tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45374798234213536992024-03-21T05:48:13.542-07:00IN THE LORD'S HANDSElder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-6122539488273248652015-10-05T16:19:00.001-07:002015-10-05T16:20:01.070-07:00Officially one year!Well I have officially hit the 1 year mark of my mission. With the celebration of 1 year in the mission, my sister turned 23 years old!! Happy birthday Lexi!! I hope Addie's and your birthdays were great. I will be back for your next one! :P<br />
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This week has been good. I think what I enjoyed most was being able to watch general conference. I just feel like I received some personal guidance and I was able to reaffirm my testimony that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love each and every one of us. The simple testimonies of the love of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ always hit my heart harder than anything else. </div>
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Besides being on a spiritual high this weekend, I also had the privilege of going to the pyramids of Teotihuacán. I hope that all of you can have the opportunity to one day be able to learn more about the history and early culture of Mexico and its ancestors. I know that I was completely blown away at just the magnitude of the city, pyramids, and intelligence of those people. I'll be sure to attach some pictures at the end of my email. </div>
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To finish my email this week, I just want to invite all of you to think of a problem or a difficult decision that you have in your life and to search for the answer from your Heavenly Father through prayer and also the words of his prophets here on the earth. I promise you that he will respond to you in a way that you will recognize. </div>
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I hope you all have a great week, I love you! </div>
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Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-15706356835010381112015-08-31T16:05:00.003-07:002015-08-31T16:06:49.378-07:0011 months!Hey everyone!<br />
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This week Elder Payne and I complete 11 months BUT it is also the half way mark of our mission. Because of our visas, foreigners return about 20 days or so early from the mission. I have calculated it according to when we have changes and we will be coming back September 14th, 2016. It's really weird to think that I have less than a year here in the mission. I feel like I'm just starting to get the hang of things.</div>
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This week we went to the temple's open doors with some investigators, less actives, and recent converts. It doesn't matter where you are in the world, the temple is always the most beautiful and peaceful place you can be. At the end of the tour, they let us stay in the Celestial Room for a few minutes and ponder and feel the peace. I felt the spirit and I could see our investigators felt it too. I can't wait until it opens!! It has been almost a year since I have been to the temple! It was so wonderful to finally be able to go inside.</div>
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I'm so very thankful for the opportunity that I have to be able to be a missionary. I'm so excited that my brother Tyler has chosen to do the same thing. There is no other experience I've had in life where I have learned so much, in such a short amount of time. </div>
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Thank you all for remembering me and I hope to hear from you next week!! </div>
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Love,</div>
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Some pictures from the week! </div>
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I played volleyball today with Elder Payne!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbUJH7mAkVyoHbheOdudYg3Hsxq3Sd0YtzIstIrghqd2SSCr_IedJtiO8hKrJpTJ5RdKQaaJE8ZaMTVs-_xmXjAu6LjBpPKZ6LYb7aLotG3liNDyWuLOQD5zAQXeVHzK-H93TmtKkUaHF/s1600/P1020444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbUJH7mAkVyoHbheOdudYg3Hsxq3Sd0YtzIstIrghqd2SSCr_IedJtiO8hKrJpTJ5RdKQaaJE8ZaMTVs-_xmXjAu6LjBpPKZ6LYb7aLotG3liNDyWuLOQD5zAQXeVHzK-H93TmtKkUaHF/s320/P1020444.JPG" width="320" /> Elder Berry with his companion </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjXECx8GPSLGlUDiGeiovOnIOncbAZBxGNGFww7ERkmuR1bLFX60tN0gFV9gMqcQd7jvvSDDbsGxlwNMCsgGQGSgQ-LdYwOF_V-JZhfPGRwdl3tU2v46gq9vkCX5TA_COeqV2C8yWFSv2/s1600/P1020428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjXECx8GPSLGlUDiGeiovOnIOncbAZBxGNGFww7ERkmuR1bLFX60tN0gFV9gMqcQd7jvvSDDbsGxlwNMCsgGQGSgQ-LdYwOF_V-JZhfPGRwdl3tU2v46gq9vkCX5TA_COeqV2C8yWFSv2/s320/P1020428.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-88858507738645009012015-07-02T07:40:00.000-07:002015-07-02T15:07:02.133-07:00Penúltimo día de Junio<div class="utdU2e">
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Well today is the second to last day of June!</div>
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June has flown by super fast and it is crazy to think that in 3 months I'll be completing one year of my mission! The time is flying by so fast. It's crazy.<br />
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This week has been pretty calm and not very much to report. But we did have a baptism this past Sunday. I say we had a baptism but the investigator wasn't ours. It was the investigator of the sisters in our ward. We just had the privilege of being able to baptize him. Woo hoo for having the priesthood. ;P </div>
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After the baptism we had on Sunday, we went and ate dinner with a family from the ward. They were really funny and very kind. At the end of our visit with them, they gave each of us a pair of dress shoes! My companion is pretty jealous about the shoes I got. He wanted them but they don't fit him :) Next week I'll be sure to send a picture of them, I forgot my camera in the house this week. </div>
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Other than that not much else has happened- other than raining a ton. But I hope that all of you have been good and have seen the hand of God in your lives. Thanks for writing me and thinking about me.</div>
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Love,</div>
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Here's some pictures we took at the member's house! He lent us some boots and hats. </div>
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Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-63168047596073897492015-05-04T15:42:00.004-07:002015-05-04T15:44:30.584-07:00Happy Mother's Day!<div dir="ltr">
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This week has been one of the most exhausting weeks of my mission. On Saturday I just didn't have any strength at the end of the day. Having the second biggest area in the mission means that we have to do a lot of walking... and it's all hills. With that said, after we had finished planning Saturday night, I went to bed ( 10 is the earliest we can go to bed). </div>
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My companion is definitely working me hard in this area. He only has like 4 weeks left in the mission and he is teaching me a ton. He is also whooping me into shape! He walks the hills so fast that when I try to keep up my calf and shin muscles start to burn ha ha this guy is a hill speed walker! It's alright though because I'm going have some killer legs at the end of my mission!! </div>
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Nothing eventful has happened this week but I am looking forward to the weekend! I am so excited to be able to Skype my family and celebrate Mother's Day. I don't think I really realized how much I have been blessed with a great Mom until I got to the mission field. I love you Mom! And I also want to wish all Moms a Happy Mother's Day! </div>
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Take care and I love you all!</div>
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Love,</div>
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Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-28474534566020439492015-04-06T15:59:00.002-07:002015-04-06T16:10:17.580-07:00Families are ForeverBuena Tardes a todos,<br />
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This week we went to the visitor's center instead of on Friday. It was my first visit (after 6 months in the mission) and it was pretty awesome! We rented a 15 passenger van, which cost us about $50 US dollars (700 pesos) and filled that baby up with people. We went with the other pair of missionaries in our ward and in total we had about 16 people in the van, plus the driver. </div>
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The visitor center was really cool and the tour focused a lot on the family and how we can be with our family's for eternity. I was thinking a lot about my family during the tour and was so glad to know that I can be with them for eternity thanks to Jesus Christ and the covenants we make within the temple. </div>
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I am so happy to be here on my mission in México. The people here are ready to be taught the gospel and learn how they can be eternal families. It has been a little hard at times but I know that this is where I am supposed to be. I am also so grateful for the love Jesus Christ has for us. Thanks to his sacrifice we can be with our families forever and have eternal happiness. It is something I will never be able to payback to Him and will be eternally grateful for.</div>
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I thank all of you for checking up on me and for keeping me in your prayers. I hope you all stay safe and enjoy your week. </div>
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Love,</div>
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Elder Berry</div>
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Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-18928079425012448442015-03-31T21:27:00.003-07:002015-03-31T21:30:38.048-07:006 Months already!On Wednesday I will already have 1/4 of my misison completed. It is very weird to think about and the time passes by super fast. We are already almost half way through one change and it feels like I just got to this area yesterday with my companion. For being one of the most dangerous zones of the mission, nothing has happened to us and I'm not really expecting that anything will. Everything is pretty calm during the hours that we are out proselyting and teaching. There is a ton of drunks and problems with drugs but nobody does anything to us... <br />
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This week we had companion exchanges and I went with Elder Lucero. The first time I saw him I was pretty weirded out because he looks like a Mexican version of my brother Isaac. He is literally just as skinny and seems to have an equal Mexican sense of humor as my brother. I am attaching photos of him from the night of companion changes. </div>
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This week I am super excited to watch general conference. I have no idea where we will be watching it but it's going to be great. I think I appreciate general conference more than I ever have and don't think I'll take it for granted again. I know that the leaders of our church have prepared messages to answer our questions and give us guidance in our every day lives. We are hoping that our investigators will come watch with us! </div>
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The only other major event that happened this week is that we watched a duck attack, kill, and eat a mouse. That was a very disturbing/interesting experience. I don't think I will ever look at a duck the same way ever again. </div>
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Espero que todos ustedes tengan una buena semana! </div>
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Love,</div>
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Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-31150285986235720832015-03-23T16:34:00.000-07:002015-03-23T16:34:14.685-07:00Moved to Elder Payne's zone!Hey so this week I got moved to a new area. It is called Pradera and is in the Prdaos zone. It is the same zone as Elder Payne but we are not in the same district, which is a bummer. It is said that this is the most dangerous zone of the mission but nothing has happened so far... people just stare at me because I'm white and yell stuff at us like "Hey good looking" and that's about all that happens haha<br />
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My new companion is Elder Osuna and he is from a state in Mexico that is really close to the border of the US and Mexico. In his state and the other states that are close to the border, they speak a lot of Spanglish. For example some of their Spanglish verbs are Watchar and Pushar, which mean To Watch and To Push. It's really funny and all the people from more southern states make fun of the people from the border states because of their Spanglish. </div>
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We also have a really cool investigator that we met this week. She is the daughter of current investigators and is about 22 years old and goes to college (which is why the other Elders never met her). She has asked us a ton of questions and told us of experiences in her life that have proven to us that she has been prepared to receive the gospel. For example, she asked us "Where did we come from?". And this is exactly a question that we answer with the Plan of Salvation. We are super excited to teach her.</div>
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I forgot my camera in the house this week but next week I will send you all photos of my house and my companion! I love you!</div>
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Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-83779099472738235162015-03-17T12:50:00.002-07:002015-03-17T13:05:05.935-07:00The Gospel changes Lives<div dir="ltr">
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So it's the first week of March already and I just feel like the time is flying by. This week was pretty slow in terms of teaching but we are keeping our excitement up. Our area has been a little hard to find people to teach but we are coming up with new ideas everyday to try and find people who might be interested. </div>
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The one lesson that we did have this week was really great. The person we went to visit is named Salvador. He lives in an area that has a pretty big problem with drugs and alcohol. He is an alcoholic and we don't know for sure but, we suspect that's the reason why his wife and children moved to another state in Mexico. They are still married but just don't live together. In the first lesson we had with him we told us that he wants to change his life and quit drinking. At the end of our lesson he accepted a baptismal date. Yesterday (Sunday) we went to visit him and check to see if he had kept his commitments and had read the book of Mormon. He hadn't read because he was working really late this week; so we read the introduction again and some of the testimonies of 11 witnesses of the golden plates. He is more excited than ever to find the time to read the book of Mormon. He told us that when we read the introduction (completely) with him that it answered some of the doubts he had. Our plans for the next visit is to teach him the gospel of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation.<br />
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I am really surprised in how much he has changed in one week. The first time we saw him he was sloppily dressed, his hair wasn't combed, his eyes were super bloodshot and his face just seemed kind of sunk in and aged. Yesterday when we visited him he was well dressed, his hair was combed, his eyes weren't as red and his face seemed like it lost a few years of age. He is trying to change his life and it is showing. I hope he continues to progress. If he keeps his commitments and continues taking the lessons he will be baptized a few days after my birthday and that is the best present I could ever ask for. </div>
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I'm sorry I didn't write last week! Time was strict and I had a lot of things to do. This is my little news update for this week. Thank you all for writing me and thinking about me. </div>
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Love,</div>
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Elder Berry</div>
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Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-46483968416456325912015-02-23T17:43:00.001-08:002015-02-23T17:43:51.877-08:00Prepared investigatorBuenas Tardes a todos,<br />
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So this week was pretty sweet. Tuesday of this week we put a baptismal date with an investigator in the first lesson. He has been really prepared to hear the gospel and is really open to the gospel. His name is Carlos Maldonado and he's about 23 and a photographer (for this reason I have decided he's my new Mexican best friend). He has been surrounded by LDS church members the last three years. All his friends are LDS, he takes photos for tons of temple marriages, and he takes pictures for other church functions. He told us that at one of his photo shoots (at a temple wedding) someone asked him why he hasn't been baptized yet. And he told them that he hasn't been baptized because no one has invited him to do so. That's basically how we came into contact with him. BUT, because he is a photographer his schedule is super packed on the weekends. We had to put down his baptismal service for the first week of April. We seriously hope that he continues to take the lessons and continues to be faithful in commitments. </div>
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My companion and I are doing super awesome. Today he taught me how to do the Usher moon walk (luckily all houses here have nothing but tile floors). I'll be sure to send out a video when I have it down super good. We are starting to really get missionary work going in this area and the time is flying by. My companion and I only have about 8 more weeks together and then it's most likely that I'll be leaving to another area. </div>
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As far as news on me and how I'm doing; I'm doing awesome! I have never felt more eager to teach and my Spanish is improving little by little everyday. I'm starting to like Mexican music (but only the Reggaeton). I understand just about everything and I have more confidence in my Spanish abilities... expect in phone calls. </div>
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Thanks for all your support and love! Have a great week!</div>
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Love,</div>
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Elder Berry </div>
Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-74255511737810631952015-01-27T17:11:00.001-08:002015-01-27T17:13:51.609-08:00Falcons have sharp talons!Hello everyone,<br />
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This week nothing crazy happened and I'm not dead. So that's good! I did get to help one of the brothers from the ward put the registering rings on his falcon. That was actually a little scary. Only because the falcon has talons that are about 1 inch long and super sharp. Besides the talons, I had to also watch out for it's beak which tried to peck my hands off while I held it. In the end we successfully put on the rings (after 20 minutes and 3 attempts). </div>
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This week we also had an awesome experience with two families in the ward. The have basically received revelation of how important it is that the members work with the missionaries. They realized that our ward basically does nothing to help us and they are going to help us with whatever we need. We were so excited to hear this because it is true. Without the members helping, missionaries have a hard time doing the Lord's work. We need the member's help in the work so that our investigators can feel welcomed and loved. We also need the help of the members to be the friends of recent converts and investigators. Without friends or at least an acquaintance in the ward, the investigators or recent converts will feel very distanced from the tight family bond a ward has. So, I am asking all of you to please help the missionaries, we really can't do this work alone. </div>
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I am so excited and happy to be here in Mexico. I love meeting new people because they basically become an extension of my family. I know that what I am doing here in Mexico is a very important work. It is bringing families together closer in their relationships here on earth and eternally. I love helping people receive the blessing of the knowledge of Jesus Christ and his love for everyone. I know that this church and our message can change lives.</div>
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I love you all, and I hope you have a great week!</div>
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Love,</div>
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Elder Berry<br />
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Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-11287508068439784512015-01-20T07:56:00.000-08:002015-01-20T07:56:57.037-08:00What You Stand For Que Onda?!<br />
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I only have two more weeks of training! Which doesn't really mean much other than the fact that after my training is over, I have to be prepared to possibly train someone else. Also, after my training is complete I could also be getting a new companion or go to a new area. I will be sad if either of those happen because I love serving with my companion and I really love the people in this area. </div>
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Speaking about my area, we had a pretty interesting experience this week. We have this one family that we are teaching and the father (Raymundo) has had some stomach issues and was bed ridden, so we gave him a blessing. The following day we came back to check on his progress and when we arrived they were having a little family party. The minute we showed up Raymundo's nephew (he's about 25) started talking to me in broken ghetto english; he had lived in Atlanta but isn't fluent in english. Five minutes after we showed up he starts offering me Tequila. Every time he asked/told me to drink with him, I said no (obviously). Raymundo invited us in to eat with them and once we sat down, his nephew sat down next to me and started hammering out some more shots (because he was already pretty drunk). That's when he poured me a shot and put it in front of me. He told me he wanted to drink with a 'gringo' because he never has. Again, I told him no and that I don't drink. He told me that I was being disrespectful in his culture. I then told him that it is a part of my religious beliefs and personal preferences to not drink and I meant no disrespect. Until this point, none of our investigators had really said anything to him. However, after I told him this, they started to defend me more and eventually the nephew left me alone (after 30 minutes of telling me to drink with him). The nephew also offered shots to our investigators (his family) which they all turned down and we were pretty happy to see. </div>
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This experience may seem insignificant to some but to me it was a very big deal. My investigators were watching me and saw how I reacted in this situation. If I had given in to the nephew and drank with him, our investigators would have no trust in us. Besides the fact that I wouldn't be worthy to be serve a mission, I would have lost the trust and respect of our investigators. They saw that I truly stand up for and practice what I have taught them. In turn they stood up for me and they know that I live what I have taught them. </div>
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With this experience, I would just like to remind you all that whether you are a member of the church or not, people are watching your actions and will always remember the things you do. I know that it is very important to always live and act in the way that you want others to remember you by. </div>
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Thank you all for your support and your letters this week. I love you! </div>
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-Elder Berry</div>
Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-32899280316791366682015-01-12T15:40:00.000-08:002015-01-12T15:44:51.792-08:00Recap of the last few weeksHey,<br />
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I am sorry I haven't written a real letter in two weeks but my time limits and number of emails makes it a little difficult at times. But I am going to recap the last two weeks and this week. Well last week was another little Holiday called The Day of the Kings. On this day everyone buys a special dessert bread called Rosca. In the dessert bread there are little plastic angels randomly placed. If your slice of the bread has an angel, you get to eat tamales on the 2nd of February. We were out with investigators and they shared with us and guess who got an angel on the first try/slice?! ME!!! So I get to eat tamales at their house on the 2nd and I am pretty pumped about that.</div>
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This week we have found 8 new investigators! 5 or so are kids and we are hoping the parents will want to be taught as well. Oh and I finally had my first encounter with someone who believes in the Santa Muerte... which is the Holy Dead. It's basically a religion that worships satan. This investigators name is Jose M. Our first visit with him he was rolling his joint in front of us and then went out to smoke it. At least he had a little courtesy haha. Our goal this week is to talk to him about the Santa Muerte and at least help him realize there is a God. </div>
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Now time for the sad news. Jose Luis and his wife have unofficially adopted a 17 year old boy named Jorge off the streets. Jorge, can not read or write and has been teased badly. I also think he might have a mental disorder. He left his home because his parents are abusive. He has deep scar tissue marks on each arm. I am not sure if his parents cut him with a knife or what but it's a pretty messed up situation. The worst news of all... Jorge went back to his house this week when we returned to teach him how to write. I am praying he will return to the house of Jose Luis so we can help him with the Gospel and other church resources. </div>
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That's my recap of what has been going on in the last few weeks! Below I have attached a picture of my American flag that I have hung up in the house. Sometimes I find myself singing the national anthem and placing my hand over my heart as I look at the flag. Every other Monday I have started ironing out the wrinkles that develop through out the week. I live in Mexico but I definitely love and appreciate America!! </div>
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Love,</div>
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Elder Berry</div>
Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-92015844163530368112014-12-08T16:22:00.001-08:002014-12-08T16:23:48.529-08:00Soccer<div>
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Nothing really happened this week so my email is going to be pretty short. Saturday was 'La Cena Navideño', which roughly translates to something like Christmas Dinner. It's hard to translate because there isn't really an equivalent in English for the word 'navideño'. We had 3 investigators come to the little party and then another member brought a nonmember friend. We all had a good time. There was soccer (which I will talk about later), piñatas, food, and dancing (which we couldn't do). </div>
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We definitely saw miracles this week from our obedience. On Sunday, we had two less active families show up and two of the investigators came too. The investigators have not followed through repeatedly on coming to church, so we were really surprised and happy they wanted to come. The other miracle is the less active families. One family hasn't come to church in about a year and the other hasn't come in a few months. We visit them a lot and have grown pretty close to them, so I was very happy to see them at church. I also bore my testimony in sacrament meeting, but I did it in English. First I told the congregation that I wanted to bear testimony in English and that the Holy Ghost speaks all languages. I cried a little bit but that doesn't make me a baby. The Spirit was really strong. </div>
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Now time for fútbol!!! So they put me in as goalie for the game. I was happy to have my companion on my team because he played professionally for Cruz Azul before his mission. I'm pretty sure they put me in as goalie because they thought I would suck at soccer- after all I'm güero. I actually did really good as goalie. I stopped a lot of the balls and I almost got my head taken off like twice by the ball. We won the match 12-6. In the end, I think they had a little more faith in my white skin when it comes to fútbol. </div>
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Thank you all for writing me! I love you!</div>
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Con amor,</div>
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Elder Berry</div>
Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-64980560709582481932014-12-01T16:21:00.001-08:002014-12-01T16:53:31.366-08:00Esta SemanaHola Hermanos,<br />
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Pues, yo he comido tacos de tripa y tacos de ojo. Fue muy rico!! For those of you who don't know what tripa or ojo is in Spanish, it is eyeball and intestine. They were some of the best tacos of my life!! There was a bit of a texture issue during the first bite or two, but after that it was an enjoyable experience. Oh and I got them from a street vendor so I hope I don't have a virus or parasite now... </div>
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This week not much really happened. We had 3 baptisms yesterday but they weren't ours haha We basically spent all day at the church because we got to the chapel at 4:30 and didn't head home until 7:30. And we had church earlier at 8 until 11. There was one 8 year old who was baptized and 2 men who had been previously excommunicated. It was an awesome experience. I know that those two men must feel beyond description. The services were pretty rowdy because of the kids (and because their parents do nothing about them running around or yelling) but the Spirit was definitely there and touched a lot of hearts. </div>
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Since I mentioned the Spirit, I want to take the time to explain what the Spirit is and how you know you are feeling it, because this is something we have to constantly explain to investigators. The Spirit (also known as the Holy Ghost for those of you that don't know) is the third member of the God Head. He is a personage of Spirit, and his sole purpose is to testify. He testifies of Jesus Christ and God, he testifies of their love for you and every one of God's children, he is there to lead us and guide us in decisions between good and bad, and comfort us in times of need. The feelings and promptings of the Holy Ghost can sometimes be loud or manifested in a big way but usually the Holy Ghost will prompt, guide , testify and consoles us through small promtings in our hearts and minds. Some of the feelings of the Holy Ghost are peace, love, joy, happiness, and undescribable feelings of love and warmth. </div>
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I hope that this helps anyone who may not of known or who has been searching for the feelings of the Holy Ghost but didn't know how to recognize them. I love you all and this is all I have to report this week!! I love you all!! </div>
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Love,</div>
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Elder Berry<br />
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Pictures for this week</div>
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1. I decided to caption our calendar. It translates to 'Danger! Penguins will steal your children!'</div>
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2. Some Mexican candy. Pronounced: Booboo Looboo</div>
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Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-52406998566378978452014-11-24T17:00:00.003-08:002014-11-24T17:07:02.253-08:00Almost two months!Hey everyone,<br />
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I have a really weird experience to share with you all. So it has rained 4 of the 7 days here last week. On one of the rainy days my companion and I stopped under a shade thing in front of a store. Then this man walks up to us. My companion starts talking to him and gives him a card, and does all the normal contacting stuff. Then the man shakes our hand... this is where it gets weird. He shook our hand normally, and then slid his hand, down ours, to our fingers and gave our fingers a second handshake and then took his time removing his hand from ours. At this point I realized his mannerisms. He told us his name, and asked us to teach him lessons but it turns out he doesn't live in our area, so I don't think he is interested anymore. We proceeded to say bye to him and he molested our hands one more time and then we walked off in different directions. It was a creepy experience but we were nice to him. </div>
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We have 15 investigators and they all basically live up hills. It's not fun but we don't complain when we do it. Yesterday we were supposed to have two of our investigators, Juan and Bernardett, come to church with us. We have 8 o'clock church and we were all going to meet at 7:30 and take a taxi to the church. They also live up a giant hill. So, yesterday morning we walked up the hill and no one answered. They just didn't answer the door. We waited until about 7:45 for them to answer the door but they weren't coming. We then had to leave and go to church. It was disappointing but I try not to get depressed when things don't work out because that doesn't help any. However, when we got to church, one of our other investigators showed up!! So in the end, the Lord gave us a mood booster. </div>
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Our ward has about 50 members and enough seats for about 350. haha. This was my first real Sunday in my ward and I was just trying to understand everything that was said. I am glad that there are only about 50 members in the ward because I had to get up and introduce myself and bear my testimony in Spanish. If the chapel had been full and there really was 350 members, I probably would of been more nervous. Everyone told me I did good but I know I made mistakes... but I don't care because I'm just a 'güero'. </div>
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I need to tell you about my companion!! His name is Elder Amador, and he is from Mexico. He was a professional soccer player before his mission. He is 22 and did 2 years of college before his mission. He is studying some type of engineering, I don't really know because it's hard to understand each other correctly. </div>
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The time is passing faster and faster, I have been out for almost 2 months, which isn't a lot but it's more than it feels like. I love you all and I thank all of you for your support and influence in my life!!</div>
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Love,</div>
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Elder Berry</div>
Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-57658286301106312832014-11-17T16:46:00.000-08:002014-11-17T17:05:28.618-08:00Finding my wayHola,<br />
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This has been a very hard week. I have been very homesick and depressed because I couldn't talk to anyone or understand them. I am doing better though. I am happy now and can understand about 50% of the conversations and try my hardest to talk to people. They are so loving here. La Familia de Rubio is an amazing family! They feed us a lot and we are over there about every other day. From what I gathered in Spanish, Hermano Rubbio is one of the Bishop's Counselors. </div>
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They have a lot of technology in the part of the city I am in. However, the houses and everything else here are pretty run down. They don't seem to care so much about what their homes look like but they put a lot into the way they dress. They are very loving people and care a lot about people, I feel very welcomed even though I can't talk to anyone very well. </div>
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I really like this area, It has tons of hills and reminds me of all the movies I've seen that take place in Brazil. We have to hike gigantic hills that I hope I can sneak pictures of here in the future. I try not to look like a tourist so that I don't get beaten up and robbed. The houses are pretty humble mostly all concrete and they only have tile here, I have not seen carpet in any home that I've been in. Only the Stake center had carpet. The area I'm in is supposed to be the richer area...</div>
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We've taught quite a few lessons this week and spent a lot of time trying to contact people who were not home. Some of the weird experiences I've had this week: A drunk (buracho) guy called us over to talk to him and my companion didn't understand a word he said and he kept telling us to look up scriptures for him, we finally just said we had to go and then walked off. Next experience: We were teaching one of our investigators, Elizabeth, and she started breastfeeding her kid (not baby). She just whipped out her left breast and the kid started going to town. When I thought he was done she adjusted her shirt whipped it back out so her son could have seconds. It was one of those times when you just keep trying to find a way to make eye contact and act like everything is normal. One last experience: We have an investigator with a son named Juan. Juan is getting into trouble and being a devil for his mom. I noticed that when we were teaching him, he was on YouTube the whole time. So I gave him two songs to listen to: David Archuleta-Glorious,and Pentatonix-Little Drummer Boy. Oh and I told him to watch the Mormon Messages. I was trying not to laugh when we left because, I thought it was super funny that I had given him some spiritual songs that were better than his Techno songs, and they were inviting to the spirit, and he has no idea what the songs are saying because they're in English. </div>
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When we are teaching lessons I try to follow what is being taught so that I can bear my testimony on it when my companion looks over at me. That's about all I can do right now in Spanish. However, I do feel the spirit when I bear my testimony and I think it is because when I am finally able to contribute, my companion and I are working as a team and the Spirit testifies stronger than when it's just my companion alone. I am working hard on my Spanish and hope to able to contribute a lot more to the lessons very soon.</div>
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Being here has made me so thankful for everything that I have been given. The people here are so loving and I love them just as much. I thank all of you that have been praying for me and my safety. I've had some odd experiences but have been safe none the less. I invite all of you to write down the things that God has blessed you with in your life and give Him thanks. I love you all!! </div>
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Love,</div>
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Elder Berry</div>
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Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-20576464734397029982014-11-11T19:27:00.000-08:002014-11-11T20:36:09.992-08:00Made it to Mexico! <table cellpadding="0" class="cf adz"><tbody>
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Hola,</div>
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I didn't get to write last night because we were stuck in the most horrible traffic I have ever seen. We got picked up from the airport at 5:30 and didn't get to the presidents home until about 9:00-9:30ish. They drive insane here. I didn't think we were going to die but I worried a lot that our brakes were going to give out. On our adventure to the president's house I saw a dead dog on the highway, one car accident, and a lot of cutting off and road rage. My pday is Monday and I only get to send a quick email to let you know I got here. I have to go now but I want you all to know that I love you and send a picture of all of us that traveled and made it to the presidents house. The president's assistants are the elders on the very left and very right. </div>
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Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-1972172017282268892014-11-04T14:00:00.000-08:002014-11-04T14:00:23.080-08:00Last week in the MTCHola,<br />
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So to start off I should tell you that I am now the new zone leader... for the last week I am here! The first district (District A) left yesterday and their district had the zone leaders. We would not have needed to assign new zone leaders if we didn't have 19 new missionaries coming to our zone tomorrow! The old zone leaders passed on the traditional 'zone ball' to me and Elder Aguirre (he is the other zone leader). The zone ball is only for zone leaders to play with and me and Elder Aguirre have some pretty intense wall ball games with it while we wait for our district to show up before classes. </div>
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We are expecting to have a general authority come in to give a devotional tonight or this Sunday. We think this because at our last devotional, they gave us special instructions for when members of the 12 come to talk. Oh and Elder Nelson's wife talked to us this last Sunday. I enjoy listening to all the people they bring in to talk to us but I really kind of hate listening to people with wet mouths talk. The noise that their lips and spit make on their teeth every time they move their mouth bugs the crap out of me. Despite this constant annoyance, Sister Nelson gave a great talk. </div>
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Halloween was alright. We put everyone's name tags into Elder Jardon's pants (because they were the closest thing we had to a bag) and pulled out a name tag. The other Elder's name we got, is who we were for Halloween. I had to prove my identity when I picked up my Halloween package because I was wearing Elder Macinnes's name tag and the package was for an Elder Berry hahaha I got it and there were no more problems. </div>
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We like our new rooms alright and I'll attach some pictures at the end of this email. We all really love being on the same floor as the Poly's. There is one Polynesian Elder who can sing really good and today he was singing Opera (but he usually sings just about anything). We all share two giant bathrooms per floor. We gathered around his shower and waited for him to come out so we could applaud him because he didn't know we were outside his shower listening. He also plays the ukulele at night before bed. </div>
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Elder Jardon and Elder Macinnes (our two Canadians) had to fly to Vegas yesterday to get their visa's at the Mexican Consulate there. I'm not sure why they had to fly all the way to Vegas for it, when there is one in Salt Lake. I was a little jealous because I would of been able to fly home for a day and then come back to the MTC :D. They loved seeing the Casinos but never went down Vegas Blvd. I think they were on the I-15. They showed me pictures they took and I told them what the Casino/Hotel was and told them if it was a dump or not. Elder Jardon ate some tacos from some restaurant down by the consulate and isn't feeling good today... he said he's never going back to Vegas. </div>
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I am so excited to go to Mexico! I leave Monday at 3:30a.m<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_353900463" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">.</span></span></span> to head to the airport. It's going to be a long day but I am ready!!!!<br />
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Yo no espero!! Les amo!! </div>
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Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-26319523894883403162014-10-27T13:09:00.003-07:002014-10-27T14:39:35.094-07:00MarcoHola,<br />
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This week I have had an amazing experience with our TRC Investigator, Marco. Most of our investigators here are members but we do have some nonmembers. Every one of them is paid to play a role of their choice. Such as playing the role of themselves before they were converted or whatever they choose. </div>
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I don't know how old Marco is but I love to just see him and be around him. He has Polio and walks around on crutches but he is always smiling. When ever I come up to Marco, I can just feel his Spirit. I can literally feel Marco. I feel all the love he has in his heart and all the happiness that radiates from his body. He told me he writes poetry about life challenges but they're not about his life's challenges. He writes about challenges in general so that his readers can relate. Next week we are hoping he brings in some of his poetry! His investigator story is that he is from Peru (which is very likely) and his sister gave him a Book of Mormon (Libro de Mormon) and invited missionaries over to hear more. We have only taught him about 2 lessons before our lesson yesterday... which has been the best lesson yet. </div>
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Our lesson yesterday was about how to recognize the promptings and feelings of the Holy Ghost. This was our lesson because the day before he had a question about how he will know the feeling of the Spirit. We started by sharing a few scriptures: 3 Nephi 11:3, and D&C 8:2. I used only a part of 3 Nephi so that I could explain how the Spirit talks to us. After I shared the scriptures and we explained them so he could understand, we shared some our first and most impressionable experiences feeling the Spirit and recognizing it as the Spirit. </div>
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I started by telling him of how I felt the Spirit comfort me and testify of our Heavenly Fathers love, at my friend Kirklyn's memorial service. Then I told him about how I felt it while singing a hymn in sacrament meeting with all the priests and laurels in our ward. As I explained my feelings and thoughts of these events, and after my companion shared his experiences, we could feel the super strong presence of the Holy Ghost. I then asked Marco how he felt. He said he felt calm, peaceful, happy, and that he didn't want it to end. I then told him that he is feeling the Holy Ghost. And as I started to say "I also hope you can feel the love of your Heavenly Father", the spirit grew even stronger and I started to cry tears of happiness and joy because I could feel Heavenly Father's love. I also had the impression that the words coming out of my mouth were intended for me as well. </div>
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After our lesson we took pictures with Marco and he got our email addresses because he didn't know if he'd see us again, he stops working here at the end of this month. He faithfully writes to about 70 missionaries a week right now!! This man is definitely going to Heaven!! We left by giving him hugs and I told him I love him because I truly do. </div>
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But today I was so excited because we saw him as soon as we walked into the temple!! </div>
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This experience made my week amazing and I hope my lessons in the future will be like this amazing Spiritual experience. </div>
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Love,</div>
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Elder Berry</div>
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Marco. Please excuse my smile, I don't think I realized the picture was being taken. </div>
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Idk what this is but me and Elder Jardon drew it and we love it.<br />
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Elder Jardon is a total hipster from Canada, it's super funny. And my companion (Macinnes) is also from Canada.<br />
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Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-42325270652837512332014-10-18T14:52:00.000-07:002014-10-27T14:49:13.015-07:003rd weekHola,<br />
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So this week has been pretty awesome, even with the sad news about Uncle Rich. It hasn't been too hard thinking about him not being here anymore. I know that he isn't suffering anymore and that makes me happy. I actually gave a devotional on eternal families and shared my experience this week with my whole zone, I think there were only a few dry eyes in the room. I told them I wanted to inspire them to stay strong on their missions no matter what happens. Then I showed them the Mormon Message 'Mountains to Climb', after which I bore my testimony.</div>
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Teaching our 'investigators' is difficult but also really fun. Everyday we learn new things about how to teach people based on their needs and it really helps a lot. My Spanish is slowly improving, I'm not expecting to be able to speak completely in Spanish for a few weeks but I can ask and answer most questions in Spanish. I have an easier time understanding what my teachers are saying, then trying to make sentences. In our lessons we speak a lot of Spainglish because we feel like we can say what our investigator needs to hear better in English... but we are working on taking our time and trying to say it in Spanish. </div>
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Oh I keep forgetting to mention a pretty major thing... I joined the choir. hahaha. I have been doing it since about the time we got here. I usually sing Bass or Baritone, if they have Baritone. I can't go higher than that, I tried singing with the 1st and 2nd Altos.... and that was horrible. </div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1073174833" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">On Tuesday</span></span></span> we watched a video at Devotional called 'Character of Christ' by Elder Bednar. It is one of the most awesome videos I have ever watched and had me on the verge of tears. I encourage everyone to watch, I think we all can learn something from it.</div>
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So I love my District. We are District C but we call ourselves Distrito Chulo, and no I don't mean Cholo. But there has been some issues with a companionship. One of the Elders told his companion that the first week he would just think about everything he hates about him. The Elder who told his companion that he hated him is quite the character. He is constantly talking and can dish out jokes but can't take them. He and his companion are working things out, which is better than what they were doing yesterday... which was not talking. The zone leaders are dealing with them now.</div>
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I also really love the other districts in my zone! There is District A, B, and D. District A has the zone leaders and Elder Quin Payne is in District B. District D is a district of all Hermanas and they are in the classroom right next to us... we really appreciate that. ;D But don't worry, there is no flirtation. If anyone is getting flirtatious, the other Elders just mention the numbers 33 because that is the page in the Missionary Manual about how there is to be no flirting with the Hermanas.</div>
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A lot of Sisters and Elders ask me about Vegas. Everyone seems to know someone from Henderson except Hermana Kilgore (Her cousin went to Shadow). They all ask me how close I live to the Strip and I am tempted to tell them that I live on the Strip. It's also pretty funny how Molly Mormon they are; they're almost all from Utah. They think that Las Vegas couldn't possibly have a whole lot of LDS members, but they are so wrong!! </div>
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I think that's about everything that has happened this week. I love you all!! And send my letters!! DearElder.com can send free letters if you can't actually send me one. My mailing address is:</div>
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<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Elder Caleb Wade Berry</span></div>
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-Elder Berry</div>
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Me and Elder Macinnes<br />
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Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-5647818663302995632014-10-14T09:52:00.000-07:002014-10-14T10:12:57.723-07:00HolaHola,<br />
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SO... I didn't get a P-day Saturday because I had to travel for my visa to Salt Lake. On the trip we saw hobos, talked to a lot of people on the trains, and one pair of missionaries gave out a Book of Mormon... who do they think they are? Missionaries? :P Anyways, it took two hours to get to the consulate and we were only there for 30 minutes and then it took two more hours to get back to Provo. There was one idiot missionary who ran across the tracks, after hopping off the platform. I don't know why, but fortunately for him there was no train coming. </div>
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I'd like to tell you what my last week was like but I can't really tell you in detail because I can't remember!!! We have the hardest time remembering what days we did certain things on. I will share what I can remember. So our 'investigator' turned into one of our new teachers this week. We weren't expecting that. He's really cool and kind of hipster; he's 22. Our zone is huge, we have 4 districts in our zone and one of them just came in last Wednesday; they're all Hermanas and the classroom right next to me ;) One of the Hermanas from another district told me about the dream she had of me. I was a zoo keeper and I worked the alligator exhibit hahaha I think I can actually see myself doing that, so I will look into it after my mission. </div>
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I have seen Elders Payne, Decker, Rounds, Klingaman, and Lundquist while I've been here. Me and Elder Payne have to stay on West Campus but on our trips to main campus, he saw the other Elders. West campus is shutting down on the 30th, and then we move to Main Campus. IT SUCKS!! West Campus is very relaxed and nice and small. I don't want to move in with the other weirdos at Main Campus, they think they're better than us. </div>
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My spanish is coming along very nicely. I can pray, bear my testimony, and ask most questions in spanish. I am anticipating speaking in full sentences in 2 weeks or so, HOPEFULLY! I have also spiritually grown a lot. I cried on Saturday evening during class bearing my testimony about faith in Jesus Christ and what it means to me... I didn't even know I was going to until I couldn't see through all my tears. I love being a missionary and I love learning about the gospel and how to teach people, NOT lessons. They tell us to teach by the spirit, which means that the lesson we spent like 30 minutes preparing could go a totally different direction if one of us feels inspired to talk about other things. Yo se que este iglesia es verdadero y que Dios y Jesucristo amor mi. </div>
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I am going to close with a joke that only makes sense in spanish. Que la diferencia entre una pera y la novia de un misionero? Una es pera y la otra no espera. </div>
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Love,</div>
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Elder Mora (Berry in Spanish)<br />
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In order:</div>
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Me and some guys from the District.</div>
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Me and Elder Decker</div>
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Elder Berry (Mora)</div>
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Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4537479823421353699.post-817332137457920182014-10-05T08:26:00.000-07:002014-10-05T08:28:24.770-07:00Elder Berry's First LetterHola,<br />
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I don't have my address book with me today so I can't email everyone, so if you could share this on Facebook or something, that'd be awesome! I am on main campus today and I live on West Campus, building 29. I walk past the area Tino lives by everyday haha. We move to main campus in a few weeks though. I love the MTC, I am having a great time! My district is amazing, we all love each other so much and it's ridiculous how well we get along because it is only day 4. We are in our classroom for 12 hours a day. 3 hours of teaching from Hermana Steward, 3 hour block for each of our 3 companionships to teach our investigator Benjamin (who only speaks spanish) and 4 hours to plan, personal study, companion study and study spanish. The first day we got here, our other teacher Hermano See, only spoke to us in spanish... and he usually does unless we are really confused and then he talks in english, but only for a second. I can almost completely pray in spanish, I gave the opening prayer at our district devotional in 98% spanish and 2% english. I love spanish!! I usually pray for 'el don de languas', as do most the missionaries in my district. </div>
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My companion is Elder Macinnes and I love him to death. He is a little quiet but is strong in the Gospel. He is from Saskatchewan, Canada. He is 21 and was in the Canadian Army Reserve before his mission. Which, reminds me, I would like it if I could get some money or if you can send some of my own stuff down here for me to give to mi companero. I feel like his financial situation was tight before he came here and there are some things he doesn't have. He needs a light p day jacket because the mornings are very frio, and this morning he had to use his thin rain jacket. I also want to give him some shirts and pants because all of his p day ones he said, are from a second hand store... which isn't bad but they are a little old and ratty. I love him so much and I just want to help him as best as I can to be as comfortable as me.</div>
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My district is made up of tres companionships: Me and Elder Macinnes, Elders Aguirre and Jardon, and Elders Adams and Gage. Elders Aguirre and Jardon have an unfair advantage because they came from Mexican families and can 80% of the time understand what anyone is saying in Spanish. However, I use them to my advantage and ask them how to correctly say things. Elder Aguirre is the District leader and Jardon is his senior companion... There have been a few discussions on who has more authority haha. District leader wins everytime. I also forgot to mention that Elder Macinnes is my senior companion for 3 weeks and then I am his.</div>
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I love my district, companion, and zone. I would send pictures but since we are on the main campus today for general conference and the computers don't have SD card ports, I will have to send them next week :(. I love you guys and I will talk to you next week!</div>
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Love, </div>
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Elder Berry</div>
Elder Berry Serving in Mexico, Mexico City North Missionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00556528733006901230noreply@blogger.com0