Week 20 - Letter #21

Mon, Jul 2, 2012 at 6:20 PM

1- We bought protein 2- Studying and my preparation for the day. 3- My first Zone 4- Me in front of the entrance sign to Torreón. Hola, Im glad things are going good, and I will keep dad in my prayers and that Utah and Colorado get rain. This week was the last week with my Trainer Elder Camarillo. On Tuesday we went to a couple less actives in the ward and talked about how their testimonies could be strengthened if they do things like read the scriptures, pray, and go to church. They accepted it pretty well. On Wednesday we had divisions. We went and visited with J and shared a message with him. After that, we Contacted and then we went with M and V. We talked with them about some of the commandments like the law of chastity, tithing, and fast offerings. We asked them if they would live this law and they said they would. On Thursday we went with one of our investigators and talked with him about the plan of salvation and how it helps us. On Friday we returned with M and V. We talked about The word of Wisdom and The Sabbath day. They accepted to live those too! We finished the day by contacting. On Saturday we went with some recent converts and helped them with cleaning their house. We mopped and swept. After we helped them make tamales! It was really hard at the start (for the first hour, haha) and after that I was able to do them much easier. Afterward we went with other less actives. On Sunday we went to church and M and V were there. They are beginning to gain strong testimonies and I cant wait to see them join the church! Sunday Night we received a call that Elder Camarillo was going to go to Zacatecas and I was going to stay in my area, and that Elder Camarillo would be leaving early Monday morning. He left this morning and I picked up my companion Elder Ändrede. I love being a missionary and am very grateful for the opportunity to serve. I know that this is the true church and that we are on this life to be tested and we will receive consequences. I am so grateful for my family and I love all of you. Pues hasta proximo semana. les amo, Elder Corbin

Week 18- Letter # 19

Mon, Jun 18, 2012 at 3:53 PM Hola, This week was pretty good. On Monday I had the chance to prepare by doing laundry and cleaning the house. We also did some contacts after. Tuesday we had the chance to go to a less active member in the ward she said that she was having struggles with her store for bread. She said they were hardly having any sales. We shared a message about the importance of paying tithing and about when we do all that we can to be good people God will bless us. We then went to M and V but they were going to leave because they had received a free car and were going to do some errands and to fix something on it. They said that we wouldn't be able to come back until tomorrow because M was going to leave for his Wrestling tournament. On Wednesday we had the opportunity to go to San Juaquin that is about 30 minutes from our house but is in our area. We hadn't searched for investigators for a while from there so we decided we would go there and find people. We also visited with some less actives there who had attended church last week. On Thursday we went to an Hermana in the ward to help her out with some service, and for the rest of the time we looked for new investigators. On Friday we had divisions. This is where we change one missionary for another missionary of another companionship. I went to the different area and Elder Camarillo stayed in our area. It was a little weird to not have the same companion that I had had for 10 weeks but it was a good practice for when we change. On Saturday we went back to San Juaqin to see the people who we had made appointments with from Wednesday. We weren't able to find many of them in their homes so we went to the less active members of that area who had gone to church the Sunday before and they said that they would be able to go to church on Sunday. Sunday we saw the less active members from San Juaqin there and also V and her 2 kids. We also had our district meeting to end the day and weekly planning. So yeah a pretty good week and it will be even better this week. I am so grateful that we have the restored gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth. I am so grateful for the Prophet and the General Authorities who lead and guide our church. Hope everything continues to go well! Les Amo, Elder Corbin

Week 17- Letter # 18

Mon, Jun 11, 2012 at 4:44 PM Hola, How are you all doing? Sounds like the Lord is blessing our family. My shoes are holding up very well, and beginning to wear a little bit, but hardly. My feet are doing great. Thanks for the package. I think everything will work out fine. I have had many spiritual experiences up til now, but I think that the most spiritual was the experience we had with the rain. I really saw that as a huge miracle. I am not sure if I lost or gained weight because we don't have a scale but I think I gained a little bit. Thanks for the answer, and yeah that makes sense- I will be washing my pants next week. Last Sunday we had a family of 4 come to church (except the dad). The parents names are V and M. They are a family that lives in one of the places of a member. We set up an appointment to come and teach them. On Tuesday we went and we talked a little bit about the gospel with them, or lesson 0 as it is called by missionaries, where we have introductions and tell them a little about what we are going to talk with them about. After that we set up an appointment to return and to share lesson one with them. We also had a Zone Conference this same day. At this conference we were instructed of a new change for all the missionaries around the world (at least I think its all around the world). We were instructed because of the increase in technology in the world, with more and more people using internet, to start becoming familiar with Mormon.org. So we were then instructed to start going to the internet cafes at least 2-3 times each week besides Monday to familiarize us with Mormon.org. It was kind of weird this week to go to the internet cafe on a day besides Monday. haha. We were also instructed to make a profile. So on Thursday I put up my profile, and plan on adding more to it in weeks to come. We also taught M and V on Thursday and Friday. Saturday we spent a lot of time searching for new investigators. Sunday at church we had only one family come to church who are investigators...M and V! They are really progressing really well. Im so thankful that we were able to find a family that is beginning to progress. We will see what happens with them in the future. Les amo, Elder Corbin

Week 16- Letter # 17

Mon, Jun 4, 2012 at 4:51 PM Hola, How are you all doing? I received the letters from the Crockett's and DaeNeese. Thanks for those. I have a question for DaeNeese. One of the Elders asked me about if it was ok if he wrote you? He asked me what she would think and I said, "I'm not sure". He said, "ask her if its ok if I write her". ¿Que te parece? I have a couple questions for mom too. Should I wash all my church pants in the washer? We don't have dry cleaners anywhere near. I thought about it and then I thought about how much it ruins them and then I thought, "I should just ask mom". And to be in the newsletter I need to write a different part for the ward every 3rd Monday? Last week I was going to finish the story but I thought about something else that I needed to say that I didn't want to forget. So I thought that I would write it and then return and finish the story but I forgot!! haha. Sooo... The next day we woke up and it was raining. It was pretty cool. So this week we were asked to really stress service. We went to less active members and looked to see if we could do anything to help them. We found some good opportunities. On Wednesday we found some less active members who said that they hadn't gone to church in 6 years and we asked them if they remembered why they were baptized. They said that they weren't sure. We talked them about the importance of coming to church after and read some scriptures about persevering until the end. They said that they should be able to go to church. Thursday we went to a member and mopped a "Salon de Fiestas" and swept it. Saturday we swept the front of someones house and mopped it. This morning we took out a bush in front of a members house and put in a tree. Today we also ate burgers for breakfast and then after we had a zone meeting. We received our jerseys that we had payed for, of the Soccer team Real Madrid, with our names on the back of them. It looks pretty cool. I, of course, chose number 5. We also played steal the flag and a little bit of frisbee after. After that we had more burgers! It was a good week. We also had the opportunity to do a lot of contacting. We found a lady who when we contacted her asked us where the church was and when it started. We told her and gave her a Book of Mormon. On Sunday we didn't see her in church and we went back to her house. She told us that she wanted to give it back to us because she thought that it was the only book that we believed in and that it was to take away from the Bible. We explained to her a little bit about the Book of Mormon and she was relieved because she said she really wanted to read it. Adios, Elder Corbin

Weeks 14 & 15 - Letters # 15 & 16

Mon, May 28, 2012 at 5:11 PM Como Estan? Sounds like pretty good! It was a huge week for you guys! How awesome. And you have another big week this week. Life is packed. I am so excited for DaeNeese. She will have a great time down there. Those were some pretty cool pictures too. Looks like Brett had a pretty good court of honor and Senior ball. How awesome that Conner and Bronson started a business. That should be pretty cool, and good for Conner. I didn't know that we put some foot cream in with my things. haha. I will use that then. I would like to share with you a miracle that happened this week. We have an investigator that is 12 years old. We asked him to pray about whether the church was true, and he said he would. When we returned he said that he prayed and felt that the church is true. He then said that he wanted to know for sure for sure. He asked that it would rain the next day. It did...I was amazed to hear this. I know that our Savior lives and loves us. I know that he is watching over us and protecting us. I love all you guys and will talk to you next week. Les amo, Elder Corbin ************************************************************************************************************** Mon, May 21, 2012 at 2:57 PM Hola! Yeah I cant wait till I can read Brett's patriarchal blessing. I bet it was an awesome experience. I am really grateful for the opportunity to have my patriarchal blessing to guide me and give my life direction. Ok so I will be sending the memory card to you next week, and I didn't bring everything for my camera to send pictures to you but next week I will. I will prepare to give advice for Christmas time. It does sound like a big week for you all. Lots of big events coming up. So both of those houses across the street are going to be empty then? Pretty crazy. So Brett's liking his work then? That's good. And 3 nights every week isn't too bad. That's cool that they offered him a position when he returns if he wants. Yeah that's a good idea for Brett to work until his mission. That's awesome that Eliza and you are having a good time. That should be fun to go on a camp out together. I remember going on camp outs with dad. Those were always a blast for me! Right now we are working hard to find those people that are "chosen." The people who Heavenly Father has prepared for us and who are ready to be baptized in the church. We don't have any baptismal dates yet but we had the opportunity to take Jacobo to a baptismal service on Saturday and we are hoping this is going to get him excited. It is a pretty slow area, but I know that we are going to find those people that are ready. President Flores is expecting more from us. He wants us to have 30 baptismal dates each week. We are going to try all we can to achieve this goal. I don't have many challenges. Some times I get tired but not for long. I just focus and forget about myself. I am having a BLAST here. I have not been eating much bananas but I will buy some. My letter address is Ernesto Brede #301 Col. Amp. Los Ángeles Torreón Coahuila CP 27148. Packages get sent to a chapel. It is the central chapel for the mission. The address is: Elder Brandon Corbin/Mexico Torreon Mission / Calle Ernesto Breede #301/ Col. Ampliacion Los Angeles/ 27140 Torreon, Coahuila/ Mexico. I know that this is the true gospel and we can all live eternally if we persevere until the end. This includes going to church, praying keeping the commandments and things like this. Les amo, Elder Corbin

Week 13- Letter # 14

Mon, May 14, 2012 at 5:05 PM Hola! How is everyone doing since yesterday [Mother's Day call]!! Haha. Yes it was way good to hear from everyone and how you are all doing. It was good to be able to talk to everyone individually. Everyone seems like life is awesome. About the advice I gave everyone, I know that if you all do these things that you will find yourselves closer to the Savior. So I was wondering if I should send you the memory card with 300 things on it or the one that I took pictures on? I was so grateful as well to the lady that let me use her computer. So any new news from between now and yesterday? Did skype cost anything for you guys? its free right? Whats Brett's work schedule like? When is the Camp for you and Eliza? Saturday we had the opportunity to just search for new investigators. We were able to talk to many people. With each person we had the opportunity to talk to them a little bit about the church and tell them why they would want to listen to us. We also had the opportunity to bear our testimonies. I believe that it is crucial that we bear our testimonies often because this is a great opportunity for the spirit to work on them and soften their hearts. Well I would just like to say that I know that this is the true church. I know that our Heavenly Father loves us more than we can imagine and that he is always there for us whenever we need a little help or we are feeling down or like we are alone. He is there. He answers our prayers. I know that he has restored his church through Joseph Smith, and that if we listen to the counsel of the prophets we can live happier lives. Even though at times it may be hard to follow the prophets counsel, I know that in the end it will all be worth it. All of our efforts to do what is right and to follow the path will be worth it. I am so grateful for you guys and your examples for me. I love all of you sooo much and I pray for all of you every day. Love, Elder Corbin

Week 12- Letter #13

Date: Mon, May 7, 2012 at 4:45 PM

Hola! Como esta? Yeah, its so awesome that you are able to be out of college and be able to choose a career. So you have decided to choose to start a new business for Insurance? That´s awesome. I know that whatever you do you can find success. I have always known you as one who loves to work with people. I'm glad that you are able do choose a job that you like and are going to continue to enjoy. I am so grateful for your example in these things. That´s also pretty awesome that you now have time to do other things too. I enjoyed Chapter nine of Jesus the Christ. What I got out of it is that even though Jesus was of God, he still had his father Joseph on the earth. I liked how it said that even though he was not the literal son of Joseph he still chose to obey him, setting an example for all of us to honor our father and mother. So Basically we wake up at 6:30, exercise and prepare for the day, then at 7:30 we eat breakfast. At 8 we begin our personal study, until nine. Then we begin companion study for 2 hours. After that we have our language study and then it is off to our appointments and contacting. That's cool that you said that you were able to look back in your journal and remember things from your mission. I was just thinking about this the other day that this is going to be something I can read with my family and others and I will have it for all my life. I know that our Savior lives and loves us and that Joseph Smith is a prophet, and am grateful for it. Hope all continues to go well with your business and all else. Le Amo, Elder Corbin Hola! I will be calling you at about 7:00 our time. Im not sure when it is your time though. I will be calling you and having you call me back I don´t really know why but that´s what they said to have you do. The fiesta looked like it was a ton of fun! Even with authentic mexican music and piñatas and all huh? Sounds like it was some pretty good food too. It is a great opportunity I have to study every day for hours and not to mention learning more throughout the day. Yeah the mission is an awesome experience. That´s awesome that DaeNeese is close. My guess (of where she will be called to) is Argentina. Brett's [Eagle is]official then huh? Muy bien! Thats cool that the Geo is running again. Conner's always had the creative mind. I´ll have to hear how he made it [a trailer for his rider mower] on Sunday. I saw all of the pictures that you sent me and they all look pretty awesome. I am not sure who M.S. is right now but it sounds really familiar. I will ask you about this on Sunday too. That´s awesome that she has a new friend though. That´s kind of wierd to think that the Corbins won´t be across the street. That will definitely be different. I can´t wait to hear about Dad´s job, and the details. Thanks for sending me some garlic! I'm sending you a picture of me and Chad. I hope you get it. We have met many people this week who were afflicted and who were in need of a blessing. It was really cool to give them the blessings and to see their faith in action and the change in their lives. It was really awesome to be able to have the authority to help those people who are in need of help in their lives. I really know that this is the true gospel and the way back to heaven and living with our families forever. I know that if we do those things that we are asked to do we can recieve this gift. It was good to hear from you and I will talk to you on Sunday. Les amo, Elder Corbin