Pictures --Finally!!

After completing a puzzle in our apartment 

Elder Caleb Barton, his companion, Elder Aravena, and I

At the chapel with friends

This work makes me smile :)

Can you see me?

Yes, I have my Christmas tree up before my birthday!

"All Creatures of Our God and King."

November 24th, 2014  Quito, Ecuador

Hello Family and Friends,

Do you realize how blessed you are? I want you to think about that for a minute.

How many times as he answered your call to arms? 

How many times have you been lifted when there seemed to be no way out?

I have a story I would like to share: This week we visited a dear brother in the ward, Hermano Garcia. His wife has been sick for some time now, and is living currently in the hospital. We started to share with him about remembering our covenants that we have made with the Lord and why it is so important. He shared a beautiful story about his first time in the temple and it made me cry (I am becoming a bit of a cryer these days.) I suddenly felt the impression to ask himwhat the Atonement means to him personally. He then started to cry and to explain what a great blessing the Atonement is to him. He expressed his gratitude and praised the name of the Lord Almighty in the most reverent prayer I have ever heard. 

This experience has made me reflect on my blessings, and how many times He has been there for me, and specific ways He is there for all of the people. This brother could focus on the negative if he wanted but he chooses to focus on the Savior and the blessings he has in his life.

I invite everyone of you to answer the questions above, and then write down your thoughts and feelings in your journal. As you do, I promise that your mind will be illuminated and enlightened and you will feel the love the Savior has for each and every one of you. 

I share these things with you-- to act and live what you learn. As President Boyd K. Packer has said, "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior."

I testify of these things in the name of my Savior and Redeemer, even Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Hall

" I Am A Child of God."

November 17th, 2014.   Quito, Ecuador

Hola Family and Friends,

With this past week being a little different, I have recognized some really important things. First of all I would like to share an experience that has become dear to my heart.

Tuesday I woke up just not feeling well at all and so I got permission to take the morning and sleep. However, in the afternoon we had appointments that were already set, and I felt we needed to work. Contrary to my companion's thoughts and wishes, we went out and worked. 

In the evening we had a lesson with a member who we rescued this last month. Her name is Katherine. Her mom is less active and brother as well who now doesn't believe there is a God, and yet he reads and prays with us. Miracle. 

This story is about the mom:  She was baptized some 30 years ago with her mom and was then a strong member of the church. She has been a Relief Society president, Primary president, and Visiting Teacher. Something happened unfortunately where she was offended, and she told us that she would never come back to church. At this time I felt prompted to simply share a scripture that is very dear to me. Alma 7: 11-13. I then was given the words to testify of the Atonement of Christ; That he suffered for us, overcame death for us, and was resurrected so that we may and can live with Him and Our loving Heavenly Father once more. The Holy Ghost abided in that lesson. However, the reason this made such an impact was the dear heart and testimony of my companion. Elder Aravena t grabbed the hand of that dear sister and said, "Sister, as representatives of Jesus Christ and His church we ask for thy forgiveness and tell to forgive the bishop who offended you." I was stunned. I still don't have words for the presence of the Holy Ghost.

My dear family and friends--this is the very same Church of Jesus Christ that was lost and now is restored. I do not doubt it. I testify that through the Atonement of Christ all mankind can and will be forgiven if we, as my mom says, "Open the gift." I testify of the Living Savior and His mercy. May we ever remember the Hymn, "I know that my Redeemer Lives."

Testifico esas cosas en el nombre de Jesucristo. Amen

Love you all so very much,

Elder Hall

p.s. It's not bad to cry...

p.p.s. I finally got a new camera! Woohoo--pictures next week :)

"Come Unto Me"

November 10th, 2014 Quito, Ecuador

Hello Family and Friends,


This week was a very humbling one. For the second in a row we didn't have a baptism and it has been tricky to really be optimistic. However, in my studies this week I have found some pivotal points that have made me reflect quite a bit. I read in the scriptures in Luke about the Passover and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I focused on the importance of the Atonement and specifically the reactions of the disciples. 

Yesterday was Stake Conference here and my mission president, Presidente Christensen, said something that just caught my aching and desiring heart. He talked about the Last Supper and the Lord's announcement that "One of ye will betray me." The response of the 12 apostles was the turning point in my heart, they respond with a simple but penetrating question, "Lord, Is it I?"

My dear family and friends, this question has absolutely changed my very testimony;----It doesn't mean to be hard on yourself or beat yourself up. It means to simply ask the question, "Lord is it me that you love so dearly and then because of the natural man I turn against thee?"


I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, that All people need ask this question to themselves. I invite you to pray to our Father in the name of our Savior, and ask Him that specific question. 

Then immediately stand up with a song in your heart, move forward, and with love for the Lord, "Feed His Sheep."


"'Tis sweet to sing His matchless love."


Love you,


Elder Hall

"High On a Mountaintop"

November 3rd, 2014  Quito, Ecuador

Hello Friends and Family,

This week I want to testify of ministering angels. 

I felt prompted this week with one of our investigators to have her take a tour of the chapel. We called her, followed up, and set up the appointment. When she arrived we had a prayer outside of the chapel and then entered and talked about all the images and artwork,  and why we need to keep the commandments. We talked about baptism and the importance of it. At the very end we went into the sacrament meeting room. As we entered, there was a soft, calming, but piercing spirit. I played "How Great thou Art" on the piano as she sat and pondered for a moment. My companion then explained about the sacrament and I felt that we should share the sacrament prayers with her. As we did, the spirit became stronger. We then invited her to pray to ask if the church was true and if she should really be baptized on the 29 of November. She accepted and we left her alone and went back down the hallway with one of the members who was accompanying us. 

She came out 20 mins later, which felt like a really long time. She said she received a direct answer from God. The answer was, "Yes." We explained about those feelings she'd had and the wonderful decision she is making. We then asked the member if he would go and close up-- upstairs. He left, then quickly came running back down and said, "Elders, you have to go upstairs, I have not felt the spirit so strong in my life except for in the temple."

We hurried up the stairs, and before we entered I felt the spirit just rest upon me. We then entered and it was as if I heard singing. I testify that angels were singing in that holy chapel of God. I also testify of His presence. Afterward, Elder Aravena and I knelt down and offered a prayer of gratitude -- which we all know I did not get through without crying :)

"High on the Mountain Top, a banner is unfurled. On Zion's mount behold it stands."

D&C 84:88. Read it. This promise came true. And I give all praise to Him. 

Lucy, the investigator, will be baptized on 29 of November.

Love you all,

Elder Hall

"Lead Kindly Light"

October 27th, 2014        Quito, Ecuador

Hello Family and Friends,

This week has been a joy.

There are things that are not really describable--Like a daughter hugging her mother right after they were both baptized, or a homeless man who is hungry and needs food, or the miracle of a baptismal font not having hot water, and praying for hot water because the sister who was being baptized was sick--and recieving hot water. The other indescribeable thing is the simplicity of beauty.

The closest thing to verbalizing that beauty is a dear primary song that keeps coming into my mind. "Whenever I hear the song of a bird or look at a blue, blue sky. Whenever I feel the rain on my face or the wind as it rushes by. Whenever I touch a velvet rose or walk by a lilac tree, Im glad that I live in this beautiful world Heavenly Fathers created for me." Abbie, I'm sure you'll remember hearing that song at AFY.

When we are completely obedient, following the commandments completely, and loving others, we will see the beauty of all things and learn that in all circumstances it is important to be grateful. This week I have learned this. I decided to be exactly obedient and surrender my desires, wishes, wants, and dreams to the Lord for the rest of my mission. I was reading in D&C 121:34-46 and felt very strongly that I needed to learn the lesson that it talks about.

This last week Tiffany and Mayra were baptized and I finally know why Its so important for our Heavenly Father to find and baptize families. I kind not describe the feelings which I had at that baptism but let's just say that Ï cried alot. I felt the presence of our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost in that baptism and Elder Aravena told me that angels had to be singing and ministering.

How grateful I am for our Savior and His loving gift that He has given all of us! The Plan of Salvation is his sure plan, and the way is true. Our families can be together forever. This I know and testify with the very being of my soul.



Love you all,

-Elder Hall

To the Family...

October 20th, 2014 Quito, Ecuador

I want to share a brief experience about a little girl named Tiffany: 

Tiffany is a cute Ecuadorian girl of 9 years old. She will be baptized this Saturday along with her mom. Last Saturday she and her mother had their baptisimal interviews. The mom, Mayra, went first and I sat with Tiffany as we waited for her mom. While waiting, I pulled out the book of paintings that helps us with lessons and has pictures for the stories in the Bible and Book of Mormon. When I pulled it out and turned to the first one she asked what the story was about. I then turned to the part where it has the paintings of the stories of Jesus. She and I then began to tell those stories together. I really tried to hold back the tears but unfortunately I was unsuccessful and I felt this overwhelming feeling of joy. It was as if I had my future daughter sitting next to me and we were learning together, and trying to follow the example of Jesus Christ together.

I can't describe that experience exactly-- but I do know that Jesus is our example and that we can find real joy in telling the stories of Him.

I testify of Him. I testify that He is the Christ; that he suffered and died for us. I testify that He lives and loves us.

This I know with the surety of my heart and soul. 

Alma 26:12

Love your brother and son,

Elder Zachy Hall

"I Need Thee Every Hour"

October 20th, 2014    Quito, Ecuador

Dear Family and Friends,

How can we be worthy of His spirit every second of every day?

This question has penetrated my mind and soul this week. I have been striving with all my heart, might, mind, and strength to be worthy of the Holy guidance of the Spirit this week. I have been humbled over and over again --that I am nothing. Nor do I need praise, rewards, position, or applause for the work that I have done. 

I am a disciple of Christ and I have stepped over to His side of the line. I will not give up, shut up, or slow down until all have heard or Christ comes again.

I have been reading a talk this week called "The 4th Missionary" (thank you Elder Barton.) The quote I found that really called me to repentance was this: "Your world is in your head. Get your head right and your heart will follow, and you will be right."

This hit me so hard. Never have I thought about this nor have I applied it. Now, I am applying this and hoping (remember this word?) that the Lord will be able to use me better as His instrument.

This week we baptized the daughter of Blanca Nieves, Patricia Hormaza, and how beautiful was the baptism! We sang Nearer my God to Thee in Spanish as a special musical number. The Spirit testified that we can become closer to Him.

 It also rained a lot this week. I have learned some very important skills as far as jobs and cleanliness go.  We have to wash our clothes by hand every week and also I have learned that It is important to clean the bathroom often, and to take out the trash every day.

The Scripture I want to share is Helman 3:35. This has become one of very favorite scriptures.

Love you all,

Smile a mile,

Elder Hall

"Let Us All Press On"

October 13, 2014    Quito, Ecuador Hello Family and Friends, This week was a little long but really good. Being in Quito is very different than being in Santo Domingo. It's cold, rains almost every day all day long, and the food is very different. Who would have known huh? However, I love Quito. It reminds me of the movies in reality ---with a taste of France, London, and Italy all intertwined. I can't believe that I'm actually here.  There's a part in my sector that reminds me of "Mary Poppins" when the old lady is sitting on the stairs of the big cathedral across from the bank and sings,"Feed the birds tuppence a bag." In my sector there is a huge Catholic church that is just gorgeous and very old. However, there are always people about feeding the birds (doves). The mountain people of Quito who speak Quechua come down every morning and sell bird feed so that others can feed the birds "tuppence a bag." This week we had another baptism! We baptized a Colombian woman named Blanca Nieves (or in other words Snow White). She has dark black hair and looks very similar to the depiction of Snow White. She is doing well and has a strong testimony of this gospel. She shared it with everybody at her baptism and brought the Spirit to just abide with us. Her daughter will be baptized this Saturday :). The things I'm learning everyday here are just profoundly strong. I feel very close to my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. I wish I had English or Spanish words to describe it, but alas I do not. This mission is hard. I walk in the rain everyday and this week we had 3 days where we only had 1 or 2 lessons. Some people are very friendly and open, and some are not. However the scripture in Ether 12:4 gives me hope. I love the word hope. It means that we have a sure determination and knowlege that Heavenly Father will bless us in our efforts to do the right thing. However, we MUST go forward with faith first. We MUST try on our own, and we MUST pray, read the scriptures, and go to church to partake of the sacrament. We have the wonderful opportunity to repent every week by remembering our covenants with our Heavenly Father, but sometimes --do we remember that gift? I pray that we may remember the gift our Father has given us. He gave us His Son-- even Jesus Christ --so that we may all live again and have eternal life. How great is my joy! And I only give praise unto my Father in Heaven for this wonderful message of glad tidings. May we share our testimonies with all men, and find the peace and joy that the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings. Love you all,            Elder Hall

"All Is Well, All Is Well"

October 6, 2014   Quito, Ecuador

Dear Family and Friends,

I hope you got the opportunity to listen to all of conference. If you haven't yet, go do it tomorrow. It will enlighten your mind and strengthen your faith. It will also answer your questions and give revelation to your personal and individual spirit.

This week we had 2 more baptisms. Unfortunately, I lost my camera last wednesday and I don't have one at the moment. (Sorry Mom...). It was a great baptismal service and how happy I felt baptizing them! It was a mother and a son of a part family who are now all members. They will go to the temple in a year.

 For this next month we have 8 people with a baptismal date set, and they will be baptized. Unfortunately, we also had changes and I have been transfered to Quito with a new companion. His name is Elder Arevena, and he is sooo awesome. He is on fire and I'm very excited to serve with him! I arrived in Quito this afternoon and already we are laughing and getting along. The other thing is that Elder Barton from Grandview, yes from Grandma and Papa's ward, is in my same district and we live in the same house! He's awesome and I can't wait to work with him :)

For just a moment I would like to talk about faith. Faith contains several parts: 1, Believing that something is true. 2, Having a desire to know that with the Lord all things are possible. 3, Acting in Faith. 

Family and friends, I have a strong testimony of this. These last 6 weeks were the hardest and loneliest weeks I have ever had. However, with much prayer and faith in Him, I saw miracles. I saw people get baptized and follow the example of our Savior. I saw the gift of tongues work through the power of the Holy Ghost as people began to understand what I was saying and teaching. I saw the miracle of love for a companion who I didn't get along really well with. Family and friends, all things are possible with a sure faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Without faith we are nothing and will not receive the blessing that we would have received --had we had faith.

Please pray and work in Faith. Serve the poor and the elderly. Become as a little child; become submissive and humble --we all must be in order to return to the presence of our Father in Heaven. Read Ether 12:4.

I'm doing great and working hard. I love this work and the joy that it brings. My prayer is that we may come unto to Christ and rely upon his atoning sacrifice.

Love,

Elder HAll

Isn't This Great? More Pictures.

                                 I'm not totally sure what I was thinking in this picture but it's good :)

     I may have fallen while running from dogs this week...

"More Pressing Forward as Saints"

September 22nd, 2014  Santo Domingo, Ecuador

Hello Family and Friends,

This week has been one of hope, praying, more praying, and continually pressing forward. This week I have seen many marvelous miracles, which only come when you think all hope is lost and you're not looking for them. One of our investigators, Jennifer Silva, is going to be baptized this Saturday! I will have the privilege of baptizing her. I am so excited that sometimes I just have to sing. Its a habit of mine. 

We also have 4 more investigators who will be baptized on the 3rd of October! This is a miracle because it is a family and we found them through a reference from a member. The other miracle with this family is that the father, Mexus, and his spouse aren't married. So we taught them about the Law of Chastity. They have so much faith and desire to follow the example of Christ and be baptized that they are getting married today. In simple words about this week: Obedience and Perseverance bring about Joy and Miracles. 

It has really rained here this week. I have returned home completely drenched several times this week. I have found that I love the rain. My Grandpa Wells challenged me to look for the beauty of this world. I have found that I love the fruit here, the rain, the birds, the butterflies, the children who are constantly smiling and playing futbol in the rain; the rice, the yogurt, and many more.

Yes, this week was long and very hard but I found comfort in the scriptures. In D&C 6:33-36, I have found peace and faith. I love all of you.

My testimony is that God is our loving Heavenly Father, Jesus is the Christ and I know that He loves each and every single one of us. Because of Him we can return to the presence of our Heavenly Father once again.

Love you all,

Elder Hall

Completely drenched...

 Our apartment. My side i(with the clock, music, and UNO cards)

    The kitchen, dining room, and laundry room.

"Abide With Me, 'Tis Eventide"

September 29, 2104    Santo Domingo, Ecuador

Hello Family and Friends,

This week has been one of reflection and also learning. I am coming to an end of my first change in the mission, and I think ---where has the time gone? I can still remember eating BYU ice cream at the cafeteria on Sunday nights in the MTC. I can still remember the very long bus ride to the airport early in the morning. I remember passing the Lindon exit and breathing very hard and bowing my head as if all emotions were attacking me at once.

This week I decided to do something to get myself more involved with finding more people and getting to know the members of the ward. I started a family history class. Using the new booklets that Family Search has put out called, "My Family," I was able to help several people get started with their family history. It's such an exciting experience! My heart is overwhelmed with the power and spirit of Elijah. Everybody is very excited about it, except my companion. But I have faith that he will learn to love it too.

This week I also baptized one of our investigators. She was so happy and it's amazing to see already the difference the gospel brings to so many people's lives. It is so true, and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ all can obtain eternal life. But only through the name of Jesus Christ --for there is no other way.

Yes, it is still hard and very challenging. My Spanish is not very good, and I am learning to have patience with myself. The hymns are my outlet of expression and I sing them frequently. 

May you strive to keep all the commandments, endure to the end, and have patience in all things. 

Love,

Elder Hall

Elder Huisa, Jennifer Silva's family, and Elder Hall

The newest member of the church in Santo Domingo, Ecuador--Jennifer Silva

From the Mission President's Wife:

Dear Brother and Sister Hall,

We are so pleased that Elder Hall is serving in the Ecuador Quito Mission.  We welcome him with all our hearts and know that the special gifts he has been given from our Father in Heaven  and talents he has developed will bless the lives of those with and for whom he serves in a unique way only he can offer.  His dedicated service will further increase his abilities and character in remarkable ways. 

There are currently 247 missionaries in our mission, serving in 13 zones.    Elder Hall has been assigned to serve in Santa Domingo with Elder Huisa as his companion and trainer.  Elder Huisa is known by other missionaries as being a very diligent missionary and a great teacher.

 Attached are photos that show Elder Hall with his companion;  the group of missionaries with whom he arrived; and  with us.

We know and understand that there is sacrifice on your part both emotionally and financially to support him during this period of full time missionary service and we express our gratitude for your offering to further the work of inviting others to come unto Christ and to receive the blessings of the Gospel in their lives.

With our love and gratitude,

President and Sister Christensen

Letter to the Mom

September 15, 2014

Dear Mom,

I forgot my camera cord back at our apartment. I'm so sorry, but I promise to send some photos next week. 

I want to thank you for your update. I'm happy to hear everyone is doing well. Don't worry about the dogs, I'm fine, but have a new dislike for dogs!

 I'm eating just fine, and spending a lot of time on my knees. We get fed by the members every lunch. We eat breakfast in our apartment and most nights we get dinner from the members or our investigators. I eat a lot of rice and bananas. Also, I eat a lot of cereal and peaches. The fruit here is AMAZING! Its so fresh and usually comes right of the trees. 

I want to thank you for teaching me how to clean a toilet and the importance of keeping a bathroom and house clean. It has made a huge difference in our home. I clean the bathroom every day because my companion is very messy. I frequently sweep and also mop. It helps me to feel the Spirit more strongly.

It is very humid here and sometimes very hot. I also have found a new love for my BYU shirts. They are my comfort and joy in the evenings after a long hard day of work. My bed is great and I'm sleeping just fine except for my weird dreams. :|

I want to tell you that I love you and I'm grateful for your strong words of advice. Thank you for being my mom and for all you do. You are truly a blessed and beloved woman--and my best friend. 

Sure love you Mom,

Elder Zachy Hall, your happy son!

"Press Forward Saints"

September 15, 2104

Hello Family and Friends,

Well this week has been good, but a little long for my liking. 

Something that seems to always get me is this darn language. Half the time I don't what anyone is talking about, and Mom-- I'm developing your habit of talking to myself in the store. Today as we went to buy things I starting talking to myself and my companion abruptly told me that I couldn't do that. I quickly apologized and continued on in my head. :)

We have had some miracles happen this week: On Tuesday, I felt that we needed to fast. So we did. We fasted for 24 hours and I'm pretty sure by the end I thought I was going to die. This week we have contacted over 50 people, and we have a new family to teach. The familia Araujo. They are progressing very well and the second lesson we taught about the law of chastity and invited them to get married. Well this weekend they did just that! They will be baptized the 4th of October (4 people). The other miracle is that Jennifer who is a cousin to Selena, decided that she would follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized. We held a tour at the capilla (chapel) for Selena and Jennifer. We then sat in the room where the baptismal font is and showed them the font and talked about the simplicity and beauty of baptism. I asked Jennifer about how she felt. She then responded, "'Im going to be baptized." She will be baptized the 27th of September. What a powerful moment that was for me!

Something that I continue to do is always pray. Most mornings I spend almost an hour praying. I pray every chance I get. I realized that if we keep pressing forward in the faith of our Savior Jesus Christ, we will be strengthened, and eventually sealed His.

This is very hard, and many times I have thought I just want to give up... 

DON'T GIVE UP! He has promised us so many blessings that we can't even comprehend, but CAN receive if we persevere. Thank you for your prayers. Keep praying please, as I have felt your prayers. 

Smile a mile and keep moving in the way of the Lord.

Love you all,

Elder Hall

ps. We were chased by dogs this week for almost two blocks. We have had many doors slammed in our faces, and we walk miles and miles in the hot sun every day. However, I kind of feel like Im on an Amazonian adventure every day --which is kind of fun.

Dear Family

Also Sept. 8th, 21014  from Santo Domingo, Ecuador

Dear Family,

My companion and I are....ok. He's not very patient with me which is tricky since he's my trainer and supposed to help me. So --I continue to be patient with him, and love him and thank him for his help. 

I finally got to play soccer or as they call it futbol today. We played on a cement "cancha" or court with all the elders from our zone in the middle of Santo Domingo with no nets and just bamboo posts for our goal posts. I was able to find Oreos and Chips Ahoy here. Wow does Heavenly Father love me!

 I also have been more at peace since I was able to get my CD player working. I listen to the Tabernacle Choir every morning and Every night. Last night I listened to my Vocal Point CD and heard the song which says, "C'mon c'mon you have got to move on, this is not the you I know. This isn't real it's just all you can feel, and that's the way that feelings go." Remember that song Abbie? That was the song that got me through last summer; through what I thought to be the end of my life and existence for all I knew or cared. I now find myself in a similar situation-- listening the songs about my Savior and His atonement. But tonight as I look outside and here the dogs barking, parrots chirping, and the sun is glistening on the metal rooftops of Ecuador, I think: "I'm glad that I live in this beautiful world, Heavenly created for me." 

The sights, sounds, smells, food, people and all creatures of our God and King are so different here! It also is very, very, very hot and humid. My companion thinks it's cold and so I bear the heat in order not to make the Peruvian mad or frustrated.  This week I found myself reading in Alma 32 a lot. I encourage you as a family to read it.

Also, please have family scripture study. It will help you guys be able to understand your purpose and the blessings of God so much better. We are in the last days and we just have to be reading our scriptures. Even if it's only for 5 minutes a day.

Sure love you Hall Family of mine and miss you lots. I show pictures of all of you to the people here in Ecuador as much as I can, because I want them to see what a family can be. Love you guys!

Millie, Sam and Max I sure would like to hear from you next week. How are you guys doing? How's school, football, and dance?

Love you,

Elder Hall

"Glory To God On High"

September 8, 2014

Hello to all you family and friends,

I would to like to share with you a couple of my experiences this week. Something I forgot to mention is that my companion and I are opening a new sector, and I didn't know until yesterday that all of this is new. Most of this week has consisted of walking and walking and contacting and talking. My favorite thing to do while walking is just say "hello" to everybody and smile because it helps me to think positively.

We have these two investigators: Selena and Jennifer. They're cousins and we teach both of them in their other cousins' house who are members of the church. I can't even speak English still--let alone I'm way lost in Spanish. Have no idea. However, I had the opportunity to teach the law of chastity and describe the importance of families. With the help of the Lord, my companion, and the "Declaration To the Family"--both agreed to follow it. The reason this experience is significant is because Selena lives with her "esposo". Most people here are not married and just live with eachother. I then taught how sacred the calling of being parents is and the importance of marriage. They both promised to live it and currently are living it. Selena and her "esposo" are en route in planning a wedding and Jennifer will be baptized the 27th of September. What a wonderful thing that is and how excited and happy I am for the both of them!

The other experience is my own. This week I have spent just as much time on my knees as I have on my feet. Earlier this week, while my companion was in the shower, I prayed out loud and told Heavenly Father how I felt. I expressed my concerns, doubts, and even complaints about the things that were going on. I asked for Him to help me and give strength. I then recieved this answer, "Zachy, this mission is not about you." I stopped to ponder about that as I ate my cereal and had an Oreo. (Yes Abbie, I found Oreos in Ecuador, What!?) 

This "answer" was an incredible thing for me. I then realized that during this whole time of discouragement and natural-man-inward-thoughts, that not once had I thought about my investigators and how to help them. 

May I suggest that we remember there is ONE reason we are doing this work: For the glory of God on High. It is not my will but His.

The days are still long and most of my day is spent walking in silence. But I continue to watch these people and pray how I can better help them. Something I have found to help me wake up with a smile on my face no matter what mood I'm in is to go to sleep with a hanger in my mouth. Its the best thing to wake up to.

May you give glory to God on high, and I promise his angels will reply.

Thank for all of your prayers, still need them dearly,

Love all of you,

Elder Hall

First Email from Ecuador

August 26, 2014  from the Mission Home Quito, Ecuador 

Well everyone, I'm alive and well. 

This is so different. My p day is next monday. 

I have not received my new companion yet.

Everything is in spanish and I have no idea what's going on. 

Love you all,

--Elder Hall

Letter 6 "Count Your Blessings"

Monday, September 1st, 2014  Santa Domingo, Ecuador

Dear Family and Friends,

I´m going to start out by telling you to be grateful for what you have.
This is a completely different world over here. I´m also going to tell you that this has 
been the hardest week of my entire life. I have been tried and tested over and over. 
Every day is a new adventure but it´s not easy. All the things that I had in the 
MTC or at home I don´t have except for one thing: 
The gospel of Jesus Christ.

I live in Santo Domingo and it is super humid and very hot every day.
My companion is Elder Huisa, from Peru, and he doesn't speak any English. 
We are working hard still, and I continue to just push through each day. 
Something my Grandpa Wells said that a big part of faith is to just 
keep moving forward. That´s exactly what I´m doing with the help from the Lord. 

Never have I ever prayed so hard and so much in my life for so many things. 

The streets here are dirty, there´s no carpet anywhere, there is garbage all over the roads,
and most of the day I walk on dirt roads and through grass. It is a completely different experience.
We also don´t have any hot water. ANYWHERE.

However, When you are discouraged, and called to bear, count your many blessings--
name them one by one and you´ll be surprised what the Lord hath done.

My testimony is that God is our loving Heavenly Father.
Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer.
Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, and We have a living prophet today,
Thomas S. Monson,who leads and guides the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints today.

So If you're feeling down, just keep moving forward!

Sincerely,
Elder Hall

The Transition to the field

August 22, 2014

Friday night we received a call from Hannah who'd just finished her shift at the MTC cafeteria.  She told us that our Elder Hall had travel news for us. When we logged in, we were able to email back and forth for a few minutes.

Here's the conversation between the boy and Mom:

Hey, so I witnessed a miracle today. My Visa came and I head out to Ecuador at 3:30 am on Monday. My flight will leave from SLC at about 7:25 am and then fly to Atlanta!:) and have a 4 hour layover in Atlanta and then fly to Quito. I'm allowed to call home while I'm in Atlanta so plan on a call from me at about 3pm; That way I hope I can talk to everyone. I sure am excited to talk with you wonderful people! I got a calling card today so that I can talk to you. I will be online for about 15 more mins if you have any questions. You are welcome to ping me via email.

Love you,

Elder Hall

Wow!  Is that early? Somehow I thought you'd leave on a Wednesday -- guess I was wrong.  Ya nope-- on Monday. Thank you for your prayers because all the prayers were answered today. So much joy and relief.

Is that a good time to call?

Yes!

Sweet. Ok so what are your questions?

Well one is- when and how did you find out?

I found out at 11:30 am and by the travel office. The crazy thing was that I was already temporarily assigned to the Colorado Denver South Mission, and I prayed and made peace with that, but then they called me in later and told me the visa came today. And I'll fly out Monday morning. I was soooooooooooooo grateful. 

And 2: you sure you don't wanna stay at the MTC for the whole 2 years? I could deliver packages every week, and you eat well and have chocolate milk....

No --I am so ready to go :)  Today we had infield orientation where I learned how to work with members and how to find people and I'm so excited I can't even express how happy and ready I am. 

That's awesome then...

But am I going to be able send things to you in Ecuador?

Yes, it will just take longer. Kind of crazy. So I will fly alone, but meet up with my district from the MTC in Atlanta, before they all go to Argentina

Does it make you nervous to travel alone? A little bit but not really.  I'm pretty at peace with it all and just excited to get started. I have been talking with the Ecuador Elder and I now understand everything he says and I'm so excited to meet his family. He said he sent his dad and mom an email to look for me and feed me--ha ha. I'm so excited and so very grateful. Miracles everyday of every hour.

So will you travel from Atlanta to Quito alone too?

Yes. Kind of crazy. but SO EXCITED. I can communicate pretty well and pretty confident that I can ask people where to go and how to get somewhere.

Ah man! You're just the best! 

Ok well I need to go but I want you tell you that I love you. And I want you to read Moroni 7:41-43 and think about how can you apply these things in every aspect of your life. 

Love you and talk to  you on Monday OK?

Ok sweetheart.... So proud of my fine boy!