Thanks for the family letter, very original haha. When I pulled it up my companion was like whoa whoa is that Facebook? lol, I assured him it was just my family being creative.
Well its a new year! FELIZ AÑO NUEVO! New years is HUGE here in peru. They have this tradition where they make these scarecrow things called Muñecos, where they use their old clothes to make the outside and then stuff it full of hay and firecrackers and stuff, and then at midnight, along with more firecrackers and fireworks you can imagine, they light their Muñecos on fire in the streets, as a symbol of leaving behind the past and starting a new year. We got to make a missionary muñeco with some members on New Years Eve, but sadly we didnt get to see him go up in flames. Our mission president let us missionaries stay out a little later in the houses of members. But between that time and midnight it was a little hard to sleep, so at 12 we took a look and the city was pretty much on fire, with fireworks galore and burning muñecos in the streets, noise and smoke engulfing the entire city haha. Yeah it was quite a sight.
Other than the local festivites this week was pretty normal. My companion and I decided to make our street contacts with more quility, where we can gain trust with the people we talk to in the street. Where we actually talk with people and see them as people and not as just numbers, and not give them the whole memorized, Hi. We´re missionaries from the church.... The people here will practically treat you like family if you can gain their trust. Which we saw this past week. We were searching for a referrel and found his family in the house instead and began talking with them and showing that we care about them, and they invited us to eat lunch with them a few days later, and since then we have been teaching this strong family that treats us like we are family and really want to hear our message. I know its not always like that, but it really is a testimony of how we need to show these people that we care, and truly desire their salvation.
One other thing I thought I would share is that I had the opportunity to try Cuy, which is guinnie pig.. It was actually pretty good. A little hard to eat civilized-like, but who really wants to be civilized when you are eating a big huge hamster? yeah, I rest my case. But also, guinnie pigs; Bald, and dead, are probably the ugliest things you´ll see. I decided that they are definatley cuter alive......... with fur,....maybe even tickling my nose. but Maybe thats just me, haha.
Yup its getting hotter here in Peru, chiclayo at least. we were playing soccer with our investigador and some of his friends today, and I think I actually got burnt through my shirt......haha now thats a first, and probably not the last. Now that i think about it, im not quite sure why im telling you this, but OH WELL! you are my family right? I can tell you anything! :)
Alright, honestly its really wierd to think that Alan is home, and even weirder seeing those pictures of him haha. Wish him the best for me, in school and getting married.
Well family, its a new year. New things to learn, new things to experience, and new things to become. I'm so grateful for the opportunity we have to continually grow and strive to become more like out Saviour. I know I am so blessed to be here on my mission and I love it so much,. Im also so blessed to have a family like you guys, and I love you so much ;)
Elder Lonsdale
