The questions for the next couple of weeks were submitted by Elder Baller's friends and family.
1. Karen Holt - What is one attribute of the people's way of life in Honduras, that you would like to continue in your own life, after your mission?
The people here are very very humble and that is something that I try to emulate and want to have forever.
2. Gavin Holt - What is one characteristic of the people of Honduras have over people here?
All the people are very humble. But they are also all very creative. They are able to just kind of make it work with what they have.
3. LaRue Fowler - Do they hug you like your grandma.....hugs.
I have only been hugged by one person, and it was very uncomfortable. Grandma hugs are definitely better.
4. London Baller - What is your favorite drink there?
My favorite drink is a juice that is called Maracuya. It is awesome.
5. Max Baller - What kind of animals do you see in Honduras?
We see a lot of birds, iguanas, lizards, and pigs.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
WEEK 47 - Update
Tuesday
Tuesday we were picked to go and do house checks with the couple that helps President, the Oldroyds. It was fun to go around to all the house in the zones and make sure they are doing good and have clean. We got picked because we both speak English and Spanish. We went and visited an old investigator named Isis. She is doing good, but she is kind of hard to teach because she doesn't pay a lot of attention. But we were able to have a good lesson with her. We visited Bryan, a young friend of a member who will be getting baptized in two weeks.
Wednesday
Wednesday we had interviews with President Bowler. It was great to be able to talk to him and get advice from him.
Thursday
Thursday we caught an iguana, which was awesome. We ended up having a lady cook it for us. It was awesome, tastes just like chicken.
Friday
I went to Tegucigalpa on Friday to do some immigration stuff. I just had to go and sign a few papers so I went with another Elder in my zone. We went to the immigration office and then to Wendys. It was about 3 hours there and 3 hours back on a bus.
Saturday
We taught Bryan and some of his other friends that want to be baptized. We went and explored a little with them to get to them a little. Fun little hike. We went and visited our convert, Frederman, he is doing great. He wants to go to the temple to be sealed with him family.
Sunday
Sunday Porfirio, David's dad, went to church again. And then we went and visited him in the afternoon. He is a really good guy and things are looking great with him.
Hope everyone has a good week!
Elder Baller
Tuesday we were picked to go and do house checks with the couple that helps President, the Oldroyds. It was fun to go around to all the house in the zones and make sure they are doing good and have clean. We got picked because we both speak English and Spanish. We went and visited an old investigator named Isis. She is doing good, but she is kind of hard to teach because she doesn't pay a lot of attention. But we were able to have a good lesson with her. We visited Bryan, a young friend of a member who will be getting baptized in two weeks.
Wednesday
Wednesday we had interviews with President Bowler. It was great to be able to talk to him and get advice from him.
Thursday
Thursday we caught an iguana, which was awesome. We ended up having a lady cook it for us. It was awesome, tastes just like chicken.
Friday
I went to Tegucigalpa on Friday to do some immigration stuff. I just had to go and sign a few papers so I went with another Elder in my zone. We went to the immigration office and then to Wendys. It was about 3 hours there and 3 hours back on a bus.
Saturday
We taught Bryan and some of his other friends that want to be baptized. We went and explored a little with them to get to them a little. Fun little hike. We went and visited our convert, Frederman, he is doing great. He wants to go to the temple to be sealed with him family.
Sunday
Sunday Porfirio, David's dad, went to church again. And then we went and visited him in the afternoon. He is a really good guy and things are looking great with him.
Hope everyone has a good week!
Elder Baller
Monday, May 23, 2016
WEEK 46 - Q&A
1. Do you and Elder Jones speak Spanish or English when you are alone?
We almost always speak English. We speak Spanish sometimes when we are making a joke that only makes sense in Spanish or something like that.
2. What was something that made you laugh out loud this week?
Elder Jones and I were in a barber shop today and this song came on. It was one from the 80's, we just looked at each other and started mouthing the words while he was getting his haircut.
3. What is something that made you want to cry this week?
Being sick.
4. Did David's dad come to church again??
He couldn't this week but he said he for sure is this week.
5. What words of advice do you have for your two cousins who will be entering the MTC in about a week?
Work hard. Love the work. Love your companions.
WEEK 46 - Update
Tuesday
It rained super super hard on Tuesday. We ended up staying in a pulperia under a roof because it was raining so hard. We went and gave a blessing to one of our converts, Josefina, because she was having a hard time. We went and visited David's dad, Porfirio, and ended up just answering some questions that he had.
Wednesday
We went and visited Isis, an old investigator, to see how she was doing and she is good but she hasn't really shown a desire to keep learning and progressing. We visited Bryan, a kid that wants to be baptized with his friend.
Thursday
Thursday we got kinda sick with colds and really achy bodies so we stayed home.
Friday
Friday we had a district meeting and then went and visited Porfirio again. We had a really great lesson with him and things are looking great with him.
Saturday
We were both still sick and just didn't feel good enough to work.
Sunday
We ended up both giving surprise talks, which was lovely. We both talked about missionary work. It was interesting but also a little hard.
Hope everyone has a great week!
Elder Baller
It rained super super hard on Tuesday. We ended up staying in a pulperia under a roof because it was raining so hard. We went and gave a blessing to one of our converts, Josefina, because she was having a hard time. We went and visited David's dad, Porfirio, and ended up just answering some questions that he had.
Wednesday
We went and visited Isis, an old investigator, to see how she was doing and she is good but she hasn't really shown a desire to keep learning and progressing. We visited Bryan, a kid that wants to be baptized with his friend.
Thursday
Thursday we got kinda sick with colds and really achy bodies so we stayed home.
Friday
Friday we had a district meeting and then went and visited Porfirio again. We had a really great lesson with him and things are looking great with him.
Saturday
We were both still sick and just didn't feel good enough to work.
Sunday
We ended up both giving surprise talks, which was lovely. We both talked about missionary work. It was interesting but also a little hard.
Hope everyone has a great week!
Elder Baller
Monday, May 16, 2016
WEEK 45 - Q&A
1. Tell us about your new companion! What do you like about him? Is he baggy (this is another word for "trunky," which in missionary terms, means looking so forward to coming home, you don't want to work...his new comp is on his last transfer so is super close to going home)? LOL
He is awesome. We get along super well and have so much fun together. He is really smart and knows how to teach really well. He isn't super baggy.
2. What was something great that happened this week?
David's dad went to church. That was awesome. Even better that he liked it!
3. If you could have one thing in endless supply from home, what would it be?
I would really love some Zupa's but I don't know about an endless supply.
4. What is your favorite hymn in Spanish?
118 Asombro me da. It is I Stand All Amazed.
5. What is your favorite time of day? And why?
At about 5 because it doesn't feel sooooo hot and that is right when the best visits start.
He is awesome. We get along super well and have so much fun together. He is really smart and knows how to teach really well. He isn't super baggy.
2. What was something great that happened this week?
David's dad went to church. That was awesome. Even better that he liked it!
3. If you could have one thing in endless supply from home, what would it be?
I would really love some Zupa's but I don't know about an endless supply.
4. What is your favorite hymn in Spanish?
118 Asombro me da. It is I Stand All Amazed.
5. What is your favorite time of day? And why?
At about 5 because it doesn't feel sooooo hot and that is right when the best visits start.
WEEK 45 - Update
This week was really great.
Tuesday
This was my last day with my old companion, Elder Quintanilla. We spent all day saying goodbye to the members and everyone. He was such a great companion and I learned a lot from him.
Wednesday
I was with my district leader, Elder Cardenas, because his companion had changes as well, so we worked in my area. At about 4 we went to pick up our companions at the stake center. I am now with Elder Jones. He is from Utah and he is really awesome.
Thursday
Thursday we contacted quite a bit and we visited some old investigators that we had before. We visited a family of three girls that are members and live with their aunt, who isn't a member. We have now been working with them a little more.
Friday
We had a district meeting, which was really good. We talked about the Book of Mormon and how to use it better. We went to a ward activity so my companion could meet some new members and so we could meet some people that the members had invited.
Saturday
We went and did some service in the morning with the ward. They had about 400 trees that we walked around planting in the neighborhood. It was hard work but definitely worth it. After that we went and visited a convert, David, that got baptized last week.
Sunday
We had church, and David's dad went. Which was kind of a miracle because he had never gone before and he really liked it and said he is going to keep going.
Loving my new companion and we get along super well.
Elder Baller
Tuesday
This was my last day with my old companion, Elder Quintanilla. We spent all day saying goodbye to the members and everyone. He was such a great companion and I learned a lot from him.
Wednesday
I was with my district leader, Elder Cardenas, because his companion had changes as well, so we worked in my area. At about 4 we went to pick up our companions at the stake center. I am now with Elder Jones. He is from Utah and he is really awesome.
Thursday
Thursday we contacted quite a bit and we visited some old investigators that we had before. We visited a family of three girls that are members and live with their aunt, who isn't a member. We have now been working with them a little more.
Friday
We had a district meeting, which was really good. We talked about the Book of Mormon and how to use it better. We went to a ward activity so my companion could meet some new members and so we could meet some people that the members had invited.
Saturday
We went and did some service in the morning with the ward. They had about 400 trees that we walked around planting in the neighborhood. It was hard work but definitely worth it. After that we went and visited a convert, David, that got baptized last week.
Sunday
We had church, and David's dad went. Which was kind of a miracle because he had never gone before and he really liked it and said he is going to keep going.
Loving my new companion and we get along super well.
Elder Baller
Monday, May 9, 2016
Mother's Day Skype Call
We had a WONDERFUL Skype call with Elder Baller. He was so funny and cute and was just the same and so different all at the same time. He asked Rob to critique his Spanish and Rob was so impressed, not only with his knowledge of the language, but his accent and pronunciation. Rob and Aidan talked a lot about this before Aidan left and Rob has given him some great advice. By the end of Rob's mission in Argentina, he was often told that he sounded like a native. This was a goal of Aidan's for his mission too.
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| Love my little family! Couldn't imagine a better Mother's Day! |
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| Aidan said he didn't realize he was supposed to make a silly face. Rob realized and opted out. I thought it was funny that they ended up having the exact same face. LOL |
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| Brothers <3 |
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| Grandma Orgill was going to come down and talk to Aidan, but couldn't make it. So, we Facetimed with her so she could say hi. |
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| Cole was wiped out by the end of our call. Ha! |
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| Oh, I love that missionary's smile |
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| So grateful for Sharon for taking some pics so I didn't have to worry about it |
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| Brooke LOVES her big brother so much. She had a list of questions for him. It was adorable |
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| Until next time, Elder Baller. We love you and are so proud of you! |
WEEK 44 - Q&A
Today's questions were done by Elder Baller's brother Andrew. Enjoy!
1. Where do you want to live when you get back?
Oregon or Washington
2. Who is your best friend on the mission?
Elder Valladares
3. If you could dye your hair one color, what would it be?
Black... like BLACK
4. What is your favorite food ever?
Baleadas
5. What is your favorite memory with Mom?
When we went to the temple to do baptisms and they said they were full, so we went and drove around and talked. Also, watching Naked and Afraid. LOL
1. Where do you want to live when you get back?
Oregon or Washington
2. Who is your best friend on the mission?
Elder Valladares
3. If you could dye your hair one color, what would it be?
Black... like BLACK
4. What is your favorite food ever?
Baleadas
5. What is your favorite memory with Mom?
When we went to the temple to do baptisms and they said they were full, so we went and drove around and talked. Also, watching Naked and Afraid. LOL
WEEK 44 - Photos
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| The Corpus. It's super pretty. |
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| Sky in the Corpus. |
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| Selfie in the Corpus |
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| Comp with a dog. The lady in the background is like our mom. We do a ton of service for her. |
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| This is the view from someone's house. |
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| Puppy |
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| Turtle |
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| Kissing the turtle |
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| David |
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| Selfie with David |
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| Me, David, Elder Quintanilla |
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| Frederman |
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| Frederman with the bishop and us |
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| Frederman and the bishop |
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| Frederman, David and the bishop |
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| Frederman and Yoeli |
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| All of us |
WEEK 44 - Update
This week was excellent.
Tuesday
Tuesday we visited this kid named David. He called us last week cause he wanted to say hi to a missionary that left a while ago, so we started visiting him. He already knows everything so we just talked to him about getting permission from his dad to be baptized.
Wednesday
We went to this area that is super far away called the Corpus. We went to look for this lady because she doesn't want her daughter to get baptized and so some Sisters asked us to go talk to her. We ended up not finding her but it was a lovely experience.
Thursday
Thursday we visited David again and his dad had said yes. We also visited Frederman, who got married a week ago and was going to be baptized on Saturday.
Friday
We had a great lesson with one of our investigators, Rina. I was praying to have the words she needed to hear and then they just kind of came out of me. The Spirit was so strong. We had a great lesson with Yoeli, a girl who has been investigating the church for about two years. We talked to her about baptism, something we had been really focusing on for a while, and she accepted a baptism date for Saturday. We also had to go answer some of David's dads questions about the baptism and he ended up saying yes.
Saturday
Saturday we had the baptisms. I got to baptize Yoeli and David, and the bishop baptized Frederman. It was great to be able to see all of them enter the waters of baptism and take the first step on the right path.
Sunday
Talked with the family. It was great to see them and talk to them. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there.
Elder Baller
Tuesday
Tuesday we visited this kid named David. He called us last week cause he wanted to say hi to a missionary that left a while ago, so we started visiting him. He already knows everything so we just talked to him about getting permission from his dad to be baptized.
Wednesday
We went to this area that is super far away called the Corpus. We went to look for this lady because she doesn't want her daughter to get baptized and so some Sisters asked us to go talk to her. We ended up not finding her but it was a lovely experience.
Thursday
Thursday we visited David again and his dad had said yes. We also visited Frederman, who got married a week ago and was going to be baptized on Saturday.
Friday
We had a great lesson with one of our investigators, Rina. I was praying to have the words she needed to hear and then they just kind of came out of me. The Spirit was so strong. We had a great lesson with Yoeli, a girl who has been investigating the church for about two years. We talked to her about baptism, something we had been really focusing on for a while, and she accepted a baptism date for Saturday. We also had to go answer some of David's dads questions about the baptism and he ended up saying yes.
Saturday
Saturday we had the baptisms. I got to baptize Yoeli and David, and the bishop baptized Frederman. It was great to be able to see all of them enter the waters of baptism and take the first step on the right path.
Sunday
Talked with the family. It was great to see them and talk to them. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there.
Elder Baller
Monday, May 2, 2016
WEEK 43 - Q&A
1. Best part of the week?
The baptisms. It was the first time that I have baptized two people at the same time.
2. Who was someone you were grateful for this week? Why?
Really grateful for one of our zone leaders because he came and stayed in our area to do the baptism interviews for us.
3. Mother's Day is only six days away... are you as excited as we are??
I am very excited!
4. Who is someone you have met earlier in your mission that you miss the most?
Elder Valladares
5. Have you been sick at all lately?
The baptisms. It was the first time that I have baptized two people at the same time.
2. Who was someone you were grateful for this week? Why?
Really grateful for one of our zone leaders because he came and stayed in our area to do the baptism interviews for us.
I am very excited!
4. Who is someone you have met earlier in your mission that you miss the most?
Elder Valladares
5. Have you been sick at all lately?
I have actually been really good.
WEEK 43 - Update
This week was pretty good.
Tuesday
We went to visit this kid, David, that had called us. The missionaries visited him a long time ago and he wants to get baptized but his dad didn't let him. We are working with him now. We also visited Alexander and Eduardo, the two kids that got baptized this week.
Wednesday
We visited Alexander and Eduardo again to get them ready to be baptized.
Thursday
We had some divisions so that one of our zone leaders could do the baptism interview for Alexander and Eduardo. Our ward mission leader called us and told us that Frederman and his wife would be getting married on Friday. They have been waiting for a long time. We had a great visit with Yoeli, she has been investigating the church for a long time and her sisters are members.
Friday
We had zone conference and when we got there, there wasn't any power. After about half an hour, President stood up and said that we were going to pray for power. It was super hot and they needed to use the projector. We said a prayer and then just kept going, after a while they were finally about to contact someone that came and fixed it. Great experience.
Saturday
We visited David again and planned something so that he could talk to his dad and explain a little why he wanted to be baptized. We had the baptisms, it was great. I had the privelige of baptizing them both, which was just fantastic.
Sunday
Sunday David went to church, with a white shirt and tie, which is not very common for people who aren't members. After church, we went and visited a couple converts. It was great to visit them and see how they are all doing.
Hope you all have a great week this week.
Elder Baller
Tuesday
We went to visit this kid, David, that had called us. The missionaries visited him a long time ago and he wants to get baptized but his dad didn't let him. We are working with him now. We also visited Alexander and Eduardo, the two kids that got baptized this week.
Wednesday
We visited Alexander and Eduardo again to get them ready to be baptized.
Thursday
We had some divisions so that one of our zone leaders could do the baptism interview for Alexander and Eduardo. Our ward mission leader called us and told us that Frederman and his wife would be getting married on Friday. They have been waiting for a long time. We had a great visit with Yoeli, she has been investigating the church for a long time and her sisters are members.
Friday
We had zone conference and when we got there, there wasn't any power. After about half an hour, President stood up and said that we were going to pray for power. It was super hot and they needed to use the projector. We said a prayer and then just kept going, after a while they were finally about to contact someone that came and fixed it. Great experience.
Saturday
We visited David again and planned something so that he could talk to his dad and explain a little why he wanted to be baptized. We had the baptisms, it was great. I had the privelige of baptizing them both, which was just fantastic.
Sunday
Sunday David went to church, with a white shirt and tie, which is not very common for people who aren't members. After church, we went and visited a couple converts. It was great to visit them and see how they are all doing.
Hope you all have a great week this week.
Elder Baller
