¨LA JORNADA¨ (The Journey)

For our P-Day yesterday Elder Sanchez and I decided to do something a little different, we wanted to do something that could make a mark on each one of the Elders in our zone as well as bring us together. As a mission we had an excellent month in May, but June didn’t turn out quite as successful. Thinking of what we could do we decided to make ¨LA JORNADA¨ (The Journey). It consisted of a hike deep in the Tarapoto Mountains which along the way we would share spiritual thoughts relating to Mission Work as well as Repentance. As we are hiking we would sing hymns as well as have times to meditate and listen to the silence. Once we would reach the highest spot of the mountain, overlooking all of the city of Tarapoto, we would read the book of Enos which would help us to recognize where we fell short in June and what we will have to do different in July. We wanted the hike to be a test physically as well as spiritually. Being together as a zone, helping one anther to become stronger and grow, was such a spiritual experience that I am having a hard time putting it into words. Before climbing the mountain we shouted ¨Hurra por Israel, Hurra por Israel, Hurra por Israel¨ and once we reached our summit, with our Banner of Liberty that we made as a zone, we ended the journey with ¨Hurra por Tarapoto, Hurra por Tarapoto, Hurra por Tarapoto¨. At the summit we could see all of Tarapoto and being able to wave our Banner of Liberty for the entire city to see, it made us all feel like Capitan Moroni. It was an experience that brought the entire zone into focus for why we are here, the purpose that we have to fulfill, and the responsibility that we carry. Leaving our place on the mountain, it was really ironic, because as we began to descend I felt as though I was leaving the temple. That feeling that you get as you open the temple doors to leave was what I felt as we began to go back down the mountain. It left a mark on me as well as my mission!!!

Latter-Day Warriors

This photo was taken at the Lima Airport in May after Zone Leader Conferences. Elder Rich's mom sent it to us. The boys look like they are doing good for all the wear and tear!!

Packin' Water While Everyone Else is Swingin'

We don’t have a really sweet tire swing down here, and we also don’t have any water right now. We have to use buckets and carry water every night but its all part of the experience. The new tradition with the grandkids sounds like a hoot! I know that each and every one of them has changed so much it’ll be fun to get to know them again. So as of right now, my little bro is at EFY. It’ll be good for him; he’ll learn a lot and will come away from there with a much stronger testimony.

Well Family just thought I’d tell ya that I love you and think the world of each and every one of you. You are such strength to me and I am eternally grateful for the support you show to me. I couldn’t ask for more. Love you so much!

San Juane=More Chicken and Rice

Last week I was able to celebrate another ¨Dia de San Juan¨ in the Jungle. It’s when everyone prepares a typical jungle dish called ¨Juane¨. It has rice, chicken, a boiled egg, and a chicken leg all wrapped up in a banana leaf. I’m sure you remember me telling you all about it last year when I was in Iquitos. It’s a tradition in all of the jungle even here in Tarapoto. Elder Sanchez and I got our fair share of ¨Juane¨. Everywhere we went to visit, we would recive another ¨Juane¨. Our little fridge was full of the famous ¨Juanne¨. I decided that ¨Juane¨ is only good one day out of the year, June 24, any more than that it just turns into rice and chicken.

Well Family I love each and everyone of you and feel so blessed for being able to call you ¨My Family¨. I hope you have another great week full smiles and laughs. Love ya Tons.

Making It Count...

I got to thinking this past week about the sense of time that God lives by and the sense of time the we live by. Knowing that one day to God is a thousand years to us. So with that thought I decided to do a little bit of Math (its really sad how bad my math brain is working right now) to try to figure out just how long with are away from our Heavenly Father and to put some other things into scope. I discovered that is someone lives for an average life span of 75 years; we are away from our Father’s presence for about 21 days. I decided to take it a little farther applying it to the mission. Our time of two years is the mission is equal to 2.88 MINUTES! Every transfer lasts for about 24.86 SECONDS and on average we are able to save a soul in only 4.968 SECONDS! It really brings a whole new meaning with the saying “Making the most of every second of every minute of every hour of every Day”. The mission is short; it’s a time to learn and grow and truly a time to make it count. The Zones new slogan is “A Dios Rogando con El Mazo Dando” Making it count is what we are going to do!

Visiting My Friends in Los Rosales

This past week while I was in Lima, I had the opportunity to go back to my area of Los Rosales and visit all of my family and friends over there. What a spiritual boost it was to see all of their smiling faces and to feel their love for the gospel and this great work. Being able to see and hug Brother Ibarra, Bishop Morales, The Tucto Family, Manuel, The Mori Family, and so many more. Something really special though is happening to a young man named Raul. Raul was a less active when I was there and we were constantly trying to help him to build his testimony and helping him to have spiritual experiences. My last couple of weeks in Los Rosales he started coming back to church and little by little started to nurture his testimony. While I was in Puente Piedra he was called to by the Secretary to the Bishop. When I found him last Wednesday he gave me a big hug and said, I working two jobs right now so that I will be able to send my papers in and leave on my mission in January. I was so excited to hear that my eyes started watering (but I wasn’t crying). He expressed his thanks to me for being so patient and loving but I know that he did it all himself. He found and received his answers and had the strength to follow them. What a special place, Los Rosales, It definitely has a special place in my heart.

Learning About Elder Sanchez and Costa Rica!

I haven’t laughed as hard as I have this short time already with Elder Sanchez then I have with any other companion. Our way of thinking and way to work have gone so well together its such a huge blessing. We are constantly smiling and laughing at ourselves and we seriously are enjoying our time together. What a spiritual giant Elder Sanchez is, even though he might be a little short. He lives about 8 hours north from where Uncle David has his property, but he knows the Osa Peninsula very well. He is from a place called, Heredia, but also has a place on the beach called Nosara. Maybe Uncle David is familiar with those places; let me know, because hearing about Costa Rica from Elder Sanchez it sounds like a great place to kick it.

Helping More of Heavenly Father's Children Find Their Way

This past week we were able to see how the Lord is blessing our little area of Shilcayo. We found two excellent families who are so excited about the gospel and turning their lives around. We were able to find the Macahuachi Family and the Garcia Family this past week and they already carry such a special spirit about them. I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with them and to help them along with their spiritual progression. I will have to keep you informed about their progress. The 27 of this month we are going to baptize the Fababa Family (say that last name really fast, its kinda fun). We baptized the son Pedro about a month ago just recently his sisters and his parents received answers to their prayers and now have the desire to make a covenant with God. I honestly can’t begin to tell you the joy I feel when I teach families and seeing them progress together, as one. The Lord definitely wants the best for each family and there is no better way to give them that other than the True Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Working Hard Through the Trials

I´m not sure if you have heard what exactly is going on down here in San Martin, Tarapoto, Peru but some other parents have gotten worked up because i guess the news has arrived to the states. But we are all safe and happy, we are secure and there is no need to worry. I just wanted to let you know that and that i love ya. Thanks for everything.The situation here in San Martin is still a bit crazy but all of the missionaries are very safe.

Yes we are back to having electricity 24 hours a day which in itself is a huge improvement. We have two companionships in a place called Yurimaguas and one of them has a new change. It looks as if they will have to walk 30 kilometers with all of their stuff in order to pick up a taxi that will take them to Tarapoto. They are still isolated by natives who have taken over the city but it looks as if they will be able to get here today safe and sound. It wouldn’t hurt to keep them in your prayers. Elder Vasquez and I are flying back to Lima Wednesday which is always a good little treat. Every change we have a giant Zone Leaders Council with President Perez and the Assistants to talk about how the mission is doing help over come the challenges in the mission and to also get trained even more. What a special spirit there is in that room! It’s a day llenasito of the Spirit.

Learning Much Between Transfers

Let’s just say that Elder Vasquez and I had quite a jam packed week, and that there was no time for anything other than the work, and even with that we were able to get everything accomplished. The week before transfers is always exciting and this past week was a strong testimony of that. But I now have a chance to sit down, take a deep breath, and think of home for a bit.

I can’t believe that another six weeks has flown by and that the new transfers are already in. It looks as if I will be able to enjoy another six weeks in Tarapoto with a new companion named Elder Sanchez. He is a really great guy from Costa Rica, when I heard my change I was feeling a little lucky. Elder Vasquez is heading back to Lima where he will end his mission. Wow what a great three months it has been together with him. We definitely had our bumps in the road and our differences to overcome but we were both able to put our pride aside and make things happen here in Tarapoto. Everything about this work is a giant learning experience. At times we don’t understand why we get put together with certain companions but its something special, because at the end of every change I can look back and see just all of the things my companions were able to teach me and what I was able to gain from each one. I just hope that I was able to have even a portion of impact on Elder Vasquez that he was able to have on me. Great Guy, Love him, and wish him the Best!

Sunbeams in My Life....

Well just a little update on Olga and her husband Victor. These two people are definitely sunbeams in my life. They are such strong examples of putting the lord first. Olga continues struggling with her health and Victor is slowly but sure learning how to walk again after getting three toes amputated a couple of months ago, but you know something, the two of them are in the Chapel every Sunday, on time, and with smiles on their faces. Victor wobbles in with his white shirt and tie and its so great seeing his smiling face. This couple has quickly become some of my most favorite people. I really hope that you will have the chance to meet them one day.

This past week we had interviews with President Perez. What a boost of strength and encouragement it is when he comes and wraps his arms around you. He just radiates love and strength. I really enjoy my conversations with him especailly when we are able to get to know one another. He talked with me quite a bit about leadership and the way the Lord trusts in his servants to carry out his will. He helped me alot of realize that I receive my own revelation and that as a leader I have to first trust in myself to be able to have the zone be able to trust in me. He was more than excited for the success the zone had last month and can´t wait to see more miracles be performed here in Tarapoto.

Well Family here´s to another week in Paradise and I hope this letter finds you all happy and well. Remember the important things in life and everything else will just fall into place. I love you all and am so grateful for the love and encouragement that you give me.

No Phone, No Lights, No Moto Cars...Not a Single Luxury!

The situation here in Tarapoto doesn’t seem to be getting better any time soon. The natives continue with the strike and its starting to take a big toll here in the city. Since the highway is blocked, nothing comes in and nothing leaves including petroleum. The power here is run by diesel engines which for the past week starting at 5:00 get shut off. We don´t have power at nights and since there isn´t any light in the roads, President Perez has also asked that we return to our apartments earlier because it can get a little dangerous. Now I can officially say that I am roughing it, but still at the same time I feel right at home. This past week I have really been able to realize just how little I actually need to live and make things work. It makes me really grateful for all of the little conveniences that we have to make life a little bit easier but that’s just what they are, little conveniences But we just keep on keeping on, we aren´t here for us but instead we are here to do the Lords work and that’s what we will keep on doing.

"American Style" BBQ in Peru!

Last Monday for Pday we Americans decided to treat our Latin companions to an American Style lunch. We went to a place called La Laguna Vanesia where we played soccer, tickled monkies, and held an american style BBQ. We went and bought the biggest, thickest steaks we could find as well as a slew of pototoes. Elder Sweet had just received a little bottle of Root Beer Concentrate and so we put him in charge of whipping up some Root Beer and the rest of us got to the cooking. It was so great! We lit the charcoal with our peruvian style BBQ and got to cooking. I don´t know but it has been an awfully long time since I have eaten a meal like that here in the mish, and it was very much enjoyed. Topping it off with a cup of cold Root Beer wasn´t to bad as well.

Upcoming B-Day Wishes

Greetings from La Banda de Shilcayo Jr. Simon Bolivar 235. Thanks so much for the long awaited BSU schedule, and not the course schedule. It looks as if I will be back in time for that New Mexico State Game, hint hint wink wink. And speaking of the Bday package this past week I had a bit of thought of something you could stick in there. A little bottle of A1 sauce. A year and a half of the same flavor of food has finally taken its toll on me. I´m pretty sure that A1 could do miracles when it comes to rice and chicken. I could also use a bottle of Neosporin Ointment. I hope you are sending lots of pictures as well especially of all these crazy incidents that Brian is getting involved in. I would love to see all the youngins as well, but I´m going to let you surprise me, always keeping in mind that Twinkies and Cupcakes do bring a smile to my face.

¨No se olvide del poder de la oracion, La veracidad del Evangelio, y el amor de Nuestro Padre Celestial¨

It has been yet another great week and it sounds like the Family clan back home is having some bumps and twists. Just tell those nieces and nephews of mine to be thankful because they don´t have a Peruvian doctor taking care of them with the latest technology that Peru has to offer. They definitely have it good, even though they might not think so right now. And mom, I very surprised that you were confused between BSU´s course schedule and BSU´s football schedule. I was most definitely asking for their FOOTBLL Schedule, it might take some time but I think I can get around to forgiving you for the delay, lol.

Well family just remember that I love you and I´m going to leave you with the same advice that I tell all of the converts: ¨No se olvide del poder de la oracion, La veracidad del Evangelio, y el amor de Nuestro Padre Celestial¨ (Never forget the power of prayer, the truthfulness of the Gospel, and the love of our Heavenly Father).

...."You'll Be Happy You Did!"

Yesterday we had the visit of Elder Godoy and President and Sister Perez. The three of them put on a giant fireside for the District with the topic of the Family. They talked about how the world today is full of traps and snares that can destroy the family and Elder Godoy shared 5 traditions that every Latter-Day Saint Family should have:
1. PRAYER (Personal, Family, and as Husband and Wife)
2. The Scriptures
3. Family Home Evening
4. The Temple
5. Paying Tithing

Just do it, you´ll be happy you did!

On Their Way!

Something else that was really neat was that during the same baptismal service, The Mera Family (the family we baptized about 3 weeks ago) baptized their son Josué. Josué just barely turned 8 years old but the most special part was that his dad, Gerlin, had just received the priesthood and he performed the ordinance. Seeing someone so new in the church, performing a life-saving ordinance was such a strong testimony to me of the great blessing that the gospel has in store for us. The Mera Family also shared their testimonies with everyone and it was nothing less than powerful. What a neat family, and I´m so thankful that the Lord gave me the opportunity to help them along their way back home.

"Milagros" (Miracles) in May!!

We decided that the only way that the Tarapoto Zone would be able to do its part with the mission goal of 505 would be thanks to a MIRACLE! This past month has been nothing short of a giant miracle. The zone finished with 30 baptisms which is something that has not been accomplished here in Tarapoto in over three years. Even with a mountain of challenges and obstacles (strikes, crazy natives, sicknesses) the Elders were able to overcome and make it happen. As a mission we also set a new record with President Perez, as a mission we finished with 406 baptisms!
This past weekend Elder Vasquez and I baptized a single mom by the name of Milagros Galo (Milagros translates into Miracle) and I feel that her name is really fitting because she was nothing short of a miracle. She is a single mom who moved to Tarapoto about 3 weeks ago from Iquitos. In Iquitos she had a friend who was a member of the church and always invited her to go to church which her but Milagros couldn´t ever find the time. When she came to Tarapoto and saw the chapel she told us that she felt something special as she pasted by and decided to make an effort to attend the next Sunday. Elder Vasquez and I were sitting out front waiting for the District Presidency to arrive and as we were waiting a lady (Milagros) came walking up to us and asked us ¨A que hora empieza la reunion¨(What time does the meeting start). She was two hours early but she came back and stayed for the entire three hours. We visited her the next day and Elder Vasquez and I were both overwhelmed with how prepared Milagros was to receive the gospel. She definitely knew what she was missing and thanks to the impressions of the spirit she was able to find here way home. She is such a neat lady with so much strength and faith. Milagros was definitely a Milagro in May!