"Silent Night"

December 29th, 2014    Quito, Ecuador.


Hello Family and Friends,

As the Hymn of Silent Night says, "Silent Night, Holy Night all is calm, All is bright." This phrase describes exactly what Thursday night (Christmas night) felt like for us. 

This morning Elder Aravena was changed to a different part of Ecuador and I recieved a new companion, Elder Sueldo. He is awesome and I am excited to work with him. 

This week I learned the importance of mercy. 

Sometimes as you progress along different routes you find the way that gives you success, but this week--I was humbled. We were teaching a member family who were going through difficulties with their son. However, they weren't reading, praying, nor having family home evenings. After they had shared with us their concerns, I started right in with the scriptures --explaining the importance of reading the scriptures, and then I went on to the importance of prayer, then to family home evening. The words and doctrine came to mind like none other.  But Elder Aravena, my companion, just cut me off. I was so surprised. He had never cut me off before and he didn't do it smoothly either... 

We finished the lesson with me feeling frustrated and mad, and everybody else crying. I was so confused. Why did he cut me off? What did I say? On the way home I asked him, "Hey, why did you cut me off, and what did I say wrong?"  He told me that what I had said was all true. It was pure doctrine ---but the spirit wasn't there. He told me that God is just and merciful. And that this family needed to know of His mercy.

Wow, did I learn a lesson! 

We have to remember that there is always a way or a chance to change. May we always remember that. 

Love you all,

Elder Hall

Fotos -- Spanish

December 22nd, 2014.    Quito, Ecuador

HERE are some more :)

Some very friendly Venezuelans that we contacted and taught the first lesson.

Elder Aravena getting his blood drawn cuz he's nuts and from Chile

A dear member receiving his mission call to Peru.

Zone Activity for the less active members. Elder Araven and Elder Paz.

Some Photos from my Bday

December 22nd, 2014   Quito, Ecuador

Dear Family and friends,

Alright I finally remember my camera and the chord. WOOOT!!!

Church Cleaning, it was nuts...so dirty...not fun

                                        Ward BBQ...so fun...but man, I miss Dad's BBQ

                                           My 19th birthday....Thank You..   Sure Love all of YOu!

        Quito...my sector and the view from our apartment...SO MANY PEOPLE

"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear"

December 15th, 2014   Quito, Ecuador

Hello Family and Friends,

This week has been a week of tiredness and blessings. When I look back on this week I can't help but give thanks. The reason this week was so different was that I changed my way of thinking and working. I changed it from a form of me --to a form of others. Elder Aravena and I worked very hard with over 100 contacts and 20 new investigators that all have baptismal dates. 

Wednesday afternoon, I felt literally stuck. All of our appointments had fallen through... and I had no idea what left we were supposed to do. We had 4 hours left and no where to go. I then remembered that a brother from another ward had told us about some people from Colombia that wanted to hear the gospel. I found his number and called him. His wife and answered and said the her husband was waiting for us at his job, which so happens to be in our sector. I told Elder Aravena that we needed to go. We walked over there and talked with him. He showed us where to go and that they were waiting for us. At this time my heart was so full. We walked in and there were about 20 people waiting for us in a small living room and every person sitting on the floor. I cannot explain the spirit I felt. It was incredible. 

As the time comes closer to Christmas I want to share a thought about Him. This week I have been thinking a lot of his earthly ministry. The story that has "rung" in my ears and my heart is the story of the adulterous woman. This story illustrates many different aspects of the gospel. However, the main principle is forgiveness. How many of you who have been offended have forgiven the people who have offended you? How many of you have pleaded for Him to forgive you of your wrong doings? In the story the adulterous woman is brought before Christ by the Pharasies and Sadduces, saying this woman has been caught in the very act. "What say ye?" When I think of this I think of the crude comments, and penetrating contentious questions of these men. Trying to confuse or to catch the Son of God off guard. However, the Savior bends down to the ground and starts to draw, as if He didn't hear what they said. He then says something like this, "He who has never sinned let him cast the first stone." The Pharasies and Sadducies then are stumpped by the comment of the Lord, and move on. Christ then says to the woman in a loving but firm way, "Do you see the people who would condemn you?" She responds, "No." The Master then graciously tells her, "Neither do I condemn thee." "Woman, go thy way and sin no more."

What a wonderful and hopeful lesson this is. If the Master can forgive an adulterous woman, how much more of a need do we have to forgive others. 

Forgive others. Pray for your enemies. Remember the Dear Shepherd and Christ. 

May we ever be obedient, dilligent, and forgiving. 

Smile a mile,

Elder Hall

"O Little Town of Bethlehem"

December 8th, 2014  Quito, Ecuador

Hello Family and Friends,

Thank you for all the birthday wishes! They made my day. I'm not sure why but I definately got lucky to have my birthday land on P-day. 

 I would like to share with you a story. A story of a dear single mother and 2 children:

It was Friday night and it was raining and cold. We had had a very productive day with many seen and noted blessing from God. We had planned one more lesson. As we climbed the street of Juan Castro, which is a super steep street that just goes straight up the hill, I felt the prompting to pray. We stopped and went over to a little alleyway and prayed. After the prayer we walked down the alley way-- and sure enough we saw the family that we were supposed to go visit. Luis and his sister Melanie who were baptized not too long ago, and their dear mother who looked tired, exhausted, and just beaten. They were standing in the rain without anything to protect them. My companion asked if we could share a message with them about Christmas. They happily accepted and we went to their house. When we walked in the building in which they lived, I was shocked. It was just cement and dirt floors. Their neighbors above were drinking and shouting vulgar words. When we got to the 1 room that they were staying in,  we sat on the ground because there were no chairs. I asked if we could start with a prayer. My companion then gave one of the most simple, but pure prayers I have heard. The brother from the ward who was accompanying us looked at me and was just crying.

We shared a message of Christ and how He is the Gift. We read in Luke 2 about the His birth and then what His joyful birth meant for all of us. The birth of the Son of God meant that everything was just about to change. And it did. As it says in the Hymn above, "For Christ is born of Mary, and, gathered all above. While mortals sleep, the angels keep theri watch of wondring love. O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth, and praises sing to God the Kind, and peace to men on earth." May we Discover the Gift, Embrace the Gift, and Share the Gift. For Christ is the Gift. 

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

"No ear may hear His coming; but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in."

--Elder Hall

"Praise To The Lord Almighty"

December 1st, 2014   Quito,Ecuador

Hola Family and Friends,

Here in Ecuador Thanksgiving is not celebrated. So on the day of Thanksgiving we didn't do any celebrating. However, my companion and I did give lots of thanks.

The day of Thanksgiving we were teaching a recent convert family from Colombia, and we were asking if there was anyone we could share this message with. This was towards the end of the lesson. The spirit was so strong. Just then their neighbor that lives in the same building walked by and they invited her to listen. She accepted. She will be baptized the 13 of December, and is strong as a rock in her testimony. The other reason we gave thanks that day was we found a less active family in the same building. The missionaries have tried to talk with this family for months now. They are a family from Italy and speak fluent Spanish as well. They now are teaching us how to speak Italian, and we also are teaching them and they will be rescued the day 22 of December.

What a glorious work this is! How marvellous to see the tender mercies of our dear Lord and Savior. When you don´t think that there is any hope, I want you to think back on all the evidences that there is a Father in Heaven. A dear friend of mine said that before they go to bed, they reflect on all the blessing they saw that day. It helps them to be more positive and delightful. (Full of delight :))

This past week I also became very aware of how life can be full of different kinds of struggles for people-- situations  of morality, situations of reality, situations of fatility, and deep sadness.
We may not have all the answers, or solutions, BUT, we do have the tools to help us find the answers and solutions!

I would like to share a scripture about these unwanted and unfortunate situations. Alma 7: 11- 13 says,
"11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations fo 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.
12 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 according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
13 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."
Whoever you are, you are not alone. My dear family and friends, I testify of the living Savior, even Jesus Christ.  He has felt the things you are feeling.
Something that my mission president taught me is in verse 13. "Now the Spirit knoweth ALL things" -- which means Jesus COULD have been taught by the spirit and could have lived without facing problems, but because he was  born of a mortal mother and a immortal father he had to learn by experience in order to help others.

Sometimes we just have to experience the things we are experiencing in order to really learn what we are meant to learn. And most of all we experience things so that we learn how to help others. This I do testify in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Love you,
Elder Hall

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