Elder Brandon Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
Painting of aboriginal lady on a building just finished
The part of our area where we teleport to Vietnam
Monday, March 25, 2019
25 MAR 2019 ~ Week... - Already Week 4 of this Transfer?!?!
Sorry, waited to last minute to write this. Was a good week. We experienced a miracle, or a really incredible, shocking experience. I'll try to write about it next week. It wasn't super community changing, but it meant a lot to me and was powerful for my companion and I as we felt the Spirit in sharing the message of joy, hope and love that comes from the Gospel. Still don't know what's going on here in Samoa, but everyone is shocked when they find out I'm not asian but Navajo. Always shake my hand and just at me in awe. It actually made one lady start to tear up (she was Polynesian and felt a sort of connection I guess). Anyways, have a great week!
Elder Brandon Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
Painting of aboriginal lady on a building just finished
The part of our area where we teleport to Vietnam
Elder Brandon Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
Painting of aboriginal lady on a building just finished
The part of our area where we teleport to Vietnam
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
18 MAR 2019 ~ Week... - Great week
녕하세요!! (in Samoan),
Well this week we got fed nearly everyday... Sometimes twice a day... Even though the Sisters took all the meals from the ward meal calendar. Man this ward LOVES feeding missionaries! So many awesome families who are so keen to missionary work.
Our week was a little scattered since our third companion was finishing his mission this past week. We were saying goodbye to families till we took him in to the office on Wednesday night. He was pretty cool, and I kind of wish we could've been companion for longer, but now he's off to play professional D league Aussie basketball!
Since Elder Kaipuke went left us, we planned for this upcoming week and we are ready to tackle this next week! Super excited! I got to talk to the Korean guy in our area on the phone and it was AWESOME! Probably spoke as good as the missionaries I was in the MTC with during their first day in Korea, but it was alright and he's pretty excited to meet us and I think he's pretty keen to practice Korean with me!!
Me being Chinese and Filipino and all is back! We were having a meal with a family in the Samoan Elder's ward with the Samoan Elders and everyone was speaking Samoan and I wouldn't be surprised if I was actually in Samoa. I don't know whats going on, people talk look at me, look away, ask what I think is a question and then look at me for an answer, just a whole lot of confusion, but super cool! Anyways, they ask where I'm from and I say the States. Pretty sure that didn't answer what they were really trying to ask, so they ask me another question in Samoan and I just look at them... So fast forward to the feed, after a while they bring out rice. The father, looking super proud and keeps beckoning me that he has rice. Keeps saying rice! Rice! You want? Well I mean I like rice, who doesn't so I said sure. Well fast forward to after the dinner, after the spiritual message was given in Samoan and I just make something up to say to add to the message, we're driving back to the flat. I ask the samoan Elder if the family thought I was Chinese. They said, yeah they kept asking if you were from China. Is that why he kept asking if I wanted rice? Yeah... oh hahaha!
So I'm China man again. The Korean nametag doesnt help either. Nor Escamilla. Just having an identity crisis again. A Navajo with a Mexican last name who looks Chinese called to speak Korean in Australia and serving in basically a Samoan ward in a Vietnamese area... I'll just say that explaining all this to people is NOT EASY, not in the slightest. But hey, getting a new nickname - Elder Eski (which is what they call a cooler in Aussie land)! Anyways have a great week!
Elder Brandon Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
After going to another ward's baptism, a family invited ALL 8 missionaries to a buffet... Samoans LOVE missionaries!!
Missionaries in our stake, not quite the whole zone but 2 districts
P Day sports
Dinner with the Alikie family! These guys are crack up! Kids are super sweet!
Well this week we got fed nearly everyday... Sometimes twice a day... Even though the Sisters took all the meals from the ward meal calendar. Man this ward LOVES feeding missionaries! So many awesome families who are so keen to missionary work.
Our week was a little scattered since our third companion was finishing his mission this past week. We were saying goodbye to families till we took him in to the office on Wednesday night. He was pretty cool, and I kind of wish we could've been companion for longer, but now he's off to play professional D league Aussie basketball!
Since Elder Kaipuke went left us, we planned for this upcoming week and we are ready to tackle this next week! Super excited! I got to talk to the Korean guy in our area on the phone and it was AWESOME! Probably spoke as good as the missionaries I was in the MTC with during their first day in Korea, but it was alright and he's pretty excited to meet us and I think he's pretty keen to practice Korean with me!!
Me being Chinese and Filipino and all is back! We were having a meal with a family in the Samoan Elder's ward with the Samoan Elders and everyone was speaking Samoan and I wouldn't be surprised if I was actually in Samoa. I don't know whats going on, people talk look at me, look away, ask what I think is a question and then look at me for an answer, just a whole lot of confusion, but super cool! Anyways, they ask where I'm from and I say the States. Pretty sure that didn't answer what they were really trying to ask, so they ask me another question in Samoan and I just look at them... So fast forward to the feed, after a while they bring out rice. The father, looking super proud and keeps beckoning me that he has rice. Keeps saying rice! Rice! You want? Well I mean I like rice, who doesn't so I said sure. Well fast forward to after the dinner, after the spiritual message was given in Samoan and I just make something up to say to add to the message, we're driving back to the flat. I ask the samoan Elder if the family thought I was Chinese. They said, yeah they kept asking if you were from China. Is that why he kept asking if I wanted rice? Yeah... oh hahaha!
So I'm China man again. The Korean nametag doesnt help either. Nor Escamilla. Just having an identity crisis again. A Navajo with a Mexican last name who looks Chinese called to speak Korean in Australia and serving in basically a Samoan ward in a Vietnamese area... I'll just say that explaining all this to people is NOT EASY, not in the slightest. But hey, getting a new nickname - Elder Eski (which is what they call a cooler in Aussie land)! Anyways have a great week!
Elder Brandon Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
After going to another ward's baptism, a family invited ALL 8 missionaries to a buffet... Samoans LOVE missionaries!!
Missionaries in our stake, not quite the whole zone but 2 districts
P Day sports
Dinner with the Alikie family! These guys are crack up! Kids are super sweet!
Monday, March 11, 2019
11 MAR 2019 ~ Week 19: A Whole New World!!
안녕하세요 Mates!!
So wow, what a week.... so...
- Sydney has got to be one of the most diverse places in the world.
- I've been moved to about 45-60 minutes from the city in the Liverpool area.
- From small branch of 30-50 to huge ward of over 200!!
- In this area, one second I'm in Samoa, the next I'm in Vietnam
- we've got a Korean Fried Chicken restaurant in our area!
- There are so many people! I'm not used to seeing people, so many Muslims, Hungarians, Vietnamese, Samoan, Tongan, Chinese, but no Koreans, YET! We'll find them though!
- There is apparently 1 less active Korean guy in our area!! His wife and kids are also Korean and his wife ONLY SPEAKS KOREAN (which means she'd be forced to put up with my bad Korean! Which means KOREAN PRACTICE!!!!! Hope you know how excited I am to meet them)
- In a flat of 5 Elders. One from Samoa, Elder Taafua. One from Utah but Samoan speaking, Elder Aloi. One finishing his mission this week, Elder Kaipuke. Then my companion who is basically Samoan speaking since he's served around Samoans his whole mission, Elder Kowallis. Don't know half of what goes on between them b/c they speak half Samoan and I just don't understand.
- District leader is tough here b/c everyone in my district and zone either already knows each other super well or speaks Samoan... Then I'm still pretty fresh and Green compared to most. So yeah...
- We had a mission conference with all 250 missionaries in our mission. Elder Nielson, the executive director of the missionary department and Elder Ardern from the Area 70 gave us a training. I got to see all the other missionaries that I've come to love, from serving with them. It was a really great day. Every missionary tells me that I'm in the best area of the mission.
- I asked my companion if they teach people in this area. He said yes and looked at me weird. I said like real lessons? Legit teaching? He said yes and thought I was weird. Man this just made my day b/c I haven't been able to do much teaching.
- Since our ward is primarily Samoan, 1) they love missionaries and 2) they love feeding missionaries. We get fed so much.
- Our ward is just so full of solid, strong, funny az members who are so keen to do missionary work.
So pumped for this transfer! I just made a complete 180°, so crazy. From nearly nothing to so much. Excited to get to work.
Elder Brandon Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
Pic 4 - Elder Fellingham, my fun Kiwi zone leader who goes home at the end of this transfer
Pic 5 - our whole flat doing finding
Posing in front of our flat with Elder Taafua, still fresh from Samoa.
Elder Wu and I. Love this guy, the most solid missionary I will probably ever meet. He goes home to Hong Kong next transfer.
My first zone leaders, Elder Wu and Tobler, such a solid companionship. The best missionaries I'll probably ever meet.
My trainers, Elder Scott and Neas, and my first zone leaders. Throwback to the Port Stephen days
So wow, what a week.... so...
- Sydney has got to be one of the most diverse places in the world.
- I've been moved to about 45-60 minutes from the city in the Liverpool area.
- From small branch of 30-50 to huge ward of over 200!!
- In this area, one second I'm in Samoa, the next I'm in Vietnam
- we've got a Korean Fried Chicken restaurant in our area!
- There are so many people! I'm not used to seeing people, so many Muslims, Hungarians, Vietnamese, Samoan, Tongan, Chinese, but no Koreans, YET! We'll find them though!
- There is apparently 1 less active Korean guy in our area!! His wife and kids are also Korean and his wife ONLY SPEAKS KOREAN (which means she'd be forced to put up with my bad Korean! Which means KOREAN PRACTICE!!!!! Hope you know how excited I am to meet them)
- In a flat of 5 Elders. One from Samoa, Elder Taafua. One from Utah but Samoan speaking, Elder Aloi. One finishing his mission this week, Elder Kaipuke. Then my companion who is basically Samoan speaking since he's served around Samoans his whole mission, Elder Kowallis. Don't know half of what goes on between them b/c they speak half Samoan and I just don't understand.
- District leader is tough here b/c everyone in my district and zone either already knows each other super well or speaks Samoan... Then I'm still pretty fresh and Green compared to most. So yeah...
- We had a mission conference with all 250 missionaries in our mission. Elder Nielson, the executive director of the missionary department and Elder Ardern from the Area 70 gave us a training. I got to see all the other missionaries that I've come to love, from serving with them. It was a really great day. Every missionary tells me that I'm in the best area of the mission.
- I asked my companion if they teach people in this area. He said yes and looked at me weird. I said like real lessons? Legit teaching? He said yes and thought I was weird. Man this just made my day b/c I haven't been able to do much teaching.
- Since our ward is primarily Samoan, 1) they love missionaries and 2) they love feeding missionaries. We get fed so much.
- Our ward is just so full of solid, strong, funny az members who are so keen to do missionary work.
So pumped for this transfer! I just made a complete 180°, so crazy. From nearly nothing to so much. Excited to get to work.
Elder Brandon Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
Pic 4 - Elder Fellingham, my fun Kiwi zone leader who goes home at the end of this transfer
Pic 5 - our whole flat doing finding
Posing in front of our flat with Elder Taafua, still fresh from Samoa.
Elder Wu and I. Love this guy, the most solid missionary I will probably ever meet. He goes home to Hong Kong next transfer.
My first zone leaders, Elder Wu and Tobler, such a solid companionship. The best missionaries I'll probably ever meet.
My trainers, Elder Scott and Neas, and my first zone leaders. Throwback to the Port Stephen days
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
05 MAR 2019 ~ Week 24: TRANSFERS!!
안녕하세요 여러분!!
How're things back in the States or wherever you are? We finally got our transfer call last night. So *drum roll* Elder Neas and I will BOTH be LEAVING PORT STEPHENS. Elder Neas will be heading to the city, he's pretty happy about that, and I will be going to Prairiewood (About 30min-1hr West of Sydney) and will be serving as a District Leader there! Pretty excited and nervous. A change of scenery, new companions (Elder Kaipuke - his last transfer, and Elder Kowallis - his 5th transfer in the area). It'll be a Polynesian ward so we'll get fed heaps. Hopefully I don't get too fat...
Unfortunately, Port Stephens will be getting shut down for at least a transfer (meaning no missionaries will be sent to replace us for 6 weeks, or more. Who knows).
I cannot help but feel as the Lord of the Vineyard in the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees found in the Book of Mormon: "But what could I have done more for my vineyard? Have I slackened mine hand, that I have not nourished it?" (Jacob 5:47). This area wasn't the best for teaching or finding new people, but I will miss the Branch. Wonderful Saints devoted to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Willing to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places. I found the most joy being able to serve them. In particular, one older widow: Noni. Who reminded me most of my grandma whenever we went by to mow her lawn, making me wish I could do all the same things for her (washing dishes, mow lawn, talk, listen, make her laugh, etc.). She's gone through some very difficult trials. Her husband has since passed. Her son has for much of his life struggled with drugs and alcohol, going in and out of jail. She has struggled to support his family and her grandkids as much as possible. No longer knows what to do. She was deaf (could only speak to her through a whiteboard) for a long time (has since undergone a procedure to get it back somewhat) and has several physical limitations and ailments that restrain her from being able to leave home by herself.
HOWEVER, she still holds on to the Gospel. Always trying to find ways to share it with others. (She's so awesome!) What helps her get through these very difficult trials in her life is relying on our Savior, Jesus Christ. Who knows everything we will ever feel and experience, because He took upon Him the pains, struggles, weaknesses, etc. of every single human being who has lived, is living and will yet live. One of the first scriptures where I truly understood this, is found in the Book of Mormon, Alma 7:11-13. The prophet at this time is Alma, who is speaking to a city (around 83B.C) regarding the coming of a Savior:
"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me."
Like Alma, this is the testimony which is in me. I know Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane, and died on the Cross. For each of us. He lives. He overcame death and offers us peace from our past mistakes. Hope for a better and stronger future. Love from our Father in Heaven who loves us unconditionally. Who just wants us to come home. It was after reading this, while I was doing my seminary reading, my first year of Seminary after being baptized, that I received a profound witness from the Holy Ghost that these things were true. Testified to me that Jesus Christ knows me, Brandon Escamilla, and what I am struggling with. That He knows exactly how I feel, and how to comfort me and help me to keep moving forward. Emotions overcame me as I read this in my room before bed nearly 8 years ago. I'd invite you to do the same. Find a quiet place. Pray and then read this passage. I promise you that will feel the same things that I felt. It is with this knowledge that success is possible, progress is manageable, and life is meaningful.
Elder Brandon Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
The Tongan couple in our Branch that we always mess with and get them to feed us. They're great. Always laughing and teasing.
Brother Nightingale, couldn't have started Navajo Mow without this handyman. Fixed all our mowers and gave us an edger for a little bit. There's never a moment where we're not laughing with him.
Noni. From Christmas... Forgot to get a picture with her. She's such a sweet lady.
How're things back in the States or wherever you are? We finally got our transfer call last night. So *drum roll* Elder Neas and I will BOTH be LEAVING PORT STEPHENS. Elder Neas will be heading to the city, he's pretty happy about that, and I will be going to Prairiewood (About 30min-1hr West of Sydney) and will be serving as a District Leader there! Pretty excited and nervous. A change of scenery, new companions (Elder Kaipuke - his last transfer, and Elder Kowallis - his 5th transfer in the area). It'll be a Polynesian ward so we'll get fed heaps. Hopefully I don't get too fat...
Unfortunately, Port Stephens will be getting shut down for at least a transfer (meaning no missionaries will be sent to replace us for 6 weeks, or more. Who knows).
I cannot help but feel as the Lord of the Vineyard in the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees found in the Book of Mormon: "But what could I have done more for my vineyard? Have I slackened mine hand, that I have not nourished it?" (Jacob 5:47). This area wasn't the best for teaching or finding new people, but I will miss the Branch. Wonderful Saints devoted to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Willing to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places. I found the most joy being able to serve them. In particular, one older widow: Noni. Who reminded me most of my grandma whenever we went by to mow her lawn, making me wish I could do all the same things for her (washing dishes, mow lawn, talk, listen, make her laugh, etc.). She's gone through some very difficult trials. Her husband has since passed. Her son has for much of his life struggled with drugs and alcohol, going in and out of jail. She has struggled to support his family and her grandkids as much as possible. No longer knows what to do. She was deaf (could only speak to her through a whiteboard) for a long time (has since undergone a procedure to get it back somewhat) and has several physical limitations and ailments that restrain her from being able to leave home by herself.
HOWEVER, she still holds on to the Gospel. Always trying to find ways to share it with others. (She's so awesome!) What helps her get through these very difficult trials in her life is relying on our Savior, Jesus Christ. Who knows everything we will ever feel and experience, because He took upon Him the pains, struggles, weaknesses, etc. of every single human being who has lived, is living and will yet live. One of the first scriptures where I truly understood this, is found in the Book of Mormon, Alma 7:11-13. The prophet at this time is Alma, who is speaking to a city (around 83B.C) regarding the coming of a Savior:
"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me."
Like Alma, this is the testimony which is in me. I know Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane, and died on the Cross. For each of us. He lives. He overcame death and offers us peace from our past mistakes. Hope for a better and stronger future. Love from our Father in Heaven who loves us unconditionally. Who just wants us to come home. It was after reading this, while I was doing my seminary reading, my first year of Seminary after being baptized, that I received a profound witness from the Holy Ghost that these things were true. Testified to me that Jesus Christ knows me, Brandon Escamilla, and what I am struggling with. That He knows exactly how I feel, and how to comfort me and help me to keep moving forward. Emotions overcame me as I read this in my room before bed nearly 8 years ago. I'd invite you to do the same. Find a quiet place. Pray and then read this passage. I promise you that will feel the same things that I felt. It is with this knowledge that success is possible, progress is manageable, and life is meaningful.
Elder Brandon Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
The Tongan couple in our Branch that we always mess with and get them to feed us. They're great. Always laughing and teasing.
Brother Nightingale, couldn't have started Navajo Mow without this handyman. Fixed all our mowers and gave us an edger for a little bit. There's never a moment where we're not laughing with him.
Noni. From Christmas... Forgot to get a picture with her. She's such a sweet lady.
Monday, February 25, 2019
25 FEB 2019 ~ Week 17? - Please just Love
G'Day Mates!
This week I hit my 6 month mark! Definitely scary, because 1/4th of my mission is already over... Still don't feel like I've accomplished/experienced much yet, but I could just be hard on myself or have extremely high standards/expectations. Anyways, this week was... fun? Well maybe eventful.
We had tradeoffs with the Tamworth Elders, they came to our area and it was a nice change of pace. I made Navajo Tacos 3 times this week. Definitely not mom or grandma quality, but my dough is getting better! People don't know any better, so as far as they know my bread is the best. My companion has been feasting on it. He said once, "You know last night I was thinking 'Man, we're gonna have Navajo Tacos again tomorrow with the Pococks...' but now I just can't wait." Haha so needless to say, he's enjoying them. Navajo Mow is now making Tacos!
Friday was Zone Conference and we got to be with our mission president and his wife! They are honestly the best. During the training we got, the way we do missionary work is going to change a lot. We aren't going to be doing as much tracting (door-knocking), but rather do more member missionary work. So helping them to find opportunities to share the Gospel in a normal and natural way. I'd invite you to check out this video (https://www.lds.org/study/video/online-proselyting-videos/2016-07-1060-help-members-find-through-facebook?lang=eng#title1). Start thinking of people you could share the Gospel. They don't have to meet with the missionaries right away, but even just mentioning you're a member or sharing a video/scripture. It's easy! Have faith (https://www.lds.org/study/general-conference/2008/04/ask-in-faith?lang=eng#title1) Check out this talk by Elder Bednar, that talks about how you can pray in faith and how you can do missionary work.
We had interviews with President and Sister Runia, and it definitely seems like some changes will be taking place during transfers next week. So stay tuned! Also they took us out to some Korean BBQ afterwards! Plus sides for being the last to do interviews!
I'd like to emphasize how crucially important it is to be kind to everyone. You do not know the full story. So, as Brigham Young taught, "understand men and women as they are, and not understand them as you are". This extends to everyone you come across. Friends, family, and yes even missionaries. You have no idea what people are going through, and how critically they just need a friend who will listen to them. I'm learning about a whole new world of mental illness that I've never really come across before. I've never seen it's crippling effects. Elder Holland so greatly addresses it in his talk "Like a Broken Vessel" (https://www.lds.org/study/general-conference/2013/10/like-a-broken-vessel?lang=eng#title1).
"So how do you best respond when mental or emotional challenges confront you or those you love? Above all, never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you can comprehend... “That love never changes. … It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve [it]. It is simply always there.” Never, ever doubt that, and never harden your heart."
If you are experiencing these things, please seek help and find someone to talk to. Anyone. If you need me, please reach out.
Elder Brandon Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
This week I hit my 6 month mark! Definitely scary, because 1/4th of my mission is already over... Still don't feel like I've accomplished/experienced much yet, but I could just be hard on myself or have extremely high standards/expectations. Anyways, this week was... fun? Well maybe eventful.
We had tradeoffs with the Tamworth Elders, they came to our area and it was a nice change of pace. I made Navajo Tacos 3 times this week. Definitely not mom or grandma quality, but my dough is getting better! People don't know any better, so as far as they know my bread is the best. My companion has been feasting on it. He said once, "You know last night I was thinking 'Man, we're gonna have Navajo Tacos again tomorrow with the Pococks...' but now I just can't wait." Haha so needless to say, he's enjoying them. Navajo Mow is now making Tacos!
Friday was Zone Conference and we got to be with our mission president and his wife! They are honestly the best. During the training we got, the way we do missionary work is going to change a lot. We aren't going to be doing as much tracting (door-knocking), but rather do more member missionary work. So helping them to find opportunities to share the Gospel in a normal and natural way. I'd invite you to check out this video (https://www.lds.org/study/video/online-proselyting-videos/2016-07-1060-help-members-find-through-facebook?lang=eng#title1). Start thinking of people you could share the Gospel. They don't have to meet with the missionaries right away, but even just mentioning you're a member or sharing a video/scripture. It's easy! Have faith (https://www.lds.org/study/general-conference/2008/04/ask-in-faith?lang=eng#title1) Check out this talk by Elder Bednar, that talks about how you can pray in faith and how you can do missionary work.
We had interviews with President and Sister Runia, and it definitely seems like some changes will be taking place during transfers next week. So stay tuned! Also they took us out to some Korean BBQ afterwards! Plus sides for being the last to do interviews!
I'd like to emphasize how crucially important it is to be kind to everyone. You do not know the full story. So, as Brigham Young taught, "understand men and women as they are, and not understand them as you are". This extends to everyone you come across. Friends, family, and yes even missionaries. You have no idea what people are going through, and how critically they just need a friend who will listen to them. I'm learning about a whole new world of mental illness that I've never really come across before. I've never seen it's crippling effects. Elder Holland so greatly addresses it in his talk "Like a Broken Vessel" (https://www.lds.org/study/general-conference/2013/10/like-a-broken-vessel?lang=eng#title1).
"So how do you best respond when mental or emotional challenges confront you or those you love? Above all, never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you can comprehend... “That love never changes. … It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve [it]. It is simply always there.” Never, ever doubt that, and never harden your heart."
If you are experiencing these things, please seek help and find someone to talk to. Anyone. If you need me, please reach out.
Elder Brandon Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
Monday, February 18, 2019
18 FEB 2019 ~ Week 16?? Losing track...
안녕하세요 Mates!
Well, nothing to report. My companion's migraines have kept us in the flat pretty often, so I get a lot of study time. Umm... yeah...
This transfer, people must know that we just have all the muscle because we've been asked to help families 3 times this transfer. On Valentines Day we moved an inactive member all morning. Then he showed us all his Chinese and Japanese ancient swords. So of course, like the young blokes that we are, we had to play with them and get some pictures. So that was fun. I'm glad that I'm physically capable of offering service in this area. I've lost track on the number of lawns we've mowed. We now have 3 WORKING LAWN MOWERS!!! So, Navajo Mow is a booming business, and may very well be making frybread as well! Possibilities are endless.
I got to use my Korean for the 2nd time!!! IT was an Elder's birthday today, and he wanted to get some Asian food. So we went to their area in Maitland to this restaurant that we thought was just Japanese, but turned out to be Korean and Japanese! So we were able to talk with the waitress in Korean. She was so excited to speak Korean with us that she gave us some free dumplings! Tender mercies. Church is true. We didn't get to talk to her too much about church, but got to know her and the best part was that I understood EVERYTHING that was said between her, my companion and I! Pretty happy about that. Baby steps.
Anyways, I'm pretty excited about the new changes for talking with families as a missionary. For any family that would like to hear more about my mission from a one on one perspective, let me know! I can only call on P-Days, but I'd love to talk with any family about the experiences I'm having hear as a missionary in Australia. Email me and we'll work it out! Love you all and have a great week!
Elder Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
Well, nothing to report. My companion's migraines have kept us in the flat pretty often, so I get a lot of study time. Umm... yeah...
This transfer, people must know that we just have all the muscle because we've been asked to help families 3 times this transfer. On Valentines Day we moved an inactive member all morning. Then he showed us all his Chinese and Japanese ancient swords. So of course, like the young blokes that we are, we had to play with them and get some pictures. So that was fun. I'm glad that I'm physically capable of offering service in this area. I've lost track on the number of lawns we've mowed. We now have 3 WORKING LAWN MOWERS!!! So, Navajo Mow is a booming business, and may very well be making frybread as well! Possibilities are endless.
I got to use my Korean for the 2nd time!!! IT was an Elder's birthday today, and he wanted to get some Asian food. So we went to their area in Maitland to this restaurant that we thought was just Japanese, but turned out to be Korean and Japanese! So we were able to talk with the waitress in Korean. She was so excited to speak Korean with us that she gave us some free dumplings! Tender mercies. Church is true. We didn't get to talk to her too much about church, but got to know her and the best part was that I understood EVERYTHING that was said between her, my companion and I! Pretty happy about that. Baby steps.
Anyways, I'm pretty excited about the new changes for talking with families as a missionary. For any family that would like to hear more about my mission from a one on one perspective, let me know! I can only call on P-Days, but I'd love to talk with any family about the experiences I'm having hear as a missionary in Australia. Email me and we'll work it out! Love you all and have a great week!
Elder Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
Monday, February 11, 2019
11 FEB 2019 ~ Talking to Ghosts.../Why Would You Leave?
안녕하세요 매이트! G'Day Mates! (sorry, long one...)
So a funny doorknocking story. We get to a door, knock. Wait for a response. Knock one more time and then we hear,
Voice: "There's no one here!!"
Elder Neas: "Oh really, there's no one here? So who are we talking to?"
Voice: "A ghost"
Us: "Ok ghost, you have a good day then"
Ghost: "Thanks, you too"
So we went over to a friend of ours house for some board games and Elder Neas offered them my ability to make Navajo Tacos. This lady and her husband are a young couple. Missionaries have been visiting them for a long time. Not a lot of teaching has been done, but she has always welcomed the missionaries and is sometimes keen to learn more. Her husband is good guy, fireman in the Air Force, and has seen all the... "interesting" YouTube videos about our church from people not of our faith or against it. So he has had heaps of questions. He's not necessarily keen, but he asks plenty of questions and scenarios that keep us on our toes.
While he was asking questions and scenarios, he finally asked, "Ok. Honestly, is there anything that would cause you to leave the church? Like what would it take for you to leave the church? Like what if the person you dislike the most becomes one of those counselor guys (we had just explained about the Prophet and his counselors, and didn't fully get it haha)?" We were surprised, made an honest effort to think, but came up with nothing. After our time with them, Elder Neas and I drove back to the flat and talked about it a little. We had both tried thinking what it would take, but nothing. Elder Neas said: "maybe if they banned (b/c Elder Neas is part Korean) Asians from holding the Priesthood. But even then, it would be more awkward than anything, but I'd still know the church is true. Everything links back to the Book of Mormon. I know it's true. So everything else just stems from that."
So I guess I'd like to ask you the same thing: What would it take for you to leave the Church?
A "blessing", if you'd call it that, that I've noticed while I've been on my mission is that I've been exposed to many questions about the Church that I've never thought of. Mostly from people arguing or honestly asking. A lot about the Book of Mormon (Revelations/Deuteronomy, "adding to the Bible"), about Church History (Polygamy, African Americans not being able to hold the Priesthood, etc.), about the legitimacy of Joseph Smith's First Vision ("Well I could go in my backyard and have a vision and start my own church!"), about the reasoning behind all our mission rules ("why do you call each other Elder?", "why can't you play Playstation with me?"), etc. For a lot of them, I think, "hmm.. You know, I've never thought of that" or "I'm not actually sure why." However, through the response of companions or someone else it all falls back on the Book of Mormon. Do you believe the Book of Mormon to be the Word of God just like the Bible? Well, how do you know? Have I done all the research? No. Am I very knowledgeable of the scriptures? Goodness sakes, no (I'm working on it though, don't worry). Have I seen an angel or had a vision like Joseph Smith? No. However, we learn in Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, faith...". In Moroni 10:5 we learn that "by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." When Jesus Christ was asked His disciples, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?", why was Peter's response praiseworthy of Jesus? "Blessed are thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is heaven." (Matthew 16:17).
Through the Holy Ghost, we receive the witness and testimony from our Father in Heaven that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. In addition to this, as I have studied the Bible and the Book of Mormon I have received that witness from the Holy Ghost that they are the Words of God. The reason why, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we put so much emphasis on the Book of Mormon (so much that, to others, it seems that we esteem it as higher than the Bible) is because if it is true. If it is truly the an additional witness that Jesus is the Christ (which it is). If it truly "teach[es] all men that they should do good" (2 Nephi 33:10), then... Joseph Smith truly did see God the Father and Jesus Christ. That Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God to restore the original church established by Jesus Christ when He was on the Earth, that was lost once all the Apostles were killed, and the proper Priesthood authority was taken from the earth. That Joseph Smith truly had the Priesthood of God restored to the earth through him, and has been passed on to every worthy male in the church since him. Then God still continues to call prophets today, and President Russell M. Nelson is truly a prophet of God in our day like Adam, Moses, Isaiah, Moses, etc. That there is a reasoning behind all our Church history and we must trust God, that there was a purpose behind it, even if we don't fully understand and that it was for a "wise purpose".
However, all this ultimately comes down to whether or not the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Ultimately, in Moroni 7:16, "the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God."
I know with all my heart, that I have received that witness from the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ and that His church, that contains the FULNESS of His Gospel, is found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We don't mean to undermine other churches, only that they are missing bits and pieces. Still containing truths like Jesus is the Christ, but missing things like the full Plan of Salvation, that not only talk about just Heaven and Hell after judgement, but the Degrees of Glory - Celestial, Terrestrial and Telestial Kingdoms (1 Corinthians 15:40-41). Ordinances like Baptism for the Dead (1 Corinthians 15:29). And more. So if you don't have that witness, know that I have one and lean on my testimony. Just study the Book of Mormon with a sincere, honest desire to know if it truly came from God. Pray and seek truth from the source of all truth. Spiritual questions MUST REQUIRE spiritual answers. My answer came over a series of days, weeks, months, years. I haven't seen an angel, flesh and blood haven't shown me, but from our Heavenly Father in a way that only I could understand and know with a certainty that it was from Him. It's different for everyone, but we have to put in that honest, humble, sincere effort. I promise you won't be disappointed. But don't be disappointed if it doesn't come right away. It takes time. It took some time for me, but it came. And when it comes, it's the greatest feeling that you could ever feel. And you cannot help but know that it is from Heavenly Father. So please try it. Fortunately, the Book of Mormon is free anyways. Just find your nearest missionaries and I'm sure they can hook you up with a free copy. Love you all. Happy early Valentines Day! My "date" will be one of the Maitland Elders since we'll be doing trade-offs then. So either Elder Wu or Elder Fellingham. Who will the lucky guy be? Haha hope you have better luck with Valentines Day dates than me. Have a great week!
Elder Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
So a funny doorknocking story. We get to a door, knock. Wait for a response. Knock one more time and then we hear,
Voice: "There's no one here!!"
Elder Neas: "Oh really, there's no one here? So who are we talking to?"
Voice: "A ghost"
Us: "Ok ghost, you have a good day then"
Ghost: "Thanks, you too"
So we went over to a friend of ours house for some board games and Elder Neas offered them my ability to make Navajo Tacos. This lady and her husband are a young couple. Missionaries have been visiting them for a long time. Not a lot of teaching has been done, but she has always welcomed the missionaries and is sometimes keen to learn more. Her husband is good guy, fireman in the Air Force, and has seen all the... "interesting" YouTube videos about our church from people not of our faith or against it. So he has had heaps of questions. He's not necessarily keen, but he asks plenty of questions and scenarios that keep us on our toes.
While he was asking questions and scenarios, he finally asked, "Ok. Honestly, is there anything that would cause you to leave the church? Like what would it take for you to leave the church? Like what if the person you dislike the most becomes one of those counselor guys (we had just explained about the Prophet and his counselors, and didn't fully get it haha)?" We were surprised, made an honest effort to think, but came up with nothing. After our time with them, Elder Neas and I drove back to the flat and talked about it a little. We had both tried thinking what it would take, but nothing. Elder Neas said: "maybe if they banned (b/c Elder Neas is part Korean) Asians from holding the Priesthood. But even then, it would be more awkward than anything, but I'd still know the church is true. Everything links back to the Book of Mormon. I know it's true. So everything else just stems from that."
So I guess I'd like to ask you the same thing: What would it take for you to leave the Church?
A "blessing", if you'd call it that, that I've noticed while I've been on my mission is that I've been exposed to many questions about the Church that I've never thought of. Mostly from people arguing or honestly asking. A lot about the Book of Mormon (Revelations/Deuteronomy, "adding to the Bible"), about Church History (Polygamy, African Americans not being able to hold the Priesthood, etc.), about the legitimacy of Joseph Smith's First Vision ("Well I could go in my backyard and have a vision and start my own church!"), about the reasoning behind all our mission rules ("why do you call each other Elder?", "why can't you play Playstation with me?"), etc. For a lot of them, I think, "hmm.. You know, I've never thought of that" or "I'm not actually sure why." However, through the response of companions or someone else it all falls back on the Book of Mormon. Do you believe the Book of Mormon to be the Word of God just like the Bible? Well, how do you know? Have I done all the research? No. Am I very knowledgeable of the scriptures? Goodness sakes, no (I'm working on it though, don't worry). Have I seen an angel or had a vision like Joseph Smith? No. However, we learn in Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, faith...". In Moroni 10:5 we learn that "by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." When Jesus Christ was asked His disciples, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?", why was Peter's response praiseworthy of Jesus? "Blessed are thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is heaven." (Matthew 16:17).
Through the Holy Ghost, we receive the witness and testimony from our Father in Heaven that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. In addition to this, as I have studied the Bible and the Book of Mormon I have received that witness from the Holy Ghost that they are the Words of God. The reason why, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we put so much emphasis on the Book of Mormon (so much that, to others, it seems that we esteem it as higher than the Bible) is because if it is true. If it is truly the an additional witness that Jesus is the Christ (which it is). If it truly "teach[es] all men that they should do good" (2 Nephi 33:10), then... Joseph Smith truly did see God the Father and Jesus Christ. That Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God to restore the original church established by Jesus Christ when He was on the Earth, that was lost once all the Apostles were killed, and the proper Priesthood authority was taken from the earth. That Joseph Smith truly had the Priesthood of God restored to the earth through him, and has been passed on to every worthy male in the church since him. Then God still continues to call prophets today, and President Russell M. Nelson is truly a prophet of God in our day like Adam, Moses, Isaiah, Moses, etc. That there is a reasoning behind all our Church history and we must trust God, that there was a purpose behind it, even if we don't fully understand and that it was for a "wise purpose".
However, all this ultimately comes down to whether or not the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Ultimately, in Moroni 7:16, "the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God."
I know with all my heart, that I have received that witness from the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ and that His church, that contains the FULNESS of His Gospel, is found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We don't mean to undermine other churches, only that they are missing bits and pieces. Still containing truths like Jesus is the Christ, but missing things like the full Plan of Salvation, that not only talk about just Heaven and Hell after judgement, but the Degrees of Glory - Celestial, Terrestrial and Telestial Kingdoms (1 Corinthians 15:40-41). Ordinances like Baptism for the Dead (1 Corinthians 15:29). And more. So if you don't have that witness, know that I have one and lean on my testimony. Just study the Book of Mormon with a sincere, honest desire to know if it truly came from God. Pray and seek truth from the source of all truth. Spiritual questions MUST REQUIRE spiritual answers. My answer came over a series of days, weeks, months, years. I haven't seen an angel, flesh and blood haven't shown me, but from our Heavenly Father in a way that only I could understand and know with a certainty that it was from Him. It's different for everyone, but we have to put in that honest, humble, sincere effort. I promise you won't be disappointed. But don't be disappointed if it doesn't come right away. It takes time. It took some time for me, but it came. And when it comes, it's the greatest feeling that you could ever feel. And you cannot help but know that it is from Heavenly Father. So please try it. Fortunately, the Book of Mormon is free anyways. Just find your nearest missionaries and I'm sure they can hook you up with a free copy. Love you all. Happy early Valentines Day! My "date" will be one of the Maitland Elders since we'll be doing trade-offs then. So either Elder Wu or Elder Fellingham. Who will the lucky guy be? Haha hope you have better luck with Valentines Day dates than me. Have a great week!
Elder Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
Monday, February 4, 2019
04 FEB 2019 ~ Week.... - Flower Boys
안녕하세요, 진구와 가족!
So this week was probably one of the slowest weeks this far... Sorry sending this email pretty late, but really nothing too... yeah nothing went too well for us this week. My companion struggles with some pretty frequent migraines and is having his own personal struggles. To be honest, spirits are pretty low here for us, because we're running out of ideas on how to spend an extra 6 weeks in Port Stephens. Work really isn't progressing and yeah... Hate to send this email, but yeah we're struggling in this area. I've gone through heaps of old records and this area has just been worked heaps by many missionaries. Members have given many referrals, and have assisted the missionaries with visits and lessons so many times. This area just seems pretty burned out and worked. We struggle to find things to do, people to visit, etc... Kind of the same vibe throughout our district, especially these northern parts of the mission outside of the Sydney...
Drove by some Koreans! However, they were just tourists in the beach town part of our area...
I came across this really great quote talking about the importance of seeking revelation during our personal study of the scriptures in correspondence with 1 Nephi 15:2-11...
"If we harden our hearts, reject continuing revelation, and limit our learning to what we can obtain by study and reason on the precise language of the present canon of scripture, our understanding will be limited to what Alma called 'the lesser portion of the word'.
"If we seek and accept revelation and inspiration to enlarge our understanding of scripture, we will realize a fulfillment of Nephi's inspired promise that those who diligently seek will have 'the mysteries of God... unfolded unto them by the power of the Holy Ghost" - Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles.
Additionally, "God hath not revealed anything to Joseph, but what He will make known unto the Twelve, and even the least Saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them."
The state of Nephi before his vision also provides further insight (1 Nephi 11:1): "... after I had DESIRED to know the things that my father had seen, and BELIEVING that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat PONDERing in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord..."
Spiritual Questions must require Spiritual Answers.
Elder Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
Pic 1 - Tried to have some fun with a new idea - Flower Finding! Mostly a joke, but tried a couple doors with them on our ears and the people either almost laughed, or were a little more comfortable (seeing that we're normal... mostly).
So this week was probably one of the slowest weeks this far... Sorry sending this email pretty late, but really nothing too... yeah nothing went too well for us this week. My companion struggles with some pretty frequent migraines and is having his own personal struggles. To be honest, spirits are pretty low here for us, because we're running out of ideas on how to spend an extra 6 weeks in Port Stephens. Work really isn't progressing and yeah... Hate to send this email, but yeah we're struggling in this area. I've gone through heaps of old records and this area has just been worked heaps by many missionaries. Members have given many referrals, and have assisted the missionaries with visits and lessons so many times. This area just seems pretty burned out and worked. We struggle to find things to do, people to visit, etc... Kind of the same vibe throughout our district, especially these northern parts of the mission outside of the Sydney...
Drove by some Koreans! However, they were just tourists in the beach town part of our area...
I came across this really great quote talking about the importance of seeking revelation during our personal study of the scriptures in correspondence with 1 Nephi 15:2-11...
"If we harden our hearts, reject continuing revelation, and limit our learning to what we can obtain by study and reason on the precise language of the present canon of scripture, our understanding will be limited to what Alma called 'the lesser portion of the word'.
"If we seek and accept revelation and inspiration to enlarge our understanding of scripture, we will realize a fulfillment of Nephi's inspired promise that those who diligently seek will have 'the mysteries of God... unfolded unto them by the power of the Holy Ghost" - Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles.
Additionally, "God hath not revealed anything to Joseph, but what He will make known unto the Twelve, and even the least Saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them."
The state of Nephi before his vision also provides further insight (1 Nephi 11:1): "... after I had DESIRED to know the things that my father had seen, and BELIEVING that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat PONDERing in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord..."
Spiritual Questions must require Spiritual Answers.
Elder Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
Pic 1 - Tried to have some fun with a new idea - Flower Finding! Mostly a joke, but tried a couple doors with them on our ears and the people either almost laughed, or were a little more comfortable (seeing that we're normal... mostly).
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
28 JAN 2019 ~ Week 13: Greenie No More! Happy Australia Day!
안녕하세요 여러분!!
Happy Australia Day! I believe it's the day that Captain Cook first landed in Australia... it's comparable to our Columbus Day. Basically an extra day off for the Aussies to drink, and a day that the aboriginal people hate because well... Yeah... It was Saturday and we spent about 5.5 hours in the morning moving a member in our Branch into a new home.
Don't have much from this week, except for more funny "Elder Escamilla identity crisis" experiences:
1) We're driving back to our flat for the end of the day and we see an Asian couple going for an evening stroll on our street. Elder Neas says their Chinese and says it's not worth our efforts (I know that sounds really bad, but he meant in regards to being able to speak Chinese... He's had many experiences of Chinese people who won't stop talking to him in Chinese even though he tells them he's not Chinese, but Korean, and doesn't speak Chinese... In Chinese...). So he just goes inside. However, I got pretty excited because, well, you don't see very many Asians in Port Stephens and since I'm Korean speaking... I'll take what I can get. So I "strategically" roll out our rubbish bin to the street right when they walk by our flat, so I can talk to them. I say,
"Hey how's it going! Pretty nice weather for a walk hay?" Then they start speaking to me in Chinese!! ".... ummm.... Sorry?" *Chinese* "... uhh..." *Chinese "Taiwan?" Chinese* "Um, no American" *Chinese "Mei guo ren" Points to our flat* "Yeah I live here..." *Chinese* "Umm... ok.. bye..." *Chinese, walks away*....
They thought I was Chinese, but when I didn't understand, they thought I was Taiwanese... Guess I better start learning some Chinese...
2) Every week, we email our mission president updates on our area, our personal well-being, whether we've killed our companion or not, if so who won, you get the idea. Well last week, President Runia emailed back to me...
"I'm putting you on a special assignment... it's after much pondering and prayer that you serve in this new area."
I get this the day after transfer calls. I'm thinking... "but President, transfers were yesterday... I guess you can make changes. You are the mission president after all."
I email him and text him back the next day, asking if I can get more information on this, but also understanding that he's very busy looking over the combining of the North and South Sydney Missions with over 280 missionaries. So I wait. Wednesday is when all missionaries report to their new areas. I expected to get something before then, nothing. So I wait some more. I don't call him or bother him anymore than my email and text, I understood he was probably busy. I was way excited for the inspired assignment that my mission president had for me from our Heavenly Father. I wasn't prideful about it, I hadn't even told me companion, but I was prayful that I would be able to fulfill the assignment that he had for me. Nervous and excited. My mind wondered, thinking about what's gonna happen. "Are they reopening the Korean program!?", "Are they opening a Korean Branch and he wants another Korean missionary and I to build the Branch!!", "Is he turning me into Chinese speaking?....", etc.
Then the email comes last night, "Call me Elder Escamilla, and we will talk about this." So I gave him a call this morning...
"Hey President, you wanted to talk to me about the special assignment you had for me?"
"Yes! So right now you're serving in the Spanish Ward with Elder.... Pickering, right?"
"Umm... No... I'm serving in the Port Stephens (very White, Aussie, English Speaking) Branch with Elder Neas..."
"Oh... Wait... Uhh... I'm so sorry. There seems to have been a mix up... I meant to send that to Elder *Something Hispanic* from Guatamala... I guess I confused the two of you since you're name is Escamilla... I'm terribly sorry... *Long pause* So how are you doing?"
So my hispanic name strikes again, confusing another poor soul. I've come to learn that Heavenly Father and I have a very interesting sense of humor with each other...
Besides that, very uneventful week. this Wednesday I finished my 12 weeks of training as a new missionary and am no longer a 'Greenie'. Then a month from last Tuesday, I will hit my 6 month mark. So crazy, time is flying. Still Navajo Mowing. No Koreans yet. UV Index is Extreme. Still humid and hot-az. No A/C in our flat is "the best" (Nacho Libre). We still see kangaroos. The Book of Mormon is still the Word of God. The Church is still true. I love you all and have a great week!
Elder Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
Happy Australia Day! I believe it's the day that Captain Cook first landed in Australia... it's comparable to our Columbus Day. Basically an extra day off for the Aussies to drink, and a day that the aboriginal people hate because well... Yeah... It was Saturday and we spent about 5.5 hours in the morning moving a member in our Branch into a new home.
Don't have much from this week, except for more funny "Elder Escamilla identity crisis" experiences:
1) We're driving back to our flat for the end of the day and we see an Asian couple going for an evening stroll on our street. Elder Neas says their Chinese and says it's not worth our efforts (I know that sounds really bad, but he meant in regards to being able to speak Chinese... He's had many experiences of Chinese people who won't stop talking to him in Chinese even though he tells them he's not Chinese, but Korean, and doesn't speak Chinese... In Chinese...). So he just goes inside. However, I got pretty excited because, well, you don't see very many Asians in Port Stephens and since I'm Korean speaking... I'll take what I can get. So I "strategically" roll out our rubbish bin to the street right when they walk by our flat, so I can talk to them. I say,
"Hey how's it going! Pretty nice weather for a walk hay?" Then they start speaking to me in Chinese!! ".... ummm.... Sorry?" *Chinese* "... uhh..." *Chinese "Taiwan?" Chinese* "Um, no American" *Chinese "Mei guo ren" Points to our flat* "Yeah I live here..." *Chinese* "Umm... ok.. bye..." *Chinese, walks away*....
They thought I was Chinese, but when I didn't understand, they thought I was Taiwanese... Guess I better start learning some Chinese...
2) Every week, we email our mission president updates on our area, our personal well-being, whether we've killed our companion or not, if so who won, you get the idea. Well last week, President Runia emailed back to me...
"I'm putting you on a special assignment... it's after much pondering and prayer that you serve in this new area."
I get this the day after transfer calls. I'm thinking... "but President, transfers were yesterday... I guess you can make changes. You are the mission president after all."
I email him and text him back the next day, asking if I can get more information on this, but also understanding that he's very busy looking over the combining of the North and South Sydney Missions with over 280 missionaries. So I wait. Wednesday is when all missionaries report to their new areas. I expected to get something before then, nothing. So I wait some more. I don't call him or bother him anymore than my email and text, I understood he was probably busy. I was way excited for the inspired assignment that my mission president had for me from our Heavenly Father. I wasn't prideful about it, I hadn't even told me companion, but I was prayful that I would be able to fulfill the assignment that he had for me. Nervous and excited. My mind wondered, thinking about what's gonna happen. "Are they reopening the Korean program!?", "Are they opening a Korean Branch and he wants another Korean missionary and I to build the Branch!!", "Is he turning me into Chinese speaking?....", etc.
Then the email comes last night, "Call me Elder Escamilla, and we will talk about this." So I gave him a call this morning...
"Hey President, you wanted to talk to me about the special assignment you had for me?"
"Yes! So right now you're serving in the Spanish Ward with Elder.... Pickering, right?"
"Umm... No... I'm serving in the Port Stephens (very White, Aussie, English Speaking) Branch with Elder Neas..."
"Oh... Wait... Uhh... I'm so sorry. There seems to have been a mix up... I meant to send that to Elder *Something Hispanic* from Guatamala... I guess I confused the two of you since you're name is Escamilla... I'm terribly sorry... *Long pause* So how are you doing?"
So my hispanic name strikes again, confusing another poor soul. I've come to learn that Heavenly Father and I have a very interesting sense of humor with each other...
Besides that, very uneventful week. this Wednesday I finished my 12 weeks of training as a new missionary and am no longer a 'Greenie'. Then a month from last Tuesday, I will hit my 6 month mark. So crazy, time is flying. Still Navajo Mowing. No Koreans yet. UV Index is Extreme. Still humid and hot-az. No A/C in our flat is "the best" (Nacho Libre). We still see kangaroos. The Book of Mormon is still the Word of God. The Church is still true. I love you all and have a great week!
Elder Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
Sunday, January 20, 2019
21 JAN 2019 ~ Week 12: TRANSFERS!!
안녕하세요 Mates!!
This week we got transfer calls!! WOOT WOOT!! So drum roll.... Elder Neas and I will BOTH be...... staying... Haha yeah, we're staying in Port Stephens. I'm good with it. A part of me wanted to go to the city for a change of scenary and a possibility of speaking Korean, but also I wanted to see if our Navajo Mow finding technique goes somewhere.
Well speaking of Navajo Mow, we were in Stockton knocking doors, and a lady covered in tattoos opens the door. We start our shpeal, "Hi! We're just going around the neigborhood..." She looks at our nametags and says, "Oh hey Elders!" Elder Neas and I just look at each other... Turns out she's a less-active member who wasn't in our records and moved into the area a year ago. She asks us to come back another day because her daughters have been really keen to start coming back to church. We met with them on Saturday and just had a great time. They had heaps of concerns and questions and we were able to answer them. We gained their trust through laughter and testimony. We invited them to come to church, and "if you don't come to church, we will find you. We know where you live. If you're 'sick', we want a detailed doctors note." Haha they enjoyed our sense of humor. Come Sunday, they came to church! They enjoyed it and we were surprised the mom even came too! It was so great to see them come to church and enjoy it.
They have a lot of hurdles to go through, and were nervous to come back because they have tattoos and feared judgement from the members. We told them that everyone has struggles and weaknesses. No one is perfect. If the church only accepted perfect people, then no one would be allowed to go to church. Instead the church is a hospital for imperfect people, trying to be healed and become perfect eventually. Elder Holland - "Be Ye Therefore Perfect—Eventually" (https://www.lds.org/study/general-conference/2017/10/be-ye-therefore-perfect-eventually?lang=eng#title1)
I pray that we never judge people honestly trying to be better. My companion told them a story from his last area.... Members had noticed a stench of cigarette smoke coming from a couple of people who had been coming back to church. After a couple Sundays, the members began to get annoyed and tired of it. They went to the Bishop, asking him if he could ask those people who stunk of cigarette smoke to stop coming to church because it was disturbing everyone. The Bishop replied, "You know, I love it when I smell cigarette smoke during Sacrament. You know why? Because it means those people are coming to church and are honestly trying to be better despite their condition." Please never judge people for their sins or condition. Never be the reason why people stop coming to church, but reach out with a hand of love and support. Welcome them home. Our Heavenly Father wants all of His children to come home. Luke 15:4-7
"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."
Elder Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
Showing one of the Bible videos. Just a sweet moment, that I wanted to secretly capture
"Hey Elder get a picture of this!"
This week we got transfer calls!! WOOT WOOT!! So drum roll.... Elder Neas and I will BOTH be...... staying... Haha yeah, we're staying in Port Stephens. I'm good with it. A part of me wanted to go to the city for a change of scenary and a possibility of speaking Korean, but also I wanted to see if our Navajo Mow finding technique goes somewhere.
Well speaking of Navajo Mow, we were in Stockton knocking doors, and a lady covered in tattoos opens the door. We start our shpeal, "Hi! We're just going around the neigborhood..." She looks at our nametags and says, "Oh hey Elders!" Elder Neas and I just look at each other... Turns out she's a less-active member who wasn't in our records and moved into the area a year ago. She asks us to come back another day because her daughters have been really keen to start coming back to church. We met with them on Saturday and just had a great time. They had heaps of concerns and questions and we were able to answer them. We gained their trust through laughter and testimony. We invited them to come to church, and "if you don't come to church, we will find you. We know where you live. If you're 'sick', we want a detailed doctors note." Haha they enjoyed our sense of humor. Come Sunday, they came to church! They enjoyed it and we were surprised the mom even came too! It was so great to see them come to church and enjoy it.
They have a lot of hurdles to go through, and were nervous to come back because they have tattoos and feared judgement from the members. We told them that everyone has struggles and weaknesses. No one is perfect. If the church only accepted perfect people, then no one would be allowed to go to church. Instead the church is a hospital for imperfect people, trying to be healed and become perfect eventually. Elder Holland - "Be Ye Therefore Perfect—Eventually" (https://www.lds.org/study/general-conference/2017/10/be-ye-therefore-perfect-eventually?lang=eng#title1)
I pray that we never judge people honestly trying to be better. My companion told them a story from his last area.... Members had noticed a stench of cigarette smoke coming from a couple of people who had been coming back to church. After a couple Sundays, the members began to get annoyed and tired of it. They went to the Bishop, asking him if he could ask those people who stunk of cigarette smoke to stop coming to church because it was disturbing everyone. The Bishop replied, "You know, I love it when I smell cigarette smoke during Sacrament. You know why? Because it means those people are coming to church and are honestly trying to be better despite their condition." Please never judge people for their sins or condition. Never be the reason why people stop coming to church, but reach out with a hand of love and support. Welcome them home. Our Heavenly Father wants all of His children to come home. Luke 15:4-7
"What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."
Elder Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
Showing one of the Bible videos. Just a sweet moment, that I wanted to secretly capture
"Hey Elder get a picture of this!"
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