Independence Day Is Not Like The Movie-Machala Week Thirteen

Time just keeps flying by. Another PDay is here and I have no idea where the time went. 

Exchanges

This past Monday there were exchanges. Practically the whole mission was changed, including every companionship in our zone...except me and my companion. We were the only 2 that stayed together. We did recieve a new zone leader and he is gringo. So now there are 2 gringos in the house and I think we can hold our own. My companion has less then a month left in the mission so it is a possibility that we will be companions till then.

Elder Shanklin enjoying a beautiful sunset

Mr. Breadman

This past week we visited a less active family. Upon arrival we were suprised to see a table full of flour and eggs and a bunch of other stuff. We ended up learning how to make bread from this guy. We learned how to make sweet bread, and just normal white bread. I wasnt allowed to touch the bread, will actually I could but I didnt want to because if I messed it up I would be in trouble. My companion however is a pro. His mom makes bread all the time so he knows how to do it all. I just watched and was the photographer.

Elder Quispe making bread
Photo Credit: Elder Shanklin

Zone Conference

So every Saturday we have a Zone Conference and this past one we had the pleasure of having the Assistants come and visit. They gave an awesome and brief message and then left. Nothing earth shattering but they did their job. Zone conferences are the same we learn a principle, apply it, and practice it. With the new leader who is learning it was a lot slower paced but still a good time. 

Independence Day

We had dinner this past week with a less active family. It doesnt happen much but yes we have dinner ocassionally. For some reason we got on the subject of Holidays. The dad asked me about the 4th of July and all the celebrations. I proceeded to tell him about the background. The war, and the Declaration of Independence. He seemed confused at the idea. He then told me he had seen a movie about this day in the USA. He was talking about the movie Independence day. For those we know the movie, it is about Will Smith fighting off an Alien race and he eventually saves the human race. As awesome of a story as that would of been, I told him that all of it is false and just made for a great movie. 

Invesitgators

We have 2 baptisms this week. Both are on the 31st of October. Pretty cool that is will be Halloween. I know I have said it before but they dont celebrate that much. Excited for the Baptism of both B and D. Both are really awesome and love the gospel.

Pizza

Well I should have learned from my experiences in the past. Food here isnt the same as in america. We had pizza this past week in Missionary Coorelation. 22 dollars for a large pizza. I was dumbfounded. I paid 5 bucks to recieve one piece of decent pizza. Leason learned. 

Thanks for all the support. Hope everyone has a safe and awesome Halloween!!

Life is a sport, make it count

Elder Shanklin

Watching The Lord Touch Their Lives Has Been An Awesome Experience-Machala Week Twelve

What a week! Lots of "firsts" this week!

First Baptism

Had my first baptism this week, on Saturday! Everything went great, there were plenty of people there to support him. His name is Luis Eduador. Super awesome kid, who loves to come to church. Not much more to say but I will send plenty of pictures.

I love how Elder Quispe and Luis are standing
on the top step so they can be almost as tall
as Elder Shanklin

Luis and Elder Shanklin

Luis and Elder Shanklin with other Young Men

First Birthday Celebration

My companions birthday was this past Monday. So, being the awesome companion that I am decided to throw a little fiesta for him. The 4 elders in our house decorated and we had cake and cola. Yes, you can give me the Companion of the Year award anytime that you would like. Just remember to send it to the mission home. Here in Ecuador there is a tradition that you get whipped or beaten on your birthday. Dont ask my why. It is against mission rules so my companion lucked out.

Elder Quispe's Birthday Celebration
sponsored by Elder Shanklin

First...Of Many Drunk People Experiences...This Week

Number 1. Okay. I dont know if you remember Javier. The story about the guy who killed someone and gave me a polar bear. Well we saw him again this week. Except this time he was missing a finger. Not sure how. but he showed us it, and at the same time he was smoking an illegal substance or drunk. Welcome to Ecuador. Here people are drunk at all times of the day which makes for interesting experiences. 

Number 2. Every Saturday we have zone conference at the local church building. On the way there we passed by a small group of people having a church service. On the way back from zone conference we passed by the same place except now everyone was drunk and salsa music was playing. Except I know for a fact that they were not doing the salsa. However, I am not sure what dance it was. 

Number 3. A drunk man in very broken english asked me where I was from. I reply America. He tells me he lived in Florida for 10 years. He asks me the state I live in. Missouri. He then proceeds to tell me that he has "people" in jail in Missouri and that when he lived in FLorida...maybe...he crashed 2 cars and killed someone. You will never believe what people will tell you without even starting the conversation. I said bye and left. NOthing more.

Investigators

D is a former investigator that now has a baptism date for the 1 of November. She came to church on SUnday and everything seems to be going great. 

B is a total stud. Loves the Book of Mormon. And most nights or some nights reads more than what we leave him with. It has almost been too easy with him. Knock on wood. Watching the Lord touch theirs lives has been a awesome experience. The people here in Ecuador are some the nicest people but have their fair share of problems.

1st Trip to Shopping

The mall here is called shopping. For the first few minutes I was there I literally felt like I was in America. American music, clothes, but then I heard spanish and was brought back down to earth. I was back in Heaven when I saw a McDonalds. Okay. McDonalds is way different here. Cleaner, more expensive, and smaller portions. It was the worst and best Mcdonalds hamburger I have ever had!

Elder Shanklin thought it was great that he saw Bass Pro hats in Ecuador!

Elder Shanklin with Ronald McDonald

First Mouse Attack

Last Night we had a mouse in the house. 4 missionaries verses 1 mouse. 1 missionary with the electric fly swatter, 1 with a camera, and 1 with a flashlight. I was on the kitchen counter chillin because I wasnt getting near that thing. Lets just say the mouse won

Thanks for all the love and support!

Life is a sport, make it count

Elder Shanklin

Chinese Food In Ecuador Is Not Chinese Food-Machala Week Eleven

Another great week in the Vencedores. No grand adventure or miracle this week but it was a solid week!

How to amuse 3 Latinos

This week I discovered my electric flyswatter. So I took it out and used it because there were some mosquitos. Then I put it down. Since I have put it down I have not been able to use it again because the 3 latino elders that live in my house love it. They use it literally all the time, and they get the biggest kick when they kill something. It is seriously so funny to watch. They are always using it. First thing in the morning and before we go to bed. Sometimes I think there is going to be a fight over who can use it. The funny thing is they sell them here in Ecuador so it is not like they haven't seen them before.

Elder Quispe, Elder Shanklin with the Zone Leaders who are in the middle.

Mermaids in America 

I could seriously write a book about the things that happen to me daily because I am a gringo. Some are hilarious, and others kinda annoying. This week they were funny. First, two kids out of nowhere randomly ran up next to me and just walked next to me for 2 minutes and just stared at me. They didnt say a word and then they ran off and yelled "bye." No idea why. Second, I was talking with some kids and they asked me about mermaids.  I thought I would have some fun so I told them that mermaids are in America and if they visit I will show them to them. I need to find those kids again and tell them the truth because they were super excited.

Talk 

This Sunday I had to give a talk about missionary work. The missionaries or at least one of the missionaries gives a talk about every other week. Just a 10 minute talk. I spent all week preparing. Thank you to my parents for the great ideas! And Sunday everything went fine. The members said they could understand me and the Bishop repeatedly told me I did a great job. 

Chinese Food

The other missionaries in our house brought home chinese food the other night. I was so excited. Hoping for some sweet and sour or general chicken. I know that was dumb of me. When they opened it it was rice, chicken, noodles, and veggies covered in some sauce. Lessoned learned, chinese food is not chinese food in Ecuador. 

Comprehension

The language is starting to be easier to understand. But I would be lying if I said I could understand all or that my ability to speak was above par. Speaking is the difficult part. Hopefully, in a month or so, with the help of the Lord, everything will be good! Here in Ecuador, not sure if it is like this in other parts but they start their sentences very clear and by the end it sounds like a mumbling slur.

Justin sent this picture of when the city was in a blackout but that is all he said.

Investigators

L is still progressing and his baptism is this Saturday. Looking forward to it. However, this week we met a kid named Bryan. He is 13 but is a stud. He loves the gospel and reads the scriptures nightly since we have starting talking with him. Things look good with him, and his date is for the 8 of November. The work is isnt and nobody ever said it would be but it is definitely worth it. TIme is going fast and I think when the language clicks it will be so fast!

Thanks for all the love and support and prayers. Prayers are always appreciated! Hope everything is great back at home and wish everyone a great week!

Life is a sport, make it count

Elder Shanklin

Stay In The Boat, But If You Fall In Someone Will Come And Get You-Machala Week Ten

Mini Adventure

Tuesday we went to the Hospital because my companion was having heart problems. Don't worry, he isn't dying or anything just some inflammation and nothing more. He is talking pillls and will survive. However, the hospital is a good 25 minute drive in a taxi from where we are. So I got to see a bunch more of Machala. The hospital is close to central Machala, which is one of the nicer parts of Machala. As we got closer and closer to the city you could tell that this is where the wealthier people lived. Not like super nice but it was Ecuador nice super houses. After, our adventure at the hospital we had to run a couple errand in Central. So I got to see even more and take some pictures. Sorta kinda in the most unrule breaking way possible it was like a mini pday.

Hospital in Machala

Elder Shanklin and Elder Quispe

Missionary Time

So what I have learned in these first couple of weeks as a missionary is that Missionaries are hardly ever on time. It is just how it is. You never know what is going to happen or take place during the day. Unless it is an important lesson there is a good chance we will be late. However, here in Ecuador it really isn't a problem because people are always in their houses.

The "REAL" reason they are always late...Elder Shanklin posing in front of fountains

Bill Gates of Ecuador

So the kids here love me. It is like I am a celebrity or something. I walk down the street and everyone, even parents, whisper and stare. Like yes, I am white, do you want to take a picture? This week I made the mistake of telling some kids that I had a car, a PS4, and about my house. I am pretty sure that they think I am the richest man in the world. You should have seen the look on their faces. I carry like 2 bucks on me at all times so if anyone robs me because they think I have money, jokes on them.

Well according to his bank account "Bill Gates" didn't get any McDonalds!

Walking

As a missionary, I don't know if it is just me and my companion or everyone, but we haul. We walk sooo fast. Not because I want too but because if I don't I will get left in the dust. My thought though is, How fast do you think Jesus walked during his ministry? Mhmm, made you think. I'm sure he liked to walk slow, enjoy his surroundings, and occasionally take a snack break. That is just my opinion. And Mom if you feel this is inappropriate feel free to remove it. 

Conference

Conference is not even close to the same. This is the first time I didn't watch it from the comfort of my couch. All the speakers have the same Spanish voice, and I had to literally work to understand what was being said. And I still didn't understand some. One of the parts that I like was,  I don't remember who said it, but they said something like "Stay in the boat, but if you fall out we will come and get you." Many people have fallen out of the boat here in Ecuador, and me and my companion have the opportunity to go and rescue them. Take all the necessary precautions to stay in the boat, but if you fall somebody better come after you.

Everything is Possible

If you have ever doubted your abilities or asked if you could do something hard. I am here to tell you that you can. This past Saturday we fit 5 grown men into one taxi. Literally one of the longest and most painful 20 minute rides of my life. I started to lose feeling in my ankle about halfway there and there was nothing I could do. Remember that impossible is nothing.

Looking over the city of Machala

Machala

See that little taxi?  That is what Elder Shanklin is talking about.

Peace in Hard Times

Whenever something bad or awkward happens to me all I think is "I hope someone else can laugh at this because I for sure am not". Time is flying here in Ecuador and I am enjoying my time. The people here are some of the nicest you will meet. 

Thanks for all the love and support

Life is a sport, make it count!

Elder Shanklin

Giant In A Land Of Small People-Machala Week Nine

Another week is done and in the books. Thanks for all the letters and continued support!

Food

I knew life was too good the past couple of weeks when it came to food. All the food I had was great. This week however I had a couple run-ins with not so great food. First, I had these tamale type things except they werent even close to tamales. I had to choke them down and the last bite I was pretty sure I was gonna throw up. However, with lots of water I was able to hold down all the food. Next, just last night we went to a sisters house for dinner. When she brought out the plates I saw noodles and was thrilled. I took a bite and practically spit it back up. It was noodles covered in mayo. For anyone that doesnt know I hate mayo. So what did I do? Gave half to my companion and then put the other half in a paper towel and took in on the road and gave it to some dogs later. (

This have become a Shanklin missionary trick!)

American Ecuador

I am pretty sure that lots of countries try to be like America in some way. Here in Ecuador, there are many American themed restaurants and tons of American fashion stores. The funny part is that if anyone in  America wore the clothes that they were selling I am pretty sure they would get made fun of. They are like 15 years old in fashion, at least that's what it feels like to me. For example, Do-Rags. Also 50 cent the singer is big here in Ecuador and he wears do-rags. So all the kids think that they are in fashion in America. I am pretty sure I broke a kids heart when I told him that nobody wears them in America. They do love American basketball tho. However, they are the biggest fair-weather fans. They like Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Chicago Bulls. I don't think that they know Lebron plays for Cleveland yet.

Weird Things I Have Seen

Everyday here in Ecuador you never know what you are gonna see. It has become normal to me so I don't even recognize it, but here are a few things I have seen:

-A computer mouse used as a leash for a human

-More Ferrari's than I have ever seen before. Heads up, they aren't actually Ferrari's. They are cruddy cars and they put the Ferrari sticker on them.

-Nike everything. I didnt know this but I guess in Ecuador Nike sells flower pots and all sorts of stuff. Nope. People just put Nike stickers on everything and sew Nike on clothes. It is quite funny.

Giant in a Land of Small People

Nothing and I mean nothing was made for tall people in Ecuador. I have to duck to enter every door, and on the bus there is no way my legs will fit. People look at me like I am an alien. It is like they have never seen a white person before. The weird part is there are people here that are whiter than me. 

Investigators

L-Still progressing super well. Loves the gospel we just need to get him to read every day or more. Everything is a go for the 18th for his baptism. 

W- He is having doubts about marriage. Because here in Ecuador it costs lots of money to get married. However, we are trying to get the ward involved to help them.

D-Reading and praying and looks to be a go for the 18th of October for her baptism as well.

Working with these people has been a blessing in my life. Seeing how the gospel of Jesus Christ helps others to learn and change their lives is remarkable. 

Last Thought

I hope nobody takes offense to this but listening to Ecuadorians sing is like listening to a tone deaf cow sing. I mean that in the nicest way possible! 

Thanks for all the love and support!

Life is a sport. Make it count!

Elder Shanklin

A Work In Progress-Machala Week Eight

A big thank you for all the prayers that are headed my way. They are and always will be appreciated.

Karma Stinks

Let me first say that I know my mom will get a kick out of this. Whenever my mom made Rice and Chicken I would complain. Now guess what I am having for every meal. You guessed it...Rice and Chicken. It honestly never changes. I dont know how they do it, but for every meal rice and chicken. I think sometimes that the Lord has a sense of humor with me.

Elder Shanklins Casa

Drunk Experiences

Nobody ever watches them but we all know those TV shows about out of body experiences, or experiences with aliens and what not. I would like to relate or create a TV where I share my stories about what happens with drunks. For some odd reason drunks love me or should I say white people. I have been hugged multiple times, asked if I knew my country was at war and ask how come I wasn't serving?, and forced to write some random drunk dudes name down. Also, I would share experiences with these super weird dudes. They dress up like with balloons...and you get were I am going but they love missionaries too. They will yell at us and run up to us. Plus, little kids love me too. I am okay with that because I can sorta speak with them. They are amused that I can speak English. 

Elder Shanklins area is on the coast of Ecuador

#GringoProbz

There is a twitter handle called @mormonprobs and I would like to change that to Gringoprobs. I know my spanish isnt terrible but for some reason I think that just because I am a gringo some peoples minds just turn off when I start speaking spanish. It is all good tho because I have hope that eventually I will learn...maybe. I have decided that I would take a bullet in order to be fluent in spanish, under certain conditions. No future problems and I am good a couple days after surgery. Also on a good note I am starting to actually comprehend what people are saying.

Just some great views

Cool little boats

This picture was for Ryker

Investigators

L is still moving along great and we have a baptism planned for him on the 18 of October. If things keep going as they are it could be sooner. This week we came in contact with W. He has 2 kids and his girlriend who is a member of the church. Well we starting taking to them and he has a strong desire to turn his life around and get it in order for his kids. They came to church on Sunday and have a date for marriage too (story later). Both are super awesome. We are going to visit him tonight to see how everything is going.

Ecuadorian Scripture Case
The first of many treasures from this great land!

Sunday Funday

This Sunday I was asked to give the closing prayer in church. I think I did good because people told me they could understand me. So thats good, right? Also now for a story. W and E are not married. In the middle of Sunday School our ward mission leader ask them why they weren't married. They both said they didn't know. He then left, came back with the Bishop, and told him or ask him if we would like to propose. So yea there was a proposal in the middle of Sunday School yesterday. Never would have expected that.

Elder Shanklin and his Zone in Machala!

Another great week. Wish I had more time to tell you all about it but I dont. This defintely isnt a easy thing to do but I am having a great time out here. I think when I know the language it will get even better. Thanks for all the love and support

INSERT COOL SAYING LIKE BRADY

Elder Shanklin

Chapter 1: Life In Ecuador-Machala Week Seven

1st week is officially in the books. I think you will get a couple good laughs out of this letter.

From Minors to Majors

Let me relate this experience to baseball. The MTC is the minors. I was doing good there so now I am in the majors. Lets say I was batting .400 in the minors with 25 HRs, and 80 RBIs. I am now in the majors batting .001 and am the kid that cheers when he makes contact with the ball. It is like they dropped me off in a foreign country and I dont know the language. Oh wait....

From the Minors

To The Majors

Travel

We left to go to the airport at 10:30 on Monday evening. I got to Ecuador around 11:00am the next morning. I successfully made it through all the countries with my American Flag suitcase. Success. When we arrived in Ecuador I found out that my luggage had ripped mid flight so now I had to lug around broken luggage (don't worry mom i fixed it). Many of you know that I get motion sickness quite easily. Imagine me being on a bus for multiple hours for 2 days. It wasnt fun.(mom note: He did take many bottles of dramamine!)

A view of Ecuador

Area Assignment and Companion

After we settled in at a local church in Guayaquil and had lunch we sat down for area assignments and companionships. Pretty cool experience. The called my name and then my companion, Elder Quispe. He is 24 years old and is from Argentina. He only has 2 months until he completes his mission. Awesome missionary. However, we were originally assigned to labor in Guayaquil but right there on the spot the mission president changed it to Machala, Vencedores. That is about 4 hours from Guayaquil. Come to find out later the mission president said he felt that he needed to do it, and that rarely happens. When I got to the area I was informed that I was the first new missionary ever to be assigned there for their first area. Looks like I have something to prove now, maybe. They said usually zone leaders, and people who have been out for a long time serve here.

Elder Shanklin and Elder Quispe

Getting ready to leave to their new areas

Death by No Sports

My mission president has a rule of no sports. When they put my in Ecuador without a knowledge of Spanish they like shot my foot. I could still get around just it would be tough. When they told me I couldnt play sports it was like they took a .50 caliber to my heart and pulled the trigger. It is okay I need to be obedient so no sports for me. I will never get hurt though so that is a plus.

Story Time with Elder Shanklin

I have a couple of stories I would like to share.

1) Weed Man- I saw a man wearing a USA jersey so I thought it was appropriate to talk with him about it and his life. Not exactly sure how this came about but I found out that he has killed someone and been to jail for 6 years. He then proceeded to tell me in English "I like to smoke weed". Slowly I started to end the conversation. Before I could walk away he gave me a little polar bear. So I now have a polar bear from a killer.

Polar Bear from "The Weed Man"

2)Gringo- Not really a story but all the kids learn english here so they always say "Hello friend" to me and Im not really sure how to respond.

3)English Teacher- I met one of the English teachers and let me tell you. What a relief it was to speak english. It was so awesome. I didnt have to think about what to say it just came out. Wow.

4)Pina Colada Milkshake-If you are ever in Ecuador and offered a milkshake dont accept. We bought one and it was awful. 

5)Age- People have guessed my age anywhere from 18-28 and when I tell people I'm 18 it is like that have seen a ghost.

6)Soccer- Soccer is a way of life. Last night there was a soccer game on TV. The streets were empty and after they won everyone got on their bikes honked there horns and cheered down the streets.

The empty streets of Machala

Church

The church here is the nicest building in the city. Small,but it is a ward. We had 5 less actives and 1 investigator attend. The investigator is Luis. He is 14 and has a baptismal date for October 18. The ward has about 150 people but not a lot of youth. There are two young men who love to go out with the missionaries so that is cool.

Ecuador VS USA

USA 1 ECU 0- USA has stops signs

USA 1 ECU 1- Everything is cheap in Ecuador

USA 2 ECU 1- In america dogs and cats actually live in houses

USA 3 ECU 1- We speak English

USA 4 ECU 1- Hot water. I step into the Artic Ocean every morning

USA 5 ECU 1- Everyone has cars in America

USA 6 ECU 1- We eat dinner in America. In Ecuador I guess a big lunch is enough. 

USA 7 ECU 1- In America we use trash cans instead of the street

USA 8 ECU 1- Girls shave their armpits in America

It has been a great week. I can already tell this is going to be a special experience. One that I will treasure for my entire life. I dont want to make Ecuador look bad because I love it already but I thought I would have some fun.

Thanks for all the love and support

Elder Shanklin...In Ecuador