Take Luck

My Beloved Family,

It has really been a big adventure up to this point in my mission. I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father for all the things that have happened in the past 23 months 3 weeks. I absolutely cannot believe that this is my last letter home, it feels so weird to type this letter knowing that I wont be able to add anymore words after these. It kind of makes me feel like Moroni as he was writing his last words to us, I'm sure he thought about it a little more than I have but it puts it in perspective. I was so happy to read your emails today, it sounds like winter is coming with with full force now as October winds down and November starts up. I just hope all the leaves fall before I get home so I don't have to do a bunch of raking my first week back!

For me this week was real test. It didn't start out so well becuase nobody wanted to listen to us and a bunch of appointments fell through. That's nothing new but I kind of freaked out becuase I thought there's no way this can happen at the end of my mission, I have to be perfect from here on out. So those kinds of thoughts definately do not help the Spirit. But I trusted a lot in goodness and mercy of my Heavenly Father and He ended up blessing us. We worked pretty hard the last few days of the week and I just put the shoulder to the wheel hoping for good results. Then Sunday came. Sunday morning wasn't that cool because none of the investigators that said they were going to come to church actually came, frustrating. But in the afternoon we had a really good Branch Counsel where the Branch President layed down the law a little bit and encouraged everyone to actually work in their callings and take this more seriously. I like that in a leader, it doesn't really happen that much here in this part of Peru. So then after the good branch council the Lord blessed me with one of the coolest experiences of my mission.

Three days ago we contacted and taught a lady that goes to the Seventh Day Advent church. She accepted another appointment and wanted to hear more but she told us she was already baptized and that it was okay to keep talking to her but she didn't really expect to get baptized again. That's kind of discouraging but we planned accordingly to teach the Restoration and have her gain a testimony of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. So we passed by after the Branch Council and we started talking about the Restoration a little bit but then the conversation got turned to baptism. My comp started teaching baptism again and I didn't really know why but while he was teaching I felt the strong impression to talk about the Gift of the Holy Ghost and emphasize that. So we started talking about the Gift of the HG and she actually understood really well the importance of recieving the Holy Ghost. She admitted that she hadn't recieved the laying on of hands and felt like she needed to do it. When we felt it was right we challenged her to get baptized and she just stayed there, thinking. Then she started to tell us how last night she had a really powerful dream. She dreampt that she was dressed in white with all her family and they were outside the church (our church) and she was about to get baptized. She knew she had to get baptized again and she felt like god was telling her to do it but she didn't understand why. That is, she didn't understand till we taught her exactly what she wanted to know. Then she accepted the baptismal challenge for the 24th of November! It was really awesome and I know that the Lord prepares people to accept His gospel right when they need it.

Unfortunately I'm not going to be able to see the wedding and baptism of that family. It turns out they need to wait 15 days then they can get married. They're going to do it and wanted me to be there but its just not going to be possible till the 16th. I'm just grateful for the modern blessings of technology so I can keep talking to them and can see their baptismal pictures.

I hope this letter finds you all well. I'll see you all in the Salt Lake Airport on Wednesday November 7th. Hope I recognize you all! Have a good week and take luck.

Love,

Your Son and Brother,

Elder Child

Gettin Hot Hot Hot

Family!!!!

Thanks so much for all your letters and all your prayers this week. I've experienced some of the weirdest feelings this week becuase it seems like I can actually see the finish line up here in the near distance. It kind of makes me scared, nervous, happy, sad, home sick, mission sick, tired, and of course, hungry! So just wanted to thank you all for your prayers becuase I know that it could be so much worse without them. 

So this week was pretty action packed and I actually look back and think of all the stuff that happens to us everyday and I'm amazed. The first notable thing that actually happened is the subject of my email, its getting HOTTER! Last week all the people were like "its really weird this year becuase its still cold" and I was thinking, good I want it to stay that way. But the Lord heard the prayers of His sons and daughters here in Camana beucase everyday it has gotten hotter with a lot more sun too. If I wasn't a missionary it would be awesome to go to the beach and just enjoy it but since I'm hiking up hills in a suit everyday its not that fun. The other thing that has happened is the increase of mosquitos! They are driving me nuts. Repellant really only works for like an hour so I'm always putting it on. When I forget though it gets pretty horrible becuase they bite like crazy! Don't worry about me though becuase the Lord protects his missionaries.

This week we've seen the progress of a couple who are actually really interested in the church and want to get baptized. They are pretty cool. The lady is the sister of a member and the guy has a lot of friends who are members. The only problem is that they aren't married so we have to marry them. They were supposed to get married on Friday but we someone gave us "bad directions" and they didn't turn in the papers in time so they couldn't get married. It was kind of sad. But then I saw a little miracle in my life. We were talking to a member about our situation and she was like, "Why didn't you tell me before? Don't you guys know that the Mayor of Camanà is the godfather of my daughter? He'll do anything for me cuz we're best friends, if you want a free marriage he'll do us the favor, trust me, I've done it before." I was so grateful for that. We're going to nail down all the details this week so that they can get married and baptized next Friday, then they get confirmed my last Sunday in Peru. It would be such a cool experience to see them get married my last week in the mission, it would be a prayer answered for sure.

Well, so much other stuff has happened this week but I don't really have the time to do it. Just wait for a couple of weeks and we'll be talking all you want. I know the Lord lifts us and helps us becuase he did so with me Saturday and Sunday. I was going through a tough two days but my Father in Heaven blessed me with the strength to move on. Have a great week everybody and remember that your always in my prayers too!!

Love,

Elder Child

P.S. That news about the Cardinals almost killed me! I think I'll have to fast and pray like Enos so they can win tonight!! Please keep me updated!

P.S.S Congrats Nicole on the new "frosting" -

The Real World

Hey Family,

Thanks for all your love and thoughts this week. I've definately felt my savior closer to me these past days because even thought I'm used to being a missionary and I love doing it, there are still trials and days that just don't go as well as planned. But through it all I've grown do know that my Father in Heaven loves me and that I can make decisions that will make me happy in this life no matter what is going on around me. Feel free to send me as many letters as you want, I'm not complaining. It was funny to only see a couple this week as a response to what happened last week! As I think of it though I'm not really that far from talking to everyone of you so just hang tight. I also have to thank mom for making even more trunky than usually by painting me a nice picture of the canyons and the leaves in the fall. Its been about two years since I've seen a red or orange leaf so that's something I'd like to get back to.

I'm really amazed at just how much my view of the world and my view of people's decisions have changed on the mission. I have been blessed with a gift, probably one of my only gifts, of knowing why it's important to be obedient. It just makes sense to me, I really don't ask a lot of questions when it comes to commandments and rules and things like that. I also know that there is really no excuse to be disobedient then think that God will just forgive us becuase we had the "intention" to be a good person but for some excuse or another we weren't. I tell you all these things becuase we had the chance to visit a few more less active members and investigators who are really good people but who don't seem to aknowledge the importance of being obedient. We visited a man who got baptized more than 15 years ago and who really enjoyed listening to the missionaries and even gave them room and board. Little by little he fell away from the church. His excuse was that he had to work to support his family. He said that it wasn't possible to go to church on Sundays because if he did his kids would starve. I understood his concern but after establishing his faith in Jesus Christ we taught him what Jesus says to the Nephites in the Americas. Its when he reteaches the Sermon on the Mount and says that we shouldn't worry about what we are going to eat or drink or what we're going to wear, God will provide. I felt the spirit and knew it was true when we taught him that principle. But after I read the scripture he tells me, "Come on Elder, that was then, this is now. Unfortunately I have to live in the REAL world. Get serious." I felt really sad for him in that moment becuase he is missing out on so many blessings. Then I thought, you know what, THIS IS the REAL world. If we live by the teachings of our Savior, he really will bless us.

I think that we are sometimes the same as this good man who has real concerns about providing for his family. Do we REALLY believe in the scriptures? Do we apply them to ourselves? Or do we just think they are pretty stories? I know that if we trust in the scriptures and bind the Lord to His promises, we will never go hungry or fail in this life. I invite you all to ponder about your level of obedience and think about if you are putting up excuses to not be obedient. If there is something that impedes you to keep a commandment, really consider adapting your life so that you can keep that commandment.

This week was also really cool because we've seen some really good progress from some investigators. I'm amazed at how perfect the organization of the church is. Ward council can bless so many peoples' lives we just have to use it correctly. We are going to help a few couples get married in the next couple of weeks becuase there is going to be a free marriage soon! I'm excited for all the happy things that are going to go down after I leave, that makes me not want to leave! I hope you're all good and happy, I love you all!! Till next week!

Love,

Elder Child

P.S. October kills me because my team is going to REPEAT that playoff run of theirs!!! Just watch! (please tape the games)

Don't Ever Look Back

Hey Family,

I was pretty amazed at all the love I got in my inbox this morning, 11 huge letters just brimming with love and the spirit (and a little bit of sports but that's okay). I honestly have felt the savior's love for me through my family. The only problem is that I have about 10 mintues to write about my action packed fun filled week, lets go!!

So this week was pretty amazing, why you might ask? Oh I don't know probably becuase it was the GREATEST CONFERENCE EVER!!!!! There's definately not words (english or spanish) or exclamation points that can describe my feelings about conference. I laughed as the Prophet made a joke about the empty seats and his mother telling him he should have stayed with the piano (just so you know I'm having Karyn teach me the piano becuase I don't want to regret that). We were in a room with just us two americans and we were anxiously waiting for the temple announcements. He announced Tucson, Arizona then I was on the edge of my seat just waiting for what seemed like an hour then says in his prophetic voice of his "AREQUIPA, PERU"!!!! You could say we were a little bit pleased by that announcement! We both immediately jumped out of our chairs and starting yelling for joy. This missionary is going home with me, we've been together in the mission for two years and is a real friend of mine. We embraced and the the tears came easily as I thought about all the work we've been doing here for the past two years of my life!! I know that Thomas S. Monson is truly a prophet of God. I bear my testimony as the Lord's representative that He calls inspired men to do His work and that it is just that, His work. I've experienced more blessings and spiritual experiences in the last two years that I wouldn't trade it for the best job offer or the best sports offer. 

Needless to say that the entire conference spoke to me in a way that most people can't comprehend becuase just being in this service then feeling that connection with your mission and the Lord is something I will never experience ever again. My favorite talks were from Elder Nelson, Pres. Eyring, Elder Holland and of course the prophet. I heard that talk from Elder Holland when he gave it to the missionaries in the MTC teaching them to never go inactive after serving a mission but he once again spoke to my soul as he reiterated that for the entire church. My friend from St. George Elder Carr also loved the talk becuase Elder Holland is also from his home town of Santa Clara so that was special. 

Well, that's about it this week. Sorry about not writing more but my physical disablilities (and mental) at the keyboard keep me from typing more in just a few minutes. Keep the faith, be strong and trust your whole lives to the Lord. He has a plan and everything happens becuase he knows what's best for us. Can't wait to tell you everything else that happened this past week when we meet again.

Love,

Your Son,

And Brother,

Elder Child

He Does Listen

Hey family,

Thanks for all your letters, thoughts, prayers, and concerns I know I've really been strengthened by you all this week. This week was one of working in the Lords vineyard like always and I definately had a ton of spiritual experiencias with the members and investigators. Thanks for updating me on the weather over there in Zion, fall is a special time of year. Here its pretty much just overcast everyday (kind of boring). We're just entering spring here so its starting to warm up a little bit. I definately am glad that I'm going home the first part of november becuase as it gets warmer there comes a ton of mosquitos too and I do not want to live through that adventure.

So I got to know my comp a little more this week. Like I said he's pretty new, 3 months in the mission. He's from Paraguay and he's older than me, 24. We get along pretty well becuase he's pretty mature and level headed. Pretty much all of my comps have been pretty immature, even the ones older than me, so I've had to keep them planted on the earth most of the time. Its a good change to be able to concentrate on the work more and more every day. We've had some good experiences teaching together and he's already taught me a ton about how to follow the spirit and also about respecting people's agency. We aren't called here to force those around us to accept the gospel, we're here to invite them with the spirit, but if they don't want to accept it we just have to keep on talking to others who do. 

I feel really blessed by my Father in Heaven. I remember a talk President Monson gave when he was a little kid in the Great Depression and saved up 5 dollars but then lost it in the wash. He taught about prayer and about how God really does listen to us and loves us. This week I had a similar experience. I lost the memory card from my camera and along with some pictures that I really wanted to keep. I looked everywhere but couldn't find it. I have to admit that I was pretty sad becuase I really cherished those pictures and the memories they represented. I was praying to find it but still, nothing. I thought every thing was lost till today. I opened up my sock drawer and wouldn't you know it, there was my memory card with all those pictures I wanted! I felt so blessed in that moment. It wasn't something about life and death, but for me it was important and my Father in Heaven answered the humble prayer of one of His sons.

Things like that happen all the time to all of us. As I really ponder over that I recognize the Lord's hand in my life. We just need to remember to give thanks to God for all those little blessings we recieve everyday. I invite all of you to take some time and think about what you are grateful for. You'll have a spiritual experience I promise. This week is one of my favorites cuz its CONFERENCE!! I hope you can all listen to it. I'll be able to listen to it all in english so that's good. Have a good week everyone. Till next week.

Love,

Elder Child

P.S. Go Cards!! Please let me know what happens this week with the playoffs.

He Does Listen

Hey family,

Thanks for all your letters, thoughts, prayers, and concerns I know I've really been strengthened by you all this week. This week was one of working in the Lords vineyard like always and I definately had a ton of spiritual experiencias with the members and investigators. Thanks for updating me on the weather over there in Zion, fall is a special time of year. Here its pretty much just overcast everyday (kind of boring). We're just entering spring here so its starting to warm up a little bit. I definately am glad that I'm going home the first part of november becuase as it gets warmer there comes a ton of mosquitos too and I do not want to live through that adventure.

So I got to know my comp a little more this week. Like I said he's pretty new, 3 months in the mission. He's from Paraguay and he's older than me, 24. We get along pretty well becuase he's pretty mature and level headed. Pretty much all of my comps have been pretty immature, even the ones older than me, so I've had to keep them planted on the earth most of the time. Its a good change to be able to concentrate on the work more and more every day. We've had some good experiences teaching together and he's already taught me a ton about how to follow the spirit and also about respecting people's agency. We aren't called here to force those around us to accept the gospel, we're here to invite them with the spirit, but if they don't want to accept it we just have to keep on talking to others who do. 

I feel really blessed by my Father in Heaven. I remember a talk President Monson gave when he was a little kid in the Great Depression and saved up 5 dollars but then lost it in the wash. He taught about prayer and about how God really does listen to us and loves us. This week I had a similar experience. I lost the memory card from my camera and along with some pictures that I really wanted to keep. I looked everywhere but couldn't find it. I have to admit that I was pretty sad becuase I really cherished those pictures and the memories they represented. I was praying to find it but still, nothing. I thought every thing was lost till today. I opened up my sock drawer and wouldn't you know it, there was my memory card with all those pictures I wanted! I felt so blessed in that moment. It wasn't something about life and death, but for me it was important and my Father in Heaven answered the humble prayer of one of His sons.

Things like that happen all the time to all of us. As I really ponder over that I recognize the Lord's hand in my life. We just need to remember to give thanks to God for all those little blessings we recieve everyday. I invite all of you to take some time and think about what you are grateful for. You'll have a spiritual experience I promise. This week is one of my favorites cuz its CONFERENCE!! I hope you can all listen to it. I'll be able to listen to it all in english so that's good. Have a good week everyone. Till next week.

Love,

Elder Child

P.S. Go Cards!! Please let me know what happens this week with the playoffs.