PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES!!!

 

#soccershoes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JoseMaria's baptism 

General Conference + Temple‏

Elder Lohberg, Elder Toledo, Elder Adams

Hey! This week went awesome, we were able to go to the temple on Friday just before general conference and so it ended up being a super powerful and Spiritual week! 

I want to focus on one of the teachings in Elder Hollands talks that stood out to me a lot.. I`ve translated it to English so I`m pretty sure I have the gist of it, but just in case it`s not perfect=)

¨The first truth of the gospel is that God loves us with all His heart, might, mind, and strength¨ 

Why do we love God? Because He loved us first. I love that scripture, I think it`s in John, but either way I know it exists=P (#Ipromiseit`snotapostasy)  Our Heavenly Father loves us so much, He wants us to return to Him, and He does everything He can (apart from forcing us) to help us follow the straight and narrow path. He wants to teach us, what`s left is whether or not we want to listen. I hope you all listen and act.

With Love, 

Elder Lohberg

JoseMaria on his baptism day

Aaron: hi mom

Mom: Hey Aaron!! How are you??? How has your week been??

Aaron: prtty goodf mom, osrry I was reading everything, Im going to try and answer your questions right now, each one okay?= 

Mom: haha - are you at an internet cafe today? crappy keyboard?? 

I figured you were reading emails so I just waited as patiently as I could :P

Aaron: Favorite Conference Talk, I loved Elder Hollands talk and I loved the talk by the first sister in the Saturday session who talked about how to help our kids (or our investigators) we able to feel the Spirit in their lives, I feel like she explained it super well. We went to the temple Friday, it was good, Thursday night we took the bus to Paraiso, and there we woke up at 4:05.. the plan was to wake up at 2:30 so that all 4 of us could shower and get ready but the first person to wake up woke up at 4:05.. woops.. and we`d planned to leave at 4:00 because we had to be in the park in Cartago at 5:00 to get on a microbus, so we got ready but SUPER FAST haha.. and at 4:25 all four of us were out the door running to catch the bus, we got on RIGHT before it left, and the sisters were all upset because they woke up at 2:00 to get ready on time and we all got ready in 20 minutes, showered and everything hahahaha. Accidents. It was a super good trip to the temple, the session was at 7:00 and we went with Zone Toyopan.. so I knew a ton of the people there and got to talk to Toledo again, it was really good.. but no the store was closed until 2 in the afternoon so we didn't buy anything. To get to the temple by bus you have to go Turri -> Paraiso -> Cartago -> San Jose -> Heredia, by car it`s basically the same just side streets. 

Ush lets go to Guanacaste, BEACHES! :P I think the bus from Guanacaste to San Jose is like.. 6-8 hours, I think.

All is well with the investigators.. we`re working super hard with Marcos and we found some new ones this week.. found another awesome investigator in Marcos`s house, named Daniel, we had  7 investigators who went to general conference, so it didn't go too bad. 

Yeah, Josemaria got baptized 2 Fridays ago.. it was good the sisters also had a guy named Jaime who got baptized. It went well, Josemaria was kind of nervous but everything went well, he felt good and he`s been going strong still, got confirmed.. i think he got the priesthood on Sunday too.. need to ask to be honest because they asked us to teach a Sunday school class lol.. I had to teach the young single adults about Jacob 5.. I was like what the flip.. I got the worst luck ever, Jacob 5 to young single adults without having prepared the lesson before, but it went well haha. 

It`s crazy hot here right now, Marian told us that in 12 years this hasn`t happened in Costa Rica, that we all need to us sunscreen.. so im obeying even though i don't like putting sunscreen on. 

Tell Jessie that if her kids a brat I`m going to be straight up with him or her haha. Randall loves you, he`s like your mom is so cool! Hey I was thinking of some GRINGO food that I can cook with him.. can you send to him or to me some recipes, I was thinking Fudge recipe, Chocolate peanut butter balls recipe, and maybe peanut butter cookies.. and i`ll see which one is easiest here. It`s cuz I cant think of anything else.. dinners things that we could do is like General Zhaos chicken but Marian doesnt like spicy food at all.. soo lolol 

No, but I`m trying to write fast because I didnt realize that i`ve already used 45 minutes of my time =O Well yes, internet cafe but i got a good keyboard and stuff. 

Mom: ok - it took forever for the emails to come in - so I just got all of these and have read through them - so now to answer!!

FIRST - GET YOUR GENERAL EMAIL DONE!!!

So - LOVED conference - Kara's question this week was on conference so I wont spend my time there with you - but WOW - it took a bit to get to the temple! So cool you got to go!! I was sad that they Hayes's didn't take more pictures of you guys at the temple as they took a bunch from the day prior :(  I'm glad you got to see other missionaries (like Toledo)! I know that is the BEST!!

I am WORKING it to try and win that contest!! I truly am!! my ranking is going lower and lower (which in this case is a good thing I believe as it goes down in number as I earn more points - and points = entries) - it is a long shot dream but I am doing everything in my power to try :p

I'm glad things are going well for you - I will look for some recipes - I probably can't get it on here before you have to get off - so I can send it to Randall - he is a pretty neat person and i'm thankful that you have him & his family to help you :) I will send a few different recipes then for you through him :)

do you have any more pictures?? I wanted to know if you took pictures at the baptism??  I realize you are at the cafe now - so maybe Randall could upload them at some point for you?? I took off the other ones but left the last one there so you would know where you ended last time in the uploads :)

Aaron: I`m trying right now.. i might be able to put like 5 photos on.. so i will select key ones for you. 

Mom: So you got a crash course at teaching haha :p  Jacob 5 is a pretty cool chapter to teach!! I think teaching the Book of Mormon though is easier as most people have at least read it through once or twice and know something about it - what is best is when you can get a good conversation going though - I feel like that can lead to a greater understanding and ah-ha moments with the Spirit as well 

Aaron: Okay yeah. So i put like 6 key photos on.. i have like 1 hundred or more to upload still. but i will see when i can with Randall. 

Mom: so - Dad & I were cracking up - cause I get Ben's emails now - and he talks about (WEEKLY) eating the iguana's - I keep thinking of President Wilkinson and his wife telling us parents to instruct our missionaries to NOT eat them :p haha

I hope you got a message from Kara telling you about President Wilkinson expressing his love for you and stating what a great missionary you are!! His wife messaged that to me as well on another occasion!!

I appreciated her telling me about it (from him) and for sister Wilkinson messaging me - I know you are a great missionary but it is so wonderful to have them say that to me as well - and I know that those whom you have served feel that way about you - as several have contacted me and said so - you are loved!!

Adriana messaged me last night too - she said she is cooking for the mission in May so you will see her then sounds like - she is really funny - she messages me and then chats and chats and chats! haha and sends tons of emoticons haha like TONS! :p  I love her - she is super fun and I really enjoy chatting with her! I look forward to meeting her someday! 

wait you just put them on?? I don't see anything uploading

Mom: oh - maybe there is a delay????????

oh - never mind - I see it starting now!!

GENERAL :p

Aaron: I`m putting them on.. in the process it`s super slow lol because the foto quality is high. 

I haven't eaten iguana.. but i hear it doesn't do anything.. i bet they only said that because the iguanas here are kind of endangered because everyone and their dog is eating them.. idiots. 

Mom: so Spencer Henry's mom got his travel info last transfer (he goes home in 2 transfers - the end of June I believe - like the 22nd?) - so that means I should be getting your travel info this next transfer!! CAN'T believe it!! 

We are reading the D&C countdown - read 123 last night - are you keeping up with that??

haha! well Ben is hunting them weekly and eating a ton of them where he is :p  Looks gross to be honest!

I love you got a picture with Toledo!! I put the one of you and him walking towards the camera (that Diego took) as my screenshot on my phone - I love looking at it daily - makes me happy :)
can you upload a photo from the baptism??

Mom: love you bud!! So happy for the joy you are finding there in Turrialba - I feel like this has been a really good move for you to serve in this area :)

Aaron: I put on one.. I uploaded one already of the baptism i think of us 3. I`m on D&C 121 i think, i`ve been trying to keep up.. some days i read like 7 lol. It`s crazy.. After this change I only have 2 left.. just training and yeah.. Kind of crazy. 

Mom: you think you will get to train then?? Did president tell you that already?

D&C 121?  you are ahead of the game :p but that's ok!! :)

I hadn't seen that from the baptism - i just saw it now though - how old is JoseMaria??

Aaron: No he didn't tell me.. Elder Adams the old assistant told me he thinks i will.. But i think i will too. Josemaria is 57 years old. 

Mom: Do you know the cost of living in Costa Rica?? Like how much does the average person make there and how much does it cost to live there?? Just wondered what it was like.  Is JoseMaria retired then or?? And how old is Randall do you know?? I was guessing late 20's early 30's??

did Elder Adams get released then from being AP?

Aaron: Randall is 32 years old i think, It`s pretty low cost.. if you only eat rice and beans and cheap food... if you eat good food it`s about the same price as the states for food (and it still doesn't compare to there) but a house or apartment is cheap.. a car.. is about the same cost.. and gas too.. but the key is that here they recycle things.. like there are guys who repair shoes or cars so they keep old things going instead of buying new stuff. Elder Adams yeah he`s not AP anymore. No Josemaria still doesnt hard labor.. he cuts sugar cane or stuff like that.. for every like 100 meters of Sugar cane that you cut they get like 4 bucks i think, or something like that, but you have to cut them and then cut the leaves and everyhting.. it`s a lot of work. 

Kara registered me for classes and evreything right?? 

Mom: I don't think registered yet - I think you can't register until June - but I will log in and check for you!! You do have an apartment set up and I've paid the deposit there - the first payment isn't due until July for that - and I think tuition isn't until September (which you have $1000 with your scholarship - so you just need to decide if you want to use that in August or do it in January which might be easier to do since there will be more time to get it done then vs having to rush to do it for fall)  I will check on the classes though - I haven't logged back into your account - so I will go check and see

looks like registration is open!! I will get on Kara to get that done ASAP then!! She made a master list of classes for you - so will get that set up :)

Aaron: How do I do the scholarship?? 

Because one of the missionaries who was with me in the MTC told us that he registered.. so i was like whaaatt.. 

Mom: I think you have to fill out the form - I have the paperwork for it - you might be able to submit it and get it paid in time for the September tuition but for sure you could do it for the January one.  You've got $$ in your account so you are in good shape to start off - you will need a job for sure in the summer if you don't get a job while in school.

not sure how much more time you have - maybe none and you've already gotten off - don't know - but if you get this - know that I LOVE you so very much and I am so proud of you Aaron!  I LOVE Monday's and getting to chat with you each week! It is the highlight of my week for sure!! I hope you have a wonderful week!! I will get the recipes to Randall :) Love you!!

Aaron: Love you too Mom! Have a good week! Tell Dad I love him too! Tell Jess and Kara I love em too And Spencer and Jarom! 

Mom: will do!!

This week we had a baptism!‏

Well, Holy Week went super well, we were able to have a baptism on Friday, which was super nice, even though we had to walk pretty far because there weren´t any buses that day! We had about 15 members there with us and 5 investigators who were able to enjoy a special day with 2 baptisms, one of ours and one from the sisters. We also helped a family move and we helped cleaned the high school where we meet on Sundays, lots of service! It´s been awesome, it´s a fact that when we lose ourselves in the service of others we find ourselves and we´re truly happy. I know that that´s true by experience. I invite each and every one of you to think of the Savior during this Easter Season and do something to show your love for Him. Lose yourself in service. 

Love,

Elder Lohberg

Aaron: hi mom 

Mom: Hola! I'm here :) How has your week been??

Aaron: It was good he got baptized, Friday night and confirmed Sunday, it went well. Some of our investigators are progressing really well and others have kind of been getting colder but we´re giving it all we got and when we take them to a general conference session it will ignite them again. Monday we went to a river with a member, with Randall, who lives below us. But we didn't go in obviously.. however it started to rain a ton so maybe it looks like we did lol. Tuesday we had district meeting, not sure why they didn't do zone meeting, it went well.. then Wednesday we just worked normal, Thursday weekly planning and worked normal, Friday we had our baptism.. it was kind of a lazy week to be honest because its Holy Week so everyone goes to the beach.. there aint nobdoy and Thursday and Friday there arent buses so we had to walk hours to get places. to top that, our baptism ended at 5:30, we got to near our house at 6.. no buses, so we couldn't go anywhere, the Costa Rica soccer team had a game at 6:00 so EVERYONE was watching the game and you basically cant do anything.. so from 6-8:30 we had basically nothing.. lol.. just visited some members, we taught Randalls family =P and then we bought pizza to celebrate the baptism and everything. Randal has a 3 year old daughter, they had been planning to buy her hamsters, but they don't sell hamsters in Turrialba.. we found them in Paraiso right by the bus stop after a district meeting so we bought them and the cage and everything lol.. and took em all the way on a 2 hour bus ride, Randal was laughing a ton when he saw we brought them but the whole family was super happy.. and then he gave us the money we payed. So I thought it was funny that I was on a bus with hamsters.. and actually for an hour I was standing up with them in one arm and 1 arm to stay on lol. I bought the bag from a member she made it for me like 2 months ago, for 10 bucks, it´s the colors of my soccer team, but it´s not very good when it rains and I need to wash it, so i´m not using it right now =) They remodeled 1 building and build a second one, the sacrament building. We didn't have changes.... next change hopefully. I still have a ton of photos I need to put on 

Mom: wow! I'm happy for JoseMaria that he was finally able to be baptized!

I knew there must be a story behind the hamster :p I didn't realize there were 2 in there?  No changes :( I know you are working ok with your comp - just also know you were hoping to train as well. 

Do you need me to move photos off of dropbox for room there? I haven't looked to see the space left - guess I can do that now and see if there is enough room.

Its interesting how they use these "religious holidays" to go to the beach :p like Christmas time - is the beach - now Easter is the beach :p haha Where did you end up having the baptism at?  Down at the other building that was an hour away?  Was there a good attendance at it? Did you take any pictures at it??

So no zone meeting - but a district meeting - how did that go?

What's happening with Marcos? Last I heard he was sort of backing away a little - is he one that you are inviting to watch conference in the hopes that he will regain interest?  Where will you watch that if the building is being remodeled?  Will you have to travel an hour+ to the other building?? Or will they be piping it in at the high school?

Aaron: Yeah there are 2 lol.. the sisters said we couldn't leave JUST 1 hamster in the store.. because they only had 2 and they were huddled together lol.. so we bought 2 and then I was freaking out because I thought they were different gendered and that they were going to breed super fast lololol.. but so far soo good... but they crap a ton. Yeah you can take the photos down if you want.. just in case. We baptized in a swimming pool, in Turrialba but a little far away. There were about 20 people. I took some photos yeah but i don't have my camera right now. Good district meeting, a little boring to be honest but good. Marcos has been working these Sundays.. but he told us he was interested in general conference, and more that it has priesthood session at night and he´s more of a afternoon night guy because he sleeps at 7 in the morning because of the job he had his whole life. in the same place in the high school they say. 

Mom: so I can see the Rawlings building on the map - and I think you are to the right across the street from it (just from what I have gathered from your picture you sent) - so where is the high school in relation to the Rawlings building?  I can see where the church building is at.  I also saw that there doesn't appear to be very many swimming pools in the area - at least not visible on the google map - who knows how up to date that thing is :p

What kind of things did you eat this week (besides pizza)?  Do you eat with members often?

So - Randall has a 3 year old? And I think you said he works as a teacher? What age group of so?  Does his wife work?  How long has he been a member? You said you are teaching some of his family - do they all live together below you or they just live in the area?

Aaron: We got a member to start cooking for us, and she´s AWESOME, she gave us chicken cordon blue 2 times, I don't know how she does it here but it was yummy, she´s a great cook! The members give us pretty often. He teaches all types of age groups i think, just teaches English. His wife sells ice cream.. but its kind of just to be occupied I think because she likes to work but right now she´s with Sara his daughter, but when Sara starts classes she´ll start working again Randall says. He has 5 year of being a member, she has been almost her whole life, her parents here were convert. He said he took like 2 years almost to get baptized... he has a cool conversion story, the people who take a long time to convert always are super cool lol. His parents live in the Suiza.. it´s kind of far away, he takes us some times to teach them but they´re not like super interested.. 

Mom: it's really cool that he does so much for you guys!  Is he on facebook?  I noticed that Elder Willis is teaching English classes now in the area he is serving in - Have you ever had to do that??

Did you take pictures at the baptism????? I know you didn't bring your camera - you said so already but just wondered.

Did Jessie & Spencer email you??

No new wildlife spottings? :p saw the parrot picture but didn't know if you've seen anything else?  The pictures you uploaded were beautiful by the way - I think I told you that I LOVE the panorama shot - where is that location?

Pretty cool that the members are taking care of you and that you now have a cook again :)  Have you heard anything more about Anna's family and how they are doing?

Don't forget to write your general email by the way :p

Yeah his facebook is RCM, he has whatsapp too. Yeah but English classes aren't super effective. I DID I TOOK PICTURES=)

NOPE JUST BIRDS. WHICH PANORAMA SHOT? THE ONE WITH THE TREES AND THE clouds and stuff? that was up in a place where the Gringos used to live where the sisters had their baptism in their pool. It´s called Recreo. I got some good panoramics on my photo. NO I NEED TO CALL THEM i keep forgetting to call people. I´m failing my talents.. gunna call them this week. Yeah they emailed me #baby. #uncle. 

Mom: ya pretty cool! You will be here for the baby blessing :) also pretty cool!! We will be making a TON of trips to Utah this year :p maybe one day we will move there IF you all settle that direction.  Who knows WHERE you will eventually settle.

Hmm I only saw ONE panoramic shot - but maybe you have more on the camera?? I posted it first on your blog - it's the top picture.  Are you able to access the blog? or no? Not sure what you are allowed to look at :)

I will see if I can spy him on facebook :p I have the whatsapp but haven't used it since Diego - although I wouldn't be opposed to it if Randal messaged me a random picture of you ;)

I just mailed a picture I took of the screen (had to mail it via my email from my phone - but answer here please) - so which building would be yours on there?? What color is it? 

Aaron: Oh yeah, that pánorama.. aha its recreo.  LOL which house is ours based on roof color lololollol... let me guess.. 

Mom: hahah - I'm thinking the red or brown one as they look taller and you would have to be able to see the Rawlings building AND the field behind from the back window :p

#detectiveskills 

Aaron: the red one i think. Gotta go mom! I love you so much! have a good week =)

Mom: Love you Aaron!  Be safe!! have a GREAT week!!

Time Goes By Too Fast‏

This week went well, we went to a river today, we have a ton of investigators who have been doing their part and have started to progress really well! The work here has been progressing! My mission is flying by.. not to be trunky or anything, but I just wanted to reflect over the time I´ve passed here. I´ve honestly learned more in these 2 years than I think I´ve learned in 18 years before I left my house. The mission really is a preparation for life. Each day I wake up more tired than the day before, but I say a prepare to have more energy and we go to work. I know that the Lord is helping me to give it ALL that I can. I know that He´s happy when we try our best, and I really hope that I, and you all, can give it your best each day. The gospel and the church is what matters most (including our families spiritual growth) and we should give it all we can each and every day of our lives to set and achieve our personal and family goals. I hope you have a good Holy Week? I´m not sure what it is in english.. Holy Week would be the translation but I´m not sure. Think about the Savior´s sacrifice and what YOU need to do to really apply it in your life. 

Love,

Elder Lohberg

Aaron: hi, no baptism is Friday in the morning. haha.. postponed like 5 times.

Mom: gunna have to leave in like 30 or so minutes to take Jarom & Kara to the airport - but I will have dad drive so I can type to you :)

What did you do today?? You are emailing so late today - did you go do something fun??  Tell me about the waterfall - you never told me about that trip - how was that? Pictures??

Aaron: Just because we couldn´t find a place to do it. I´ll start putting on photos. Today we went to a river! =) didn't go in obviously, but it rained afterwards and we got soaked. so it was like the same effect. 

Mom: "but I say a prepare to have more energy and we go to work." Do you mean you say a prayer to have more energy??  Just making sure I understand what you are saying :)

that seems crazy to me that you can't find a place to do it - is that because the church is being worked on? where did the sisters have their baptism that they had?  

Aaron: YES PRAYER=P ENGLISH IS HARD

Yeah.. they did their baptisms with gringo members who had a pool.. the ones who are visiting.. but they moved.. and now they don't have a pool

Mom: jajaja I figured as much :p

Aaron: I´m putting photos on now.. i have like 45 i think until it gets to the waterfall.. the ones from today not sure if I can put them on today but I will try

Mom: that seems weird that there is NO place to do the baptism - what about a river or lake? or could you go to another area to do the baptism?  Where are you planning to do it this Friday at??

ok - no problem - tell me about the waterfall trip - how was that?

Aaron: They say that the rivers are dirty.. lakes not really.. but the rivers that are clean are a little far away apparently. The bishops trying to see if he can use a pool here if not we´re going to Paraiso, the next closest chapel. 

The waterfall trip was cool, I love feeling the mist of it hitting you, it´s up in the mountains too but not too far away. It was nice idk haha. The river trip too, Randal the member who rents his apartment to us, drove us there because he has this week off for Holy Week, so he jumped into the river and everything, but we just skipped rocks and stuff. And then we took tons of photos.

Mom: cool!! We have to leave now so I will type to you on my phone!!

Aaron: ok mom

Mom: Hey I'm back!! 

So tell me about your week and how things are going with your comp?

How far away then is that next building?? Have you been there??

Aaron: it´s been going okay, we doing good.. changes are next week. The next building is like an hour 15 from here in bus. Yeah i´ve gone. for district meetings 

Mom: So do you think you will have changes? Like your comp was already there so do you think he might transfer?

not sure the story here - but better not be a pet! haha

Aaron: No i don't think i´ll have changes, I kind of feel like I´ll finish my mission here, but who knows. 

Mom: Ya I was hopeful you would train a couple of times - once here and then another area but who knows 

Do you have interactions with president much?? When was your zone meeting?

Aaron: zone meeting should be tomorrow i think. I talk with him by message email each week not much other than that 

Mom: Where do you go for the zone meeting? Cartago? 

Aaron: yeh cartago. =) it´s like 2 hours from here. 

Mom: Holy cow that's a long bus ride - what time will you have to leave to go? And how much will it cost you??

Did you pick up your soccer shoes?

Aaron: Gotta go mom! I love you a lot, have a good week! I think we´ll have to leave like 10 o'clock or so. It starts at 1 the meeting. I got soccer shoes yah! I think the photos will be uploaded.. they´re kind of small but meh.  They wer 40 bucks :O And then the guy who has the soccer fields showed me some that fit me haha for 20 bucks he told me he´d give em and he bought them for 40, but I was like idk because I JUST FETCHING BOUGHT SHOES =P but we´ll see. 

Mom: Haha!! Have a great week  - be safe!! I hope your baptism goes through ;) LOVE you!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

 

I have no idea what to put here now..‏

Hey, this week went really well! We ended up having 6 people who arent members come to church and see how it is and all of them liked it! So we`re going to be teaching them more often now and helping them understand the doctrine of Christ! Then also we went on Monday to a waterfall in our area and it was super beautiful. Costa Rica has some places that are just crazy awesome. I love it here so much. Something I learned this week was when I was reading the Book of Mormon, I had one of those moments where I just felt happy reading it. And I felt that it was true. The Book of Mormon is one of the biggest and happiest messages we can share with the world because it proves that God keeps talking to His children, that He loves us all and it teaches us more of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Who wouldn`t want to read more of Him? I think that anyone who really loves the Savior would want to know everything about Him that they can.. at least thats how I feel now. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that God has restored His true gospel to the earth through prophets. I know that we have a living prophet, and I`m looking forward to listening to him and understanding the God`s will this general conference. Thanks for everything and have a good week! 

Love, 

Elder Lohberg

La Foto! Conferencia de Estaca 6-3-2016