Week 63

April 28, 2014

 

FAMILY!!! FRIENDS!!!!!!

 

Well let me start off by telling all of you that I LOVE being a missionary!!! There is nothing better to do right now other than be apart of this work! It's the best decision I've ever made, to come out here and serve the Lord.

 

So, last P-day was pretty lame. Not lame, normal, but nothing exciting happened. But today was awesome! We rented the turf field right in front of my house for a few hours and the 2 zones here in Sucre came and we played soccer of course, and I loved it. BUT, there is a member here who loves BASEBALL! YES!!! BASEBALL! and he has a bunch of equipment. So he came and we hit the ball around before soccer. So yes, I played baseball this morning!!!! It was so relieving. I felt like a new man. haha

 

Tuesday was legit! I'm really trying to motivate the district to get out and simply teach more! Just to leave their house in the morning and not come back until night time, and just to teach everyone in their path! So I focused my District meeting on that. and more than that I focused on teaching the PEOPLE, and not LESSONS. Missionaries tend to teach the lessons and not the people. They don't focus on their needs. They just teach what's in the pamphlet (I've had that problem a lot) but they don't teach what the people here need. So I've been wanting my companion and I to focus on that, as well as the district. Tuesday afternoon we taught a lot of lessons and I really focused on teaching the people and I'll tell you what, I felt the spirit a whole lot stronger leading and guiding us.

 

Thursday was a treat for me. haha  Elder Weekes and his zone came in from Potosi for a special Conference we had with President on Friday. Elder Weekes got to sleep with us in my house, so I did a lot of catching up with him and got to be with him for almost 2 whole days. The conference was great! It was basically just council and help with teaching methods. I only have one more conference with Pres. Dyer before he goes home in June. I'm kinda sad about it. I really am going to miss him. He is such a great mission president.

 

Sunday was great! We had a few investigators in the chapel and we also had our ward council. The bishop here is super new. He's only been bishop for about a month, maybe a little more. But it is obvious that he has a hard time with some things and is a little timid in decision making. We (the missionaries in the ward) had a private meeting with him and we basically just encouraged him and told him that we love serving for him, and then since he is the bishop and he is in charge of the work of salvation in our areas, we asked for a blessing, for each one of us. We felt good and so did he! It was a great experience! And last night was awesome! I was getting the numbers from each district and my district killed it this week!! They did so well! I was so proud of them! They are really changing and working hard. It was hands down the best moment this week!!

 

Well, I love you all so much. I love being here in Bolivia. It's been a true blessing. I only want to take full advantage of the little time I have left here. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is 100% true. I know it and that's the motivation I have to get out and share it everyday. Until next week!

 

Love

Elder Berrett

 

Dad:

Are you still there? It's Dad.

 

Kyler:

Hey Dad!

 

Mom:

I'm here too!!

 

Kyler:

What's up! I only have like 20 more minutes. Sorry, I type slow.

 

Dad:

Hey Bud - You sound really good! That's pretty cool that you got to play some baseball! Could you still hit and throw?

 

Kyler:

We played in a soccer field with houses around it so we didn't really hit. Just hit grounders and pop flies to one another. But it was awesome!! One elder asked me....hey do you play for BYU or just go there? So i guess that was a compliment! haha

 

Mom:

It sounds like you are making some great changes in your area. It sounds like you have gained the missionaries trust and are willing to follow you.

 

Kyler:

yeah it's actually the best feeling. I really like district leading.

 

Dad:

Are you getting along with your new companion? What is your new apartment/house like? How is the new area? Are you getting use to it?

 

Mom:

How are things going with the new companion? Are you enjoying him more? I'm so proud of the changes that you have already made in your area. It sounds like the other missionaries are willing to follow your lead.

 

Kyler:

The area is awesome! The house too! It's just that there's no hot water at all, so in the mornings I freeze in the shower. But I'm past the splashing water on me phase. Now I just take it and stand in it. My comp is great! He really loves to get out and work so I love that!!

 

Mom:

You know I always like to find you on the map. Do you have an address for your home? Or any nearby landmarks you could tell me? Did you ever get the peanut butter from the store?

 

Kyler:

iI' not sure. Try looking up "Sucre futbol field sintetico mesa verde"  or something like that. I live on the corner of the field. It's right in front of my window.

 

Dad:

How is your weight? Are you still about the same? Have you been sick lately? Did you know that Casey is getting married? Mom always forgets to ask you. I think we already told you. It's like 20 questions every time. We just want to know everything we can in the 20 minutes or so we have you each week.

 

Kyler:

Yeah he wrote me and told me!!! I wish I could be there! No, I'm not sick. The weight is fine. I'm just normal. Working out hard everyday!

 

Dad:

Is Elder Weekes a district leader too?

 

Kyler:

He's a zone leader in Potosi!

 

Mom:

It looks like me and dad keep answering the same questions. Or asking the same questions. So I will let you go. I am so very proud of you and all that you have accomplished. You are such a wonderful leader to those in the mission field and to all of us here at home. I love you with my whole heart. And I am counting down the days until I see you again. Please continue to work hard. And know that you are in our prayers every single day. I love you so very much! Keep up the good work and leave nothing behind!

 

Kyler:

Thanks mom! I love you too!

 

Dad:

Did you get the update I sent earlier?

 

Kyler:

 yeah! Everyone seems great! So Berk is going to be a State Champ!?

 

Dad:

Hopefully, she will! They are really good. Just got your pictures. You're looking great! Alright bud, I've got to go! Do all that you can. No regrets!!

 

Kyler:

Alrighty!! I love you too! bye!

 

 

I love my area. It's beautiful. Look at the view!!!

Conference with all the guys from my first district minus Thurston.

After playing soccer!

BAT AND GLOVE!!!

Week 62

April 21, 2014

 

Hey Everyone!

 

So this week was great!!! A little stressful but what week in the mission doesn't have stress? P-day was fun! We played basketball in a huge stadium that the zone leaders rented out! that's literally all we did so it was fun but super tiring. I was soaked when we left, dripping sweat haha.

 

So Tuesday was great! I taught my first district meeting which went great! I really don't want to just dominate and teach a whole lesson so I focused on getting the whole district involved by asking a lot of questions, having them share personal experiences. I taught about 5 things we need as missionaries to have success in the mission field and how we can get them.

1.We need to be Converted

2. A Desire to share the Gospel

3.Diligence

4.People to actually teach    

5.The Spirit

It was fun to teach and to hear their comments. The spirit was really strong!! I can see I'm gaining their trust as i talk with them and become their friends. Some of them have come to me this week with very personal problems. It's been a good experience, as well as humbling.

 

Wednesday was great! We had two super spiritual lessons with investigators named Rosalia and Maribel. They are great and progressing towards baptism. We also found a 16 year old girl named Carla who is great and loves listening to us. She has really good questions, which is good! If they have questions, we can actually help them with them their needs!!

 

Thursday was great! We spent all morning planning and filling out the area book! Like I said last week, there was nothing in it so I told my comp that we are going to get all the area book sheets we need and fill it up!! And we did!!! That was huge and now that makes the work a whole lot easier for us and the future missionaries in this area.

 

Oh!!! Saturday!!! Johny from my last area got baptized!! They told me it was a beautiful service!! I was so excited!! That was a great story about finding him then not being able to find him and well...yeah, y'all remember that story!!! But yeah he's baptized and ready to get the priesthood in the up coming weeks!!

 

Easter was a completely normal day!! They don't celebrate much here! The Catholics do, but with a whole lot of beer haha, that's about it!!

 

Well I love you all so much!! I'm so grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ. I love teaching it everyday!! I know it's true and that He lives! I love y'all! Until next week!!

 

Elder Berrett

  

Kyler:

Hey I'm here!

 

Mom:

Hi!!

Happy Easter, yesterday! How is everything going?  Did you get the pictures I sent?

 

Kyler:

Happy Easter!!! yeah i got them!! I love them! Everything is good! What happened with Kayden!!!?

 

Mom:

He broke his foot playing church basketball on Thursday. He is feeling okay. 

 

Kyler:

oh yeah? so he's out for the season? Was coach Wolfe mad?

 

Mom:

They say he is out for at least two weeks and possibly more. I am thinking it will be at least 4 weeks.  And possibly six.

 

Kyler:

ahh dang. well, if he's feeling okay about it, that's what matters!

Dad:

Hey bud - it's Dad. You still on? I only have a few minutes.

Kyler:

I'm here! I do too! not much time!

 

Dad:

Okay - just wanted to say Happy Easter and I love you so much! You sound so good and it sounds like you are growing into a great leader. Always remember that leaders lead by example. Don't expect anybody to do anything you wouldn't do yourself.

I guess Mom told you about Kayden. He broke his foot playing basketball. I think he is done with baseball. I really think he is okay with it. There's a small chance he might get back in time for some of the playoffs. He was super bummed at first by I think he is actually a little relieved now. He just wasn't playing a whole lot. They would put him in after a big lead or towards the end of the game. He wasn't having much fun doing that. I think he's just ready to be done and move on now.

 

Kyler:

oh yeah. Dang it. well I'll pray for him and write him this week! Hopefully he can pick up and move on!

 

Dad:

It sounds like me and mom are giving the same updates at the same time. I will stop now. I have to go. It's almost May, crazy!! Keep it up! In a few months you will start seeing the finish line and will wonder where all the time went. I just spoke to Mom. She had to go! We love you bud! Until next week!!!

Love Mom and Dad

 

Kyler:

Alright!! I love y'all too!! Have a great week!!! 

Week 60 and 61

April 7, 2014
 

Hello Georgia and Utah and everywhere else!!!

 

Well this week has been wonderful! We actually didn't have as much time to teach and work as we would have liked but in the time we did have, we killed it!! So Monday was great! We went to the Cancha (I haven't been there in sooooo long!. I got to finally buy Elder Vaca a camera. He loved it!! He was so surprised!!! He was wanting to cry so that was all worth it. I ended up splitting it with his comp whose name is Elder Prescott. He's great and totally wanted to help! So that was great experience!

 

So Tuesday's English class was okay. I didn't have a whole lot of students but the ones that did come loved it and are learning a little bit here and there. There's a little bit of hope for them. haha Tuesday was a pretty normal day. We did contact a WONDERFUL reference!!! (We LOVE those) Her name is Marta. We've been focusing on using the Book of Mormon more in our lessons so we started of introducing that! Well we ended up reading all the introduction with her and also the testimony of Joseph Smith and the 3 witnesses. She didn't want to stop! After reading for an hour we committed her to baptism and she also attended a session of conference!!! she's literally GOLD!!! We are going to continue with her and pray for her.

 

Wednesday was the best working day yet! We taught 8 lessons and committed 5 people to be baptized!!! We just focused on the Book of Mormon and people tend to have more interest! I've always kind of waited until the first true appointment but that's a huge mistake. The BOM is the way to go!

 

Friday I had my interview with President. He had me share a spiritual experience from the past couple months and I shared the conversion of Andres Rocha. From taking him to work with us, to his baptism last December! also big news.....I'll be home December 27th!! It's after Christmas but who cares! haha I would love to be here one last Christmas. that's only 8 months away! It's crazy to me how fast time flies by!! but yeah so I'll see y'all in December!!!

 

So the last topic I'll touch on was this past General Conference weekend. WOW. I LOVE CHRIST'S CHURCH!!! I love our prophet. I love the first presidency and also Gods 12 apostles. I literally have a true love for them now. I KNOW they are men called of God. I cried as Elder Boyd K. Packer gave his testimony. You cannot deny the power they speak with. It's so comforting to know we have them. I too have the same invitation as M. Russell Ballard, that everyone of you guys should have preach my gospel and should study it. It's the best guide to missionary work and can help y'all so much in inviting people to church, reading the Book of Mormon, etc. I love it and read it everyday.

 

Well I'm out of time!! I love you all so much!! Have a wonderful week!!! I love what I'm doing here in Bolivia. Nothing beats it. Christ lives and loves us. Never forget that.

 

Love,

Elder Berrett

We chatted about a few things and went back and forth for quite a while.  This is where we say goodbye...

Mom:

That is such an awesome case for your scriptures! :)

 

Kyler:

I know!! I created it all on my own!!! haha I cant wait to use it! it's for my English scriptures, so i have to wait!!

 

Mom:

I've got to go guys! Love you Kyler! Hopefully, you have time to give us an update of your week. I told you it would go fast. Now be prepared for it to go super fast! Don't leave anything to chance! Work your butt off and be a great leader!!! I'm so proud!!

 

Kyler:

Thanks dad!! I love you!! I will!! I'm working harder than ever!!!!!



Oh something i forgot to tell y'all!! The family of 4 I found and taught for a few months in my last area with Elder Vaca got baptized last week!!! Time there wasn't in vain!! Love you all!!

 

Mom:

Wonderful! And that will continue to happen for years to come!

 

Well your update sounds great! I will get it posted to your blog very soon! I am so proud of you and all your hard work! I'm excited for you to be going to Sucre. I know you will be a great leader to all those missionaries! I am so happy to hear about your release date. I can't wait! Like dad said, don't leave anything to chance. Give it your all and more. You will never regret doing more than what is asked of you! I love you so very much!!!

 

Kyler:

Thanks mom!! I love you too!!!!

Okay well I have to go!! I love you all so much!! Have a wonderful week!! Tell everyone I love them.

 

Dad:

Love you so much! Be good! Work hard! Enjoy the transfer. Can't wait to hear from you next week!

Love - Dad

 

Our announcement for English and piano classes

Me on the streets 

Conference with the gringos!!!

Elder Vaca and his companion and the new camera

Helping a family move!

 

 

My new scripture case that I had made.

 



April 14, 2014

 

Hey everyone!!

 

So this week had a lot of ups and downs! Monday was pretty much just a day of downers since it was my last day in Avaroa. I visited a lot of people. That's pretty much how I spent my whole Pday. And packing (which was a pain but I got it all). So yeah I visited members and investigators. I cried a lot that day. it's amazing how fast these people grow on me and become my friends and family. That day two investigators promised me that they are going to get baptized so I was happy about that. I also got a bunch of gifts from people. I already had my bags packed so there was no space. So I put the gifts in a box that will stay in the offices until I have to go home. haha

 

Tuesday I was at he airport early for a 9 o'clock flight to Sucre. I love flying even it was for only 40 minutes. It was either a 40 minute flight or 18 hour bus ride through the mountains. So yeah, flying was the move. There were about 10 of us on the flight that had changes to other departments. Once we got to the airport in Sucre my comp was there waiting for me. His name is Elder Menacho. He's cool I guess. We get along and he likes to work and that's what really concerns me haha. So i got to the house, unpacked my stuff, then we went straight to work. My area is literally all ups and downs. AND IT'S KILLING ME!!! MY LEGS HURT!!!! There is nothing flat about Sucre at all. I have some pictures I'll send. Its beautiful though. Its a lot more humble here, than in Cochabamba.  Friday was our zone meeting. I pretty much knew all the missionaries in the zone so that was comforting.

Tuesday is our first district meeting where I have to give an hour and a half lesson to 8 missionaries. I'm not nervous at all! I'm pretty excited actually. This whole week we've worked super hard. We surpassed the normal of excellence in every category of our numbers other than baptisms and confirmations. I was a little disappointed when I called the other companionships in the district last night to get their numbers so I can give them to the zone leaders and two of the championships in my district only taught a total of 5 lessons each, the whole week.  My comp and I teach about 7 lessons a day. I was told by President and the zone leaders that those companionships need a little help and encouragement. So I guess I'm going to do all that I can to help them. I've learned that giving an example is the way to go. So that's what I'm going to do!

My new ward is good!!! Pretty small, but I like it! There are about 100 people every week which is normal for Bolivia, but my two other wards had 200 and 250 every week. haha So it's a big difference.

 

So I'm loving the mission. I just finished reading a book called becoming a BOLD missionary. I loved it. That's what I'm working on doing! Just being bold and telling it how it is to people! Sometimes its hard but that's what I'm doing and its actually getting results.

Well I love you all so much! Have a wonderful week and I cant wait to hear from you guys!!

Love,

Elder Berrett

 

Mom:

Hi! Are you still there?

 

Kyler:

hey! I'm here!

 

Mom:

me too :)

You sound like your doing good! I know it must be hard to start all over in a new area. Give it some time and you will love it like the other areas.

Tell me more about your companion and the elders in your district.

 

Kyler:

My comp is okay. He's a little different. He smells different. He loves to talk to girls. Not in a flirty way but in a friendly way.  hahaha But he works hard while we are out of the house so for that I like him! He likes to sleep in but ever since I've been waking up at 630, he's been trying and getting better.

 

Dad:

Hey Bud - it's Dad!
Change is always, always hard. That was the most difficult thing for me when I served. I absolutely hated it. However, it's quite amazing really how much you love the next area you serve in. Just give it a few weeks and you will be loving it just as much. It sounds like the President sent you there for a reason. Make sure you rub off on all the other Elders and not the other way around. Being a district leader is a big deal and a big responsibility. It's not just about reporting numbers. It's more about teaching them how to be an effective missionary. You will probably have all kinds of personalities in your district. Learn to love them all. Get to know them. The more you get to know them, the more they will trust you and ultimately follow you!

 

Mom:

Give it some time and it will all get better! Like dad says, you will adjust in a few short weeks and you will love it like the other areas. As far as your companion, just set the example and he will follow. :)

 

Kyler:

thanks guys! that's what I'm working on. I really do want to help them

 

Dad:

Where is Elder Menacho from? I know it's hard sometimes but try not to judge him, especially around other missionaries. Just be a great example and love him like you have everybody else. He is probably sacrificing a lot to be there. This is the kind of thing that prepares you for all kinds of relationships you will have throughout your life, whether it be marriage, work, in-laws :o)
You learn how to adjust.

 

Kyler:

haha Yeah I know. I really do like him and i don't judge him at all. He's a great missionary so I'm happy!! He's from Peru.

 

Dad:

How is the new area you are in as far as baptisms? Historically, has it been successful? How long has Elder Menacho been out? Are there any Sisters in your district or just Elders?

 

Kyler:

We are just elders! so that's cool! and its been pretty normal. A baptism here and there. When I got here I went straight to the area book and there was nothing. The last update was like January 2012. They've been working but just haven't been updating the area book and putting the evidence. So that's a big change I've made here.

 

Mom:

Remember how you thought that Elder Vaca was a little different and that you were so glad that you were his comp, because others would have not been so nice. And now you have a love for him. The same will be true about this Elder. I have to say that I am happy that you are his companion because you love everyone.

 

Kyler:

yeah I'm pretty excited to be his comp.

 

Dad:

And besides...when you came home I thought you smelled bad...so be nice! ha ha JK

 

Mom:

hahaha, Rick! (Kyler, that was dad that said that) but I did think the same thing when you came home.  It sounds like the area is in need of your leadership. Make that your focus and the other stuff will fall into place. Don't get caught up in the numbers. Lose yourself in the work and in training the others in your district. I think of your patriarchal blessing and what was reiterated time and again and that was that you are a leader! You have shown that many times throughout your life. In school, on the ball field, within our family and now in the mission field. If you can teach the others to be a better missionaries and leaders, think of the impact that will leave!

 

Kyler:

Thanks mom. I'm going to do that. Numbers don't mean a thing. I really want to help these guys so that's what I'll do. I have to go guys!! I love you!!!!!

 

Mom:

LOVE YOU SO MUCH! HUGS AND KISSES!

Mom - XOXO

 

Dad:

I just finished the Book of Mormon again last week. It really is amazing how much you can learn from reading it over and over again. I will say this, there was either some weird whacko dude who could really make up some awesome stories or the book is from God and considered another testament of Jesus Christ. Kyler - I testify to you that it is true!! You keep preaching about it and testifying yourself about it. Keep referring people to Moroni Chapter 10:4-5. There is no need to convince anybody of it's truthfulness. You testify and teach them how they can know for themselves by following Moroni's promise. This is why you are there giving up 2 years of your life.

Until next week. Love- Dad