Derek: Captain’s Log Week 50: Clase de Inglés

"But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." (2 Corinthians 9:6)

So first off, I am exactly 1 year and one day from being home. So that’s pretty exciting. But in the meantime, I have a lot of work to do.

So this week was good. On Thursday we had an English class. So as you all well know, I'm fluent in English, but I have no clue how to teach it. So I started by just teaching the basics, but it was really boring. But then one of my friends came in. His name is Ivan and he is not a member or an investigator, just one of those friends. Any ways he is also an English teacher here, so he came in and just completely took over, which was so amazing. He definitely embarrassed me, but within seconds everyone was smiling and laughing and learning English. It was great. So to thank him afterwards we went across the street and I bought him a burrito. And honestly the hardest part about the class was that nobody there knew Spanish. They were all Haitians. So it was super hard to communicate. And it was kind of funny because afterwards they all come up to us and nobody said thank you. They where just asking if we could make it longer and 2 or 3 times a week. And I said no, because we have an actual purpose here and teaching English is just a way to serve. But this guy kept saying, “no, we'll take about it later.” Like, I already said no, and you didn't say thank you. 

So yesterday this random Haitian dude just came into church and started talking to me in almost perfect English. I am not really sure why this guy decided to show up yet, but he is super cool. After the first hour of the church he went all the way to his house and back to get his phone so we can take a picture in front of the church sign together. And this is the second time this has happened. So now I’m teaching 2 different Haitian dudes in English and they can barely understand what is going on in church, but I’m sure they feel a definite spirit there, and are willing to go through that to be a part of the church. And plus, I learned Spanish sitting in a church not knowing what was going on, so I know that they will be able to too.

There was also this dude last week in the street who pulled me over and asked to see my Bible. So I took it out and handed it to him (just so you know most missionaries here don't carry a bible with them, but I found that it’s handy). He was like, “wow this bible is super thick”. And I said, "yeah but this book is a lot smaller" as I showed him my Book of Mormon. (I just had to plug that in there) Then he started talking about Armagedden with China, Russua, and the USA, and the book of Revelations and I was like, “oh, not one of these guys”. And my comp was just standing there trying to ignore the guy. But I decided to put one more plug in there about the authority of God. And now he is progressing and has read the phamplet I left him. So that’s cool.

Also we had 2 baptisms planned for this weekend, but we thought they where going to fall though because one of them didn't have his answer yet. But, we sat him down on Saturday and went over the baptism interview questions with him and he knew everything. He even said that he believes Joseph Smith to be a prophet of God. And when I asked how he knew that, he said that it was because of how he felt when he was reading the scriptures and at the Church. And I told him that that was his answer and that that was how I also received mine; not through just one moment of feeling the Holy Ghost, but as it slowly testified to me throughout my life and I never really noticed until I started looking back. So now both feel ready and if everything goes well we will be having two baptisms this Saturday.

Well that’s pretty much it. Love you all. 

Me being a Pana (Guatamalan for boss)

English class

Cool Haitian dude

Switerland

I’m on mom. More voice messages are being downloaded and one of them is my explaining my day in Spanish. Oh, and Elder Christoffeson will be here in a few weeks.

That’s super cool about Josh going to Mexico. Its about time he learns Spanish, haha. McKee just sent me an email saying that Josh, Winder, and I will be able to talk together and he and Reed and Dylan will have no idea what we are saying. Yep. Haha

Hey, I gotta go.  Love you a lot.

Dylan: Service!

HEY! Thank you family for the package. I love it and love you! 

16 Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.

17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.
I have been really digging deep in service this week (physically and in the scriptures) to understand how we can do more from the new approach and to prepare for a talk for sacrament meeting. I love the words of Mosiah. He really figured it out, that sincere service out of love is how we can feel God's love for his children and us. After much thought and prayer on the matter, his words became even more obvious; that when we serve others we humble ourselves, if our hearts are in the right place when we serve. And we get the opportunity to forget ourselves and to really grow a love for the other person and for God, to really take into account how we are nothing and God really does give us everything. And when we serve others and humble ourselves we gain wisdom, because we are able to look outside of ourselves to look through the eyes of others and the bigger picture, and we are able to make wise and proper decisions. Through true Humility comes great Wisdom.

We had the most tenacious service project this past week. We served the branch president by shoveling concrete into the walls of the base of his home. Except they didn't have tons of tools so they just poured the concrete mixture into the home from the truck, except it was a wrong mixture so it filled the whole house and was almost knee high, so we went to work and started shoveling it into the walls. It was CRAZY, but so much fun! With every shovel it became harder and harder to shovel the concrete into the walls. After more than 2 hours we some how got it all in, even though by the end we were practically picking at it. It was something else I can't really describe, but President was very grateful, as he has been very busy because his wife just had a baby and is in the hospital. I love service, and I know that as we serve others we serve our God.

 After I realized my hands and feet were burning and realized that all the skin on my hand and feet had rubbed of and were bleeding, because they were really dry before, and the shoveling didn't help. Elder Hays had is huge first aid kit on him like a true eagle scout and scrubbed my hands as if he was peeling potatoes so it wouldn't get infected, but geeeeez, I'm sure he got some much needed anger out on me with that. 

After being in some serious pain the next couple days, and not being able to walk too well or use my hands, I went though the huge list of "potentials" that we had received their numbers since I've been here, and at least 10 of them when I said, " Hey this is Van, the American guy you met, how are you?" They hung up so fast, and then continued to block my number, which is surprising because they were all very cool when we met and were very interested in doing something, but they probably all went online or talked to their friends and found out that we are an "American cult that wants to steal all there money and make them worship the devil with us". It's just crazy because we don't even talk to them about church and they still act as if we are the plague. So I was feeling down and feeling bad about myself, and realized that since I've been on the mish I've only see a few people come close and at the last second they become against and block us and want nothing to do with us. And I feel like I work hard all day and everyday and give an honest sacrifice but it always comes down. But I know I need to keep trying to convince myself that we are doing a great work here and nothing goes in vain, I know that this is the greatest work there is and I was able to pump myself back up again. We went on a surprise last-second to the District President’s house last night to drop of a gift for all they do and seeing their amazing family always brings me hope and joy. I know that the Lord has some souls in this land who are in need of the Gospel, and I will do all that I can to try to humble myself and work hard so we can find that soul who is ready. 

-Ст. ВанБускирк

Hey Mom, I love you so much! I hope you are having fun at NY. There are many Russians I meet who want to go there. Thank you so much for the package! I love it. I didn't get to look at all the letters because I haven't had much time, but thank you! The book is really funny. I like the captions, and the pictures bring back great memories. I am so grateful for all that you and Dad have given me for all the opportunities and love that you freely give. Thank you for letting me have the best childhood I could! I am so grateful for all the sacrifices that you and Dad do for us, and I don't even know half of them I'm sure.

We have game nights every Friday and I was wondering if you had any fun games like interactive one that we could play, that everyone can do. I want to spice them up a bit so people will want to come and come again, but I feel like it is the same thing evey week. I just love your ideas. Also we want to plan an activity for the YSAs and the English Group; any ideas? 

I love you and Dad so much! 

Thanks Mom!  Well, I think we will start an English night! Thanks, and if you can come up with anything else.  I love you.

Derek: Captain’s Log week 49: Campanero Nuevo

So this week I have received a new companion. I didn’t hear a lot of good things about him before, but contrary to popular belief, he does shower, so I really can’t complain too much.  It’s just weird because he knows fluent Spanish but literally doesn’t do any of the talking or teaching, no even his testimony.  So  guess I’m going to get a lot of Spanish practiced between talking with him in the house and doing all the teaching.  And he has 20 months, and lets just day that the branch president has already complained about him to the mission president and my zone leaders.  But, obviously, we still get along because he is still a good person.

Anyway, enough about that. On Tuesday we did transfers, and I was told then that I would be district leader. I was like “ok sweet. cool.” Then that night I got a text that for now we didn't have a district leader and that we would have to call the zone leaders. All right, whatever. Then 2 days later we have a district meeting ran by the zone leader. Then a few hours later I got a call and a group text to the whole district saying that I would be district leader. So we get home that night a little bit early so I can be there when everyone calls me to let me know they where home, I was going to ask about themselves and their investigators and be the best district leader ever. But, then I got a group text after 9 saying that there has been changes and we need to call the zone leaders, I call them, and they tell me that I am no longer district leader, and that they were just as confused as I was. So I think I got some kind of record to be called and released as district leader twice in a period of 3 days. And now the zone leaders are also the district leader, which is obviously a little insulting because it means that they don't think anyone in my district should be district leader right now.  But whatever, I’m over it. 

Also both of our baptisms planned for this Saturday backed out. One was because he didn't go to church and the other because he still hasn't received his answer; even though he has been reading and praying and we have fasted for him. But everything will all happen it the Lord’s timing, I’m sure of it. 

We have been teaching this guy in English this week because he knows Creol and English and French, but not Spanish. So it’s funny because we are talking in English, his Book of Mormon is in Creol, his pamphlets are in French, and my comp prays in Spanish. It would just be a lot easier if we had help from the members to translate, but they all seem to be busy. 

We have also been planning to teach an English class on Thursdays and apparently a lot of people will be there. And I have no idea what I’m doing. 

I also participated in a zumba thing here at the church, which was kinda fun. My comp and the seminary kids laughed at me, but when I baptize the zumba instructor, then we'll see who will be laughing.

I tried making homemade butterfingers, but thanks to my 3rd world freezer and my 3rd world chocolate, that didn’t work. 

I also asked this guy to pray to know if he should get baptized in the church on a contact, so...

So yeah we have been working really hard this week, and I know that right now its hard, but in no time I'll be reaping the seeds that I’m sowing.

Dylan: I am a Spoon

Hello comrades.

So first, this probably only pertains to my mom, but they are only receiving packages that they have a tracking number for, so send the tracking number to me or the mission office.

-We had ZC in Volgograd (the city where I serve) so everyone came down a day early so they could see the huge WWII Memorial statue, always sweet. 

-President Ottesen explained how he wants us to completely change how we do missionary work here. He was studying the scriptures and came across the story of Ammon and felt very impressed that we need to change or missionary work and to do what he did. So He asked us to don't even bring up the church at all when we talk to them, besides if they ask we say we are our volunteers for our church, and then say its name, and say that we do service for our members and anyone else that we can, and then to bring the convo off us and back on them. And if we meet them to not even talk about the church at all but to just have deep conversations just about them and to gain their trust. He also gave us a plan to bump up our service to the members. I have been struggling for a long time on how we can improve the work here with all these obstacles ahead, and I feel very strongly that what he taught us and told us to do is divine revelation for our mission. They have just been getting stricter and stricter on the law and we need to back off even more. But I feel that this is what God wants us to do, and that it will be more effective and do more good for the church. 

- Bap date!!!! It's been the first bap date I've had in months (and the other ones didn't work out),  I'm so excited for her! Her name is Irena. Her husband is a recent convert from Africa. It is truly amazing how ready she is; we really haven't done anything, God has done all the work, we really are just spoons, or at least that's how I feel.

-I might have gotten baptized in the Provaslavnic church. There is no way of knowing for sure.

I was reading Ammon’s great missionary story this week, and I love Ammon’s attitude. I love how when bad things happen, instead of doing what many would do and be afraid as if all is doomed, he gets excited because he realizes it as a missionary opportunity and an opportunity where he can show the great power of God. I feel like so many times "bad things" or inconvenient things happen, but if we could have the faith and attitude as Ammon, we can make those experiences into great missionary moments. 

This week, while on splits, we had the opportunity to serve the branch president help build the foundation wall of his house he is building. It was a miracle how we got there though, we only had a marshrrotka(van) number and his address to go by. They lived in a different city and we had no map of it and had no idea how to get there. We somehow saw the marshrrotka at the first bus stop we tried (not knowing which one it stops at) and we got into to the city, and no one in the van knew where that street was or what stop to get off at, so we just decided that we would get off at the next one, we did. We looked across the street and thought we would ask this guy talking to his friend. He somewhat knew and was kind enough to walk us a portion of the way there, and than roughly explained the rest of the way, we overshot the road, and was lost in this little village. We asked everyone we saw on the dirt roads which wasn't much, but nobody knew where that address was. We somehow found our way on the right street, and had a wonderful service opportunity and put some walls up. I also got to use the century old outhouse!

Elder VanB

Mom!  I love you so much!  Sorry that I haven’t been able to send any pictures or voice recordings.  I thgouht I mentioned it to you that I have no access to downloading pictures while I’ here in this area because we don’t have access to the church computers and we don’t have a place to download at this computer club.  I have taken pictures though.  I lost my really cheap camera, but I have my gopro, so I have taken some pics, but I don’t like to take it with me everywhere because I don’t want to lose it.  So can I buy a new camera or if you are sending another package soon, have you send one?  I’m sorry about the pictures.  I’ll probably leave this area after another transfer.  I love you so much.  Thank you for what you do fe me and for excessively caring for me.  You are the best!  Love, Elder VanBuskirk

Derek: Captain's Log week 48: A Shooting.

Happy Columbus day!!! 

So this week a lot happened: my comp goes home, I got transfers, General Conference, and a shooting.

 So yeah, starting Monday night the gangs in my area have been busy. Apparently five gangsters have died and on Friday night literally 40 police officers where on the streets looking for them. It has gone down and isn't a problem right now and all of it happens late at night when we are home. But it totally wrecked the activity that we had on Friday night, literally the whole branch was gonna come but everyone is scared of the police, even more then they are of the gangsters.

As you a well know conference was super great, so you should watch it. 

And we got transfers too. I am going to stay here with a companion from Guatemala.  I haven’t heard a lot of good things about him, but I’m gonna try to make the most of it. Also my president of the mission has been sick and in Utah a week, so let’s see what happens with that. 

Anyway, I’m am excited for next transfer and am ready to work a lot harder and see more success.

Dylan: Surprise Weekend Trip to Astrahan

HEY!

Crazy Week! I don't even remember what we did at the beginning and middle of the week, but we have been running since Friday.

-Went on the wrong bus when we were late to the game night we were hosting already and led us to a stop a ridiculous distance away and it was raining and we had all our luggage for our week trip, but we had to run hard to try to set up to our game night that we ended up being way late too

-Left early from game night to go to the train station to leave to Astrahan. That overnight train took 12 hours to get there

-Read last paragraph to know how that trip went, but it was crazy! We went there to run church on Sunday because the BP left on a temple trip. I was running back in forth from playing hymns, to prayer, to passing the sacrament, to talk, to lesson. It was fun. 

-We had to stay in the little branch building on the 2nd floor of an office building on the tile floor and i also left my blanket in the train so all I had was my sweater as a pillow, good times good times... And at 10:20pm someone started knocking at the door and we probably weren't supposed to be there so we said a prayer and right when I was about to open the door and woman opened it from the other side and gave a scream and a 4 foot jump, but I was just relieved it was a nice lady, she said we could stay for the night but was locking up the building. 

-A guy walked into to the building during church when I was on the podium and was like "HELLO EVERYONE" all loud, and said that he thought it started at 11 but we told him that we already started and he was welcome to sit down, but he just left. None of the members knew who he was...

-We got home late last night and early this morning we got a call to help a member move. We got there and this guy’s apartment was full of junk (literally trash that he found in the dumpster and collected because some people do that here) that went waist high. It was one of the most grim apartments I've seen, and I've seen some bad apartments. It was a good time though. When we got there an old guy came up to us and with a growl in his voice stated how he didn't like our faces. I thought I had gotten that remark after plenty of dates from back home, but this guy thought he should jump on that train of people who don't like my face too. 

We had some good finding experiences this week. Waiting at a stoplight I saw a brother from Africa and gave him a brother's nod, he then acknowledged the nod with a nod in return, I then gave the shaking of the head to let him know that we were cool, he did the same. So I then knew I had the right of passage to move in. I moved in and was able to inquire the number of my now dear friend. He also happened to be a friend of one of the African members. 
It was really evident how God had his hand in the work when we were in Astrahan this week, or more that God did everything and we just allowed him to move us freely. We have been going through the area books for Astrahan and calling members and old investigators every night this week so we could make the most out of the Lord's time and the money for train tickets. We got there Saturday morning and got straight to the church and had a lesson with Alex, a 28 bright investigator, he wanted to know how he could be baptized as he now finished the BOM and testified to us that he knew it was true. It was an amazing experience to meet with him. We then had 3 hours until our next lesson so we went around the city just trying to pick up conversations with people and ended up walking around having a great conversation with a man from Zambia and a man from Afghanistan, at first I don't think that the one from Afghanistan was to happy to hear we were from the US, but by the end of our walk he asked to take a picture with us, and was very glad to meet us. It was a great experience to be able to help this individual have a better view on the church and the US after our talk. It is amazing for me to see how people really are the same everywhere you go, and how we have a lot more in common than differences. We had a lesson with an old investigator from Morocco who spoke 5 languages. We had a meeting with him and invited him to read the BOM again; he was very impressed when we took out a BOM in every language he spoke! We had another meeting with someone who we called who agreed to meet with us, and he was very kind but not interested sadly. We then thought we’d give the branch a deep cleaning with the rest of our night. We were able to meet with a recent convert before church and met with another inactive after church and than met with 5 Africans , but they only spoke Portuguese, so one of them was able to translate for us. We were very busy and were able to do as much as we could and I feel that the Lord really did everything in having all those meeting go through, and we felt well satisfied with work.  

-Sorry, I got to go, some other jolly banter happened this week, but I love you all.

Elder VanBuskirk

Derek: Transgression

Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they wash not their hands   when they eat bread. (Matthew 15:2) 

So I found out that it is a transgression not to wash your hands before eating. So don't tell me you study the scriptures if you don’t find things like that. 

Honestly, not much happened. We taught some good lessons and my comp is getting ready to go home. Also, today we went and played ping pong with some elders at a church building. We also last week had a service activity. We helped in this kitchen for a hotel for sports camps. So I got to dry dishes, peel potatoes, prepare food and roll bread. So that was a cool experience. Sorry but really nothing else happened see y’all later.

Question. Can you send me a bunch of easy freaky food recipes?  It’s for a party.

Dylan: Settling In

Hello Boys and Girls,

-Dropped off Elder Williams at the train station to send him home.

- Helped the Jaussi's (new senior couple) settle into Volgograd.

- My new companion Elder Hays showed up and we got him settled in. He's grew up in Utah but lived in Alaska for a year so he claims he's from Alaska. He is 2 transfers ahead of me and is truly a speciman. He thought he was district leader when he came in, and President later confirmed that I was again, so he was pretty weird and upset about that. I realized that this will probably be my hardest time with a companion, but I haven't had any problems with companians yet, and I'm sure we can build a good relationship.

One of the sisters had to go home unexpectedly so we had to help them move out. We went to their apartment late at night to carry all of their luggage to the train station, and when we got them on the train, we walked all the way to our apartment and right when we got to the door we realized they didn't give us back their keys and that their train left in less than 10 minutes. So we dropped everything and sprinted back through the center of town at 11 at night and sprinted to the train faster than I ever had before, we got the keys and the train left seconds after we got it.

-         

This week has been an interesting one with getting Elder Williams ready to go home, helping Elder Hays get settled in, helping the sisters leave, and mostly helping the Jaussi's settle in. So it's been a fun week and we have seen the Lord's hand many times this week. So this week I was having not a hard time with my new companion, but it took some adjusting to. He wanted to come back to the apartment to eat dinner everyday but I don't like doing that because food can wait, and I am just use to having a snack when I get home at 9 and that's all I need for the day. He insisted that we go back to our apartment to eat some dinner, but I wanted to keep finding, so I would try to talk to people along the way, and he got a little impatient with me. We have a few differences, but I know that my mission presidents have always put me with the person I need to be with, in the place I need to be with. And we tried to find things we had in common and we did and we are doing good now. I'm excited to work with Elder Hays. I have already learned so many things from him; he's a great missionary. And I realized I was not being fair, that we are allowed to eat and if he wants to eat we can eat. So it's been great to see how the Lord has it all in his hands and knows what are who is best for me.

My last night with Elder Williams on the way home that night, he stopped a guy walking by and we was very kind, we talked with him and he even came to game night later that week and brought 2 of his friends, so I'm sure Elder Williams will be happy to hear how well that went. 

Sorry, got to go,

Elder VanBuskirk

I Love you DAD! He is the best! I appreciate all that he does for me and I pray for him every night and morning.

Caleb! That is awesome! You are a stud, but don't get cocky, try to be humble with how good you are with friends and everyone else, besides dad and me, I always knew that if you are really good at something you never need to brag about yourself because other people will do it for you and they will know that you are really good. Make sure you work as a team too; you can only go so far by yourself. My senior year team was all pretty new to the game, and I knew that we couldn't win CIF with just Derek and I alone, so I would work really hard with my teammates. I would show them everything I knew and gave them advice and tricks and help teach them what they did right and wrong, and then I would try to trust them during games. And when we were able to work together, then we were able to win. So work the hardest in the pool, but do everything you can to help your teammates and push them and encourage them. Great job at your wrestling tournament! I can't wait to wrestle you when I get back even if you are 50 lbs fatter than me ;) and I don't care how good you got I'm not going to give you an easy fight! I love you. Make sure you spend time with Luke, it's important that you grow a strong relationship with him. And thanks for emailing me. 

SHADOW SHADOW SHADOW!!!!!

 Love you mom! Have a great week!