Wednesday, September 22, 2010

September 20, 2010



Hola Familia,

Well, my companion Elder Soto is from Tegucigalpa, Honduras. My ex companion is from San Pedro Sula. There is an ex missionary from Honduras here in the branch that served here about a year or more ago, and he's married to the Branch President's daughter. They will be living in San Pedro Sula, the same stake as my ex companion, but for now they will wait for her to have her baby.

Hna. July apparently won't be getting baptized. It looks like she will have to wait at least until December because she wants to move to Colon with her sister when her son finishes the school year... and right now there aren't too many other people progressing much right now...

Oh, there was a tarantula in our house the other day. I have a cool video, but I think it might be too long to send...

Yes, I have been able to see Hna. Ochs a few times now. Today I the Hondureños are going to cook something for lunch.

Love you all tons,
Elder Niendorf

September 13th 2010: Interesting Photos


Hola Familia!
If you have seen the photo then you know that I took a picture with a certain sister missionary new to the Zone La Chorrera...Hna. Ochs! She isn't in my district but the zones are usually like one big district. It is pretty cool that she is here, because I (obviously) haven't seen anyone from Oakdale in a while! So I am excited for this change. The other photo is my ex-companion Samir Rodriguez.

I remembered Wednesday morning to say Happy Birthday to Dad, but I forgot to write it....Happy Bithday. And tell Jon to send Anna a Hppy Birthday from me as well for this Saturday. I will be able to say Happy Birthday to Rachel - I mean - Hermana Ochs in person :P

My new companion is Elder Soto from Honduras as well. He is 21, and it looks like we will be able to get some good work done; Hna. July has been challenged to get baptized this Saturday the 18 of September. All the Zone's baptisms for this Saturday will be in a place called La Laguna, so it would be a super great experience if she gets baptized...maybe you guys can be praying that she can overcome her fears and get baptized this Saturday.

Well, there isn't much more news than that. Our new branch mission leader is the ex-missionary that served in Argentina, Juan Jose Reyes, and he's super awesome (and reminds me a lot of Jonathan). He came over this morning to help us clean our house, and he is going to be contacting all the houses in his neighborhood (we have already taught 3 families there with him). So far I really like being senior companion, and hope to be able to be a good instrument in the hands of the Lord i helping people make the changes in their live to become closer to him.

With lots of love,
Elder Niendorf

Sunday, September 12, 2010

September 8th 2010




Hola Familia,

I am writing today because Monday I went with my companion to go visit Barriada Kuna, one of his old areas on the other side of Panamà in Colon. The President gave us permission to go, and we were there all day. I was a fun pday, getting to know several people. To get there we took 4 buses (including from our house) in about 3 hours. We got home pretty late, but I think it was good for my companion. He is pretty emotional about leaving Panamà.

And last night there was a new experience connected with his departure; another person (July) had a very difficult experiencet the day before, and then to have to day good bye to him was too much for her, and she fainted. She recovered in about a minute, but my heart was feeling a lot of love for her and her situation...

There was a missionary farewell for our mission leader, so they added my comp's farewell to that activity. There was a ''baile tìpica''(I don`t know how to say tìpica...something like native?) And there was a hike to the beach in the branch (Personal Progress and Duty to God) that we attended as well...Our Branch Pres. gave an old laptop of their family to him...que suerte!

My new companion is going to arrive in about 2 hours, anad I have been told that I am now going to be Senior Companion. So next Monday I will tell you guys if it's true.

I will attach a few photos (This Zone, the hike, and a speaker at the farewell [the new missionary is in orange]), but next week I hope to be more organized.

Con mucho amor,
Elder Niendorf

August 30th 2010







Hola Familia!

This week has been perhaps one of the fastest weeks that I have experienced here on the mission. I am glad to hear all is going well with you guys, and in that I know my prayers for you are answered. Part of this week I have been a bit sick because I held a cat for a while, which lowered my defenses...but I am better. I haven't had time to write to Hunter recently, but if you talk to him, tell him to write to me and that I will try to write to him next week...

There were several baptisms together this week of other areas, and a Cine Mormòn afterwards. It was a good night because we saw the Testaments and Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restauration. Last week Pday was pretty great because some missionaries prepared lunch (the sisters , but sever of us male missionaries helped) There are some pictures of a service we did for a family, where we dug part of the latrine (there is no sewer system). My companion is finishing the mission this change, so one picture shows that...Another photo is of my study area at it's worst, but I like having everything nearby on that table...

Our branch El Progreso will be receiving a pre-fabricated chapel! They announced it yesterday (we missionaries already knew because we have 2 dinners in the house of the branch president) At member let us see our houses in the new Google Earth 2010, which was pretty cool because the images have been updated since the last time I saw it. We saw a few temples as well. You guys should try to add that photo of the Oakland Temple that is so beautiful. I am still hovering around 140 in weight, and I think part of that is a bit more muscle mass...

Well. that's all for now. Tune in next week for another exciting episode of 'Elder Niendorf: Missionary of the Lord'

Love Love Love Love Love,
Elder Niendorf

August 23rd 2010


Hola Familia,
This week went by very fast for a few reasons. First, Tuesday was Interviews with Pres. Ward. It was a great experience getting to talk to him, and Hna. Ward also interviewed us. She also made lunch for us. Then Thursday was Zone Conference, and I felt more energy or desire (ànimo) to keep going. Friday, we went with the missionary couple in charge of the houses to get some things that our house didn't have (fans, more plates/silverware, pans, etc.). And yesterday was a Baptism! Hna. Elvia was baptized, and I was the one asked to do the ordinance.

I feel more peace about being here in Panamà, like, as they say, these will be the best two years in my life so far. Jon, maybe you could send me some stories or experiences with people in the mission that you had, I would like to hear about that.

I hope all goes well and that you all can feel closer to our Savior.

Love,
Elder Niendorf

August 16th 2010




Hola Familia!

I don't have too much time to write today. I am sending photos of a missionary that returned from service in Argentina, pink and lime green pancakes (using the powder to give flavor to water) and the temple trip!

The return missionary is Juan Jose Reyes. He is very cool. He sort of reminds me of Jon, and he talks a lot. He is sometimes a bit forward/pushy when he comes with us, but it is just his nature to have so much energy. There was a homecoming as a group night and I look forward to his help.

The temple trip went well, and almost all the recent converts in this area were able to go and do baptisms for the dead. I felt the Spirit a lot as well!

Yesterday was stake conference, and Pres. Ward, his wife, the temple Pres, and his wife came, and it wast pretty cool. We arrived with one of our investigators and were able to present her to Pres. Ward. The person who will be baptized this Saturday also went, she being the person who had been married only according to Jewish law and not civil law (the ex-'husband' moved out).

Interviews with Pres. Ward are tomorrow, my first with him. Also, this Thursday is Zone Conference, so this week should go by pretty fast!

I hope all will go well this year in school for you all (excepting Erika, who already finished :P) Remember to always try to do Family Home Evening, and study the scriptures as a family, and that I love all of you.

Lots of Love,
Elder Niendorf

August 9th 2010






Hola Familia,
Everything is going well. The photos are of some purple pancakes that I made this morning. I sent some photos of a boa to Erika, so if you want to see them you can ask Erika to send them to you.

This week went well. We are preparing a person named Elvia Quintero for her baptismal date on the 21st of this month. She talks a lot, is the same age as mom, and has a son my age named Armando. She has wanted to be baptized for a while, but the situation with her 'husband' was an issue. But they are always talking and sharing much of hteir live. Armando is a bit special, but he is pretty cool to talk with. He always has a different way of seeing things.
I heard that a member of the ward here was communicating with Jon. Aaròn is his name. He is the same age as Joshua.

I love you all, and talk to you next week.

Love,
Elder Niendorf

August 2nd 2010


Hola Familia,
How`s everything going for you guys? Anyway this past week there has been a lot of rain. Wednesday we got stuck at a chino (little store) for an hour. We saw a lot of lightning, and one time there was a flash and the sky was turquoise, then the power went out for a couple of minutes. Later, when a taxi finally stopped, we couldn't get to the house of the person who prepared us dinner because the bridge had been flooded over...

There isn't too many people progressing in the area, but there are a lot of families with trials (usually due to the male adult of the family...) There is not much more than a few words we can share in those moments to help, but I am always praying for them...

The 12th of this month we get to go to the temple because there is a temple trip where all the recent converts get a special price, so if they go we get to go with them to do the baptisms for the dead. Our Mission Leader is usually very busy, but he is usually able to visit with us one or two times a week.

I am currently in or around 3rd Nephi 3, and in Exodus 34. I usually try to read at least a chapter of each and Predicad Mi Evangelio in my personal study, and if I have more time (I usually do because my comp. is slow in getting up on time for companionship study) I clean or work on projects (right now I am trying to make a bag for my scriptures and stuff) or I study a bit more....

My comp has a CD of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir that is pretty awesome. I want a copy. Most of my music isn't by the church, but I have about 35 conference talks that I am listening to for the 3rd time...

The photo is a friend of mine at the photo printing place at the grocery store...

Until next week
Love you all,
Elder Niendorf

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

July 26th 2010


Hola Familia,
I am still in El Progreso, because as the title of this letter says, changes will be Wednesdays (we find out Tuesday night). So next week there might be news of that sort. There aren't too many stories from this week (or I just don`t remember too much) but there was a Baptism this week (as seen in the photo). One is of Mariano Rivera´s ? house in my area (I guess he plays for the yankees) and me in a mask.

The baptism was for Josè Nuñez a cousin of other members. I got to play the right hand part of 'Venid A Mi' (Come Follow Me) for some sisters in the branch who sang. I gave a small, impromptu talk on the blessing of baptism. All in all it was a pretty good baptism because many members attended. I think most attended because there was a stake Pioneer Day activity going on a the stake where we had the baptism, and a lot of people showed up. Everything turned out well. The 1st counselor did the ordinance.

I still don't know much about the new president. We got our haircut by a member, and while he was cutting our hair I saw part of Prince of Persia :P but not all of it. I want to see it in about 15 months... We played Monopoly a couple times with some of the youth in the branch. They really like the missionaries, so we try to help them keep their spirits up.

Well, that's all for this week. I hope you all continue forward, study the scriptures, and always be happy!

Love,
Elder Niendorf

July 12th 2010



Hola Familia,
How are you all? I have had a good week. The only two things I took pictures of were a friend of the area that we might not see again, and an 'oso perezoso' (sloth?) that we saw get run over. The sloth kept walking afterwards, and even began climbing a fence! which was pretty amazing. I still felt bad for it... How is Josh's leg?

I got to see half of the Wold Cup final, because we were visiting an inactive member who had the tv on... We actually saw a few games that way (a couple of the times were planned, like the Honduras (my comp.) vs Chile (me) game).

I was going to ask if Johnny was moved to the North Mission in Nicaragua, maybe you can reaffirm it for me. I would like to send a letter or something to him if it is...

It is true when they say that Satan is attacking the families from all fronts, and with much force. There are a lot of families that have a lot of problems, and most of the time it feels like there isn't much (or anything) we can do for them... Alcohol is never a good idea, and here in Panamà it is a big problem...

Anyways, I hope you all keep trying to keep up on your scripture reading. I finished Genesis this week (I started two weeks ago). I hope you all are happy and learning and growing continually.

Love,
Elder Niendorf

July 12th 2010




Hola Familia,
How are you all? I have some good news: Grandma`s Christmas package arrived today!! There were cookies,figurines, a book, a calendar, a pencil, and a small wooden pendant thing. The bad news is that I think it was opened before it got here... so if there was more it didn`t arrive...
So that's cool that you all had a good time in Idaho. The rapids sound like something fun I'd like to do. Sorry to hear about Josh's ankle... (In the photo of Jon in the car I saw the same Chile shirt/jersey I bought on Friday!)
Here things are going well. I forgot to mention last week that I had completed 8 months. The other day I ate some tongue (I ate a couple before thinking 'this meat is pretty chewy' before I saw the taste buds) with my rice. (from Josè Morales's mom) Our mission leader, Josè Morales who is almost 27, received his mission call to the Nicaragua, Managua Norte mission, which is pretty cool.
I will try to add photos, but the normal internet place is closed and this computer is a bit more ancient... there we go (it read my sd card finally). One is an investigator family, one I'm in a taxi, Jose Morales (in one photo he has my companion's nametag), and a sign in the clouds that Epaña was going to win....
I like the mud when rains (for me it's fun); some mud is super slippery, other mud starts adding to itself on the bottom of my shoes.
Well, I hope every is happy and that Josh heals well (even though laying down a lot means more time to read the Book of Mormon and study for school).
Love,
Elder Niendorf

Monday, July 5, 2010

July 5th 2010

Hola Familia,
Mom, many times your school mail rejects the emails with photos...

Anyway, I didn't even realize it was the 4th of July until my companion said 'Happy Independence Day.' One member who gave us dinner also remembered. I hope you all enjoyed it there in the States.

The new President is here in Panamà. I haven't met him yet but I have heard he`s pretty cool (A member from my area was and is again the 2nd counselor to the President). We have Zone Conference on Wednesday, so I will get to meet him then.

I don't remember if I have said it before but I have been teaching English classes Saturdays. Only youth from the ward show up (they bring friends sometimes) but we play soccer with them afterwards. I haven't really taken any new photos of my area yet... but next week for sure!

Yeah so the is a baptismal date for the 24th. A cousin of some members have been going to church for several years with them. He already has a testimony, and he seem pretty tranquil compared to how the youth normally are. Hopefully everything will work out, and his mom already said she'll support him.

Anyways, I am in Helamàn right now. I hope to finish the Libro de Mormòn soon.
Talk to you guys next week!

Love,
Elder Niendorf

June 28th 2010



Hola Familia,
Well, this week has been pretty good. We have been able to find about 7 new investigators this week, a few of which seem positive. There are more members in this ward. I think, because the attendence was 63ish and there were apparently a few families missing or imcomplete... But all is going well. I can see the ocean from my area, and there is a possiblity that I will visit the beach that is part of my area...

There are a few things that pull at my heart. One is that there is an investigator who seems to already have a testimony, but the man she is living with (a mistake form a long time ago) doesn´t want to leave; he hits them (her, her son, and his daughter). She seems to adore the missionaries, esp. my companion, because they have hepled her with these hard times. And there is danger if they go the the police because they don't always act, which would make things terribly worse afterwards. She hopes to move in with a sister at the end of the year, but has to wait until then for some reason ... Also there is a youth and mother in the branch that also might have the same problem...

I have felt pretty strongly the love of the members here. The mission leader is called an angel by some memers, and I think it is fitting. He is 26 and waiting to see if the church will respond to send him on a misison or not...

I cleaned the bathroom a bit. I made my own rice the other day. I plan to cut my own hair again with the ... hair cutter machine... that I bought in the last area to eventually save the church money on my haircuts (which normally cost about 2 or 2.50)

Well, one photo is me saying goodbye to my last area, another some of the youth in this new ward after we played soccer with them...I don't remember the others I put but I am running out of time, so I will right more next week. Keep studying the scriptures; I am in Alma ch 50s right now, and Moroni is always inspiring (as well as Lehi and Teancum, Helaman and the 2000 youth...)

Love,
Elder Niendorf

June 21st 2010




Hola Familia,
Yes, well my first week here went pretty slow. I was a bit resfriado the first two days, and then my companion has been having headaches (one really bad one where I gave him a blessing, and he was more or less 100 percent in the morning), so we have been taking it easy for that past few days. To sort of use the time where we have been a bit ill, we have seen about 4 games of the 'mundial' with some people... I haven't seen any of the USA though...

So this area reminds me a bunch of Caimitillo, my first area. There is even a part of this area that is called Puerto Caimito (caimito is an type of tree, my companion says)

Thats pretty cool to hear about the good things going on with you guys. Tell Joshua to write me more.
Well I want to try sending more photos, becasue I think not all of them got through last time...
So I will talk to you guys next week.

Love,
Elder Niendorf

June 14th 2010







Hola Familia,
I am currently in Chorrera. My area is called El Progreso. My new companion is an Elder Rodriguez from Honduras. I don´t really know too much about here yet, but this is a pretty big zone with several missionaries...
This past week went by pretty fast. Elder Cruz an I tried to work, but there wasn´t too much we got done. I had a cool experience where we were at the top of a hill, and we could see the city beginning to get covered by rain. Then we saw the rain enter our zone, and eventually the wave reached us. We rushed down the hill, but the rain overtook us while we were still only halfway down...
We usually end up spending a lot of time with Rita and Mati, two older (60 and 80?) recent converts of December. They are pretty cool; I learned how to cook rice again,(since I forgot the first time) and I hope they continue to progress in chuch. They still can't go to church because Rita, under doctors orders, cant leave the house...
Well I will try to send a bunch of photos of Coastway (I think this is correctly written, but everyone pronounces it Cosway)
Love,
Elder Niendorf

June 7th 2010




Hola Familia,
This week I won`t write too much, but I am here in the Allbrook Mall. We played soccer against another Zone and we won. Next we will eat lunch and then is Cosway, which from what I have heard is a tourist attraction where we ride bicycles and take photos and I don't know what else.
This past week we didn't see too much progress in the investigators. One of the wards recent converts, Rita, sends greetings. She is 60, and has several health problems. We always visit her and her mother (who is 80). Before they always gave us food, but they are going through very tough times economically. My compañero Elder Cruz is more or less behaving, but he does use the cell too much... (we don't have a house phone so we have a cell; but I think we're supposed to leave it in the house...)
Anyway. I send greetings and love to all. I will write more next week.
Love,
Elder Niendorf

June 1st 2010




Hola Familia!
We were able to reach our Zone goal of 10 baptisms and reached 11. So next week we will go to Cosway for PDay. I don't know when we will write, but I will try to have good photos for the week after next (which will be cambios).

And there is not too much to tell this week, either. I will try to send some more photos, but I'm not sure of the ones I have sent... so sorry if there are repeats...

We taught one person who said that sometimes she has the experience during the night that her spirit leaves her body and is taken to visit other countries. I think that she was one of the most interested people we have taught because she was the one asking the questions of understanding, and had more questions to ask.

This past week we barely taught any lessons; we haven't been able to work too effectively, and one of the days we didn't leave the house because I think I ate something bad, but I was pretty much 100 pecent the next day...

Anyway, I love all you guys. Remember to try to read the scriptures every day. I seem to visit you guys often in my dreams, so don't forget to take care of yourselves.

Love,
Elder Niendorf

May 24th 2010





I accidently sent it....

Hola Familia,
This week went by super fast. I don't remember most of what happened, but I am doing well. I don't really have problems with clothes, only the belt we bought from the missionary mall is began peeling the first change, I think. Other than that I am pretty set concerning supplies of such nature. Maybe Erika can send me the foto I have as my Facebook profile photo (Darth Elder) in an email. I was also wondering if you guys could find out which mission has the lowest average for baptisms per missionaries in the mission, 'cause I heard it was Panama...

Thurday there was a LOT of rain. We were about to leave to a meeting with the Zone when we got a call saying there was a service we had to do: a bunch of mud fell behind a house and they were worried for the wall, so we as a zone went and shoveled mud for about 2 hours. I actually very much enjoyed being in the mud in the rain; it was a good experience, only I got cut by a broken shovel and one of my fingers got bruised between a big rock I was moving and the wall...

And yesterday was the confirmation of the sister that was baptized (we couldn't do it last week due to the census). My companion did the ordinance and I participated. Friday was Zone Conference, and the Mission President gave his last testimony as President. He leaves I think the 30th of June...

And I am not trunky or anything, but in 4 days I complete 7 months since entering the MTC. Josh entering High School...crazy...here I think they have primaria (1-6 grado) and secundaria (1-6 año). I will

Well, have a good week.
Love Elder Niendorf