More "Welcome Home" Pictures

He's Back!

With tender hearts, we welcomed Landon back to the Magic Valley on Wednesday December 2nd at 6:06 pm. I had the same emotions and some of the same feelings I had when I held him for the very first time 21 years ago. He was in my arms again, safe and whole. He is still "Landon" but has grown and changed so much.

Gramma and Grampa Schofield surprised us at the airport! Bill and Diane Workman surprised us also! Merick and Andrea and Mason came with them.

Amy made cute signs for Landon's nieces and nephew to hold. They got a little mixed up in the final delivery, but the message was still the same..."WELCOME HOME UNCLE LANDON!"

Brian had taken the day off to ride down to Salt Lake on the Shuttle Bus and fly home with Landon. They had almost 5 hours in SLC together before they flew to Twin. Brian was his 'final companion' on the last leg home of his journey from Peru. Brady had a special sign for Brian too that said "Welcome Back Brian!"

It was 13 degrees in Twin Falls that night. He had just come from almost 100 degree weather. We didn't even think to bring a coat to the airport! Brrrrr!

We left and went straight to the Stake Center and Landon had a good visit with President Ackerman. It was a little emotional as he traveled the rest of the way to Buhl, after taking off his name badge....

What a wonderful young man. What a wonderful and exhausting day!

Some Final Thoughts From Peru

This past change I have really had some personal time to just sit and ponder to myself. President Perez sent me a copy of my Mission Call and asked for me to re-read it and ponder the blessings and the commitment that I made with the Lord to serve as a mission. One part stuck out to me alot, when it talks about by putting aside your personal affairs and dedicating all of your talents, abilities, and strengths towards the work, The Lord will bless me with more joy then I have ever received. The things that I have been able to experience here in the mission are very unique and what makes it hard is knowing that the joy and happiness that I have experienced won`t be felt in the same way. The joy that the mission brings can only be experienced in the mission.

Some of the things that I have learned to live for is seeing an investigator come to church alone, seeing a dad lead his family in family prayer for the first time, receiving the sacrament from one of my converts, watching one of my converts perform the baptism of one of his children, and listen to the simple yet heart-felt testimony of a recently baptized member. I have lived for these moments will keep them with me forever.

I feel as though the mission isn´t as much a time of “Change” but rather a time of “Progress”. I was called to serve here in Peru for who I am but I feel as though I have experienced a great deal of Progress in my life. I see things a little differently and know now more than ever our divine potentials as children of God. How blessed I have been to have had the opportunity to share the Gospel with my brothers and sisters here in Peru. Sharing my testimony in Sacrament meeting yesterday I mentioned how I find myself with alot of mixed feelings. I honestly feel as though I am once again leaving home. I love the people here in Peru and I know that I am leaving them in the Lord´s hands. After all, there isn´t a better pair of hands to leave them in.

I have really enjoyed sharing my mission with you. I love you all and can`t wait to see you next week. I fly out to Lima today in the afternoon but I wanted to be sure to get a letter off to you before heading out. Thanks for everything and may the Lord keep blessing you!

Wonderful Experiences In My Final Week In Peru...

I`m not quite sure how my schedule will play out this next week but this could very well be the last letter from your missionary here in Perù. This past week was so amazing and special and I feel very fortunate for having been able to be a part of it before leaving Pucallpa.

Friday night was the “Matrimonio Massivo” and everything went great. Wednesday night when we were making some phone calls to see if everything was set and ready to go we got the thumbs up and the go ahead. But when Friday morning came around a lot of things fell through and lucky for us we got put in charge to getting things put back into order but thankfully everything turned out great. The couples showed up and everyone left with a smile. Elder Rodriguez and I married four couples and that in itself turned out to be alot of work. But at the end of the night I was really thankful for the way everything had turned out mainly to see the Zambrano Family so happy. Wilson Zambrano made the comment to me that this was hands down the happiest day of his life. That is coming from a man who hasn`t wanted to get married for over eighteen years but finally arrived his time and was able to make the right decision. He had a gimped foot so he wasn`t able to dance with his wife Nelly but their son Neil stepped up and took the responsibility.

Saturday night was the baptism of the Zambrano Family and honestly I have a hard time expressing how I felt during that baptismal service. I was asked to give a small thought and I talked about how the Lord is mindful of each and every one of his children, we only need to trust in him and things will turn out. Elder Rodriguez baptized Nelly and Wilson asked me to baptize him. What a special family they are. They are so grateful for the church and all of the blessings they have been able to receive ever since they began taking the discussions from the missionaries. Yesterday they invited us over to have a Sunday lunch with their family and for the special occasion Wilson killed the fatted duck. It was great to spend time with them, they have really won a very special place in my heart and can`t wait to see how they keep on progressing in the Gospel.

Such Little Time Left...

I am enjoying my time so much here in Pucallpa. Even with the little time that I will have had here I feel lucky to have been able to work with the People from Pucallpa.
Monday I will be flying back to Lima and there I will finish out my last week.
I love you guys so much and am looking forward to seeing you all. It hasn´t really hit home yet that I will be seeing you in two weeks because it honestly just feels like another change. Well I still have work to do so I hope you have a great day and another great week. Love you All!

A Crazy P-Day

Monday for our P-Day we decided to go FISHING. It was a blast but I think that everything that could have happened, happened. We rode in the back of a cargo truck to the lake but on the way there our driver got stopped by police, we ran out of gas and had to push the truck to the nearest gas station, everyone got really sunburned, and on our way home we got caught in a rain storm. Only one Elder caught a fish but in the end it was a great day.

Making Friends Right to the End...

We had the opportunity to have five Baptisms this past week in the Ucayali Ward. Martin Trigoso, Kevin Vasquez, Peter Hauyaban, Cecilia Ortiz, and Jhonny Montes were all baptized and what a special baptismal service it was. Martin and Peter are already planning to leave on a mission once they have one year as a member. Kevin is the only member in his family but after his baptism his mom shared her desire to get baptized as well so he is already showing a good example to his family. Cecilia Ortiz is a single mom who has been attending church and listening to the Missionaries for over a year and finally made the decision to get baptized. Jhonny Montes has a story a little bit different.

Jhonny´s older brother Manuel was baptized about seven months ago by Elder Rich. During that time Jhonny´s Father was still alive but two months ago Jhonny´s dad died from cancer and with his death it took a toll on the entire family. Jhonny´s mom felt overwhelmed and his brothers as well felt overwhelmed with their new responsibility to provide for the family. When we started teaching Jhonny he didn´t show much interest so we decided that really what he need was a friend. We became friends and little by little he became more receptive to the lessons. When he taught him The Plan of Salvation he told us that was what he and his family needed. He made the decision to get baptized and achieved it this past weekend. He has such a strong testimony of Joseph Smith and of the Families Being Together Forever. What a great kid!!! He always goes on visits with us when he gets home from school and just enjoys sharing his testimony with others.

Pioneering with the Shabivos!

This past week has been really something else. Elder Rodriguez and I are doing great and getting along so well. What a blessing it is to have him as my last companion. We were able to see a few little miracles in our area as well as the zone this past week but things just keep on keeping on.
We got a call last Tuesday from Elder Sweet and Elder Barba (The Zone Leaders in Iquitos). They called asking us to find a Birth-Certificate for one of their investigators which is going to get married and is from a small village called San Francisco. San Francisco is about an hour and a half outside of Pucallpa and it is the home of a small indian tribe called “Shabivos”. The women where their typical dress and their first language isn´t Spanish, its Shabivo. After looking for a way to make the trip we finally found a MotoKar Driver willing to make the drive. It was a very long, bumby, and dusty dirt road to be on with a MotoKar but it was great. When we got to the village nobody understood us when we tried to ask where their “Municipalidad” (Town Hall) was. We decided to take a break and we found a little store where we sat down and bought something to drink.
There were a few men inside and to our surprise asked us who we were in Spanish. Come to find out their were the local “Chiefs” or leaders of San Francisco. They asked us who we were, what we were doing, and where we had come from. They had never heard of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or The Mormons. We began explaining a few of our beliefs and practices and before leaving them we taught them The Restoration. They were extremely interested in learning more and were asking us when we were going to be able to return. They gave us a Shibivo blessing and declared that by our visit we had brought a blessing to the Village of San Francisco. After leaving Elder Rodriguez and I started talking and it hit us that maybe, just maybe we were the first missionaries in this Dispensation to take the gospel to the people to San Francisco.
They helped us to find the Birth Certificate that we were looking for and that in itself was a miracle. They took us to a little wooden shack which ended up being their “Municipalidad” . The man who was helping us didnt speak Spanish and he laid on his desk a bunch of old dusty books which were full of Birth Certificates and with that we started looking for ours. I say its a miracle because the Birth Certificate we were looking for was registered in ´75 but we found him in the book containing the Birth Certificates from the year ´84. All and all our adventure in San Francisco was a success and I hope that the seeds that were planted will one day make something happen as well.

Hope They Haven't Forgotten About Uncle Landon!

Hey I am just curious is Bishop Miller has assigned me a topic to talk about in Sacrament Meeting yet. When am I going to report in the 2nd Ward? The news about Amy and Anna definitely made my day and seriously I can’t wait to see my little nieces and nephews. I´m glad they haven’t forgotten about their Uncle Landon quite yet.

I have an Elder here in my zone from Eastern Idaho. His name is Elder Briggs and he graduated from Sugar Salem in ´07. He was on the football team when they came to Buhl and sadly got sent home with a lost. I don´t know if you know his family but I think its very possible. He has about 16 months is the mission. We have a great time conversing about good old Idaho.

I love you all and hope you have yet another great week and am glad to call you my Family. Thanks for Everything!

Bittersweet Experiences...

It looks as if I will be heading back to Lima on the 23rd along with the entire zone. Elder Pino from the Area Presidency is going to be going on a tour of the Mission and giving trainings. The Pucallpa Zone will fly back to Lima to be able to participate but the sad part is that I won´t be returning to the Jungle. I will stay in Lima until the end while the rest of the zone returns to Pucallpa. Its definitely a bitter sweet thought but it just makes it just that more important to make every second count while I´m here.

The main reason why we have been extremely busy this week is because next week we are going to have a Massive Marriage and between verifying paperwork as well as the work of the missionaries it makes for long days and short nights. The Zambrano Family is going to get married and baptized the next week. They will be my last baptism in the field but I couldn’t have been more blessed to have see them get married and baptized before going home.

I Love President Perez!

We had interviews this past week with President Perez. It was my second to last interview with him, my last will be when I end. I am so thankful for the sound advice and counsel that he always shares with me. What I love about President Perez is that he is extremely practical and tells things how they are. He lets you know what you can do better but with so much love and understanding. He always tells me that he doesn’t see me as a missionary but rather who I will become after the mission. I am thankful for the trust he has in me and the many opportunities he has given me to grow and progress.

“Why couldn´t we have found each other sooner”

I´m glad you could have already guessed as to why you haven’t heard from me yet this week. I guess that in the long run I am thankful that things are going so great and that the work is still keeping me running because I really wouldn´t have it any other way. This past week has been something really special and I have really been able to see the Lord´s hand in this work and how he is directing us to those who need us most.

I feel as though I have found my purpose of being assigned here in Pucallpa especially here in Ucayli. We ran into a man by accident while we were looking for a reference. We found him while he was sitting alone with a bottle of alcohol by his side, as we walked by we hadn´t past more than three steps when we heard him shout to us “ELDERS, I´m a lost lamb, help me!”. Elder Rodriguez and I both turned around to found out how he knew the missionaries. His name is Areleo Alberti and has been inactive from the church for quite a few years. As we got to talking with him he told us about how he has his family and three kids but a few years ago his mother passed away and how it seemed to be an unbearable trial to overcome and in order to find peace he began drinking. We made an appointment to visit him in his house and on our next visit was when we could really see his true-self and his desires to change.

We began by making small goals or stepping stones to help him realize what he is losing and what he needs to do to get back on track. You could tell that he was looking for something more, someone to turn too. As I explained the process of putting behind his addiction, I told him that the first step was recognizing that things aren’t right and that a change needs to be done. He asked what the second step was and I told him “Realize that you can´t do it alone and ask for help”. He broke down in tears and gave me a hug, he said “Why couldn´t we have found each other sooner”. Before leaving his house we gave him a Priesthood Blessing asking for strength and the desires to lift himself up when he falls and to see it out till the end. He has a long road ahead but I know that he will see it out. Its experiences and opportunities like that just I don´t feel ready to give up quite yet.

Google Earth Keeping Track of Landon in Peru!

That’s crazy that you can actually see the city of Pucallpa. We actually live very close to the soccer stadium. We live in the second floor of house in the middle of the market place. We get an early morning alarm clock every day with people shouting and animals hooting which usually begins around five o´clock every day. The smells are incredibly gagging but its just one of those things that makes it all worth wild.

Mom I hope you get over the Pig Flu soon so that you can get back up and at it. I guess its a good thing that I am still a little distance away. Tell Linda and her family Hi for me when you are over there for Rusty´s wedding. I hope you all have a great week and I can´t wait to hear from you. Take it easy and remember that you are loved by a missionary here in Peru. Love you Guys!

Wilbert=Our Amulek

Here in Ucayali we have a member who is pretty much our lifesaver. His name is Wilbert and he will complete one year of being a member of the church at the end of this month. You can pretty much call him our Amulek because without him we would be lost. He is always willing to go on visits with us and is preparing himself to go on a mission at the end of the year. He is such an example to me because he doesn’t have much when it comes to resources which is why I have decided to leave all of the mission clothes with him to help him get into the field. My pants and shirts and my boots which still have some use left in them I am going to leave with him. I know he will make great use of it and basically I cant think of a better person to help out. Keep him in your prayers so that he will be able to serve a mission.

I Love My Mission And Miracles I've Witnessed

Talking with Elder Puente the other night I filled me in on some more great news. The Martinez Family from Lima also achieved their goal and were married and baptized this past week. Elder Puente said that he hadn´t ever seen them so happy. Fernando is also doing great and continuing being strong in his new lifestyle. Its a great feeling of comfort knowing that the people who I have grown to love and helped to know the gospel are embracing it and continuing forward and gaining their own testimonies. I honestly love my mission and the many special miracles that I have been able to witness.

Mangos and Miracles

What a great, and at the same time crazy, week it has been her in Pucallpa. The ever hot Jungle son keeps on shining but fortunately we were blessed with a little bit of rain to cool things off. The special thing about Pucallpa is that when it rains, the streets turn into a thick red mud which acts like glue and makes for a lot of build up on your shoes.

Here in Pucallpa its Mango season and needless to say there are alot of mango trees. Never will you eat anything quite as delicious as a fresh picked mango. Its great because when we get a little hungry we just find a mango tree and pick a couple, one to eat and one to eat a little bit latter. One of my new favorite snacks is a sliced mango sprinkled with lemon juice. Some people also sprinkle on a little bit of aji (one of the spicy spices that the people here eat) in order to give it a bit of a spicy kick. But all and all it looks as if I will be able to enjoy fresh mangos till the end of my transfer.

We are teaching some many great people right now, its humbling to see the way the Lord is giving us so many opportunities to teach and find new people. One of the families that we are teaching is the Zambrano Family. They are about as Junglish as they come in just about every aspect. The Father, Wilson, is a hunter and goes out in the jungle for weeks at a time and brings back everything from parrots to fifteen foot anacondas. He is what we would call back home, an animal trafficker. The stories he has are nothing short of amazing and its a miracle in itself that he is still alive despite everything that he has experienced. His wife, Nelly, is the sweetest lady who is always preparing us strange jungle dishes with the animals that Wilson brings back. She has actually been attending church for about a year but just recently Wilson is attending with her. They have plans to get married here withing two weeks and they are both very anxious to be baptized and put things in order. You can´t help but feel such a strong spirit when you are with them. So humble and so willing to follow Christ and his gospel.

One of the little miracles that I was able to witness this past week happened with the Zambrano Family. We were on our way to their house for an appointment and when we climbed up the steps leading to their house I noticed that there was someone in their house who I didn't recognize. As we entered the house I went to greet him and when we saw each other we instantly knew who the other was; he shouted “Brother Schofield!” and I shouted “Jorge!”. It was Jorge Martinez from the Versalles Branch in Iquitos. He is here in Pucallpa visiting family which just happened to be the Zambrano Family. I don´t know if you remember The Martinez Family from Iquitos but during my six months there I spent about five and a half months working with this family. Jorge and his wife weren't members or married and I spent alot of time working with them and teaching them. While I was there with them they had made alot of big sacrifices in order to change their lives and when I left the area they were in the process of locating their documents in order to get married. I really grew to love that little family and quite honestly didnt think that I would ever see them again. When Jorge and I found each other here in Pucallpa what a special reunion it was. He told me that shortly after I had left he and his wife got married and now he, his wife, and two of their kids are members of the church. He also told me that his kids always ask about me and he honestly didn't think that we would see each other again. The Lord has his way of making little miracles come to pass as well as answering even the most humblest of prayers.

Working In The Hot Jungle Sun

Thursday night Elder Rodriguez and I flew from Lima to Pucallpa but we didn't think that we were going to be able to land because of a rain storm that was going on, so what our pilot did was fly above the storm for about an hour until it cleared up enough to land. The hot, heavy, and humid jungle air was present to welcome us as we came out of the airplane but it is so great being back in the Jungle. One thing that I have realized is that between the four places (Iquitos, Tarapoto, Yurimaguas, and Pucallpa) that I have been able to work in the Jungle, each one is a little bit different from the other. Here in Pucallpa one of the first things that makes it so neat is that the people are so humble but at the same time they are so faithful to the Lord.

We had a baptism this past weekend of Luis Tananta. He was actually a contact that the last Elders made (Elder Vigil and Elder Figueroa) who was over coming a strong alcholic addiction. When I met him, I wouldn't have ever guessed that his addiction was as severe as he told us it was. He is the only member of the Church from his family but has alot of hope that his wife and kids will also follow especially after seeing the great change that he has had in his life.

Here in our area we are assigned to work in the Ucayali Ward as well as the Campo Verde Branch. Sunday we went on division and I went to the Campo Verde Branch while Elder Rodriguez stayed here in the Ucayali Ward. Campo Verde is about forty-five minutes outside of the city of Pucallpa and it is a remote little village. It has a little casa capilla (house chapel) where about twenty-five members meet every Sunday. It made me think alot about the Trapiche Branch. The members are so humble and willing learn Gods will. As we arrived to the Chapel, the Branch President quickly assigned me a talk in Sacrament meeting as well as the Preisthood lesson. That little Branch has a lot of potential and I'm looking forward to working there. Things are going great here in Pucallpa, the missionaries are excellent, and the sun is oh so hot.

We don't have a pensionita for dinner but what I am doing is buying alot of fruit and eating alot of fruit salads. I also buy alot of Pineapples and just naw on a pineapple for a few days, but it looks as if I am going to be slimming down a bit while I am here but its all good.

Well I hope you are enjoying the cool air back home because I am trying to take advantage of the hot jungle sun here in Pucallpa. I love you all so much, thanks for everything.

The Trainer Being Trained

Oh how great it was to hear from you all and to know that you are all doing great and from the sound of things; getting a little anxious. This past week has been nothing short of amazing, with a few new adventures to add to the list, but I'm just thankful to have another day in the Lords work.

The farewell from the San Carlos Ward and the Trapiche Branch was bitter/sweet. It was tough saying goodbye to so many great people who have been of great support to me and the zone. I know that Elder Puente will keep supporting our investigators, especially the Martinez Family, as well as our converts so that they remain strong and firm in the faith. I will be back in Lima at the end of November and I looking forward to seeing everyone again and seeing their progress.

Last week before flying out to Pucallpa we had our Zone Leaders Council Meeting and it turned out to be one of the most memorable council meetings with President Perez that I have been a apart of. All of the Mission Presidents from the area had trainings with Elder Christoferson, Elder Clayton, and Bishop Edgley and last Thursday(Zone Leaders Council Meeting) was the day that President Perez was going to be able to share with us what he learned from the week long training. As a mission we are now focusing even more on three principles: 1. The Book of Mormon 2.Our Ability of presenting the Doctrine 3. Teaching by the Spirit.

In order to allow us to experience the results of these three topics President Perez changed the complete agenda for the council meeting the night before and I was informed that I would be giving a training the next morning. It was a bit of a surprise but I was thankful for the opportunity. Never before have I searched personal revelation as I did preparing for my training. The night before the council meeting I wrote down a few thoughts, things that came to my mind as to what I could share but I didn't have anything concrete. Even the next morning I didn't have anything solid but strangely enough I was worried and I felt at peace. While I was giving my training I felt as though I was just being a mouth peace and that what the other Elders needed to hear was being shared. I talked about the great importance of work visits with the Elders to help them achieve their potential and become better than us. If I didn't know it before I definitely was able to experience then, the importance of following the spirit and allowing the Lord to work through us.

Plan of Salvation and Everyday Life

Saturday we also had a baptism for Isabel Chamochumby. I’m sorry I haven’t told you more about here but she too has a very special story. She lives with her husband and one son but her family situation is more than difficult. She and her husband are in the stages of divorce and early this year she lost her oldest son to drug abuse. All of her challenges and trials have taken a large toll on her as well as her outlook on life. We found her by searching some of the old investigators that earlier missionaries had left for lack of progress. We decided to pay her a visit and see if her time to accept the Gospel had arrived. I actually met her with Elder Cruz and felt as though she was ready to progress. She really grabbed onto The Plan of Salvation and shared with us that maybe it was necessary that her son pass away in order for her to realize what she truly needed in her life. I love sharing my investigators/converts stories with you; each one has a story and have had to pass through their own journey to find the path again.

You give that Gabe Jacobson a hug for me. I’m so excited for him, he will do great. When does he enter the MTC? Is his mission close to where Dad served? It sounds as if good old Buhl is doings its part with keeping the Mission Field supplied. I’m pretty sure that I know the Roberts Family (Is their son Chris and has red hair?). I’m so thankful that our little ward keeps on growing and doing well. Tell everyone hi for me and that their support and prayers are felt and appreciated.

I fly out Thursday night after the Zone Leaders Council for a transfer full of new challenges and adventures in Pucallpa!!! I love each and every one of you and can’t tell you enough how thankful I am for all of your support.

Power and Authority

Our Conference with Elder D. Todd Christofferson and Elder L. Whitney Clayton was very special and motivating. Bishop Richard C. Edgley also accompanied them which was an added bonus. It was held in the CCM and that was my first time being back since I left it in January 2008. I ran into one of the maintenance workers which was one of my good friends while I was there. (Brother Bernard) Bishop Edgley talked about the power that each of us hold by being set apart as representatives of Christ and also discussed about no matter where we are from, what our education background might be, or our difference in cultural; we are the same and have been empowered with the same power and authority. Elder L. Whitney Clayton talked about the conversion of a person and how that conversion needs to be centered on the Savior and his atonement and not centered on the Missionary. They need to be converted to the Gospel and not the missionary. Elder D. Todd Christofferson discussed “The Spirit of Prophecy” and “The Spirit of Revelation”. What an in depth and very powerful lesson of the spirits role in our work. They whole meeting was such a boost for me and it couldn’t have come at a more important stage in my mission.

Things Just Keep Rolling Forward

It honestly feels like just yesterday I was in a little Internet booth in Huaral, Lima writing you all for the first time from the Field. Now I find myself writing you and telling you about my last transfer.

Yesterday morning during High Council Meeting in the San Felipe Stake, after giving our weekly report, I also explained that this was our transfer week. I thanked each of them for their support and effort with the work and you know it was harder than I thought to tell those men farewell. The High Councilmen in San Felipe have really become great friends especially President Sairamiento. (Stake President) He has been a great support to us Missionaries as well as a great friend to me. In the San Carlos Ward, Bishop Tello asked me to share my testimony one last time and I felt the prompting to testify of the Saviors role in our lives and the power of the atonement. In the Trapiche Branch, President Curay also asked me to share my testimony. In the Branch was especially difficult because the chapel was full of investigators and people who I have shared tears and laughs with. All of the Martinez family was there and like always, they fill up their own bench. I feel really humble with what I have been able to accomplish during my time here and I know that things will keep on rolling forward.

Tonight we are going to make tacos with Fernando and Emer before we attend the Branch Wide Family Home Evening. Fernando gave the Priesthood Lesson yesterday in Elders Quorum and even with all of the nervousness that he felt, he did a great job. He is going to do great things in the Branch. The paperwork for the Martinez Family’s marriage FINALLY went through and next week (October 28th) they are going to get married and the 31st of October will be their baptism. I’m a little bummed that I won’t be able to attend in person but I’m so excited for that little family. They too will be able to do great things with the Branch.

Finishing Strong For the Last "Change"!

Yesterday we went to the Temple and today we had interviews with President Perez. I was assigned to give training and a decided to talk about the change of heart our investigators have to experience in order to become truly converted to the Gospel and our responsibility to help them along. I shared Fernando’s story and by the time I got done telling it I noticed Sister Perez crying in the back. My main focus was that we as missionaries have the power and authority to challenge anyone to come unto Christ and have a change of heart.

During my interview President Perez let me in on a little secret, he told me my transfer. Lets just say that I won’t be finishing my in Lima; I AM GOING BACK TO THE JUNGLE!!! I am going to a part of the Jungle called Pucallpa, I will finish as Zone Leader there and my new comp will be Elder Rodriguez from Lima. He was in my Zone in Tarapoto and I’m so excited to have him be my last companion in the Mission. It’s a rare thing for missionaries to finish their missions in the Jungle, in the history of the north mission only three Elders have had the blessing of finishing in the Jungle. This next week I will be taking off after our Zone Leaders Council Meeting.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is going to be in Lima Saturday and all of the Missionaries in Lima from the four Lima Missions will be attending a conference with him. The Last time he was here I was in Iquitos but this time I will be able to go.

I can’t wait to hear about Brian’s idea that he has for the two of us. Well I hope you all aren’t “Trunky” quite yet. Elder Puente is my witness that I have my moments but I am still working. I love you all and can’t wait to hear from you next week. Thanks for Everything.

Leading Music and Learning English

This past week with the Martinez Family we decided to teach them how to direct the hymns. Wow, what an interesting/amusing time that was. Let’s just say that after a while Edith and Raul can now direct hymns in 2/4, ¾, and 4/4 time. I have a video of Raul practicing and it’s pretty good. He told us “its not as easy as it looks is it”.

There’s a member here who is lending me a hand with my English and helping me to practice and remember some things that I have forgotten. His name is Carlos Delgado and when he was a little kid his family was the Pensionista for the missionaries who were North Americans and they were always talking in English. Little by little he learned English and now works as a translator for the owners of KFC and Pizza Hut. Lets just say that he makes a good little salary but its fun talking with him because he knows even the accents from down south to the Australian accent. I hope his efforts pay off but I think I end up praying for the gift of tongues when I get home.

"The Journey Has Just Begun"

Yes this is your son, who has finally found a moment to take a breath and get a letter off to you all. I hope your week is going great and it was really nice to hear from you all. It sounds as if you are busy enjoying some missionary experiences as well. I pray for each of the seeds you are planting and I hope that everything turns out well.

The long awaited tenth of October arrived and just as Fernando had committed, he entered the waters of baptism and was able to find himself again. It has been a very long a bumpy road but Fernando showed a lot of courage and achieved his goal. Last weekend before his baptism, he decided to travel North to Trujillo to visit his two kids who are going to be living in the United States at the end of the year. He wanted to make a surprise visit because he might not have another chance. He arrived to Trujillo but have a hand full of challenges and ended up being robbed and left for not. His cell phone was robbed but before it was robbed we received a message that he was having some trouble and wasn’t sure when he was going to be able to return back to Lima. He ended up riding on a trailer of a Semi-Truck all the way from Trujillo to Lima. (About twelve hours). He called us up when he got back to Lima and told us everything that happened. I was worried that he was going to get discouraged and start blaming his experiences on the new path that he is beginning to travel. He only said “I’m thankful that I a alive, healthy, and that the Lord is with me”.

Saturday was his baptism and it was one of the most special baptismal services that I have been able to be a part of. Elder Puente and I were in the Church early to get things ready and we put on some music. It was a disc by the Tabernacle Choir “Peace Like a River” and to our surprise Fernando showed up about thirty minutes early. He didn’t say much just sat down and began to ponder and meditate. The baptism went great and after he came up out of the water, he gave me a big hug and said “The journey has just began”. I’ve never seen him so happy and at peace. The next day in testimony meeting Fernando went to the pulpit and shared his feelings to the entire Branch. He talked about how before his baptism what he thought was “happiness” was actually a disillusion. He now feels as though he knows what true happiness is and even though he might not have family or many good friends, he hasn’t felt happier or more at peace. He doesn’t feel alone anymore, which in itself is a huge sign of progress.

Over the last three months working with Fernando we have had so many life marking experiences. A lot of tears have been shed and a lot of smiles have been shown but in the end it was worth every second. Another one of the Lords children has made his way back home but just as Fernando said “The Journey has just began”.

P-Day Service and Tacos!

Monday for P-Day we took off for the center of Lima to lend a hand in The Bishops Storehouse. The entire zone (sixteen missionaries) served there for a pair of hours and we all left with a great feeling. We packaged rice, beans, sugar, and oats as well as staked shelves. The workers said that it was the first time that a zone of missionaries had come to lend service on their P-Day. It was a great way to keep focused on why we are really here and to keep the spirit of service strong. We were able to unite us more as a zone and all and all it turned out great.

We have a companionship of two Elders from Guatemala here in the zone and Monday night they offered to cook us dinner. They made us Guatemala style Tacos!!! (Beef, Onions, Cilantro, Aji, Pineapple, Guacamole, and tomato sauce) Monday afternoon we went to Metro (The Peruvian style WinCo) to buy all that we would need and the funny thing is that the hardest thing to find were the tortillas. That night they came to our room and we got busy slicing and dicing. I got put in charge of cutting the onions and it moved me to tears. Elder Velazquez, Elder Ruiz, and Elder Puente took full advantage of letting me know that I was crying. The tacos turned out great and we topped it off with an ice cold Coca-Cola. I’m getting excited to be able to share some of the Peruvian dishes with you all, especially the ones that don’t include a lot of rice.

It looks as if you all know more than I do when it comes to when and how I am arriving home. As for the appointments I do have a few favors. I need appointments with: The Dentist, The Doctor, The Chiropractor, and with The Stake President. That same afternoon (2nd of December) when I get home I can have my interview with The Stake President and get released. Thanks so much for getting things organized and helping me out. Ask Curt what I will need to do when I get home to be able to work in the Hospital as a translator.

Well Family I hope this letter finds you all enjoying the snow and cold weather. The sun has finally come out here in Lima and is starting to warm things up a bit. I love you all and pray for you always. Keep on Keeping On!

Creative New Ways of Teaching

This past week while working with the Martinez Family we have almost literary ran out of things to teach them and we have to get pretty creative. We have finish all of the Missionary lessons, watched every church video that we have, read many issues of the Liahona, but this past week we decided to teach Raul and Edith how to teach a class. What a special thing it was. We took a Liahona message and took turns reading paragraph for paragraph and after reading we had to teach everyone else what was trying to be taught and also share a brief testimony. It was so great seeing Raul and Edith make an effort to do something that they have never done before. By the end of our little activity the both of them felt a lot more comfortable sharing their feelings about the Gospel as well as explain/teach gospel principles. Their paper-work has finally gone through and it looks as if they are going to get baptized the Twenty-fourth of October. Keep them in your prayers so that things keep going through.

The Spirit of Conference

The spirit from conference was felt very strongly even clear down here in PERU. I found myself clinging onto every message and every bit of council that our leaders shared with us. Oh how lucky we are to be blessed with the divine guidance of Prophets and Apostles even today. Even though the world may seem a little crazy today, I was able to find a lot of peace and comfort by listening to conference this past weekend.

I was especially touched by Elder Holland’s talk about The Book of Mormon. What a powerful and true testimony of the divinity and blessing of The Book of Mormon. When he explained how The Book of Mormon has been attacked and beaten for so long it made me stop and think of the many experiences when people have tried to discredit its truthfulness or divine orgin. I pray that I have been a true “Defender of the Truth” and was able to help people truly come to realize the grand miracle of having The Book of Mormon even today.

During the Priesthood session of Conference, I really enjoyed the message given by Elder Yoon Hwan Choi. His experience of seeing a Change of Heart in that group of young boys was really something special. It’s another testimony of the power of the Gospel to help those who have strayed, to find their way back. During his talk it brought back so many life-long memories of the special people that I have been able to meet and have been able to see them embrace the Gospel and also experience a Change of Heart. We can’t look at others for who they are but rather for who they can become.

Looking Forward to Conference

I am looking forward to conference this weekend and still marvel that even though we are in different parts of the world, we will be listening to the same messages. I hope you all have a great week and keep finding reasons to smile and laugh. I love you all so much. Thanks For Everything!

A New Little “Casa Capilla”

Our little Trapiche Branch now has found its own little “Casa Capilla” (House Chapel). Really what we found was an empty lot and the Branch bought straw walls and some two by fours and what we did was build our new little meeting house. We had our first Branch Activity Monday night in our new little Chapel and it went great. We had so many investigators come that there wasn’t enough room for everyone to be inside at the same time. I’m sure we will be expanding very soon.

"And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you." Luke 10:8

This past week I had a work exchange with one of our “newbies” in the zone. Elder Smith is fresh out of the CCM and I got to work with him for a day last week. He came to my area while Elder Puente went to work with his companion. Working with Elder Smith was pretty great because it made me think back to when I had only three months in the mission. It seems like just yesterday I was in Ancon climbing the sand dunes and trying to understand what people were telling me!

On our way to the member’s house that was going to provide lunch for us he started asking me about all of the craziest things I had eaten and what I liked best and what he should avoid. I told him about suri (GRUB from Iquitos), cow stomach, cow intestines, and a bunch of other things. I told him that the only thing I couldn’t get down would have to be Liver. I made the joke that we would probably be eating Liver for lunch. I wish it was really just a joke but just to my luck that is what got placed before us. Elder Smith, poking his meat a little bit, looked at me and asked what kind of meat it was. I told him it was Liver and he started to laugh. We both started looking drastically for a way to make it disappear but the only outlet we had was a little puppy and a cat. I started cutting my liver in pieces to feed to the puppy but I doubted that the puppy could get the job done. To my surprise he ate every bit of my liver but when Elder Smith started to feed him the puppy was definitely full. Elder Smith then took some paper from his bag and stuck the meat in the paper and placed it back in his bag. We started eating again but then we noticed that the cat began scratching at his bag and was making a lot of noise trying to get to the meat. We put his bag on the couch but the cat jumped up and started racking havoc once again. From the Kitchen, the member kept asking what was going on but we assured her that everything was great. We finished eating and as we were walking to out next appointment I shared a bit of advice with Elder Smith. I told him that it’s a good idea to keep a plastic bag in his backpack for times like those.

We Continue to Pray for the Investigators

All of last week I couldn’t wait to share with you the progress of Fernando Rojas. Not only is he progressing spiritually but also his mentality and way of looking at things is changing. He has started up his welding business again and loves coming home in the afternoon after a hard days work. We had some very deep and spiritual conversations with him this last week and he accepted a baptismal date for the Tenth of October. When we challenged him he didn’t say anything for some time until he said “It’s going to have to be the tenth isn’t it?”, I seriously have grow to love Fernando and to try to put me in his shoes and have to patience enough to help get back on the path that he has been searching for so long. Keep him in your prayers!

Time Is Running Out!

Monday got a little busy with reports, reports, and a few more reports but I made sure to schedule in a little bit of time today to write home and tell you how things are going.
I am definitely feeling a strong sense of urgency knowing that TIME IS RUNNING OUT! I feel as though there is still so much to do and that my time left in the mission is very limited. Its driving me to give just a little bit more and make the most of every opportunity. I talked with President Perez last week and he mentioned something to me that is helping me keep focused, he said “In this last months of your mission, you are going to be blessed with even more opportunities to share your message, but it all depends on you as too whether or not you will take advantage of them.” Time might be short but it’s still enough to make it happen.

IT’S TRUE IN SPANISH TOO!!!

I was able to finish reading The Book of Mormon again this past week in Spanish; and you know something? IT’S TRUE IN SPANISH TOO!!! I have been studying it for the past year ever since Elder Christofferson came to Lima and invited all of the Missionaries to re-read and by doing so receive a stronger testimony of it.

HEY I bought the new Spanish bible and it's great!

Familes Changing and Finding the Truth

Fernando Rojas is also finding himself changing for the better. He has since been able to put a lot of issues in order and mentioned this past week to us that he has found hope once again. Last week we left him with the commitment of kneeling down and offering a prayer before going to sleep and when we asked to see how it went, he just looked us in the eyes and said “I don’t feel alone anymore”. He came to Stake Conference this past week and had a neat experience and the members are doing a great job of helping him to feel welcome so that he will be able to have a source of support.
We have been teaching a very neat Seventh – Day Adventist family for about a month and a half and just this last week they attended church for the first time. The Cortegana Family has been Seventh-Day Adventists all of their lives but when we met them they actually contacted us and invited us to visit them. Obviously their big challenge was accepting Sunday and the Sabbath Day and not Saturday. This past week we decided to focus on three principles: Prophets, Revelation, and Priesthood. Every time we testified of a living prophet or the Christ is guiding his church even today through living prophets, the spirit filled the room. They came to Stake Conference and had the opportunity to listen to President Uchtdorf and Elder Holland. It might be too early to tell how it went exactly but I’m certain that it left a strong impression on them.

The Martinez Family is Progressing

The Martinez Family is also making huge strides in reaching their goals and changing their lives. About three weeks ago we had an experience with Raul which really made an impact on me and has strength my faith that with the Gospel people can change their lives completely. Ever since Raul was a teenager he has had the habit of drinking. When Elder Cruz met Raul he was actually under the influence and looking for a way to get better. After teaching Raul and his family for about two weeks we felt as though he was doing well with leaving behind his habit and turning things around. One night we went to visit them and we found Edith (Rauls Wife) crying in her house. Raul hadn’t come home all day and she told us that he was with his friends drinking. We asked where he was at more or less and Elder Puente and I went to look for him. It was about 8:30 pm and here we are looking for Raul in the back streets of Lima. We found him with a group of men but he didn’t see us. As we walked up he was talking and all I did was put my hand on his shoulder and he turned around to see who it was and when he looked me in the eyes he just broke down into tears. We helped him up and told it was time to go home.
He has since quit leaving at night to hang out with his friends; he is at home helping Edith with the kids, and seems to have a new way to look at things. His home is being blessed in so many ways and he always tells us how different and better he feels after making an effort to put his life in order. It’s great to see him EVERY Sunday with his family in the Church, because he and his kids fill up their own bench. Even though we had some problems with their paper work to get married, they are still excited to keep progressing.

"Little Things"

This week was nothing short of amazing. From the progress of each of our investigators to the Stake Conference we were able to attend. It’s a steady reminder of just how important and special this work is, and being apart of it is even more rewarding. The Lord performed a few little miracles here in our Area this past week.
The Stake Conference that we had was a satellite conference from Salt Lake City and was especially for PERU. It included over 90 Stakes and 15 Districts country wide. President Uchtdorf and Elder Holland both spoke (In English with a Spanish Translator) as well as one of the counselors of the Presidency of The Relief Society. They spoke a lot about the “Little Things” which brings us happiness and brings us closer to our families. During the conference they divided two Stakes here in the North Mission, Las Palmeras and Puente Piedra. I haven’t served in Las Palmeras before but I was more than happy to see the progress over there in Puente Piedra. I haven’t been able to find out who the new Stake Presidency quite yet but I’m hopping this week someone will fill me in. Keep your eyes open for the issue of the “Church News” when these two new stakes get announced.
Sunday afternoon, after Stake Conference, we had the baptism of Cristina Vidal. That little family has changed so much in so little time. Cesar (Cristina’s Husband) has been in active for a very long time but in less than two months he is now active, his wife is now a member, and during our session of Stake Conference Cesar was sustained to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. They are expecting their third kid in March (About the time we are planning on visiting) and they are already making plans and preparing to enter the temple for next October. They are a neat little family who has always made me and my companions feel welcome and comfortable.

“La Semana Super Cargada”

This past week we finished up “La Semana Super Cargada” and it turned out so good. Every night the chapel was filled with members, investigators, as well as a bunch of references. The entire Stake came together to pull it off and it turned out to be a great success. Not only were we able to achieve success with the missionary side of it but we were also able to strengthen the members. The entire stake is more united and was really able to feel the spirit that comes from participating in the work. The Stake President now has a lot more trust in us and is working a lot more closely with us. We have already planned another activity for the end of this month. It’s going to be a Fireside/Training for new members and investigators. It’s going to have the name “After Baptism, What’s Next?” We are going to teach about all of the opportunities and programs that the church has to offer. The main focus of it is going to be on the Temple and our goal is to put that focus in the minds of every new member as well as the investigators. Here in the North Mission we don’t see the people in white for their baptism but rather we see them in white for the TEMPLE.

A Great Time to be a Norteneo!

Once again your letters made my day just that much brighter. Its too bad no one has a family as good as mine. Every word in your letters is very much appreciated and enjoyed. THANKS!!!
Its been one of those wild, hectic kind of weeks with transfers and getting the new Elders situated. They decided to open up a new area in the zone and give us two more missionaries to work with. It’s really a great sign that things are progressing here in the zone and that things are coming together. The new missionaries have arrived for the most part everything seems to be under control. With a new zone and new missionaries it definitely brings a heap of new obstacles and challenges but I’m thankful for the opportunity to grow and progress.
I have some very exciting news!!! The Puente Piedra Stake is getting divided this next week and the Barranca District also got accepted to become a Stake. President Perez called me up early this morning telling me the good news. Right now the Mission is on FIRE. Everything seems to have been raised; The level of spirituality of the Missionaries, the level of work ethic, the number of baptisms, the number of families being baptized, and so much more. It’s a great time to be a Norteñeo. VIVA LA NORTE!!!

One Step At A Time...

Sunday we had a little miracle happen to us. We have another investigator (Armando Dias)who is going through a strong period of depression and its taking a big toll on his body. He is slowly getting really weak. Something that we do when we go to teach him is take him out of his house and go for a walk with him. We walk a few blocks which gives us just enough time to share a couple of jokes and get a smile on his face. We are teaching him and his wife and they are progressing so well. It is obviously a trial for him to walk the distance to church but we always focus on teaching him the importance of sacrifice and that as we put the Lords will first he will provide the way to fulfill with his commandments. Sunday morning, while greeting the members for sacrament meeting, we saw Armando Dias coming up the path with a smile on his face ready to attend church. He wasn´t walking very fast but that didn´t seem to discourage him at all. He was able to stay for sacrament meeting before having the return home because of pain, but he showed a lot of Faith. After ending this email we are headed to his house to see how he is doing.

A Little About Elder Puente

Sorry last week I didn’t share too much about my new companion. He is Elder Puente from Huancayo, Peru. We entered the field together and he will finish one transfer after me. He was baptized about four years ago with his two brothers. His older brother is a return missionary and his younger brother just entered the Trujillo Mission. He’s a strong kid who works hard.

Moroni 7:10

One of the really special families that we are teaching right now is the Vasquez Vidal Family. We met them about two months ago, when the Father (Cesar) showed up to sacrament meeting with his two little boys (Sebastian and Anderson). Come to find out Cesar is a member who hadn’t attended church for about twenty years. We went to teach them that same afternoon and met his wife (Chiristina) who isn’t a member. We began teaching her and she was always very friendly and willing to listen but not much more. After about two weeks of teaching her she wasn’t really progressing anymore and both Elder Cruz and I felt that it just wasn’t her time quite yet but at the same time we felt as if we couldn’t leave her quite yet. After about month of teaching Christina we finally came to a cross-road. Elder Cruz and I thought long and hard of what we could do to help her to feel the spirit and on day during our companionship study it came to mind, Mormon 7. We studied it out a felt as though that was what she needed. That night we read with her Mormon 7 and after reading the tenth verse, we challenged her to baptism and she accepted. She told us that it was time to put things in order and show an example to her family. She has had to overcome a lot of obstacles especially from her own family but she has been strong and has really learned to trust in the Lord. This past Sunday we went and cooked breakfast with them before going to church. She will be getting baptized Sunday afternoon after our stake conference. She is a living example of the way the Gospel blesses the lives of those who embrace it.

“Semana Super Cargada”

For the past month we have been working with the San Felipe Stake to put together an activity to spark the fire and get the members excited about Missionary Work. After a lot of hours of planning and brainstorming we settled on something called a “Semana Super Cargada”. It entails a week long program of activities that includes the participation of all the wards and branches. Each ward is in charge of a night/activity. Every night for one week an activity is planned with the main focus of REFERENCES. We kicked things off Saturday afternoon we a giant “Spreading of the Word”. Along the side of the members we knocked doors and handed out flyers announcing the week. Yesterday was the first activity with a Fireside. It went so well, talks were taking from Preach My Gospel and we based on The Restoration and The Plan of Salvation. During this week we will have a giant Family Home Evening, Movie Nights, Talent Show, Service Projects, and much more. The Stake President, President Sarmiento, came to us with the idea of doing some kind of activity to unite the stake and also fuel the Missionary Spirit within the stake. We threw together some ideas and we ended up with a “Semana Super Cargada”, a little bit of everything. I’m excited to see how it turns out!

Things That Make Peru Unique!!

For the last twenty-one months I have been able to see and experience a lot of things here in Peru that seem to make Peru unique in its own little way. I guess you could call this Elder Schofield’s top 10 list of Peru:
1. Baños Publicos (Public Bathrooms)
One of the things that might seem different about Peru is that Public Bathrooms are just that, any place in public. It is a daily sight seeing people doing their business in the street, parks, and even on the side of houses. There seems to be no bit of shame, but it’s all good. You quickly learn to not walk along the side of buildings, street posts, or anything else that could be uses as a target.
2. El Limon (The Lemmon)
The Lemmon here in Peru has a very powerful curing power, or at least that is what’s believed by Peruvians. I’m going to explain just a few of the curing powers of Lemons: If you have a cold you have to put an entire lime on a necklace and wear it around your neck for three days, If you have an ear ache squeeze a bit of juice in your ear and you are good to go, If you are having problems with your eyes squeeze a bit of juice and you should be as good as new, If you have a minor cut rub two limes on the scrape two times a day for a week. My personal favorite is the necklace procedure. The Lemmon is used in anything and everything. Gotta Love it! Maybe a lemmon could help dad feel a bit better, lol.
3. Moto-Kars
The main form of transportation in the jungle and is also used here in Lima. It’s said to be a Peruvian invention which is a motorcycle cut in half and on the back side is placed a bench which usually sits two but sometimes you can squeeze in three. The usually have a 125cc motor which is never enough and it always sounds like it is going to explode. Here in Lima some have an entire stereo system put in them which ends up making them look just that much more ridiculous.
4. Cuy (Guinea Pig)
A main source of food and is very delicious when deep fat fried. They might be pets back home but I think the Peruvians have put them to much better use.
5. Tienditas (Small Stores)
If all else fails in your attempt to make ends meets, its time to start up a little store in your house. It usually includes cookies, chips, pop, eggs, and vegetable oil. It turns out that your can find one of these little stores in about 1 for every 3 houses. They area everywhere!
6. Los Combis (The Bus System)
Back home riding bulls or bunny bopping is a rush, but here you can get the same thrill from riding in the bus system. A Combi has a driver and a collector which is constantly yelling and gathering money and trying to pack the maximum amount of people in his bus. The bus driver is constantly going as fast as he can to the next bus stop to take full advantage and to also beat the other busses. It’s a giant death trap if you ask me but it is one of the adventures I enjoy the most.
7. Arroz (Rice)
Your plate isn’t complete without it. It’s just that simple!
8. El Perro Peruano (The Peruvian Dog)
Its a bald, Black dog which earns the prize of the ugliest dog on earth. I don’t find them very cuddly but the people seem to love them. If you have allergies from pets, I would suggest looking into getting one of these guys.
9. La Hora Peruana
In order to get people to show up on time you have to announce the time thirty minutes early. If you are thirty minutes late you are on time. If you actually show up on time you get stuck waiting thirty minutes until everyone else shows up “on time”.
10. Las Cosas Piratas (Pirated Things)
When it comes to movies, computer programs, clothes, and music; everything is faked or pirated. It is hard to find things that hasn’t been pirated or faked in some way or another.
It’s just a few of the things that make me smile and makes Peru unique.

Cambios!

I had almost forgotten about what happens every six week until we opened up our zones email and we read “CAMBIOS”. Yeah, its transfer time again but fortunately I am staying here. Elder Cruz has a change and will be heading to Puente Piedra. My new companion is Elder Puente (At least I’m getting a little bit of “Puente”). We entered the field together and he will finish one change after me. But more than anything I’m glad I’m staying here for at least one more change. I imagine that I will work my last change here as well but we wait and see.

Don't Get Trunky!

Elder Rich called me up this past week to find out which airport I wanted to fly home too. It looks like I will be able to fly from Lima direct to Salt Lake and from there to Twin Falls. I’m not sure if I have told you this yet but my official release date is December 2. I hope you aren’t getting trunky because I’m not quite yet, lol.
Well Family I hope this letter finds you all well and happy. I am doing great and enjoying what gets thrown at me. The mission is definitely a giant refining process and we are able to find out just who we really are and what we are made of. Thanks so much for all of your love and support; it means more than you would know. Love Ya!!!

I hope you are making time to pray together...

I’m sorry if it seems like all I talk about is my investigators but I can’t help but share their progress with you. Zenos baptism went great and he was able to really feel the joy that the Gospel brings. When he bore his testimony he shared the experience that he had when he opened the door and saw us for the first time, but never the less he knew who we were and invited us in. Not only was it a great experience for him but as the members heard his share his testimony they too were able to feel the joy that comes from sharing the Gospel. He is going to be a very strong support for our little Trapiche Branch. The Martinez Family (Raul y Edith) is progressing much faster than we had planned. They are going to get married at the end of the month, if not sooner, and after that BAPTISM. Their little family is also growing closer and much more united and they love sharing with us their testimony of the church. They have begun having family prayer at night as well as teach each one of their kids how to pray.
One of the most special experiences that I have been able to witness here in the mission is seeing a father kneel down with his family and offer a prayer for the first time. There really isn’t anything that gives me the feeling of accomplishment or joy than witnessing that. Raul did just that this past week. Even though life might be running is all kinds of directions, I hope you are making time to pray together. Looking back I might not have been the one calling everyone together to pray, but I’m sure thankful that we made it a habit.

Where Can I Turn For Peace?

I went to the Temple today with a strong need of receiving some direction. It has been about seven months since I have been able to attend the temple mainly for the fact that I haven’t been in Lima, but it was a much needed visit to the Lords house. There is just a special kind of encouragement and motivation that can be felt there and I have really missed not being to feel it for so long. Visiting the Temple is going to be something that will have high priority when I get home. I have found that when we go with a purpose, the Lord fills our need and gives us a strong reminder of just who we are.

Digging Deep

This past week was just what I needed to really dig deep and realize the great importance of just why I am here. It was nothing less than yet another work load of a week but by being immersed in the work, it helps to keep me focused on what’s really important.
Yesterday we had interviews with President Perez. During the meeting I was assigned to give training and I chose to talk about “Personal Revelation” and “Being an Inspired Missionary”. I love the chance to prepare trainings because I always end up learning more than those that I actually teach. While I was preparing my training I had a sound reminder of the Importance of this Work and that it is truly the Lords. This is the Lords work and we have to allow that he guides it through worthy and faithful servants. Our ability to receive revelation and the courage to follow it is the key to success not only in the mission but also in Life. I felt really good about my training, by helping the Elders gain their full potential is what makes being a leader really rewarding.
Talking with President Perez I was able to feel the peace and comfort that I have been searching for over the past couple of weeks. He gave me a very special bit of advice and counsel. He discussed how the last three transfers of an Elder are actually the three most important transfers of his entire mission. The way we apply ourselves and work is a direct reflection of the rest of our lives. Our work ethic, our people skills, everything!!! He was more than pleased with our zones efforts this past month, we are once again raising the bar of success, not only in our zone but also in the mission. I trust in President Perez so much and value every little bit of counsel he gives me. He is truly called of God to direct the North Mission and what a blessing it is for me to be able to rub shoulders with him and to also have his trust to carry out his vision.

It's NOT Rocket Science!

If A B C = 1 2 3 etc, then the following is so TRUE in every part of life and especially in Missionary Work!!
K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E=96%
(11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%)
H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K =98%
(8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98% )
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E =100%
(1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%)

Love You All At Home!

I´m so glad to hear that you are all doing so great. Little Kenadee sounds like she is just a big girl now, lol. If it’s anything I miss, it’s my nieces and nephew. I love you all so much and love hearing about all the little miracles that are happening back home. Tell Jessie hi for me and that I was so happy to hear of his decision. This is truly the Lords church and he guides it even today. How blessed we truly are!!! Thanks for everything.

One Step At A Time...

Sunday we had a little miracle happen to us. We have another investigator (Armando Dias) who is going through a strong period of depression and its taking a big toll on his body. He is slowly getting really weak. Something that we do when we go to teach him is take him out of his house and go for a walk with him. We walk a few blocks which gives us just enough time to share a couple of jokes and get a smile on his face. We are teaching him and his wife and they are progressing so well. It is obviously a trial for him to walk the distance to church but we always focus on teaching him the importance of sacrifice and that as we put the Lords will first he will provide the way to fulfill with his commandments. Sunday morning, while greeting the members for sacrament meeting, we saw Armando Dias coming up the path with a smile on his face ready to attend church. He wasn´t walking very fast but that didn´t seem to discourage him at all. He was able to stay for sacrament meeting before having the return home because of pain, but he showed a lot of Faith. After ending this email we are headed to his house to see how he is doing.

Feeling So Alone, But Working Through It

While studying this past week during I found that I was spending a lot of time in the eighth chapter of Mormon. Its when Moroni is entrusted with the plates because the rest of the Nephite nation has been destroyed and Moroni finds himself alone. With no where to go and no one to turn to. The sense of loneliness that Moroni must have been facing really made me sit back and think. Elder Holland’s talk about the saviors last moments alone kept entering into my mind. The Savior was truly alone during the most difficult moments of his life, with no where to go, and with no one to turn too. The sense of loneliness is something that can bring us down or if we over come can make us stronger. It made me remember my first night in Peru in the CCM. Arriving late at night, not understanding the instructions that were being said to me, and having to be assigned to a room where I found myself alone. For the first time in my life, I honestly felt alone. Humming to myself ¨Conmigo quedate Senor¨ I remember a strong sense of comfort that filled that empty room.

We have an investigator that shared with us this past week the same concern that Moroni and our Savior found themselves. He feels alone, as if there is nothing in this world worth achieving. His name is Fernando Rojas and we found him about three weeks ago. He lives alone and has had a long history of relationship problems. The only comfort that he has found is the comfort that comes from drugs and drinking. Our first few lessons with him went extremely well but we ran into a bump when he opted to live with a friend who lives out of our area. We passed the reference to the other Elders but they couldn´t ever find him. Elder Cruz and I both felt as if there was something more we could have done so we decided to pray especially for Fernando. We hadn´t heard anything from him all of last week until last night when we ran into him while we were returning to our apartment. He told us that he had just left the hospital because of an overdose that he had done. There in the street he expressed his sincere desire to change and put his life in order. Our prayer was answered and I pray that Fernando too might have his prayers answered.

Hitting My Brick Walls....

I don´t think I´ll be able to sugar-coat it very much but I´m afraid it was one of those being dragged though the mud kind of weeks. I remember something Uncle Richard told me before leaving on my mission; he said ¨You´ll experience the highest of highs as well as the lowest of lows during your mission.¨ its something that I have really come to understand and to learn from. If it was all easy going, everyone would do it, but by being tried and tested we are able to grow and progress. I am truly thankful for the obstacles that the Lord puts in my way so that I can give that much more of an effort to overcome. It just like running, a lot of the time when a runner hits his or her wall they stop or become discouraged but by surpassing the wall we can achieve unimaginable things. When the going gets tough, the tough get going (Thanks for instilling that in me)