Earthquake in Mexico!

Elder Winslett's sister here. Not sure if you guys heard about the earthquake that hit Mexico earlier today.  No, the epicenter wasn't in Ben's area, but it was felt there.

[Here] is the initial link to the story.  Some highlights from the article...

The U.S. Geological Service initially estimated the quake at magnitude at 6.8, but downgraded it to 6.7 and then 6.5. A quake of that magnitude is capable of causing severe damage, although the depth of this temblor lessened its impact.

The USGS said the quake occurred at a depth of 40.3 miles (64.9 kilometers). It was centered about 26 miles (42 kilometers) southwest of Iguala in Guerrero and 103 miles (166 kilometers) south-southwest of Mexico City.

The rest of the article describes a massive quake they had 26 years ago,  and some of the activities that were interrupted between  the epicenter in Guerrero and Mexico. I know the Lord will protect his missionaries, but I will edit this message as we get more news.

Mexico, Week 2

There is alot of VW bugs here, haha. That is probably the most common car here. Next common is a really old Nissan, haha. Mexico City is probably one of the fewest places where you can see an old 60s car pull up next to a rather expensive new sports car, haha.

 

 

Yep little to no refferals. Kindof sucks, but yeah we do a lot of knocking. Though they knock differently here, instead of knuckles you tap the metal door with your CTR ring or a peso, it is alot quiter but apparently they hear it better then the traditional knuckle knock.

 

 

They almost never say no to the 6 steps. They have, however, dropped us later on in there conversion process. Mareya, one of our Investigators, went to church and had a date, but all of a sudden said, "I am not convinced, so I don´t want to take lessons anymore." Of course in Spanish but yeah, so she dropped us.

 

 

Yeah most get baptized within a month so yeah, It is crazy busy.

 

 

Brandon has restarted his smoking and for whatever reason doesnt want to take lessons. His family however all attended church yesterday and they will most likely be my first baptizm on Saturday.

 

 

Yeah, I know I will get the language quick, but you know how I am. If I dont get it right away I get frustrated. Dont worry though, I am slowly picking up more and more, especially when we are talking gospel related. Im doing my best, so I know the Lord will pick up the rest. And yes I know I am not alone, just I get bumbed sometimes when everyone else is having a good laugh and I dont get it because it was in spanish. Its all good though, I am makinbg Elder Barben translate for me more.It is all good, dont worry. And thanks so much for the support, it really helps knowing you are all thinking of me back at home. Thanks alot, haha.

 

 

Eduarda had to be pushed back a week as well with NAncy and Betsy. Neither of them came to church this week, so yeah.

 

 

I honestly believe that I did feel your testimony. I was in the same meeting, but in Spanish. Thanks alot!

 

 

Ok, so on to some news of me. Well, for one thing the food is delicious. Lots and lots of chicken. The RS President told the members not to give us spicy food because it makes us sick, so I really havent had much spice. this last week I had a bit of stomach crampping because my companion decided to feed me Tripa, and Longinisa. Tripa is intestine and longenisa is sausage stuff, but both of them will mess with your system the first time you have it. They were good though, so no worries, haha. TYhe fruit is amazing as well, all natural grown and no fruit steroids like they have in the US. I had McDs the other day, It tastes the same so yeah, they also have KFC and Carls Jr. here, so I will still get the American food. They also have places that sell Chineese food, including sushi! Havent had it yet, but maybe this week.

 

 

Our transportation is either Walking, metro, or a taxi, so its exciting, haha. Mostly walking though. Taxi trips are 20ish pesos, which is only like 2 dollars, so really cheep. Metros are 3 pesos per trip which is like 20 cents, haha so cheap here.

 

 

I had two people this week tell me and my companion that we transmitted the spirit, one let us in right away, we didnt even have to talk her into letting us in. She opened the door and said "you want to come in right?" so we did and it was awesome. She said that she could "see and feel Christ in us." Shes getting baptized this week or next week, depending on her progress. Her name is Maria, by the way. The other one was this lady and her husband, Reina and Reymundo. They are both really receptive and they flat out told us that everytime we are there they feel so much peace and comfort, aka the spirit. They are alittle more stubborn though, because they are strong catholic believers, so we might have to do a bit of work with them.

 

 

Wednesday I got to see my MTC district, because we had to go do something with our VISAs. Apparently most of them almost went home, scary huh? But nope they stuck through it and are still here.

We had an interesting lesson with Nancy about Chastity, haha. She couldnt understand it real well, so she kept saying ways to get around it. Eventually my companion said, "No sex, outside of marriage, at all." Haha, it was hilarious for all of us, which made it less awkwsard. But yeah she gets it know.

Thursday we dinner with the Stake President and so we got ALOT of food, it was so delicious.

My companion baptized someone from an old area he was in. He was excited, but we didnt consider it our own baptizm, he just performed the ordination.

Oh really quick, I can actually go to my blog and so I saw what you have done to it, haha. But its not Elder Demke and Elder Jensen. They are my teachers from the MTC, but they are not Elders. Put Hermano instead of Elder.

Ok I think that is all. Les amo siempre y gracias por todos.

Elder TSFWWP Winslett

Elder TSFWWP Winslett in Mexico

¡Hola! Como ¿Como estan?

Oh and by the way its Elder T. S. F. W. W. P. Winslett haha, yes it is getting longer and longer, but its all good.

I apologize now because the Spanish keyboards dont seem to have an apostraphy. Ill find it one of these days.

Almost forgot, aboviously my preperation days here in Mexico are on mondays and I usually get on around noon-1 pm. 

I wrote the mailing address in my last email. It is complicated I know but thats the only way. I will copy and paste it again incase it got messed up

Write on the box for Origin=

Elder Benjamin Winslett
906 Riverside Dr.
Alvin, TX 77511
USA

(Or if someone else not family is sending something have the address be their address.)

Then the destination will be=

Jose Luis Escobar Maya
Apartado Postal 118-184
Gustavo A. Madero
Mexico, D.F.
CP 07051

(I don´t know why it´s like that but yeah, it is that way. The Jose Luis Escobar Maya guy is the owner of the place so it has to be under his name.)

So yeah do that, exactly, and then it should get here. Mail, from what I have heard is reasonably safe. To keep it extra safe, I would find some Virgin Mary stickers and tape them all over the box. Also sending packages via UPS or another company usually is much safer. It usually takes anywhere between 1 week and 1 month to get here though. Letters work the same way too. But email is the preffered way.

I forgot the paper agai with the 6 steps but here is the general run down

Teach whatever lesson applies best to them, then if you and your companion feel the spirit and know they are, identify it with them, then tell them it is testifying of the truth. Then swithc over to the 4 things of the Gospel of Jesus Christ meaning Faith repentence baptizm, and the holy ghost. emphasieze on baptizm and how Jesus Christ set the example, then ask them if they think they would want to follow Christ almost everyone will say yes. Then commit them to baptizm. This work 90% of the time. Everyone we have done it to has said yes. Its pure brilliance and President is the only mission that does it from what I have heard. Also I am told to tell you not to tell anyone else about this. Haha, no idea why but yeah. We are one of the top baptizing missions in the world! Its crazy.

My mission is, yes, going to be in some ways similar to Stephens. The only diference is there is literally NO referals. We find all our Invstigators through knocking. Every once in a while we have gotten refferals from members and one lady, nonmember gave us a reference. But yeah, from the sounds of it, I will be baptizing almost every week.

Yes I am keeping a journal. I have never missed a day since day 1 in the MTC. I plan on keeping one throughout the whole mission and maybe after as well.

One of the requirements here in this mission for baptizm is church attendence at least once before baptizm and obviously after as well.

Testimony in church was in Spanish and for what I could see they understood me.

Brandon, the boy who was doing Marijuana, from what he has told us, has stopped. His whole family is coming to church this week, hopefully and baptized soon there after. He and his family have been praying and what not and so Im certain he is receiving help from the man upstairs.

We try and commit them to baptizm at lesson one, but if we dont feel the spirit or use the 6 steps, we wait until we do. So anywhere from the first lesson to the very last one. As of set dates noone has been baptized yet on there scheduled date, but yeah.

Like I said before, we had to open a new area so our work has been slow to start. But we feel there will be atleast one baptizm this next week.

Spanish has been the one thing that has gotten me upset here. Like I said I understand noone! I barely understand my companion when he talks, but also only when he talks gospel related. Its gotten me a bit upset at times but my companion and I have talked about it and hes helped me realize that its always tough to start. He has also told me if I do my best and the Lord do the rest, I should be able to understand people by next transfer. Which by the way transfers are every 6 weeks. But I will almost certainly be with my dad next transfer as well. They recently did this missionary starter program were your with your "dad" for 12 weeks, or 2 transfers, for extra training.

Ive been really homesick alot as of late, mianly because I feel quite alone here. Spanish being the cause of that. I know its dumb, and I shouldnt feel that way. But at times it gets to me. I think, though I am getting over it. No need to worry though, I am ticking through this whether or not I like it haha.

We have been teaching this older lady, her name is Eduarda and she lives with one of her daughters. Her sister, a member, just recently died and so she is really sad about that. To top that off her daughter is, from what me and Elder Barben can tell, verbally abusive, so she spends her days away from home to avoid that as much as possible. Anyways, on to the spiritual experience. So we were knocking doors, and we stopped out side her apartment door. Elder Barben asked where I think we should go and so we stopped outside her apartment complex. I was getting a prompting, but I could not tell where we should go. This same thing was happening to Elder Barben. She opened the door and looked outside, she looked around, as if she was looking for someone. I believe she poked her head out because she was looking for us, but neither of us knew that. Elder Barben then decided it was her we were getting the prompting for. So we contacted her, used the 6 steps and she has a baptism date for Saturday but she ended up not being able to come to church so we are either baptizing her after church or next week. Everytime we have taught her the spirit floods the room and so she is obviously ready. Also one of the lessons I got to teach the first vision. I dont think I ever taught it with such power, she repeated the words as I said them, in spanish, and she obviously felt the spirit, because she began to cry. It was amazing!

Another really quick one. We were knocking a complex before we were going to go home. We were having no luck but as you can probably guess the last door we knocked they let us in. The mom is blind, the granddaughters parents died recently and she has surgery today. The dad works like crazy for them all. Anyways, no news on them but we have a follow up on them tomorrow, they are really interested in the Plan of Salvacion. Ill let you know how that goes next week.

Quick funny story. So we were walking, and being the only white guys in our area, everyone seems to look at us. Well, these two guys on a bike drove by and said Guero meaning white guy or fair skin in spanish. It is our name down here for nonmembers, it is hilarious. anyways so as he did my companion was attempting to give him the piece sign but his finger got caught in the planner in his hand so he flipped the guys off. Luckily they didnt see and we laughed pretty hard after the fact. I wish I could have taken a picture.

Ok, well, we got to run, but thats the big stuff this week. I am confident in my ability to learn spanish, I just get discouraged from time to time. Its all good though, I am learning more and more as each day goes by. The stories are true about the time. The days seem long but the weeks seem short, I cant believe its already the start of week 3.

Bueno suerte con todo.

Les amo

Elder "Tall Son" "Frijoles" "Winzie" "Winnie the Pooh" Winslett

Elder Hermano Demke and Elder Winslett

His Visa

Elder Hermano Jensen

Elder Winsett towers... He said that is the average height for door there. Wow!!

Elder Winslett's first companion (and his "dad"), Elder Barben

Out their front door (Whose car is that I wonder? Neighbors?)

The Church Building

He's in Mexico!!

¡Hola de Ciudad de Mexico!

 

 

Ok so due to a rather abrupt request from Stephen, I will write out in a new Email. Stephen, I replied that way because it was a lot easier in the MTC to do it that way, since we could not have tabs in the browsers and we could not open more then one window. But now I am emailing from an Internet lounge in Mexico so I can have tabs and what not opened, so esta bien.

 

 

Holy smokes, Mexico is crazy, and different, and awesome, and wow, all at the same time. I´ll tell you more about it alittle later.

 

 

The flight to Mexico was fantastic. I sat inbetween two RMs who went to other missions, but they helped calm my nerves a bit about getting to Mexcio. You could say Ciudad de Mexico is "modern" but that might be a lie, haha. Nah, it is but it is a heck of a lot more run down., and dirtier. I love it though, it reminds me of a concrete jungle. Houses are a bit funny here, there is usually a metal door on the street, and you buzz the person like in an apartment. When they let you in it is usually like walking into a castle of some sort. It´s hilarious! There house is usually a few feet away from the fron gate, but I know they do it that way for security. So the streets look like walls on both sides. I got pictures.

 

 

Real quick speaking of pictures, what I am going to do is send the ones I really like attached to the email and send it that way. When I run out of space on the SD cards I will eventually buy an external hard-drive and transfer them there. The awesome thing about Mexico, is everything is cheap! I got like 5 tacos for 15 pesos, which is basically a dollar. So the external harddrive should be cheap.

 

 

Yep I had dinner with Mr. President, haha. Na, President Tervort is awesome, we had ham and potatos and what not. It was dilicous. He is awesome as well, he served his mission in this same area, only back then it was in Mexico East Mission. So obviously he knows Spanish. My new companions name is Elder Barben, and he is from Sandy, Utah. He´s been out for 1 year and 1 month so 13 meses. His Spanish is amazing, and I am super jealous. But, what am I gonna do? Practice. He is pretty cool as well. I call him papá all the time, because in the field your trainer is your "dad" haha. And I am his child, or hijo. My area is called Segundo Congreso-Industrial. It is actually a brand new area and it´s towards the bottom of my mission. It´s brand new, meaning we had a brand new apartment. So most of my spending money was spent on stocking the fridge and obtianing cleaning supplies. Don´t worry though, we will be awesome! My area is only about 2 or 3 miles by 2 or 3 miles, but it is packedwith houses and cars and people! I get 1600-ish Pesos every 1st of the month, and about 600-ish pesos every 15th of the month. All for food, washing, dry cleaning, etc. But, like I said, everything is cheap here so I usually have extra spending money, for suvenirs and what not.

 

 

I apologize in advance, my spanish has further damaged my English, spelling and everything.

 

 

I haven´t used the filtered water bottle yet, but that is because we buy a big 5 gallong jug of water for drinking and what not. I wash my hands with soap and water every time I touch my contacts, and I am using fresh solution every time I take them out, I am almost certain I won´t have a problem with my eyes.

 

 

I, surprisingly, have not gotten sick yet. The food here is good, from what I have had, and it hasn´t really done anything to my system yet. yet is the optionaly term, haha. I probably will get sick eventually but yeah, what can I do?

 

 

I am no longer nervous, really, about Mexico. I am still a bit uncomfortable about door knocking, but my dad is helping me with that.

 

 

Trust me I have plenty of stories already. I will share with you the majority of them, but yeah.

 

 

Ok so mail here is wierd this is what you got to do:

 

 

Write on the box for Origin=

Elder Benjamin Winslett

906 Riverside Dr.

Alvin, TX 77511

USA

 (Or if someone else not family is sending something have the address be their address.)

 

 

Then the destination will be=

Jose Luis Escobar Maya

Apartado Postal 118-184

Gustavo A. Madero

Mexico, D.F.

CP 07051

 

 

(I don´t know why it´s like that but yeah, it is that way. The Jose Luis Escobar Maya guy is the owner of the place so it has to be under his name.)

 

 

So yeah do that, exactly, and then it should get here. Mail, from what I have heard is reasonably safe. To keep it extra safe, I would find some Virgin Mary stickers and tape them all over the box. Also sending packages via UPS or another company usually is much safer. It usually takes anywhere between 1 week and 1 month to get here though, so if you want to send presents and what not I´d send them now if you can, that way they get here by Christmas!

 

 

Well, you know how I said we are in a new apartment, well other then a bed, fridge and desks, it was empty. So we were knocking doors one day and out in one of the parks there was a orange couch. It was deserted so me and my companion "obtained" this couch for our apartment. Haha, don´t worry it was not ilegal. It was pretty embarissing though, carrying that down the street to our apartment.

 

 

Next up I have obtained another nickname, this time it is Winnie Pooh. Haha The Mexican´s barely can say our last name so my compnion has been introducing me as Winnie and that developed into Winnie the Pooh, or W. P. Haha. So that will be added to my long list of nicknames.

 

 

Ok now for spiritual awesomeness! Ok so we were knocking doors and we came upon this lady, here name is Veronica. She has two children. Anyways, we walked into her apartment and immidiatly the spirit flooded in and we knew she was ready. Come to find out her father was killed in a robbery and she loves the idea of being able to see him again. My companion taught the Plan of Slavation and we set a date for this next week. Sadly, however she didn´t come to church yesterday so we have to push her back one week.

 

 

Next awesomeness is we were again knocking on doors and in between two apartments I had a strong impression to contact the people who were walking in front of us. Luckily, she and her daughter turned around for some reason and we contacted them. Her name is Nancy and her child´s name is Betsy. She then insisted on buying us dinner as we talked, so we did so, we got to know her. She then started talking to these other two and Nancy, note that we haven´t taught her anything, started telling them that the Book of Mormon is a great story and that they needed to take lessons from us. so we set up apointments with the other two. Then after that we walked Nancy and Betsy to her house and we set up a follow up. At the follow up we taught her the Restoration and set a date with her and Betsy. She couldn´t come to church yesterday so we might have to push it back one week. The Lord had obviously preparred her and so she will be one of my first baptizms.

 

 

Next a funny story. We were knocking again and came across an older man. He let us in and we began teaching. As we were teaching this man proceeded to wet himself. It was so hard not to laugh. He was in his 70s so it was understandable. Come to find out it was his birthday so we said afterward that it´s his birthday he can do what he wants, including wetting himself. We did, however ended up setting a baptizmal date with him so it was still good. He ended up not coming to church yesterday either because of work.

 

 

And now another awesome story. So we were refered to a family that there son was addicted to Marijuana (apparently it´s legal down here and anyone can smoke it.) We get there and begin teaching him the Word of Wisdom. Elder Barben then shares his experiences with overcoming addictions (I won´t go into details) and the kid begins to cry. Aparently he has been trying to stop for quite sometime and he has been searching for a way. We gave him ideas to stop, including prayer, gave him a BoM and set up a followup apt. for tomorrow. We know that if he stops smoking, that whole family will be baptized. So that looks uber promising.

 

 

Ok, so this mission has whats called the "6 steps" I´ll write about them next week in more detail, but basically these 6 steps almost gaurantee that the Investigator will be baptized. Our mission is on fire right now, because of these 6 steps. Last month they said they had upwards of 60 baptizms in our mission. It´s insane. I´ll tell you the steps next week but I wanted to mention that now.

 

 

Ok last thing, I think. Church yesterday was cool, I got to bear my testimony in Sacrament, and then after I got to be a witness for one of the other missionary´s baptisms. There are 2 sets in our ward so we see eachother alot.

 

 

Mexico is awesome the drivers are crazy. It´s super packed, rather dirty, but it´s awesome. Now all I got to do is learn to understand these people, haha. the only Spanish I understand is my companions. It will come though, I know of it.

 

 

Well, I gotta get going. Lemme know of any other questions, concerns, doubts etc. Enjoy the pictures, too!

 

 

¡Les amo!

Elder "Tall Son" " Frijoles" "Winzie" "Winnie the Pooh" Winslett

MTC Letter Week 9 - The Last One!!

Greatings from the last time I will be able to email you from the MTC. Gosh I cannot believe how fast the time has just flown! I remember just yesterday bawling in the Airport, haha. No, I figured it would pick up as fast as it did.

 

I guess I should start with the Boise Experience. So after we found out we were going to Boise (This included almost everyone in my district: Me, Elder Jordan, Elder Cummins, Elder Leavitt, Elder Avery, and Elder Hammilton. Elder Millerberg, however had some VISA problems and paperwork problems.) We had a few days to just prepare and still go to class and what not. When they day came we got on a van, which was wierd feeling because I hadn't been on a car in 2 months! This was about 3 pm on Monday So we went to Salt Lake City to pick up some of the Elder's passports then we went to the Airport. Once in the Airport we filed through security, which as a missionary is about twice the work because we have so much on us that sets those off. After security we walked to our terminal, grabbing some very delicious Burger King on the way. I could have sworn we were super stars or something because almost EVERYONE we walked by said hi or asked were we were heading. It was hilarious and scary at the same time. It felt wierd to be in Babylonia, or the real world. Anyways we got on the plane and took a 45 minute flight to Boise. Some of the others taught quick lessons to people they were sitting by, I however was stuck next to Elder Leavitt and Elder Cummins, so I never got the chance. We then landed in Boise and were picked up by Elder and Sister Harren (I think thats how it's spelt.) who were Senor Missionaries who were serving a service mission. Anyways they drove us to an apartment that was rented for Missionaries that were doing what we were doing. This was about 7ish. We then relaxed until bed time at 1030. The next morning we went to the Consalute were we sat around for 3 hours just to get our pictures taken and finger prints taken. They apparently had a bit of a mix up with my pictures and what not so we had to wait around for them to fix that. We then headed off to lunch while we waited for them to print the VISAs into our Passports. After lunch we went and volunteered at a Deseret Industries and hung clothes up and what not. Then we went back to the consulate and picked up the VISAs at around 5-6. We then went to Dinner and back to the Apartment to relax for the rest of the night. and by relax I mean we studied just so you know. The next day was back on and Airpland back to SLC. On the way back I breifly got to talk with someone next to me, but every time I brought up church he would change topics. So that was a no go. We got to the MTC on Wednesday at around 12 and resumed normal schedule. A little later we recieved our travel plans for Mexico on Monday. The I got to call y'all for that 5 minutes and that was that. So all in all Boise was alright. I will call you guys as soon as I can on Monday morning so I don't miss you. I will call dad's phone. It'll be sometime between 8-10 your time, 7-9 Utah time.

 

Ok. I'm sorry if I don't answer anything but I don't have much time. I've heard so much good things about the field I don't think I am no longer scared, but either way, I know I will be good.

 

 

Well, I got to run, but other then Boise this week has been dull. Doing some In-Field Orientation today, which is just an all day review of the last 9 weeks, pretty boring. Next time I write you will be from Mexico. I'll get you guys the address and all the information on mailing down there ASAP.

 

Les Amo! Tengan un buena semana! -Love you! Have a good week!-

Hasta proxima semana -until next week-

Elder TSFW "Only Important Son" (haha) Winslett

MTC Quick Note

Ok real quick I don't have much time, but I just got my plans, sortof. On monday at around 230 my time I will be going to Boise Idaho to a consolate for my VISA. Meaning I am most likely leaving next monday. Everyone in my district is going except for Elder Millerberg. WEre hoping his comes monday morning but we are not sure as of yet. I will be abel to give you a time when I am calling on next Saturday, which is my last preperation day at the MTC. I will be there until wednesday-ish and then back here at the MTC until next monday. Anyways, gotta go, but just wanted to let you know real quick. I'll fill you guys in more on my next Preperation day, which is next Saturday.

Les Amo

Elder TSFW Winslett

MTC Letter Week 8

Hola! Como esta? Como fueron sus semanas? Mi? Muy Bien! Este semana fue super bien. Anyways. Haha I promise I won't talk that much in Spanish. So this week has been insane to say the least, I cannot believe I will be in Mexico in less then 2 weeks. It's scary and awesome all at the same time.

I'm not so much worried about the "real investigators" I am more afraid of everything else. New country, new laws, new everything. And then I am also afraid of spanish, and mine not being sufficient enough to talk to people. But, I know with the Lord's help I can do it. I just got to get rid of this nervousness, haha.

 

 

I have learn so much in the 2 months I have been here and I still have 22 months to grow more. (Probably shouldn't say that cuz that makes it sound like a long time. haha) I know those months are going to fly by. I am insanely glad I got to learn another language.

We could have trick or treated on El Dia de Muerte (Yes in Spanish it translates to day of the dead, and they celebrate it differently.) But, we were all uber tired and collapsed when we got back to our rooms. I'm always dressed up though so it's like Halloween year round. haha.

 

 

Ok so now for my week. Well, to start off with the, I guess you could call it, "bad" news. I am not Zone Leader nor am I District Leader. Elders Cummins and Millerberg are the new Zone Leaders for the last few days we are here. Elder Hammilton is the District Leader as well. So no callings here in the MTC atleast. It's all good.

 

 

The oldest district left on Wednesday and so now we are the oldest here in Branch 17.

 

 

It "snowed" here again, but none of it stuck. Only up in the mountains did it stick so it made for a cool background haha. I think its suppose to snow again on Saturday and Sunday so hopefully it sticks. I hope it snows and sticks here before I leave because I don't think it will snow down in Mexico. Still scary that I will be down there in a week and a half.

 

 

Really awesome spiritual experience the other day. We were assigned to pray, study and prepare a lesson for one of fellow district missionaries and I got Elder Hammilton. I prepared and what not and as I started the spirit took over. It was indescribably awesome. my chest felt as though there was a flamethrower inside of it, obviously the spirit, and I don't remember all I said because He was talking through me to Elder Hammilton. I spoke on Prayer is the food for the Hungry Soul, if that makes sense. And afterwards I was on a spiritual high and Elder Hammilton said that was EXACTLY what he needed. Elder Millerberg talked to me about concecrating myself to the work and he gave me some really awesome ideas on how I can do that. I want to be as Ammon (BoM Ammon not Ammon Seigfried haha) was and literally radiate with the Spirit. Hopefully I can do my best to do that.

 

 

We got another new district Wednesday and that was awesome, I'm already friends with a couple of them. Speaking of wednesday, I forgot to mention Hosting. I got to be a new missionary host on Wednesday and that was awesome, and sad, all at the same time. None of the Elders or Sisters I hosted were cryers so thats good. but it was interesting seeing were they were all going.

 

 

Gah I'm over on time, and got to go. I think I got everything I wanted to say, but yeah. Oh so yeah If any of you want to send something to me, try to get it here before next Saturday, because the last time we are allowed to get mail is Saturday at 2. Oh and no I have not gotten my Visa yet so hopefully I get it this week. I will try and let you know as soon as I can so I can let you know when I call. My guess is it's going to be not this monday but next monday morning, early. I will let you know as soon as I can though, what time.

 

 

Gotta go but les amo, y tengan un bueno semana!

Elder "Tall Son" "Frijoles" "Winzie" Winslett

MTC Pictures 2

Approaching....

Outside the Provo Temple

District Temple Day

Zzzzzzz.....

Elder Winslett and Elder Jordan

Haha! XD

He's almost done with the MTC!! Scary thought!

The fountains

Look! It's Elder Myers

Posing!

District outside the Temple

Es Mexico!! <3

The aftermath of the face cream thing (See MTC Letter Week 6).  Notice how Elder Winslett aint in it? Hmm...

!! They allow lightsabers at the MTC!

I think this is Elder Cottle (I think thats what his nametag says). Does he remind anyone else of Elder Green from Saturdays Warrior?

MTC Letter Week 7

Hola! Familia Winslett! Como estan? Yo espero estan haciendo bein. Estoy progresando y aprendando muchisimo (I think thats how you spell it) Espanol esta bien y estoy lo aprendando poquito rapido. Mi distrito y mi compenero estan bein tambien. -Hi! Winslett family, how are you? I hope you are doing well. I am growin and learning a bunch. Spanish is good and I am learning it fairly quickly. My ditrict and companion are all doing well, also.-

Gah! I don't think I miss the Texas weather at all, haha. Sorry about the mosquitos, only a few more months until they all will perish in the cold. Speaking of cold, it is about 40ish degrees in the mornings here, and probably no warmer then 50ish during the day. I love it! I hope it snows atleast once while I am here.

 

I'm rooting for the Rangers as well. Did the Astros make any sort of attempt at a comeback? Or was it a fail season.

Ok now my story time! That was alot of one liners, sorry. Time is running short. First things first, our zone got another district on Wednesday, I haven't meet any of them really, but most of them are going to the Mexico City East mission, so there going to be next door to me. Pretty cool. Oh and I found out that my mission is the smallest in the world. That isn't counting land size, because I know there are smaller land areas in the Phillipenes and what not, but square milage mine is the smallest! Next! We whent outside and played soccer and much to my shock, I actually scored a goal. Soccer, if I was to ever play a sport, would be something I would play, and conveniently enough they play alot of soccer in Mexico, so hopefully I can get some practice and tips during my Preperation days. Next week, on Wednesday, the 2nd I believe, I get to be a new missionary host, meaning I get to pull the new missionaries away from there families. This could be interesting. I'll tell you about that experience next week. Last but not least. Our Branch President, President Studdart, was released last Sunday. Our district was sad. He was so awesome! So many good stories, and he was so loving, but I got a name and an email, and ofcourse a picture before he left. So don't worry.

Les amo! Hasta proxima semana -love you all! Until next week!-

Ame -love-

Elder "Tall Son" "Frijoles" "Winzie" Winslett

MTC Letter Week 6

Hola! Familia Winslett! Como estan? Como fue sus semana? Ok I promise I won't write in Spanish, maybe... Lo siento... Ok I am done now.

 

The service project sounds cool, to bad y'all couldn't go. We do service every Tuesday here. It's pretty easy though, they have us clean one of the residence buildings. Jobs like vacuming and cleaning, easy stuff.

 

Glad to hear you got my SD Card, haha. Just wanted to make sure it didn't get lost in the mail.

 

The language.... yeah.... It's coming, I am just afraid of when I get out there and sound like a bafoon, haha, I've heard horror stories from my teachers and there missions, but the reassuring note on that is they said by my 4 month mark I should be descently fluent, which is insanely exciting, I cannot wait until I don't have to worry so much about Spanish and I can focus more on the investigator. It's all good though no worries. Some days are tough and others are easy peezy lemon squeezy. Sorry couldn't help myself. My district and I are trying to speak only Spanish, so hopefully that will help alot with picking it up better.And don't worry If I get grey hair then I'll have to get a cane and walk like an old man!

 

Yes I am pretty sure I will get my Visa too so no worries.

 

Yeah ZL or DL would be amazing, but I got one more week before I can find out. While were on the topic of my zone, on Wednesday we got a new district in our zone. There all Spanish speaking, and the best part of it all is one of the Hermanas and one of the Elders is going to the Houston Texas South Mission, which is were you guys are now! So exciting! I'm going to give them y'alls address as well as Elder Banks and Elder Smouts name (They were the companionship that would take me out alot, I want to get them my address.) so that when they get down there they can harrass you guys.

 

Gah, I'm so jealous that you guys are gonna be all together for Thanksgiving, but nananananah I will be in Mexico for Thanksgiving. the sad part of that is Mexico really doesn't have a Thanksgiving.

 

Ok I think I addressed everything, now on to the good stuff! Well, lets start off with the most grand of them all. On Tuesday we had a Fireside and ... wait for it.... Elder Richard G. Scott came and spoke with us. It was such an intense talk, and so powerful, it was AMAZING! The next best part about that is, with some last minute seat changing, I got to sit literally 10 feet away from him. I was in the 2 row, he was radiating with the spirit it was insane. Next best news, both of our "Investigators" have been progressing, both have commited to baptism and one of them, "Enrique" aka Hermano Demke, knows El Libro de Mormon is true! I was extremely happy even though it was fake, haha. "Vergelio" aka Hermano Jensen is now praying correctly, and not saying the Lord's pray (He's Catholic) There both progressing, and it's awesome.

 

Quick funny story then I gotta go, I'm 11 minutes over my time, haha. So we were in class, and to make a long story short, Elder Hamilton was dared by Elder Leavitt to try and slam the hydraulic door for our class. Yeah, the hydraulics broke, busting off the cover and oil started spewing out, the door slamed about 2 inches away from Elder Leavitt's face and made a loud noise. To make the rest of the long story short, Elder Leavitt was pretty freaked out and everybody laughed. Then Elder Hamilton felt bad for breaking the door. But, it was fixable so no worries.

 

Also our district was dared to all put on the facial face lift cream, so yeah we all put on facial cream that Elder Leavitt's mom sent to us. I have pictures don't worry. The sad thing is it felt really good, my face has never been so clean! Haha.

 

Les amo todos de ustedes! (I love all of you!) No puedo hasta eschuchar de ustedes! (I can't wait to hear from you!)

 

Amor, (Love,)

Elder "Tall Son, Frijoles, Winzie" Winslett

MTC Letter Week 5

Hola! Como estas mi familia! Como es tu dia y semana? Haha ok I won't write all in Spanish, promise. Como le va? How's it going?

 

Español is... to say the least, insanely difficult. Haha, I can´t even imagine how hard Chinese, or Japanese would be. I'm getting it though, and I can teach in Spanish now. The lessons aren't very thurough though, and I'm not teaching to the Investigator's needs like I need to be. But, I still have a month before I leave and we're almost done with all the grammer principles so there's not much more to learn, just vocab, and the darn irregulars. That is going to be my downfall is irregulars. They conjugate differently for each tense then the normal verbs. I'll get it though. I'm starting HSI (Hable su idioma -speak your language-) which means little to no ingles por me when I talk. It should help alot with my learning so we will see. And yes Stephen Spanish is messing up my spelling. Every time I write "Priesthood" I end up writing out "Sacerdocio" and "gospel" is "Evangelio" So my vocab is slowing shifting into all Spanish haha.

 

My departure date is November 15th. That's assuming I get my VISA though. Mexico apparently is being dumb with VISAs right now so not everyone is getting there's. But, hopefully it isn't the case for me, so I'll let you know as soon as I get my departure date and time.

 

"Winzie" is a nickname that my district gave me so in a sense yes my companion gave it to me. I don't know why they call me that but it's cool either way.

 

Ok now time for my news! We'll actually this week has been quite uneventful. Oh! Julie Beck, the General Relief Society President came to speak to us Tuesday Night. She talked about the Importance of Temple work, so it's gotten me excited to go this afternoon. Also the other two Peru missionaries in our district left for the Peru MTC this week on Wednesday and yesterday. Elder Spencer and Elder Nelson was there names. Yesterday we got to move ALL the beds in one of the buildings into another building for renovation. There renovating everything here so there's construction everywhere. After this next monday there will only be 2 districts in our zone until Wednesday, when we will get 2 new districts. Also there is a good chance that me and Elder Jordan could be Zone Leaders. The current ones leave week after next and then our district will be the oldest. The tripanionship in our district is exempt and the only other companionship that could be Zone Leaders is Elder Millerberg and Elder Cummins, and Elder Millerberg is District leader, meaning it's almost certain they won't be choosen, unless someone else was going to be assigned District Leader. So either way, there's a chance I could be either ZL or DL. Exciting, yet scary. The work load for ZL and DL is alot more then just a missionaries. We will see though. Umm other then those few things nothing else has really happened. Just chuggin along. Pretty uneventful of a week.

 

Joke time, how do you spell haha in spanish? I'll give you the answer next week.

Les amo! No puedo escuchar por ustedes! -can't wait to hear from you guys-

 

Elder "Tall Son" "Frijoles" "Winzie" Winslett

MTC Letter Week 4

Haha I was having fun with the title, los siento. Anyways, this week has been quite eventful, to say the least. Well, for one, we did watch conference, but no, sadly we did not get to go to the conference center. To many missionaries and not enough space, and a lack of transportation as well, kept us from going. It was still awesome though, we watched the LIVE streaming of it on big projectors in the gym, which doubles as an auditorium! I STRONGLY incourage you guys to watch this one, my favorite was both of Monson's and Holland's talk. Elder Holland was amazing to say the least! He's probably my favorite out of th 12.

I got sick around last friday so the only downfall of conference is I was sick through it all. I've just got a cough now though so no worries, the sudephed (No idea how to spell it haha) I packed and the Tylonel helped alot.

My birthday was nothing really special, but it was still awesome. That package you sent me had not only cookies but mounds and mounds of sugar and a bottle of what looked like wine, but was actually a bottle of Sparkling Cidar. Thanks again for that we enjoyed it! My district likes all the sugar as well, haha! The next day I got a package from Stephen, which was, to say the least, a box of tape the size of a 18 pack of soda wrapped around a small box that contained a camera! I would've taken pictures but my original camera was back in my room, los siento. (Sorry) The camera is amazing! Thanks again Stephen and Tricia and Baby, haha and of course anyone else who helped chipped in. Also, thanks for all the Birthday wishes via dearelder.com I got them the day of and it made the day ten times better.

Yes we do see Apostles from time to time but that was the first time I saw an apostle from the 12! So yeah, haha!

I take back what I said about Elder Seigfried's companion looking like Jason, I guess he did at the time, but I've seen him since then and he doesn't really. Me mal.

Glad to hear my card is on the way, the camera's internal memory is so tiny! And my other SD card has pictures on it, and this new camera has to format it, so I would loose the pictures. It's all good though, I can wait haha.

Now, onto news about everything,but I'm low on time so it'll have to be quick. It snowed here for a bit yesterday but it didn't stick, but now it's REALLY cold. Stephen also sent me a Vneck sweater so I am putting it to good use! I am getting used to teaching in spanish so I'm not nervouse before each lesson, haha. I've learned commands as well so I get to tell people what to do now. Elder Zarian and Elder Cottle, 2 of the 4 that are going to Peru left Monday to go to the Peru MTC. The other two haven't left because they haven't gotten there Visas. Elder Zarian was our District leader and so he had to be replaced. No it's not me, not yet atleast, but Elder Millerberg, one of my roomies, is now it. Our Zone Leaders whent out into the field as well, so we have 2 new ones there as well. I've learned so much more, and have so many spiritual experiences, it's crazy! Pauline Renfroe and Brittany Riley mailed me and so now I have more people to write now. They also gave me sugar so don't worry about sugar anymore, I think I have enough for the MTC and then some, haha.

Dang out of time, well I guess I gotta go! Give Erica a big hug and a kiss for me when you guys get there! And good luck with everything, I know things will get better!

Les amo (I love you) hasta luego!

Elder "Tall Son" "Frijoles" "Winzie" Winslett

Yes. That's right. Some of this post was in Spanish!
...
Still can't spell worth a darn,but that's besides the point. :)

MTC Letter Week 3

Hey guys how's it going? Me? Good, real busy, as usual.

This week we started 2 new "Investigator" Which are both of my teachers, Hermano Demke, and Hermano Jensen. One's name is Enrique and the others name is Vergelio. Wierd names but yeah. We taught both of them in all Spanish, it was insanely scarey but I think we got the point across. It made me realize how bad my spanish was, haha. I can uphold a simple conversation in Spanish now which is real exciting. Still only in the present tense so I can't tell stories or anything like that unless I have them written down. Still cool though. My district had a bad day when they realized how not-good they were at Spanish, the Zone Leaders gave them a pep-talk and there back to where they were.

We had someone talk to us from the 70s this last Tuesday, Elder Clarke I think was his name, it was awesome!

Haha when I said "freaking out" I meant I was jumping up down, metaphorically, I've never been in the same room as an apostle so it made me a little, you could say, jump, haha. I was near tears a couple of times though so still really cool.

I remember you telling me that story once before so yeah, still amazing! Trust me I am very open to those experiences.

Tell the Mosis' I said Buenos Fuertes (Good Luck) and tell them they need to mail me, haha. I saw Travis the night before he left, and we got pictures! Haha so yeah I thought he looked ready, he could talk a heck of alot more spanish then I could though so yeah, haha. I'm gonna keep in touch with him if I can. I should be able to call you on my trip to Mexico sometime during that trip.

Thanks for Mark's address, I've had a letter written for him for quite a while so hopefully I can get it to him soon.

Saw Tristan once since he got here a week and a half ago, he seemed to be doing good, his companion, for the breif moment I met him, reminded me of Jason, for whatever reason.

I'm still jealous that I didn't get to see Gladys Knight, maybe you can send me a CD or something after I am out on the field.

I sure hope I can touch a lot of people while I am down there, I'm ever more excited as the time draws closer.

Gotta go, cuz I am out of town, but send me birthday wishes via dearelder.com and I'll get it the day you send it!

Miss you all so much, and Love you all!

Elder "Tall Son" "Frijoles" Winslett

MTC Letter Week 2

Hey everyone! It's me again!

Oh my heck, this week has been crazy to say the least, to start off we continued teaching our 'fake' investigator, and we committed him to everything and is getting baptized, haha, it is insane! Now here's the kicker, we're not teaching him anymore, he's teaching us, his name isn't actually Joordan, it's actually Hermano Demke, and he is awesome! He teaches one of my classes and Hermano Jensen teaches the other one, there both amazing and I'm learning so much.

I got alittle home sick on monday, but I prayed about it and asked fro strength to overcome it. The next day I was fine. Well, more then fine, I was amazing! We were teaching Jordan and I literally do not know were the words that were coming out of my mouth were coming from! The Espirtu Santo was teaching through me to Jordan! It was indescribably awesome! We said the closing prayer and went our ways and I was literaly freaking out, I've never had that happen! It was so inspiring and amazing! My companion was giving me some wierd looks after that cuz I was freaking out, but he understood. And to top that day off at the Fireside that night (Firesides are every Tuesdays and Sundays) Elder - wait for it.........- Russel M. Nelson of the Twelve gave a talk to us and his wife. What an experience, the second he walked in everyone could feel the Spirit insanely strong. Now me, I was freaking out because I have never been in the same room as an Apostle so yeah, haha. He's talk was awesome!

I've learned even more and am finding myself actually forgetting how to say some words in English, haha which is awesome! I've learned alot since last time and can say so much more! 

Me and my comnpanion Elder Jordan have grown closer, even though we've hit a few rough spots, but don't worry we've worked them out.

I can study alot better already then when I was at home, it's crazy.

To answer your questions, yes my district is my class. All but four are going to my mission, the other 4 are going to Peru. There's 11 of us total so 7 to Ciudad de Mexico Noroeste. Yes 4 of us are in each room, the rooms are surprisingly roomy so yeah no worries.

Other then those few things I can't remember anything else. It has gotten easier since last week, cuz I've gotten use to it.

Elder Seigfried got here Wednesday, haven't seen him yet, but it's still exciting. Haven't gotten the chance to take a picture with Elder Myers either. His class is down the hall way from mine so we see each other daily.

Hope you enjoy the pics. I sent in the mail. Please send the card back ASAP.

If you email me through dearelder.com I get them the same day, so I can read any news the day it happens, so feel free to email me that way too for more personal letters, I will respond via email too.

I love you guys so much, and miss you so very much! I know now that I am in the right place and am looking forward to hearing from y'all.!

Elder "Tall Son" "Frijoles" Winslett

Sorry this is late guys.  I will post some of said pics when they get here and I see them. :)

MTC Letter Week 1

Hola! Como estas? Que tal? Haha na I aint that fluent yet, but I sure hope to soon be. Just saying hi!

So the MTC is AMAZING to say the least. I have learned tons since I got here and hope to learn tons more as the time progresses. I can't even believe it's been 4 days! So just so you guys know my Preperation Days are on Fridays after this week. So expect letters then.

So I am having a bit of trouble with the language, it is frustrating from time to time, but I am doing my best and I already know how to pray and testify in Spanish. I know that with a bunch of effort and even more prayer I can get it. I haven't learned more then my three years in high school yet, but I feel I am getting ever closer. It's crazy actually. I can hold simple conversations with my fellow missionaries without even trying that hard. Speaking of fellow missionaries, my companion's name is Elder Jordan, he is from Riverside, California. He has taught me in ways he doesn't even know. I have also seen Elder Myers and I can tell he is doing even better then when he left. I have another companionship as roomies, there names are Elder Cummings and Elder Millerberg (I think thats how I spell it haha) they are awaesome as well.

Back in August the MTC completely changed EVERYTHING. So all the stories from Stephen and Matt about this place are wrong. I love the food, it is amazing! Almost like eating at home! My district, which is basically my class, is amazing and we learn off of each other. I hear older missionaries speaking more fluently in Spanish and it inspires me ever more. I can't wait until I cut English out of my vocabulary and speak only Spanish. Like I said I can hold conversations, just not very elaborate ones.

They teach in such an odd way it is rather amazing they mix Gospel Principles with Spanish so your learning both at the same time. Day 3 we had to teach our first 'investigator' and it had to be in as much Spanish as we knew. That was exciting and very frightening all at the same time. We did about half English and half Spanish, and we think he got the point haha, of course he was helping most of the time.

Mi compenero has left me on occasion and I've left him so it's been quite interesting, it's hard to get used to making sure someone is near you at all times. Our Branch President's name is Hermano Studdart, he is hilarious.

My time on the computer is limited so I can't write as much as I want. There is so much to do and so little time, it's insane. I have to wrap it up but a few little requests. 1. can you send me a few more shirts and shorts from my box of clothes, it is marked 'clothes' so that's easy. If you run across any V-neck sweaters that would be cool as well, it's getting chilly here sometimes. Stephen, you can send those things I left at your place, whenever. Any gifts or letters would be awesome as well. Spam my mailing address on my Facebook and Blog please. I want letters haha. Also remind people pf Dearelder.com

Almost out of time, so gotta go, but

Love y'all so very much and I miss you alot!

Elder Winslett

Ben enters the MTC tomorrow!

Yep. That's right. Tomorrow is it. He's going to dive headfirst into the scriptures, and into the Spanish language. :) 9 weeks there, then off to Mexico! Exciting neh?

Just a note.... anything I (Jeni) add, like his location or whatever, will be italicized. :)  Everything else is him. He sent an email earlier, so here it is!


Hi, so as you can tell this is my email. I can email all of you during my mission. I plan on sending one BIG email every week to everyone and then when I have the time I will answer the more one to one emails, etc. I hope to hear from you guys as much as possible, and I'm looking forward to getting this started!

So this last week I have been with Stephen and Tricia, doing some fun stuff etc. Got to see the Conference Center and the Salt Lake Temple. The rooms in that Temple are AMAZING to say the least, ask Stephen and Tricia about my craziness and how jumpy I was. Anyways, Tagged along with Stephen to his classes yesterday and today and went and stalked people at his work as well. Oh so very exciting. Haha. He also taught me how to make a garment burrito, it's AMAZING haha. I will send pictures of all this soon, hopefully before I leave for the MTC. Kinda getting nervous for that as well, and hopefully I don't have a, as Stephen puts it a 'blubberfest', when I leave for that. Gonna get my pink tie as well the morning before, but yeah it's gonna be good.

Gotta go now, but Jeni, can you post this on my blog and any emails I send that you think is appropriate for the blog from now on? Thanks

Love you all and will talk to you soon,

Elder Winslett

Next up will be his first letter from the MTC itself!

MTC Address

Hey guys, this is Ben's sister Jeni.  I'm in charge of his blog for the next couple years, and will be posting his whereabouts and any non-personal letters here.  If you'd like, leave a comment here, and (provided its clean), I'll forward it on to him in our emails/letters.

So!

To start, here is his address at the MTC (Missionary Training Center).

Elder Benjamin Winslett
MTC Mailbox # 272
MEX-MCNW 1115
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793

To send free letters to Elder Winslett, go to dearelder.com

See you soon!

The time has come!

The time has just flown by! I can hardly believe it. Tomorrow I will be set apart as a full time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I will then start my mission for 2 years on Saturday. (Yes that does mean I will be set apart for a full day at home. It's gonna be boring!) Anyways, I am gonna have a blast! Please write me! My addresses are on here to the right. Good luck to everyone and I hope to see you in 2 years! Love ya! Peace!

The Story so Far!

Hey, everyone, soon to be Elder Winslett here! Just letting you all know my story so far!

On September 14th, 2011 I will report to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Utah to start my Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After I learn Spanish and various other things during the 9 weeks I will be in Utah I will then fly down to my Mission field which is in Mexico City. The full Mission name is the Mexico, Mexico City Northwest Mission! I got my call back in May, sadly though I don't have any pictures of that awesome experience. I will however take lots and lots of pictures during my mission to share with you all. My email and address is/will be on the main blog page so if you want to write me go on ahead, I'm certain I will love hearing from y'all!

Having fun getting ready and as the time gets closer and closer for me to go I get more and more excited. I know this is going to be an amazing experience for me and for my friends and family to hear about! If you have any question, email me either on Facebook or the email on here before the 14th and I will do my best to answer them

Take care!

Soon-to-be Elder Winslett