33280398118521151132017-11-08T13:36:00.000-08:002017-11-09T07:58:04.703-08:00It's All About Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Branch President Erpel in Villa Baviera</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's been a good week. H</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">it our goals. Investigators came to church. Two families have set dates for baptism this month! I'm not winking in the picture. The sun was mighty bright in Villa Baviera.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Villa Baviera</span><br />
You remember the Book of Mormon in German I mentioned last blogpost? Well, we handed it out. Yep. Our Branch President Erpel (very cool dude) took us to the German community, Villa Baviera.<br />
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While in this community we taught 3 lessons (not too bad for 1.5 hours of work). The area here is <i>beautiful</i> and large - thousands used to live here. Now there are probably about a few hundred. The reduced population probably has something to do with its sketchy past. Some Nazi officer moved here after WWII and started the community. He also started a new wave of mistreatment of people. As a result, a lot of extreme abuse and secrecy shadowed Villa Baviera for decades thereafter.<br />
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We found people who are still mentally and emotionally scarred, but who want to heal. One guy, Jorgan, kept saying, "But everything is better now. We are happier now." "Everyone is now free to do what they want." These people are very receptive and love to talk.<br />
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It would be a very redeeming story if the people of Villa Baviera accept the gospel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheeeeeep!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Training</span></div>
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En route to Villa Baviera, President Catala called and told us that we need to prepare our house to receive two more beds. We are going to have 8 missionaries in this branch, and Elder Sharpe and I will <i>each</i> be training two new missionaries! Very cool. I have 3 weeks to train the dude to lead the area. Challenge accepted!<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Manuel Quotes</span><br />
One day while knocking doors, we found an alley where everyone is related to each other and receptive to our message. One dude in particular was especially eager to talk religion - a Jewish guy with a beard named Manuel. It was refreshing that he knew so much about the Bible, quoting Old Testament prophecies. <i>"In Daniel, it says that the restoration of all things will come to pass two thousand years after Christ." </i><br />
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That is exactly our message, Manuel! Needless to say, our lesson with him was pretty great.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caterpillars are everywhere here</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's All About Progress</span><br />
In my studies, I came across the little gem in Moroni-<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"Come unto Christ and be perfected in Him."</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Moroni 10:32</span></div>
Now, the word "perfect" scares a lot of people. It seems to be an unattainable standard - I mean, who on earth can be perfect? No one! But the word used for <i>perfect</i> here does not mean spotless, without flaw. The scriptural definition of <i>perfect</i> is related to maturity and growth - it's about wholeness. Completeness. Filling in any emptiness or unfinished parts of our character. So really, we're talking about progress and becoming better than we were yesterday.<br />
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The only way we can get to this valuable state is to do as the scripture directs: Come unto Christ. He fills in our gaps, and He completes what we haven't finished in ourselves. He helps us fulfill our potential and become better than we ever were. How? There's another scripture for that:<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I give unto men weakness that they may be humble;</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me;</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>then will I make weak things become strong unto them.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-small;">Ether 12:27</span></div>
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Weaknesses are a constant reminder of our dependence upon the Lord. When we take those weaknesses to the Savior, we become effectively joined with Him in a great work. The work of becoming a little better every day. It's about progress. Moroni said as much. Here's the whole verse:<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>and deny yourselves of all ungodliness;</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ;</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-small;">Moroni 10:32–33</span></div>
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This is the message we hope to deliver to Manuel and our friends in Villa Baviera. Change will start the moment we decide to Come unto Christ. </div>
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Have a great week, everyone!<br />
Elder Connor Nef</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15022655995608802264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-8649685445329702782017-10-30T17:51:00.001-07:002017-10-30T20:20:03.459-07:00My Mission is a Chiasmus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Givin' It Our All</span></div>
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This week, we had one activity that totally bombed (poorly planned by our district - oh well. Live and learn, right?). Even though few investigators came to church and our appointments fell, our District is maintaining success. My comp and I met our goals. What's more - I gave my all. My comp gave his all. We can't control everything but we are leaving it all on the playing field every day.</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Work In Progress</span></div>
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During ward Correlation meeting this week, our ward mission leader did it again. He keeps communicating through me and doesn't call on or communicate with the sister missionaries. Not okay. These sisters have a voice and a mind. Guess you can call it a work in progress. It'll get there.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nPq6hZDIIYFnviO4qbNtXT5ZPXuTfNSJ1GvsblRDCFsNoEi7qWwe7-K9yVCCZaQTrtpAnPpndRvw-OW6YlkHogLJkYn3_pcs68TDxFrCFBYUsex7zy32Tr1nSlVnW18_9LRvZI46_Orb/s1600/German+BoM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nPq6hZDIIYFnviO4qbNtXT5ZPXuTfNSJ1GvsblRDCFsNoEi7qWwe7-K9yVCCZaQTrtpAnPpndRvw-OW6YlkHogLJkYn3_pcs68TDxFrCFBYUsex7zy32Tr1nSlVnW18_9LRvZI46_Orb/s200/German+BoM.jpg" width="137" /></a><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This week's Fun Facts:</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">- </span> Someone offered us wine while knocking doors.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">-</span> Parral produces a lot of asparagus. They even have an asparagus festival! Funny, the members have never served us asparagus.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">-</span> Book of Mormon in German arrived for those who live in Villa Baviera (the little Bavarian community here).<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">-</span> We helped arrange benches for a wedding.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">-</span> With Spring, the mustard plants have shot up.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How Poetic</span><br />
I realized that my mission is a chiasmus.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Chiasmus (from Greek χιάζω, chiázō, meaning, "to shape like the letter Χ")</span></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Term in l</span>iterature in which clauses are written and then presented again in reverse order (it mirrors itself), in order to make a larger point. You find this method in poetry and in ancient scripture.</blockquote>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> examples:</span><br />
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So, ya, it dawned on me that my mission is a chiasmus. I begin and end with a super cool, hard working, blonde, spectacled companion - paired for roughly three transfers each. Beginning in the country and rounding finish in a country town. It's all very poetic.</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Happy Halloween</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjYkWIV19tCRxunPEPNE6f33dYENLosZK_MXVU2sSXREZbI_nzTZvc2cC-V9ex6csOZrVkPEYqwPJHwpE9lpoQbs17bCr9rj8q0d0YvViCVtMDBo5e_hUt1FY0yTSinvRuBYOSicOsEFw/s1600/Halloween+Costume.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjYkWIV19tCRxunPEPNE6f33dYENLosZK_MXVU2sSXREZbI_nzTZvc2cC-V9ex6csOZrVkPEYqwPJHwpE9lpoQbs17bCr9rj8q0d0YvViCVtMDBo5e_hUt1FY0yTSinvRuBYOSicOsEFw/s640/Halloween+Costume.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bet you can't recognize us in our Halloween costumes. Elder Sharp dressed as me (he's wearing his contacts), and I as Elder Sharp. Pretty spooky, huh.</div>
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Have a Great Week, Everyone. And, Happy Birthday Grandma!</div>
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Elder Connor Nef</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15022655995608802264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-55207464247403234902017-10-23T15:16:00.000-07:002017-10-24T08:08:53.089-07:00Little Tender Mercies<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPXOoFDvH0vej5JnHg9mXgNUz98NBUxgNypvmgTrmMKSyeoWogmQzmeHuYW60inyBR-xVFdb6ZnZnmJ_oVRAVq0h1QHi9I53gjGxh78xQMvylWuoGHOqKmgSN0GJ-aF0A9nfo-0iR6GZ6/s1600/Education+is+Liberty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPXOoFDvH0vej5JnHg9mXgNUz98NBUxgNypvmgTrmMKSyeoWogmQzmeHuYW60inyBR-xVFdb6ZnZnmJ_oVRAVq0h1QHi9I53gjGxh78xQMvylWuoGHOqKmgSN0GJ-aF0A9nfo-0iR6GZ6/s640/Education+is+Liberty.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you're gonna graffiti, have something smart to say. This reads, "Education is Liberty" - in cursive, no less!</td></tr>
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You know, there are just some weeks when you see God's hand in the work. Little answers to prayers. Moments of synchronism with the universe. Glimpses of light that let you know that Heaven is watching and that you're not alone. This was one of those weeks. Nothing huge or earth-shaking happened. Just nods from the Spirit that make you smile. Elder David Bednar calls them tender mercies.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Tender Mercies</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Dude with the Long Hair and Guitar</i></span><br />
One day we were walking through downtown and a tall dude with long hair and a guitar says, "Hi!" It took me a second to recognize that it was Antonio, one of my first investigators in Quillon. The reason I didn't recognize him right off was that he had shaved his beard. We talked for a bit in English (that felt weird). I think God is trying to tell him something.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Matias</i></span><br />
On our way to a church activity with a member, we were telling him about our new investigator, Matias, and we look up at that very moment and see Matias pass by dangling out of a taxi yelling, "Friday at five!" - which was our next appointment with him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYGB9Q0QElhf8owXR9R_nXnmO-bDa5uNY_Aex-tL-43f1Mg4DB6yqNpopqX8kLnW_j4CEbE_-lWkr9IMTFeqRksj77u8eeWlcf2XOeXmNOr0hk1cllxgt6AhdqpTHrWGnLNIKapqpA5jY/s1600/Chocolate+Activity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYGB9Q0QElhf8owXR9R_nXnmO-bDa5uNY_Aex-tL-43f1Mg4DB6yqNpopqX8kLnW_j4CEbE_-lWkr9IMTFeqRksj77u8eeWlcf2XOeXmNOr0hk1cllxgt6AhdqpTHrWGnLNIKapqpA5jY/s400/Chocolate+Activity.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church activity with chocolate.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Crimilda and Co.</i></span><br />
Two families came to our church chocolate activity. One family walked from the other side of town! The mother, Crimilda, says things like, "I am planning to get my husband baptized too, even though he is not yet interested." "I need to buy a skirt for church." If that doesn't say Golden, I don't know what else will.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Hey Elders! Need a Ride?</i></span><br />
Thursday, we were needing one lesson with a member, when a car stops, "Hey Elders, need ride?" It was a member from el campo (the country) who was dropping off his kid at mutual and then had nothing to do. Hm. He joined us on our visit. Once there, we were greeted with Mexican food!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhforw_DdS_c-fwmggGl-qmwfHIQzg034SubtXEn4crq5v18UTZ-4bm0siG73X8u1_Jjza7_buwwagqGaxc_Ag5EghMbhakrYXjGyH__SzkOFTtBi-1sKRnfRl0DiemOdWRQelFsfsIRN2s/s1600/Sandwiches+with+Hermanas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhforw_DdS_c-fwmggGl-qmwfHIQzg034SubtXEn4crq5v18UTZ-4bm0siG73X8u1_Jjza7_buwwagqGaxc_Ag5EghMbhakrYXjGyH__SzkOFTtBi-1sKRnfRl0DiemOdWRQelFsfsIRN2s/s640/Sandwiches+with+Hermanas.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch with the District</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGeA32QyqPrSH-YO3ECTa3YJrKZ5svZ2vAJ2n07o5GKFhs5XMekwb7cxfM4rKSx-orM7Q4gsvKBMJ6Xfu9UwGQrt8R4BUAD3359KqQAwixd4zudADJzWhL4BG_xUC3wRtv5sKaQw50wLL/s1600/Sandwiches+with+Hermanas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGeA32QyqPrSH-YO3ECTa3YJrKZ5svZ2vAJ2n07o5GKFhs5XMekwb7cxfM4rKSx-orM7Q4gsvKBMJ6Xfu9UwGQrt8R4BUAD3359KqQAwixd4zudADJzWhL4BG_xUC3wRtv5sKaQw50wLL/s200/Sandwiches+with+Hermanas1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<i style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Familia Rodriquez</i><br />
We visited familia Rodriguez and they were adamant about not wanting to come to church, but by the end of our visit, they totally changed their minds and invited us to stay for dinner. We graciously declined (since the dad is always worried about not having enough money to feed his kids). Besides, we needed to get home.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I'm Hungry!</i></span><br />
When we got home, I told my comp that I was hungry. Right then the phone rings. It's Felipe saying, "Elders, where are you?" "At our house." "Well, we have extra linguica churipan. How about I drop it off at your house?" Sweet! Tender mercies, man.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Moana</i> - Connection and Identity</span></div>
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Last Monday, we got to see the Disney Movie, <i>Moana</i>, in Spanish. Sooo goood. Besides the movie just being overall fantastic, there were three powerful moments that tugged at my heartstrings. </div>
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1. The first was when Moana sings about leaving home for the first time. </div>
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2. Even stronger was when Moana is in her lowest state and the stingray shows up and Moana speaks with the Jedi grandma. I felt a shiver run down my spine with the accompanied feeling of connection with my family and ancestors. So cool.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8Od6wGofKKXDt5wnL30zCn_K0Y0PWC1HzPAUraGby1SzOKj7k_2ZG_5_Sv_IEng_FI8ZKsD-nGP4-qoyWcMBKqSC-u79u05TDLmtkRsOJAGplYBLpBn80_EN886GFiQGVKuLmTC1cnPh/s1600/d05847c83c4db74a8726fcce3f443c7d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8Od6wGofKKXDt5wnL30zCn_K0Y0PWC1HzPAUraGby1SzOKj7k_2ZG_5_Sv_IEng_FI8ZKsD-nGP4-qoyWcMBKqSC-u79u05TDLmtkRsOJAGplYBLpBn80_EN886GFiQGVKuLmTC1cnPh/s640/d05847c83c4db74a8726fcce3f443c7d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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3. Upon seeing her connection to her ancestors, Moana finally realizes in greater depth who she is and what her mission entails, and belts out "Soy Moana!" I got so pumped to go out and work even harder. Awesome stuff.<br />
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Well, it was a great week. Moments of positive twists and coincidences that make you feel like you're on the right track. To top the week off, six of our investigators came to church on Sunday. Makes me feel like we've got them on the right track too.<br />
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Here's wishing you all a week with tender mercies.<br />
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Ciao,<br />
Elder Connor Nef<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15022655995608802264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-14779586754062780242017-10-16T22:32:00.004-07:002017-10-17T08:07:51.093-07:00Golden Ratio<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnCbGalX1iI6LK0-8sTXxw8HaNNEHjNc-PDVSFrWqyjPNixGQ1V3T4ez7v-0YPNtXL42zo8x_YoO0vo3gxQeiE7ybIi1ifrK37fK0g-rFAl4HI6Eicrs_K-BLjR7biwPOcNBSL-OKazzk/s1600/Todalafuerza+Bands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1127" data-original-width="1600" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnCbGalX1iI6LK0-8sTXxw8HaNNEHjNc-PDVSFrWqyjPNixGQ1V3T4ez7v-0YPNtXL42zo8x_YoO0vo3gxQeiE7ybIi1ifrK37fK0g-rFAl4HI6Eicrs_K-BLjR7biwPOcNBSL-OKazzk/s400/Todalafuerza+Bands.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#TodaLaFuerza wrist bands</td></tr>
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In his weekly letter, president Catala changed the mission goal numbers...big time:<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> 21 lessons with member present</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> 13 other lessons</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> 8 families in focus group</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> 5 new investigators</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> 3 investigators attend church</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> 2 investigators with set baptismal date</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> 1 baptism</span><br />
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That is a lot of work. 34 lessons in one week. Good news is - my comp and I have done it here before, so we know it's reachable. But as I looked at pres' goal, I couldn't help but wonder about the <i>number</i> of numbers. This is one long number sequence. The previous goal was much shorter. Hmm, curious. As I thought about it - it finally hit me. I know these numbers! The light bulb of nerd nearly exploded in my brain. This is a Fibonacci Number Sequence!<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Fibonacci Sequence</span><br />
Most people have heard of the Fibonacci Sequence from math class. It's a series of numbers where one number is the sum of the previous two numbers.<br />
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The person we know as Fibonacci was actually Italian mathematician Leonardo da Pisa. These numbers appear in his book <i>Liber Abaci</i>, published in 1202, which taught the western world the methods of arithmetic we use today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjv8RXBo39-wlW7RdzwQpyuRH9fdm0-LCKNj4fvX29vt6uW7EQjbxmeW7UYosF2u9Locq0A0ztToufQ7ucNmlzek9Qz1S5qngb03FBtYTJxi8qtMcPg6Zi9cyDWODgIHRP9oDLgOjCx2J/s1600/nautilus+shell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="700" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjv8RXBo39-wlW7RdzwQpyuRH9fdm0-LCKNj4fvX29vt6uW7EQjbxmeW7UYosF2u9Locq0A0ztToufQ7ucNmlzek9Qz1S5qngb03FBtYTJxi8qtMcPg6Zi9cyDWODgIHRP9oDLgOjCx2J/s200/nautilus+shell.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo: nifty homestead</span></td></tr>
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What's awesome about the Fibonacci Sequence is that these numbers appear in nature:<br />
The number of petals in a flower is a Fibonacci number.<br />
The number of spirals on a pineapple is a Fibonacci number.<br />
And so on-<br />
from galaxies<br />
to hurricanes,<br />
to sea shells,<br />
and sunflowers,<br />
and now our mission goals.<br />
Our mission president is so cool.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Fun Fact:</span> Dan Brown used the Fibonacci Sequence in his book <i>The Da Vinci Code</i>.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Gold Star for Christofer!</span><br />
We had a fun activity at the church this week where we were divided into teams and had to find answers to questions of the soul in the Book of Mormon. My team had the questions:<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"Will I be with my loved ones after this life?"</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"How can I know that God has a plan for me?"</i></span></div>
I found the scriptures in Alma 40 and Moroni 10, but Christofer, my recent convert, explained it in front of everyone. He is AWESOME. That just makes you feel good.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Something's A-Foot in the Plaza Jerusalem</span><br />
By Saturday, we reached our goal: 23 lessons with members, 12 others, and 8 new investigators. Awesome! It got to the point that the teaching opportunities came to us even when we weren't looking for them. For instance...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsq7_AkLR60HWOzVQE0Csm1qY9yXeptONI_IaPwbcJmu4zvQLxJOYSUoWaTw8BgPfKEGUunc5yKqqrAV6151vhcWp_SgrJ7fd-bxNOoqTBH3M42UlhhHUdCx4L3LGG-Q47J06FZJIzTW4/s1600/Plaza+Jerusalem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsq7_AkLR60HWOzVQE0Csm1qY9yXeptONI_IaPwbcJmu4zvQLxJOYSUoWaTw8BgPfKEGUunc5yKqqrAV6151vhcWp_SgrJ7fd-bxNOoqTBH3M42UlhhHUdCx4L3LGG-Q47J06FZJIzTW4/s400/Plaza+Jerusalem.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaza Jerusalem</td></tr>
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There's this guy named Leonardo, who came up to us a few weeks back and said that he had listened to missionaries 15 years ago. That was that. Well, Elder Sharp and I were studying in a small park when Leonardo pops up and wants to know what we were reading. (You don't need to tell us twice about a good teaching opportunity!) And he says, "I want to go to church." And he did. Showed up to church all by himself. By Sunday evening, Leonardo set a baptism date of November 4th. Gold!<br />
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The park we were in, by the way, is called Plaza Jerusalem. While we were in this park, a strange gypsy ginger lady came up to us asking for a picture of Jesus. So we handed her one, and she left. In the middle of our lesson with Leonardo, she returned and gave us each a blue plastic stone. Something's a-foot in the Plaza Jerusalem.<br />
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Goals are lofty. I am going to try to get my entire District up to the Fibonacci Sequence before I go. Lots of work for the last 6 weeks and I wouldn't have it any other way.<br />
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#TodaLaFuerza-GoldenRatio!<br />
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Love You All,<br />
Elder Connor Nef<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15022655995608802264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-89919074924134287672017-10-09T21:01:00.000-07:002017-10-11T10:33:41.047-07:00Restoration Continues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWONPB7z56oBez3XBLwbi3WYvYCUDL-09BzNKK5wSgVjKt6vv8wcfCdu3KvZNnsrvHYVx3X72nNQV7JPPg6gRUx0xEmsHfapWjeJoJDo6WmBq25pEHZzy7aQmRr3BA55f2oLr0WwzS1wMI/s1600/with+Longavi+District.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWONPB7z56oBez3XBLwbi3WYvYCUDL-09BzNKK5wSgVjKt6vv8wcfCdu3KvZNnsrvHYVx3X72nNQV7JPPg6gRUx0xEmsHfapWjeJoJDo6WmBq25pEHZzy7aQmRr3BA55f2oLr0WwzS1wMI/s640/with+Longavi+District.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Activities with Other Districts</span></div>
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We got together with the Longavi District(above pic) and made Argentinian sandwiches. </div>
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Check it out:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1tudWnjg6z2SrCzDpv-PDBA-B7Dw11lD7NwyushuHqyLJ-1pOuKWVtUkvdoLpgaYLmTMRLXhtjk0ym_sey-gMOXIuZ1H0glk5w3veNOSqwOPspxkooygXVwtPFChVHm9nMjijU4qTy35/s1600/Argentinian+Sandwiches2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1tudWnjg6z2SrCzDpv-PDBA-B7Dw11lD7NwyushuHqyLJ-1pOuKWVtUkvdoLpgaYLmTMRLXhtjk0ym_sey-gMOXIuZ1H0glk5w3veNOSqwOPspxkooygXVwtPFChVHm9nMjijU4qTy35/s320/Argentinian+Sandwiches2.jpg" width="154" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcBcE9pSTKpdMX3rZCfLkhyphenhyphenWQEDxGg8AEPHj6DTMisoxBkarIazT4sno2SlBqA3Un9NIXzzfmhk3VFlphI3xMxRiD1uk7NBWURl2fydfI88_yKC7JbSB6ivSpp_KQTctAzkHCspXwONfb/s1600/Argentinian+Sandwiches3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcBcE9pSTKpdMX3rZCfLkhyphenhyphenWQEDxGg8AEPHj6DTMisoxBkarIazT4sno2SlBqA3Un9NIXzzfmhk3VFlphI3xMxRiD1uk7NBWURl2fydfI88_yKC7JbSB6ivSpp_KQTctAzkHCspXwONfb/s320/Argentinian+Sandwiches3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today, we connected with a neighboring District for futbol, ping-pong, and Colombian food. Fun.</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Old Southern Women - What Can I Say?</span><br />
So, I had a dream in which an old sassy colored woman told me to wash my face and teeth at night because I need to look my best to find a wife. Even though I feel like I have time enough to not worry about that type of thing, I am taking the sassy lady's advice. I am also making my bed and keeping my desk more organized (don't faint, mom). Old Southern women - what can I say?<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Battle Plan</span><br />
We learned that recently baptized Justin has been facing a bit of opposition from her very evangelical mother. Justin's mom has been dragging her to an evangelical church during the week.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Battle Plan:</span> Convert very evangelical mom.</div>
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So far, we're making advancements, as Justin's mom is now reading the Book of Mormon. This could end up awesome.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Polite Inconvenience</span><br />
Perched next to a 3'x3' gaping hole in the sidewalk, this very polite construction sign has been here for over a month, and it looks like nothing is going to change any time soon. Hilarious.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHu379ciD0KatzFSw-C4m77WAYs-TgvR1b-Ef5qy2qnqyITgFCNHLkGp7Zz7TVabQLhyphenhyphen7sD8pplqdL8xd7q1ZLR_8Sx23hOkJdjw6jJVRy2yTe8qj78OVsk9xVF9ro5kL5lA-0IpCyczRl/s1600/Sorry+for+the+Annoyance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHu379ciD0KatzFSw-C4m77WAYs-TgvR1b-Ef5qy2qnqyITgFCNHLkGp7Zz7TVabQLhyphenhyphen7sD8pplqdL8xd7q1ZLR_8Sx23hOkJdjw6jJVRy2yTe8qj78OVsk9xVF9ro5kL5lA-0IpCyczRl/s400/Sorry+for+the+Annoyance.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sorry for the annoyance. We are working for you. Our apologies to you."</td></tr>
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Unlike the sidewalk, our work is going great. We have some families, and a few individuals listening to the discussions. One family even walked 40 minutes to get to Church on Sunday!<br />
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Tuesday, we cleaned the church building in preparation for Zone Conference the following day.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Zone Conference</span><br />
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President started conference with several themes, many paralleling themes from General Conference. We heard statistics, watched a church history video, and then the General Authority in charge of Missionary Work talked about our role in the Restoration of the Gospel. </div>
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Quoting President Deiter F. Uchtdorf:<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"Sometimes we think of the Restoration of the gospel as something that is complete, already behind us—Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, he received priesthood keys, the Church was organized. In reality, the Restoration is an ongoing process; we are living in it right now. It includes 'all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal,' and the 'many great and important things' that 'He will yet reveal.'... The exciting developments of today are part of that long-foretold period of preparation that will culminate in the glorious Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.</i><br /><br /><i>This is one of the most remarkable periods of the world’s history! Ancient prophets yearned to see our day.</i><br /><br /><i>When our time in mortality is complete, what experiences will we be able to share about our own contribution to this significant period of our lives and to the furthering of the Lord’s work? Will we be able to say that we rolled up our sleeves and labored with all our heart, might, mind, and strength? Or will we have to admit that our role was mostly that of an observer?" </i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (Are You Sleeping Through the Restoration, April 2014)</span></span><br />
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It's an exciting thought to realize that the Restoration continues and that we are all part of this awesome work. And, my time here in Chile puts me in a remarkable position to help:</div>
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- Restore families as we reveal that they can be together forever. </div>
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- Restore the thought of divine heritage as we share that, yes, they are a child of God. </div>
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- Restore relationships as we teach about forgiveness and repentance.</div>
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And, especially restoring their connection with their Savior.</div>
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It's all about reinstating, renewing, bringing back, reconstructing what has been broken or lost or forgotten. God's Plan is all about restoration. And, it continues.</div>
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Love You Guys!!!</div>
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Elder Connor Nef</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15022655995608802264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-88880221337185909252017-10-02T18:21:00.002-07:002017-10-02T18:21:57.161-07:00General Conference and a Baptism - Doesn't Get Any Better<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3Hqo1nApjslukldfsxfvBY832VJx5qapRqECwbNSWCx7DpSe02VMaHCQntYxJJpRq92BAUuin6Q98d-mu1llup_BzNYWZdNptcph-yGSHoTECL735PapxWwiEPUW8S37Ptzam2DCdVXI/s1600/Christofer%2527s+Baptism1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3Hqo1nApjslukldfsxfvBY832VJx5qapRqECwbNSWCx7DpSe02VMaHCQntYxJJpRq92BAUuin6Q98d-mu1llup_BzNYWZdNptcph-yGSHoTECL735PapxWwiEPUW8S37Ptzam2DCdVXI/s640/Christofer%2527s+Baptism1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Hermano Correa, Cristofer, and Elder Sharp</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Cristofer's Baptism</span><br />
In between the first and second session of General Conference, Cristofer was baptized. He was well received by his branch family, even choosing Hermano Correa, the brother who befriended him at church from day-1, to do the honors. It was a really happy event.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sticky Buns and the Shield of Faith</span><br />
For this week's District Class, I made sticky buns (you can say that I have my district eating out of the palm of my hand!). I taught about bearing testimony, and I made the point by using the Armor of God - comparing the Shield of Faith to the Spartan shield.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyCEZmjFxspE3YS7C6mWMYbvyuWQgvQet5pQIpZIwIKvM0bKIvsD9G6TcMo1z42x3-AJeogqqEvOkdak7_jageWW84JmubJa3XKbI_Z6ox_1GewfbfMvZVBk0-LpsadNA3grbsAuqQFnz/s1600/steamworkshop_webupload_previewfile_191805958_preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuyCEZmjFxspE3YS7C6mWMYbvyuWQgvQet5pQIpZIwIKvM0bKIvsD9G6TcMo1z42x3-AJeogqqEvOkdak7_jageWW84JmubJa3XKbI_Z6ox_1GewfbfMvZVBk0-LpsadNA3grbsAuqQFnz/s400/steamworkshop_webupload_previewfile_191805958_preview.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spartan Shield</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spartan Shield</span><br />
The Spartan shield (also known as the ‘hoplon,’ which comes from the word hoplite for the Greek infantrymen) was made of wood, covered in bronze, and supported by laminated leather strapping. Those layers, along with the curvature and weight (about 30 lbs), gave this piece of armor unmatched strength, enabling them to use it as an instrument of offence as well as defense (able to deliver more force than a car wreck).<br /><br />Because of its power and versatility, the Spartan shield was considered (along with the spear) the most important piece of armor. So vital was this piece, that soldiers who lost their shields in battle were punished severely afterwards. <div>
When the Spartan king Demaratos was asked, <i>"Why are men dishonored when they lose their shields but not when they lose other pieces of armor?" </i></div>
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The Spartan king responded, <i>"Because the latter [other armors] they put on for their own protection, but the shield is for the common good of the whole line."</i></div>
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Drawing the comparison between a Spartan shield and our shield of Faith (our testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ) is an easy one. It becomes our instrument of offence as well as defense, which is <i>for the common good of the whole line</i>. I love it when I can nerd-up and teach.</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">General Conference</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYr0RhYXZvepl1u46AX1STK3N67skX9I-2RqmcjbRYTd6lVt5EjM4sXuPwcbxpRl6TMPUpkZsOM7O4zh_hyAVnzZB_2siW_sqLnw_93ORsNFp5jI9tm0upCgIL6HQ3k376WsFvbF8mTF1w/s1600/Conference+with+Sharp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYr0RhYXZvepl1u46AX1STK3N67skX9I-2RqmcjbRYTd6lVt5EjM4sXuPwcbxpRl6TMPUpkZsOM7O4zh_hyAVnzZB_2siW_sqLnw_93ORsNFp5jI9tm0upCgIL6HQ3k376WsFvbF8mTF1w/s640/Conference+with+Sharp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Sharp and I watching General Conference broadcast</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">I loved conference. Here are some highlights:</span></div>
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I don't know about you, but I am inspired!</div>
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With that, have a great week, everyone!</div>
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Elder Connor Nef</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15022655995608802264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-83088050349713769862017-09-26T16:16:00.000-07:002017-09-26T16:21:08.582-07:00He Did This Time!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPnYQOc9b-iwggxI-Ot7MlGQ_azBtNcxAnDzPugheKphxQsOihgY1Z2tCmeQLwzrzA2DWA4hbVJIxLIhWzXXTfXhmQuPEVqLHWE65pwZukDIgwkGh3uPeHvUnfe0oFx9dMNYHnbYSWn0X/s1600/Bus+to+Conference.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPnYQOc9b-iwggxI-Ot7MlGQ_azBtNcxAnDzPugheKphxQsOihgY1Z2tCmeQLwzrzA2DWA4hbVJIxLIhWzXXTfXhmQuPEVqLHWE65pwZukDIgwkGh3uPeHvUnfe0oFx9dMNYHnbYSWn0X/s640/Bus+to+Conference.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headed to Stake Conference in Linares with this good-looking group</td></tr>
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It may have been raining much of the week, we may have biked and walked until our treads were smooth, with days of cancellations and no one letting us in - but our spirits weren't dampened. It was good work. Yes, much of the week was slow-going, but Friday everything changed. We taught 12 lessons on Friday alone.<br />
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Pancho (ward member) and I were even able to teach an atheist who wants us to return. That would be the ultimate turn-around. And then there is our golden investigator, Cristofer.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Cristofer, the Young Adult</span><br />
One day on splits when I headed out with Leandro, we ended up going to Cristofer's house. We pass by this guy a ton and he is almost never home, but he was this time!<br />
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Earlier, when he wasn't home, we would simply leave a pamphlet every time with hopes that he would read it. By now he had a handful of them. And, come to find out, he read all of them and said, "The material was really good. They answered my doubts."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZxSyzUlZ_nuNtWwm0oVq02DhekqD1xQCUIKHZHCBs3SMMQFd1HC42bNoRiT1kXflUZFeDjVTHc1J6PXPkgri2FG5ayVYzAyWSpQbaom4ZOBb9qyYyVUAuJJuoxSZXvzvau95U-SfW393/s1600/Fishbone+Sword.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZxSyzUlZ_nuNtWwm0oVq02DhekqD1xQCUIKHZHCBs3SMMQFd1HC42bNoRiT1kXflUZFeDjVTHc1J6PXPkgri2FG5ayVYzAyWSpQbaom4ZOBb9qyYyVUAuJJuoxSZXvzvau95U-SfW393/s400/Fishbone+Sword.jpg" width="80" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Carved from<br />Fish bone</span></td></tr>
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Later in the week, we taught Cristofer a few more lessons and found him so prepared, he was basically teaching us the principles. I have discovered that if you teach the first 3 lessons well to an investigator and he/she has lots of member communication, he/she will understand lessons 4-5 perfectly. This was the case with Cristofer.<br />
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Later still in the week, as my comp and I were planning our schedule, Cristofer's name came up - and his baptismal date. I felt that we should change it to an earlier date. He was ready. Shoot, he even wants to go on a mission right away! Elder Sharp hands me the phone and I dial.<br />
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Cristofer NEVER answers his phone, but he did this time! So I ask, "Cristofer, what would you think about getting baptized this Saturday."<br />
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"I think it sounds great," he says.<br />
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I then phoned the branch president to get permission for the service. Branch pres never answers the phone, but he did this time - and he gave us the green light.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">[cue angel choirs]</span><br />
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Plus, this weekend will be General Conference! So great.<br />
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Have a blessed week, Everyone,<br />
Elder Connor Nef<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15022655995608802264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-8769727763386417602017-09-20T15:50:00.000-07:002017-09-20T15:58:14.914-07:00It's Parraldice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Elder Gonzalez at the entrance monument to Yierba Buenas</td></tr>
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What can I say? It has been another terrific week. Parral is simply a blessed area, and I am doubly blessed to be working here.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Yierbas Buenas</span><br />
Mid-week, we had an intercambio (exchanges) with the zone leaders. I paired with Elder Gonzalez and worked in Linares. He's a really cool dude from Santiago, and as a Chilean, he was able to teach me a lot about how to teach even better. We meandered into the campo for lunch (noodles with a mackerel and kelp salad), then headed into the farming town of Yierbas Buenas (Good Herb) [-insert favorite joke here-]. The town is newly open to missionary work so everyone seemed more receptive to our message.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Fiesta Patrias - El Dieciocho (the 18th)</span><br />
It is Chilean Independence, folks, so nothing is open. From Saturday until Wednesday, the nation is in lock-down celebration in honor of Chile becoming its own nation. So we celebrated with our ward.<br />
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The picture doesn't show it, but there were a lot of people there, and 13 of our investigators came! There was great amounts of food, and games like dodge ball, cup pong, and tug-of-war. Performances of Cuaiga Paillas, a type of Chilean limerick poetry, rounded out the evening. Kind of like these:<br />
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<u><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>CHILE</b></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>by Bennie6 Haiku Poem</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Chile ha sido</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">llamado la "Tierra de</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lagos y Ríos."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">(Chile has been called the "Land of Lakes and Rivers")</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Si tú estás en</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Chile, y hace fresco,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">¡prueba el chile!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">(If you are in Chile, and it's chilly, try the chili!)</span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>CROONER BRUNER</b></span></u></div>
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<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;">by Rajat Kanti Chakrabarty</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Crooner Bruner loved his schooner 'Billie'</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> He took a short holiday in Chile</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> He went to Torres del Paine</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Crooned across the terrain</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And came back home with a robust chili </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's More Chilean than Beans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had quite the Chilean lunch: meat kebab, empenada, and mote' con huesillo (a beverage made from wheat and peaches). As they say out here, "It's more Chilean than the beans!"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Let's See Where the Spirit Takes Us</span><br />
One evening when our appointments began to fall, my comp says, "Let's see where the Spirit takes us." We started heading out, and think at-the-same-time MIRIELA. Miriela was an investigator we dropped a while back. So, we stop by her house and she invited us in. She admitted that whenever she felt bad, she would see us around town (hint, hint, girl, God is trying to get your attention).<br />
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We ended up having a great lesson with her. She felt the Spirit, though she has doubts about a living prophet and apostles. Let's hope that upcoming General Conference helps resolve those doubts.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Seba's Baptism</span><br />
Seba was baptized on Sunday with his whole family present. All are inactive or non-members. He's a great example.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLuQJLlrlF7iWr7AStaVX-5u_8PjR5mg6rjd0R7JFHiaWrt7I2p6E4Z4lEEfFaAkX0jse9ywP63-27YeDIF44vzc8wet7MfNoMBPAY9DWTVhh_s70d7eEXkLx4rrYG1xFASXwmpfydVqF/s1600/Seba+Roberto+Espinosa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLuQJLlrlF7iWr7AStaVX-5u_8PjR5mg6rjd0R7JFHiaWrt7I2p6E4Z4lEEfFaAkX0jse9ywP63-27YeDIF44vzc8wet7MfNoMBPAY9DWTVhh_s70d7eEXkLx4rrYG1xFASXwmpfydVqF/s400/Seba+Roberto+Espinosa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Sharp, Seba, Roberto Espinosa (Young Men's President), me </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Dynamic District</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbEOZle7GVrKfm3m_bJcW8TEbFvh1u2khGDHvVMxJKWoPEBzVHYZC9nOmq9o4aJHZVIffuivfBBli9L_V7bLvkZ4V4TB1Ve3vydnsKEJ5vTixFMglWe9c9-BY0kVS8I3vghw7Vbs8JuGh/s1600/District+Activity+with+Hermanas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbEOZle7GVrKfm3m_bJcW8TEbFvh1u2khGDHvVMxJKWoPEBzVHYZC9nOmq9o4aJHZVIffuivfBBli9L_V7bLvkZ4V4TB1Ve3vydnsKEJ5vTixFMglWe9c9-BY0kVS8I3vghw7Vbs8JuGh/s640/District+Activity+with+Hermanas1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Sharp, Hermanas Vidal, Wendel (back), Rios, Contreras, me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At redimiento de cuentas, I learned that my district is the strongest one in the zone - probably the whole mission. Doesn't surprise me. These sister missionaries are dynamic. Parral is a special area - a privilege to serve here with a district of hard working missionaries.<br />
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It's Parraldice!<br />
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Love to Everyone,<br />
Elder Connor Nef<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15022655995608802264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-56791850667534538282017-09-15T12:56:00.001-07:002017-09-26T16:20:51.206-07:00Hail Mary!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaQykSRRbs5x51OdQFROo7GNf2iWYg3tTgRqFfllHLRHGo7Rf5IhOVKYDNyvczxALR57MOijVbdIIikI8eBgEYZ4WJtQ5-8BtMxfHKVXXYM_x2BItFZvDqAtpKrWG6MqoZ2RJ6JcmPWw2/s1600/Sharp+Lecheminant+Connor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaQykSRRbs5x51OdQFROo7GNf2iWYg3tTgRqFfllHLRHGo7Rf5IhOVKYDNyvczxALR57MOijVbdIIikI8eBgEYZ4WJtQ5-8BtMxfHKVXXYM_x2BItFZvDqAtpKrWG6MqoZ2RJ6JcmPWw2/s640/Sharp+Lecheminant+Connor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Elder Sharp and Elder Lecheminant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We've had such a great week, everyone. We bought a stove. Got our bikes fixed. Knocked doors. Had some great visits. Met goals, set baptismal dates, and have a nice group of investigators to-boot.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Give it Another Go</span><br />
So, a couple of weeks ago while knocking doors, we visited a former Catholic priest who is now married with a family. He told us back then to not return. Well, we decided that we'd ignore his suggestion and give a visit another go. We returned on Tuesday. When he was about to send us on our way, my comp said, "Hey, we just want to sing a hymn with you."<br />
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They let us in.<br />
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We sang and talked which naturally led to our inviting them to a church activity. "Oh no," says the wife, "You try to get people to go to your activities and you are sneaky about it."<br />
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Sneaky!? We were a little confused. "I know," she said, "because that is how I got baptized into your church!"<br />
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Whuuuut? We ended up having a lesson WITH A MEMBER PRESENT. YESSSS!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLufb70ItkKQcBiWBzX9u-T_v91laWw5IwoPzltysXUu6LUM64xSW-c84Y6nka6SCOBeEYz_M9BXQkiZqSRtY_HC__QeWKPHrzfrNBquazxIPq-jPZJpaoVw6su_bTrok2_UdyIl7B4Am6/s1600/with+Youth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLufb70ItkKQcBiWBzX9u-T_v91laWw5IwoPzltysXUu6LUM64xSW-c84Y6nka6SCOBeEYz_M9BXQkiZqSRtY_HC__QeWKPHrzfrNBquazxIPq-jPZJpaoVw6su_bTrok2_UdyIl7B4Am6/s400/with+Youth.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church Activity with the youth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ana Maria, Missionary</span><br />
We visited Ana Maria and taught about Patriarchal Blessings. She is doing great and so full of love for the gospel and her family that she's bent on seeing to it that her entire family is baptized. Many of them attended her baptism (it is always great when there is family support for something life changing). Anyway, we set up a family home evening with her family. Fingers crossed.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Maria and Maria</span><br />
The other night my comp decides he wants some brain food, so we stopped by a place to buy him something, and as we were leaving the story, a lady calls out, "Hi Elders!" A group of ladies are standing there, so we go over and introduce ourselves and my comp begins talking to one, whose name was Maria, and I make conversation with another, who also happens to be named Maria.<br />
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The Maria I talk with turns to her friends and says, "These guys baptize like Jesus was baptized - by immersion. And, I have heard that when you go to their church you feel a warm comfortable feeling."<br />
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Turns out, Maria had friends in another town who were members of the church. So we talk a little more and bear testimony. The Maria that my comp talked to happened to be a less-active member who we had never met. SO WE HAD ANOTHER LESSON WITH A MEMBER PRESENT!<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sharp Dressed Man</span><br />
Sometimes investigators feel the spirit strongly in discussions, but honestly have a hard time making it to church on Sundays. Christofer is one of them. Well, we finally caught up with him and were direct about needing to attend church. And, guess what? He came - in full-on suit and tie!<br />
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People thought he was a member. Hermano Correa befriended him and stuck by his side for all three hours. During church we taught him and he set a baptismal date.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LY7lhFqxEorOUKQxbuIK_Vp1Pey_B7pfiXqjsWhba0g6mJu6HJIPPnpXKz_Run6BFhkFyhf5h1O5n5BkdM_r1J-kAJWR8m1Nwz1W6nEynIDmMyuIQs64Xt9KVytDJnw03YA999SC1gx7/s1600/Dinner+with+Member+Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LY7lhFqxEorOUKQxbuIK_Vp1Pey_B7pfiXqjsWhba0g6mJu6HJIPPnpXKz_Run6BFhkFyhf5h1O5n5BkdM_r1J-kAJWR8m1Nwz1W6nEynIDmMyuIQs64Xt9KVytDJnw03YA999SC1gx7/s640/Dinner+with+Member+Family.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Speaking of church - we had 5 investigators show up to church. That was awesome. Since we had reached our goals by Saturday, Sharp and I were able to spend Sunday visiting members for referrals.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Cinnamon Incentive</span><br />
We set up a friendly competition between adults and kids. Whoever wins receives a cinnamon roll from me. Hopefully it's an incentive. I mean, it is for me.<br />
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It's one of the reasons I look forward to General Conference. My family's tradition is making cinnamon rolls every conference - a tradition I have continued out here. Though, I will need to be careful this time, because last Conference I ended up eating 25 rolls.<br />
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Like I said, the week has been fantastic. Hit goals. People came to church. Thank you for your prayers. Parral is seeing the results of that, and I am blessed to be a part of it.<br />
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Love to All,<br />
Elder Connor Nef<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15022655995608802264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-12441229996736528142017-09-07T16:22:00.000-07:002017-09-12T11:50:17.956-07:00"I Have an Invitation for You"<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9upqia3v2fg_5zmAIoqiIyDBv6dIMH4gIDgJGSRzIMbmAE_Kyqoav5fm3WxbVTP33k_3bTo1KDNLfQq844cJqfvx7aijpg3SQhAK66EC_RGh0nalQgmd13KPIp5JIHJfohWZxY1hyzRHK/s1600/Pumpkin+Pie+with+Zona+Linardes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9upqia3v2fg_5zmAIoqiIyDBv6dIMH4gIDgJGSRzIMbmAE_Kyqoav5fm3WxbVTP33k_3bTo1KDNLfQq844cJqfvx7aijpg3SQhAK66EC_RGh0nalQgmd13KPIp5JIHJfohWZxY1hyzRHK/s640/Pumpkin+Pie+with+Zona+Linardes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linares Zone: Matching shirts are from Mission Conference</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Like a Well-Oiled Machine</span><br />
Received word on transfers: Elder Sharp and I are staying in Parral for my final 12 weeks. Exactly what we wanted. Sharp and I make a good team. We're working like a well-oiled machine and want to keep the momentum.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Baptism of Ana Maria</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93kmzpzT4yDVl56OXILApCW5JU1rQL9P-j7Sy5go6yB1NQM3ojBx77xfLeBOg_5zdYp3apt3cUve3x4W1e7HYQ8M2VqpmUutQFPhGs2FVVKEqjSGEceH-UxcHZC1UBjV7Oc97L3gx42Yk/s1600/Sharp+Me+Ana+Maria+Moises.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93kmzpzT4yDVl56OXILApCW5JU1rQL9P-j7Sy5go6yB1NQM3ojBx77xfLeBOg_5zdYp3apt3cUve3x4W1e7HYQ8M2VqpmUutQFPhGs2FVVKEqjSGEceH-UxcHZC1UBjV7Oc97L3gx42Yk/s640/Sharp+Me+Ana+Maria+Moises.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Ana Maria and Moises (who did the honors)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It has been a pleasure teaching Ana Maria. She is so receptive (even wants to go out with the Hermanas to bear testimony) that it is proving to strengthen her 4-year old son, Gabriel.<br />
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During one of Ana Maria's final lessons, Gabriel enthusiastically interrupted so he could say the opening prayer (which his mom had already given). It was one of the most adorable things. He hopes to be a missionary one day, and Ana Maria can't wait to go to the Temple. She's solid. In fact, when Elder Hershberger interviewed Ana Maria prior to baptism, he was blown away by how strong her testimony was. YESSSS.<br />
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Well, her baptism was really nice with many family members and investigators in attendance.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Scratch the Squash</span><br />
What do you do with a Chilean pumpkin? Why, you make pie! My first. From scratch. Check it out:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidI-O5GKyYU_7ncDXz_oQoxoFi3qwurF1Vw3jYGqx6PN89t9tp5iBMYdOpXWwrCup84fw-hjFhRG3rRS_YZRLe9ZzAPGvu-Y8aN0ChvIlIokI3FxRolU2BxrrqzRf_jn1TcT5WbDQg3A-n/s1600/Chilean+Pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidI-O5GKyYU_7ncDXz_oQoxoFi3qwurF1Vw3jYGqx6PN89t9tp5iBMYdOpXWwrCup84fw-hjFhRG3rRS_YZRLe9ZzAPGvu-Y8aN0ChvIlIokI3FxRolU2BxrrqzRf_jn1TcT5WbDQg3A-n/s320/Chilean+Pumpkin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't it cool looking?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7WjisICbYsLXuD9qePk8aMxE0vpDOADDF4L5z2FD2UaI8O9iAXW2ZI4p3sxye8K2nM2y1NYTrcvAUZ8H9sPqBPm0Cm9jiHTl2T8E_-iJZYF2WHYMV_d7lUPgNbN5HDaslT8AR3t-M42R/s1600/Pumpkin+Cutting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7WjisICbYsLXuD9qePk8aMxE0vpDOADDF4L5z2FD2UaI8O9iAXW2ZI4p3sxye8K2nM2y1NYTrcvAUZ8H9sPqBPm0Cm9jiHTl2T8E_-iJZYF2WHYMV_d7lUPgNbN5HDaslT8AR3t-M42R/s320/Pumpkin+Cutting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carve. The skin was real tough.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZHewC8MrYHGuXxKSuuJODGZBkR6UUTikcKZty-mwCUWvnLzQuh3ivZeSXDt9JhpBBxZFm7P_qGQi5Sfmb2LULKoy00AuITOEmY6WvSCYSDhSziJ968x0BqiWFqoKk90gKsKu9VCPzJGv/s1600/Pumpkin+Cutting2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZHewC8MrYHGuXxKSuuJODGZBkR6UUTikcKZty-mwCUWvnLzQuh3ivZeSXDt9JhpBBxZFm7P_qGQi5Sfmb2LULKoy00AuITOEmY6WvSCYSDhSziJ968x0BqiWFqoKk90gKsKu9VCPzJGv/s320/Pumpkin+Cutting2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There it is, ready to bake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiw8H1qIaroWHKAfq9Wz9viyRpLc8vGSky_3yGQf5Qdsg4K8JBSu_wFWurOLtnK23bUQc6WMtIUKjx1D_gLHCKXvELN273o287qrkFy3GA8PY8cP0MOYf4JYefhGDTkA1D1QzQNbl8MzK/s1600/Pumpkin+Puree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwiw8H1qIaroWHKAfq9Wz9viyRpLc8vGSky_3yGQf5Qdsg4K8JBSu_wFWurOLtnK23bUQc6WMtIUKjx1D_gLHCKXvELN273o287qrkFy3GA8PY8cP0MOYf4JYefhGDTkA1D1QzQNbl8MzK/s320/Pumpkin+Puree.jpg" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blend the pulp. Mix with spices etc.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5_URDmYCqcisc3RNXFtZkPqNu0iFIPGkD6R6raPK8sQ6ZqIcV8LPIJ0gnMFKfqG68aaRp0-GerkP9mILR-vVVcN3sKxQ6yRwOdqjGC7lGR4P6tCdnfSQf0ZPgBxOKy61aNFr_14A4DTm/s1600/Pumpkin+Pie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5_URDmYCqcisc3RNXFtZkPqNu0iFIPGkD6R6raPK8sQ6ZqIcV8LPIJ0gnMFKfqG68aaRp0-GerkP9mILR-vVVcN3sKxQ6yRwOdqjGC7lGR4P6tCdnfSQf0ZPgBxOKy61aNFr_14A4DTm/s320/Pumpkin+Pie1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pour into homemade crust. Bake. Voila!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oAERSLpAE6TOSxHJX_BpzUlZxzbGmbQVuHiqSZG4FOkzVWvAGsHNT9hQD1gDYqUqljdhyqBf7aI-Cn1UezpuiygTywW_0EI7hkWiOdlpUxK036kpXqR2HCrF6r9qr1fMQ6EF0z6WgKqr/s1600/Pumpkin+Pie+Eat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oAERSLpAE6TOSxHJX_BpzUlZxzbGmbQVuHiqSZG4FOkzVWvAGsHNT9hQD1gDYqUqljdhyqBf7aI-Cn1UezpuiygTywW_0EI7hkWiOdlpUxK036kpXqR2HCrF6r9qr1fMQ6EF0z6WgKqr/s640/Pumpkin+Pie+Eat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since I didn't have an entire day to spend on this taste of home, I extended the process out over a 3-day period of time. And, I think it was worth it. Everyone seemed to enjoy it at District Class. Yum.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"I Have an Invitation for You"</span><br />
A weird thing happened when we returned to knock a door we had knocked before. The daughter of the lady we talked with answered the door and said that her mom was not home. After dragging out the conversation into a lesson (missionaries become expert in this), the mom pops her head out and says, <i>"I have an invitation for you...that you come in and have dinner with us."</i><br />
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She explained that she had felt too busy to receive us and told her daughter to lie, but then felt bad and wanted to let us in. We were greeted with homemade bread and a large salad with boiled eggs and fresh vegetables. Good stuff.<br />
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What a fantastic twist of events. The gospel is true!<br />
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Viva La Mision!!!<br />
Elder Connor Nef<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15022655995608802264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-74955615061610605012017-08-30T15:01:00.003-07:002017-08-30T15:13:53.251-07:00Decided to Knock One Last Door<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDui68080O-RuWLuSFCVGzKniA31nkUK4NNNN0kHjDkZaIXRgIC8egibQaZuhCapjPABFbvpHmUsn_TZcaboKcWQJSk3o00uDErcifDHfCYNmthejD1Dbegc4QQ_8Mn2S-rlM02Vhlib1/s1600/Horse+and+Fowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDui68080O-RuWLuSFCVGzKniA31nkUK4NNNN0kHjDkZaIXRgIC8egibQaZuhCapjPABFbvpHmUsn_TZcaboKcWQJSk3o00uDErcifDHfCYNmthejD1Dbegc4QQ_8Mn2S-rlM02Vhlib1/s640/Horse+and+Fowl.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horse and her new foal</td></tr>
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What a great week. We had one baptism with 2 others in queue, 3 investigators came to church, an inspiring Zone Conference, lessons taught, families found, goals met. and I've got an awesome companion.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Chilean's Don't Horse-Around When Speaking Slang</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Fun Fact:</span> I realized that Chilean slang phrases have a lot of animal references. For instance -<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">- </span>If a place is ghetto, it's "Where the lobster pinches".<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">-</span> If you don't have money, you are a "Walking duck".<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">-</span> If you are stupid, you are a "Turkey".<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">-</span> If you are angry, you "Throw the seal".<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">- </span> If you are small and scrawny, you are a "Small chicken".<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">- </span> If you collect money from friends to pay for something, you "Make a small cow".<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Justin's Baptism!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_9u4aYKdfCQ6DJ2a_io2TOoYI5xruoi9fjtCXydUAGZkKEXvTpGtTnGJj9q0BbEH3tQ47IpOpEDkrL4CW9zjyGtej2TmN_td8B_fsADt1W1GvXpALpqfLRwTwfKUNFre1PECZn99akXX/s1600/Justin%2527s+Baptism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_9u4aYKdfCQ6DJ2a_io2TOoYI5xruoi9fjtCXydUAGZkKEXvTpGtTnGJj9q0BbEH3tQ47IpOpEDkrL4CW9zjyGtej2TmN_td8B_fsADt1W1GvXpALpqfLRwTwfKUNFre1PECZn99akXX/s640/Justin%2527s+Baptism.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Sharp, Poncho (Justin's brother), Justin, and me</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Adios, Leandro!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGceuapjhjoraz2kAPvXoZ8bwWFICe6j8INalbsHHleIHQt43gUnfnX-UtoRWBspQU9xzTo67jCMwjCOjE93-hXVpEQfWT_8KPWx0tETXEINdvvl9Q5fTH-fFgrvnJmWOfS8snq-I1jIcN/s1600/Sharp%252C+me%252C+Leandro+and+Hermanas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGceuapjhjoraz2kAPvXoZ8bwWFICe6j8INalbsHHleIHQt43gUnfnX-UtoRWBspQU9xzTo67jCMwjCOjE93-hXVpEQfWT_8KPWx0tETXEINdvvl9Q5fTH-fFgrvnJmWOfS8snq-I1jIcN/s640/Sharp%252C+me%252C+Leandro+and+Hermanas.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Sharp, Me, Leandro, and the Hermanas</td></tr>
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After telling us for so long that he needs to look for work and a wife, Leandro finally had to let go of his calling as Ward Mission Leader. Sad to see him go. He was such a great mission leader that Parral was being used as an example of how things should run, but....all things must end.<br />
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Our new mission leader is a really great ward member/returned missionary, Miguel Munoz. It'll certainly be difficult to fill Leandro's shoes with his lovable, gung-ho energy and awesome business organization, but I have full confidence that Miguel will be great.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Zone Conference</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pUzqC7MRAfxpWyrMNsolwJFzIsSigBUy3a5G0qm8cfmMb39W_8ccLCNCWH-QLPOlrLtRWz9_38-6B50tCq7x4sMwfSyIeafGjvwsU8S5XG6FAGvF5yMuDGNllZQevDIfoDd5O8wvXKYP/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pUzqC7MRAfxpWyrMNsolwJFzIsSigBUy3a5G0qm8cfmMb39W_8ccLCNCWH-QLPOlrLtRWz9_38-6B50tCq7x4sMwfSyIeafGjvwsU8S5XG6FAGvF5yMuDGNllZQevDIfoDd5O8wvXKYP/s320/images.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Movie Poster</td></tr>
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Zone Conference was great. Pres started off the conference talking about la espada de Espiritu, which is to teach clearly and in a way that people will understand and want to commit. After talking about Faith, he zeroed-in on urgency in the work, showing us a clip from the movie <i>Hacksaw Ridge</i> starring Andrew Garfield.<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>Hacksaw Ridge</i></span></div>
The film focuses on the true World War II experience of American medic, Desmond T. Doss (Andrew Garfield), who won the Congressional Medal of Honor despite his refusal to bear arms in his service (due to religious beliefs). Doss was drafted and found himself ostracized by fellow soldiers for his non-violent stance, but went on to earn great honor and respect for his bravery and selfless compassion after risking his life to save 75 men in the Battle of Okinawa. All without firing a shot.<br />
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The brief movie clip we saw showed Doss in the middle of battle, staying behind in hopes of finding one more life to save, praying for God's guidance the whole way.</div>
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President drew the comparison between Doss and us. In the thick of battle over souls, we too must search for one more life to save, praying for God's guidance the whole way.</div>
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Friday, we did just that.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We Found Waldo!</span><br />
Friday was difficult because our members canceled and after a while, we found ourselves in a part of town that has, in our experience, been very unfruitful. Tried working there in the past with absolutely no success. BUT, before we retreated to another part of town, we decided to knock one last door.<br />
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A 25 year-old dude named Waldo answers the gate (Success! We found Waldo, guys). We talked a bit when he decides to let us in to his front yard. After starting to teach with our scriptures, he then invites us to come inside where his wife, Roxana and 4 year-old daughter, join us. We teach Lesson 1 and they like it - so much so that when we conclude, they invite us to stay and have dinner. They had never spoken with missionaries before.<br />
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That was a weirdly awesome experience.<br />
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One last door. One more life to save. If we keep mind and heart open, and ask God to guide our steps, He can certainly lead us to those ready to be saved.<br />
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Love to all,<br />
Elder Connor Nef<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15022655995608802264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-40286856066717252162017-08-27T21:06:00.000-07:002017-08-30T10:22:16.446-07:00Find the Good God Gives<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vhG4fUYO_3K9Yc7YNJ34nhc2FTJxg6fP0PcNOrcEV96qjRlqNsJc8v3ypo58OrEreCGNyoZbo4jkWz5IR54SK5wAyeHcWqAjCm6ni7LcwWwv75M5reISQ-RH1alcZRU_OcuPzH08IGDY/s1600/20170821_101045%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vhG4fUYO_3K9Yc7YNJ34nhc2FTJxg6fP0PcNOrcEV96qjRlqNsJc8v3ypo58OrEreCGNyoZbo4jkWz5IR54SK5wAyeHcWqAjCm6ni7LcwWwv75M5reISQ-RH1alcZRU_OcuPzH08IGDY/s640/20170821_101045%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leandro, Elder Sharp, the Hermanas, and Me having a snow-filled P-day</td></tr>
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Another great week here in Parral! Here are some highlights:<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Looking Forward</span><br />
First of all, Justin, our nine-year old friend, is getting excited for the day of her baptism. Her mother has been taking her to evangelical services, but they attended this Sunday, so things are going well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5fTeqdZo2rdaUoX0EE_N0_3I_FsG-k4aJNNuR70NO6A_QzgjTsz8LyXaYAoecWg3fM_fium7kDg0d7nvn5w86vFu9Y3dk-_D-eddvATQeRS3YKfo-Zgx-QhfJ-uqFNB2Qb3FlvRfOcdt/s1600/20170821_095339%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5fTeqdZo2rdaUoX0EE_N0_3I_FsG-k4aJNNuR70NO6A_QzgjTsz8LyXaYAoecWg3fM_fium7kDg0d7nvn5w86vFu9Y3dk-_D-eddvATQeRS3YKfo-Zgx-QhfJ-uqFNB2Qb3FlvRfOcdt/s400/20170821_095339%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Guido Gets It</span><br />
One of my favorite moments this week was passing by one of the hermanas' converts. His name is Guido. We tried asking for referrals of people to teach by asking for a list of friends to pray for, but he shot that idea down completely.<br />
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"Why only pray for names when we can just have them over here for an FHE? What day could we have one?"<br />
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Next Thursday. Guido gets it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Zb0nvjDcN3_hMJU59jZLo8fQdhcxrRXSn3zfdinyeFssrZuQGoq2GkcRBDcI4wmWJHOVCc3zXFIP5DwhhmOezqR-Of18TiF2acz7gZqVdcg82hxVEtmrsYDOjs5KCZ29vZFOxzZr4TA6/s1600/20170820_080443%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Zb0nvjDcN3_hMJU59jZLo8fQdhcxrRXSn3zfdinyeFssrZuQGoq2GkcRBDcI4wmWJHOVCc3zXFIP5DwhhmOezqR-Of18TiF2acz7gZqVdcg82hxVEtmrsYDOjs5KCZ29vZFOxzZr4TA6/s320/20170820_080443%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilean Pumpkin: they mostly eat it in soups...but I'm making a pie.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"The Path of the Lord"</span><br />
That same night we were walking in a sketchy part of town late in the evening. All of our plans had fallen through, but we had a member with us, when suddenly a 29 year old guy comes running at us and says that he "found the path of the Lord", referring to us.<br />
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We start talking with him, and he shares his life problems with us (divorced for two years, lives with disapproving parents, trying to overcome drug/alcohol problems). We gave him our number and the time church meets, so we will see what happens.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Rest In Peace, Jose</span><br />
Jose, a man whom I had interviewed for baptism, recently passed away. He was the most humble I have seen in an interview. He passed away from cancer, but now he is in a better place, and is ready to meet God.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">All Good Comes From God</span><br />
I've been thinking a lot about the words in <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Moroni 7:12-13</span> lately:<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>and that which is evil cometh of the devil; </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>for the devil is an enemy to God, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>and fighteth against him continually, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>and inviteth and enticeth to sin </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>and to do that which is evil continually. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>But behold, that which is of God </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>wherefore every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>is inspired of God. </i></span></div>
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When I read and think about these words, I think about how miserable Satan is, and how everything he does has one goal: to make us as miserable as he is. That sucks.<br />
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BUT God is awesome and only wants good things for us. He wants us to be our best, to grow and love and feel peace. Everything positive comes from him - so we should gravitate toward that. Be positive guys! Because that helps draw you closer to God. And that is the best thing in the world.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnd8ncaI-c9lnE5gG1nKCj0SoZAMRAmxUjl30R06EvY_dFBq2_oSM7cBsJmGUOknQRioUCeINR5-f3rh-hnRAc-08GctDwINihyJsTd9G6C_kxlMV1wlpeaxTRbhiJPmQu2tjnhSImnBL/s1600/20170821_090441%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnd8ncaI-c9lnE5gG1nKCj0SoZAMRAmxUjl30R06EvY_dFBq2_oSM7cBsJmGUOknQRioUCeINR5-f3rh-hnRAc-08GctDwINihyJsTd9G6C_kxlMV1wlpeaxTRbhiJPmQu2tjnhSImnBL/s640/20170821_090441%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hope you all find the good God gives you each day,<br />
Elder Connor Nef<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-1245428892017628562017-08-20T18:59:00.002-07:002017-08-20T18:59:54.213-07:00Prepare for Eternity<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnse7C6VknIEk_Ge9WbamJbPjZlsCgeSZF3zF-SCb3OrSPchSZjv7LHidzfqa29ivuqFqcBV4pEsSGHkbYzPI8yzeDbSAPfvG8TeGGMFbhdgNedNawyfHP44e8pZ29TPZn3Wiajl_eUTR/s1600/Irene%2527s+Baptism+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnse7C6VknIEk_Ge9WbamJbPjZlsCgeSZF3zF-SCb3OrSPchSZjv7LHidzfqa29ivuqFqcBV4pEsSGHkbYzPI8yzeDbSAPfvG8TeGGMFbhdgNedNawyfHP44e8pZ29TPZn3Wiajl_eUTR/s640/Irene%2527s+Baptism+Pic.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Irene, and the Hermanas</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Irene's Ah-ha</span></div>
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We've had the zone goal of searching out and finding perennial investigators. We thought we'd divide and conquer. Elder Colman and I teamed up, and Elder Sharp teamed up with Elder Lecheminant. Elder Colman and I arrived at the home of an elderly lady named Irene. </div>
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Turns out she had been investigating the church for years, and even bragged about what she knew. We were really direct with her - she said that she needed to go to church and take the sacrament, but we reminded her that the sacrament before baptism is only bread and water. It's baptism that makes it significant, because the sacrament is about remembering and renewing those baptismal promises. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzCdvsg3JawRxoCS2eG6EYaPOKIx1O275XowB3qbC4AKeSO5C7TJ-f0qCiee5mIhQ5EqJswoTYXsRZF7t44LzoCX8fCn4aqbB8yP25LyyR7hvlWOjEfa0BzIJSJD7EyNJpzjn9q6xyBqn/s1600/Sharp%252C+Cowen%252C+Lechemenan%252C+Con.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzCdvsg3JawRxoCS2eG6EYaPOKIx1O275XowB3qbC4AKeSO5C7TJ-f0qCiee5mIhQ5EqJswoTYXsRZF7t44LzoCX8fCn4aqbB8yP25LyyR7hvlWOjEfa0BzIJSJD7EyNJpzjn9q6xyBqn/s400/Sharp%252C+Cowen%252C+Lechemenan%252C+Con.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elders Sharp, Colman, Lecheminant, and Me</td></tr>
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We said a prayer and kept going. Elder Colman opened up the Book of Mormon to Alma 34 and read to her the verse that says, </div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Alma 34:32-33</span></div>
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We hammered home the idea that she shouldn't put off doing what she knows is right. Elder Colman and I took turns bearing testimony. Even though the neighbors were listening to loud music next door, our room felt all silent, like it was only us. Elder Colman finished with a testimony so powerful I almost cried. Irene began to cry, and then began to utter a prayer of repentance and gratitude, and said she wanted to be baptized on Saturday. </div>
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When Elder Colman stepped out of the room to take a phone call, I had a five minute interview with her. She was really ready. She asked if I would baptize her, and I said I would. This was possibly the most spiritual experience on my mission thus far. </div>
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She was baptized on Saturday, and she kissed my hand after baptizing her and after the service, thanking me for helping her to take these steps. </div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Work is Picking Up In Parral</span></div>
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The rest of this week has been busy: finding, teaching lessons. We have a few people committed to baptism, and we hope to see them through to the end. Members are helping us out wonderfully, like Pancho.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksDhyphenhyphenMEpSB7aNQtte993FHkPvfqi0bKBF1OlHWHFhx14rj7VO0-KDqZ2wQFPPJkCBWzDVY8FWNXp-C2iyHuJxw6IetLHEZbd9f1RvuLqYpBVgbxedh0QfRf8OY-m0aDOEF03J39fKnnMg/s1600/with+Pancho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksDhyphenhyphenMEpSB7aNQtte993FHkPvfqi0bKBF1OlHWHFhx14rj7VO0-KDqZ2wQFPPJkCBWzDVY8FWNXp-C2iyHuJxw6IetLHEZbd9f1RvuLqYpBVgbxedh0QfRf8OY-m0aDOEF03J39fKnnMg/s640/with+Pancho.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pancho wanted a picture with the missionaries. I love our district.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRdDTqDl9saEYHOoO0hq2oPUZFSvjfnFiMtnZrCkro_URKCQJpKJdUgTMpSx448Mx32v5lSYOEd1e4QnoKR_IuyfwpOcx-ZTO1J5QxH6TNp35Fzc_1cuG_ojO8_tjTSIMCcXu8RypqdpY/s1600/20170810_194707%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRdDTqDl9saEYHOoO0hq2oPUZFSvjfnFiMtnZrCkro_URKCQJpKJdUgTMpSx448Mx32v5lSYOEd1e4QnoKR_IuyfwpOcx-ZTO1J5QxH6TNp35Fzc_1cuG_ojO8_tjTSIMCcXu8RypqdpY/s640/20170810_194707%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almei and Wislei, our Haitian investigators.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I testify that miracles really do exist, and we can find them - but especially in the service of God.<br />
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How great it is to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord,<br />
Elder Connor Nef<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-38604157902901278852017-08-09T18:04:00.001-07:002017-08-09T18:04:35.208-07:00Miracles in Parral<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmzaRDnBCEzz4svMsJi0vhd3Zwbwhrg8bKeeYjfomxmTprNRqBj5yoQ4KdEU6iIJx_Cc3us4RpZSKzxh_Lj0i4r0EST-E4W6ODlx2_wDzOavequ9I04tDJrqxO6vfvlsfKCf8ZLlw5d0V/s1600/with+Chilean+Flag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmzaRDnBCEzz4svMsJi0vhd3Zwbwhrg8bKeeYjfomxmTprNRqBj5yoQ4KdEU6iIJx_Cc3us4RpZSKzxh_Lj0i4r0EST-E4W6ODlx2_wDzOavequ9I04tDJrqxO6vfvlsfKCf8ZLlw5d0V/s640/with+Chilean+Flag2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-small;">[Editor's Note: The internet point this week wouldn't send Connor's photos, meaning we could only use his email, and not his journals, for information. Pictures used here were sent in past weeks.]</span><br />
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Hello Everyone,<br />
I witnessed many miracles this week including:<br />
<ul>
<li>Finding TWO different Moms of young kids. They have huge potential AND they agreed to be baptized!</li>
<li>One of those Moms came to church on Sunday.</li>
<li>A 9-year old girl with the name Justin (it's unisex in Chile) has her baptism Saturday.</li>
<li>We helped commit two of the hermanas' investigators to baptism.</li>
<li>What makes the previous point so cool is that one of these investigators was an eternal investigator, </li>
<li>AND she got baptized Saturday,</li>
<li>AND she asked me to do the ordinance!</li>
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You could say it was a great week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp53f5TXI0ToJcs4W91Z9IUehsPO8zKUBSdSCC6csKlGF0ErK6AnJLLdFfBrv0JHE4AyuIQ2a8Icswmfcx_r-XnOPWiAkYf26nsnbU4d_NiS6doP6N-H42MXlu7NsvwjG4g6EPi8OQQvxT/s1600/Snow+in+Andes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp53f5TXI0ToJcs4W91Z9IUehsPO8zKUBSdSCC6csKlGF0ErK6AnJLLdFfBrv0JHE4AyuIQ2a8Icswmfcx_r-XnOPWiAkYf26nsnbU4d_NiS6doP6N-H42MXlu7NsvwjG4g6EPi8OQQvxT/s640/Snow+in+Andes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hope you see some miracles this week,<br />
Elder Connor Nef<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-68956106821976437412017-08-06T20:00:00.001-07:002017-08-06T20:00:29.314-07:00Fear into Faith<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHS-4QJzuz9MNytXuTUrK0YZNH6uw-4CNmFTvMGKNUn0nZpxIvocQ-Jl9f2xTgOBTvdbHqTyyxcwVphhwJJRZ4MFZyjuBg3K31z3ak88P0PHipJDPjVdrFtsbNbwwaBYDmCED2WUNFnjW/s1600/20170729_162220%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHS-4QJzuz9MNytXuTUrK0YZNH6uw-4CNmFTvMGKNUn0nZpxIvocQ-Jl9f2xTgOBTvdbHqTyyxcwVphhwJJRZ4MFZyjuBg3K31z3ak88P0PHipJDPjVdrFtsbNbwwaBYDmCED2WUNFnjW/s640/20170729_162220%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ernestina got baptized!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ernestina's Baptism</span><br />
I had interviewed Ernestina last week for baptism, but she backed out for some reason at the last minute. This week, I met with her again for another interview, and I found out why: she has terrible arthritis, and was scared about going into the water and having a sudden pain attack. Her fears reminded me of some fears of my own from earlier in my mission -- while that pain was more emotional, and hers is physical, I told her what I learned from my experience.<br />
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I told her about the testimony I gained in Christ and His Atonement, about how He is the solution for our fears and pains. When we hand all our problems over to him, he gives us hope and peace to carry on. He gives us strength to do what's right.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Peace</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> I leave with you, </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">my </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">peace</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> I give unto you: </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">not as the world giveth, give I unto you. </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Let not your heart be </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">troubled</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">, </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">neither let it be afraid.</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">John 14:27</span></div>
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She took heart with what I said and -- drumroll please -- she was baptized the next day! Hector baptized Ernestina, and I helped lower her into the water. Glad that Parral is helping me get some good use out of my baptism clothes.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Introducing: Elder Sharp!</span><br />
Elder Sharp is awesome. He is from Hawaii, and he loves to surf and play soccer. He also loves Hamilton and the Beatles (interests I share). Even better, he is an obedient, hard worker who looks for every opportunity to teach. My kind of guy! You can say that we get along swimmingly. His parents sound awesome too: his dad speaks 5-7 languages and teaches institute in Hawaii, and his mom might be reading this blog right now (hi Elder Sharp's Mom!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTS922vaS53Sn-CtoGNxFttbXT6vpePX_f93AsbwcDHjM2UGRVPAfqk1DL3564yFp8QitfjUTtDVOcbjuIcLmTt7q0RF5N4MLFacV2oMRK18FIZnmyi9Gy-DHgHBP5smIstCN6brKaPS_/s1600/20170731_114120%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTS922vaS53Sn-CtoGNxFttbXT6vpePX_f93AsbwcDHjM2UGRVPAfqk1DL3564yFp8QitfjUTtDVOcbjuIcLmTt7q0RF5N4MLFacV2oMRK18FIZnmyi9Gy-DHgHBP5smIstCN6brKaPS_/s640/20170731_114120%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Looking forward to fearlessly facing the weeks ahead with Elder Sharp,<br />
Elder Connor Nef<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-63883699590979009702017-07-30T18:49:00.002-07:002017-07-30T18:49:49.838-07:00Saving Souls...and Frogs<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbFa1SvqUGp4oB7Yri8MxBuW40LZe63QJNcvl-QsCW8yxMEYncDu2EMHauo2CPx3Og1rmQvHv3T0nlC2HDQxmEP2M5MWs2kF1ani9ObXBOUwqzFil1sidGFQPZBJfqpP2VRVPFu-4TPkj/s1600/20170723_164007%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbFa1SvqUGp4oB7Yri8MxBuW40LZe63QJNcvl-QsCW8yxMEYncDu2EMHauo2CPx3Og1rmQvHv3T0nlC2HDQxmEP2M5MWs2kF1ani9ObXBOUwqzFil1sidGFQPZBJfqpP2VRVPFu-4TPkj/s640/20170723_164007%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small frog</td></tr>
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If I were to give a theme to this last week, I would say the theme was saving. First of all, my companion and I saved a frog. He was right in the middle of our street, and so we placed it in a brand new, much safer home: a pond.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Interviews & Baptisms</span><br />
Second, baptisms! There were four people set to be baptized on Saturday, so as district leader, I did all four interviews. 2 hours later, I was exhausted. One interview took a whole hour because there was an elderly woman who just loved to talk about a variety of subjects.<br />
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The other people getting baptized were a married couple and their daughter. I had the blessing to baptize the mom, Erika.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhqzqeq7imyQEnxVjVahh1vp01OKl1xSLbHbEn-KnSijBnmUxzR7P2h653d4gfCeC5ZWIQk0TEAH23ON_gm6K_5ryagRQoxdkfbRWImk_yVQAgVoZSsZh6PYhUmQgZItcmCywNqPZ6ndH/s1600/20170722_195247%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhqzqeq7imyQEnxVjVahh1vp01OKl1xSLbHbEn-KnSijBnmUxzR7P2h653d4gfCeC5ZWIQk0TEAH23ON_gm6K_5ryagRQoxdkfbRWImk_yVQAgVoZSsZh6PYhUmQgZItcmCywNqPZ6ndH/s640/20170722_195247%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hector, Cecilia, Erika, Edmundo, Elder Garcia, Me</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Transfer Calls</span><br />
While Elder Garcia is leaving to Cauquenes, I will be staying in Parral with a new companion named Elder Sharp! I am excited to get to know him. Good luck Elder Garcia!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKo44viIcf4Jzn1bFcjqRQSfCbPq-ougS9owjQhecU8izYYQhWgGRzIKt2o-Lo4Nf_uYK8PVHcymS1Ub7YqkT549Wi3R7S_-Y4Modbt22ncYSs50_LBqI965X4_w9R7QxAvW1D4KdqDCMf/s1600/20170719_164754%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKo44viIcf4Jzn1bFcjqRQSfCbPq-ougS9owjQhecU8izYYQhWgGRzIKt2o-Lo4Nf_uYK8PVHcymS1Ub7YqkT549Wi3R7S_-Y4Modbt22ncYSs50_LBqI965X4_w9R7QxAvW1D4KdqDCMf/s320/20170719_164754%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dog up the street we named Padfoot</td></tr>
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And congratulations to Elder Cowley (my trainer) who is getting married at the end of the year. Wishing you the best!<br />
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A good week overall. It always feels good to help people join the fold of God. It's cool to think that my job for two years is to help save others. Sometimes that means simple acts of kindness as small as caring for God's creatures (like that little frog). Other times, it means big things like interviewing and baptizing. But whatever I do, it all comes down to doing what Christ would do.<br />
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Makes me think of that scripture:<br />
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And if it so be that you should labor all your days</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> in crying repentance unto this people, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and bring, save it be one soul [or frog] unto me, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">how great shall be your joy...</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Doctrine & Covenants 18:5</span></div>
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How blessed I am to feel some of this joy myself. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYBIXYQkTdMIP1wHvIbkdbkqIksjSqBBhXJylYccZMZ9X8pHsYKUtWUMNWWeBYKk703ggRTTCQuyrss9rNcPPmtDspLzFASIZvQd6IaKx6UL_lWwlOQTRgGcxViVw37V4vFneHsyMyItI/s1600/20170719_114133%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYBIXYQkTdMIP1wHvIbkdbkqIksjSqBBhXJylYccZMZ9X8pHsYKUtWUMNWWeBYKk703ggRTTCQuyrss9rNcPPmtDspLzFASIZvQd6IaKx6UL_lWwlOQTRgGcxViVw37V4vFneHsyMyItI/s640/20170719_114133%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My zone</td></tr>
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Love you all, </div>
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Elder Connor Nef</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-44142021288541731622017-07-23T16:14:00.000-07:002017-07-23T16:14:12.425-07:00Juan in a Million<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHtWgF8LMWKv7YymvG0IYWRrHHxcdXkKcCYVzJ3VWmySsRJhNTezgVwKWR4Qrm-Di1MuTwzUE-lrxW1QPLVxhiLjbqy-t2o1M7v5xQx_S9aC8ecsw0407bBnZ_ZiCCY3yvALxGpCbk5eK/s1600/with+Garcia+and+Chilean+Flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHtWgF8LMWKv7YymvG0IYWRrHHxcdXkKcCYVzJ3VWmySsRJhNTezgVwKWR4Qrm-Di1MuTwzUE-lrxW1QPLVxhiLjbqy-t2o1M7v5xQx_S9aC8ecsw0407bBnZ_ZiCCY3yvALxGpCbk5eK/s640/with+Garcia+and+Chilean+Flag.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Garcia and I on a trip to the snow</td></tr>
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While we continue to teach our ongoing investigators, and zone conference (focused on the Plan of Salvation) was awesome, I want to take some time to introduce you all to one of the new people we have started to visit and teach. His name is Juan.<br />
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We met Juan on Thursday when we were knocking doors. My companion decided to randomly lead off with the Word of Wisdom (not our usual starter), but something worked because Juan invited us inside to discuss biblical evidence for it. We read from 1 Corinthians 15 where it says that our bodies are temples, and we should treat them as such. Juan seemed to like what we were saying and committed to live it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFR5sXyLIq6r4cV_3oD8nN1SnQjNfDDUflTyB2J1wdlOMTXrU9_wxzQuI4w3sdCv5zrbOrK7AAefuwIubPX7M8zdP_nTOwFs85VfScW5wX5-qvgzLMLYHaJUDm8Qts1NCzrW_DxfGDT_q/s1600/Nachos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFR5sXyLIq6r4cV_3oD8nN1SnQjNfDDUflTyB2J1wdlOMTXrU9_wxzQuI4w3sdCv5zrbOrK7AAefuwIubPX7M8zdP_nTOwFs85VfScW5wX5-qvgzLMLYHaJUDm8Qts1NCzrW_DxfGDT_q/s400/Nachos.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nachos with the Sotomayors</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Flash forward a few days:</span><br />
We pass by on Saturday to check in on Juan. Turns out the dude had not only read the Word of Wisdom pamphlet we'd left with him, he had ALSO started to live it - completely cut out coffee and tea from his diet. Even better, he asked us to teach him another lesson. OK! So we started teaching him about the Restoration.<br />
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Part way through he interrupted us to tell us about an out-of-body experience he'd had. A while ago, he died in the hospital, and his spirit left his body and tried to go to the Spirit World, but he couldn't get in because he was "locked out." So his spirit then returned to his body, and he revived even though he was already being sent to the morgue. Luckily the shocked doctors came rushing over to help him out.<br />
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He also shared with us a dream he had where he was alone and dying in the desert when out of the blue a dove flew out from his shoulder and gave him the "water of the life of Christ."<br />
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Because he shared these experiences with us, we had a good discussion about what all of this could mean. The Spirit in the room was strong as I told him that he was saved so that he could find the restored gospel, and that we were there, like the dove, to bring him God's word.<br />
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He accepted the challenge to be baptized and to come to church. Sure enough, he came on Sunday: in fact, he even arrived early before we did! BLESS YOU JUAN!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ-U061FhGOSLHENdopbqnVg0PJU5iH4kr-lAyc6xmhT_wKo2mR-LQ_0rBY1Rz7mnxVoRD1kFxnlzHWzNBhyYDfl0fKBgC5Z-DQcA3WL877XzM-pvn-ReOK_jpbw_Gs5bI0xbHI95dc6C/s1600/TodalaFuerza+Ward+Council.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ-U061FhGOSLHENdopbqnVg0PJU5iH4kr-lAyc6xmhT_wKo2mR-LQ_0rBY1Rz7mnxVoRD1kFxnlzHWzNBhyYDfl0fKBgC5Z-DQcA3WL877XzM-pvn-ReOK_jpbw_Gs5bI0xbHI95dc6C/s400/TodalaFuerza+Ward+Council.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Hermanas and Leandro in Ward Council</td></tr>
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<br />It's people like Juan that make this work so rewarding. He's so open to hearing the gospel, and when he hears what we have to say, he doesn't just like it - he does something about it! Juan is opening himself up and is willing to let God come into his life and change it all for him. Juan, my companion, and I - we can all see the change happening already.<br />
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I hope Juan continues on this journey he's started, and I hope the same for the others we teach, and for the millions out there that are currently being taught, or will be taught some day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZGsJV0NppoaACTonaBr7B6H06Aq1EFYQS6Rrgb47tHhu7LdVuV7hF2_kGbKuUAzjQCIyP2FQYeij0t3c2X8CVTMJehZ6nzSrrzfAEsv4zSaY6GXAfT0k4_wy-RBopaaUirBbaC88WFgO/s1600/Elder+Snowmen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZGsJV0NppoaACTonaBr7B6H06Aq1EFYQS6Rrgb47tHhu7LdVuV7hF2_kGbKuUAzjQCIyP2FQYeij0t3c2X8CVTMJehZ6nzSrrzfAEsv4zSaY6GXAfT0k4_wy-RBopaaUirBbaC88WFgO/s640/Elder+Snowmen1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love the gospel, I love the Lord, and I love all of you.<br />
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Have a great week everyone,<br />
Elder Connor Nef<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-7135481664297677692017-07-16T21:43:00.000-07:002017-07-16T21:43:28.207-07:00Short Message This Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnR93579uc9DauMEXwA9uQGq5wdkE3SNQudZIN0irbZqGVEVMXQ6JgE3BL5Yx4LSKyNKk3Q_vR5dn6jVuuCaV7dozTrBFXc7gE0Pv9C41PFujL5Cy9ggIzBG1_ZKdTkVvJP7_Rk7GgeRd/s1600/20170706_143406%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnR93579uc9DauMEXwA9uQGq5wdkE3SNQudZIN0irbZqGVEVMXQ6JgE3BL5Yx4LSKyNKk3Q_vR5dn6jVuuCaV7dozTrBFXc7gE0Pv9C41PFujL5Cy9ggIzBG1_ZKdTkVvJP7_Rk7GgeRd/s640/20170706_143406%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The work continues to go well, everyone! We have two people committed to baptism later on this month, and a few others in our teaching whom we have high hopes for. <div>
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We're working and studying hard. Here's a scripture from my studies this week:</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>wherefore, he showed not himself </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>until after their faith. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Ether 12:12</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EvyeCCOUjYd_awsB_FtHUm1xkIduKpmrVQw6z75mW48sNidhAwLzvBZ0rqyQJggYbv6_pEpEMs0khvnVhxoZUP9ApviF1-eCdvRcoADisUd5I5leAAqkELJ8sGx3OAVOR1qNqM-sxNQh/s1600/20170703_141745%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EvyeCCOUjYd_awsB_FtHUm1xkIduKpmrVQw6z75mW48sNidhAwLzvBZ0rqyQJggYbv6_pEpEMs0khvnVhxoZUP9ApviF1-eCdvRcoADisUd5I5leAAqkELJ8sGx3OAVOR1qNqM-sxNQh/s640/20170703_141745%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating hamburgers with the Uribe family.</td></tr>
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Have a great week everyone!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Elder Connor Nef</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15022655995608802264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-16440860809576280722017-07-09T17:17:00.000-07:002017-07-09T17:17:25.277-07:00Happy 4th!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwexau-2yVqT4WIEYGMIQNjEpjdh_v0DaYjflq40xYVPGGjQvnqoiVBCrT6wMK0GRK9lw-zESh3IYHb26NvqnyKc5oFViS7crWt-BvTekgUrvaNTYiFldCuCerfzwZM6ev1Frv1dJz_XhD/s1600/Connor%252C+Pancho%252C+Garcia%252C+Jose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwexau-2yVqT4WIEYGMIQNjEpjdh_v0DaYjflq40xYVPGGjQvnqoiVBCrT6wMK0GRK9lw-zESh3IYHb26NvqnyKc5oFViS7crWt-BvTekgUrvaNTYiFldCuCerfzwZM6ev1Frv1dJz_XhD/s640/Connor%252C+Pancho%252C+Garcia%252C+Jose.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with Pancho, Elder Garcia, and Jose</td></tr>
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Happy Fourth of July this past week everyone! My district and I celebrated our Independence day with a barbecue because yours truly here loves a good bite of liberty for lunch. Appropriately, many of the streets of Chile have names like "Independence", "Liberty", and so on. It's helping me get in the mood.<br />
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And let me just say that there's something in the air besides freedom and justice for all: the work is picking up here in Parral, and I am loving it. So many people are coming out of the woodwork with an interest in the gospel, and many of them have a connection to members of the church somehow.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSzcmgb04CYReAeQ9lKuCUYmXi37pd_Uoun7HBj1NZeGAR-V5WWM5e1DstJVn_RQ2swRncsjpGUmiIyBZ_M8rX82xVk_p6uYBBSutY_3963wFOcRVQRryykrc9FTdGSQQ-jAyUH3qJuit/s1600/Horsehoof1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSzcmgb04CYReAeQ9lKuCUYmXi37pd_Uoun7HBj1NZeGAR-V5WWM5e1DstJVn_RQ2swRncsjpGUmiIyBZ_M8rX82xVk_p6uYBBSutY_3963wFOcRVQRryykrc9FTdGSQQ-jAyUH3qJuit/s320/Horsehoof1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out this horse hoof I discovered on the road. Cool.</td></tr>
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Andres, for example, is a young man with a girlfriend and young daughter whose mother was a strong member that recently passed away. He says he doesn't like religions, but he does like ours. Or there's a sweet elderly couple whose daughter is a member, and they treat us missionaries like their grandkids. All of them came to church this week -- the first time this sector has seen investigators in church in a long time. Awesome!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2JoaaZHPXuM35L9HYG0EArrMYy-DOZSp6_CP9WWWic2Y6rTOudFbY26gTsdjdYv-YUHxsK4o6UAJ5IU40ynVh0w3cNW7AjDpeyiecs6oURTSecURGQBXYBGMTXT4PF9Uo4wFhe06Jqp4/s1600/TodalaFuerza+with+Leandro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2JoaaZHPXuM35L9HYG0EArrMYy-DOZSp6_CP9WWWic2Y6rTOudFbY26gTsdjdYv-YUHxsK4o6UAJ5IU40ynVh0w3cNW7AjDpeyiecs6oURTSecURGQBXYBGMTXT4PF9Uo4wFhe06Jqp4/s400/TodalaFuerza+with+Leandro.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Member involvement is also keeping our energy high. Leandro, the ward mission leader, continues to be an inspiration in how much effort he puts into his calling. Pancho is another member who, since his baptism five years ago, has accompanied all the missionaries in teaching investigators. And Jose, even though he's not much of a talker, heads out with the missionaries every single day. We so appreciate member help. They're the best.<br />
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In other news, it is futbol (soccer) season here in Chile, and that means that everyone drops everything to watch the games. And when I say everyone, I mean everyone (excepting missionaries of course): schools cut classes and show the games in the gym when the Chilean team plays. My mission president even asked us to pray that Chile wins. It's fun to see people so in love with a sport.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZxtMaMwN78wCEYzyThdtlg_ele-XKP4uYUcjzgvkWHFpXj2meXuyLdNjeGkvOruMCfCQgHes-bpa5O0Wz6PXAKrdSDPdG9VLda6RGcnZDaZsAJxk0BPGrcA-il4x42pi_zO_ZHBvCKAA/s1600/Andes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZxtMaMwN78wCEYzyThdtlg_ele-XKP4uYUcjzgvkWHFpXj2meXuyLdNjeGkvOruMCfCQgHes-bpa5O0Wz6PXAKrdSDPdG9VLda6RGcnZDaZsAJxk0BPGrcA-il4x42pi_zO_ZHBvCKAA/s640/Andes1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Andes from Parral</td></tr>
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And I'm feeling that love directed to me as well. Parral is a gift to me. I feel so much love here: from the members, my leaders, other missionaries, my companion. It's such a blessing to feel all of this while doing the work of the Lord because it's like a reflection of the Savior's love for me.<br />
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I love you all,<br />
Elder Connor Nef<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-79570515023019186812017-06-29T19:33:00.000-07:002017-06-29T19:33:15.629-07:00Picking Up Momentum in Parral<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFJlr1wDPmECAyBqbW_fYiB91HUnIetIa41He2pk0CgtDP58IaizWofEOJXIuRXyqvghempB28YsKFUg_zErizCLFCTJM6MmJMk1iB9Hu3QWkxddgZuFPNmeMm5HjRvo_sfPSOFemnBe5/s1600/San+Jose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFJlr1wDPmECAyBqbW_fYiB91HUnIetIa41He2pk0CgtDP58IaizWofEOJXIuRXyqvghempB28YsKFUg_zErizCLFCTJM6MmJMk1iB9Hu3QWkxddgZuFPNmeMm5HjRvo_sfPSOFemnBe5/s640/San+Jose.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Jose Street in Linares, Chile. Makes me feel at home</td></tr>
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My companion and I are loving Parral. Elder Garcia (from Guatemala) just turned 20 this week (happy birthday!). We are working hard building up our teaching pool, assisted by our awesome ward mission leader Leandro.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leandro is the best.</td></tr>
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The area around Parral is very beautiful (and very cold. Monday was -5 degrees Celsius. That's 23 degrees Fahrenheit). It's near the base of the Andes, with a couple of rivers that help shape the landscape.<br />
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There are no native deer in Chile, but German immigrants brought some over from Europe in the 1950s. So you can find herds of German deer in Parral!<br />
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The enthusiasm some people have here for the gospel lifts me up. We were out working the streets with a man who has been making his way back from excommunication, and I was touched by his humility and his excitement to do especially home teaching. Makes me humbled and excited to help others feel that same eagerness to serve God and our fellow men.<br />
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Our mission president paid us a visit - here's Elder Garcia and I with President and Sister Catala.<br />
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We're picking up momentum in Parral! Wishing you a great week,<br />
Elder Connor Nef<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15022655995608802264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-37910568802005867462017-06-21T21:50:00.001-07:002017-06-21T21:56:44.718-07:00It's Cold in Parral, But the Work is Hot!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Andes from Parral, Chile</td></tr>
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Well, I bid farewell to friends in Tierra Bella. All the members were bummed about the area being closed to missionaries. So was I. Before I headed out on Tuesday, Hermano Del Rio came to the bus terminal to say goodbye and give me a sweet fur hat. Great guy. Then I headed to my new area - Parral. A quaint little town in the northern half of the mission.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parral is riiiight there.<br />
Other areas I have served are in red</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Let Me Introduce You to Parral</span><br />
Parral was founded in 1795 by the Viceroy of Peru, Ambrosio O'Higgins who originally named the town Villa Reina Luisa del Parral, in honor of the wife of Carlos IV, king of Spain.<br />
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Parral has some beautiful spots, but locals seem to be most proud of the fact that their little town is the birthplace of poet Pablo Neruda, winner of the 1971 Nobel Prize in Literature.<br />
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The church is a branch here - one of several branches in the District. Attendance on Sunday was pretty good - 110. And, we have the absolute best mission leader. Leandro.<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Leandro - Convert Extraordinaire</span></div>
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Leandro, now secretary of the Concepcion Mission, is a recent convert. When investigating the church for six months, he studied all books of scripture: Bible, Book of Mormon, D&C, Pearl of Great Price, and he began compiling a binder of reasons why the church is true. In the process of his conversion, a lot of really good sister missionaries taught him. The guy is awesome and I am almost certain he knows more than I do about gospel doctrine.</div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Introducing Elder Garcia</span></div>
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When I first arrived in Parral, my companion was no where to be found. After half an hour of waiting, he pops on over with Leandro. Elder Garcia is his name. He's from Guatemala and we get along great. Pictures to come.</div>
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Anyway, they were late because a sister missionary had left on a different bus and was dropped off on the side of the highway instead of at the terminal.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parral, birthplace of poet Pablo Neruda</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Work is Awesome!</span></div>
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That very evening we packed-in three lessons. Then we found an Adventist family. Who finds a family on their first day in a sector!? In the follow-up appointment with this family, they had invited their priest to join in. Made me a bit nervous because I didn't want to duke it out. We're just here to spread the Good News and good feelings. But it ended up going well.</div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Weekly District Class</span></div>
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This week's District Class was held with the entire Zone. The Zone is the biggest of the mission - 30 missionaries. It's also the most animated, united, geographically largest, most baptizing, happiest zone in the mission. I am one of six District leaders.</div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's Cold Here</span></div>
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Did I mention that I am LOVING Parral? It is cold. Been having some severe wind and rain storms, but luckily I have a working electric blanket in the house (makes for toasty nights), and we have good members to feed us and provide sanctuary from the storms. </div>
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But what's really keeping me warm is the Spirit in the work here. It may be overcast and rainy, but there is a definite brightness in Parral. It's like someone turned on a switch and I am wanting to talk all day like I used to. It's freeing. I feel like myself again: talking, laughing, teaching, eating, meeting people, sharing. </div>
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Maybe there is something to the birthplace of Pablo Neruda. Already, it's poetry.</div>
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Blessings to All,</div>
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Elder Connor Nef</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15022655995608802264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-41122344845998572572017-06-18T16:32:00.001-07:002017-06-18T16:32:36.700-07:00Leave It All On the Field<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Transfer calls came. I am going to the country town of Parral and will continue to be a district leader. I saw my trainer, Elder Cowley, the hermanas I knew from the MTC, and a number of leaders I have known in my time here, and was able to say goodbye before they left to go home. Good luck guys!</div>
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I feel really motivated for my area. This video I saw a week ago has been going through my head - I want to leave it all on (or in) the field. My time here is precious, and I want to give the Lord everything I have. </div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">for it is the power of God unto salvation </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">to every one that believeth...</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Romans 1:16</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have a motivated week,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Elder Connor Nef</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749555627905971843.post-15841969260319983282017-06-05T21:00:00.001-07:002017-06-10T15:30:48.726-07:00Strive<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Some work of noble note, may yet be done,</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Not unbecoming men that strove with Gods...</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Come, my friends, </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>'Tis not too late to seek a newer world....</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>[T]hat which we are, we are; </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>One equal temper of heroic hearts...strong in will </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>To <b>strive</b>, to seek, to find, and not to yield.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">"Ulysses" - Lord Alfred Tennyson</span></div>
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I came across this video "Strive" this week, and I thought I would share it - for those who are having a hard day, and need to know the Lord is with you. He's got your back.<br />
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Strive on.<br />
Elder Connor Nef<br />
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