So, I've been thinking about being a missionary and about the Gospel (what else is new?), and I just love and just hate how little it makes me feel. When you're laboring in the work of the Lord, face to face with His precious sons and daughters, knowing that the only way they will hear the everlasting Gospel is through snot-nosed eighteen-to-twentysomethings like you and that they will forever be influenced by the next few words that come out of your mouth, you tend to realize how, as an individual, you are SOOO ill-equipped to tell the fifty-something year-old man in front of you, whose livelihood depends on his job as a bar man but who, as a result, cannot go to church on Sunday, and who also has a problem with alcoholism, that the only way to follow Christ is to risk finding a different job. But here's the part I love: I don't have to do it. The Lord works through His servants and puts in their mouths the things which they should say. (And the things which they would say just happen to be waaaay cooler and more profound than the things which I would say.) And He helps us through our weaknesses. In a way, it's kind of a relief to be able to admit that, for my own merit, I'm basically useless as a human being much less as a missionary. Because therein, I have room to ask the Lord for help. And He will help me. And it's because He loves me. And with His help, I can do all things. I can help these people. I can make sense as a teacer and as a mesenger of Christ.

Last week's message from Gabby 11/25

This week we got a visit from an apostle of God. I can't even believe how much my heart burns with testimony upon even writing that sentence. I know he is a prophet of God and an Apostle. His name is Russel M. Nelson, and he is the cardiologist responsible for kind of "discovering" open heart surgery. He came to visit us this week. It's the first time that Chiclayo has seen an apostle in years. Elder Nelson greeted us individually, and, as I was in the choir that sang, I got to sit one row behind him. It was an amazing experience and I got to hear an answer to my prayer directly from his wife. Her talk was actually my favorite. Hahaha. She's incredible. Then, yesterday, we had a area-wide broadcast on the work of salvation. I'm so excited and so thankful to be a part of the work at this time. They said it's an age in the history of the church similar to those first days of the restauration.

This week's message from Gabby 12/2

So, I wrote my sister this week about an internship she's thinking about doing in Perú. Here are my thoughts: Kay, since you're still thinking about the Perú internship thing, here are my thoughts black and white and frank-all-over: I really don't believe in organizations that just try to generally clean up a few problem areas. The gospel is the answer for all the world's ills. It really is. And there's no amount of funding and no amount of free food that can motivate people to change their circumstances if they 1. don't believe they really can, 2. don't have an end goal in mind, and 3. don't know how. That's where the gospel comes it. It's motivation, it's how change is possible, and it starts with us, which is where changes should really begin. Now, there are obviously some other issues to deal with that really can change lives, but nothing will change unless the people themselves change it. That being the case, next to the gospel, my biggest beef is with the education here. I had NO idea before my mission what a SIGNIFICANT difference education makes. It changes public health problems, it changes family relations, it changes lives. I'm currently in the most affluent area of Chiclayo. On a regular, I talk with some of the most educated people in the region. But it is still ridiculously obvious that there are basic areas of understanding that we take for granted in the states that they don't have here. For example, conversations like this occur with regularity: "My daughter has bronchitis. She's been coughing for weeks." "Wow! What happened?" "She sat in a room with the fans going." "Oh, yeah. That makes sense. (As if it made sense.) You should make sure that she doesn't drink anything too hot or too cold. (As if that was a cure or a cause.)" My companion calmly explained last night that the people rummaging through the garbage were just looking for stuff to be able to take home or to sell. She added, as though sharing a shoppers secret, "And and really great prices too!" So, that's all I have to say about that.

Okay, so something to share from this week is a journal entry I wrote. So, yesterday was basically a bum day all day. We walked around the whole entire day, found no one, entered 0 houses. Then, at the end, we had a family home evening with the Reque family. The wife and the husband have been having a bunch of marital problems. I haven't been sure if they're going to end up making it as a couple. But yesterday, they exchanging glances like I have never seen before. And right at the end, they comitted to continue fighting for their family. Yay!! But THEN, after dinner, the son of my pensionista (the sister who cooks for us) makes like he wants to chat. So, we're like, "Okay, we dig it." And he confesses that he's been wanting to go on a mission! And he says that he's thinking about going in January!!! WHAAT?! I'm McLovin' it because I was there when he first started getting that testimony back. When I first met him, he said, "Yeah, I WAS Mormon, but I haven't been in a looong time. I'm super, super inactive." And now look at him! And today, we went to see Nayelli. Maria, her grandmother, is not our biggest fan. And since Nayelli says that she does literally nothing without her grandmother, her progression's been pretty rough. But I love Hermana Escobedo because se just goes in there and attacks at full speed, no fear. And Maria starts to LISTEN to her! She looks at her like she's this supreme being who's been called to translate for te American. At the end, she's like, "Yeah. The Bible and the Book of Mormon are one in the same, just like God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are three different people but one in purpose." Pow! Blew my mind.

My favorite part of this week was definitely the tour of the capilla that we did for an investigator this past Saturday. He's having a hard time progressing because he's afraid he's going to get super deep into the church only to find out one day that he was equivocado. So, him actually coming to the church was a big step. The Spirit was super strong. It was awesome. :) Lourvin' being a missionary. ...even though I'm realizing more and more that everything is more intense during this time. I think Satan works a whole lot of overtime on the missionaries. And I know that it's because of the work we do. While, it is super rough sometimes and I'd prefer that it wasn't the case, at the same time, it's somehow gratifying to know that it's that important. I'm just going to keep taking baby steps at a time. I'm lejos de perfect, but I just keep thinking that if I can just make a good decision this once today, maybe tomorrow I'll be able to make another one. So, that's the lesson learned this week. Also! We found out that Russel M. Nelson is going to be coming to our mission soon. Oh check yes!

These are photos of Hermana Brito and I and our guinea pig lunch.

Here is a really picture of Kuelap! (I think she is translating from Spanish to English, what do you think?)

So, guess what! I'm opening an area! It's called Santa Victoria 3, and it's in the heart of Chiclayo. It's the most affluent area in the whole mission, and the ward is ridiculously cool. Plus, Santa Victoria 1 and 2 are the elders that work in the office. That means they don't have a lot of time to go out proselyting and that we've got our work cut out for us here, but it also means that we're super close to the president and that we're super well taken care of. And I've got another surprise! I have a daughter! Oh, well a step-daughter. In the mission, when we train new people, we're called their "parents" and they're our "son" or "daughter." But this time, my companion got transferred with me in the middle of her training, so I'm just finishing it up. Lots to do! Prayer's become a big deal. Hahaha. But I'm glad for the opportunity to do it. She's also American!

So, what's it like in Chiclayo... it's super, super different from Jaèn/Bagua. It's a lot more like the states in the way that there are more cars than moto taxis and there's technology and shopping malls. It's pretty different. AND it's cold here! It's like autum-ish weather. They say it'll warm up around January-December.

I love being a trainer. It's the greatest. We're putting up Christmas decorations in our apartment to prepare for the missionaries who will come in after we're transferred hahah. I even made a paper Christmas tree. Pictures will come when my usb is fixed (has a virus). I loved conference. I sang today in our zone conference and the elders from the office told me that they wanted to record it to be able to distribute it through the mission. The song wasn't mine, so they told me to write one and they'd do it. We'll see how that goes, but I'm pretty excited. I'd honestly love to do it.

So, guess what! I'm opening an area! It's called Santa Victoria 3, and it's in the heart of Chiclayo. It's the most affluent area in the whole mission, and the ward is ridiculously cool. Plus, Santa Victoria 1 and 2 are the elders that work in the office. That means they don't have a lot of time to go out proselyting and that we've got our work cut out for us here, but it also means that we're super close to the president and that we're super well taken care of. And I've got another suprise! I have a daughter! Oh, well a step-daughter. In the mission, when we train new people, we're called their "parents" and they're our "son" or "daughter." But this time, my compaining got transferred with me in the middle of her training, so I'm just finishing it up. Lots to do! Prayer's become a big deal. Hahaha. But I'm glad for the oportunity to do it. She's also American! I wrote some thoughts to a sister that used to serve here. She and I have become penpals. So, this is what I wrote her on the subject. There's this article about unhealthy perfectionism that Elder Alviña randomly gave to us that was the source of my inner reflections this morning. There were a couple of parts that hit me pretty profoundly, but the one that changed the game was this: "To be perfect is to be a Savior. My investigators need only one Savior. And my job is to invite them to come unto him." I had a teacher at BYUH that once told me that any lack of faith is a lack of faith in Heavenly Father. Hermana Sonictrumpets, I know that sometimes times get rough, in the mission as well as out in the world. We're not exempt from pain because we're returned missionaries. But I hope you perservere. And it sounds like you are. I know that the Savior of the world died so that you and I could have the ability to make mistakes, to learn, to grow. I hope the challenges you face right now won't keep you from believing that there is good in the world and peace to be found in Him who died to make us free.

I'm leaving Jaén! I don't know where they'll send me when I get there, but I'm leaving for Chiclayo in a little bit to be reassigned to a different area. I'll miss Hermana Norabuena, but I expect my new compy will be just as cool. I have another funny story to tell today. We went to visit an investigtor who has a part-member family, but didn't find him at home. But we did find his son, who was baptized when he was a teenager but has since left the church, instead. We're sitting there talking about the restored gospel because he has a ton of questions about why there are so many churches in the world with so many different doctrines. Restoration, right? Duh! Haha And it's marvelous. At the end, he's like, "Oh, yeah I remember that I had heard about Joseph Smith, but I didn't really realize who he was. He just has to have been a profet!" We love it, right? We're like, "Oh yeah, this guy's coming back to church! He's gonna receive the priesthood and go to the temple and seal his family together forever, etc." All this stuff, right? And then, after we've already said the prayer and we're putting our scriptures back in our backpacks to leave, he says this one little thing, "Oh, one last question." "Yeah, of course! What is it?" "Why do I see duendes?" Now, to give it a little perspective, a "duende" is a type of sprite-like creature that doesn't really exist. "Duendes?" We ask. "Yeah, duendes! I always see them with there little shoulders like this [he hunches] and their nose like this [he gestures at his scruntched nose and snorts]." "Oh. Oookay." I say. Hahaha rrooooouuugh! I had no idea what to tell him! We promised to study it out and get back to him. I still haven't found anything. But if anyone knows anything, I'm open for advice. Haha

Yes! I have a people to add to the list! (Mom's explanation of the list as requested by Gabby: We are doing a 21 day promise in our Ward.  We put on a list we fast and pray for them.  We read scriptures as part of obedience.  Then someone will accept the missionary lessons is the promise from the Lord) One of them is really, really special. His name is Michel. He's fourteen-years-old and he has a super strong testimony already. We found his grandma sweeping up the leaves that had fallen in front of her house and offered to help her. She hasn't shown incredible interest, but one day we went to visit her and found him at home alone instead. We started to visit him, and it turns out that he's super prepared. We explained the Restoration to him, and, at the end, he was like, "Where is this church?? Where is the church of Joseph Smith??" And we responded, "Calle (which means street) Iquitos (which is the name of the street)." And he bursts out laughing. "Are you serious?? The church of Jesus Christ himself is in calle Iquitos??" He's incredible. In another lesson, we presented him with a bible (which he had never owned) and a book of mormon of his very own, and, you'll never believe this, but he almost cried. He even wants to be a missionary! Trouble is, his mom is not into the idea at all. We've almost never been able to talk with her. Everytime we come by, she very forcefully says, "We are busy. We don't have time right now. Look. Look at me. We. Are. Busy." And for this, Michel has never even been able to go to church on Sunday. The one time he asked, she beat him. His mom took her nails and scratched his neck and chest. So... Yeah. That's where we're at. We're going to keep teaching him, feeding his spirit with the good word, but we've run out of ideas at this point. We fasted, we pray, we've had members try to visit her too. We just don't know what more we can do.

These past two weeks have been a little rough. We've had comp exchanges, transfers, and zone meetings, so a TON of traveling. This week I'm super excited to get back to life as we know it. And with a shiny new companion! Her name is Hermana Rodriguez from Ecuador, and she's fantastic. Seriously. I'm so excited to get to work with her. I think she's just what this area needs. And, with three baptisms coming up, she's been a great help already.
Jun 24

This just in! (and by "just in," I mean that I've known for a few weeks now but haven't said anything because I wasn't sure if I could handle the level of distraction it would cause) We can email friends too! So feel free to write me! My email address should be on my facebook page somewhere. So, that triple baptism didn't actually come to pass. We still had a double baptism, but the madre of the family still has some things to work out, so it was good in the end that she didn't get baptized. I'm sending a photo of aaaaalll of the niños in our primary. The little girl in the middle with the pink dress is Esmeralda Esperanza, and we helped her be baptized! Be good! Keep the faith!
Jul 1

So, yesterday was crazy. We had 12 investigators attend church! It was amazing. And this little girl, who's grandma is a member and has attended our church many times, comes up to us and is like, "I would like to be baptized." "Oh, wow. Okay. How does in two weeks sound?" "No. This week." "Okay." Haha it was great. So, long story short, we have a crapton to do, a schedule that was already full to begin with, and we feel crazy blessed.

And here's a random journal entry!:

So yesterday, we made an appointment with Wison (who was a reference of Hermana Carmen and who we had met for the first time yesterday) for today. So, we visit him in the afternoon, right? In the morning, we had weekly planning, and talked about him and his progression. Compy (my companion) was pumped about teaching him, but I wasn't quite as jazzed. I wasn't sure if he understood our lesson yesterday or if he was into it or if he was just polietly masking the fact that he was secretly really steamed that we woud make such claims as a modern-day prophet and revelation received by a 14-year-old, uneducated boy. So we go, awkwardly find him under dressed, and begin to teach. At first, we start out by asking him what he understood, what he was able to read, and how he feels about it. We get nothing. I'm pretty sure at this point thathe's not getting it. Then, he says this truly magical phrase, "But it seems to me to be really important." Woah! He flips a 180 and midways through the lesson, he's explaining to us how the priesthood works--things we did NOT teach him! IT was baller. He accepted an invitation to be baptized upon the condition that he receives an answer from God saying that this Book of Mormon-Joseph Smith thing is legit.
Jul 8

Hola!

We went to Kuelap again yesterday. This time, for some reason (which I still don't fully comprehend), we ended up taking twice the amount of time we should have just getting there. So, it was a pretty short Kuelap excursion with a TON of car songs. We met, while there a few people from different parts of the world, but specifically one student from Germany. She was touring through Peru on a six-month trip. She told me that she didn't believe in God, and I asked her why. She said that, as religious people don't understand non-religious people, people in her country aren't religious and that she can't comprehend the complexities of being religious. It made me think a lot.

I may be proving her point, but I don't really think there are complexities to being a religious person. And, albeit, I've often said that I don't feel like I'm a naturally religious person; that I have to work at it, so I may not be an authority on this point. But when I think of being religious, to me, it's just doing what makes the most sense. Logically, I know there is a God. I know that He loves me. And I know that He loves His people. He's given us commandments to help us, to instruct us, to benefit us. While I'm making decisions about what to do with my life, one has to wonder, "Am I going to do what I think is best, following after my own knowledge and understanding, which I already know to be serverely limited because they both grow and change daily? OR am I going to follow the words of modern-day prophets that speak for the Lord to make known unto the children of men His will for them and the inspiration and guidance which He daily gives me as long as I live worthy to receive it? And, for that matter, am I willing to do little things like pray and read the scriptures daily to be able to be worthy?" The answers are as follows: "Yeah, let's not do that." "Uhm, duh, yes I will." and "Oh heck yes." So, do as you feel is correct. But for me and mine, we will serve the Lord.
Jul 16

I was going to write this lengthy bit for the blog, but my comp's fallen ill and between here and there, I forgot to bring the lengthy thing with me. But send my thanks to the Wilders, Brad, Katie Green, Kelsey Gorman, Emily Russon, and LeGrand Lawrence for me! I've been awful and have been hoarding all of that gratitude since right after my birthday at the end of May. Be good! Stay chevere!
Jul22

Here are some pictures of Kuelap! My comp is way better. We were told that right now she's more healthy than all of the doctors in Bagua. And, speaking of Bagua, I'm not there anymore! But it was an internal transfer, so I'm still in the zone of Jaén. Miraflores, my area's called. It's the biggest area in Jaén with only two sister missionaries to cover it. So, I'm seriously stoked. We're gonna hoof it! I already knew my comp and have taught with her in comp exchanges before. We're both pretty stoked. She's from Peru, her name is Hna. Norabuena, and she says she wants to learn English. We'll see how it goes.

I forgot to thank Rachel "Maples" Moyes, who sent me a letter (or a blog, if you like) that literally made me cry. It helped me remember who I am and why I'm here.


(I'm going to send this because time's running out, but I hope to send more.)
Jul 29

I forgot if I'd already mentioned that I cooked fried chicken, sweet cornbread, mashed potatoes and country gravy for an inactive family last week when I was still in Bagua. We ate and talked and it was all going smoothly. Then, Veronica, who's husband is a non member who we were teaching, up and admits that she's not actually married to him (not husband, then, boyfriend... or, better said, father of her son). She looks all embarrassed and kind of waits for our response. We're prepared. And with all the guidance and wisdom which our endless scripture study and incredibly impressive title had given us, we respond with, "Why the heck not??" Hahaha! She didn't know, but we already knew that she wasn't married. A few jokes and giggles later, we're testifying that marriage is an important part of Heavenly Father's plan for his children and that she has to take this first step to be sealed in the temple to be a forever family. She loves her husband, and it's obvious how much he loves her. Yesterday, I got word from my old companion that they are engaged to be married in September and that the Saturday after, Persi (the husbandish thing) will be baptized. :)
Aug 5

So I have a cool story to share. Got your popcorn? This past Wednesday we were sitting in an investigator's house, teaching her like normal. For no reason in particular, I lifted my heel off the ground and, to my surprise, I hear a loud popping sound. It's a joint, joints pop, I didn't think much of it. But as we left and started walking toward the pensionista's house, it started to ache. The aching grew until I told my companion that I needed to go back to the apartment to recooperate. (idk if that is spelled correctly). The pain grew and we called our zone leaders for a blessing. They were out of town, so they called our stake president. President Sanchez showed up with a small army. His wife, his daughter, another member of the ward and his mom all showed up to help us out. Fortunately the mom of the member happened to work specifically with bone injuries. Turns out I dislocated it! The pain was so bad, I thought I was going to throw up. They give me a blessing, she pops it back into place, and I sleep. The next day, I wake up without pain. I walk. Guys, the church is true. The priesthood is real. And miracles happen.
Aug 12

Yeah, my foot's great! Good as new. It was just this rare, random thing that happened. I think it was because of the other part of the story which I left out due to a lack of internet time. This all happened right before we went to visit an investigator who we found that Sunday in church. He and his family were visiting Jaén and had found the church by accident and had attended a meeting once in their home town. In sunday school, he asked a ton of really awesome questions and kept repeating, "But who is Joseph Smith?? Who can tell me more about Joseph Smith??" He was awesome. And we had set up this appointment under strict orders to explain to him the significance of the prophet Joseph Smith. We missed the appointment, obviously, and I really think it was because there is somebody who is working to make sure that he doesn't find out the truth.

But, as we all know, this somebody is pea-sized compared with the other somebody who wants him to discovered the restored gospel and enter into the waters of baptism. So, this is the other part of that story. We left the house just a day or two later, not taking the correct route because I wanted to swing by our pensionista's house to get a water bottle. Not three steps down the sidewalk, we run into the investigator, accompanied by his entire little family. Right then and there we set up an appointment for an hour later. During this lesson, they agreed to get married civilly and, after, to be baptized.
Aug 19

I visited my old area this week! My companion is the leader of the sisters in our area, so when she needs to do a work visit, I also get to be involved. And since I got transferred within the same zone, it means that my old area is also on the list of potential visitees. This week, we explored that right and off I went. It was kind of trippy. We also visited an investigator that got baptized the saturday after transfers, so that was awesome. She was all, "Sister Sabalones!!" And I was all, "You're Mormon!!" It was super, super cool. I'm so happy and so blessed to have been a part of her conversion to the restored church of Jesus Christ.
Aug 26

Hey! The pictures I'm sending are of our north american investigator, our lu`au, and this crazy rope-bridge thing we crossed a river in last p-day. The govenor of Bagua Chica area also happens to be the second counselor in the stake presidency, so last week he showed us around and gave us  a bunch of free local fruits and stuff. It was really nice of him.

This week I'm just going to write you one of my journal entries with the preface that I ate something weird at the lu`au, which is how I account for the following. (I'm fine now.)

Picture this:

We're at an appointment with this teen aged girl who's asking us if real change and repentance are possible in her life. I step up to the plate. I hit a home run with my tale, winningly told. "I haven't been feeling well today," I say. "My companion plead with me to think of my health and stay in the apartment, but I said, 'No. [we'll call her] Nicole is more important.'" Really noble, right? And she's hooked too, leaning forward, listening intently as I explain (and this part in truly awful Spanish) that if I didn't believe in her ability to change, I wouldn't be with her today, or in Peru, or trying to learn Spanish. (If I hadn't meant every word, I would have deserved an academy award. The whole thing was very tense and sacred.) And in this poignantly triumphant moment, as my companion is expounding (and this part in infinitely more excellent Spanish), I realize that I am about to erupt. Responding to my urgent pokes, my companion, thinking quickly, asks, "Can we borrow your bathroom?" Of all the rotten good fortune, it's four steps in front of me. Of all the rotten MISfortune, I don't get the lid up in time. [¡CAUTION: It WILL become more graphic!] Chunks spew everywhere (we're talking EXPLOSIVE vomit), and the only cleaning utensil I know how to say in Spanish is "napkin." "Do you have a napkin?" I ask Nicole. She does, and hands me two. Awesome. Too embarrassed to tell her what happened, I pathetically and ineffectually dab at that which would have watered the Sahara. Eventually, she realizes what just happened, tells me to sit down and not to worry. As she cleans the entire mess up, I have to laugh at the remarkable and rapid decline of my dignity. And all I have to say is that the Lord does His best to keep us humble. Hahaha!

Also! I got mail! Thanks go to the Wilders for the Easter card. And a picture of Bagua for Brad because the outrageously detailed description of my mayordomía will have to come later.

Guess who's planning a Luau for the ward! Recipies would be awesome (especially for otai)! Of all the dirty, rotten luck. And, speaking of... During the break between the Saturday sessions, my companion and I had fifteen minutes before we had to be somewhere, but we were already there. So we decided to take a seat on the side of the road and read some scriptures. Along comes this kid on his motorcycle who sees us, shouts, in ENGLISH, "Are you Mormons? Are you reading the Bible? What IS the Book of Mormon anyway?" I don't have much time, so, to be short, he agreed to be baptized during the Sunday afternoon session. Killer, right? Blessings, blessings, blessings! Today for preparation day, our zone went and hiked Gocta falls, which is one of the largest in the world! So, that was cool. :D

Also, just heard some rumors about people going nuts in Korea. We're pretty secluded out here, so I don't know all the details. But the scripture in DD&C 100:4 really helped me out. Therefore, I, the Lord, have suffered you to come unto this place: for thus it was expedient in me for the salvation of souls. http://www.lds.org  I want to be panicky and freak out, but I know that I'm here for a reason and that I'm on the Lord's errand. There is literally nothing better I could be doing right now to help His children.

I can receive packages now!!

Mission address

Peru Chiclayo Mission
Calle Maria Izaga #690, 3er Piso
(Cruce con Av. Balta)
Chiclayo, Lambayeque
PERU

Aight. So, I just wrote to my mission president; my first letter in Spanish. Woo! SO rough.

Kay, so first off. I didn't wish Grandma a happy birthday in my last email. But, Happy Birthday, Grandma! I swear I had it written in my agenda at least three times, and I told my companion at minimum once each day to remind me. In the moment, there were thirty screaming missionaries in one room, all trying to maximize their computer half hour. Excuses, but anyway, I'm so sorry!! And I love you!!

Next, one of the members of my CCM district dislocated his knee and has had to be in the CCM for two weeks more. He's had a rough time with the language, with being a missionary, and with his testimony (which is only a year and a half old or so). He asked me this one favor, so if anybody knows Katie Green, please ask her to send one of her stories to the Peru MTC in behalf of an Elder Thomas Logan Gray. He said it would cheer him up a lot.

So, okay, next. I'm here in my mission! Whenever I told people in the CCM that I my mission was Chiclayo, they would respond, "Very hot!" Once I got to Chiclayo, I was assigned to the Bagua Chica area of the Jaen district, about which I was told, "Very hot!" Hahaha. But, anyone that knows me well knows that I'm loving it. Heat, I can do. I was also told that it's the most beautiful place in our whole mission, it's in one of the three most coveted zones, it has a killer pensionista (the lady that cooks for us, and also happens to be the bishop's wife), it's ward is the largest in the mission and is amazing, and that once I went there, I wouldn't come out until I was transferred because it's one of the two areas in our entire mission that are in the jungle (the Amazonas), and it takes over 9 hours to get here. What I wasn't told is that my companion, Hna Castro, is amazing, Bagua also has a set of elders, and one of them speaks English, and that mine is one of the few  areas wherein the district AND zone leaders both speak English. SO it's pretty bomb sauce.

I still don't speak Spanish, so I'll leave off telling you about our investigators because I'm not entirely sure about what's happening with them from day to day.

I will tell you, though, that I'm pretty much the weirdest thing that's ever hit Bagua. Everybody stares and asks if I'm from Argentina or Mexico, where the people are lighter and taller, and then I speak and they're even more confused. Hahaha! We had a 16-year-old member with us yesterday, and she kept laughing at me the whole time! Apparently I'm pretty chistosa (funny). :) C'est la vie (<--not Spanish).

I have more pictures to send, but I'm about out of time, so hasta luego!

Also, there's a chicken literally at my feet right now. Hahaha

¡Hola!

So, as I scored my second goal in a game of futbol (soccer) this week, it occured to me that I haven't made known this part of my life. Soccer! Daily! My entire district uses our physical activities hour to play soccer with the Latinos. Being sisters and being females trying to play a sport with nonfemales in South America, we've had to get serious. I'm up to five goals by yours truly! Here is my favorite soccer moment thus far:

(From my journal) "Scored another goal today! Like a boss. There was this Latino who apparently felt that he should let me know where I needed to stand. So, throughout the rest of the game, I kept thinking things like, 'Did you see me check that guy? Yeah! That's right I don't need you!' But, to be honest, it wasn't turning out to be a very productive game for me. Then, out of nowhere, a perfect shot! I SO took it, and scored, like a boss. 'Haha!' He and I high fived. We're bros now. No big deal."

Also! I'm proud of myself for having made friends with the Latina sisters in my room. I honestly don't know what I said or what I did to make them think I know anything about anything, but now, they're asking me for homework and lesson help, advice on their outfits, etc. I have NO idea. But I'm happy to help where I can!

I also got mail this week! One from Brad Reeves, one from Ken O'Kelly, and one from my dear Mandy Prasad. I hope to be able to write you all back eventually, but for now, I'm just going to respond here. Haha. My compañera is from Ogden, Utah. She's been attending Utah State studying graphic design for the past few years. She's amazing and I've learned a lot from her. The new missions won't affect me, I believe, but it does effect Hermana Campbell, who is planning on going to the Guyaquil (spelling?) North Mission. I'm glad you found a job, Brad! Keep eating that pasta! And, I'm excited about your new calling with Krishn, Mandy! I'm also thankful to have been able to help you with my blog. 

I am really excited to get out in the field. Only seven days now! Yesterday, our teacher asked us to turn in Preach My Gospel to chapter 10, but I accidentally flipped to chapter 9 instead (which is titled 'Finding People'). For whatever reason, it was a big and sudden reminder of my purpose here and the promise of work to do in the future. All this little did my teacher know, because he then asked me to read the first paragraph. So, I started in and only got through a sentence before choking up. His head whipped around to me, concerned expression asking what en el mundo was happening to me. In a little voice, I responded in Spanish, "I'm excited." 

Attached is a picture of a flower and a trash can that looks like R2D2 (will be posted on her facebook page)

Hey!

I forgot to mention, we're not allowed to have packages sent here because it's a headache and a half to get them. PLUS it's super expensive. Uhm... Hmm. We got some new North Americans and swapped out all of our Latinos for new ones. They all seem pretty cool, but I haven't spent much time getting to know them.

Hmm... Trying to think of other news.

Oh yeah! I got the letters from Katie Green and the Gorman girls. Thanks, ladies! I also got the Valentines day card from the Wilders, which came just a few days after the holiday itself. Thanks guys! And one from a Mr. Steven Simcox. Dear Elder sounds like the best thing ever! I want to use it!

Hmm. I think that's all I got for now. I forgot my camera, but I'll try to remember to send you some pictures next week.

Ciao!

Okay, so I've basically been planning this email all week. Three things, here it goes:
I love this place. The Latinos are in the process of leaving today to head out on their missions. We're getting more in tomorrow, but for now, the North Americans are flying it solo. I don't know what it is about saying final goodbyes, but the Latinos were going NUTS this week. Everyone wants pictures with the North Americans! Sunday night as we were preparing for bed, "Hermana Campbell?" (my companion) was called up from the bottom of the stairs. She just happened to have been standing in the doorway of our room and asked Hermana Ayer (our roommate) and I, "Is someone calling my name in a thick Latino accent?" We go to the stairs and hear, "You speak with my friend? One minute? Outside?" And what do we (Hna. Ayer and I were ABSOLUTELY sticking to her like glue) see when we round the corner? Why, what else but a seemingly a small army of Latinos plus Elder Gray (an Australian in our district) of course, waiting just outside the door of the building. Elder Figueroa, whose shoulders are ensconced by the supporting hands of his companions, turns around to face Hna. Campbell, thrusts his agenda toward her and timidly whispers, "Email?" Bewildered, it takes her a second to respond, during which time E. Figueroa assumes his English must have been bad, and turns, panic-stricken, to his companion (whose English is even worse than my Spanish). "Email? Keep in touch?" Hna. Campbell checks with Hna. Ayer (who has been here twice as long as we have at this point) to make sure such and exchange is CCM legal. HNa Ayer shrugs her shoulders, "I don't know. It's up to you." Hna. Campbell reluctantly consents and is rewarded by celebratory Latino (and one Australian) shouts. We all take awkward pictures together. Just then, another Latino comes up out of the hall behind us and says, "Uno mas. (One more.) With me." So, two pictures now exist to immortalize our awkward confusion. So, that was Sunday night.
Here's another thing, in an old recording of an MTC devotional, a "Taylor Barton" from Rexburg, ID was called out by Elder David A. Bednar with a greeting from his parents, his father in particular. I was just wondering, Jenna Barton, is this the same Taylor Barton?
Last thing. My companion is from Slytherine house! How cool is THAT?!

Hola!

The MTC is slowly becoming more routine. Today is our preparation day and we get to go out into Lima for the first time. I will let you know how that goes! We also get to attend the Lima temple, which, I hear, is incredibly warm. For me, I suspect it will be luke warm at best. I wear that big peacoat I brought to all my classes and at night. I'm usually more cold than the Latinos here (I just figured out the apostrophe!).Fortunately, though, they're all very nice and willing to help us. I think we're something of a spectacle. The Latino tourists that have come in "Ooh!" and giggle when they see the North Americanos (which is to say Americans and one Austrailian). I caught some girls trying to sneak a picture of my companion and I. And this morning at breakfast, I noticed one set of sister missionaries were just watching my companion and I eat. They're also super excited to practice they're English, which is about as good as my Spanish. Just kidding. My Spanish is better. So, the language! The language is coming along. It's a rather slow process, though, we've realized, because we have to catch up on a lifetime of grammar and vocabulary of the Latinos around us. Funny story about that. So, the Austrailian missionary has had absolutely no exposure to Spanish, so he feels a little left in the dust by his American companions. In class, we were answering a few, simple questions about ourselves in Spanish. He pointed to one question, unwittingly answering the one below it, which asked how he had heard about the church. So, he points to the other question, which asked why he came on a mission, and pantomimes a big stomach and says, "Bebe (baby)." We all busted out laughing, and he just stood around all confused like, "What just happened?" Another funny story: My companion (Who is stellar, btw, Uncle Greg!) and I are teaching and we give our investigator a scripture to read (all in Spanish, right?). He reads it and sits back, "Wow." I ask him what he's feeling, and he says he can't describe it. Just then our time ends, and he, now as an instructor, asks what the reason was for giving him that scripture. "Huh?" I look down, and it's open to Moroni 9:3-5 and not Moroni 10:3-5. Instead of reading about his ability to discern the truthfulness of The Book of Mormon, he's reading about the complete annihilation of the Nephite people, ending with the phrase "and they thursted for blood." Great. Hahaha!

We arrived at the CCM (MTC) in the wee hours of Valentines Day. The journey here was, for me, standard, with the exception of a mass of 15-20 missionaries (3 of us sisters) that traveled with me. The flight to Peru was only 6 hours. After travelling to and from Hawaii for my entire college career, it was a breeze. The bus ride to the CCM was incredible. The buildings here look pixelated! Many "oos" and "aahs." The pretentious part of me wanted to leave off the wonderment.    "Im not as naive as these sheltered, Utah/western states spawn." But, if I may be honest, Im not even cool enough to pull that off. So, throwing "cool" to the wind, I contributed "oos" and "aahs" of my own.

   Today, we are getting registered and oriented. There is mass confusion among the North Americans and not a little panic among the sisters. For the most part, I have NO idea whats going on. But Im wonderful. Its wonderful. This is wonderful. They handed me bags of stuff and, although I didnt know what they contained (new books and scriptures), I was tickled to death to get them. The grounds of the CCM are beyond gorgeous. Im just happy to be here, did I mention that? So happy. Maybe its the sleep deprivation.

 

Happily,

Hermana Sabalones

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