Month of June...Baptisms/Elder Gonzales

June 29, 2015

Hey guys,

So, I'm about to hit the year mark but just to let you know that yes, I did receive my package and I did not have the patience to wait. I have photos but I don't have much time to upload them today. This week we had had our conference in Temuco with Elder G., the President of the Area down here in South America and we had a 2 hour capacitacion with him in regards with how we should be teaching and helping our investigators to keep commitments and how if they're not keeping commitments then they truly are not repenting of their sins. It was a great conference and we all had a great time. 

    

Today we went to a part of our sector that was an old well for pulling up cement mixture and it was really cool because its like a cliff in the lake and how it just drops off into a huge precipice without end, it feels like. It was really cool to see it and explore today.

As well we had 5 people in church today which was awesome and our investigator H. is going to be baptize this week and I'm going to effect the ordinance so it'll be cool as my first baptism out here. I can't wait for all the great stuff that'll happen down here in Loncoche. We've got a family of 3 L., S., and their son, J. and they truly want the church of God that was made for their family. It's just perfect that we have them.

       Well that's all and just want to let you guys know that I love you all,

                                          Elder Haynes 

June 15, 2015

Dropbox video, no email.


June 8, 2015

It's crazy to think that the kids are out of school right now and it's blistering hot down there. Up here it's Freezing cold with a nice little bit of rain on the side. Oh also mom if you haven't sent the package i would ask you to send me up some gel insoles for my shoes up here in chile they don't know what a shoe sole isso i would like to have a pair or two. No i would definitely like to come back to chile or I didnt know if you guys wanted to come and pick me so it would be easuier on you then we could all fly back together. I would just like to show you guys about everything down here in Chile and just how awesome it is. I want to come back to Chile but whichever of the two ways is up to you guys. Don't have much time mom but just know that I love you guys so much. 


June 1, 2015

Hey Guys,

    So today is the day of Cambios and it looks like I stay here with my comp Elder G., still down here in Loncoche., So I made a good video that I thought could help you guys get a good grasp of what's going on down here in Loncoche and my zone Nueva Tolten. This week we found a really good new investigador and his name is H. He's totally open to learning more about the Gospel. He has a Book Of Mormon right now and enjoys reading it, He truly wants to know if it's a book of God and is willing to try to find out. He came to the Church this week and we have a baptismal date set for him on the 20th of June so he can be baptized that day. We've also got a family who's starting to learn the Gospel and they're great because they only live 20 feet from the chapel so it should be easier to attend church. Right now, we're trying to focus on raising the church attendance in Loncoche a little more so that we can have a little more fire. We've been getting a few more new callings which will help the Branch grow and really get it's gears started turning. Also, I wanted to ask you guys if you could send me some music by a group called Nashville Tribute Band because I can listen to them out here as well and they're awesome! I hope everything is going great up there in little old Florida and that it's not missing me to much. Love you guys and always hope for the best.

                                             Elder Haynes

Month of May...Cambios/Intercambios Cold and Wet

May 25, 2015

Hey Guys whats up,

    So it's just another week down here in Chile and all I've been doing is getting cold and wet. Actually, not wet or cold thanks to all the winter gear I've got (Mom and Dad tthanks). I've actually been super warm, my sleeping bag keeps me amazingly warm at night and it's just great to sleep in. I actually sometimes even study in it at my study desk so I can stay warm in the morning. I've got my boots and they're a little big, but when I double up on wool socks they fit just perfect so it helps to keep my feet warm as well. This week in the beginning we had a huge blast of rain that came in and just about drowned us then we had a huge cold front which means that after this cold front we're going to get hit with an even bigger blast of rain. But it's all great down here in Loncoche! We have no idea of what's going to happen this cambio because so much can change. I might stay here or I might change this cambio I don't know exactly it's a 50-50 because I was in LA for 5 cambios, they might make this a short one with me. Me and Elder G. found a couple here that are great and we hope that they'll want to progress because they literally live 20 feet from the chapel, so it wont be to hard to help them come to the church. We're super pumped to see how this week turns out actually. I have to do a baptismal interview this Tuesday or Wednesday for the Sisters in G.

May 18, 2015

So, last week I went up to Gorbea for the big Intercambio that we had and I got to work with Elder G. from my CCM District along with, Elder M., one of the assistants of the Mission. It was a great day to just really go out there and get the work done. This week, I also did an Intercambio with Elder P. and we went to a place in our sector called Huiscapi. It's even smaller than Loncoche, but it's a really cool little town of like 10,000 people. We found some people who who might be willing to listen and progress in the Gospel. Today, we had a Zone Activity up in Pitrufkin and we watched the Prince of Egypt movie, played Ping-Pong, and made sausage like sandwhiches called Chori-panes.Today is also my little brother's birthday and so we're celebrating that a little bit down here as well. 

Not a lot is happening down here in Loncoche because we don't have any really solid investigators yet that really just are like Baptize me, so we're working on that. Really, it's just crazy to think that in less than 6 months, Ammon will be out on the mission and I'll be getting ready for my last Christmas down here in Chile. That's it for today's update and I'll have a video next week, so that'll be coming up, don't worry. 

                                       Love You guys Elder Haynes 

May 12, 2015

Hey Guys

     So I had a great Mother's Day being able to talk to the family and everything. It's crazy to think about how much has happened in the last 10 months. So whats happened out here in the mission? We had interviews last week with President in Temuco and we had a zone meeting on Tuesday that was awesome, Today me and Elder G. went to Pizza Hut in Temuco for lunch, I bought some nice water proof boots and a really nice sleeping bag that's going to do a great job of keeping me warm at night. We're writing really fast so well be able to make our bus on time to get back to Loncoche, I've learned that my parents are crazy about learning everything about my mission life and that they would just kill me if I didn't send them letters and emails so I'm getting better at that. Also we've started to read the Book Of Mormon as a Mission and to complete it by August 3rd( Moms Birthday¡¡¡¡). To help me with my reading I'm doing as a Elder Bednar says and I'm highlighting and marking for one theme in the scriptures and I chose as a theme the miracles that we can find in the writings of the prophets and to let you guys know there's a bunch, if we know how to look. I'm in 1 Nephi Ch:18 right now so it's going to be great to read it again. Love you guys so much and hope the best for you as always.

                                            Love Elder Haynes

May 3, 2015

Hey Guys!!

     So alot has happened this week down in Chile. First, I've got my Skype session this week!!!!!!!!! We are going to do it 7:00 pm Chilean time down here in Loncoche. I'm going to use the same Skype account that you guys made for me, so I'll call you guys at 7:00 on Sunday night Chilean time. This week I've got a lot to do,  I've got to give a presentation on Tuesday for a zone meeting of 15-20 minutes and then I have to give a 30 minute presentation this Wednesday for the interviews we're going to have with President. It's going to be difficult but I'll get'er done. Also, last week I Got something that I've been waiting forever for...... The Package that was sent in February is what I got and it was awesome! I love it. I love you guys!!!! Really, the Hobbit stuff was awesome and the kilo of Nutella shall not survive this week. Really, it was just a great package to receive!!!!! Loved the photos and the notebook, it's really going to help with my letter writing. Also, I sent two letters today with a package in the next few weeks. Everything's going great here and just to let you guys know I love you and I'm sending out letters, but man it costs like 5$ to send one. You guys are expensive lol. But that's all, I love you guys and hope for the best..

                              -Elder Haynes

P.S. We've got something we're preparing as a house, All I have to say is that it deals with a song from Frozen and Missionary work. But that's just a hint so till next time.

Short and sweet, video in Dropbox

Hi Mom, 

I just kinda wrote dad an update. Elder Gonzalez from the Area Presidency is coming to our mission so we had to fill out like a 20 minute cuestionaire that took forever. I've uploaded a video to dropbox and hope you like it. I haven't gotten the package yet but it's on it's way, it's in Concepcion right now so I'll get it in the next few weeks. I already got my other package which was awesome by the way and I can't wait for the Hobbit one. 

Don't have any details yet for Mother's Day, but it'll probably be somewhere from 5- 8 our time, I think. My new comp is awesome! He's from California and he knows both Spanish and English. It's been great as a DL. it's not difficult. I don't have any time to relax, just verifying with everyone and making sure that the District is good and obedient and baptizing. Hey dad, I had a question, were you ever like a DL or ZL in the mission or not. just a question? We had a couple of Volcano explosions and everything, but were pretty protected here in Loncoche because it's a big valley. Love You dad and I'll have Mothers Day info next week. Hope all is well up there in Florida and you guys enjoyed your vacation up there.

The Book of Mormon Is Key To Everything

Hey Guys,

     So this week we have cambios. My companion Elder O. goes off to Cunco which is in the zone of Temuco. This week alot has happened. We had a conference through Satelite transmision with Elder Oaks and we were able to hear him talk about something that is extremely close to me and that is prayer. He told us that if our investigators aren't praying they will never recieve a witness of the Book of Mormon. It's true, without the Book of Mormon in my life I don't know where I'd be right now. The Book of Mormon is key to everything because if it's true then it signifies everything else we believe is true, but if not it means we are the biggest liars in the world. Me personally, I'd prefer to be telling the truth and so I know through personal revelation that the Book Of Mormon is true and that God is not dead! He is real and everyone has the chance to know it as well. Modern day revelation is real and God does speak to His children and always will speak to us in our times of need. Remember if you have doubts to read and pray. Those are the two most important things to do. I love you guys and always will, Keep up the good work and stay strong as always.
                                  Love Elder Haynes

P.S. I can get the winter stuff I need here in Chile and I have no idea how much it will cost and that's great about the money be cause I'm a little bit on the broke side with all the traveling we've had to do. I think in total I'll need $200 because I have a rain jacket, but do need a sleeping bag and another big suitcase my last one broke on the way up here.

Thanks mom and my comp wanted to say to you that he loved the package. Also, the other package that we thought got robbed wasn't, just retained because of the beef jerky, so I recommend from now on that you don't send beef jerky. I love you mom and thanks for everything you do just know that you are awesome and it's difficult to send videos because internet speed down here is super slow and not nearly as good as the US.

If the world could just pray together for one thing.....

Hey,

To answer your questions: Yes, I'd like to buy a sleeping bag as I'm in the coldest part of the mission for winter and yes music can only be EFY, Mormon Tab and a group called Nashville Tribute Band. All in English, please.

So I've been trying to send some of these videos but the internet cafes here don't have really good speed, like really it takes me 5 minutes to upload a photo. But for P-Day I've been booked out the wazoo. I'll get my package and letters tomorrow for District Meeting and then we have our conference through satellite transmission with Elder Oaks this week and that will be a great a source of revelation I think.

Volcano Villarrica that recently erupted

So for this week, I've found that prayer is the answer to our problems. I wont lie, this week was a little tough for me but I was able to go to my Heavenly Father in prayer and it wasn't some gigantic feeling of joy that came to me just a small sense of peace to be able to ask my Father in heaven for help. Sincerely, I feel like if the world could just pray together for one thing just everyone together for one purpose this world would be so much better. Prayer is real and it does promise peace if we pray in faith. I love you guys and I hope the best for you all.


        Elder Haynes

Turn on the light switch

Hey guys,

 

So alots been happening this week. We had the baptism for an investigator named angel which was a miracle that we had and we were just super excited that we saw the miracle of his conversion. General Conference also took place it was awesome that we were able to see it down here. The first part we saw in Spanish and the Sunday session we saw it in English, which was super awesome. I really loved the talks by Elder Piercin and by Elder Nielson. They were both super inspiring for me and the fact that the Book of Mormon is the key to our Spiritual survival. Without the Book of Mormon everything that we stand for is nought. The Book of Mormon is a testament that God is not dead but is always talking to us and will always bring light when there is darkness, if we are just ready and willing to turn on the light switch. It was aewsome to recieve that revelation and my love for the Book of Mormon has only grown due to conference and my constant reading and pondering and praying. The Book of Mormon is a light to the nations and will always help us in our time of need. As well this week we had a Zone Activity in Pitrufquin where we had a huge barbeque and just played some soccer and volleyball. It was super awesome! It was a great Easter Sunday and I can't wait for the next conference. Love you always and hope for the best.

                                               Elder Haynes

 

Finally answering Mom's questions in detail :D

Well, at least everything sounds like it's going great and to answer your questions about the talk I gave at our latest Zone Conference - I talked about how in Ether 12 it says that we receive miracles according to our faith. But then I went a little bit deeper and found that yes its our faith but its after we receive a testimony will we receive miracles. Our testimonies are everything and if our testimony's aren't strengthened, we'll never be able to see the small miracles in our lives.

The second answer is yes, the calling as District Leader has made me super tired. I don't have any time at night to be able to just relax and unwind it's just been non-stop, drop and go traffic for me. It's great seeing how everyone in the District is doing, though time consuming and tiring worrying about everyone and just making sure that all invstigators are progressing. Tiring, but I love it!

Also, I hope the package gets here as well and put lots of Jesus stickers on it!

Love the new area.....the air is so pure.

Hey Guys

     So, it's my second week out here and I'm loving it still. To fill you in on some stuff thats going, 

1. This week in our Zone we have a great Intercambio which is basically a lot of people going to different sectors for a day to work. (Probably means I'm staying here)

2.  We had a Zone conference and a Zone meeting. The Zone meeting was just our zone and I had to give a training on how our faith brings miracles. The Zone conference was with the zone of Victoria and President Bluth came and told us about how we're going to work super closely with ward/branch leaders to help train other ward leaders to help out missionaries, so we in turn, can help members out more.

3.  We have a conference with Elder Oaks from the Qourum of the 12. He's going to be in Santiago and giving us a training through Satellite transmission.

4.  Everyone is getting super pumped for General Conference and it's going to be cool because this'll be my first time to watch it in Spanish probably. 

5.  This week there's going to be an expo which is going to be really cool and I'm going to buy some stuff to send back home.

So that's what has been going on down here. I've only got to say that I love Chile so much and it's just a beautiful country and that you guys would love to come down and see it. The air just feels so pure down here and the skies at night are just spectacular, the night is just so clear and filled with stars,  it's so nice that you can actually see satellites orbiting and everything from down here. Really, it's just an amazing country and I'm definitely going to come back after the mission. Know that I love you guys and I'm always praying for you,.

                                                  Elder Haynes 

Pumped and excited to get to work in my new area

Hey Guys,

 So I'm letting you know what going on down here. I had my cambio last week so I got transferred from Los Angeles to the most Southern part of the Mission, it's a city called Loncoche and my new comp is Elder O. and he's from Columbia/Spain. He's got  about 16-17 months in the mission so he's got some time under his belt. I'm super pumped to be out here and I feel like I'm going to love being here and teaching the people, they all seem super nice and I'm just excited to be able have a change and get to work. I've got something uploading for Ammon so I hope he likes it. It looks like we write  here, about 10-10:30 in the morning is when we start. I hope everything's going great up there for you guys in Florida and that all is well. I love you all and am always praying for you.

                                             Love Elder Haynes

New videos from Elder Haynes posted  https://www.facebook.com/serena.Haynes or Tmans' facebook page :)

Will miss Las Americas.....but left it in great condition for the next guy.

Train Station

Hey Guys!!!

So it looks like I'm finally stepping out of Las Americas, and guess where I'm going? Drum roll please.............. I've got a cambio to go to Lancoche (most southern part of our mission) to be a District Leader and my new companion is going to be Elder O. He's a Columbian who's got a year and a half on the mission just about so he'll have teaching down and I hope it'll be awesome to work with him. 

 

So what's happened here in Las Americas? Elder L. and I have been killing it! We were able to (with the help of the Lord) have 6 investigators in the chapel this Sunday and they all had a baptismal date, so they all have some attendance in church so they are all progressing which is awesome. I'm going to miss Las Americas but it looks like I'll leave it in good condition for the next guy.

 

It's been awesome with Elder L. and hopefully we've both grown spiritually from our 6 weeks together as companions. I've learned a lot from him and hope he's done the same. It's crazy to think I've been out here for a third of my mission already, it really does fly.

 

I'm sorry about the package and that it got lost but don't worry about it it'll be found in time and the letters they'll get sent some time later, hopefully. I love you guys and hope everything is going great for you guys up there in the ward and its crazy to think that wrestling season already came by so fast and is ending. Tell Ian I'm pumped and can't wait to hear how he's a State Champion. I love you guys and always will.

                                                                          Elder Haynes


One day I will take the time to rotate these,
but not today. Elder Haynes & Elder L.

 

Last P-Day in Las Americas

Hey Guys!!

So, I'm writing the update right now and I'll tell you all what's going on.

 

First off, we had interviews with President Bluth and Hermana Bluth this week and they were awesome as always. Our house was super clean and we also show them our area book. We learned how to improve it, including what we are doing good and also how we can really help the people here in Chile with a good area book.

 

This week is the last week of the cambio and everyone's excited about transfers and who's going to go where. I know I'm leaving this cambio and I'm super pumped to go to a new sector since it's been about 7 1/2 months since I've started here in Las Americas. I do'nt know where I'm going, just that I'm going somewhere. 

       

Today for P-Day we had a great time touring a dam. We got to go beneath a mountain and everything and it was such fun. It was a Zone Activity and we all were able to go just about and make some awesome memories. I'm going to miss Las Americas but I know it'll be for the best and that I'll just be doing the Lord's work out there.      

 

 Hope You guys enjoyed the pics and that at last you guys can see some of the cool stuff we do as missionaries on P-Dday. I love you guys and hope the best for you all.

 

Love, Elder Haynes

Bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to families is exciting!

Hey Guys!!

So I know I haven't given a good P-Day update in a little while but I want to let you guys know what's going on down here in little old LA.

 

First off, on Monday of last week we had a lunch with Presidente Bluth because our Zone was the first Zone to complete a goal of 12 baptisms in one month as a Zone. So our old zone got back together and we had a great lunch of tacos and other awesome foods while we were there. We've been working really hard up here in Las America's and I'm super excited that we found C. and his family with Elder B. C. is a less-active member that we met and then we started to teach his wife, K. as well and now his brother is participating in the lessons and he's got a fecha bautismal for the 7th of March! I'm having a great time out here and I'm just trying to do my best. My new companion, Elder L. and I are still working to find people who progress to baptism. It's been difficult to help people  understand the need, so we try our best to help them to comprehend the message.

     

How's it going over there for you guys and getting finished with school and everything. I hope life isn't killing you guys over there and that it's great with the family and everything. Hopefully you guys haven't died yet without me. How's the ward now that Dad's got a little bit of responsibility? 

       

I love you guys and I'm always praying for you, 

                                                                                    Elder Haynes

The Lord is with you at all times - including dog bites!

He never told us what this contraption is.....
guesses have included a port a potty or cab of a truck?

Hey guys so nothing big happened this week, except a dog bite. Trying to find more people and trying to help the people we've got now. Yes, I did get bit by a dog this week and yes mom, I did recieve my rabies shots so don't worry and it didnt do anything too bad just barely opened up the top layer of skin. I would send a pic but it was practically nothing and I know you guys would be like "Oh my goodness, he had to get a shot for that little thing" so I just decided to say that yes, I am just complying with the Mission Rules.

     This week we found a lot of people but it's hard to move forward and teach them again because they'll disappear or they are too busy to be able to meet with us. One of the things we want to improve is to try and find new investigators that will actually keep up with us and show signs of wanting to progress in the Gospel. We've found some people this week who are just almost perfect, it's just really hard to get people to come on Sunday.

      We've got two people that we're really focusing on at this time named V. and K., they are so close!! V. fasted with us to help her find an answer and K. is the wife of an inactive member that we found who is geared and ready to reactivate. He wants that his wife can be baptized so they can be sealed in the temple. His name is C. and I'm so excited for him and his willingness to return back to the Church!
    

       We've been working like machines out here to get the work done and I'm so pumped we have people progressing. We're going to do the work it takes to do it. I love you guys and I hope all is well. I know this Sunday is Dad's birthday so I've got a HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! surprise coming next P-day, so dont worry about not getting an email. I love you guys and wish the best for you in all things and that the Lord is always with you at all times.

                                                        Love Elder Haynes

Cambios

So this week we had cambios and I got my new Companion, Elder L., who was the companion of Elder G. in the CCM, so now it looks like those two are back in the same house together. Elder L. has a fire to work, which is just what I needed after the last couple of cambios and especially with the calling of being a District Leader. I feel like I've just been slammed with alot of responsibility this week and Elder Langeveld has help to keep me motivated with all the work I've got to do, trying to make sure that all of the other companionships in the District are doing well and it just kind of came at me like a tidal wave this week. It's not to bad being a District Leader, it's actually kind of fun and I can't wait for the next cambio. I love Las Americas but I feel like I need a change and so I'm going to work hard out here but I'm also pumped to know that next cambio I'm probably kicking out of here to work somewhere else. I hope everything's good with you guys up there and know that when I get back I'll want a special dark fudge brownie milkshake from steak and shake.

New DL, New Comp, Pray for C & K

Hey guys!!!!
 



ZL's and Baez heading home

So I've got tons of news for you guys. First off, I stay here in Las Americas for another cambio up til sometime in March and then I don't know what will happen. I got a call from one of the Assistants this morning telling me that this cambio I'm going to be a District Leader in our Los Angeles sector for 3 companerismos. What's funny is that the Zone Leaders are in my district, so whenever there's a baptism I have to do the interview for them.

 

Also, I said good bye to Elder B. and now he's in Concepciòn and tomorrow will be on his plane to Santiago to finish his mission. My new companion will be Elder L., who was the comp of Elder Galbreath in the CCM. From all that I've heard of him, it sounds like he's alot like I am which I think is going to be really great for the both of us to work super hard and get the work done! We also had an mission activity where I got to meet back up with my CCM group and we all chilled out playing games and having a good time.

I'm super pumped for all things that are happening out here and just can't wait to start this cambio with a baptism. We found two people this week when we were searching for less active members. We found an inactive named C. and his wife K. who's not a member, but is searching for the truth. They came to both the Sacrament and a baptism that another ward had and she loved it all. Please pray for them and keep them in your prayers that she'll be able to recieve that confirmation of the truth that we teach.

 

Love you all and keep going forward,
Elder Haynes          

On Fire...a Gator Fan and American Burgers!

Woah Dad, so much is happening here since elder baez is dying (going home). I'm actually in Temuco and visiting all his old sectors. We have a cambio on the 27th of January. I know I need to improve out here so I'm really using this week to just try and have a bunch of fire talking to people and trying to get doors open to talk with them and share a message.

I hope Nephi's allright with the 5 teeth out. Tell me you locked him in the RV with something to entertain him at least so he wasn't to bored. Thats aweasome that Elder Anderson's coming down I would've loved the ability to be there and hear him. You guys are going to have to tell me how it went. Also, today I went to a place called Jacks and its a guy who makes American burgers and he lived at florida for like 20 years and he's a huge Gator fan so he was telling me alot of what's been going on and yes - he speaks perfect Chileno and English. I got a sick picture with a Florida Banner in his restuaraunt which is awesome!!! Hope you love the pics. Also the Burgers were really good and reminded me so much of home it was great. Hope everythings good up there and yeah I'll be able to hold out till the 15th so dont worry about it. It's going to be like another 3weeks until I can send the other package for Christmas. With Baez leaving we got hit with the news that he needed to visit his sectors today and next week as well for P-day. I love you guys and hope that hearing one of the Apostles speak will be awesome.

   

                                                 Love your son,

                                                                            Teancum