Week 101 - Chimbote (his last week in the field)

Monday, August 7th, 2017

Well time is going by super fast it seems like. It is kind of an enemy I'm starting to realize as we are trying to help a few investigators progress in the gospel. I would love to be here to see them progress more and make covenants with our Heavenly Father, but I have come to realize that its not really about me and the work of the Lord always moves on. I am excited, however, to keep helping them this week.
This past week we had a pretty fun little lesson with our convert's kids. They want to get baptized and we have been teaching them the lessons little by little. This past week we decided to talk to them a little bit about the Plan of Salvation, and my companion had the great idea to use a little whiteboard that we have. It was actually pretty awesome. They learned so fast and in the end they were explaining to us the Plan of Salvation.
We also got to teach two converts in the church. It was a good time. They are really progressing quite a bit as they read their Books of Mormon and go to church. It was awesome to hear that they feel like their faith is growing as they strive to be obedient and live the gospel.
I have learned so much here in the mission and I can´t name all that I have learned. I am very grateful for the mission. I would just like to share one of the most important things I have learned. It is so important for each and every one of us to have faith. Faith helps us to live with a positive attitude and god also blesses us according to our faith. We can gain faith by acting and by relying on the Lord. The Lord wants us to be able to develop faith in this life and I know that that is one of the most important things we can do in this life.
I am excited for this last week here in Peru. It´s going to be a great week! I know this is the work of the Lord. I know that he directs it. I know that the through the atonement of Christ and his gospel we can overcome our weaknesses and become better.

I saw my last companion that I had in Huaraz, Elder Torres, in a training this week. 

Week 100 - Chimbote

July 31st, 2017

Another week has come and gone here in the mission. I am still learning a ton and we have a few people that are progressing in our area. The Lord´s work is moving forward. 
We have gotten to help one of our convert´s wife learn a little bit more and progress. She is so awesome and has come to church quite a few times now. We got to talk to her a little bit about the Plan of Salvation this past week. We are also trying to help her understand the importance of baptism as well. Her husband really wants for his wife to get baptized as well. It is always nice to know that the Lord is preparing the way so that his children can make covenants with him. I know that little by little she will have that desire and will get baptized.
This past week we also got to visit a few members that we haven´t gotten to visit much yet. One family that we got to visit has a son in the mission and it was really nice getting to visit with them. We got to read the scriptures with them and they expressed to us how grateful they are for the many blessings the Lord has given to them. They explained to us a little bit all that happened so that their son could go on the mission. I have realized here on the mission that the Lord really prepares a way so that young men can serve him as missionaries.
Last night, we had an awesome experience with a new family that we have started teaching this month. They had read a little bit about the restoration before our visit and we were able to help them understand the importance of the restoration. It is always so awesome when people are able to understand the importance of the restoration. The were excited to know that they could look for their own answer to know if our message is true. I am grateful for the restoration and I know that if one searches diligently to know if it really happened they can receive an answer.
I am grateful for the mission and for the opportunity to strengthen my faith every day. I know that having faith is a choice we can make each and every day. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored. 

Week 99 - Chimbote

July 24th, 2017

This past week was a pretty busy one and we have gotten the opportunity to know some great people. We are pretty excited. This next week should be another great one as well.
Last Monday we went to Trujillo for a training we had on Tuesday. It was a great training with President and Sister Ríos. They always teach us such important principles. This last week Sister Ríos talked a lot to us about the importance of being examples. I really enjoyed the training.
We didn't get back to our area until Tuesday night. We realized that we really had to get going on Wednesday so that we could have a good week in our area. We were able to teach some great people this past week. That was a blessing. We have been able to help a few people understand the Plan of Salvation more and it is awesome to see how that knowledge, and their faith in that knowledge, really helps people overcome difficult times.
This week we got to visit a few of our converts as well. It is always interesting to see how they are doing. There are always trials of faith for them I have realized, but as we were able to talk with a convert this week we we realized, once again, the importance of Lehi´s vision of the tree of life. We have to hold on to the iron rod if we don't want to go astray.
One of my favorite experiences from this past week was getting to know and teaching a young man. He came to church yesterday with his cousin and he is very interested in the church. He has listened to the missionaries before a while back. He had a few doubts, but we were able to help him find answers to his doubts, and he is really excited to read his Book of Mormon and prepare himself to be baptized.
I know the scriptures are true, and that if we study them with real intent we can receive answers. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored. I am grateful for the Savior and for his example.

Here is a picture of me on my first day in the mission field. 

haha I remember it as if it were yesterday.

One of my friends here in the mission, Elder Diaz, he is from Lima Perú. We took this picture after a training we had this last week.  

Here is a picture of our district from this past week.  

Week 98 - Chimbote

July 17, 2017

The weeks keep flying by here in the mission. This past week was another great one. We stayed busy almost all week teaching and finding which was a great blessing.
Last monday we decided to put into practice plan cookies. A couple of weeks ago we dicided that we needed to gain the confidence of the members here a little bit more, so we asked one of our companions for a chocolate chip cookie recipe. We made cookies in our penionista´s house, and they actually didnt turn out too bad considering we are pretty much rookies when it comes to making food. The members liked them and I think our plan worked. I have included a picture of our cookies.
We got to know a new family this week and we had a great experience with them. We had invited them to read the pamphlet about the restoration. They did it and when we got to their house they had a few questions about it. The dad had an awesome question. He asked us if there is a prophet in the world today or if there wasn´t any more prophets after the church was restored. We answered his question and he and his wife were pretty happy as we finished the lesson. It is so awesome when the people understand this message.
We also have been teaching an older man that is very willing to learn and has been coming to church for about a month now. We got to watch a little video about the restoration with him yesterday. He doesn´t know how to read, but he wants to have his kids read the Book of Mormon to him so he can know if it is true. I am grateful for the chance to help him and I know that the Lord always provides the means so that we can understand his teachings if we look with real intent.
This past week, on saturday, we had the church open house acivity in our church building which was a great time. a lot of the members brought their friends and family to the activity. The members can be such great instruments in this work. It is always a blessing getting to work with them.
I know that the Church is true. I am grateful that the Church has been restored and that there is a prophet and twelve apostles in the world today.

The Elder's with their cookies

Week 97 - Chimbote

July 10, 2017

This past week was another great one here in Chimbote Central. It has been such a busy week, but it has been awesome. I'm excited for one more transfer here in my area.
Last Tuesday we got up pretty early and went to the bus terminal for the transfers. My new companion got here on Tuesday night, and we have been having a great time since he got here. He is a great missionary and he has an awesome attitude. These next few weeks are going to be awesome.
One of my favorite experiences from this past week was getting to listen to one of the families we are teaching tell us one of their experiences. They had a few differences in their family, and they just wanted everything to calm down and they wanted their kids to talk and work things out. They decided to pray together, and they prayed sincerely for their family. A little later their kids were able to talk and work things out. They are so happy now that their family is doing better. I know that the small and simple things of the gospel can make such a big difference.
This week while we were contacting a family one of their neighbors came over to give them something, and while they were talking we got to know their neighbor and she told us to come by here house when we had time. We made time a little bit later to go visit her and her family. They are an awesome family. It is always a big blessing getting to know new families. The Lord´s work is always moving forward.
One of the funniest experiences from this past week was with one of our convert´s son. He is preparing to get baptized and we talked to him a little bit this week about the first principles and ordinances of the gospel. We talked to his primary teacher after church this Sunday and she told us that in her class he was participating quite a bit and that he had asked her what it meant to have faith. My companion and I laughed a little bit as we heard that because the day before we had explained that to him. We are excited to get to help him a little bit more this week. He is a great kid.
I know that this is the Lord´s work. I know that as we live the first principles and receive the ordinances of the gospel we become more like the Savior and our families are blessed. I know that the gospel has been restored. I am very grateful for that.

Week 96 - Chimbote

July 3rd, 2017

This past week was another great one. At times it was a little tough finding people to teach, but by the end of the week we were pretty busy. We also got to spend a little bit of time with President and Sister Ríos.
Last Tuesday, we got to teach one of our converts, Hermana Fany. We talked to her a little bit about the first principles and ordinances of the gospel. As we finished the lesson we helped her to understand that the small and simple things are what are so important. As we strive to live the gospel I really think it`s so important to keep it simple. As we finished the lesson she expressed to us that as she learns more and gains more experiences she is realizing more and more that she is doing what is right.
This week I got to serve one day with one of my old companions, Elder Pacherres. We did an exchange and it was a great day. He is a very diligent missionary. One of my favorite lessons was with a new family that we found. We found them in the night and they told us that they didn't have a ton of time to talk, so we talked to them a little bit about how the gospel blesses families. That is something that always brings the spirit. At the end of the lesson they were very grateful and the dad gave us a hug. It was a pretty cool experience.
One of the highlights of this week was an actividad that we had with almost all the missionaries in the Zone. We had a church open house activity with President, Sister Ríos, and two wards here in Chimbote. We went out and invited people to the activity and Hermana Ríos went with us as well and we knocked on doors and the church was pretty full all night. It was a good time.
Yesterday,we had a little training during third hour, by President and Sister Ríos, for the open house that we are going to do in our ward in a couple of weeks. After church they came to our room and left a few of the banners there and our pensionista invited them to eat lunch with us. It was pretty awesome getting to eat lunch with them and with our pensionista and her husband.
We also had transfers yesterday.....I am staying in my area! My new companion is going to be Elder Henao. He is awesome! We played football in the MTC when we were there! Im excited for these next few weeks!
I know this is the work of the Lord. I know he knows and loves us. I know that it is so important to have faith centered and focused on the Savior because that is what will drive us to have a positive attitude each and every day.
Here is a picture of our zone at the temple a few weeks ago.

templo

Zone Conference

Week 95 - Chimbote

Monday, June 26, 2017

This past week was another good week here in Chimbote. It´s winter here and I'm loving it.
We have a few investigators that are progressing pretty well and it´s great to see that. One of our investigators that we are visiting is Hermano Edson. He is awesome. We have been visiting for a couple months now and we got to meet his grandma yesterday. She has listened to the missionaries before and gone to family home evenings with the missionaries in the past as well. She has a picture that they took in a family home evening about fifteen years ago. It was nice to get to talk to her about the good experiences she had with the missionaries in the past and we are excited to get to keep helping them.
This week we got to visit Hermano Efren and his family a little bit. His wife is progressing little by little and that is great to see. One of the happiest moments of the whole week was getting to see them together in church yesterday. They aren't afraid to ask questions, and they are learning quite a bit. It is so cool to see how happy they get as they learn more. Going to church really is a big blessing that helps us to be strengthened for a new week.
This week President Ríos and Sister Ríos came and trained us. It was a great training. They helped us to realize that we need to rely on the spirit as we teach and help the people in our areas. Sometimes it´s easy to do things our way not relying on the spirit, but the only way to success in the Lord´s work is his way.
This past week we had a few interesting experiences listening to what people have heard or think about the church. It is always interesting listening to that. There is always opposition and its so cool to see the people´s reaction when we answer their questions. I have come to realize that what the Prophet said about the Book of Mormon is true. We have to always strengthen our testimony of the Book of Mormon in these latter days.
I know that the Lord has restored his church and that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet called of God. I know that the Lord´s work will never be frustrated.

Here is a picture of us eating cuy last Monday. We ate cuy and fried rabbit. It was pretty good actually.

Week 94 - Chimbote

Monday, June 19, 2017

These past two weeks have flown by and we have kept pretty busy. I will try and remember as much as I can to share with you.
Hermano Efren and his family are doing well. They have been been faced with a few trials lately, but that has given us the opportunity to help them to choose to have faith and press forward. His daughter, who was baptized a few months ago, has such a strong testimony of the Savior and she always amazes us. She shared with us an experience she had the past week with prayer. It is so awesome to see how people learn to have faith and rely on the Lord when they need help and strength. In a world where there is so many things one can look to for help it is awesome to see people looking to the right place for that help and receiving it. Hearing her testimony helped me to strengthen my testimony that God really does hear and answer our prayers.
About a month ago we knocked on a door and we got to meet a nice family. The mom let us in, and we got to teach them a few times in the following weeks. This past week, as we talked with the mom about a few things she had heard about the church from other people that brought her doubts, the mom told us that she is actually a member of the church. She had been baptized in Trujillo when she was a young lady. We were pretty surprised and we realized that the Lord doesn't forget his children and doesn't give up on them no matter where they are in their lives. We are excited to help her find the answers to her questions.
This past Friday we got to go to the temple. It was sooo awesome. President and Sister Ríos came with us. It was nice a big blessing getting to go to the temple. I feel strengthened and ready to press forward.
I know that the Lord loves and knows us. I know that the gospel can help us to get to where we want to be.

Here is a picture from the temple. This past week.

Week 93 - Chimbote

Friday, June 16, 2017

Mom and Dad,
I know its been a while since I've written you. We had p-day today because we got to go to the temple in Trujillo. It was sooooo awesome. We got to go through the temple with the whole zone and President and Sister Ríos. We don't have a lot of time to write because p-day ends here soon, but I just wanted to let you know that I am doing well and enjoying my time here in the mission. I will have a normal p-day on Monday, so I will be able to write you more then. Thanks for all you do for me. I have only had time to take a glimpse at a few pics you sent. It looks like it has been raining a ton at home! I'm sure it will be super green and stay that way for a while. Our investigators are doing well and Hermano Efren and his wife are doing well. as well. I love you! Have a great weekend! Take care!!!

Week 92 - Chimbote

Monday, June 5, 2017

This past week was a great week! It started out great and just got better as the week went on.
On Monday we had a couple family home evenings. The last one we had was with Hermano Efren and his daughter, Hermana Eva. We talked to Hermano Efren a little bit about his baptism. His daughter, who got baptized a few months ago bore her testimony to her dad and that really helped him make the firm decision to get baptized.
We got to visit Hermano Efren every day this past week, and on Wednesday he told us that he had to go to Trujillo for an appointment with his eye doctor. Thursday night, he told us that he had to have a little operation on Friday. We weren't really sure how everything was going to work out. He called us on Friday afternoon, however, and told us that he was good to go and that he wanted to have his interview that night. He got baptized on Saturday and it was such an awesome experience. I definitely feel very blessed that I have gotten the opportunity to help Hermano Efren with my companions and the members. He is so awesome. His wife and kids are very happy with the decision that he has made as well. It is awesome to see that. I have included a picture from his baptismal service.
This last week we also had interviews with President Ríos and the assistants taught us a little bit about how we should study and use the scriptures. They were both really edifying experiences and I got to learn a few new things. It is so interesting how one can learn so much from the scriptures if he just takes his time to read them and also ponder in what he is reading.
I know that this is the work of the Lord. I know that all of the success that we can have is thanks to Him. I know that he has a plan and if we are obedient we can receive all of the blessings that he has to offer us.

Week 91 - Chimbote

Monday, May 29, 2017

This last week was a great week! I learned a few new things this past week and we got to see few people progress a little bit more. The week ended on a great note. We were very saw many blessings in the church yesterday.
Last Monday, we had a nice little family home evening with a family, and they invited their neighbors for a little lesson as well. It was a good evening. It is always fun to work alongside the members.
Hermano Efren and his wife, Hermana Eva, are doing very well. We got to teach them a little bit this week, and as always they were very grateful for the visit. We are very blessed to be able to teach such great people. They came to church together this past Sunday and they left after the meeting with smiles on their faces. This work is very rewarding. It was so great to see that they were together and happy.
This past week we got to teach hermano Edson again. He is doing well and we were able to talk to him a little bit about the Plan of Salvation. We were able to answer a lot of questions that he had as well. The more I learn about the Plan of Salvation the more I realize how perfect it is.
Yesterday many of our investigators were able to go to church. That was a so great to see. I have come to realize that when one goes to church one leaves feeling good and we get reminded of the most important things in life.
I am very grateful for my two companions and all that we are learning together. I know that this is the work of the Lord and that he directs it. One of the speakers this past Sunday in church said something that I really liked. He said, ¨querer is poder¨ which means basically if you want to do something you will be able to do it.  I know that the atonement of Christ can heal and strengthen us throughout our whole lives if we really want it to.

Week 90 - Chimbote

Monday, May 22, 2017

This past week was a great week. We were super busy and we also received a visit from President and Sister Ríos. It´s always nice see them.
Last Monday we taught Hermana Fany her last lesson. She has learned a ton in these past few weeks and got baptized this Saturday. It was a great baptism. A lot of the members came to support her as well so that was awesome to see. I really liked the bishop´s welcome that he gave to her. Her basically told her that her family got a lot bigger and she has a lot more brothers and sisters with imperfections and talents. I am very grateful to be serving here in my area at this time.
Our Investigator, Hermano Efren, is doing very well. He went to church yesterday and it is just so awesome to see how active he is in the classes. He really does find joy learning about the gospel and seeing it makes me pretty happy.
Another investigator that we have only been teaching for a few weeks, Hermano Edson, came to church for the first time this past week as well. He is 19 years old and has gone to a few churches before. He had a great experience at church yesterday. The members were all super friendly and we got to go visit him with one of the members after church. We talked a little bit about The Book of Mormon with him, and at the end of our visit Hermano Edson shared his testimony with us. He told us that he knows that we didn't get to his house just by chance.
Getting to teach such great people reminds me that we don't work alone in this great work. I know that the Lord prepares his children, and as President Ríos taught us this week there are many people just waiting for us to find them.
This past week President and Sister Ríos came to our room and checked it out to make sure that we are keeping things in order. It was great to have their visit. I know they are called of God.
Yesterday, we had transfers. I am going to be staying here in my area for one more transfer with my two companions. I am excited for one more transfer here.
I know that this is the work of the Lord and I know that our obedience brings us blessings.

My companions, Hermano Jorge, Hermana Fany, and myself

all of the missionaries in Chimbote and Casmaa after a training this past week

Week 89 - Chimbote

Monday, May 15, 2017

This past week was a great week full of many blessings. We got to know a few new people. We also had some very uplifting experiences.
Last Monday night my companion and I traveled to Trujillo with a few other missionaries and we had a training last Tuesday with President Ríos, Sister Ríos, and the assistants. We talked about Christlike attributes and they really helped us realize that we have to love our missions. I will never forget what my parents and a friend told me a while ago, that we can only control our attitude and our effort. I have been very blessed and I have been able to find joy in The Lords´s work. I know that being a full time missionary for two years is a great blessing.
This past week we got to teach Hermano Efren and his wife, Hermana Eva, they are very loving people and are always so grateful for our visits. This week was actually the first time that we got to teach Hermana Eva. She has been going to another church, but has decided to listen to us after seeing how happy her daughter and husband are in the church. I know that the gospel blesses families and we are very excited for the chance to help their family.
Hermana Fany is still progressing as well. She has progressed so much and has decided to get baptized this Saturday. We got to talk to her a little bit about the commandments this past week. She was very willing to live them. It is interesting how our faith in the basic principles of the gospel helps us to strive to be obedient to all of the commandments.
Yesterday, Mother´s Day, was an awesome day. Getting to Skype the family was great as always! Then in the afternoon when we arrived to the door of a member´s house I saw a little family on the sidewalk waiting for a bus. As I got closer I realized that I knew the family. It was Hermana Monica and her two kids. She lives in Viru. She is one of Elder Herget and I´s converts. It was great to see her and her family. She told me that they are all doing great. It was awesome to hear that.
I know this is the Lord´s work. I know that families are so important in God´s plan.

Here is a picture from our training in Trujillo. There´s more pictures on the mission blog as well!

Week 88 - Chimbote

Monday, May 8, 2017

This past week was amazing. The Lord really is hastening his work. We also had stake conference, and that was a great way to end the week.
Last week started off pretty well. We stayed busy finding a few new people to teach and teaching our investigators. On Thursday we did some splits and I went with our ward mission leader, Hermano Jaime, to visit a few members. It was a great experience. I have learned just how important it is to take care of the people who have entered into this straight and narrow path because they still stumble and have trials in their lives as well. I have learned, however, that if we are obedient we will receive the strength necessary to press forward,
Hermano Efren is doing much better and we got to talk to him a little bit this week. He is so awesome. He has so much potential and it´s so great to talk to him and see his point of view. He really strives to see people as the Savior does. He went to stake conference yesterday and really liked it, so we were pretty happy about that.
Stake conference was really awesome. President Ríos came and talked. He gave a great talk about having faith and praying to strengthen our faith in God the Father and his Son. He is a great speaker and really strives to inspire people when he talks and teaches. After President Ríos, A seventy came and spoke as well. He talked about shared a few stories and talked about the importance of being obedient. I really enjoyed his talk as well.
After the conference, we got to teach Hermana Fany again, after not teaching her for about two weeks. In the two weeks that we had not taught her she prayed and read her scriptures, but also found a video on the internet and had a few doubts. We were able to answer her questions about what she had seen on the internet and she then expressed to us her desire to be baptized. The spirit was very strong in the conference and I really believe that it inspired her and helped her to make this important decision. We were so happy to hear that she had made that decision and we left the church building feeling pretty happy.
Last night we got to know a young man, Hermano Edson, he is nineteen years old and really wants to do the right. He has gone to a few other churches before, but currently isn't going to church. I am very excited to help him understand the restoration of the gospel this week.
It was a great week in the work. I am very grateful for all of the blessings we have received this past week. I know that Heavenly Father listens to our prayers. I know that if we depend on Christ he can help us to be successful.

Week 87 - Chimbote

Monday, May 1, 2017

Every single week in the work is different and unique that´s for sure. It was a great week, but it was  kind of tough not getting to visit Hermano Efren and Hermana Fany. Nevertheless,  we were able to stay pretty busy all week.
Hermano Efren was in Trujillo this past week and had a little operation done, so we haven ´t been able to visit him much. Hopefully he will get better soon.
Hermana Fany is still working a ton and we haven´t gotten to visit her very much either. I guess we are learning to be more patient.
Last Monday, we had an awesome family home evening in a member ´s house. We watched a little video from  ¨principles about peace¨ about repentance. It was a very  powerful video. Repentance is such an important principle, and when one learns it and puts it into practice he or she gets to feel the power of the atonement in their life. It is such an important part of the plan of salvation. We can change. I am grateful for this principle in my life.
This past week we also gained another companion. His name is Elder Apaza. He is from Puno, Perú. He is a great missionary.
As we didn't  get to visit our two investigators that are really progressing in this past week we focused a little bit more on finding new investigators. We didn´t have a ton of success all week, but when we woke  up on Sunday we knew we were going to have a great day. We were very blessed to get to know a couple of new people. One interesting thing I heard this week came from two different parents from two different families. They knew that we had talked to their sons and later they told us that they really wanted for us to help their sons and keep visiting them. I know that the principles and ordinances of the gospel really do help people to live better lives and even more than that, I know that they lead us back to our Heavenly Father.
Today has been a great Pday. We went and ate some pizza and milkshakes with the other missionaries in our district today. It was a great time. I almost forgot what pizza tastes like. It was pretty delicious.
I am grateful for this opportunity to be a missionary and for all of the things I am learning. I know this is the Lords work and that the gospel really can help  each and every person that accepts it and lives it.

Week 86 - Chimbote

Monday, April 24, 2017

This past week was another great week here in Chimbote. It is so awesome to see how the Lord´s work presses forward. It´s has also been very nice to see that the heat of the summer here is starting to calm down a little bit. I do enjoy a little bit cooler weather that´s for sure.
Last Monday we had a great p-day. We got to relax a little bit and we also got to go play basketball with Hermano Diego and his cousin. (in the picture There´s Hermano Diego, his cousin, Elder Parra and myself)  It was a really fun p-day.
This past week we had an awesome activity in a member´s house. We watched a few of the new videos that the church released to remember Christ during the Easter season and we got to play a few little games as well. I love the videos about the principles and the experiences that the people share in them. It´s great to see how the gospel really changes peoples lives for the better and how it helps their families. It was awesome because a few of our investigators were able to come as well as a few of our recent converts. I am grateful for the members and for their efforts in the work here. It was a successful activity.
This week we have gotten to teach Hermano Efren a little bit and he came to church again. It amazes me how he reacts every time that we teach him. He is always so grateful and is so willing to live the gospel. I know we are not working alone in this work and that Hermano Efren has been prepared. We invited him to be baptized this week and he accepted the invitation, so hopefully in a few weeks he will be ready.
Hermana Fany is still doing well. Her job is related to the fishing industry, however, so as the fishing season is starting she has less time to meet with us. She still has a very sincere desire to learn and I'm sure she will keep progressing. She had to work all night on Saturday, but nevertheless still came to church early Sunday morning. We are very privileged to get to help great people in our area.
We had a multi zone training here this past week as well. President Ríos is very inspired! He talked about the Plan of Salvation and related it to the importance of finding new investigators. He really helped me to change my perspective and to see the people around me differently. He helped us to comprehend that the Lord is preparing the people in each and every one of our areas. We have work diligently to find them.
I´m grateful for the time that I have to be a missionary. I know that the Savior lives and that he payed the price for each and every one of our sins. I know that he was resurrected and lives.

Last monday we met up with Hermano Diego and his cousin to play basketball by the church. I played hermano Diego one on one. It was a pretty good time. I finally started making a few shots towards the end.

Week 85 - Chimbote

Monday, April 17, 2017

This past week started off a little slow, but the week ended on a great note yesterday. It´s also starting to cool off a little bit here, so that has been awesome. The future here in our area looks bright.
The highlight of my week has been working with Hermana Eva and her dad, Hermano Efren. We got to visit them both this past week. We got to talk to Hermana Eva a little bit about the importance of the sacrament and the blessings we can receive from it. It´s kind of hard for the people to get to church on time because our meeting starts at eight in the morning, but little by little they are starting to get their earlier in order to take the sacrament. We got to talk to her dad a little bit about the restoration. After we explained it to him he told us that he was going to go to church this Sunday. We were pretty excited to hear that. The most exciting part of the week, however, was when we saw Hermano Efren, Hermana Eva and her kids at church early on Sunday morning. I really enjoy teaching Hermano Efren because he is very sincere and wants to help his daughter and do what is right. His grand kids are going to church as well, and I'm sure that seeing their grandpa there with them is pretty exciting.
We got to teach Hermana Fany again this past week and she is progressing very well. She also has a very sincere desire to learn and live the gospel. We got to teach her the word of wisdom this past week with her friend, and it was pretty funny because she had a few questions and her friend was very direct in telling her why she needed to keep this commandment. He explained how important it is to follow the prophets. It has been great to see how much she has learned in the past few weeks. She said that she feels like she is building her faith, so we were pretty happy to hear that.
After this past conference about the gift of charity. It´s definitely not easy to develop, but I know that as we strive to do it we will be happier and we will better be able to help those around us. I am grateful for the Savior and for this time of year when almost everyone remembers him. I know that he atoned for each and every one of us and that as we apply his teachings to our lives we can receive the blessings of it.

Here is a picture from a couple of weeks ago. I was with Elder Paredes and Elder Arratea in an exchange that we had.

Week 84 - Chimbote

Monday, April 10, 2017
It´s a great time to be here in my area. We have a great family that we are working with, and the members are helping us quite a bit as well. It was a great week.
Last Monday we were able to visit Hermano Cristofer and his wife, Hermana Rosa. It was great to get to visit with them a little bit. They are both members of the church. Hermana Rosa got baptised just a few months ago. We had invited them to read Alma 7 a few days before the visit and we got to talk to them about it a little bit with them. It was so great to see all that they had learned and applied in their lives as they had read it. It is always so awesome to see all that people can learn and gain as they put their faith into action.
This week one of my very favorite lessons was a lesson with one of our converts, Hermana Eva and her family. We are working with her husband and her kids right now. Her husband, hermano Percy, is very nice, but he hadn´t been progressing very much yet. We had a member with us this night and he was able to share an experience from his life and he was really able to catch the attention of hermano Percy. Then we were able to read a few scriptures from the Book of Mormon with him and it was a great experience. It was awesome to see that he had opened up a little bit more, and I know that he was able to feel the spirit in the lesson. When we left their house that night we were pretty happy.
Hermana Fany our other investigator is really progressing quite well and we were able to listen to Elder Costa´s talk from the conference with her this week. That talk is so powerful. I think it helped her quite a bit too. She is diligently searching and learning more about the gospel. We are very blessed to be teaching great people.
One of my favorite experiences this last week was with Hermana Eva´s dad. He also lives in our area and we got to talk to him again this past week. He is always so greatful for our visits and always just asks for us to be patient with him as he strives to learn the gospel. He has seen how it has helped his daughter and is very willing to learn it and live it himself. I know that this is the work of the Lord and as instruments we need to always love and be patient with those people around us.
I hope you all have a great week!

This picure was taken in a training in Trujillo in the beginning of March. 

I saw an Elder from my group. Elder Rice

Week 83 - Chimbote

This past week was awesome. Its so great to be a part of this great work in this great time. We were busy all week, and watching conference was a great way to end the week.
This past Tuesday we got to do a companionship exchange with one of the district leaders. Companionship exchanges are always such great opportunities to learn and to teach as well. I
got to go with Elder Mott to his area and we had a great day. We were busy painting a room in a member´s house in the morning, then we stayed busy in the afternoon visiting and teaching his investigators. We got to talk a lot about the principles of faith and repentance with his investigators and it was so awesome to see how they were filled with hope as we talked. One of my favorite experiences from the exchange was our last lesson that we had. We went to visit a family that is progressing a little bit. The dad has not been very interested, but his wife and kids have been very interested. When we got to their house we realized that they had just gotten home and had forgotten that we were going to visit them that night. They were tired and they said their house was a mess so they wanted to to come back another day. We tried convincing them to letting us talk to them just for a moment, but they insisted that another day would be better. We left their house and started walking when all of the sudden we heard a little voice and saw that their little daughter had come running after us to tell us to come back. Her parents had sent her. We went back to the house and we got to read the scriptures with them and pray with their family. I now know and have seen that the Spirit can work in people to help them have a desire to listen to the gospel.
This week we have also had the opportunity to help Hermana Fanny progress a little bit more. She is very willing to learn and live the gospel. We got to talk to her about the plan of salvation this past week and she had studied quite a bit before, so it made the lesson a lot easier for us. She had a few questions about the fall, but thanks to the Book of Mormon we were able to answer them. The scriptures are so awesome, and are such a great tool in this work. The Plan of Happiness is so perfect and its so cool to see how the people start to fill a hole in their lives as they learn about it. She also went to conference yesterday, so we are very excited for her progress.
I really enjoyed the conference we have been privileged to see these past two days. I have found answers to a few questions that I had and I have been strengthened. I really enjoyed learning from the Lord´s chosen servants. I think its impossible to listen to them and deny that they are chosen servants of God. I know that the church is true. I'm pretty excited for the temple in Poccatello. That's not too far from home! I know that the Lord´s church has been restored. I am so grateful for all the Lord has given me and for the strength that he has provided me with here on the mission.

Week 82 - Chimbote

March 27, 2017

These last two weeks have been great. We have been able to meet quite a few new people which has been awesome. We also have one more companion. His name is Elder Paredes. He is going to be with us until the end of this transfer. He is a great missionary. He is from Ica Perú.
The last week was a little bit interesting with the little rain storm we had, but the Lord´s work cannot be frustrated. We got to help one of our investigators get baptized this last week. Her name is hermana Haydee. It was cool to see her grow and the greatest part was getting to hear her testimony after her baptism. She testified of how the Gospel has helped her to learn how to forgive and move forward in her life. I am so grateful for the atonement and for the many blessings each and every one of us can receive as we apply it in our own lives.
This last week we have also gotten to help one of our new investigators, Hermana Fanny. Her friend was baptised in another ward a few months ago and had decided to invite her to church. We met her in the church a few weeks ago and she has come to church for three Sundays now. We have been working on helping her to understand The Book of Mormon. She is progressing very well. I know that she has been prepared by the Lord and I am grateful that we have been able to meet her.
One of our new investigators is Hermana Eva´s dad. He is a great guy. He welds for a living right now and we have talked to him a few times while he has been working, but we never had the chance to teach him until this past week. He told us that he had been invited to a few different churches and had gone to a few of them. He was looking for the truth, but didn't really feel that he had found it quite yet. We have gotten to talk to him a couple of times now and we have talked mainly about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and about having faith. He told us in our last visit that he really liked talking with us and liked the message that he read in the pamphlet that we left with him. He told us that he feels good. I would be lying if I said we weren't a little bit shocked by what he said to us. Im sure glad that I have gotten to know such great people here in the mission.
I'm excited for one more week here in the mission. I know that this is the work of the Lord. I know that he guides and watches over his missionaries. I am grateful for the blessings the gospel has brought into my life.

Week 81 - Chimbote

March 20, 2017

We did not receive an e-mail from Elder Miller this week.  Because of the flooding in Peru there was NO internet service.  Instead we each (Dave & I) received a 5 minute call.  Needless to say, it was wonderful to hear Elder Miller's voice.  He is doing GREAT and has NOT been affected by the flooding.   He is very safe and doing great in Chimbote.

Week 80 - Chimbote

March 13, 2017

This week was a great week here in Chimbote. We were super busy all week which was great. We also have gotten to find a help a ton of people who are very willing to learn and change.
Our Investigator Hermana Eva got baptized this week. A lot of things happened this week, but she stayed firm and made the decision to get baptized this last Saturday. We were able to visit her every day this last week, and it was so awesome to see how willing she was to do the Lord´s will and keep his commandments. She has developed a super strong testimony of the atonement, and it has been awesome to see. After her baptism two of her kids told her that they want to get baptised now. Her example is going to make a big difference for her family.
This past week we also got to work with her husband a little bit as well. He wants to make changes in his life to be able to help his family and we are grateful for the chance we have to help him. I know that through the principles and ordinances of the gospel he can reach his goal.
We also got to know a new investigator this week, Hermano Justo. He has had a rough past, but he is very humble and willing to learn and make changes in his life as well. We taught him about the restoration and he told us ¨I will pray to know if its true, but I feel that it is true right now.¨ He came to church yesterday and had a great time. It was awesome to see.
My companion and I are teaching a young lady named Haydee. She had learned a lot before I got to this area and we are working on helping her. She is a member´s friend. We got to teach her a little bit about the commandments this week and as we were teaching her and studying these commandments we were able to understand that our obedience to these commandments is what helps us to be good examples and a light to those around us.
I am grateful for the restored gospel and for the chance to share it with those around me. I know that thanks to the atonement we can change and become strengthened.

 Here is a picture of Hermana Eva´s baptism.

Picture in Chimbote

Week 79 - Chimbote

I write to you this week from the city of Chimbote. Its super hot here and it smells like fish in parts, but its a pretty nice city. It has been a great first week here in my new area with my new companion, Elder Parra. He is from Lima and he is a pretty funny missionary.
Last monday was my last day in my last area and we had a nice family home evening in my pensionista´s house with our converts, Hermana Roxana and Hermana Yaquelin. We talked about the tender mercies of the Lord and it was awesome to get to talk with them and see how much they had grown in the time I was there.
Last tuesday morning i got on a bus with a few other missionaries, and I came here to Chimbote. I got all settled in to my new room and we got to go meet a few people my first day. One of the families that we are working with here is really progressing quite well. The mom´s name is Eva and the dad´s name is Percy. They have been passing through a few trials lately, but they have decided to listen to the missionaries. They have been going to church, reading the Book of Mormon and praying. In my first lesson with them I became friends with the dad as i found out that he likes to watch old western movies with Clint Eastwood in them. One of the coolest parts of our first lesson with them was listening to Hermana Eva share her testimony. It was awesome. This week we also got to talk to her a little bit about the word of wisdom and the very same day she took the coffee and tea that she had in her house and threw it away. Getting to help people that have been prepared is such a blessing.
One other family that I got to know this week was the Hermano Cristofer and his wife Hermana Rosa. Hermano Cristofer has been a member for quite a while, and his wife was baptized this last December. They are great people. Hermano Cristofer has a taxi and he has helped us a ton this week.
This past friday we got to go to Trujillo for a training with President and Sister Ríos. It was a great training. One of my favorite things that Hermana Ríos told us was that love and patience can get us a long way. President Ríos talked to us a little bit about having faith and not being hesitant when we invite people to live the Gospel of Christ. He helped us remember that we need to replace fear and doubts with faith.
It was a great week here in my new area. I am grateful to be serving here at this time. I know that this is the work of the Lord and that as we choose to have faith we can stay on the right path and help other people along the way.

Week 78 - Huaraz

My last week here in my area in Huaraz was a great week. We started off the week last Monday with an awesome family home evening. We were super busy all week with activities, and we ended the week with transfers.
Last Monday, we had a family home evening in a member´s house with a less active member and her daughter, an investigator, that we have been teaching. We watched a little Mormon message about our Savior then we got to talk a little bit about the plan of salvation. It was awesome to see how their faith grew as we talked with them. As we learn more about the plan of happiness and as we learn more about how our Savior can help us we get filled with hope that drives us to put our faith into action. We got to visit these two sisters Friday and they told us that they are reading the Book of Mormon and are praying more. It is so awesome to see people progress in the gospel.
This week when it started to rain one night we felt like we should knock on a door close to our apartment. A young lady opened the door and was really nice, but told us to come back another day. Then came her mom and she let us enter their house. As we finished the lesson I saw a blue book of their shelf. We asked them if we could see it, and we realized it was an older Book of Mormon. The missionaries had taught them a while ago. I sure hope this is their time to progress.
This last week I got to go to Caraz one last time on Friday for an exchange. It was awesome to go back again.
This last Saturday we got to have an activity in our church here in Huaraz. It was an open house and we had a ton of success. It was awesome to work with the members. One of our converts came as well with her cousin and her friend to show them the church. It was a super fun evening. It is so cool to see how we teach people and after a few months they are teaching their family and friends and inviting them to activities. (here is a blog where there are pictures from our activity) gngwhitney.blogspot.pe
Last night we got the transfer call for our zone. There's lots of transfers in the mission this time. I am going to be leaving Huaraz to go to Chimbote. I am sad to be leaving, but I'm grateful that I was able to come back here and serve here. Its such a neat place and the people here are awesome. I am excited to go to Chimbote. It is a city on the coast. The fishing industry is very big there and parts smell really fishy. It´s going to be an adventure. I am excited for this new transfer. It´s going to be a great week.

Week 77 - Huaraz

One more great week here in Huaraz has come to an end. This week we got to teach quite a few people, and we were super busy all week long.
This last week we got to visit a man named Esteban. He is passing through a few trials in his family, but he has a very sincere desire to change in order to help his family. We got to watch a little mormon message with him this week about how having faith in Christ can help us overcome our weaknesses. It was great to see a little flame of faith in him and see the hope that he has now. We also got to talk a little bit about the gospel with him. As we talked he was very interested, and it is awesome to see the sincere desire he has to change. I know the gospel will help him and his family.
This week we also got to visit a less active member with her daughter that is recently getting to know the church. We got to share with them the message of the restoration and it went very well. We realized that they have a few doubts, but we know that as they develop their own testimonies of the restoration their doubts will disappear.
The missionary department has changed a few things in the past few months to help us to better be able to focus on our purpose as missionaries. We have more time to find and teach people now, and I have really learned the importance of living the doctrine of Christ. It is the only way that we can have eternal life.
Today for p-day, as a zone, we went to Llanganuco. It was so awesome. It was my second time going. We had a great time, took some great pictures, and enjoyed getting a breath of fresh air outside of the city.
I know that this is the work of the Lord. I know that as we live the principles of the gospel and receive the ordinances we can overcome our weaknesses, be strengthened, and have eternal life.

me and huascarán

p-day today. by the Laguna Llanganuco

Llanganuco

Week 76 - Huaraz

Monday, February 13, 2017

This week was a super busy week. We had people to teach almost all week, so that was great. I got to spend some time with a few other missionaries in the zone and it was awesome to get to know them a little bit more.
Hermana Fiorela has been progressing pretty well. In the beginning of last week she had a few doubts about the Book of Mormon and wasn't really super excited about reading it. We did get to visit her this last Friday, however, and we read 1 Nephi 1 with her and as we read we let her meditate a little bit about what we were reading. In the end of the lesson we asked her if she felt like what we had read was true. She told us that she thought it was true, so we invited her to keep reading and to pray so that she could KNOW it. We will see this week how it is going.
We also got to teach Hermano Franklin a little bit this week. When we are with him and teach him it seems like he is going to make the decision to go to church and live the gospel, but he hasn't been able to progress a whole lot. I'm definitely learning patience.
Yesterday was so awesome at church. I was kind of disappointed that our investigators didn't come to church, but when we were sitting in the sacrament meeting one less active sister showed up with her daughter that's not a member yet. We got to know them a little bit this past week and we invited them to church. We were pretty happy to see that they came. We also got to go teach them after church with a few members and they are pretty excited, so we are looking forward to helping them progress even more this week. The Lord is always preparing people that can and will progress.
This last Saturday I got to go back to Caraz to help them with their open house that they had in their casa capilla (they use an office building as their church for now) it was great to see the members there and be with the missionaries there for a little while. It seems like just yesterday I was serving there.
I am grateful for the mission and for all that I am learning. I know that our Heavenly Father always wants us to progress and learn. I know that this time in the mission is so important, and that the message of the restoration of the gospel is true.

our zone a few weeks ago during a training

Week 75 - Huaraz

This last week was a really busy week. It was kind of tough because we weren't able to teach a lot of our investigators that had been progressing, but we were able to meet a lot of new people this week. The work of the Lord is never frustrated.
Last Monday one member family invited us to their family home evening and they invited one of their friends, so that was super awesome. Their friend´s name is Hermana Fiorela. She has been progressing a little bit this week, and has started to read the Book of Mormon. It is such a blessing to have good members who are willing to help us.
This week we actually found a family with the help of a dog. It was pretty interesting. We were walking in the street in the night and a big rottweiler came up to me, and I wasn't sure if it was super nice or if it wanted to chase me off. I stopped to make sure the dog was not going to do anything to me, then a lady told me from her doorstep that the dog is really nice and that it just wants to play. We went over to talk to the lady, and we talked a little bit about her dog. Then we got to know her a little bit and the next day we got to go visit her and her family. It turns out that her mother in law lost her mom about a month ago and her ten year old daughter lost her friend this past week. The Lord puts us right where we need to be to help people know his plan.
This week we also found another new family. They had never talked with the missionaries before, but the daughter has a friend who is a member, and he has been a great example to them. The mom told us that she was very impressed with this young man, and they were really willing to learn from us. This week we are going to have a family home evening with them. I am very grateful that that young man has been a good example.
This week we had the visit of President Rios, Sister Rios, and the assistants here in Huaraz. They taught us a lot of great things and we had interviews with them as well. Of my favorite things that I learned from President Rios was that repenting is depending on Christ. When we depend on Christ we repent. My interviews with President and Sister Rios were great as well. They always are making sure that we are doing well and help us to progress spiritually.
I'm grateful for the many blessings that I have been given. I know that The Gospel blesses families and that through the principles and ordinances we can find peace and happiness in this life and receive eternal life.

Huascaran

Im not sure what Elder Torres is doing haha he is a character! the mountain in the background is Huascaran. its famous

pics we took today on the roof of our apartment. 

Week 74 - Huaraz

This week was an awesome week here in Huaraz. We are having a great time helping a few people here and we also had a worldwide telecast this week that brought us a few changes in the work. it was another busy week in the work.
Last Monday we got to go play soccer again with a few members and it was super fun. Then in the night we had a family home evening with Hermana Agripina and her daughters that were baptized a few months ago. They are doing very well. We had another family home evening with them Thursday with the second councilor of our ward and his family. We talked a little bit about faith with them. It is so awesome to see their progress. I have realized that the conversion process isnt easy, but it is much easier if you decide to do the little things like reading the Book of Mormon and going to church.
We have also gotten to teach Hermana Estela a little bit this week. She has been investigating the church for a few months now and we are trying to help her strengthen her testimony so that she can make the decision to live the gospel. We got to read the vision of the tree of life this week with her. It really brought the spirit and we were able to help her to apply the story to her life. I am very grateful that the Lord has given us the Book of Mormon.
This week we had the privilege to teach one member´s friend. Her name is Hermana Jacky. Her daughter passed away about a year ago and she has has been trying to cope with that. When we went to visit her she told us a little bit about how tough the past year has been, and I was so amazed by her strength. As i listened to her I realized what a blessing it is to know about the Plan of Salvation. I am very grateful for the chance to help her understand this perfect plan. I am also so grateful for Jesus Christ all that he has done to make the plan possible.
We have one investigator that is really progressing. His name is Hermano Franklin. He is 21 years old. We lost contact with him for about a week, but finally this last Friday we got to talk with him a little bit. He was a little bit worried and discouraged, but we listened to him and read with him in Ether 12 and he is doing much better. He also went to church yesterday.
This past week we had a worldwide training and I learned a ton from the missionary department. I realized how important it is to have the spirit with us and how important it is to listen and be patient. They also told us a little bit about a few new changes that they have made. They changed our daily schedule a little bit, so now we have more time to proselyte and to decide when we are going to study. We are excited for the new changes.
I am grateful for the chance to be a missionary. Today we went back to my first area to help a few elders there that are moving to a new room. It feels like just yesterday that I was there in Caraz. Time sure does fly by. I know that the gospel blesses our lives and that our Heavenly Father has a perfect plan for us. We just need to trust in him.

Week 73 - Huaraz

This week was another super busy week here in Huaraz. A lot of great things are happening. My companion and I are excited for one more week in the work.
This last Tuesday we finally got to visit a reference that we got from another companionship here in Huaraz. Her name is Hermana Elizabeth. She has a little family and has learned quite a bit from the missionaries in the past. We got to meet with her in the church with the help of a few of the members here, and we got to teach her about the restoration. She has a very sincere desire to understand the gospel. As we finished the lesson one of the members explained how she had gained her testimony and how she felt, and when she finished the Hermana Elizabeth told us, ¨that's how I feel.¨ It was so awesome. I was pretty happy when we left the lesson.
We are also teaching a young man named Franklin. He is still progressing little by little. We got to teach him a little bit about the Plan of Salvation this week. He was really interested. President Rios actually told us this week that we need to work with more young people, and we are starting to see why. They are very willing to learn and have a strong desire to find answers that the gospel gives us.
This week we got to go to Trujillo again to a training with President and Sister Rios. It was awesome. President Rios showed us Elder McConkie´s last talk about the atonement. He helped us to understand how Christ has atoned for all of us, but we can only receive his help and the blessings of the gospel if we are obedient and live the principles of the gospel.
I am very grateful for our Mission President and for all that he teaches us. I am grateful for modern day revelation that helps us to progress. This week we have a worldwide training for all of the missionaries in the world. Its going to be interesting! Im excited.
I know that obedience brings us blessings, and I am grateful for our Savior and for his perfect example.

this picture is from august when Elder Montoya came with his wife. 

Week 72 - Huaraz

This week was a great week here in Huaraz! It started off a little bit slow Monday and Tuesday, but by Wednesday we got busy with more lessons.
This week we got to visit with Hermana Estela a few times, and we got to help her a little bit. She progressing well. We are really trying to help her with  few of the commandments right now, and she is very willing to be obedient. This week we went to visit her with one of the sisters in our ward and she really helped Hermana Estela understand the blessings of living the commandments. Being obedient to the commandments can bless your whole family. It the end of the lesson Hermana Estela prayed and it was the most sincere prayer that I have heard from her. I am grateful that the Spirit has helped her progress so much in the time that we have been visiting her. One of the happiest moments of this week was this last Sunday when Hermana Estela came to church with her mom, daughter, and her sister. The gospel has really helped them to be more united as a family.
We have also started working with a young man about our age this week. His name is Hermano Franklin. He is very willing to learn, and we got to teach him about the restoration and the Book of Mormon this week. It is always such a blessing getting to teach people who are willing to listen. The message of the restoration is such a blessing for those who choose to listen to it and accept it.
This last Saturday was a pretty great day as well. I cant believe that I am 20 years old. Time here in the mission sure is flying by. We ate tacos for lunch, and when we ate dinner we ate cake as well. Our pensionista is very generous to us.
Yesterday was an interesting day. We had transfers last night. I am going to be staying here in Huaraz for one more transfer!!! I am very happy about that! I feel very blessed that the Lord has put me where I am at at this time. I know that he knows us and loves us.

my birthday lunch, tacos!!!!! Hermana Gaby really spoils us

my companion made sure that I enjoyed the cake. I guess its tradition here in Peru to take a bite out of the cake, so I went for it!

Week 71 - Huaraz

Weekly Summary from January 9th, 2017

Another week in the mission has flown by.  It was a great week filled with lots of rain and a little bit of sunshine. Its hard to imagine that its so cold at home when its more like summer here.
Hermana Estela is still progressing and its so awesome to see how her desires to keep learning and do the right grow every week. This week we taught her a little bit about a few commandments and she seems pretty determined to keep them. She also got to go see a  baptism this week that the other missionaries in our ward had. It was a great experience.   
This week we also got to know one of our less active member´s dad. In my time here I had not had the chance to meet him until this past week. He works in another town, but comes here every now and then. He hasn't every really been too excited about his family listening to us, but this week when we were teaching them he arrived just as we were starting the lesson. He accepted the lesson really well. We talked a little bit about the plan of salvation and in the end we talked with him a little bit about the importance of his family. He told us that his family is part of who he is. We then talked to him about how he can have an eternal family. It was so awesome to get to talk to him finally, and in the end he told us that we are welcome to teach him and his family. 
This week we also got to visit Hermana Roxana and another convert named Reinaldo. We got to talk to them a little bit about the importance of reading the scriptures as well. I am very grateful for the vision of the tree of life in the beginning of the Book Of Mormon. I know that the story of that vision has been preserved for a purpose. I know that the Lord has given us the Book Of Mormon for our times. 
I am very grateful for the time that I have to be a missionary. I am grateful to be able to help families. I know that families can be eternal and that the principles of the Gospel and the commandments have been given to us to protect us and guide us. 

Week 70 - Huaraz

his week was a great week. It was interesting and a little bit challenging at times, but it was still a great one. Many people have gone on vacations so it was tough to find a ton of people to teach, but our legs are a little bit stronger after walking a little extra this week.
Last Monday we got to go play soccer with the second councilor in our ward along with the other companionship in our ward and a few members. It was pretty fun! The people here are pretty good.
This past week we have gotten to visit Hermana Estela a couple of times and we also got to visit her sister, Hermana Delia, as well. They are doing well and have really sincere desires to learn, but they don't really like to read very much. We are trying to help them to read the Book of Mormon a little bit more so they can strengthen their testimonies of the restoration.
This week we also got to visit Hermana Agripina, Hermana Roxana and Hermana Yaquelin a little bit. They are doing well. They are still studying their Books of Momon and had a few questions for us. It is so important that we can keep them holding fast to the iron rod.
The people here in Peru are so generous. Many times this week the people that we were visiting gave us paneton and hot chocolate to drink. Paneton is a big loaf of sweet bread with little pieces of fruit in it. Its actually pretty good. I am very grateful for the generosity of the people here, but I'm pretty sure that I dont need to eat páneton again for a while! I actually said to my companion on Saturday night, after being so full of paneton, that I never wanted to eat it again. It was funny, however, because when the sacrament tray came around on Sunday I realized that they used paneton for the bread. I had to laugh a little bit about that.
It was a great week and I am excited for one more week in the work. I know that the principles of the gospel bless our lives. I am grateful for Jesus Christ and for his atonement. I know that thanks to him we can always become better.

Christmas Party with President & Sister Rios

Christmas Party

His Zone, Huaraz

Elder Miller with President Rios' youngest daughter, she gave them their Christmas gifts.

Elder Miller & his companion

Opening gifts

Christmas Dinner with President & Sister Rios

Merry Christmas!