Revisiting Ilopango
So President gave my comp and I permission to go to Ilopango So that I could visit some people before I go home. So yeah, right now we are writing from Ilopango. It's been pretty sweet seeing all these people and seeing how people have changed over these two years. I've met kids where when I first met them they couldnt walk, and now theyre running and talking... yeah it's pretty sweet to see all them. Sad, but way cool. Seriously love Ilopango. But yeah I'm writing pretty quick cause we got stuff to do. and I can't send pics cause this computer sucks a bit.
Love y'all!
Elder Vaughan
(see ya in 2 weeks)
Highway to the Danger Zone
Greetings world! Well, this week was pretty cool. On Saturday my comp and I went to my comps last area for a baptismal service. President gave him permission to return to perform the baptism. So that was pretty cool to go and hangout there. And just so y'all know it was in the most dangerous zone in the mission, and supposidly in the whole world. (that's what I've heard around here) so I can officialy say that I went to the most dangerous zone in the world and I didn't even see 1 gangster. Gotta say I was pretty let down. In Ilopango there were TONS of gangbangers just chilling in broad daylight in the streets, but in my comps area, nothing. But whatever maybe next time.
Also we had the baptismal service of a little girl named Guadalupe Elizabeth. She's a little 8 year old girl. Her parents aren't members for difficult circumstances, but we were able to teach and baptize the little girl. It was kinda chilly out, as you can see it was pretty foggy there. So yeah that was pretty sweet. Hoping to finish off strong here. I guess I can officially say that I have less than 1 month to go... weird.
Later dude!
Vaughan
baptism pics
You're Not Going to Beat My Record, Jesse
Well world, here I go entering into my last month in this country. But no need to think about that.
This week was fairly alright. Nothing too crazy, but we´re working and seeing what we can get done here. We´re hoping to baptize 2 kids either at the end of this month or at the beginning of May. And we´re trying to find some newbs. This area is fairly difficult to find new people for the influence of tourism and other religions. So everyone is either working all day or at church all day... But we still chugging along here. My comp Elder De Los Santos is the bomb. Gonna die happy here. But other than that all is well. Today we played capture the flag with water baloons, blew up a bees nest with a football. Taught the sisters how to play american football and they were hitting almost killing eachother there. No worries, it was the sisters playing by themselves, but yeah they were pretty savage out there. Other than that all is well. I just gotta eat about 80 more pupusas to try and beat josh's record. Hoping to get there.
Love y'all,
Elder Vaughan
A cool view in the area, lunch with the zone today, the guy that made it, our district meeting, and a giant frog.
Elder Donovan
So this last week were changes and my companion had changes. And my new companion is Elder De Los Santos!! He was my comp from the end of July till October! So yeah, that's pretty awesome! Him and Elder Lunt have been my favorite companions so it's awesome to be with both of them for 3 changes each.
Well, I'm sorry I didn't really write anything last week, its because we had a big group of people outside to play soccer. The dumb thing is that because I was the only white guy on a team of latinos, is that they through me back as goal keeper. They just called me "Donnavan" (the best American soccer player in history) they only said that because I'm white though, not because I'm good or anything. But it was still fun. But yeah general conference was way dope. Something that I liked that they are changing is the home teaching into ministering. I feel like too many times we do things just because people obligate us or because we dont want other people to think or say bad things about us. But this whole idea of misitering changes that. It will make us truly love and care for the people instead of serving for obligation. If we serve so that man sees us or rewards us, our service is pointless. For that reason the love that we have towards the people we serve is greatly important.
So do it newbs.
In other news we had the baptism of Antonio Ramos. Some members brought him to church a month ago, and since then we started teaching him. He's a pretty cool guy. He´s kindof special, but he understands well, loves to read and learn more, and loves to continually progress more. hoping to see some more fruits in these last few weeks! Love you all and I guess I'll be seeing you soon!
Behave children
Elder Vaughan
Pues Si Maje
This week was pretty good. Working hard and hardly working. JK. All is well. We´ve seen some progression with a couple people, slow but sure, and we´re hoping to dunk them in a couple of weeks. The ward is pretty cool.The members are helping us and they´re fun to be with. This morning we went and played soccer with the youth of our ward, which was pretty fun. I haven't been playing a lot recently so I was kind of rusty, but was still able to score a few. The youth here are pretty sweet. We´re going to play again next week as well.
So, I guess I stepped in some drunk guys vommit but I never noticed and right now as I asked my comp if we did anything cool this week he said "You stepped in drunk guy vommit..." oh cool... then he said "I thought you knew..." So yeah my comps got my back I guess. Other than that things are pretty sweek here. One of the asistants to pres. and I are pals so the other day he was doing interchanges here in the zone and I called him and asked him if I'm gonna have changes and he said, "Don't worry. You know what that means right?" soooo YUUUSSS Im most likely gonna stay here for my last change. If not I'mma riot.
Love you all! Keep the commandments and don't be drunk guys throwing up on the side walk so that oblivious gringos walk in it. Read the scriptures and be blessed.
Later dudes.
Elder Vaughan
My breakfast of champs (I dont even have plates in my house)
Children of the Devil
So this week was fairly slow, but my ZL won't let me write more, Mom save me...... have a good week. Love y'all.
My ZL wrote that, but for real my time is up. Everything is well, bassically nothing happened this week, a woman called us children of the devil or something like that. I almost said to her "I guess I'll see you there too." (hell) but I decided that wouldn't be very Christ like. Love you, bye.
Elder Vaughan
Eating Lizard
So this week went pretty well. We´ve been able to find some people that are fairly positive. We´re hoping to have a solid pool party next month. So on Thursday Elder Gong from the 70s came, so we had a companonship from the east part of the mission come to stay with us Wednesday night. So my first son, Elder Egas and his comp came with us! It was cool to work with Elder Egas again and hang out a bit with him. His comp was pretty cool as well. So we ate some of the most expensive pupusas there to celebrate, then we went to a cheaper place to eat more. So yeah, on Thursday he came and was talking about attributes of Christ. He first asked our opinions of what we saw in our mission presidentes (the meeting was with the east and west mission), then he went around asking people about what they had learned from their companions. I thought that by sitting in the back I would be safe. Wrong! So at the very end he stood in front of me, then asked me to stand up and say something. I was trying to think of something new and creative because everyone had already said a bunch of stuff. So he asked me, "What Christ like atribute have you learned from your companions, so the brilliant elder vaughan that I am said, "....nothing... uuummmmmm.... *looking around at former companions* "...probably diligence." then he asked me, "how much time do you have in the mission?". then the brilliant Elder Vaughan said, "21 days... oh what? months!" and the translater heard 10.... so yeah that was cool. Lesson learned is not to be an idiot in front of 300 people, and to laugh at yourself and get over dumb stuff that happens in life. You're not too cool for school kids. Also read your scriptures, pray and don't do drugs. I love you all!
Also I ate a lizard named "Garrobo" so what's up boi.
Elder Vaughan
T-minus 9 weeks.
Garrobo, the origonal crew, my two sons and my filipino grandson, dinner with a view, second dinner because we were still hungry and the pupusas in the first restaurant were a dollar a piece. Our pimped out ride to go to the multi mission.
Finally, Free at Last
GUESS WHO HAS CHANGES AFTER AN ETERNITY?!?!?!
Yeah, so they just notified me that I finally have changes. Sad and happy to say it, but thats life. After 8 changes in Las Cañas and 10 overall in the district (something like 13- 14 months) I don't remember exactly what it is. But still, the point is, is that I am going. I donno where still, but hopefully somewhere far away. So yeah theres that.
Also this Saturday we had 1.5 baptisms. Alejandra and her daughter paola. After I baptized alejandra my comp baptized the daughter, but her foot came out of the water so she had to do it over again. She basically just went into the bathroom and cried for 20 minutes and never entered in again. yesterday she couldn't even shower because she was so traumatized... so yeah thats pretty cool. I guess we will see what happens with elder lunt and his future comp. We had a multi-stake conference yesterday which was with all of Central America where 2 70s spoke and Elder Cook. It was pretty cool. Well kids, obey the comandments and you will be blessed. Follow his will and you will see the blessings in His divine time. Love all!!
Elder Vaughan
Sorry theres no pics, this computer doesnt seem to recognize my camera.
Bowling and Suchitoto
So this week was pretty cool. Last P-day we went bowling as a zone, and it was definitely an off day for me. On one throw I just decided to throw the ball as hard as I could without thinking without really even aiming and I got a strike. Other than that it was garbage. But 2 people did get baptized! Veronica who is the daughter of members less actives, and we started teaching her like 2 or 3 months ago. So, that was pretty sweet! She and her family are pretty cool. The other day they had us make some tortillas and I made a square one and it was awesome. and my comp made a kite. they doubted our skills because we are white, but we definitely schooled them. So that was pretty cool. And the same day Carlos got baptized. About a month ago we found him through service that we did when we painted a house. Ever since then he has gone to church every Sunday and got baptized. So, that was way awesome! We didn't have to really do anything, he just did it all by himself basically haha. So yeah, this week was pretty cool!
Entering into the last week of the change. So next week I'll let you guys know whats up!
Love y'all
Elder Vaughan
Bowling last pday, baptisms of Carlos and Veronica, Suchitoto
Mama Baller
So another week has passed in Las Canas and all is well. Nothing new to report on. Got 4 people that we are hoping to baptize this week or next. This week we will do their interviews then see what happens. Everything's going swell. I had to give a lesson on Sunday about the creation and it was cool. Also one of our investigators told us that some preacher guy told her 10 year old daughter that she and her family are going to go to hell if they keep listening to us, so the mom (our investigator) went to the guy to see what was up, and he said the same thing, and she responded saying, "Well I guess we'll see you there." and then left. Yeah, she's a big baller. Haha it was prety sweet. sometimes people are really annoying and I don't understand why but, it's alright because I guess they get to decide what they do with their lives.
No pics this week sorry. Love y'all. behave. Love God and be blessed.
Elder Vaughan
More Progress
Well, this week was fairly decent. We had 5 investigators in church again. We were also expecting to baptize someone this week, but she needs a little bit more time. So we are hoping to baptize her along with a couple others in a couple weeks. Hopefully everything comes out well! Well, nothing too big to report on. We found a boat in the woods. So that was cool. Other than that all the same, all is well. This week I'll complete 20 months in the mission! Meaning 3.5 left. Be good and keep the commandments children!
Elder Vaughan
Slumber Party
So things were pretty good in this week. We have been able to teach some positive people and have found some people that have progressed. This Sunday we had 5 in church and like 10 progressing. We're hoping that that can continue and improve in this week. Also, we expect one girl named Veronica to get baptized this week. That is if she desires to follow through with it. So that's where we are at for now.
Doing pretty solid and lovin life here in Ilopango. This week we were in a families house when the gangsters knocked on the door asking for a colaboration for the funeral service of one of their fallen homeboys hahaha. So, yeah. The family gave em like 30 cents, and a different day we made pupusas with a family (a mom and her 2 daughters) of investigators and towards the end of everything I told the mom that I couldn't eat anymore or I else I wasn't going to be able to walk. Then she said that I could stay the night at here place. Long story short the mom said "You don't need to sleep on the couch, you can sleep with my daughter in her room with the door locked!" then the daughter said "Yeah I guess its either with my brother or with me. So which one do you say?" Yeah, that was like the longest most awkward silence of my life as I thought, "Do I sound really homosexual and say I'll sleep with her brother or do I cross the lines and say that Id go with the daughter." they had already canceled out all of my options of the couch and floor and what not. Then after an eternity my comp saved me and said that the two of us would just crash on the floor. So yeah we got out of that house fairly quickly. No worries, I guess it was just a funnier experience more than anything. I don't think the family was serious, but they were just messing around with me. So yeah, welcome to the craziness that is this country.
In other news an elder in my district gifted me his Star Wars puzzle and the pics are attached below.
Love you all, make wise choices.
Elder Vaughan
Sigo
So this week was good. I'm already out of time so I'll be a little short. Me and my comp got tired of contacting the area because we have a bunch of time here so we decided to find new people to teach through service. This week we didn't knock any doors and we were able to find like 6 people through the services that we did and one of those people went to church this past week. Also, in one of us they made us dinner and some girls tried flirting with us and said that they want to go to the beach with us hahaha. No worries, I won't be going. I'll only go to the beach with them to baptize them in the ocean.
Serve people, and love God, and be good people.
Hasta lasagna.
Elder Vaughan
Someone left on the mission, my new agenda cover (featuring Rey from Star Wars on the inside) and my district/zone, like half of them are my district.
Sigo
Well, I don't have changes. Looks like I'll have 5 consecutive changes in this area and 8 all together, and 10 in the whole district. I already said bye to everyone and took pics.... some of the pics are below. I got nothing else to say. Just pray for me, cause I need motivation haha.
Yeah, I'll be continuing with the same comp.
Love y'all.
Elder Vaughan
DIY Inspiration
Welcome to 2018 children. And 19 months for Elder Vaughan. I hope that y'all had a great time and that y'all enjoyed everything!
So this week was pretty cool! On Sunday we were just eating the whole day. We had lunch at 3, dinner at 5, second dinner at 7, and supper at 8:30. They were all FAT dinners bruh. So yeah, I took the last dinner to go, I wasn't all about seeing my food again, but it was way awesome and everyone that gave us food is way awesome.
So you guys remember how I said that a gangster lived infront of our house? So yeah he was also like the boss or one of them of the area. So on the 24th he decided to get high as the sky and kill his girl. He then buried her in his little back patio. Then he hung himself and shot himself at the same time... soooo yeah, but the thing is that no one knew until this friday (the 29th) people realized because everything started stinking like death. So yeah, the cops got 'em out and everything. That was pretty interesting.
Also we killed a rat and burned it.
Also we did a egg toss in my district meeting and I ripped a hugeangous hole in my pants. That was pretty fun.
Have a great year and don't do drugs kids.
I would say something more inspirational but I don't have anything so come up with it on your own.
The sounders shirts I got everyone for Christmas, Wilfredo's baptism from last Thursday, classy Christmas pic by the fireplace, one of the New Year's dinners, a FAT dinner they gave us yesterday.
MERRY CHRISTMAS YOU FILTHY ANIMALS
I hope you have a very merry Christmas, and I hope that you all can enjoy this time with family and or friends.
This week was way fun! We had our mission Christmas party and we had lunch and all that stuff at this one sports complex/park place and we just played sports for like 4 hours. We got to play soccer with pres for a while. I also got super sun burt, but no worries its all chill.
One of our investigators Wilfredo got baptized on Thursday! Now his whole family has been baptized! He is super amazing, well him and his whole family really. I love that family so much. They are the best people ever.
Also we had the ward Christmas party on saturday which was also way awesome! They had me and my comp participate in a compitition. Where you put on a jacket then the person behind you puts there arms through it and they have top do everything for you. So I was the one without arms, and my comp had to feed me a full yogurt cup and a cup of water, and to finish it off put a santa hat on me. All that without him seeing a thing, and we tied with the other team. It was pretty sweet!
Yesterday I got to talk with the family! Pretty cool as normal. During the Call my dad asked me how I've changed in these past 6-7 months (the time since I last talked to them), and I honestly didnt know how to respond. But now that I think about it, I have honestly become more relaxed in my person (as a missionary.) Before I was too stressed about things that dont really matter, but now I focus on what matters and like Saun T from T-25 says "Do your best and forget the rest". So I really haven't been worrying about other things that don't matter. I work and do what I need to do and if things work out, fantastic, and if they dont, Fantastic. Because I know that I would have worked well. Obviously there is always something I can do better, But I really just try to enjoy what I am doing and work well, instead of being stressed and sad.
This week I will complete 19 months in the mission and I will only have about 4.5 months left. My best bud here in the mission, Elder Williams and I have talked a lot about that stuff and really it is sad that things are ending and sometimes we wish that we could start over everything, but we know that we just gotta keep working hard and do the Lord's will and everything will come out well.
I met Elder Williams family (He´s Hawaiian) and I said melekilikimaka (merry christmas in hawaiin) to his family and they loved it. Mission accomplished.
Also these fools in this cyber are singing just the way you are by bruno mars.
Pics next week, my camera died on me.
Love y'all!
Feliz Navidad y Año nuevo
Elder Vaughan
One Haka-va Christmas Party
This week was good. Fairly normal but good. On Saturday Elder Williams and I taught the district meeting together with both our districts and it was way awesome! A lot of people told us that it was actually the best meeting they've ever had. It was pretty sweet. We also participated in a ward activity from my old ward, Alta Vista. On Sunday we had lunch with president in the house of a family here. It was pretty cool! Annnddd today we played soccer and I scored a volley with my left foot, and some others. It was a fun game today. This week should be good. We will have the baptism of Wilfredo (the husband of the lady we baptized a month ago) He is waaayyyy awesome! He has a super powerful testimony! Elder Williams did the interview for him and said that he is going to be a great leader in the future.
Christmas call this week!
Love y'all!
Elder Vaughan!
The zone, Christmas party and haka (for my old ward)
Christmas Interviews
Well this week was alright. We had interviews and meetings with president and we also had a Christmas activity for the mission. We had a hard week with finding new investigators and with bringing people to church. We do have this one guy that is definitely going to get baptized the 24th of December. It's going to be the end of a pretty sweet month. I'll hit you up with more deets this next week don't have a whole lot to say.
Elder Vaughan
