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)

I Heard From The Cubas Rios Family!!

Last week while we were in the offices delivering our weekly package the Records Secretary came up to me and asked “Do you know a Cubas Rios Family from Iquitos?” I instantly lit up and wanted to know what was up. He told me that Flor was on the phone and wanted to say hi before I left. It might have been stretching the rules a little bit but he gave me five minutes to say hi and see how they were doing. The first thing Flor told me was that “the Lord is blessing us in so many ways”. Hearing that put a smile on my face that was impossible to wipe off. Percy’s work is going great and he has taken a much higher position and is earning more. Their son Percy (who has some kind of disease that is slowing destroying his muscle) hasn’t been able to come to Lima for treatment due to the lack of funding but now with Percy’s new pay raise they are planning on coming before the end of the year. It was so great to hear from them and knowing that they are staying strong in the church and that the Lord is taking great care of them.

The People Here Continue To Be Blessed

Our church building is going to get destroyed next month and rebuilt during the next year which means that we have to find a Casa Capilla (I’m not real sure how to say that in English). It will be fun to be back in a Casa Capilla!!
We had a baptism this past Saturday of a very very very brave young man. Jean Soza is seventeen years old and has had quite the journey in getting ready for his baptism. He has been investigating the church for over a year due to an invite from a friend to attend church. After feeling that what we believe is true the next step was to obtain permission from his parents in order to be baptized. His parents didn’t want to give permission because they hadn’t seen much of a change in him. He began attending seminary as well as the activities for the youth. With the help of his church friends he was able to stop drinking as well as use drugs. I have only know him for about a month and seeing him now I couldn’t have ever guess that he use to be involved with those things. He has come a very long ways and has a very strong testimony of the Gospel.
We had to change Zinos baptism for the twenty-ninth because of a work issue but we visited him last night and we found him more than happy, a little discouraged that he won’t be able to get baptized this week but excited that he will only have to wait one more week.

Blessing the Sacrament....

Things are really coming together here in this little part of Lima. Our zone is really working great this month and I’m sure that momentum will carry over to next month as well. Our little branch completed one month of existence yesterday. The members might be few but they sure bring a strong spirit with them every Sunday. Something that I forgot to mention is that Elder Cruz and I are fortunate enough to be blessing and preparing the Sacrament again. I have forgotten just how neat it is to have a role in the Sacrament. It’s like a giant flashback of the first time I was able to bless it. I still remember it, I was still gimping around with my crutches due to my foot surgery and in order to stand up and get close to the table I had to hop. I had to stand on one leg and I remember that I kept hitting my gimp leg on the little stool that was there and it took everything I had to not yell due to the pain. Blessing and preparing the sacrament was probably something I took for granted at the time but now I’m thankful that I was able to have the opportunity.

Our Human Alarm Clock/Vendor!

Last week I forgot to tell you but for the first time in my mission I don´t have a pensionista and you guessed it, I am cooking in my apartment. I actually wish that I could have cooked for myself a lot earlier in my mission. We have a single burner electric stove which seems to be sufficient for the two of us. I buy my fruit and bread every morning from the street venders who pass our house every morning and shout “PLATANO, PIÑA, MANDARINA FRESCA. UN KILO POR UN SOL”. It works out really great because he also serves as our alarm clock. So hopefully I return home with some kind of cooking ability.
Well family I hope you are all doing great. I love you so much and am so grateful for the endless support and love that you show me. It is definitely felt here in Peru. Love you All.

Our Museum Tour

Monday for our PDay we went to the center of Lima to go visit a few museums. We went to the Convent of San Francisco. It is one of the many Catholic Cathedrals here in Lima but the thing that sets this one apart is that it houses the catacombs where the victims of the Spanish Inquisition are. We have an investigator who works there giving tours who made arrangements to visit free of charge and he led our zone on a tour. Lets just say that it was a whole lot of Apostasy thrown right at us. I had always read about these kind of catacombs but to actually be there seeing all of the bones and mass graves was really somehting different. We took advantage of the opportunity to teach our investigator, Elvis Torres, about the great apostasy and how with out the divine guidance of a prophet confusion covers the earth and things like the Spanish Inquisition happen. It was a great hands on lesson you could say. We also visited the Presidents Palace and the main square in down town Lima.

The Miracle of Meeting Zino

Working in our little Trapiche Branch is really great because there hasn´t been missionaries there in quite some time and so we are constantly trying to find new investigators. Last Wednesday night, before returning home, we decided to know five more doors. We decided to know a row of doors to see if we could enter one more house before calling it a day. One by one the rejection excuses were thrown at us until we knocked the last door. Zino Salas opened up and to our surprise told us “I´ve been waiting for you, come on in”. First off, strangers inviting you into their houses is something that just doesn’t happen very oftern here in Lima. Elder Cruz and I just looked at each other with very surprised looks on our faces. Come to find out, Zino has a daughter who is a member of the church but hasn´t attended in quite some time. Just this last week she had begun talking to her dad, Zino, about the church but she didn´t know how to get ahold us the Elders to come to here house to teach her dad. That night, we were fortunate enough to know his door, and right off Zino recognized who we were. Zino is set to be baptized the twenty-second of August and will be the first baptism in the newly organized Trapiche Branch.

More of That Pioneer Spirit in Peru

This past week has been one of the most fulfilling weeks that I have had in all of my mission. Elder Cruz and I worked extremely hard and the Lord blessed us in so many ways. Ever since I bore my testimony of Modern Day Pioneers, I have kind of put that as my motivation to keep on keeping on and to find those Modern Day Pioneers today. The Lord showed us quite a few of them and they have already had a huge impact on me and the way I look at the way the Lord really is guiding his work.
Last week while I was in another area dong a work visit with one of our district leaders, Elder Cruz made a contact with a man, which at the end of the day, didn´t think to much of it. A man who had been drinking approached him and began to express some of the problems he was having with his family and work. Elder Cruz invited him to church and made an appointment to visit him the next day. We arrived at his house and surprisingly he was there waiting for us. We listened to him for a few minutes and Elder Cruz and I both felt that what we had planned on teaching him wasn´t going to be what he needed to hear right now. We taught him the Plan of Salvation and let him with the commitment to attend church. He and his wife came Sunday afternoon and stayed for the entire time.
We visited them last night, and I left their house we such a strong feeling of thanks and joy its hard to describe. He told us that before meeting us he felt as if there wasn´t any hope for him or his family. The only thing that brought him peace was by drinking. He said that after our first visit with him, when we entered he felt as though his house had filled up with a good feeling and that when we left, we seemed to have taken that good feeling with us. He didn´t know what it was until he entered the church and he felt it again. Raul and his wife Edith are making the sacrifices to get married at the end of September and they already feel the need to get baptized. The Martinez family has that pioneer spirit about them and are making huge strides in their progress.

The Glow the Gospel Can Bring

I’m sure I have probably kept you on the edge of your seats for a few days but great things always take time. You guessed it, it has been yet another work load of a week even our PDay was jammed pack. Finding an hour to sit down a get a letter off might seem easy, but sometimes it proves to be just down right hard.
I have come to the conclusion that even though it might look like a giant litter box, Lima actually does have its own kind of beauty. It might not have the green mountains, or the crystal clear waterfalls, but the hills here in Lima do have a glow about them especially in the morning. We live on the third floor of our apartment so I am able to do my exercises every morning on our roof. The hills in the morning have a very unique blue glow about them and this last week it hit me that even Lima was part of Christs creation. I´ve got to shine through the grey and bring color to the lives of the people here, the color that only the Restored Gospel can bring.

Are There Pioneers Like That Today?

Yesterday we attended the fast and testimony meeting in our new little Trapiche Branch. The members might be few in number but they have very strong testimonies. Yesterday towards the end of the meeting I felt the need to get up and share my testimony with them. I bore testimony of modern day pioneers and how even though today we aren’t asked to leave our homes and cross the plains we are required to make other types of sacrifices. The members in that little Branch are modern day pioneers; they are making sacrifices in other ways so that the church can grow. I shared with them a little experience of when you use to tell me stories of our family who were also pioneers and how I use to ask myself, Are they pioneers like that today? Looking out over that little group of saints my question was answered. Throughout my time here in Peru I am so fortunate to meet modern day pioneers every day. The Pioneer spirit continues even today. Please go back and watch the Modern Day Pioneer Video Clip from July 24th on this blog. It is pretty powerful, just like Landon is describing.

Lots Of Work To Do

The new area is very new but the members are full of excitement to get to work. Elder Cruz and I are opening up two new areas within our zone. The San Felipe Stake recently divided a few wards and created new areas and Elder Cruz and I got assigned to work there. We are working in the San Carlos ward as well as a new branch called Trapiche. The other Stake that we are working with is called Santa Isabel. They recently presented a new stake wide missionary plan and we are more than excited to get to work with it and make it a reality. Putting it lightly we have got a big WORK LOAD ahead of us. The church is growing very quickly which means we have to become more and more efficient and diligent in our work.

Difficult Good-byes

It was definitely difficult to say goodbye to so many great people that I have truly learned to love. The Branch surprised me when they all showed up at the airport to see me off. It was a drop kick of emotion. I felt like Elder Groberg when he left his little island, in the little time I was there I made life long friends met people that I call family. HURRAH POR TARAPOTO!!!

A Goal Becomes Reality!

Monday night last week I was packing some things and trying to get organized when our phone rang. Elder Sanchez answered and it was President Del Aguila (The District President in Tarapoto). They talked for a few minutes and then Elder Sanchez simply put down the phone and looked me in the eyes and asked me ¨Do you know what President just asked me, TARAPOTO GOT APROVED TO BECOME A STAKE!!!¨ A few General Authorities will be visiting Tarapoto in about three weeks to begin the process of converting into a stake. What a neat way to leave Tarapoto. The leaders and the members have worked so hard to finally make their goal a reality and soon they will be receiving the blessings of a Stake.

The Work Is The Same...I'm Thankful For That!

The blue sky has turned grey, the stars at night have strangely disappeared, the moon has seemed to have lost its shine, and the sun has ceased to give off heat. These would be the signs that you are back in Lima. It’s taking a little bit of effort to get use to the cold nights once again but I hope by the end of this week I will be able to get settled in a little bit more. I already miss the Jungle and everything about it, but the work is the same and I’m thankful that no matter where I am, I am still a representative of Jesus Christ.

Elder Seaman is Coming Home!

One of my best friends from the mission is finishing this week. Elder Seaman, the one who epically cut his shirt with a machete to make a bandage for my machete cut finger, is going home this week. We talked on the phone for about an hour last night about everything. I’m definitely looking this kid up when I get home and he should be calling you as well to tell you all hey and to give you a little report about how I am doing. So if some gringo calls you and is having trouble speaking English it’s probably him!

Well, Family, your letter made my day and just like Kenadee I’m also “glad that we have a family forever”. Love you so much!

Many Fond Memories to Take With Me

Yesterday was probably the most special Sunday that I have had in quite a while. The Mera Family were in charge of the program and they did such a great job. Gerlin talked about service to others as well as to the Lord and Inyes talked about ways to strengthen the spirit within the home. The entire family also performed a special musical number “Choose the Right”. What a special thing to see before leaving Tarapoto. That little family has come such a long way with their spiritual progress as well as temporally. It’ll be hard to tell them goodbye but I know they will be fine, I’m leaving them in the Lords hands and as far as I am concerned, they is no better way to leave them.

La Banda de Shilcayo has really been a special place to spend four and a half months on my mission. I know it might seem the same with every area but you meet people who quickly become family and life-long friends. The miracle of it all is that no matter how far apart we are, as long as we are living correctly, the Gospel will keep us connected. I’m so thankful for the great amount of Trust that the Lord and President Perez have shown to me to be an instrument in helping Tarapoto become a Stake. It’s been a lot of work and we still have a ways to go but I feel as though in these last few months we were able to make some very large steps in reaching the goal. Keep them in your prayers!

We had a very neat weekend with the Baptism of Rosario Montes; she is the sister of Edelmira who got baptized two weeks ago. She is such a funny little lady, full of faith and innocence. Her sister Edelmira gave the closing prayer during the baptismal service and it was really special. She couldn’t help but hold back the tears expressing her thanks that her sister was finally able to put things in order to get baptized. Joel is going to need a little more time in order to clear up a few things but he is working hard in order to achieve his goal. I did his baptismal interview and it was such a neat experience for me. The power of the atonement is real is willing to help all those who seek it. Joel is such a great kid and I love him so much.

Farewell To Tarapoto.....

The dreaded six week change is up and the new transfers have arrived. I don’t know if I have been more not wanting a change in a of my mission. (Did that last sentence make sense?)It looks like I am on my death walk back to Lima where I will finish my last three changes before heading home. I’m heading to a Zone called Santidad (Carabayillo, Lima) where I will get to work with an Elder from my group Elder Cruz. I’m excited because from what I hear the zone is HUGE and it is in charge of TWO STAKES. Elder Sanchez started his mission there and told me that I will have to do a lot of False Tradition killing to help put things into order, well if it’s anything that I like to do its kill False Traditions. We fly out Wednesday morning but sadly I won’t be returning to Tarapoto.

The Lord's Church is Growing!

Things here in the District of Tarapoto are on the Up and Up. This weekend a representative from the Area offices in Lima is coming to have a meeting with us and the District Presidency in order to make the limits for the new stake. We are going to make the boundaries for the future stake. Also they are asking that Elder Sanchez and I begin looking for new pueblos to open up once Tarapoto becomes a stake. There are a handful of pueblos that we are visiting and trying to decide if missionaries could work there, wow what an experience. As of right now Tarapoto meets the requirements to become a Stake but once we become a stake, we have to instantly start branching out and expand. What an exciting time in this little part of the Jungle!!!
Well family I just want you to know that I love you and I know that where I am right now, is where the Lords wants me to be. This is his work and I know that he personally directs it. I love you all and thanks for everything.

Modern Day Pioneers

Elder Sanchez and I decided to do something a little different here in the zone to help our Elders be a little bit more awake and energized. We quickly found out that our zone is a little lazy when it comes to doing their morning exercises so in order to change that Elder Sanchez and I get up at 6:00 and arrive at the house of a companionship and we do our exercises together. Wow, what a blast! Seeing them roll out of bed, strap on their shoes, and waddle outside is priceless. We workout for about 20 minutes before we leave them t ready for the day. It also helps us to get our behinds out of bed a little bit earlier and to try to get a little bit of physical conditioning back in us.

miracles exist and happen even today...

The Gutierrez Family is doing so much better, what a special little miracle I was able to witness. Neiser has started coming back to church and the best part is that their oldest son Joel (19 years old) accepted a baptismal date for this Saturday. I met Joel with Elder Vasquez about three in a half months ago. He had a big addiction to alcohol and wasn’t associated with the best of friends. Elder Vasquez and I worked so hard with him, setting goals, making commitments, but we just couldn’t quite find a way to touch his heart. We began visiting him less and less throughout the week, until about two weeks ago when we decided to see how he was doing and to be able to introduce Elder Sanchez. We found him alone in his house and we began to talk. He shared with us some of his past experiences and some things that had happened to him ever since we stoped coming to visit him. He had since realized that true happiness comes from living the commandment and that the need to put his life in order is NOW. As he began sharing his young testimony with us I just felt restrained from talking in order to allow the spirit to keep on testifying. He looked us both in the eyes and said “on the twenty fifth I’m going to get baptized”. The spirit instantly filled to room and it just left the three of us speechless.

What a change I was able to witness in the life of Joel. I remember him telling us that all was lost with him and that we were just wasting time with him. Everyone has their moment and the Lord knows what his children need in order to realize just how much he loves them. Elder Sanchez and I made a commitment to bring a family to the church in the month of July, and as Joel said the closing prayer last Friday we both felt as if this was the family we were suppose to find and complete in the month of July. It might just seem like a little miracle but miracles exist and happen even today.

Thank you so much for your great letters and your words of encouragement. It brought with it a very strong spirit that was felt even here in Tarapoto, Peru. Thanks so much!!!
Never before have I been able to be more in tune with my companion than I have been with Elder Sanchez. The same inspiration comes to the both of us and before we even say anything to the other we already know what is going to be said. We have been able to make more efficient decisions and when it comes to helping an Elder over come a challenge or problem, we are able to work together to overcome any obstacle. Everything is done by the spirit and what a strong testimony it is to see how it works through the both of us. I guess that is what the Lords not only want for his missionaries but also for every husband and wife. In order to make it work the two of them must be in tune to the spirit so that they can work together to get over the bumps in life. Thank you so much mom and dad for being such a great example of that to me.

I LOVE MY MISSION!!!

Last night we had a pretty fun experience with a rat in our house. Don’t worry I have a great video of us dealing with it. It was a late night round up but at least we were able to sleep in peace. I’ve got to tell you, I wouldn’t change any one of my experiences for anything. I love every minute of every day even when things don’t go quite as well as planned. I’ve just got to keep on smiling and remember that if it doesn’t kill me it will only make me stronger. I LOVE MY MISSION!!!

The Lord Is Watching Out for His Children...

This past week Elder Sanchez and I have been so blessed with so many spiritual experiences. One came when we were teaching a family of recent converts who are passing through a tough time. As we began conversing with the dad, Neiser Gutierrez, he was quick to try to find someone to put blame for his problems and just trying to find a way to vent. As we allowed him to talk, I felt that something wasn’t right in the house or with the family. A few more minutes went by and then it hit me “Ask him if there is food in the house”. I cut him off in his talking and asked him “Neiser, is there food in the house for you and your family”. He looked at me with a look of joy and shame all at the same time. He suddenly broke down in tears and explained that for the last couple of days no one in his house has eaten and that he hadn’t commented that to anyone. That same night we called up the Branch President to come over and help to evaluate the situation in order to get food in the house. As we were walking back to our house we both were overcome with the sense of joy that comes from following the promptings of the spirit. It was another great testimony to me of the way the Lord watches out for his children through us. We are representatives of Jesus Christ and through us he takes care of each of his children.

More Memorable Baptisms

Saturday night was Merli´s and Edelmira´s baptism and what a special spiritual experience it was. Merli had a member baptize her and she did so well. When she came out of the water I was waiting up top with her towel and before he grabbed it she gave me a big THUMBS UP, its something I taught her. She was smiling ear to ear! Edelmira asked that I would baptize her and she also received another wittiness of the truthfulness of what she was doing. They are two of the sweetest people with two of the strongest testimonies I have heard. They both made huge sacrifices to make their baptism a reality, but in the end they could feel the Lord’s presence as they made their first covenant with Him.

The font water was another story though. Saturday afternoon it started to rain really hard which means that the tap water becomes very cloudy with sand and dirt. When we filled the font the water was a little bit more than dirty and sadly there wasn’t anyway to clear it up. It looked as if we had just filled it with river water but it didn’t scare Edelmira or Merli at all. It seriously looked as if we were baptizing in a septic tank but it was just another lifelong memory of the Lords work her in the Jungle.

I'm Certainly Not the One Calling the Shots

I’m glad your week went so great because mine did as well. It has been a wild rollercoaster ride like it usually is here in the Jungle but the Lord is definitely blessing us and watching over us every step of the way.

In a matter of two days two of our Elders got an emergency transfer which was quite a blow in and of itself. Our District Leader, Elder Gonzlez, got a called back to Lima to have an interview with the Bolivian Government to receive his visa to go back to his mission. Another Elder, Elder Steed, got called to work in the offices as the new Financial Secretary. Two of our strongest Elders have left the zone but its amazing how things just keep on keeping on. Elder Sanchez and I are now the district leaders and zone leaders here in Tarapoto, which means a bit more work but we are excited about it. After I got done feeling sorry for myself with the leaving of two of our Elders, it hit me more than ever that this really isn’t my work. I’m not the one calling shots, trusting in the Lord and trusting in his promises has really helped me to put things into perspective once again. He definitely knows what I need to learn and he knows just how to teach it to me, and I am so thankful for that.

The Blessings Continue

This next week we are going to baptize Pedro Fababa´s mom and sister. We baptized Pedro back in May and after a few bumps and twists his mom and sister have committed themselves to get baptized this weekend. Merli (Pedro´s sister) is 44 years old but has a bit of a learning disorder. She hasn´t every been able to thrive in a classroom setting or been able to understand even the most basic principles. But when we first met here we shared with her a spiritual thought and amazingly she understood the significance. Since then she has been offering her personal prayers as well as studying The Book of Mormon. She is progressing so well not only spiritually but also mentally. Yesterday she got up and bore her testimony in front of the entire Branch. What a special miracle it was to see her walk up front and to share with us something that she knows to be true. It was the highlight of my day. Her and he mom are going to get baptized Saturday and I’m sure they will surprise us with something special come Saturday.

Well family, I love you so much and have a hard time expressing my thanks to you. I know that what I am teaching to my brothers and sisters here in Tarapoto is true and that its blesses and changes lives. What makes it even more special is that I know that you know, oh how lucky I am. Thanks for everything!
ps tell Bill Workman that thanks to NYLT I have felt much more prepared to be a representative of Christ and that I too really miss working with the young men there. Tell them hi and give them a hug for me

The Banners Decoded--

Upon closer examination of some of the pictures, great truths were found.

Zona 9 de Octubre

2 Ne 7:7-8

For the Lord God will help me, therefore shall I not be confounded. Therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

And the Lord is near, and he justifieth me. Who will contend with me? Let us stand together. Who is mine adversary? Let him come near me, and I will smite him with the strength of my mouth.

Zona Barranca

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Zona Iquitos

Somo de la Selva (We are of the Forest)

Sedundo y si no sois uno no sois mios (If you are not one you are not mine)

Zona Independencia

From Elder Layton's blog we read: "Last week we made a title of liberty as a zone and the sisters in our zone took it home. Of course when it came back it was completely changed and pretty looking, but that`s what you'd expect from sisters. Today for pday we're going to climb the highest mountain/hill nearby (which is really high) and take a picture with it. All the Zones are doing it for a surprise for President Perez."


Zona Moyobamba & Zona T-Suyo

3 Ne 5:13

Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.

Zona Pro

Alma 48:17

Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.

Zona Pucallpa

Alma 26:12

Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.


Zona Puente Pidera

Puente Pidera means Stone Bridge, and you will notice in the picture that one of the missionaries must be quite the artist, because there is a drawing of a beautiful stone bridge on the flag, and also the words.... "The restoration of the Book of Mormon, will be a salvation to this generation"


Zona Tarapoto

Notice all of their t-shirts have a picture of a man hammering a stake with a big sledge hammer (mallet). The motto reads "a dios rogando y con el mazo dando" - "To God requesting and with the mallet giving"


Zona Ventanilla

"Cultiva la semilla para levantar" - "With work, the seed will rise"

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!