November 19, 2012

Hello there,

Firstly, thanks for all the emails, I really have the coolest family out there. J But really, its true. 

Well this week was a little rough around the edges but my companion and I came out of it learning a bunch, about missionary work, our investigators, and how we can improve as missionaries.(Tons to improve there ), I'll spare you the boring details haha, but just know that  But we made some personal goals and companionship ones to help us make those changes come to pass. That’s why we have goals right? I remember mom and dad trying to teach me about making and carrying out goals. I didn’t really understand what you guys were saying about making the goal and the steps to achieve it until I came out here. You have a goal, ok, big deal,  what are you going to do to achieve that goal? When are you going to do it? Things like that. I can't say that I am an amazing goal maker now, but I can say that I understand it a little better. Its kinda important to know about if you are going to help people make goals that will change their lives. GOALS=essential to achieve potential. Got it.

Sunday was the 4 year anniversary from the death of Cesar’s son. He had asked us if there was anything we could do in the church or at his house for the anniversary.(Very common in the Peruvian culture due to the strong catholic influence.) So we asked the branch president if there was abything we could do, and he suggested that we dedicate the grave. So we had the opportunity to do the ordinance with him and his family in the cemetery yesterday. It was a really powerful experience. It was my first time, and It helped me understand a little more about the plan of salvation, and what God really has in store for us in this life and the next. We could all feel the spirit, and we know that it really helped Cesar in his personal progress, and we are so grateful for that.

Elder Barrios and I are really enjoying our time working together. Elder Barrios is from Guatemala and they had a strong earthquake near his house recently( don’t know if you heard…) But thankfully his family is alright, a little bit of damage to the house but they are alright. Prayers for the people in Guatemala would always help J .    

Off the topic, Laura mentioned that it was getting close to Christmas in her letter, and it reminded me how me and my comp were so excited that we decided that on November 1 we were going to start listening to the Christmas music that we had. November first rolled around, we threw in the Christmas music…….and about after 10 minutes, we decided to never listen to Christmas music again haha. It was like this jazzy Christmas music that talked about snow and hot chocolate and family, so we decided to wait on that haha.

Ive heard that its getting a little chilly there, muwahahaha. I got a nice burn today, just so you guys know lol. During the week, I don’t burn, just pday when we are playing in the sun all day. But when dad said that the garage was all cleared out for the Porche, He ALMOST had me, I knew that you guys got the new mazda, but for a second I was like, ¨wait…….it can´t be¨ youre so funny dad. But you cant fool me, I know that youd be too excited to not tell me about it J . But good luck with the band gig!

November 12, 2012

Hola Familia mia

This week flew by pretty darn fast. We had some cool experiences with some progressing investigators that help us know that we are actually helping people, even when it doesn't seem like it. No effort is wasted, nothing is in vain like they say, but sometimes we get a little reminder when an old investigator comes to church or when somebody says that they have really thought about something we have said a long time ago. One thing they taught us in the MTC (very helpful place) is that the Lord has been working with these people long before we knock on their door or invite them to learn more. Through the experiences they have had so far in their life the lord has prepared them for what we have to share with them. One thing I came to realize is that sometimes us knocking on their door is one of those experiences that will prepare them for a future messenger, missionary, or member. Its all part of the Plan right?...yup.

We have two investigators that have baptismal dates soon, and we are really hoping that everything will turn out well. One of the eternal investigators  William, ("eternigators") (haha so clever) told us that the time has come to take the steps into the water. We were like …´really?.....YEAH! ok!¨ so we are hoping he wont lose the nerve lol. And  another investigator we are working with is named Cesar. He and his family lost their nine year old son almost four years ago, and the first time we talked we could see how those wounds were still unhealed and sore. But it was really a testimony builder for me how we were able to begin to tell him without a doubt where his son is right now, and how he will be able to see his little boy again someday, and be with him forever. Seeing Cesar pray, read, come to church, stop drinking etc, has been really amazing. we have been able to see how his life  has found more purpose and hope to keep going, with a goal. And the whole topic of work for the dead, like you mentioned dad is so important, and is a huge evidence that we have a heavenly father who loves ALL his children and has made it possible for ALL to be saved. Wow, what privileging knowledge we have. And what should we do with this knowledge you may ask?......SHARE IT J

Our little neighbor found a chameleon the other day. That was pretty fun. We may have seemed a little childlike trying to see if it would change into ridiculous colors and all but it made for some funny pictures.

Thanks for the pictures guys, And that’s crazy to hear about all the increase in missionary applications and new missionaries. Those mormons will being taking over the world soon…… but really the talk of missionary changes is popular here, so thanks for the updates . And that come follow me program sounds amazing! I really hope it makes it here, I´ll be waiting to check that out.

Well, I hope everything goes well with painting haha, Don’t get high on the fumes.

I love you all so much, thanks for the amazing amount of love and support, keep the faith!

Elder Lonsdale

November 5, 2012

av

I'm glad to hear that everything went well with the temple dedication. It sounds like it was an amazing experience. How cool it would have been to be able to help ¨build¨the temple and be able to call it öur¨ temple like you guys say. Hmm…I want a temple….We´ll see, maybe one day J

Well this week was a whirlwind of cool experiences and hidden blessings. We had a big FHE with a bunch of members and a few investigators, that was a blast. We were able to help the investigators feel a little more at home and comfortable with the members, AND we were able to help the branch be a little more united (But they they didnt know about our secret combinations to unify them  a little bit more) (So we think we are pretty clever lol) But it was great, with some games afterward. Its pretty interesting to see, how no matter where you are in the world, the same party games are fun and people react in a similar way to what happens in the game wherever you are.. 

(did that make sense? Pardon my bad language the English) Games like, do you love your nieghbor, pictionary, all that jazz…. But back to our secret plans. Our mission president told us that we need to do all we can to help the branch and keep it moving forward, so in every activity we´ve had we´ve tried to do missionary work and branch strengthing at the same time. Its a little branch but has a lot of heart and some really great members. Now we just have to work with the leaders and members to help them keep the Lord´s kingdom roll forward here in Bagua so that one day soon we can have a capilla. Im sure all this work with little branches is going to help me out someday in the future, because I'm learning lots while trying to help/motivate these great members help the Lord in His work. The Mission is an MTC for life right? Right.

Where was I? Oh yeah, waaaay back there with the whirlwind of this past week. Well, yesterday our investigators Sixto and his 8 year old daughter we baptized in the Utcubamba river. It was such a beautiful experience. Me and my companion have really come to love this little family, and helping them walk in the Saviour's footsteps was really something. We even love the mom who is in support of her family becoming members but not wanting to leave behind some things. We were able to have a bunch of members there too (Secret combinations at work, Strengthening members lol) so that was great. We were very blessed that everything worked out alright even when there were some difficulties along the way. All in all, a day to remember.Ill try to send photos,....someday haha.

Me and my companion woke up today and saw that it was raining buckets. So, being p.day, we threw on some shorts and shirts and headed out into the rain to do some puddle jumping. Right now there is a shortage of water in bagua so many people were gathering water in buckets from the drain pìpes, so we were able to do some service at the same time. We had fun, got wet, and helped some people with water buckets.

Thank you so much for the letter with the quotes and drawings, I wasn't expecting them and they came right when they were needed. You guys are the best, I'm so blessed to have such a strong family. I know I can't do much but im trying to repay God for the amazingly large about of blessings I have received in my life thanks to the gospel.

I love you all,

Elder Lonsdale

October 29, 2012

Hey family of mine,

Yes, I apologize profusely for the letter last week. It was a very slow computer and trying to send pictures became difficult and it was a bit of a mess. Im sorry…I will do better I promise. J.

Things here are going swell. Helping my companion get used to the area and the investigators is always interesting. I think I have introduced him to like 100 different people in the past two weeks. The time after changes you always hear the whole `Wait, and the other missionary? What happened to the other guy?` It can be fun to joke around with the people and make up funny stories,…but all in good taste of course. 

Elder Barrios is my new companion. He is from Guatemala (Next place to visit haha) He is this little short stout happy Latino. We have a blast. He has 7 months and served a half of that time in guatemala due to visa problems. So he brings some insight and ideas from another mission that help us out sometimes. But things are good. We are happy and get along well.

This week was a…..good week. Yes I can say ¨good¨. That doesn't mean it was very easy, or full of amazing experiences, but it was good. We had a couple of days in there where we were on fire, and we had lessons here, new investigators there, contacts over here, and referrals over yonder. Those days are great, because you come home wiped and dead, knowing that its because you worked hard and helped a bunch of people. But then we had some other days where almost every appointment fell through…and you feel like you must have a skunk on your head becasue nobody wants to talk to you. Those days we just had to shrug our shoulders and keep going. Those days we still came home whipped and tired, but its not a very satisfying feeling. We just had to say that there is always tomorrow! (easier said than done…but possible)

We are working with some really great people right now, investigators, less actives, and branch leaders.  I often reflect on the HUGELY amazing blessing it has been to be able to come and meet and know so many different, new and interesting people. And How they have become part of my life. Honestly it is still weird to me how you guys most likely will never meet these people who have been apart of my life this little while…. And how they will never meet you, I try not to think about it, like I said, it makes me feel….weird haha, if that makes any sense.  But we have some investigators that have some very good questions that have helped me reflect personally on my own testimony. Investigators can ask inspired questions too. And when they do, it not only gives us the chance to invite the spirit with our own testimony, but reflect as missionaries, members, children of God. Well, I wish I had a great example right now for you.,,,that would make this little rant worth it….but alas.. maybe next time haha.

The other day we had an interesting experience…i wish i could give you more details, but i´ll sum it up…..we were visiting some less actives, as we aproached their house, we found their grandpa who lives in the fields in the high parts, seated on the porch, a little drunk, and a little anti mormon. We began a conversation, and he had a lot to say about how we are liars and that god only has one true church… and we were like ¨yeah…your'e right¨ lol. But as the conversation went on he got angry really fast, it kinda took us by surprise. ( we are seated in front of him) And he very quickly pulled off his belt and gave me a very swift whip with his leather belt across the lap haha. Yelling and telling us to never come back. We decided it was a good idea to leave after that haha. But it was a good little axperience, a little physical violence to remind you that you are doing the right thing haha.

Well, I hopemy little update is alright. I hope everything is going well with you guys. Enjoy the NEWLY DEDICATED TEMPLE!! Wow, awesome. J

I love you all so much, you are in my prayers!

Elder Lonsdale

October 22, 2012

Hello family.

Wow, 100,000 people? That is amazing, and impressive. The house of the Lord sure attracts his children. It snowed over there? wow, thats weird, it rained here. thats kinda the same ight? llol Im surprised that daniel has become a little bully(dont tell him but I had to laugh when I heard the story) I feel like hurting people who try to change my identity too. What a neat experience it has been for you guys with the temple, one to always remember I'm sure. Doing interviews dad, doing tours mom. Interviews can be really spiritual experiences. And Im sure doing the tours mom was a growing experience liike you said. Im glad to hear that you guys are doing great....[Editor's note:  the letter just ended here.  Computer problems.  Sigh.]

October 15, 2012

Hola,

Hey fam of mine. Things here in Bagua are great,....and hot. We realized that we are in the hottest area in the mission, and we feel honoured lol. The rainy season is coming on, so that will be nice. When it rains here, it kinda rains like in saipan´ where it will pour for a few minutes, and then, poof, The sun is out. So we dry pretty fast haha.

Well we found out yesterday that my companion is being transfered. which is weird, we both thought that we were going to be together for longer than just one transfer, seeing as he has only been in bagua for a little bit. But he is needed elsewhere. We learned to humble ourselves and really try to make our companionship work. We both put in our effort, and not only were we able to just get along, but become friends. I learned a lot about patience, humility, personal relationships, and depending on the Lord. It was a lesson the Lord knew I needed to learn. And Im grateful for it. Im not saying I'm the perfectly wonderful companion now, very far from it, but i know now that if both are willing to make it work, success is possible ( Cough· marriage lesson·· cough)

We are still working with our investigators, there's lots of hope and lots of work to be done in our sweet huge bagua. Me and my new companion (whoever he is) are going to do our best to help our little rama and our dear investigators. .....I wish you guys could meet them....maybe one day, but as members =)

So here I am with Elder Charlesworth, but buddy utah missionary. As we wait for our new companions. Things for christmas? ooooo.....hmmm....good question.....

The stickers are cool, Ive been sharing them with the primary.....but don't worry, I dont need anymore canadian stickers, I have enough of those to last me 3 missions lol. well, lets see. candy.... yeah those pop rocks are fun to share.....umm... burnt peanuts perhaps?...umm ties are alwyas appreciated, those slightly skinny ones like last christmas....ummmm... skittles maybe? pictures of the fam? stuff like that? lol

if  you havent sent it by next week Ill have some next week!

love ya!

elder me

October 8, 2012

Hey fam of mine,

Hows the ¨day-after-conference-spiritual high¨? lol Wasn't it awesome? Me and my companion are a tiny bit bummed that we weren't able to see many sessions, only the two morning ones, but we very much loved what we heard. Like I think I mentioned, We had to travel to Bagua Chica a little ways away to watch conference, We left in the morning in two rented travel vans, with our little branch and a few investigators, and headed for bagua chica. On one half we were so happy that a few investigators could come and see how real it really is, a prophet and twelve apostles. and not just us trying to tell them that they exist. But on the other hand, the thing is that many invesitgators and new members arent really used to long spiritual meetings, its like putting somebody into a marathon without having trained lol, so we tried to help them out with that, but we hope they felt the spirit, and were able to reflect on what they heard and learned. Like Marlin and Mikel! HAha they are doing well, and were able to come, so we are still there working with them, helping them prepare. 

There is also another little family we are teaching, a mother, father and their 7 year old. Their little girl turns 8 soon, so we suggested that they all get baptized together, on her birthday, the Dad, Sixto, is doing great, but the mom isn't so sure yet, se we´ll keep working and trying to help her, we know that they can make it! Ill keep you updated. 

A NEW TEMPLE IN AREQUIPA PERU Woot! We are all so stoked; even though they just started building the other temple in Trujillo, after a LONG time, but we are assured that there will be much fewer problems in the construction of the temple in Arequipa! But the saints are being very very blessed here in peru, and the church is growing rapidly. Lots of hope and anticipation here in peru, Im so glad that im able to be a part of it. 

¡18! for young men?! and ¡19! for young women?! Whoa! Thats crazy! What does this mean?! Haha. Thats great though, revelation from the Lord through Hi Prophet, so there's no discussion there.

I got the package!! thank you so much for everything, from the loving notes to the game ¨don't eat pete¨haha. My Comp asked what happened when he came out of the bathroom after hearing me scream YES!! after pulling out the 4 colored pens, the day after my other pretty much died lol. Thanks so much. Its always fun to share the candy from canada with members and the pension family. Thanks for the shirts, and pictures, they are all awesome. I could feel your love as I opened it up, Im so lucky to have such a loving family, it makes likfe a whole whole lot better :)

Love you all, Keep being that awesomely amazing family of mine :)

Elder Lonsdale

October 1, 2012

Wow, the temple sounds amazing! Way to make me miss the temple even more dad, good job haha. But really, it sounds like our (I like to think that its mine too) temple is heaven on earth. What an amazing experience it would be to take non-members through the temple, a little weird too, im sure, but seeing them feel the spirit, beauty, and power of the temple = a very neat missionary experience. I want to hear more about it :) And yes, please please, I need my parents to take me through at the latest the day after I get back, just so you know.

Well things here in Bagua Grande are moving forward. My companion and I had the opportunity to help marry a young couple in our little branch (who were living together ·(Cough  cough). And we were able to be their witnesses. It was an awesome experience. My companion and I left with that little feeling of ¨awe......i want to get married.....¨ lol, but we should that off and went back to work. We are very very excited for General conference. We have to travel a ways to get to a place that will show it. so it will be a little harder than last time, but we are going to do the best we can to see the most, with our investigators. We enjoy the whole,¨AND we have a living prophet today, AND WE CAN HEAR HIM SPEAK TO US THIS WEEKEND! wanna go!? lol. Well, sometimes people dont really understand the significance, but we are trying to help them lol.

We are really hoping Marlin and MIkel can make it, we hit a few rough spots, dealing with permission from parents for Mikel being one of those. But we are trying, there is still lots of hope! Thank you so much for your prayers, I know they are helping them so much.

Well I hope everything is going just dearly for you guys, Love you all :)

Elder Lonsdale 

September 24, 2012

Hey family 

Sounds like the temple craze is really getting up there. I can tell from here that the whole city of Calgary is in a bustle about the temple. Im super excited, and I can only imagine how it would be being There. I could go off again on how awesome temples are, but we`ll save that for today. :)

This week was great, we were able to make some key progress with some investigators, and find some other great prepared people as well, thanks to the very useful help of some branch members (hint hint, nudge nudge *împortance of members* cough, like you guys* cough). But apart from that, we are working with a young woman named Marlin, and her little brother Mikel. We met them by starting to play with Mikel in the street with some toy tops that they have here, but they let us in, and we began talking with them and sharing our message. They came to church and we visited them a couple more times. All would be well, but we noticed that Marlin, a lot of the time didnt show us that she had much interest, like she was listening and came to church just because we are persistent. This lack of desires started to get us down and we tried some ideas but we didnt see much improvement. We headed to our appointment with them this past week, ready to lay things out on the table, When she surprised us by telling us that she really has felt something in this time we`ve been teaching her, and that she feels like this is the change she needs in her life. She said that she wants to keep feeling that good feeling she gets when she reads, and prays, and attends church. We left that lesson with our jaws a little dropped and she left that lesson with a baptismal goal for this next month. It was a huge blessing. If you could pray for them, Id be so grateful. We are going to do all we can here, to help them with their goal. :)

Here we dont have a bapt font so we do baptisms in the river that runs along the city. We had a baptism this past Saturday, WOW. what a neat experience. Being baptized like Jesus haha,

Well I love you all so much, thanks for all your support. sorry this computer is really really slow, so maybe NEXT time I can send pictures :)

Take care!

Elder Lonsdale

September 17, 2012

Hello 

Reptile show? that sounds like fun, as a matter of fact, yesterday, during a lesson our investigators´s cat came in eating a large lizard that it had just caught, I thought it was pretty cool, she didnt, as she shooed it out he door annoyed lol. 

This week has been great, we both learned lots and are really trying to work hard. Hard, but smart at the same time. In a big area you have to learn how to work smart. Ive also learned a lot about myself, and what I need to improve, as a missionary, as a person. Honestly, as I found out a little after I started my mission, I didnt realize how much pride I really had. OK, perhaps you guys as my family knew, lol, but when you start in the Lord´s work you really start to see your weaknesses. But thats a GOOD thing, because then you can change, and become better. Im really trying. Its not always so easy, but the effort will pay off someday, im sure of it. I also really enjoyed that article by Hilary Weeks mom, about words. I was able to experience a little of that this week too. Learning when and how to communicate, and when and how to bite the tongue when necesarry :) I would like to really put that in practice. We always need to lift lift lift our brothers and sisters, and a very important part is what we say. 

Being apart of the Lord´s work is really amazing. You get to see miracles everyday. How the spirit touches hearts and how God is never very far. I love being here, helping others and seeing the gospel light illuminate their lives. Time is so short, im trying to not waste any minute of it. 

I love you all so much, thank you for the support, love and prayers, I hope you feel all of it coming back your way ;)

Elder Lonsdale

Sorry, ill send photos next week! this computer is a little/really slow haha

Im glad to hear that seminary is everything you hoped it would be Krista! haha keep sippin' that Hot chocolate! You'll never forget what you learn in seminary!

September 10, 2012

Hi family,

Thanks mom and dad for your thoughts and advice about accepting change and keeping my head in the game while its my turn, they really helped. Whenever transfers come around, and change comes sneaking up around the corner with its loaded pistol of unseemingly potent personal growth darts,.....Things can be a little uncomfortable for a while. Presidente Risso explained it like tightening a nut, or a wheel to make things uncomfortable for a while but we adjust, grow, and are made stronger by it. So when that time of uncomfort rolls around, you start thinking, perhaps, more about what is happening on the ¨sidelines¨ or not focusing as hard as you should be. All in all, this week has been good. Im just practicing my patience as I try to get to know the area, the investigators, and the branch. (of about 30 people who attend, so that wont be too hard lol, but it is great and we are going to do all we can to help it out). But thank you my beloved parents, youve always known whats best :)

Well, about where I am right now.....I am now in one of the farthest and hottest areas, lol. Its called Bagua Grande. (The ¨Grande¨ diferenciates it from the other bagua ¨chica¨ (small) about an hour away) It is great, lots of ground to cover and tons of people to help. We had to travel in bus about 6 hours to Jaen, and then another hour to our area. My companion´s name is Elder Cabrera, from Chile,(Chile and Peru arent the best of friends so, it can be funny sometimes the reactions we get) But He is an awesome missionary, willing to work and help me out however he can to help me get to know the work here in Bagua Grande. We are part of the Zone Jaen, here in the peruvian mountains. So its green and Beautiful. Today we had one of the coolest Pdays ever; The Whole zone made arrangements to travel to Jaen sunday night so we could leave early monday morning to take a little van/bus about 3 hours into the mountains to hike another 2 hours to a waterfall called The Gocta Waterfall. The third largest(tallest) waterfall in the world. it was AMAZING. We ate lunch near it and me and another missionary we the only ones with the desires to get close(underneath the waterfall) and get completely wet(with the permission of our zone leaders of course). Very fun, and an awesome experience. Hopefully I can send pictures soon :)

Well, Im here, happy and loving everything. Even the tough days are important, they are the ones you leanr the most from right? I hope all is well there. The temple buisness sounds very intense and I wish you all the luck to get everything done. Thank you so much for all the letters, emails, and prayers. I hope you all dont think that your efforts are wasted, your support helps more than you think. Thanks for everything, Love you mom and Dad, keep being the superheroes you are :)

Love, Elder Lonsdale

How was kristas first day of seminary? muwahahaha

September 3, 2012

That really is crazy, winter is coming back for you, and summer for me.....well.....I guess you could call it summer lol. One day we were walking in the hot street with the sun out, without a cloud in sight, and I just laughed to myself and told my companion that my family  would laugh if they saw that they call this winter here lol.

Well mom, Im not going to lie, I am very happy with the spanish language, and am thinking of changing my maternal language of english, to spanish, I hope you dont mind haha. But I am excited to use it whenever I can in canada. Funny story...When I arrived at the airport in  Salt lake , on my way to the MTC, I was waiting by the bus teller when this latina lady came up and in very broken english asked if the young teller knew spanish, the young lady responded and said that she knew a little. (when in reality she didnt know much). after a minute of frustration, the latina lady turned to me and asked if I knew any spanish, and I said that i knew a little, (when in reality I didnt know anything that would help this lady, perhaps if she wanted a translation of english numbers to spanish i would of been of a little help) but yeah, in the end she gave up on us and looked for another source of help. Moral of the story, I hope I have another experience like that on my way home, to help me feel good about myself, and help someone haha

Well we have transfers, and im heading off to who knows where. I´ll let you know next week. But I have loved my time here in San Pedro. Ive had a little more than 5 months here. You grow really close to the members and investigators, and so its kinda sad to leave. These last few days have been filled with goodbyes. But in the end thats ok, the work moves forward, and Im being called to another place that Im sure Ill love. Ive mentioned to some of the members that i´ll come back and visit with my parents after my mission, and they just LOVED that. so, just so ya know, we are very welcome back here haha. 

Oh yeah, this past week on aug 24, I bought Iguana and brought it back to our pension for the hermana to cook up for the special occasion. It was delicious. I highly recommend it :)

Well I love you all, thanks for your love and support!

Elder Lonsdale

August 27, 2012

Hey mamita hermosa :)

Thanks for the letter, you guys sound pretty busy. I hope everything goes well!

But i apologize that im not sending anything kinda long today. I was able to catch dad and do a little bit of email chatting haha. And these pictures are being dumb lol. but dont worry, next week I´ll make up for the lack of email this week. I´ll write twice as much next week, full of weekly missionary things that might not be very interesting haha. 

Love love love ya

Elder Lonsdale

August 20, 2012

Hello family,

Thanks for the pictures, I really appreciate it. My imagination just doesnt to justice sometimes. Wow Peter looks so grown up. You will be handing him a licence and car keys soon. And thanks for the picture of jared, he looks all good and returned, yup, he´ll be married in no time. 

Congrats Jocelyn on the new child! She is so goodlooking, just like her uncle in peru.....and her parents. But just one question, the name, Eloise, I have seem to have lost my english pronunciation skills and so im not sure how to pronounce her name, I know how to pronounce it in spanish, if that counts for anything. And that is pretty neat about the breast milk donations and organization. I guess my state of being a man has blocked my understanding that an organization would even exist. But thats great, my new niece needs a lot of nutrients. But i know shes in good hands. 

West coast trail? Umm….YES. I had the chance to do the Juan de fuca trail, right below, with andrew and mike,  and that was a blast. So sign me up for the west coast trail.

This week was good, we were able to have some great quality lessons, where we could really feel that we were teaching the person, not just the lesson. And thats always the goal right? The gospel of Jesus Christ is so big. I know that sounds wierd but it is, haha. But simple too. Beautifully simple and simple beautiful. Each day as we teach different people about this plan god has for us, I learn something new, what a blessing.

Love you all!

Elder Lonsdale

August 13, 2012

Hey family,

This week was a good week. We were able to find some great new investigators to teach, so thats always a battery recharge. Here in San Pedro/ Northern Peru, there is actually quite a few religions; Jehovah´s Witnesses, Baptists, Seventh Day Adventist, etc, and literally Millions of ´Catholics´ lol. We are very grateful for all of them. They prepare people for the truth by helping strengthen their relationship with God. But the tension/ ¨competition¨ that these other religions like to create is quite entertaining at times. We have some very strong Catholic friends that like to tell us that we are completely wrong and teaching blasphemy, and we have had Jehovahs witnesses knock on our door during morning study quite a few times. Seeing them go all nervous when they see us is quite funny. I remember before I got my mission call Bishop Heninger told me to start studying up the new testament also, just in case i got called to the bible belt in the states. Well, I wasnt sent to the states, I was sent to the bible capital lol. I´ve learned so much of the bible since I arrived, and have grown to really appreciate it, and it as strengthened my testimony of the gospel we declare. We had the chance to teach the restoration to a Jehovahs Witness this past week, and as I explained joseph smiths first vision I felt the spirit work through me to testify to her, And I could see that flicker in her eyes when the spirit spoke to her heart, as she intently listened. It was a really great reminder of how powerful the message is. Its something Pretty darn important :)

We were also able to work in another area that opened us reciently, a people called, ¨Ciudad de Dios¨ (City of God). It was a nice chance to visit Kolob....ha....ha....ha. yeah.ok

We were able to do some interesting service as well. There was going to be a birthday party, ( a big deal here) and so a member bought a sheep from a nearby friend who has many, and needed help making it into something ready for his wife to cook. YOu can probably imagine,...but just in case! I shall send a picture!

Love you all so much, and appreciate all the love, prayers, and support that you guys offer. Know that Youre in my prayers!

Elder Lonsdale

ps: Darren! I need to see pictures from weddings, I've heard they are awesome lol

August 6, 2012

Hey Dad,

Sounds like a blast. Those jet skis sounds like a great idea for when I get back, huh huh, dont get sick of them haha, dont worry you have time to buy a couple :)

Things are alright here in San Pedro. We are trying hard to work with the ward, doing all we can. We decided to have activities every Friday to get things started, so I´ll let you know how that goes. 

Just working away. I apologize for the lack of information/stories of investigators. I´ll try to improve that. But know that I love you guys. The work of the Lord is incredible. How it changes and edifies the receiver and the messenger. ¨The purpose of the gospel is to make bad men good, and good men better, and to change human nature.¨

Love YA!

Elder Lonsdale 

July 30, 2012

Hey family.

Wow, I feel like whenever I read a letter from home a million things have happened, I can't even keep up with it all haha. But I hope all is well, trials and blessings, thats life right? My new companion is Elder Ramos from Ecuador. He´s great. If a black guy from the hood spoke Spanish, he would sound exactly like my companion lol. So I just might accidentally on purpose adopt my companions accent, just for fun haha. At first it was a little hard to understand him, but as my gangster side has come out more, our soul brothership has grown to the point where we understand each other. OK enough about that.

This week was good, a little tough at times. This branch is awesome, but needs a little more help than us missionaries can handle alone. Ive been able to see how crucial unity is in a branch or ward or any organization. Ive been able to see what happens without it too, and its not so great. ¨If your not one, your not mine¨¨ (or something like that in english) But we keep working, and doing all we can. 

This past week we had the Peruvian Independence Day. It was interesting, it felt very much like Canada Day, seeing that out flags and colors are pretty much identical haha. But there was a parade, lots of drinking, and all that jazz lol. Hard to teach drunk people but for some reason many of them insist on being taught the word of God while intoxicated. Frustrating, but sometimes quite entertaining. 

Well, I pray you guys have a good week. I love you all and pray for you always.

Your missionary

Elder Lonsdale

July 23, 2012

Dear family,


Wow, Jocelyn can pull off the bald look almost better than dad. And as for Isaac,....its just a matter of time......But jocelyn´s melon wins the
good looking prize. :)


Happy Birthday Heather! And a congrats to the Emma and Mike couple! Woot,

Well, last night the transfers came and we were both surprised to hear that Elder Linares is being transferred, and not I. Quite strange, we were both preparing ourselves mentally for the opposite, so its a little weird, but I
don't mind, San Pedro is a great place, with lots of potential. Its just our responsibility now to help it reach it´s potential. But it is a little sad seeing Elder Linares leave the nest,(sniff sniff) But He has to fly one day
right?


Thank you for the package! A very much anticipated Ensign, and very appreciated candy. Our pension family enjoyed the pop rock candy, haha, very entertaining, to watch. I also received a package from the Activity
Day girls which was awesome, if you could please thanks Sister Muirlaslo that would be great, I had fun teasing my companion that 9 girls wrote me
letters.


My birthday was great, a pretty normal day. But we ate lunch with a family that prepared a cake and we sang, it
was fun. I avoided the traditional breaking-eggs over the head for your birthday lol,well, for this year.....


Thanks for the updates, love and support, I can really feel it. There are always ups and downs but its all worth it :)


Love you all so much,
Elder Lonsdale

July 16, 2012

Hi!

Hello family, thanks for the updates. sounds like Grandma has had an interesting few weeks, what a trooper. I'm praying for her and Jocelyn, send them my love....but in Spanish please. 

This past week was great, we were able to go to another conference in Chiclayo, for new missionaries and their trainers. It was great, they emphasized the importance of our gospel study on this 12 week program, and as missionaries in general. As we usually do, we came back with the fire to study like never before haha. I was able to apply it to just being a member of the church too, funny enough, and how important our gospel study is. In doctrine and covenants it says ¨A man cannot be saved in ignorance¨. That's pretty clear. We have to learn ALL we can here in this life, in school, life, the gospel. I imagine that we will never stop learning, might as well get used to liking it right? But, even better than Liking it....Loving it. Learning, its pretty important. 

At a baptism we had this weekend, we were able to learn some patience with the members. From Saipan I was able to be exposed to it, and here its pretty bad, its like Mormon Standard Time, times 3. Our investigator Gloria (one of the best investigators ever)  arrived on time with some of her non member family, but the thing was....the members were a little very late. In the end the baptism was awesome, lots of people, support, but yeah....almost perfect, we are going to work on that :)

I was told that a package arrived for me, so I´ll get that tomorrow, THANKS! in advance. And please thank Nana for me! 

We have transfers next week so I´ll keep you updated! Love you all!

Elder Lonsdale

PS Dad´s garage band being shut down by the cops.....hahaa good times!

July 9, 2012

Hi fam.

Wow, what a blessing you guys received, we´re always being watched over huh? :) A 2008 Mazda 3?! Yup, more proof we are always blessed haha. Don't worry dad, I´ll accept that when I get home. Then you´ll have the chance to buy your Porche. 

This week was really great. We made some awesome progress with some key investigators. Just another slap-in-the-head reminder of how important the members are in missionary work. (Don't you guys ever forget that by the way). We were able to do some exchanges within our zone too, for just a day, but It was neat working in another area and seeing the work roll in a different part of the region. Every time we do exchanges I learn something new, either from the missionary I'm working with, or the investigators, or member we are teaching....and sometimes both. Learning is amazing. I have grown to love learning more here on my mission. 

It was interesting, sometimes people have trouble imagining or comprehending another life after this, but recently we were talking with one señor who, (his wife passed away recently), when we taught this idea of life after death he already believed it, He basically taught US the doctrine of spiritual evolution, and how our spirits will continue learning and growing even after this life. We got a long way to go before we can obtain Exaltation. It really made me think and reflect on our personal potential. It was a personal motivation for me, to make sure that I am doing the right things to help me progress towards the goal, and a motivation to help other people reach it as well. Yeah, that was a thought I had this past week that I thought I would share :) 

My companion and I were walking to our pension the other night when my companion stopped dead in his tracks and said, ¨WHoa¨ ) a very deep statement, but he pointed my confused gaze towards my feet, where very near was a tarantula, about the size of of a hand. So, of course, we took it in a bag to show the world and take pictures haha, it was pretty fun. 

Love you all

Elder Lonsdale 

July 2, 2012

Hello,

Sounds like you guys are always moving 100 miles per hour back there at home haha. But I appreciate the fact that you still spare some time to let me know how you doing. 

About Daniel.  Sometimes its sad to see here the people who need that type of help and receive little or none. But our Father in Heaven is watching over those celestial beings and knows how they can bless the lives around them. 

Wow, grandma and Jocelyn are such troopers. Im glad to hear that they are doing well and are kept in the watchful care of loved ones. It helps me not worry, and know that they are in  good hands. Garden, kayaking, stampede.

Sounds like summer has hit full force lol

Things here in San Pedro are great. This week was filled with some great ups and some good learning experiences. Me and my companion were called to a meeting in chiclayo with a bunch of other missionaries from the mission, all from areas with small, struggling wards or branches to learn how to help these wards and branches grow and function more efficiently. It was really great, we learned a lot on how we can help our area, and work better with our branch. Although I dont know if I will be able to see the fruits of our efforts in my time here in the branch, we are going to work hard and do all we can to help out our little San Pedro Branch.

A little low in assistance but its got a lot of heart :)

Today for P-day we didnt meet up with the zone, but we had a ¨free P-day¨ In our areas. So we called up this member who has been inviting us to go out and check out some other incan ruins and look for ¨shakiras¨, pieces of old incan necklaces and artifacts like that. So we headed out bright and early with him, over sand dunes, fields and peruvian forests. It was awesome. I Kept thinking how it would be great to bring Dad out there, I think you´d enjoy that. What do ya think? Yup, lets go someday. Hopefully I can bring back a homemade necklace as proof haha.

Last week out pensionista greeted us with a lovely surprise for lunch, Hairy cow feet. Woot.  As we walked away we were spitting out little hairs still haha.......yup

Well I love you all so much. Keep the faith, keep enduring! 

Sincerely 

Elder Lonsdale

June 25, 2012

Hey family of mine,

Sounds like there were some ups and downs this past week. I hope you are all doing alright. I wish I could give some awesome perfect advice, .. but we will leave that to the more experienced. Just know that I love you all and pray for you always, and not only me and my companion, but the members and the people we teach mention our families too in their prayers. 

I am so very jealous of the temple celebrations that will be coming to pass in calgary soon. The finishing and dedicating of a temple is definitely something to celebrate. I dont quite remember exactly the quote, but elder Packer said something like , that every temple completed shakes and tears down the foundation of Satans power and strengthens and enlargens the Kingdom of God on the Earth.... or something to that sense, but it was really powerful and so true. haha

Yesterday we had our branch conference. It was great, and we had a great turnout of 89, our goal is 100 as a regular number. Slowly we are getting there. They wanted to have a choir sing a number at the conference, so we agreed to join in. When they found out that I could play a couple hymns, they dragged out a keyboard they have stored away and elected me pianist/director. haha, it was pretty funny, it went well concerning the fact that I dont think they have ever had a choir. But I enjoyed it.

Thanks for the support, our investigators are doing well :) 

I hope everything is well, sounds like summer is about to break loose over there haha. 

Thanks for the games mom! We will definitely be using them in FHEs, activities,....p-days in our room with my comp lol. 

My companion has told me that I have been talking in my sleep a bit. Thats weird. and its in spanish he claims lol. Thats a first.

Tomorrow me and my companion are going to chiclayo for a conference or a meeting or something, we arent quite sure, we just follow directions. But if its something really neat, dont worry, I´ll tell you all about it.

Thanks family, Love ya so much. Keep being the best family ever. Keep the faith. Keep being good looking. Keep smiling :)

Elder Lonsdale

June 18, 2012

Hello 

Im glad to heat Jocelyn is doing well. Popping out a rib isnt something that happens everyday. Well, thats what I thought until I heard that Jocelyn did it twice, lol, woot. She really is a trooper isnt she? Very impressive :)

This week was better, thanks mom, we did have more sucess with our investigators. I feel your support and prayers from home. Theres no time to get yourself down in the mission, we dont have very long as missionaries, and wasting that time is DUMB. -lack for a better word- UNWISE, maybe that will do. Yes, easier said than done, but its possible. Everything is!

Well, winter has set in here,....winter as in it is just a bit more cloudy some days. lol. But its good. friday night we had an activity, Noche Misional. Missionary night, where the members come, bring friends (idealy) and have fun and where people who arent members can come and enjoy a bit of fun and see that we ¨mormons¨ are relativley normal. It was fun, we ended up playing some games and stuff, like Looky Looky Up, and ¨do you love your neighbor?¨ , Which they Loved, and I was reminded of the endless supply of awesome games that you have mom, and I was wondering if you could please send me few game Ideas, or many haha. They are awesome for FHEs and Activities, and we can only play the same games so many times haha. we would really appreciate it if you have a few spare minutes to send a few ideas :) thanks mom.

I love you guys so very much and always am praying for your well being. I sustain you guys too mom :)

Love

Elder lonsdale

June 11, 2012

Hola querida familia, espero que todo está bien con ustedes. :)

It sounds like you guys are doing just swell. I know Jocelyn is being blessed beyond comprehension, and that miracle tumor idea is genius. I knew Brett had good looks AND good ideas. We are praying here in San Pedro for jocelyn and you guys, me and my companion know that if we pray like everything depends on the Lord, then get up and work like everything depends on us, He will bless us, and the people we pray for;families, investigators, members, the WHOLE world.

This week was at times a little tough, but those are the times where you learn the most right? Sometimes when you work hard, you need to realize satan is working hard too. Its our responsibility to give and show our investigators the tools to win the struggle and temptation. seeing people come so close and then take those steps backward isnt easy, and thats when discouragement wants to creep in..BUT! That weakens your effectiveness as a missionary, and as a spiritual vessel. So me and my companion are NOT going to feel that way. We decided that we just have to work harder and keep moving forward. And the Lord will bless us and the people we teach, sometimes we might be able to see those blessings in plain view, but they are there. 

Other than the tough times, this week was great! We met an 96 year old lady who is just hilarious, a blast to teach her haha,

I love you guys, thanks for the prayers and support, have a great week,

Elder Lonsdale  

June 4, 2012

Hello,

Thanks for the updates about jocelyn, she sounds like she is doing amazing.  I was right there in spirit with you guys and the ward during the fast,  and we can see the blessings from the prayers and fasting for sure. I know she is in the best hands possible, in every sense.

This week was really great, we were able to find and work with some really quality investigators. Being the missionaries that the Lord leads to find that prepared person is such an amazing feeling,  knowing that you are being an instrument in the Lord´s hands is priceless. But we cant do it alone. Like we told an investigator yesterday who felt something she had never felt before, we arent two, walking, talking with people, we are three. The Spirit is the one who does the converting, we just present the truth and let the spirit touch their hearts. Converting people yourself is really hard, and has no lasting effects, we need to have that third companion with us always. I know that we can apply that personally as members too. ¨The Holy Ghost is the power by which we are changed to become like God¨ , if we truly understand that, why would we do anything to put that presence in our lives in jepoardy?  Something ive been thinking about this week…..

I hope you guys are all doing well, I understand things are a little crazy right now, but know that I love you all and that you are in my prayers. Things are great here in San Pedro, thanks for your prayers and Love!

Elder Lonsdale

PS: Yes, that picture is of me and a monkey…….be incredibly jealous.

May 28, 2012

Hello family,

This past week has been a little crazy, like I mentioned last week, we had to travel to chiclayo for a multi zone conference, which was really great, and my companion ended up staying there for the rest of the week because of a weird hearing problem he has been having, so I was in another area with another missionary for most of the week. All in all, we are back here, safe and able to hear properly. 

Thank you so much for your prayers this past week, we had one of the most amazing baptisms I have ever seen. With tons of support from the members and everything happening according to plan. Esmeralda was baptized, and Delma was able to attend and watch and feel the support from the members, exactly what she needed, thank you so much for your support and prayers!

Thank you so much for the updates from the fam and about Jocelyn. I know you guys are doing your best and even from Perú I know the Lord is watching over Jocelyn and the family. You are always in my prayers, and I would love to join in the family fast this coming sunday, thanks for informing me. I will be right there with you all in spirit. 

Me and my companion are trying hard to help this little branch, and little by little we can see the fruits of our efforts. Little branches arent always super strong, but they really do have a lot of heart, and I´ve really grown to love the people here in this Branch in San Pedro. Not to mention the investigators, like I´ve mentioned, that part is inevitable :)

I am so happy to be here serving in Peru, I know I have been called to serve in a place specifically for me. God knows us all so well:) 

Love you my dear family!

Elder Lonsdale

May 21, 2012

Hey fam,

How are you?

I apologize. I dont have much time today. We got back from our p-day with the zone a little late. We went out to some Inca ruins out in the middle of the desert, with a member guide, it was so cool, dont worry, i´ll send you photos, but sadly, i dont think they will do it justice haha. Also, tonight we have to go chiclayo for a multi-zone conference tomorrow, so we are a little rushed with that too, but its all right. Im sorry I dont have much time to share some of the cool experiences this week but know that I love you and im well, :) I hope you guys are too. 

Love you, 

Elder Lonsdale

PS: If you could please mention Esmeralda and Delma in your prayers this week, They are some investigators that have their baptism scheduled this weeked and  and that extra faith from home would be very helpful :) THANKS!

May 7, 2012

Hi family,

Wow, I wasnt expecting anything like that when I opened my mail today. Thats a little scary, I hope Jocelyn and you guys are doing alright. I loved Jocelyn´s attitude in her letter, putting all their trust in our Father in Heaven. I wanted to say YEAH. Thats MY sister, willing to take on whatever comes. An inspiration for sure. Dont worry, Jocelyn and the family will be in my prayers. If there is anything I can do, just let me know. I´ll be praying for sure. Please keep me updated. God tries His people, because He knows what we can take, and we need to learn that too. A smooth sea never made a good sailor, right?

Well we are here working and learning tons together here in San Pedro. Working with a new missionary is really great, and you learn a lot for sure. Elder Linares, from Argentina is my companion. He is great, and has tons of potential. Its funny, seeing the new missionary things, like White shirts that are actually white, shoes always shined, caring about how he looks haha. Quite entertaining. 

Well I love you all, you are in my prayers. Talk to you next week!

Elder Lonsdale 

April 30, 2012

FIRST! Before I say anything, I have to answer your question, because I think you have asked more than once, haha, : Yes, you can send stuff to the mission home in chiclayo, thats where everything goes, and then they send it to our respective zone leaders to give to us, not just every transfers but during too. So dont worry, I dont have another address here. No se preocupe :)
Secondly....wow, you parents of mine sound like you have had some amazing adventures. Travelling overseas will do that to ya right? I learned that at a young age. haha. But I loved hearing about your trip. The Vatican? The Pope?! Golden. Its surprising how much I´ve learned about the pope and the Catholic religion here in Peru, really quite interesting at times. History can be riveting at times, as im sure you guys know. I have gained a greater appreciation for cultural history here in peru because there is SO much, about the Incas, the native ancient inhabitants. but anyways, my point is......History is cool. And you guys saw tons these past few weeks haha.
Toilet seats? what are those? lol, I havent used one of those in a long time. Bathrooms really depend here, from not having one, to a hole in the ground, or to some actually pretty nice bathrooms. But they all do the job right? :)
Smoking here in peru?...I have actually noticed that there really isnt that much, thankfully. Its not a problem we run into  a whole lot. More with drinking, now that is a different story.
Oh yeah, And you guys saw singing in the rain? I believe I have seen that movie about a million times, and almost every one of those times was in our van in korea. good times. Well, mom and dad, I guess you guys listened to that movie a million times instead haha.
Things are going great here. Elder Davila left early this morning, so I have been with the zone leaders who are awesome. A bunch of us are travelling to chiclayo tonight for transfers tomorrow, I have been assigned to train a new elder this next transfer so we will see how that goes!
I love you all! Safe trip mom and dad!
Elder Lonsdale