FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS President Perez !!

July 1st was President Prez' Birthday. All the zones did a banner and a hike and the photos were given to President Perez as a present. It looked like everyone had a great time!

Sample Bus Trip in Peruvian Mountians!

Exciting Ride and Visit!

I had another great Birthday experience in the Jungle. Tuesday night we took the 3 hour bus ride to Yurimaguas. What a beautiful ride it is!!! Yurimaguas is on the other side of the mountains of Tarapoto so we had to take the windy, muddy mountain roads in order to arrive. That highway really got me scared though, it was an awful long ways to fall if we were to go over the edge but what a great experience. Thick Thick Jungle and Narrow Narrow Roads, good stuff. The Elders in Yurimaguas didn’t exactly give us the best of sleeping conditions so Elder Sanchez and I got stuck sleeping on the floor which was quite an experience in itself. Lets just say that the cockroaches we up and active, lol. But the next morning the Missionaries gave me a Peruvian Birthday greeting with a bunch of eggs smashed on my head. But luckily I was already in the shower so it was easy to get cleaned up. Being Yurimguas was like a big flash back of my time in Iquitos. The people to the houses were so similar but it was great to be back in that kind of atmosphere. Even though Tarapoto is also jungle it’s really different from the jungle of Iquitos and Yurimaguas. Tarapoto is mountainous and a little bit more modern when it comes to housing and technology, while Iquitos and Yurimaguas still have wooden houses and leaf roofs. What a blessing it is to have been able to serve those people there and to have been able to love and learn from them.

Another Peruvian 4th of July!

As a zone we also had our own little 4th our July celebration. Saturday morning we got together and decided to cook breakfast. It took little debate as to what we were going to prepare: AMERICAN STYLE PANCAKES. I say American Style because here a normal pancake turns out to be a crape but American Style entails the warm fluffiness, thickness, and girth. Since stoves are very difficult to find here in the Jungle, we all gathered in our church building where we have a little two burner stove. Elder Sanchez and Elder Sweet (who worked as a chef before the mission) were put in charge of grilling the hotcakes while the rest of us sang patriotic songs. While we were eating, we were lucky enough to see the new documentary about President Monson, “On the Lords Errand”. To finish the whole get together the four of us Gringos formed a quartet and sang the National Anthem. We obviously can’t sing in English anymore but we had fun trying and it was a great reminder of just how blessed we truly are.

Be sure to write about it....

Wow, reading yours and Amy’s letters put the biggest smiles on my face! What a very special week you were all able to have! I’m so glad Brian loved his time at EFY, there is a spirit there and I’m glad Brian was able to feel it. My little Bro is just getting so big, its hard to believe. Amy’s trip to Salt Lake also sounded like quite the experience as well. I seriously got chills hearing about it. What a neat time and like I say a lot in the mish, “it makes for a great journal entry”. Be sure to write about it, especially the way you felt, thanks so much for sharing it with me.

Hosman Gets His Mission Call!

Hearing about Brian Hosman´s call really made my day. There was a member here that just left about a month ago to that mission. His name is Maximo Cudeña and he was our lifesaver when Elder Vasquez and I arrived brand-new to the area. He worked with us all day every day until were got to know the area. He is the only member in his family but his mom seems to really love us because she is always inviting us over to eat lunch with them. Tell Hosman congrats and that I am happy for him.

Brian leaves in October for the El Salvador San Salvador West/Belize Mission! Another Spanish Speaker!

Birthday Memories 2009

The 30th of June is a bitter sweet day for Elder Sanchez and I. Last night we were up late sitting out back in our yard, looking up at the stars, and just talking. Eight years ago, Elder Sanchez’s dad past away, Elder Sanchez was only fourteen years old. Talking with him last night was such a special experience because we both came away from it with a much stronger testimony of God’s Plan for us and that Families truly can be together forever. I love Elder Sanchez and I love the trust and friendship that we already have within our companionship.

Elder Sanchez and I are headed to YURIMAGUAS in the afternoon to spend a few days with the Elders up there. Last week the Natives came to an agreement and are now allowing people to leave as well as enter. Hearing that we decided that we would have to take advantage of the opportunity to visit our missionaries and see how they are doing. They haven’t been able to leave Yurimaguas for three months because of the civil unrest but things seem to be calming down. My Birthday Celebrations here in Tarapoto will have to be put on hold until Thursday Night.

Sorry for keeping you all on the edge of your seats yesterday, but things have calmed down and both Elder Sanchez and I are able to get a letter off to our families. Thanks so much for all the great Birthday wishes and it was definitely fun hearing from you two days in a row. Although Elder Sanchez hasn’t made me a toilet paper cake yet, I’m sure he’ll have something to surprise me with.

¨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!

If I Were A Sister Missionary, I Be Coming Home This Week!

Its good to hear that all of my highschool friends haven´t completely forgotten about me yet. But hey get this, If I was a sister Missionary I would be coming home this week. CRAZY HUH!!! I love the work and I love sharing it with you all every week. I hope you have another great week but not quite as busy. Love you all and thanks for everything.

Quite the BBQ!

As a Branch we put together a really cool branch campfire. One of the members, Luis Paredes, has a piece of jungle that he calls his backyard and we decided to invite the ward over for a huge campfire and BBQ. We barbaqued bananas, yuca, chicken feet, and chicken necks. YUM!!! We played campfire games including El Coco se quema (Hot Potatoe except with a coconut). We threw a coconut in the fire and after a couple of minutes, pulled it out and starting passing it around. It was somthing different but really fun.

Working Together and Working Hard

This past week was nothing short of a huge spiritual boost for me. It all started with a work visit that I did with Elder Ortega (MY SON). I don´t think I told you this last change but Elder Ortega has been here in Tarapoto with me these last two changes and what a strength it is to have him. Even though I was his trainer, I feel as though he taught me much more. This last week I got to work with him for the day and everytime we work together amazing things happen. I don´t know what it is but we just seem to be on the same page and our love for the work just goes together and we seem to always have such a strong spirit with us when we teach. As we were walking in the street to an appointment I mentioned to him of what its like when we get to teach and work together. He told me that he felt the same and that he had actually thought alot about why it was that way. He shared with me something really special, he said “I really believe that we work so well together here in the field because we also fought along the side of each other before this life”. I couldn´t ask for a better friend than Elder Ortega or for a better example that I find in him. I might be his DAD but I still look up to him in so many ways.

We finished the week with two very neat converts whose lives have already taken a huge 360 degree turn. Pedro Fababa is thirty four and for the longest time had a huge drinking problem but always knew that there was something more for him. Seeing him now and knowing him before, is a strong testimony of the way the Lord helps to give his children the strength to over any obstacle or challenge in order to go back home. After his baptism, never have I heard a more pure and sincere testimony from a new convert. It was so simple but OH so TRUE . The other baptism was of Lusis Flores. Luis was actually the very first lesson that Elder Vasquez and I taught together here in Tarapoto and in the first lesson we left with a Baptismal Date. It has since been a wild roller-coaster ride with him but he finally received his answer and knew what we taught was true. But two and a half months later he was able to enter the waters of baptism. It was such a special weekend I can´t really describe it. Things here in Tarapoto are going so great and this part of Zion is getting stronger and growing every day.

Road Blocks (literally) To The Work

Thanks so much for your prayers and concerns. The situation here in Tarapoto is getting better little by little but the chaos continues up in another part of the zone called Yurimaguas. It is a small jungle town two hours from Tarapoto and we have four missionaries up there. The natives have taken control of the city and also the river that surrounds the city. Nothing comes in and nothing goes out. The missionaries are safe and sound but frustrated because they haven´t been able to work for over a week. It has been a big road block for us as well because alot of our investigators left for Yurimaguas to visit or for work and haven´t been able to return because of the strike. But as we all know no unhallowed hand can stop this work from progressing, not even a bunch of natives with bows and arrows.

A Special Friend in Nilson

This past weekend we had a very special baptismal service, one of those long shot miracles you wish a pray for. Yesterday afternoon we baptized Nilson Savedra and never before have a seen so much thankfulness come from anyone. Nilson came to Tarapoto about two weeks ago with absolutely nothing and with nobody as well. He was taking the lessons from the missionaries back in Trujillo and when he told them that he was going to move to Tarapoto, they told him to find a Mormon church in order to keep on progressing. Wednesday during our District Meeting, he walked in and asked to talk with someone. I went out with him into the hall and I was able to get to know him and he gave me his history. Luckily the branch President was in the chapel and we were able to coordinate with him to find a place for Nilson to stay and a place to work. Talking with him he shared his desires to be baptized. Teaching him we quickly realized that he already had a very strong testimony of the church and was more than ready to be baptized. Yesterday when he bore his testimony he just broke down in tears and said that for the first time in his life he feels as if he has a place to call home and people to call family. He is quite the guy and we have already been able to become really good friends.
Well family I hope this letter finds you all happy and healthy. I am good, safe, and loving every minute of it. Keep on keeping on and remember that I love you.

It's Been a Wild One!

As I am writing this too you the Internet has been shut off in all of Tarapoto and so I hope that by the time I get done writting you, the Internet will be back up.
Last week after the zone got done writing to their families we were just about to leave the internet cafe when a giant band of rioters came by closing the doors of businesses and slashing tires and when they got to our little internet spot shouted for all the GRINGOS to come out. Elder Vasquez and I pushed all the missionaries into the back room and slammed shut all the windows and locked the doors. They kept shouting for a second and the owner of the shop called the police. They had thier little hoot rally for about five minutes and then took off. We ran across the street into the chapel and locked our selves in. We spent the day watching a few movies and sharing experiences. Later that afternoon we made our way back to our apartments and locked our selves in all of that night and all of Tuesday. Tuesday night the Government officials were able to come to a conclusion for the natives and so we were luckily able to get out and get back to work Wednesday.
It was one of the longest days yet in the mission for me. I felt so useless hanging out all day in my room. All I thought about was how much time we were loosing and how badly I needed to be outside getting something done. I tried to make the most of my time though. I wrote to alot of my converts as well as a few letters to send back to the states. I got an awful lot of study time in which in the long run I am thankful for. I haven´t had to many of those days to myself so I wasn´t really sure how to make the most of it but we were safe and out of harms way and I know that was probably the most important thing. The Elders are safe and sound and were excited to be able to get back to work.

This past week we found the neatest family and they are OH so close to accept a baptismal date. It is a family of five and seeing the way the mom and dad care for one another and their kids has really impacted me because that kind of family unity isn´t really common here in Peru, and its just amazing how close they are. They are the Rojas family and the dad makes a living my making shoes in his house and his wife sometimes has to travel to the river villages selling them in order to make ends meet. Every time we come out of there, after teaching them a lesson, my testimony gets strengthened so much by the way the Gospel truly blessing the lives of every family. The mom will get back the next week and with the two of them we are going to invite them to baptism and I KNOW that they will accept. Keep them in your prayers and I know the Lord will continue to touch their hearts.

Well Family I just want you to know that I love you so much. Don´t be trunky, stay focused, don´t forget who you are and don´t let it get you down, and remember that I love ya. Thanks for everything.

Natives and Nonsense, But The Work Continues...

I am going to go ahead and share the experience that Elder Vasquez, Elder Woolf, Elder Apaza, and I had yesterday. As you already know the little city of Tarapoto is on strike right now but mainly it is being shut down by force by all of the Indians that live in the surrounding jungle villages. The Peruvian Government is trying to sell their lands to foreign oil companies and the oil companies are being to contaminate the villages water source. As of last Thursday the natives have blocked all of the highways and roads and so no one can leave and no one can come in. Elder Woolf and Elder Apaza are the zone leaders from Moyobamba (about 3 hrs outside of Tarapoto) but with the strike weren´t able to leave ever since we had gotten back from Lima Thursday night. They had tried everything to get out; everything from a three passenger airplane to traveling in the middle of the night but everything fell through. Until yesterday in church we heard some members talking and they told us that the natives were going to allow people to pass for only two hours but they would have to pass on foot. The natives had a really big stretch of highway closed off and we would have to walk quite a way in order to get to the taxis on the other side which would carry Elder Woolf and Elder Apaza to Moyobamba.
We decided to take the opportunity and so with all of Elder Woolf´s and Elder Apaza´s luggage we took a little moto-taxi just as far as we could and from there we set out on foot. The highway was lined with little natives with their spears, bows, arrows, and face-paint. It was a little nerve racking because Elder Woolf and I kind of stick out like a sore thumb. We ended up walking for two hours and arrived at the river, which on the other side we would be able to find a taxi. We figured that we could cross the bridge but the natives had also blocked it off so the only option was to carry all of the luggage on our backs and ford the river. We had to make several trips back and forth and we got covered in mud and soaked but we were able to get a taxi and send Elder Apaza and Elder Woolf off to Moyobamba. After they left Elder Vasquez and I had to once again cross the river and walk another two hours back. On the walk back I asked my comp what time it was and he said “five o´clock, time for you to call your family” (That was when we were about an hour from the nearest moto-taxi) I laughed and said that my mom was probably going to freak out a little bit, but from the sound of it I think you took it pretty well. The zone is safe and we are all doing really well. The missionaries are still in high spirits and so I guess it was just another one of those speed bumps that try to interrupt the Lords work but like always nothing will stop this work from progressing.

Great To Visit With You All!

You´ll never know just how great of a boost it was to be able to talk to you all yesterday. You are all such a great and special source of love and encouragement to me and knowing that the Lord continues to bless you is such a great blessing to me. You all sounded really great and I think its safe to say that you are much more “trunky” than I am.

Hey I´m glad to hear that you are all doing so well and that you are just as busy as ever. It was funny because the other day I used one of dad´s ever famous quotes during one of our lessons “If it doesn’t kill ya it only makes you stronger”. I got my point across and that investigator came to church, so thanks DAD.

Working Hard and Working for Miracles

Another six weeks down which means that its TRANSFER time, but it looks as if this go round I am staying at least another six weeks here in paradise, aka TARAPOTO. Half of our zone got changed but we are happy to be getting the new Elderes. From the look of things we are going to have a very young gun zone. Elder Vasquez and I will have another change together but we are also flying back to Lima Wednesday for our Zone Leaders Council. We are also opening up another area here in Tarapoto so we are excited to get one more companionship working with us.
As a companionship, Elder Vasquez and I have made a goal for this next change. We have set the goal to know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ better and to be able to trust in him more as we teach his children. Last night we were up pretty late trying to put things into place for the up coming transfers but I think we ended up talking more about how the mission changes us as people and why we are truly here. This last past six weeks I think I have learned more about myself then I ever have before. Everything from the way I have had to council missionaries, council myself, overcome pride, and working as a team, I have realized just what I, Elder Schofield, need to do in order to become what and who the Lord wants me to be. Along with my study of the Book of Mormon I am still reading Jesus the Christ and right now I am reading about Christ´s last week on this earth. Never before have I really been able to understand even the slightest bit of Christ did for us but little by little I am learning and realizing that what de did for us, he truly did it alone, on a long and very lonely path, all because he loves us and wants nothing more than for us to return to him. I´m excited for this next change and for the new goal of getting to know my Savior even more.
This past week as a zone we decided that the only way we are going to be able to baptize at least thrity people this month is if we receive a MIRACLE. So durring our District Meeting we did a giant companionship study of just what a Miracle requires. We decided that it comes down to several steps which are found in DyC 103:36. I´m going to let you look it up and do a little study of your own, but Tarapoto is going to make it happen this month.

Ruined Suit, CTR Wedding Rings and Finally....Baptism! Yeah!

This past week the Mera Family FINALLY made it to the baptismal font. It has been quite a journey in helping them along their way but it was just another testimony that everyone progresses in their own way. Saturday night the font filled up, the members arrived, hymns were sung, and the couple was baptized. It was really neat because I was able to baptize them with Elder Seaman and before entering the font Gerlin and Ynes were bickering about who was going to be baptized first because they both wanted to do it first, so Gerlin decided that the four of us would enter the font together and do it at the same time. Well things don´t really work like that but all that matters is that they both got baptized and are oh so happy ahora.

Committed to Each Other--CTR Style!

Another funny from the wedding of the Mera family is that they weren’t able to afford wedding rings so we told them not to worry about that and that we would come up with something. We thought for a while and decided that we should talk to the Primary President to see if she had those green CTR rings that she could give us. She did and so Gerlin and Inyes are committed together with CTR rings.

Dry Clean Only?

This past week we were able to finally see the Mera family meet their goal by getting married this past weekend. Some things came up and they weren’t able to get baptized this past weekend but we are working hard with them so that they can meet that goal this weekend. It was really a neat experience seeing this young couple take such big strides in putting their lives in order. It is really a rare thing to see here in Peru, a young couple with lots of influences from the world, to have the courage to do what’s right and what will bring them closer together and strengthen their family. The branch really came together to help put together a really special reception for them after the wedding. Everything from Inca Cola to chicken and rice was served! Gerlin didn’t have a suit to wear so I was quick to lend him mine and it fit him just right. Inyes wanted to return the favor and thank me for lending my suit so she took it upon herself to wash my suit for me. Last night when we stopped by to pick it up she told me that it was “drying”. Now the word drying doesn’t go together really well with a suit that is only meant to be Dry-Cleaned. I couldn’t help but laugh and just look on the brightside because all she wanted to do was make it up to me and seeing how innocent she was just made it all worth it. I explained to them that it was a dry-clean suit and Gerlin asked “what the heck is that”. Yeah I can’t help but love them but today I will see how my suit turned out so if it doesn’t turn out to great, don’t be alarmed if you see that I have taken out some money to find a replacement.

PS...The suit did not survive! It was only a Costco suit, so it lasted pretty darn well. What a memory!

Wearing The Name Tag With Pride

Your missionary son is doing really quite well and wearing his plaque with lots of pride and thankfulness. Its funny you should say something about my plaque because this past week I was thinking about just that. Even though it might not have the same significance to others who see it, it is a symbol of a call that has come from our Savior to represent him and bring his children home. It is what sets us apart from the world and we should always be worthy to wear it.

"I Will Always Be Their Missionary"

This weekend we are going to get the Mera Family married and BAPTIZED. Inyes and Gerlin is really a young couple with so much excitement and desires to do what’s right and put their lives in order. They have two little kids who make it quite an adventure trying to teach but its all part of the experience. This is the first family that I will get married outside of a massive marriage so it has been quite a little learning experience for me. Lots of papers, lots of time in lines, but by small and simple things are great things brought to pass. I love this little family and helping them along to really find the happiness and joy that lasts.
This last week we had interviews and I had a really neat conversation with President Perez. President Perez is a convert to the church and this last interview he was sharing with me about how the people i find and teach will always remember me and what I did for them. He said that “I will always be their missionary” and knowing that he was a convert I asked him who his missionary was. He said he didn´t want anything to do with the missionaries instead his girlfriend (Sister Perez) and the ward mission leader taught him. I laughed because its kind of ironic. But it was just another testimony to me that the is truly the Lords work. I pray everyday that the seeds I sow might someday sprout and take root so that my family here in Peru can also have the same blessings and joy that I have thanks to the Restored Gospel.
Well Family you all take care and remember how much I love you. Thanks for the great letters and words of encouragement. Oh how lucky and blessed I am.

Special Weekend With Special People

I´m so glad that I can just say that it was another week in Paradise and what a very special week it was. We are already able to see a lot of the fruits from our labors and efforts here in Tarapoto and everything just seems to be getting stronger and stronger little by little.

Elder Vasquez and I had a couple of very special baptisms this past week, one that I´m not soon to forget. We completed the Soria Ramirez family by baptizing the wife, Olga Ramirez. Olga is eighty years old and has been receiving the missionary lessons for over two years. Last year her husband Victor was baptized but Olga just couldn´t quite make the decision to enter the waters of baptism. It was kinda sad because for the longest time the missionaries stopped visiting her. We found her by looking through the old teaching records in our Area Book and decided to see how she was doing. We began teaching her, gaining her trust, and building a very special bond. She chose her own baptismal date and hung in there to make it a reality. It was so funny/special teaching her because he just had eye surgery and she has to wear really dark glasses and she never looked like she was paying attention until we would ask about what were teaching and she would give us a little summery of what we taught always followed by her simple testimony. She has a daughter who isn´t a member who had tried to discourage her from getting baptized but every time she would say something to Olga, Olga would tell her that what she was doing was what the Lord wanted her to do in this moment in her life. She is such a great example to me of strengh and following the Lords will even when its not easy.

Before entering the baptismal font she expressed to me that she wouldn´t be able to go up the steps that led to the font. I told her that I would have to carry her then, and that’s what I did. I picked her up in my arms and led her into the baptismal font. She was able to stand up for the prayer but in order to dunk her I had to pick her up again and lower her in the water. It was really a special experience for me, being able to help Olga make her first covenant with the Lord. I carried her out of the water and on her wrinkled and aged face was a smile from ear to ear. Even though she doesn’t have any teeth it made my day seeing how happy she was. We also baptized her granddaughter Micaela who had actually came from a little mountain village of Shapaja just to be baptized. It was a special weekend all around!

Make Every Day Count...

I love working with the leaders of a District because they take what we as Missionaries say alot more seriously because they have to answer to President Perez and we represent President Perez here in Tarapoto. Yesterday Elder Vasquez and I put on a giant training for the Branch Presidencies, Branch Missionaries, and Branch Mission Leaders. It went so well and turned out to be alot of fun. We know that the only way the Tarapoto will be able to become a stake is only if the leaders and the missionaries are able to work together and efficiently. We watched a few little videos as well as did some practices. I reminded me of the MTC with all of the practices and the awkwardness that was present but it was great for these leaders to put into practice the doctrine. That is kind of what Elder Vasquez and I are focusing on ¨Putting the Doctrine into action¨. Alot more Work and alot less Talk is what´s going to help Tarapoto progress.

I´m excited for the coming weekend because we have a few baptisms lined up with some very great and special people. I´ll have to wait until the next letter to tell you more about them. I´m so glad to hear that you are all happy and well and just loving life. Take advantage of every moment because once its gone, its gone forever. Make everyday count and end it without regrets. I know that this is the work of the Lord and I am so grateful to wear his name on my chest for two years. I know that we are lead today by an inspired and chosen prophet who loves us and if we follow him, we cannot fail. Never loose sight of just how blessed and loved we are. I love you all so much!

Landon's First Emergency Room Visit--And It's Peruvian Style! Ouch!

Like I´ve always said there just isn´t a dull moment in the mission and this week definitely supported that thought. I officially got my first experience with the Emergency Room and I got it Peruvian style.
Last Wednesday we did a giant service project as a zone where we were going to help clean up an elderly sisters garden and yard. We all showed up with our shovels, rakes, and machetes. We began by cutting limbs and branches and I wish the limbs part only pertained to the trees but it doesn’t always turn out the way you plan it. While I was cutting up high I hit a knot in the tree and it caused me to drop my machete and as it came down it decided to do a little damage. It gashed opened my left hand above the fingers and made for a lot of blood. I looked at it and looked at my comp and said ¨Hey Elder Vasquez, me corte, VAMOS! (Hey Elder Vasquez, I cut myself, LETS GO!) Elder Seaman, from SLC and my district leader, dutifully applied the first-aid techniques approved by the Boy Scouts of America by ripping his shirt in a masculine fashion and applying direct pressure to the wound...EPIC! We jumped in a little moto-taxi and headed for the nearest medical clinic to find the best medical attention which the jungles of Peru has to offer. Luckily it was only two blocks but seeing the condition of the clinic I was definitely willing to look for another place but I didn´t complain. The first thing they asked us before letting us in was ¨Who´s going to pay?¨ and ¨What happened?¨ in that order. They took me into a back room and started to sow me back up. The bill came to a whomping 24 soles (8 dollars) which is great reflection of the quality of medical care that we can get here in the jungle. It was a great adventure but one that I don´t really want to experience again here soon.

Love You All!

Well family I hope this finds you all happy and well. I appreciate you all so much and love hearing about all the little things that you are all up to. Keep on keeping on and do what’s right. I love ya tons and don´t you forget it!
PS Can you thank Bill Workman for the great letter that he wrote me this past week? I am going to write him a hand written one this week but just let him know that it meant a lot to me. Thanks!

A Camping Trip Every Night!

We got settled in our new little cottage and needless to say, we are definitely showing an example of humility. Our entire zone has really nice rooms with everything they need, while Elder Vasquez and I have a very tiny two room house with one little bathroom. The only parts that are covered by a roof are our bedroom (well part of it) and where we study. But I am not complaining, I feel like I am camping every night and it just can´t get any better than that. We have already had visits from frogs, snakes, and other junglish creatures, but its all part of the job. Besides, sitting on the toilet under a full sky of stars has got to be something that just not everyone gets to experience, lol.

I STILL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO!

I absolutely love my zone of Tarapoto and the way that my bunch of Elders are already meshing together and enjoying the joy that this work brings. They definitely make my responsibilities light and worth wild. I am so thankful for Elder Vasquez and everything he has already taught me. He is a great guy with lots of patience with me. Being zone leader has really made me look at the work in a different way and has really helped me to widen by vision as a missionary. It’s definitely a time to learn and grow and to make every second count. I have loved all of the little obstacles and new challenges that the Lord has trusted me with, and I feel as if I did my best and learned what he wanted me to learn. BUT I STILL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO!

Elder Holland's Special Easter Message From Conference

And for our Spanish speaking friends--

Landon's Testimony of Conference

Yesterday afternoon, as the afternoon session concluded I turned to one of the Elders in my zone and told him ¨I wish conference was all day everyday¨. I came away from this Aprils conference full of new energy, excitement, determination, and a stronger sense of the love that our Heavenly Father has for us. One thing is for sure though; no matter what is going on in the world we will always have that shining beacon showing us the way if we always follow the councils of our loving Prophet, Thomas S. Monson.

This last conference I decided to do something a little different to try to get the most out of it and to give me the chance to receive my own personal revelation. I thought of ten questions that I thought we help me grow as a person and my ability to show this Gospel. Everyone one of my questions was answered more than once in so many different ways. I want to share one of the questions that I thought of as well as the answers I received. I asked myself ¨How can I strengthen my Family while being far away. ¨ One thing that seemed to always come up was our loyalty to the convenants that we as a family have made to be sealed together. If I do my part and stay worthy of the blessings that come from the temple, that example will leak out and help those around me. I loved how it was repeated so many times to draw near to the house of the Lord and to always be worthy of the blessings that can only come from the temple. I love you guys and hope that you never forget or doubt that for a moment. I know we are guided by a living prophet who loves us and will only show us the right thing to do. I have many imperfections and many things that I want to change, but I know I can always do better thanks to the love of my Heavenly Father.

Looking Forward to Conference!

I´m really excited for conference this weekend. Its amazing but even here in the remote mountain jungle of Peru, the saints will be able to participate. I love hearing the councils of our Prophets. I just want you to know that I sustain each and every one of them. They are men called of God in this time to prepare us to return with our loving Heavenly Father.

Well , family sorry this is short but I am alive, well, and just loving what gets thrown at me. I love you all, and i hope you can always see the love of our heavenly father in your lives.

The Lord is Mindful of Each of Us...

We have a great deal of work to do here in Tarapoto but the entire zone is looking forward to the challenge. Tarapoto is actually a district with about 5 little branches. Before we got on the plane President Perez told us quite frankly what our mission will entail. ¨Tarapoto has to be a stake by the end of the year¨. So that is what we are going to do, we have to build and strength Tarapoto enough to meet the requirements of being a Stake. I´m more than excited for the challenge and the trust that the Lord and President Perez has put in us.
I´m quickly learning that there is never a dull moment here in the mish. This past week we have been faced with the reality of not knowing the area, the land lady has given us by the end of the day to pack our bags and find a new house, and the assuredly that the Lord is taking great care of his missionaries. Even in the midst of so much worry and stress, the Lord quickly reminds me that he is there and willing to carry his part of the load. This past week I have really leaned on him alot and he hasn´t let me down. I have found the peace and comfort that comes from trusting in him and putting His will before my own. He loves and is taking care of me, as well as each one of you.

Loving the Work!

Saying that I am enjoying my time back in the Jungle World be an understatement!!! I´m in the coveted area of the mission, TARAPOTO!!! It is definitely what you would think of when you think of ¨Jungle¨. The jungle covered mountains and the white waterfalls, this place is amazing. Elder Vasquez and I have the Junglish area in the zone of which I am just happy with. We are constantly fording through muddy roads, hiding under palm trees to escape the rain, and eating our fair share of coconut and bananas. I love staring the day out with a clean white shirt and returning home at night covered in mud and being soaked to the bone. I´m just loving it!

Planting Good Seeds in Peru

Like the saying goes ¨You can count the seeds in an apple, but you can’t count the apples in a seed¨ I love this work!!!

¨Encontré mi AMIGO!¨ (I found my Friend!)

This past week I was reminded of just how special my time in Iquitos was and how it has a big spot in my heart. During my time there we befriended a less active member and began working with him to get him active and excited about serving a mission. His name is Elmer Garcia. We would always invite him to go on visits with us and sometimes late at night he would show up at our room looking for someone to talk to. We shared a lot of great moments together including the receiving his mission call. While his was waiting for his call to arrive he came to our room late one night to share with us a dream that he had.
He was in the Pre existence with all of his family and a friend. The friend that he was with was he best friend in the pre existence but didn’t know his name or remember very well his face. He remembers the way that they both felt together and waiting for their call to come to earth. He said that he felt the same excitement and feelings waiting for his call to come to earth as he feels for his mission call. Then one day a messenger came and delivered two letters, one to Elmer and one to his friend. The letter to Elmer said that he had bee called to earth and would be raised in the true church and would have many challenges but would be able to share the truth with many. The letter to his friend said that he wouldn’t be raised in the truth but would pass threw many hard times, confused with the meaning of life, and would have to work hard to find the truth and return to God’s presence. Before the dream ended Elmer made a promise to his friend that he would do everything possible to find him and bring him the truth. As he told us the dream he mentioned that he wasn’t quite sure what it meant but that he knew that what he was doing, with going on a mission, felt like the right thing to do. When I left Iquitos he left for the CCM and I hadn’t heard from him since until last week when I got a letter from him. It was a full piece of paper with three words on it ¨Encontré mi AMIGO¨. (I found my Friend). It was such a strong sense of accomplish and strength to me, knowing that he is being a worthy servant of God and that he is an instrument in his hands. This is Lords work and we are finding his children, our friend, and our brothers and sisters.
Well family sorry this letter isn’t too newsy but I really wanted to share that experience with you all. By small and simple things are great things brought to pass. We can’t underestimate even the smallest of efforts to share this great message.

Where Is Landon?

Well its that time again, six weeks down which means TRANSFERS! Well my wish came true and I am heading back to the Jungle. I’m not going back to Iquitos but instead I’m going to Tarapoto. Its what they call ¨selva alta¨ (high jungle) so its going to be mountainous and junglish, a mix of two of my favorite terrains. My new comp is going to be Elder Vasquez and the two of us are entering the area new as Zone Leaders. I’m definitely excited for the change and for all of the new adventures that await me there in Tarapoto. I’m going to miss working so close with each missionary from my district and giving them trainings every week but I’m excited for the new challenges and opportunities which await. This is a video from Tarapoto. It is in Spanish, so I don't know what is says, but the pictures are awesome and the people seem so inviting. Located in the High Amazon Jungle of Northeastern Peru, Tarapoto is the center of the regions economic activity. With it´s easy access to the jungle, tropical climate, spectacular scenery, and fascinating indigenous cultures,Tarapoto has much to offer. This certainly offers two of Landon's favorite places to be-mountains and jungles!

A Break From Chicken and Rice!

Well today my old pensionista from Palermo, ANGELA, invited us over for lunch and she is going to make us TACOS. Yes I know, it is something that doesn’t include rice or chicken, so by hearing that I was totally willing to take her up on her offer. I worked with one of the Zone Leaders last week in Palermo so it was great to see how the area has progressed and how the work just keeps on chugging

Can We Help?

I have a bit of a funny to share with you that happened to us with one of our appointments. We are teaching a guy whose wife delivers babies inside her house and one morning we went to teach him and he answers the door and tells us that he ¨esta con parto¨ (He’s delivering a baby). Well being the gringo that I am, I didn’t understand him correctly and I instantly ask him if we can HELP! He gave me the funniest look and then it hit me just what exactly he told us. We arranged another appointment to return and we went on our way. Yeah it’s good to laugh at yourself at times as well.

Learning More Leadership Skills

I can’t believe this change is almost over, I feel as if it just got started. We finished the week a several baptisms both here in Puente Piedra as well as a few back in Los Rosales. I feel as if I have finally come around and have realized just what the Lord was trying to teach me by leaving Los Rosales and still putting me in charge of the work and its progress.
Having to lead an area without being in that area requires a lot of trust and confidence in others, knowing that they are going to do their part to get things done. Before the mission I wasn’t one who put a lot of trust in others with respect to important things that needed to get done. I have always been one of those ¨I’ll do it my self kind of guys¨. Not really willing to pass the load or rely on to many people to get things done. This last change has been quite a big growing experience for me, one that I know I will always look back on and be thankful for it. I have had to rely on so many people to verify the progress of my investigators, accompany them to church, help to answer questions, and aiding them with overcoming challenges. At first I found my self really frustrated sharing the load but as time went on I realized that I was actually learning a very valuable and life long trait. I’m so thankful for the little challenges and bumps in the road that the Lord gives me because I always learn something new and he helps me to grow so much. If we always look at the bumps of life with a positive attitude, we will always come away that much stronger and that much closer to the Lord.

Time Is Flying!!

I did receive your package last week and loved everything in it, especially the CALENDAR! It’s hard to believe that you are able to already make a calendar we more than a years worth of pictures, TIME IS FLYING!!! It brought back so many great memories as well as feeling the love and support you all show me. It is hung proudly on my wall, Thanks so much. And yes the Twinkies and cupcakes were very well received!

It sounds as if Brian and Dad had a good time in the SNOW! I hope you all have another great week. I know I say it a lot, but thank you so much for the great letters and news from the home front. Its so exciting and great to see how each and every one of you are growing so much and how the Lord continues to bless and take care of you all. I love you all and think the world of each and everyone of you. Love you tons and then some!

An Interesting Encounter

I´m not quite sure what happened this week but we sure had our fair share of running into some of the strangest people with the most ridiculous way of looking at things. It is usually a common everyday thing to make a contact with someone who thinks that we came strait from hell to pollute and destroy men. But this week we ran into people from the church called ¨The Ark of Jesus¨, Israelites, Atheists, and the list continues. But one of our surprise encounters came from a contact that we made who invited us back the next day to teach him more. When we arrived at his house we discovered that he had invited some ¨friends¨ to come and listen as well. Before we entered his house I just had a strange feeling, I turned to Elder Andrade and whispered to him ¨They are only here to contend, we will just answer their questions, bear testimony, and we are out¨. That is just what we did it was amazing.

I instantly opened the floor up for questions and once they started asking us things Elder Andrade and I both felt as if someone else took over and began speaking to them through us. We answered every one of their questions with scriptures and testimony and by the end of the lesson they honestly could not ask us anything else. They were honestly trembling trying to come up with something to contradict us. We both ended with out testimony of the Restoration and how today we are guided by a living prophet. When we got up to leave one of the friends that was invited to listen to us pulled us aside and asked us to come to his house to teach him more. It was one of those long shot miracles that you wish for, and it happened.

The Lord Directs This Work

Last Wednesday we had our interviews with President Perez and I was really looking forward to being able to talk with him a little about the situation in Los Rosales. He told me that he was in constant contact with President Alarcon but President Perez doesn’t feel like missionaries will be back there within six months. When I heard that my heart just sank. Even though I was disappointed and a little discouraged I had to just pull myself together and remember that I am not the one guiding this work. The Lord knows what is best and when the time is right he will give the nod to President Perez and missionaries will be back in Los Rosales. President wants me to keep in contact with the Leaders and all of the investigators so that things keep rolling and they still have success. I’m so thankful for modern day revelation and how that is the way the Lord directs this work. I know that President Perez was and is called of God to be our President here in the North Mission.