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