February 4, 2013

Hello Family

First of all, thank you so much for all the support and love that you guys always send to me. It really is such a blessing to open up my email every lunes (Monday) and receive so much positive energy directed to lift and motivate me, even when there are challenges that happen over there, there is always love and support that you guys spare for me, and I am so grateful. 

This week was a blast. Me and my companion were able to have a really great motivating Leaders training meeting to start off the week, so the rest of the week was surge of concentrated hard work in our area (the days we were there). It felt really good to focus our efforts for a bit on what was happening in our area. Finding new investigators, teaching current ones, visiting and helping members, and all that jazz. We had a couple more lessons with Ronald, (who, by the way, is attending church, reading the scriptures, praying, hanging out with members, keeping the commandments; being pretty much a member of the church), which was great. We almost always end up reading about what he has just read and answering questions that he has which is awesome. We still don’t have permission from his parents, but tonight we have a little Noche De Hogar (FHE) planned with his family to try to help them feel the spirit and comfortable to ask questions and make comments so we can help them know a little more about the church. We are praying that all goes well!

Today we had another super pday. We headed off at 4 in the morning again to Gocta. Remember Gocta? The huge waterfall? We went about 5 months ago and we were able to go again with all the missionaries who hadn’t gone before. 3 hours travel, and 2 hours hiking. Again, it was incredible. God´s creations are so amazing! All went well, we are little wiped, but all is well. That’s why we are a little late today writing.

But it sounds like you guys had a great week too. A super dinner with Elder Snow, and an impressive stake conference? Sounds like a blast. Also, thanks mom and dad for always telling me a bit about how Daniel and Krista are doing. I always enjoy hearing about what they are up to. Krista = cello!? SO COOL! And Daniel doing exercises to get bigger? ALSO SO COOL! Haha, Krista will have to teach me cello one day, and Daniel will show me how to get muscles and burn off this mission fat lol.  But I'm glad to hear that you guys are doing great. I love you so much and am so grateful for all that you do, for me, for others, and for the Lord :)   

Your Elder Lonsdale

January 28, 2013

Hey fam  of mine

Sorry I'm a little late today, we  had to travel to Chiclayo for the zone training for the month of Feb.  We also traveled to an area called San Ignacio a couple hours away to do some baptismal interviews on Friday. Wow, I never thought I´d travel so much, I feel like a rock star or something haha. So this past week was a bit of a blur. 

But we are teaching this awesome young man named Ronald, a friend of some members here in the ward. A really friendly, bright kid who has so many desires to know the truth. He has this desire to learn from the Book of Mormon like I've never seen from an investigator before. He is so captured by the story of Nephi and his family and said he can’t stop reading he enjoys it so much. That really helped me see even more the value the scriptures have for us, how much we can learn from and enjoy the scriptures if we have the right attitude. I love trying to see the gospel from the eyes of an investigator, it really gives you a whole new perspective that helps you help them understand it better. Also, after we invited him to pray if what he is reading about is true, he told us about a powerful, quiet spiritual experience that helped him feel that what he is learning about really is the truth. It strengthened my testimony even more that anyone who really wants to know can get an answer. Not from the missionaries, or their member friends, but from God, through His spirit. It’s a promise, and Our Father doesn’t lie. J  But the only impediment that might cause some bumps in the road might be some permission from parents. We some really great help from member friends of his parents, so I’ll let you know how that goes, thanks for helping with your prayers!  

That’s one hard thing about traveling a bunch, we don’t get the time in our area with our investigators like we would like. But its ok, we just have to learn to use our time even more efficiently and make sure we are keeping our diligence levels up there.

It sounds like you guys have had some crazy weekends, and will have….haha. Baptisms for the dead? Daniels first time? Wow! That’s awesome! I'm so proud/happy/jealous. I miss the temple so much, what an amazing blessing, the Calgary temple. And it sounds like you guys had a really great crowd of youngins over for dinner lol, sounds like a blast. 

Well I have to go, sorry for the little email! I love you all sooooooo much!

Elder Lonsdale

PS I remember that talk mom that we had in Hawaii, I was thinking about it this past week, thanks for helping me understand :)  

January 21, 2013

Hello there,

I'm sorry I didn't write yesterday, we had a big p-day and we didn't get back in time to write, so we have permission to write for a second this morning before our missionary meetings. For a long time we haven't gone to any big tourist sites, and the missionaries have really been wanting to, so this weekend we did all the planning and arrangements to go to Kuelap. Kuelap is a huge ancient city up in the mountains. Made thousands of years of ago and took about 800 years to make. I'm sure you can look up some pictures on the internet. Its kinda like a mini Machu Pichu. It takes about 6 hours to get there, so we got up at 3am and left at 4. 12 hours in a traveling van with 18 missionaries ( the elders in chachapoyas didn't go) was a little long but Kuelap was amazing. HUGE; and so old, and so cool. Just imagining the ancient civilizations made my imagination go wild. Can you imagine the stories those huge walls could tell? wow. I'm sure we would hear the Book of Mormon lol. It started raining pretty hard, and being waaaaaay up there in these ancient ruins in the rain... awesome. There was a tourist from Canada there, I had a little awkward chat with them, that was cool, they actually grew up in Edmonton. The first white person Ive talked to in English that isn't a missionary, here in my mission. Lol.

Well, Im sorry for the lack of email, I really am, but next week will be better :) Love you all so much!

Elder Lonsdale

January 14, 2013

Hey there,

A little bit of a hectic week again this week with the transfers, missionaries leaving in buses arriving here at the buss station. Woot,sometimes its a little crazy because missionaries have to stay here in Jaen with us in our apt or rooms of other missionaries because we cant travel at night. Its fun being with the other missionaries and spending time with them because when they are a distance away we don't see them as much as we would like. Me and my companion did some more traveling this past week, we accompanied an elder with his new companion to chachapoyas, and to do another training for the new month of Enero. Oh yeah, about that, before I forget, lol, me and my companion are the zone leaders here in Jaen, since November, when I changed areas from Bagua Grande to Jaen. I had had some time as district leader starting in San Pedro, and now I'm here serving the missionaries in Jaen. It has been a huge learning experience. Learning how to love a big group of missionaries and try to help and motivate them to achieve their purpose and have success. It really is true, the fact that a mission prepares you for life. I found out through some hard companionships how essential communication, humility, and love is to make a relationship work. And now, making decisions with somebody to help a group of people in what they need. Talking about how we can help the zone better, how we can be better examples, how we can help each missionary be more obedient etc etc, its like a family, lol. I'm not saying my companion and I are a married couple, but I'm learning how to work together like one :) But that's why we have been traveling so much.  Its really great to be able to visit the elders in their  areas when they are at and help them however we can. Its a lot of time in a car or bus but the view is always amazing, some places are jaw dropping, deep in the green Peruvian mountains, woot. I try to take pictures, but I'm sorry, they don't to it justice. You will just have to come see for yourself someday, but don't worry, I will be more than come along and show you around :) As for your question mom, we don't drive. Its a mission rule,kinda sad lol so when we travel its always in bus, van, or a travel car.

I am the only Canadian in the mission. For me, that is a testimony  that our mission calls are by revelation, another proof that I am supposed to be here in Peru, that this mission is for me haha. But yes, the jokes are abundant at times haha. Oddly enough mostly from the latino missionaries, joking that Canada is another state, and that I'm from the states. I think it started from some american elders but the latinos have a lot of fun with it. One elder asked if it was true that there are more cows than people in Canada, so that has been the most recent. It can be pretty funny at times, lol, and I laugh along with them. 

Grandparents to Hawaii? That's awesome, I hope they have a blast, they deserve it.  And Daniel with braces =cool. Daniel with attitude= not so cool haha. A little boy with a big attitude. We will have to do something about that lol. And tell Krista that she will have to teach me to ski some day.

Well family, I'm so grateful for your love, prayers and support. I cant be there to show you my gratitude, so I show my thanks and love through my work. Thanks for being such an amazing example and strength for me. I know that this is the work of the Lord and that He loves each and everyone of us so much. And finding that love can change someones life, I've seen it. I love you all!

Elder Lonsdale

January 7, 2013

Hey Family,

Thanks so much for the emails. .

I apologize for the shortness of this letter, after Dad even thanked me for the longerish ones lol. Grandma asked for a little bit about mission preparation for a few talks they are going to give. ( I'd have to say that one of the most important things someone can take on a mission is a testimony of the Book of Mormon. And the only way to get that is by reading and praying about it. It really is the most important tool, accompanied with the spirit, to conversion of the restored gospel. It really is the Keystone to our religion and has helped me so much in my life that I want to share it with everyone around so that they can receive the blessings that I've received.) But yeah, the mission area has also sent a couple of pages to all the missionaries about emotional health and we need to read it to make sure we are emotionally healthly, that's important lol. But I shall print it off also, and your emails that I got today because I would like to analyze them a bit more in depth and in a more relaxed place haha.

This week my companion and I were in Chiclayo for a couple of days and then we came back and I went and picked up a dropped of a missionary in an area 2 hours away(but a Pervian paradise) that was ending his mission. We said some goodbyes to some other missionaries due to the transfers this week, and that was a little sad. You grow to really love some missionaries and its hard to say goodbyes to good friends. But life moves forward offering you new experiences and  growth and the Lord needs them helping other people right now :). I'm sorry if this is a little confusing…..lol. Transfers this week. Elder Uriarte and I are staying together another transfer, I'm glad. We enjoy working together and are learning a bunch together. This week we have to go to chachapoyas again, but we hope we`ll have a bit more time in our area to be able to work with our investigators lol. The work moves forward!! Woot! Haha

Well I have to go, I hope all is well as you move back into the routine of life and make your 2013 goals!! As for being canadian and why we`re traveling….next week!! Sorry!

Love ya Elder Lonsdale

January 1, 2013

Hola mi querida familia

¡¡FELIZ AÑO NUEVO 2013!!

It was so great to be able to see and talk to you guys on Christmas. I enjoyed hearing about your lives and whats been going on, and it was also great to get to know some people a little bit better that I didn't know before, like Eloise and Brett.  Technology is really a huge blessing. I hope you had and an awesome Christmas in the snowy mountains. We had a great Christmas here in the sun, and talking to our families was the highlight. You guys have this interesting power over missionaries. Well, families in general. A power when used right can motivate and inspire a missionary to work harder in the Lord´s work and try to do his very best. And when used differently can make a missionary have his head in a different place other than the area where he is serving. But all in all it really depends on the missionary and where he wants to put his thoughts. But don't worry, you make it easy for me to keep my thoughts on where Im at, because I know that you´re right there  cheering me on in what Im doing and why im here. Thanks family :)

Well this week was a little, well, tough in respect to the work. Hardly anybody had time to listen to us, due to family being in town, traveling, being drunk, doing other things, etc etc. But that's just what happens this time of year with Christmas and new years being so close together. Our New Years was pretty chill. The whole stake had a big party but we had to be in our rooms at 9:30, so we had our own little party lol. With snacks, card games (SPAZ –very funny) and watching the fireworks, and a normal pday today. Hardly anything is open so we finally found an internet café open that's why we are a little late today.   

Things here in our area have been a little different in comparison to the rest of my mission. Me and my companion are often traveling to receive training, and then to give training etc. For example this week we are going to Chiclayo and wont be coming back until Friday. This time out of our area takes away a lot of time with investigators we are working with and results in a slower spiritual progression. So I´d love to put a cool experience here… but I'm sorry but that will have to wait.  But I'm super glad to hear from Uncle Deryle and Zach! That was great. But it makes me a little sad that I don't have time to write EVERYBODY I know and tell them how much I love them and share neat uplifting thoughts and experiences….but alas. I'm trying and I'm praying for all my family and friends, I hope you feel my love.

Well family, Happy New Year, 2013 will be a great year if we make worthy, specific goals and have the true desires to achieve them. Keep the faith!

Elder Lonsdale

PS: Unexpected mission call? COOLEST present ever.

PPS: Zach teaching in the MTC!!?? SO COOL, dream job.

December 17, 2012

¡¡FELIZ NAVIDAD!!

Hello there my wonderfully awesome family, how is the Christmas season
treating you? (Sorry for not being able to write you Monday, we had a
change of pday this week because of our avitivity with the president. )I
hope all is well, is there snow? I tell people here when they ask that yes
there is snow in my country right now, and they are like ´WOW! A real white
christmas? Get outta town!¨ ok, maybe not quite like that…but Im sure you
get the Idea. Christmas season so far here has been pretty great. Nativity
scenes, some lights, our Christmas activity today with the mission
president and his wife, (That was a blast, we had out activity early in the
month due to the fact that we can't be with the majority of the missionaries
in Chiclayo for the big activity 25 because we are a little farther out
there.  (breath)) But it was a blast, good food,  funny skits, games,
presents. Etc etc. Where was I? oh yeah, navidad here, well I think its a
little harder to remember its christmas after years of snow, telling you
that its christmas time, but a tan or a sunburn work too. J

Oh before I forget,… this year we wont be able to have a `pre-call`, so I
won't be calling out of the blue like I have the past couple of times (Dad:
`Derek!? What the?!` haha) …. and we wont be having pday on Monday because
Presidente Risso wants to make sure we are proselyting all the time we can,
or doing service, and so our p-day will be on Tuesday the 25, the day where
working will be a little more difficult. SO. I hope we can make all the
arrangements now…my companion is going to call his family on skype at 4pm
peruvian time, and I am going to call you guys at 5pm peruvian time. I'm not
exactly sure what the difference is over there with daylight savings and
stuff, but I'm sure you guys know J We will be able to talk for an hour. 
I have forgotten, but I will get a chance to check my email on Tuesday to
grab that info from you guys and see if you guys have anything more to add
to the plans before I call you…..how does that sound? Great.  5pm, in Peru,
1 hour, I will check my email before I call. Im excited to see your faces
and talk with you. J

Well I think that is all, about the call…. This week…..went well, it as an
interesting week. We didn’t have much time working in our area, and we did
lots of traveling, 6 hours to Chiclayo, and back, and then after one day me
and my companion traveled to an area called Chachapoyas, about 3 hours from
Jaen. (funny story, they told us that Chachapoyas is cold, and to bring
sweaters when we came. I, being all full of Orgullo, was like pfft, cold?
Im from Canada. So I didn’t bring a sweater or anything. Im not sure if
just being in HOT areas for the past couple of months broke me, Or If it
was just really cold in chachapoyas, because it was COLD there haha, I
haven’t been cold like that in a long time lol) anyways…. I´ll leave some
other stuff to talk about next week lol.

Please thank Nana, Gerry Clark, and G G Mendenhall for the overgenerous
money gifts, I really appreciate it. Its about time to buy some new clothes
haha
gotaa go

December 10, 2012

Hello,

WOOT CANCER FREE!! I'm so happy to hear that, congratulations Jocelyn and fam! Nothing like a miracle to help strengthen your testimony. Thanks to all those prayers, fasting, care and sacrifice my loved ones everywhere. J I hope you continue feeling better Jocelyn.

Sorry I'm writing so late, my companion and I had to travel to Chiclayo today, so we didn't have time in the morning to write, so after a little more than 6 hours on a bus we are finally here. It feels a little weird to be here after so long, Chilcayo is a little more modern and has its own Chiclayo vibe lol, but tomorrow we are traveling back to Jaen. A little tiring but we`re fineJ

This week was a little all over the place, but thankfully everything worked out. We had Pres Risso, Hna, Risso, Elder Camargo and his wife in Jaen for a special conference. It was great, we were all able to learn a lot and see how we can improve as a zone. Presidente Risso talked and highlighted the Doctrine of Christ, the gospel principles themselves, and how our purpose as missionaries is directly related to helping people live those principles. Elder Camargo spoke to us about a bunch of different things, like the importance of teaching the pure doctrine when we teach the commandments. The ¨What¨ informs, and the ¨Why¨ inspires. Instead of focusing on HOW we keep the Sabbath day holy,  we need to focus on the WHY. Why we really have this commandment, this Day for us to worship and devote out time in strengthening our relationship with our Father in Heaven. Or WHY we have the Law of Chastity, and the importance of using the power to create life how God wants. When we focus on the WHY, and teach the pure doctrine, the HOW will make a lot more sense. Those were some of the points that have had me thinking these past couple days, I think it can really help us reflect as members too. 

Sorry its a little short today, we dont have much time!

Well, I'm very very happy that you guys are doing well. I know that you are receiving too many blessings to count, and that the Lord is watching over you.(Cancer free? Perfect evidence) And that promise helps me know that you are all well, and helps me focus on what I'm doing. I appreciate your prayers, love, and support, I feel them everyday, and I hope you feel mine. Love ya tons! 

Elder Lonsdale.

PS, Elder Uriarte says Hi,

and remind me to tell you about the food mom lol

November 26, 2012

Hey family,

I'm very happy that everything that happened this week was executed with success! Sounds like it was a good time. I can imagine that all of dads workmates were surprised, after seeing a handsome, professional, serious, successful, nice guy rock out like an 80s rock star with long hair. Yup, Hes MY dad.  J

We had an interesting week, but some ups and sideways and ending with a very unexpected twist…(I'll get to that one later). But we learned how astutely frustrating the adversary can be. Its funny how some things just HAPPEN to come up so they can't meet with us, or how this person just had to stop by the house with a really important piece of business right when we are there trying to teach something that we think this investigator needs. Frustrating, yes. But it teaches us a little more patience, and that's always good right?

This week our eternigator, William, finally made it, and isn't an investigator anymore! It was a very beautiful service with those members that have been with him, cheering him on for a long time. And see that he had a good support system helping US feel more comfortable and secure that he is going to be in good hands, and we know that it was really good for HIM to see that he was going to be taken care of, with the help of these members. I always think that baptisms of these people who have been investigating the church for a long time are a little bit funny, because after all that time, waiting, worrying, when they finally do it there is this ¨Well that wasn't that hard……¨feeling that you can see in their eyes, and as their conversion increases with the evident blessings of the Holy Ghost, that feeling turns more into a ¨Now I get it….¨ And seeing their testimony grow more makes you happy. And Happiness is a HUGE Blessing.

Well, this week we have transfers. And the big surprise was that I am being transferred. But not too far, I'm getting transferred to Jaen, the ¨big city¨, about an hour away. Elder Allred, a good missionary friend and somebody I look up to just went home, finishing his mission, so as part of the transfers I am taking his place in Jaén, with my new companion Elder Uriarte, from Bolivia. Yes it was unexpected, after being in my other areas for about six months, leaving Bagua Grande so soon feels weird, but I know that Jaén will be a great experience. I´ll have to cook for myself for the first time mom!! Are you proud of me!? Well, breakfast and dinner……sometimes :P After saying goodbye and taking pictures with members,as we were eating dinner one of the boys in the family was taking pictures with my camera, and trying to erase what he had taken, (due to the English camera) accidentally deleted all the pictures, 580, that I had since my last area……yeah…..a little bit of a hard attack, but thankfully we were able to recover a lot. HUGE blessing again haha-

Hey! The package arrived last week, thanks so much! I loved the letters and the church magazines, and the pension family loved the pop rocks and the fizz candy. (We ( I mean the pension kids) thought it would be funny to feed some poprocks to a blind dog…..and we(they) we right) Anyways… But the temple issue was amazing! It came just in time for our planning of a lesson with Cesar and His family about temples, awesome timing mom J.  And…Tanner Strauss and Dallin Low´s papers are in?! Holy wow, that's crazy. That's awesome, we need more! Send them on over here to Peru. But it doesn't really matter, in the end the whole WORLD needs the gospel. Let me know where they are off to when you know please, that would be great.

Well family I love you tons!

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