Casa Abierta, Falling out

Hello Friends and Family!!!

I hope you all had a fantastic week!! This week we had an activity where we did an open house for one of the chapels in our stake, so a lot of our week was getting things ready and planning and stuff like that. On Saturday we arrived at four in the afternoon to the final preparations, and we were there the whole day welcoming in the visitors, sending referrals, and greeting members. It was super fun, but I miss chapels with AC. It was super super hot in the chapel, and we were in suits, so that made it even hotter.  All in all it was a great activity, and it was great for the members to get to know the missionaries, and to help the investigators get to know the church a little bit better!

So we found a new investigator last week, and it was kind of a weird way we found him. One of our investigators (who is very outgoing and direct) pulled over one of the guys working in her shop, sat him down in front of us, and basically told us that he needed Jesus and we should talk to him. We offered a prayer to invite the spirit, and right when the amen was said, she just went off and started roasting him about his drinking problem and just basically told him he only drinks because he feels far from God. After she finished her 15 minute roast of this poor man, we taught him about the Atonement, and told him that God loved him, and was waiting for him to turn to Him. He began to cry, and we asked him to offer the prayer, and he prayed for like 10 minutes, just pouring his heart out to God. We visited him again this past week, and he even came to church with us this past week! He really liked it! I know that God prepared him for us!

Ok so funny story of the week. So this past Saturday, when we came to the office to eat our lunch, and one of the workers here let us know that we had new chairs here in the offices! We sat down in our new comfy chairs and right when I was about to start eating my lunch, an angry landlord called me and I got chewed out for like an hour for how his house was left by the missionaries. As the call was finishing up, the chair just FETCHING SNAPPED IN  HALF AND I FELL FLAT ON MY BACK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CALL. Luckily, like a champ, I finished the call before doing anything else. I got back up, and called the worker to let him know that the chair wasn’t exactly what we were hoping for. But yeah, one of those moments you just have to laugh at yourself a little bit, haha.

Ok, here’s to another great week in the work of the Lord, and for many more ahead! Love you all tons!!

Con amor, Elder Christian Duvall Newman

Dad, Woohoo!!! Sounds like an awesome week! Jazz won a playoff series, and trees came down at the Newman house!! Have a great week Dad, Love you!!

Mom, So awesome to hear about our ward boys getting their mission calls!! Huge congrats to Braxton and Chandler, and ‘m looking forward to hearing about Adam’s call soon here!! Love you tons, Mom!!!

Sarah, Nice job in your games, and super glad that you enjoyed the new movie! We will definitely have a marvel marathon when I get back!!! Way to be a good helper with all the jobs this week!! Love you Bear!!

Callie, How fun to go see the play Annie! We will definitely have to watch it together when I’m home. How fun to go and get pizza with mom! Sounds super delicious! Nice job on Cookie Sunday too!! Love you tons Callie!!

Emma, Sounds like a crazy week! Drill yearbooks, another Newman Spirit Bowl victory (3 years straight baby), a run in with the cops, and Infinity War? Wow, sounds like a full week!! Te amo hermanita!!


Mom’s Questions:

1. What is the funniest experience you had this week? 

Definitely falling out of my chair.

2. Are there any people in your ward that you are really connecting with? 

Our Elder's quorum president, Pedro Gutierrez. he is also our gospel principles teacher. He also works as like our mission taxi driver. He is super awesome!

3. How long have the other office elders been in the office? Will they finish their missions there? 

Ok, so Elder Cuaycal only has one transfer left in his mission after this one, so it is very possible he will be staying here to finish out. Elder Johnston only has two transfers left after this one, so he would stay with Elder Cuaycal for one more, train the new AP, and then finish his mission. Elder Lozano will probably stay for one more transfer also, the secretaries usually stay for 3 transfers together.

4. What is something interesting you have learned about your mission president since working in the office? 

He loves his dessert food. He rarely eats a meal without some sort of dessert.

Familia Hurtado, The Will of God.

Friends and Family, this was a week full of miracles here in the work of the Lord. We had lots of miracles this week, so let’s get right to it.

We had Intercambios this week! The Zone Leaders came to our area and I stayed here with Elder Flores from Chile! We had a good intercambio, and we taught a very powerful lesson about the Book of Mormon and we testified of the truth of that amazing book. I felt the spirit so strong as I testified of the truth of the Book of Mormon. I know it to be the word of God, and the most correct of all books upon the face of the earth.

I watched an awesome Mormon Message this week. It’s called, "The Will of God" by D. Todd Christofferson, and it talks about accepting God's love-inspired corrections in our life. I loved it a ton, I know it’s super old, but it touched me alot this week, and I have been trying to apply the principles in my life this week. I invite you all to watch it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr8xvw0cgw0

Now for the big miracle of the week, the baptism of the Familia Hurtado. We were super excited the whole week, and we even called them on Wednesday to teach them over the phone, and they were super ready! They came in on Friday, and on Saturday morning, we had a quick lesson, reviewing some of the commandments, and then, they had their baptismal interview. They passed with flying colors, and we returned in the afternoon for their baptism. One of their family members that is a member here in the ward, performed the baptisms, and at the end of the service they each stood and bore their testimonies. It was such a powerful experience to listen to them talk about the difference of the gospel in each of their lives. They are going to be powerful members, and they have already started their preparation to go to the temple in a year.

We had their confirmation on Sunday, and I had the blessing of confirming Jason (the kid) a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost. This was the first time I have ever confirmed somebody a member of the church, and I felt the spirit so strong the whole time. SO grateful to my Father in Heaven this week, because we were truly blessed this week.

Thank you all for your love and your support!!

Love, Elder Christian Duvall Newman

Mom, Looks like Callie is quite the momma's girl!! That’s so fun that you got to go and eat with her  all week! Shae and Denver! I’m so proud of both of them!!! And I know that Brielle and Marisa will be fantastic missionaries also! Love you tons Mom!!

Dad, 15 years straight!! Nice job finishing the marathon, and so awesome that Caleb went with you for the race!! He’s a stud!!! So proud of our 5th ward return missionaries! They are super awesome!!! Love you dad!!!

Emma, you looked amazing at prom!! Looks like you and your date had a killer time!!! And a huge congrats on making dance co.!!! Love you tons Emma!!!

Sarah!! Back in the game!!! Way to do your best and play hard. Soon enough those teeth will be healed up and you won’t have to use that mouthguard! Love you Sarah!

Callie, Sounds like a super fun field trip and how fun to finally see Shae again!!!! Love you so much Callie!!

Mom’s Questions:
1. How did your baptisms go last weekend?

Super awesome!!

2. How is the Familia Hurtado doing? 

Doing super awesome!!! They are starting their prep to go to the temple and get sealed!

3. Any nuevos this week? 

Yep! Found a couple of new people to teach, think there are a few that could really progress!!

4. Who was the most unique person you met this week contacting?

During the intercambio, we contacted a columbian street performer who juggled and spoke English.... Interesting guy.

Tuvimos Milagros

 Office Elders

 Supplies

 Handing out Plan of Salvation pamphlets from the back of the truck

 Never too old for a crown from Burger King

 Package from Mom arrived...with Girl Scout cookies!

Hello friends and family!!!!!

I am happy to tell you that this week, things calmed down in the offices, and we saw some super big miracles here in our area!!!

First off, I’ve started a new thing here. The truth is I should have started it right when I got here to the offices, but better late than never!!! I have lots of people who come in to fight about money problems, do contracts for houses, and just lots of other stuff. Well, I had someone come that frustrated me super bad, and after they left, I remember just feeling awful inside. I started a new goal then that I would try to brighten at least one person’s day while I’m here in the offices before we head out and start working in our area. I have felt much happier here in the office ever since I started doing that, and people have left the offices with a smile on their face, which makes me happy!

Second, we had a HUGE MIRACLE this past week!!!! So the Familia Hurtado, is the family of one of the members in our ward. They live out in a little town in the middle of nowhere. There used to be missionaries out in their town, but right when they were getting married to get baptized, the missionaries got taken out of that area. This was about a year or two back. They have come to church twice with us now, and after church, we asked them how they felt about baptism, and they told us that they have wanted to get baptized for a year now. The good news is, that because they have no missionaries in their town, and they attend in our ward, we get to help them be baptized!!! We have three baptisms this weekend!! I have been praying for a miracle ever since Renan Retamoso moved out of our area, and we have had some super tough and busy weeks, and it was so good to see an answered prayer this weekend. I am very grateful to my Father in Heaven for the miracle of missionary work..

We had intercambios again this past weekend!!! Elder Johnston came to our area, and we had another super awesome time working together!!

That’s all for this week!!! Thanks for your continued support! Love you all tons!!

Con Amor, Elder Christian Duvall Newman

Dad, wow, sounds like a very busy weekend! Sounds like your life has changed a fair bit! Changing out watching a basketball or football game for musicals, dance recitals, and soccer games. Sounds different! Love you tons Dad!!

Mom, straight A's! Sounds like you are like two-thirds of your kids... Jackson and Emma, haha. Sounds like a very busy week! Love you tons mom!!

Callie!! Maybe someday you’ll get surprised with a puppy at home! Dont worry I’m sure you’ll be the spotlight in Primary soon! love you Callie!

Sarah, Country reports!! Uruguay will be a super cool report! Dont worry, I’m sure whoever got Bolivia will love studying about it! Way to be a good helper with the weeding! Love you Bear!

Emma! Sleepless nights!! Congrats on making the team again this year! Sounds like an intense game!!! And in the words of Captain America in winter soldier, "I’ll put it on the list". We'll have to go and see it! Love you Emma!!

Mom’s Questions:

1. How is Elder Lazano feeling? In what ways have you served him this week? 

He is feeling much better! I’ve tried to help him in whatever I could this week!

2. What was your most spiritual moment this week? 

This Sunday hearing the responses of the Familia Hurtado to getting baptized.

3. What was the funniest thing that happened this week? 

Today. We watched Tangled. You would be surprised how hyped up a bunch of 19 year old kids get about Tangled! (*In Christian’s mission they are allowed to listen to Disney music and watch Disney animated movies on p-days.)

4. How is the weather? Is it starting to cool off?

Sometimes sweater weather, sometimes super hot.

5. Did you get your package this week? 

Yes I did!! Thank You TONS!!!!

Sleepless in Santa Cruz

The office boys!

 Me and Elder Lisonbee when he got here!

How I felt at the end of transfer week.

Friends and Family, I am very grateful to have Pday this Monday, and that transfer week is over. You will understand very soon the reason for my subject line.

Ok, so this past week was my first transfer week here in the offices, and the only way I can describe it is it’s like the episode of The Office where Dwight lights the trash can on fire and does a fire drill, and everyone just goes insane, and at the very end, Stanley just has a heart attack. Yeah, it’s pretty much just like that. We were all over the place getting the missionaries to their new areas, picking up the people coming from Tarija, getting the missionaries who were heading home through their English tests (all 14 of them). Yeah, and that was Pday last week, so it was a pretty crazy start to the week.

The next day, we were welcoming in new missionaries! We had to go with President to go and pick up the first group of missionaries at 3 am, so we woke up at like 2, and after, we went at 5 to go get the next group. but the best part was that group was Elder Lisonbee, my friend from the MTC who had to go home, but just got back out here!!! I was so dang excited to see him, right after he came out of the terminal, he shook President's hand, and then I just gave him a huge hug and welcomed him to the mission. Oh my goodness I can’t even describe how good it was to see him. It was definitely interesting to welcome in new missionaries, I always feel so so new because my companion is super old in the mission, and both the AP's too, so I always feel like the new guy. So it was definitely interesting when they started asking me questions about the mission, and I had to answer like I knew something.

On Wednesday we had to get the missionaries up at 5:30 so we could get them started on their visa work. We sent the new missionaries off with their trainers, and it was a pretty normal day after that. Thursday we were just making sure that the old missionaries got to their interviews on time, when something surprising happened. One of the hermanas called us and said that her companion had been bitten by a bug of some sort, and was now having problems walking. They got a taxi and rushed her to the hospital, and then we arrived to give her a blessing. Elder Lozano gave her a beautiful blessing, and she was able to get well enough to take her flight to get home.

Ok, Thursday night was one I’m never going to forget, because it’s the time that I pulled an all nighter in the mission. Not because I wanted to, but because one of our jobs as secretaries is that we have to take all of the old missionaries to the airport to take their flights home. Well, the first flight left at 2 am, so we just had to stay up until midnight when we had planned to leave, and then from then on, it was non stop taking one group for their flights, returning, loading up the next group, and repeating that until we sent off the last missionary at 1 in the afternoon the next day. We couldn’t go back to the house and sleep though, because there was a ton of stuff in the offices that we had to do, and we had appointments with investigators, for the first time that whole week. Sooo we just got to work. I don’t know how we did it, but the Coca Cola we drank and the Lord giving us strength was enough for us to get through the day--especially during the cita with Herman. He had lots of questions, and we were so tired that we could barely think, but the Lord helped us have the spirit and be able to answer his questions.

So, Saturday, we woke and tried to get to work, but with no sleep all week, and tons of stressful work the whole week, Elder Lozano got pretty sick, so we pretty much stayed in the whole weekend and he just rested up and tried to get feeling better.

Well, here’s to another week here in the work of the Lord, and hopefully we get a little more time to be in our area this week!

Con mucho amor, Elder Christian Duvall Newman

Mom, sounds like you guys had a pretty eventful spring break!! Thanks for that awesome talk, Hopefully things calm down for you guys this week! Love you tons mom!!

Dad, dang, cold storage is looking pretty awesome! And I hope you enjoyed your birthday!!! Thought about you tons yesterday, hope that it was awesome!! love you Dad!!!

Emma, well, sounds like you had a busy week like me! I’m sure that the yearbooks turned out awesome!! Remember to take some time and relax a bit, ok? Love you Emma!

Sarah, Sounds like somebody had an even more eventful week than I did!!! Hope your teeth recover well! Keep taking it easy until you recover! Love you Bear!

Callie, Hope you had a great spring break! How fun to celebrate Dad’s birthday!! Today, for fun we had a zone activity, and now we are back in the offices to write! Love you Callie!!


Mom’s Questions:

1. This week we had empanadas. I’ve never heard you mention them. Do you eat empanadas in Bolivia?

Yes there are empanadas, they are super good! What you need to look for now are something called Salteñas. They are super similar to empanadas, but something traditional to here in Santa Cruz

2. How was your week now that transfers are over? 

Well, things have finally calmed down, but now we are just trying to get Elder Lozano feeling better.

3. What type of exercise do you do? Do you get to exercise daily? 

We have a treadmill in our house, so sometimes we use that, and also sometimes we go downstairs and play Ping Pong. Also with the occasional basketball game with Elder Johnston.

4. How is Herman doing? 

He is super awesome! Don’t know if we will be able to baptize him on the 14th (we just haven’t had much time to visit him), but he is progressing really well!!!

Conferencia General, Revelacion en todas formas

Hello Friends and Family!!!

So this has been a super crazy week, getting ready for the craziest week of the transfer. We have been in the offices all day for four days straight. It’s been super crazy getting ready for the transfers, and we haven’t had a second to breathe today. I will try to sum up our week quickly, because I still have a ton of stuff to do.

So my first thing is that our investigator Renan finally received an answer to his prayer asking God for a business opportunity. He got a really good job offer, and it’s really going to help his family with their tough financial situation. The only thing is that he will be moving from our area, and we won’t be able to continue to teach him.. Yeah, that was tough.. tough to know that the answer to our prayers ended up taking him out of our area, but I’m just trying to be happy for him and this new opportunity God has given him!

We finally got to meet with Herman Jimenez! We put a baptismal date for the 14th of this month, and he is super excited!!! He went to conference, and came to our ward activity on Friday. He is super awesome, and way excited to get baptized!! We are looking forward to meeting with him more!!!

The highlight of the week was definitely General Conference this weekend!! It was such an amazing uplifting experience to listen to our new prophet and apostles and sustain them through solemn assembly. I definitely shed a few tears as I felt the spirit raising my hand to sustain our dear Prophet Russell M. Nelson, and our two new Apostles Gerrit Gong, and Ulisses Soares. I love them, and I sustain them with all of my heart. I especially loved the talk about meekness (something I need to develop more in my life) by Elder David A. Bednar, and the talk about "Behold the Man" by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf. What an uplifting spiritual experience to listen to our general authorities, and I hope we all try to apply the teachings and revelations that we received this weekend.

Well, I hope you all had a great Easter weekend!! Have a great week!!!!

Love, Elder Christian Duvall Newman

Mom, Glad you guys had a great vacation, and enjoyed your conference weekend!!! Love you Mom!!

Dad, Impressive!!! 3 straight at a mile!!! and also, a very happy birthday this Sunday!! Love you Dad!!!

Emma, Boot camp, how exciting! And have fun at spirit bowl!! It’s always a blast!!! Love you Emma!!

Sarah, Have fun going and shooting!! Have a great spring break!! Love you Sarah!!

Callie, Glad you had a great Easter!! Glad you loved Elder Gongs talk! Love you Callie!!!


Mom’s Questions:

1. How did prep for transfers go this week?

Went alright, but we were pretty crazy busy!

2. How many investigators do you have right now? 

We have about 11 that we are teaching right now

3. Where did you watch conference? What was your favorite part? 

Loved conference!!! Solemn Assembly had a truly special spirit.

4. Did you do anything special for Easter (besides conference)? 

Not really.