December 26, 2009 - Hey Beautiful and Wonderful Family,
What an excellent day yesterday was. It was so good to be able to talk with each one of you and hear your voices. You all sound great. Dallis, you sound just like Chase. It is amazing. I cannot wait to see you all. I actually made it through the phone call without crying, but right when I hung up, the tears came out. It wasn’t because I was sad; it was because I was overfilled with the joy of being able to talk with my perfect family. I love you guys so much. We went to dinner afterwards and it was fun to spend the night with the Canches Family. We ate pig and turkey with rice and then had soda and cake for dessert. We also watched the second part of my High School Musical with Whitley and they loved it. We then went outside and lit off some fireworks, and about every single one was illegal in the United States. It was way fun. It was the most perfect Christmas that a Missionary can have: being with President in the morning, talking with the family in the afternoon, and finishing the day with a wonderful member family. I loved my second Christmas in the Mission. It was so fun to sleep at President’s house and feel just like I was in my own house with parents and everything. And guess what? President invited us today to do it all over again for New Years!!! That means this week, we will again be going to President’s house to spend the night and celebrate. I cannot believe it. I am so blessed. Please do not worry about me because I am being more than taken care of. I feel so spoiled and special. I love it. No more Holiday Seasons in the Mission. We are done!!! For the next Thanksgiving and Christmas, I will be sharing the table with you and it is going to be great. I absolutely cannot wait. I love you so much and cannot wait to see you. I am glad that you all liked my gifts. I had fun getting them together. Thanks Mom for putting presents under the tree for me again. I cannot wait to open them when I get home. I don’t know if I’ll be able to wait until Christmas to open them, but they will be opened with excitement because I already want to open them. I love you so much. Thank you family for being so sweet. I honestly have the perfect family and I would never do anything to change it. I love you so much and never forget it. WE ARE SO BLESSED!!! I write over and over again in my journal that I will never be able to thank Heavenly Father enough for the special blessing he has given me of having the best family on earth. I love you guys so much. Take care. Have a very Happy New Year!!! I’ll be writing in a week. I love you so much!!! Love you forever, Coco
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
"I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!"
December 19, 2009 - Hey Merry Family,
I love you so very much. Can you believe we are already in the week of Christmas? It came so fast. But you know what that means…PHONE CALL!!! I am so excited to be able to talk to you guys this week. Remember what I said in our phone call on Mother’s Day. This is the longest period of time that we have had to go without being able to hear each others’ voices. After this, there is one more phone call, and then I’ll be home. :) Imagine how strong we have become. We are a strong surviving family and I love that so much. . Excellent news… I finished my first journal this week. By that, I mean that I have been writing in my journal every single day since I started my Mission and I have now filled up one whole journal and I am starting the second one. My journal is my most-prized possession now because it has fourteen months of my life written in it. I cannot wait to be back at home and be able to share everyday and every experience with you. We will be able to read every day and just laugh or cry depending on what was going on that day. I am so excited to share my Mission with you, my sweet and cherished family. I love you.
I received a Christmas package from Grandma and Granpda Olsen full of good Christmas goodies. Please tell them thanks and let them know of my love for them. I am going to take the goodies to President’s house on Christmas Eve to share with everyone. We are going to have so much fun and I am so excited for this week. It is another week that is just going to fly by. We’ll be talking next Friday and then writing each other on Saturday. What a great and merry week it is going to be. :) Christmas is not a hugely celebrated Holiday here in Peru. The people are just not as excited as they should be. A lot say that it is a sad Holiday because a lot of kids pass this day just like any other regular day. But I am glad I am here. I am bringing the Christmas Spirit into every house that I walk into. I love Christmas. I think everyone in the Offices is getting tired of me repeating the same Christmas songs. But I just keep on singing because I love it. It is the best time of year and it will be even better next year because I will be with you! :) I cannot wait. Elder Steed and I stayed up the other night watching the lights that I put up on our porch. It was so fun to just sit in peacefulness and watch the lights. I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!
My companion has a lot of work right now because there are a ton of Christmas packages that are arriving and he has to go to the Post Office to take them out. We went the other day to take thirteen packages out and it took us four hours. Right now, I think there are thirty more packages and even more on the way. It is the Christmas Season, so why not send your Missionary a package… The whole Mission is receiving packages. We have a new Gringo Missionary Couple that entered in the Mission. They are in my ward and are so fun. They can’t speak or understand even a little bit of Spanish so they are struggling. They are being supported by three of their kids that are currently serving Missions, one in the Philippines, one in Guatemala, and one in Chile. They are a Missionary Family. It is fun to have some adult Utahns in the Mission. We are trying to help them learn Spanish and get used to the culture which is a lot of fun. I honestly love the Mission. I really do. It is the best. I love you guys so so much and I am more than excited for our phone call this week. I am so glad that the house is finally started and I can’t wait to see the finished product. (Mom, don’t forget to put in a scrapbooking room…) It is going to be a wonderful, comfy, and cozy home. I am excited to come home to a new house. I love you so much family and can’t wait to hear your laughs and your voices. I love you forever. Love, Coco
I love you so very much. Can you believe we are already in the week of Christmas? It came so fast. But you know what that means…PHONE CALL!!! I am so excited to be able to talk to you guys this week. Remember what I said in our phone call on Mother’s Day. This is the longest period of time that we have had to go without being able to hear each others’ voices. After this, there is one more phone call, and then I’ll be home. :) Imagine how strong we have become. We are a strong surviving family and I love that so much. . Excellent news… I finished my first journal this week. By that, I mean that I have been writing in my journal every single day since I started my Mission and I have now filled up one whole journal and I am starting the second one. My journal is my most-prized possession now because it has fourteen months of my life written in it. I cannot wait to be back at home and be able to share everyday and every experience with you. We will be able to read every day and just laugh or cry depending on what was going on that day. I am so excited to share my Mission with you, my sweet and cherished family. I love you.
I received a Christmas package from Grandma and Granpda Olsen full of good Christmas goodies. Please tell them thanks and let them know of my love for them. I am going to take the goodies to President’s house on Christmas Eve to share with everyone. We are going to have so much fun and I am so excited for this week. It is another week that is just going to fly by. We’ll be talking next Friday and then writing each other on Saturday. What a great and merry week it is going to be. :) Christmas is not a hugely celebrated Holiday here in Peru. The people are just not as excited as they should be. A lot say that it is a sad Holiday because a lot of kids pass this day just like any other regular day. But I am glad I am here. I am bringing the Christmas Spirit into every house that I walk into. I love Christmas. I think everyone in the Offices is getting tired of me repeating the same Christmas songs. But I just keep on singing because I love it. It is the best time of year and it will be even better next year because I will be with you! :) I cannot wait. Elder Steed and I stayed up the other night watching the lights that I put up on our porch. It was so fun to just sit in peacefulness and watch the lights. I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!
My companion has a lot of work right now because there are a ton of Christmas packages that are arriving and he has to go to the Post Office to take them out. We went the other day to take thirteen packages out and it took us four hours. Right now, I think there are thirty more packages and even more on the way. It is the Christmas Season, so why not send your Missionary a package… The whole Mission is receiving packages. We have a new Gringo Missionary Couple that entered in the Mission. They are in my ward and are so fun. They can’t speak or understand even a little bit of Spanish so they are struggling. They are being supported by three of their kids that are currently serving Missions, one in the Philippines, one in Guatemala, and one in Chile. They are a Missionary Family. It is fun to have some adult Utahns in the Mission. We are trying to help them learn Spanish and get used to the culture which is a lot of fun. I honestly love the Mission. I really do. It is the best. I love you guys so so much and I am more than excited for our phone call this week. I am so glad that the house is finally started and I can’t wait to see the finished product. (Mom, don’t forget to put in a scrapbooking room…) It is going to be a wonderful, comfy, and cozy home. I am excited to come home to a new house. I love you so much family and can’t wait to hear your laughs and your voices. I love you forever. Love, Coco
Monday, December 14, 2009
"I absolutely love this culture!"
December 12, 2009 - Hey Cute Family,
So we have two wards now. Our new ward is Las Violetas and it is so much fun to get to know new members and a new area. We have two baptismal dates already and we are hoping that they will be baptized this month of December. It feels great to be out teaching again. The only thing is that Lima is really hard to teach in. The people are more educated and we get rejected a lot of the time, but the work still goes on. It makes it difficult sometimes to be rejected, but it is not worth it to get discouraged. I can’t let myself get down or it takes a little while to get back up. So I had a lot of surprises this week. I was able to spend all Sunday in Church with Landon and his mom, and then we also spent the night together in the Christmas Devotional of the First Presidency. It was a splendid day with them. Landon’s mom is so nice and we had fun just talking about how you came to know each other and the stories about being a Missionary Mom. I’m sure you are living the same experiences Mom. You are going to love the stories she will tell you when they get back in Utah. Thank you so much for the gifts. I am so excited to give President and Sister Pérez their gifts for Christmas. They are going to love their gifts. I love the book and the sweet note that you wrote. The book is perfect. It is full of nursery stories and other tales that are perfect. I love the pictures as well. Thank you for the candy and for the “To: Coco From: Santa” notes. They make me really happy. I am just like a little kid waiting for Santa to come. I actually had a sweet member tell me that I have such a childlike spirit because I love Christmas so much. I am all about being happy during this time of year. I have been singing many Christmas hymns to the members and I love doing it. Thanks again for the sweet packages you sent with Landon and his mom. But there was an even bigger surprise. We had just gotten home on Thursday and were about to go and plan for the next day when someone rang the doorbell. I answered the speaker phone and they asked for Elder Quinn in English. I was very surprised and I told them I would be right there. I opened the front door and I recognized the man’s face, but I wasn’t sure who it was. He asked me if I recognized him and I said that I did. He then proceeded to tell me that he was Leslie’s dad. I about fainted because I couldn’t believe that he was here. I could not believe that someone who lives so close to me was in the front door of the Mission Offices here in Peru. He then went to the car and brought out a package. It was huge…a garbage bag filled to the seam of candy. I was so excited. I told him to tell everyone “hello” for me. I was basically in shock for ten minutes afterward still finding it hard to believe that I had just seen one of my best friend’s dad. Thank you so much for the candy and treats. I have so much candy now that I don’t even know what to do with it. I am going to be gaining a lot of weight in these next few weeks… :) Another cool surprise is that we have two new missionaries in the mission who are from Riverton High that I knew. We are all from the same graduating class so you will find them in the Yearbook. They are Matt French and Garrett Crosby. I am excited to see them and talk about how their lives have been since high school. It really is a small world. Today we hung out in the afternoon with Landon and his mom just talking about the fun trip they had this week. We are going to have to do a similar trip. I am so excited. I really love the Christmas letters from all of the family. They are so sweet. And I especially love the last half of Tuacahn High School Musical. We watched a little bit of it and everybody started whistling when they saw me and Whitley kiss in “Breaking Free.” They were very impressed by mine and Whitley’s performance. Landon and his mom are excited to see me live someday. I can’t wait to perform again. :) Please give Whitley and her family a big thank you from me for their sweet gift. It wasn’t necessary for them to do that. They really are a great family and she is such a special girl. Our Christmas phone call....I am so excited and already starting my list of things to talk about. Good and bad news: we are only going to be able to talk for one hour. I can’t go over. It’s going to be fine. I feel like we are always close and that the weeks are just passing away so fast. I love you so much and cannot wait to hear your voices. I absolutely love this culture and I am so excited to spend one more Christmas down here in Peru. It is going to be so much fun. I hope that you are all in the Christmas Spirit as much as I am. I know that I am not going to be with you for Christmas, but I am going to be okay. I am so excited for Christmas. This is by far the best time of the year. I love you all so much. Don’t ever forget it. I will love you forever. Take care until next week.
Love, Coco
P.S. Tell Grandpa and Grandma Quinn not to worry about sending candy.… Send my love to them and to Grandma and Grandpa Olsen as well. :)
So we have two wards now. Our new ward is Las Violetas and it is so much fun to get to know new members and a new area. We have two baptismal dates already and we are hoping that they will be baptized this month of December. It feels great to be out teaching again. The only thing is that Lima is really hard to teach in. The people are more educated and we get rejected a lot of the time, but the work still goes on. It makes it difficult sometimes to be rejected, but it is not worth it to get discouraged. I can’t let myself get down or it takes a little while to get back up. So I had a lot of surprises this week. I was able to spend all Sunday in Church with Landon and his mom, and then we also spent the night together in the Christmas Devotional of the First Presidency. It was a splendid day with them. Landon’s mom is so nice and we had fun just talking about how you came to know each other and the stories about being a Missionary Mom. I’m sure you are living the same experiences Mom. You are going to love the stories she will tell you when they get back in Utah. Thank you so much for the gifts. I am so excited to give President and Sister Pérez their gifts for Christmas. They are going to love their gifts. I love the book and the sweet note that you wrote. The book is perfect. It is full of nursery stories and other tales that are perfect. I love the pictures as well. Thank you for the candy and for the “To: Coco From: Santa” notes. They make me really happy. I am just like a little kid waiting for Santa to come. I actually had a sweet member tell me that I have such a childlike spirit because I love Christmas so much. I am all about being happy during this time of year. I have been singing many Christmas hymns to the members and I love doing it. Thanks again for the sweet packages you sent with Landon and his mom. But there was an even bigger surprise. We had just gotten home on Thursday and were about to go and plan for the next day when someone rang the doorbell. I answered the speaker phone and they asked for Elder Quinn in English. I was very surprised and I told them I would be right there. I opened the front door and I recognized the man’s face, but I wasn’t sure who it was. He asked me if I recognized him and I said that I did. He then proceeded to tell me that he was Leslie’s dad. I about fainted because I couldn’t believe that he was here. I could not believe that someone who lives so close to me was in the front door of the Mission Offices here in Peru. He then went to the car and brought out a package. It was huge…a garbage bag filled to the seam of candy. I was so excited. I told him to tell everyone “hello” for me. I was basically in shock for ten minutes afterward still finding it hard to believe that I had just seen one of my best friend’s dad. Thank you so much for the candy and treats. I have so much candy now that I don’t even know what to do with it. I am going to be gaining a lot of weight in these next few weeks… :) Another cool surprise is that we have two new missionaries in the mission who are from Riverton High that I knew. We are all from the same graduating class so you will find them in the Yearbook. They are Matt French and Garrett Crosby. I am excited to see them and talk about how their lives have been since high school. It really is a small world. Today we hung out in the afternoon with Landon and his mom just talking about the fun trip they had this week. We are going to have to do a similar trip. I am so excited. I really love the Christmas letters from all of the family. They are so sweet. And I especially love the last half of Tuacahn High School Musical. We watched a little bit of it and everybody started whistling when they saw me and Whitley kiss in “Breaking Free.” They were very impressed by mine and Whitley’s performance. Landon and his mom are excited to see me live someday. I can’t wait to perform again. :) Please give Whitley and her family a big thank you from me for their sweet gift. It wasn’t necessary for them to do that. They really are a great family and she is such a special girl. Our Christmas phone call....I am so excited and already starting my list of things to talk about. Good and bad news: we are only going to be able to talk for one hour. I can’t go over. It’s going to be fine. I feel like we are always close and that the weeks are just passing away so fast. I love you so much and cannot wait to hear your voices. I absolutely love this culture and I am so excited to spend one more Christmas down here in Peru. It is going to be so much fun. I hope that you are all in the Christmas Spirit as much as I am. I know that I am not going to be with you for Christmas, but I am going to be okay. I am so excited for Christmas. This is by far the best time of the year. I love you all so much. Don’t ever forget it. I will love you forever. Take care until next week.
Love, Coco
P.S. Tell Grandpa and Grandma Quinn not to worry about sending candy.… Send my love to them and to Grandma and Grandpa Olsen as well. :)
Saturday, December 12, 2009
"It was such a good day."
December 5, 2009 - Hey Lovely Family,
Feliz and Merry December!!! Can you believe that we are already in December? I told you that this week was going to just fly by. It flew by. I can’t even believe that it is already Saturday. Changes went great. Fun news: I put up the Christmas tree this week and it looks great. It is just your ordinary green Christmas tree with red and gold ornaments. It also has some candy-cane shaped ornaments, poinsettias, and a silver star on top. It makes us all so happy and we have the lights on all day long. We keep the room lights off where it is so that we can just enjoy the natural Christmas light. I love this time of year. I feel so happy and excited for everything that happens and the emotions that there are in the Christmas season. I love Christmas!!! Soooo… My biggest news!!! I saw Landon today and I met his mom!!! It was such a good day. We went with him, his mom, and the Pérez Family to La Bistecca to celebrate Carolina’s Birthday. We ate a delicious meal, and then President surprised Carolina and all of us by inviting us to go BOWLING!!! That’s right. Yes, Dallis, there are bowling alleys in Peru, not a lot, but there is at least one… We all had the privilege of going to a really ritzy part of Miraflores and bowl with the Pérez Family and the Rich Family. It was so much fun. Landon and his mom couldn’t stop talking about how good Chase was in Les Mis. They said that they absolutely loved it. Landon told me that if I say that I am better than Chase, then I must be amazing because he says that Chase is a star. I told him that he will just have to wait and he is so excited to see me in a show. His mom is so nice and told me about her moments shared with you. They will be passing by the Offices tomorrow to drop off their suitcase full of packages and I hope we will have even more time to talk. :) Carolina really is so cool. She is going back home on Friday. I am going to miss having her around when we go with the Pérez Family because she loves to joke and just brightens our day. Thanks in advance for the gifts; I can’t wait to see what there is for me. I have a great new companion! His name is Elder Samayoa and he is from Guatemala. He is so funny and he is just so fun to be around. I love him to death. The little that I know about him is that before the Mission, he had worked in mechanics on cars and other such things and that he also worked in Postal Services. He is so cool. I am so excited because he has a huge desire to work and I want to work hard. We want to have a lot of baptisms this month of December. His Birthday was yesterday so we kind of celebrated it today as well with Carolina. I am so excited to have him as my companion. He is really easy to love and get along with. So, that was my week. I am way excited to receive the packages and see what is inside. Thank you for all that you have done to help me out. I love you guys so much. I hope it is snowing like crazy there and that everything is going okay. I love you so much. Take care until next week. I love you so much. I will have a lot more to write next week. I LOVE YOU FOREVER!!! Love,Coco
Feliz and Merry December!!! Can you believe that we are already in December? I told you that this week was going to just fly by. It flew by. I can’t even believe that it is already Saturday. Changes went great. Fun news: I put up the Christmas tree this week and it looks great. It is just your ordinary green Christmas tree with red and gold ornaments. It also has some candy-cane shaped ornaments, poinsettias, and a silver star on top. It makes us all so happy and we have the lights on all day long. We keep the room lights off where it is so that we can just enjoy the natural Christmas light. I love this time of year. I feel so happy and excited for everything that happens and the emotions that there are in the Christmas season. I love Christmas!!! Soooo… My biggest news!!! I saw Landon today and I met his mom!!! It was such a good day. We went with him, his mom, and the Pérez Family to La Bistecca to celebrate Carolina’s Birthday. We ate a delicious meal, and then President surprised Carolina and all of us by inviting us to go BOWLING!!! That’s right. Yes, Dallis, there are bowling alleys in Peru, not a lot, but there is at least one… We all had the privilege of going to a really ritzy part of Miraflores and bowl with the Pérez Family and the Rich Family. It was so much fun. Landon and his mom couldn’t stop talking about how good Chase was in Les Mis. They said that they absolutely loved it. Landon told me that if I say that I am better than Chase, then I must be amazing because he says that Chase is a star. I told him that he will just have to wait and he is so excited to see me in a show. His mom is so nice and told me about her moments shared with you. They will be passing by the Offices tomorrow to drop off their suitcase full of packages and I hope we will have even more time to talk. :) Carolina really is so cool. She is going back home on Friday. I am going to miss having her around when we go with the Pérez Family because she loves to joke and just brightens our day. Thanks in advance for the gifts; I can’t wait to see what there is for me. I have a great new companion! His name is Elder Samayoa and he is from Guatemala. He is so funny and he is just so fun to be around. I love him to death. The little that I know about him is that before the Mission, he had worked in mechanics on cars and other such things and that he also worked in Postal Services. He is so cool. I am so excited because he has a huge desire to work and I want to work hard. We want to have a lot of baptisms this month of December. His Birthday was yesterday so we kind of celebrated it today as well with Carolina. I am so excited to have him as my companion. He is really easy to love and get along with. So, that was my week. I am way excited to receive the packages and see what is inside. Thank you for all that you have done to help me out. I love you guys so much. I hope it is snowing like crazy there and that everything is going okay. I love you so much. Take care until next week. I love you so much. I will have a lot more to write next week. I LOVE YOU FOREVER!!! Love,Coco
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
"IT IS A MIRACLE!"
November 28, 2009 - 8:00 pm. - New Email.......
It’s a Miracle!!! Martha got baptized today!!! I have had a really stressful week worrying about Sister Martha. Today was the day we had set as her Baptism, and she wasn’t interviewed or anything. I left all day today to do some shopping and eat and have some fun. I entered for my first time in a Star*Bucks. Elder Steed and I bought cinnamon rolls. They were so good. We got home and I put up some Christmas lights in my room and it looks great! (I think we’re putting the Christmas Tree up tonight). :) A phone call came in at 5:20pm. It was Martha!!! I couldn’t believe it. I honestly could not believe it. God had answered my prayers. I immediately got so excited that I could hardly talk. She told me that she was calling from a public phone booth and that she would be in the Church in forty minutes for her Baptism. I was so excited. I told her we would be there waiting. I immediately called up Members and the Bishop and we got the baptismal clothes together and we headed off to the Church. We got there and waited for her arrival. She arrived safely. We immediately threw her into her baptismal interview. Wednesday, she was overstraining her wrist washing her clothes and her blankets and it really started to hurt. Come to find out she has osteoporosis and has very weak bones. She was in the hospital getting a bandage put on and couldn’t go to work since. Plus, her cell phone was hidden in a random drawer and she found it today. So everything is okay. She came to her baptism and I had the amazing privilege of baptizing her. What she didn’t realize was that her mom was in the baptism and when Martha saw her after being baptized, she broke into tears and both of them gave each other hugs. It was a very tender-hearted moment. Martha Victoria Oporto Soto was baptized the 28th of November, 2009. IT IS A MIRACLE!!! :) So everything is absolutely perfect. I am now totally relieved of my worries of Martha. The Lord answered my prayers and my tears. She was baptized today! I know that God loves us and listens to us. I am so thankful that Heavenly Father let me live this precious moment tonight. One more soul brought to the fold of God!!! I love being a Missionary! I love the Gospel! I love life! Everything is great!!! I love you all so much!!! Love you Forever! Colyn
It’s a Miracle!!! Martha got baptized today!!! I have had a really stressful week worrying about Sister Martha. Today was the day we had set as her Baptism, and she wasn’t interviewed or anything. I left all day today to do some shopping and eat and have some fun. I entered for my first time in a Star*Bucks. Elder Steed and I bought cinnamon rolls. They were so good. We got home and I put up some Christmas lights in my room and it looks great! (I think we’re putting the Christmas Tree up tonight). :) A phone call came in at 5:20pm. It was Martha!!! I couldn’t believe it. I honestly could not believe it. God had answered my prayers. I immediately got so excited that I could hardly talk. She told me that she was calling from a public phone booth and that she would be in the Church in forty minutes for her Baptism. I was so excited. I told her we would be there waiting. I immediately called up Members and the Bishop and we got the baptismal clothes together and we headed off to the Church. We got there and waited for her arrival. She arrived safely. We immediately threw her into her baptismal interview. Wednesday, she was overstraining her wrist washing her clothes and her blankets and it really started to hurt. Come to find out she has osteoporosis and has very weak bones. She was in the hospital getting a bandage put on and couldn’t go to work since. Plus, her cell phone was hidden in a random drawer and she found it today. So everything is okay. She came to her baptism and I had the amazing privilege of baptizing her. What she didn’t realize was that her mom was in the baptism and when Martha saw her after being baptized, she broke into tears and both of them gave each other hugs. It was a very tender-hearted moment. Martha Victoria Oporto Soto was baptized the 28th of November, 2009. IT IS A MIRACLE!!! :) So everything is absolutely perfect. I am now totally relieved of my worries of Martha. The Lord answered my prayers and my tears. She was baptized today! I know that God loves us and listens to us. I am so thankful that Heavenly Father let me live this precious moment tonight. One more soul brought to the fold of God!!! I love being a Missionary! I love the Gospel! I love life! Everything is great!!! I love you all so much!!! Love you Forever! Colyn
"I love being here in Peru!"
November 28, 2009 -
Hey Cougar Family, Well, I don’t really have a lot to say. I am honestly in shock with what has been going on this week. As for Martha, I don’t know what happened. Let me explain. We had been teaching her basically everyday at her work. She went home last weekend to celebrate her grandkids’ birthdays. She did attend Church which was great. She was only going to come for Sacrament and then go home, but she loves Church and decided to stay for all of Church and then go home. We were so happy and excited for her. The Bishop announced her baptism so that everyone would plan to attend. We programmed it for today. But something happened since Monday. We went to visit her at her work on Monday, but she hadn’t come because she was tired from the weekend. Since that day, I have been worried sick about her. We haven’t had any contact with her since the phone call that Elder Sandoval made. I have been praying my heart out all week to get in contact with her, and have been almost in tears a couple of times. I honestly don’t know what happened. We went to her shop and asked the other small shops nearby if they know something about her, and no one does. I don’t know what has happened and I am really shocked. She was already dressed in white and in the water because she was already prepared before I met her, but now I have no idea where she is. Her house phone is now cut out, and her cell phone is either dead, or she doesn’t have it near her, because it always goes to the message machine. I do not know what has happened, and I need to find out. So just keep praying for her. We are hoping that everything is going okay. I still love her to death, which is why I am so worried about her. I can’t believe this happened this week. I shouldn’t have told you guys about her until she was already baptized, but now you know. It’s a trial that I have to learn from and survive. Heavenly Father wants me to learn something from this. I hope that we do get in contact with her before time starts to pass and that she will still get baptized. Keep praying for me and her… This week, we had a Mission inspection by Elder Pino from the First Quorum of the Seventy. He came and met every Missionary and shared with us some ways to improve the Mission. He was very happy with the Peru Lima North Mission. He said that he usually does a ton of practices with Missions, but he didn’t feel the need to do that with ours. He just motivated us, telling us that our Mission is very powerful. He reminded us that we are the first convert in the Mission. We have to become totally converted and compromised to the Gospel. We can never let it go. We then had a surprise inspection of the Offices. Elder Pino came and checked out everything. He asked us who we are, what our job requires, and everything that we do. He also inspected our rooms upstairs to make sure that we were living well. He was very impressed by our Offices. It was really need to talk with someone from the First Quorum of the Seventy. He asked us what we liked to do. I told him that I am a performer: singer, dancer, actor. He was really impressed. He then asked everyone what sports they played. I told him that baseball was always my sport. He was so excited about that because he finally had someone to talk with who knew a little bit about baseball. We had a fun, quick conversation about what positions I played and my favorite team, and other things like that. It was really neat to be with President Pérez and Elder Pino, knowing that they were both happy with the work that we are doing here in the Mission Offices and for the condition the Mission is in. The Peru Lima North Mission Rocks!!! This week I have been getting ready for the Changes. It’s Change Week once again: time to send the old Missionaries home and bring the new ones in. I am excited to see the new Missionaries. Two of them are from Riverton High School. We weren't close friends, but we did know each other, so I am excited to see them as Missionaries. So this week is going to fly by. I am getting a new companion. Elder Sandoval is finally healed and he is now walking without crutches. It is time for him to leave the Offices. My new companion is from Guatemala. His name is Elder Samayoa. I am so excited. I met him when I was in Iquitos. He is really happy, and they say that he is a good worker so I am excited to be companions with him. We are going to be here as companions in the Offices for Christmas and New Years! I am so excited. Oh, by the way, we are decorating for Christmas today. We are going to put up the Christmas tree and I am so excited!!! I love Christmastime. It is the best time of the year. This is my last Holiday Season in the Mission and I know that I am going to love it. I hope that all of you are enjoying it just as much as I am. Did you already decorate for Christmas? I sure hope so. :) I’m so glad that everyone was able to be there for Thanksgiving. I did eat pizza, but the day passed just like any other normal day. It was really nice because I didn’t miss home at all. I really am overcoming the homesickness. I love that feeling. I am doing great… BYU vs. Utah today huh? Go COUGARS!!! I really hope they tear it up… Fun news: we got a phone call last night from Elder Rich!!! He told us all about him coming down next week with his Mom. I am so excited to see him and meet his Mom!!! He also told me that he met Whitley and gave her a huge hug just to make me a little jealous. He said that same thing, that Whitley and DeLaney are beautiful girls. It’s always great news to know that my friends are doing okay. I can’t wait to see them again. But, like I said. This week is going to fly by: changes, Elder Rich, Carolina’s Birthday with the Pérez Family. I’ll be writing home again in no time. Happy 13 Months Tomorrow!!! Time is just flying by now. I cannot believe it. I love being a Missionary. I love being here in Peru. I am so thankful for the blessings I receive and see everyday. I love the Mission. I love you all so much. Keep a prayer in your hearts for Martha. Keep your hopes up that she will still get baptized. I love you so much. Love You Forever!!! Colyn
Hey Cougar Family, Well, I don’t really have a lot to say. I am honestly in shock with what has been going on this week. As for Martha, I don’t know what happened. Let me explain. We had been teaching her basically everyday at her work. She went home last weekend to celebrate her grandkids’ birthdays. She did attend Church which was great. She was only going to come for Sacrament and then go home, but she loves Church and decided to stay for all of Church and then go home. We were so happy and excited for her. The Bishop announced her baptism so that everyone would plan to attend. We programmed it for today. But something happened since Monday. We went to visit her at her work on Monday, but she hadn’t come because she was tired from the weekend. Since that day, I have been worried sick about her. We haven’t had any contact with her since the phone call that Elder Sandoval made. I have been praying my heart out all week to get in contact with her, and have been almost in tears a couple of times. I honestly don’t know what happened. We went to her shop and asked the other small shops nearby if they know something about her, and no one does. I don’t know what has happened and I am really shocked. She was already dressed in white and in the water because she was already prepared before I met her, but now I have no idea where she is. Her house phone is now cut out, and her cell phone is either dead, or she doesn’t have it near her, because it always goes to the message machine. I do not know what has happened, and I need to find out. So just keep praying for her. We are hoping that everything is going okay. I still love her to death, which is why I am so worried about her. I can’t believe this happened this week. I shouldn’t have told you guys about her until she was already baptized, but now you know. It’s a trial that I have to learn from and survive. Heavenly Father wants me to learn something from this. I hope that we do get in contact with her before time starts to pass and that she will still get baptized. Keep praying for me and her… This week, we had a Mission inspection by Elder Pino from the First Quorum of the Seventy. He came and met every Missionary and shared with us some ways to improve the Mission. He was very happy with the Peru Lima North Mission. He said that he usually does a ton of practices with Missions, but he didn’t feel the need to do that with ours. He just motivated us, telling us that our Mission is very powerful. He reminded us that we are the first convert in the Mission. We have to become totally converted and compromised to the Gospel. We can never let it go. We then had a surprise inspection of the Offices. Elder Pino came and checked out everything. He asked us who we are, what our job requires, and everything that we do. He also inspected our rooms upstairs to make sure that we were living well. He was very impressed by our Offices. It was really need to talk with someone from the First Quorum of the Seventy. He asked us what we liked to do. I told him that I am a performer: singer, dancer, actor. He was really impressed. He then asked everyone what sports they played. I told him that baseball was always my sport. He was so excited about that because he finally had someone to talk with who knew a little bit about baseball. We had a fun, quick conversation about what positions I played and my favorite team, and other things like that. It was really neat to be with President Pérez and Elder Pino, knowing that they were both happy with the work that we are doing here in the Mission Offices and for the condition the Mission is in. The Peru Lima North Mission Rocks!!! This week I have been getting ready for the Changes. It’s Change Week once again: time to send the old Missionaries home and bring the new ones in. I am excited to see the new Missionaries. Two of them are from Riverton High School. We weren't close friends, but we did know each other, so I am excited to see them as Missionaries. So this week is going to fly by. I am getting a new companion. Elder Sandoval is finally healed and he is now walking without crutches. It is time for him to leave the Offices. My new companion is from Guatemala. His name is Elder Samayoa. I am so excited. I met him when I was in Iquitos. He is really happy, and they say that he is a good worker so I am excited to be companions with him. We are going to be here as companions in the Offices for Christmas and New Years! I am so excited. Oh, by the way, we are decorating for Christmas today. We are going to put up the Christmas tree and I am so excited!!! I love Christmastime. It is the best time of the year. This is my last Holiday Season in the Mission and I know that I am going to love it. I hope that all of you are enjoying it just as much as I am. Did you already decorate for Christmas? I sure hope so. :) I’m so glad that everyone was able to be there for Thanksgiving. I did eat pizza, but the day passed just like any other normal day. It was really nice because I didn’t miss home at all. I really am overcoming the homesickness. I love that feeling. I am doing great… BYU vs. Utah today huh? Go COUGARS!!! I really hope they tear it up… Fun news: we got a phone call last night from Elder Rich!!! He told us all about him coming down next week with his Mom. I am so excited to see him and meet his Mom!!! He also told me that he met Whitley and gave her a huge hug just to make me a little jealous. He said that same thing, that Whitley and DeLaney are beautiful girls. It’s always great news to know that my friends are doing okay. I can’t wait to see them again. But, like I said. This week is going to fly by: changes, Elder Rich, Carolina’s Birthday with the Pérez Family. I’ll be writing home again in no time. Happy 13 Months Tomorrow!!! Time is just flying by now. I cannot believe it. I love being a Missionary. I love being here in Peru. I am so thankful for the blessings I receive and see everyday. I love the Mission. I love you all so much. Keep a prayer in your hearts for Martha. Keep your hopes up that she will still get baptized. I love you so much. Love You Forever!!! Colyn
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
"Cuidense Mucho!"
November 21, 2009 - Hey Blessed Family, Happy Thanksgiving!!! We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving down here in Peru, but I think we are going to order Papa John’s Pizza on Thursday and call it a Holiday. :) Is Chase going to dress up as a turkey this year? :) Go have a ton of fun with the rest of the family, eat tons of good food, and enjoy my second Thanksgiving in the Mission… Wahoo!!! The last one in the Mission. Well, in reality, every day is that last day of that day in the Mission now… Today was such a good day. It was so enjoyable. We left early from the Offices and went to President’s house. We talked for a second while his wife and daughter were getting ready and then we all headed off in President’s car to go to Pachacamac. It is an old part of Peru that is an ancient ruin, and it is in the Peru Lima South Mission, which means it is a little ways away. It had a Sun Temple, a storage room, a pyramid, a dungeon, and many other cool things all made out of old rock and cement. It was interesting to learn a little more about the history of Peru and see some of the sights. We then traveled right next door where they were having a Peruvian Horse Show. It was interesting to watch how they made their horses walk and pick out which horse was going to be judged as the best one. We, the Office Crew and the Pérez Family, had a nice, relaxing morning enjoying a beautiful day watching part of the Peruvian culture. It was so enjoyable and I felt so spoiled to be with President and his family. It is always fun to spend P-Days with him. We then went to the restaurant, La Bistecca, and had a very delicious lunch for my companion’s Birthday, which is the 24th. We ate until we were stuffed and sang “Happy Birthday” to my companion. In La Bistecca, they have a huge chocolate fountain and tons of goodies to dip in it. It is so good, and I told President and everyone that we have a small chocolate fountain at home and that my brothers would just die if they were to go there and see that chocolate fountain. The best part about the restaurant is that it is a buffet, which means you eat all you want. It was so good, and it was the perfect way to end a great day with the Pérez Family. Last Saturday, the sweet Canches Family threw me and Elder Sandoval a surprise Birthday Party. He has finally been able to leave the house so they wanted to celebrate our Birthdays together. We got to their house and it was decorated with balloons and streamers, and was set up for a fun family get-together. I sang “Abide With Me ‘Tis Eventide” and my companion shared a spiritual thought. Little Estrellita sang us a special Birthday song and it was so sweet to hear her voice. Her dad Calín was crying by the end of the song. (Her dad has my name in the Spanish version! Isn’t that cool?) Gladys, her mom, was also in tears. It was a special moment. We then ate a delicious dinner and they had made us a scrumptious tres leche Birthday cake. It was a very fun night spent with a very special family. :)Martha is the greatest ever!!! On Sunday, we dropped by to pick her up so we could go to Church together, but she wasn’t there. We assumed that she had already left and gone to the Church, but when we entered, she wasn’t there, and I started to worry. Sacrament Meeting started. We sang the opening hymn, the opening prayer was said, and I was losing more and more hope of her being able to make it. Just at that moment, I saw her walk by one of the windows and my heart almost jumped out of my chest because I was so excited to see her. I immediately stood up and ran to the door to help her enter and make herself comfortable. She stayed for all three meetings of Church. She absolutely loved it and couldn’t get enough of it. She immediately felt welcomed and she didn’t want to leave. I love her to death. So now, all she has to do is attend Church tomorrow and she is qualified to be baptized. I am so excited!!! Keep praying for her because she is praying for you guys. She always tells me that she constantly has a prayer in her heart for me and for my family…that means you!!! :) She is so sweet and is one more person you have to meet… Guess what? Our fridge is now working and I bought some milk today. So I am now going to be able to enjoy cereal and goodies even more. If I need anything else, I will let you know. The 19th, I hit a year anniversary of being in Peru. A year ago that day, I was flying in a plane to Peru and you guys were in the Temple meeting the “Kitty, Kitty” guy. :) Can you believe that that much time has passed? Nathan White also hit a year in the Mission on the 19th. :) I ordered the Spanish version of the Bible and it finally arrived this week. I was so excited. It is the new 2009 translation of the English Bible, and it was finally released in September. It is beautiful and it makes me want to read the Bible so I am way excited. :) I talked to Elder Atkinson and told him that we moved a little closer to Bingham and that he might be my neighbor now. We drew out a map of what we could remember and we came to the conclusion that we are now in the same Stake, maybe in the same Ward, but for sure in the same Stake. Try looking his family up and let me know… Go Riverton Silverwolves!!! Chase, I told you that you would be the STAR!!! I know you are the Show Stopper and that you make everyone crack up just like you always do. You are the coolest stud in the house. Go Johnny Depp!!! Did you all get to see Landon? Did you talk to Whitley and DeLaney? Let me know all about them. Dallis, I also had a dream about being a Returned Missionary. I don’t remember anything that really happened in the dream, but I know that I was at home and that my closet only had white shirts, ties, and Church pants… :) I don’t know if it’s a good thing, but we are already dreaming about the RM Life. Dallis, I totally agree. We are going to be inseparable!!! I can’t wait to see you and all of the family and just hang out. Quinn Family Part—November 3, 2010!!! Family, I love you so much!!! I hope the house gets started this week. I love you so much. Take care. Cuídense mucho. I love you forever!!! Love, Coco
Saturday, November 21, 2009
"I love reading the Scriptures"
November 14, 2009 -
Hey Beautiful Family, It was a perfect day to go to the Temple. The sun was shining bright, there were not many clouds in the sky, and I got a little sun burnt. It was a splendid day to travel and see the pretty parts of Lima. The Session went great. I enjoyed it a lot. I love just being able to enter in a place of peace where your worries are put aside for a second. I absolutely love going to the Temple. Today was even more special because there was an old guy taking his Endowments out that sat right in front of me. He must have been 70-years-old and was just barely getting his Endowments. It was a great sight to see, that it doesn’t matter at what age a person comes to know the Gospel; all that matters is that they get to know it. It made me feel very thankful that I have grown up in the Church and that I get to enjoy being a member for a longer amount of time… :) We can never take for granted the many blessings that we have received as a family for being members of the Church and enjoying the comfort that the Plan of Salvation gives us. I am so thankful that we have this knowledge, and I am thankful that we are going to be an Eternal Family. Right now they are renovating our meeting house so we are meeting in another one and our schedule is from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. It isn’t a horrible time schedule because there is no air-conditioning so it gets really hot. But I also like it because there is more time to get things ready for Church and get investigators to go to Church. This is only going to be for six weeks and then we are going back to our old meeting house, but it is going to appear as a newly-built chapel. We are going to have benches and everything is going to be new. I am way excited. I am so glad that you all enjoyed Landon’s Homecoming. He was already excited to see you guys three weeks before he left. And all of the Elders’ families that you met are families of Elders that I know. Elder Evans was a really good friend that I made when I was in Collique. He was finishing his Mission and I had just barely hit three months. He talked to me a lot and we had a lot of fun hanging out in the nighttime talking and enjoying some midnight mac and cheese… I told you that High School Musical would be the perfect gift for Landon. I’m sure that he has secretly watched them many times already. He can’t resist it. He is now addicted, just like the rest of us down here in the Offices. Not a day goes by that we don’t randomly all break out singing a High School Musical song. I love it. I had a really lucky Friday the 13th. I got out and taught a couple lessons; President took us to lunch at Chili’s; and I got to come home knowing that the next day was P-Day. I had a really relaxing and enjoyable Friday the 13th. I can’t even tell you how happy I am. Good news... we have found a future missionary who is now able to accompany me every day so I was able to leave with him yesterday, and I will be leaving with him every day starting Monday. I am way excited. Even better news is that I found another lady that is like Yolanda from Iquitos. Her name is Martha, and I absolutely love going to her because I always know that she is ready with questions because she has already read everything that we leave for her to read, and she is just so excited to see me every time that I go. She is so ready to get baptized. All I have to do is just answer her questions because she understands everything, and then just finish up the other basic points she needs to know about the Church. We have set her baptismal date as the 28th of November and we know she can be baptized that day. The only thing she has to do is attend Church tomorrow and next week and she will be ready. Please pray for her to be able to attend and that everything will work out. I have been asking Heavenly Father every day and night to bless me with this baptism. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. Every time I converse with her, we are both on the verge of tears, but we never start crying. It is just because we connect so well, and I love her to death. I can’t let her go. This week when I wasn’t able to get to my area, I called her up to tell her so. Phone calls with her are really sweet. If I am not able to make it, she sincerely tells me not to leave her and not to lose her. She says that she wants it so badly. Like I said…God prepared her before I met her. So, please don’t forget Martha in your prayers. I had a very good week because I opened my eyes to a lot of things in the scriptures. There are so many hidden things in the scriptures. I now understand what it means to dive into the scriptures and study them. There are too many things to learn and so little time to read. I am now an addict to reading the scriptures. I love reading. I love reading the scriptures. I love it. Chase, good luck in Les Mis this week. I know that you are going to be the Star. Say “Hi” to Whitley and Delaney for me. Let them know that I still think about them and miss them a ton. Break a Legend this week. You’re going to do great!!! Dallis, I’m glad that life is going good and that you are enjoying the Nintendo. Keep the list updated. We have a huge Marathon waiting for us in 2010!!! :) Mom and Dad, thanks for the tender hearts that you both have. Know that all the hugs from Landon were sent with love from me. I made sure to give him tons of hugs to give away. I love him to death. Dad, you can’t listen to that song anymore. I love it and miss it too. Just keep going strong. I’ll be home in no time. I can’t believe Davey is already finishing. That is going to be such a fun day for all of you to go and see him. It has been so nice knowing that my cousin is in the Mission at the same time as I am. It gives me strength and keeps me going. Family, I love you to death. Don’t forget that you are always in my prayers and that I will never forget about you. I love you forever. Love, Colyn
Hey Beautiful Family, It was a perfect day to go to the Temple. The sun was shining bright, there were not many clouds in the sky, and I got a little sun burnt. It was a splendid day to travel and see the pretty parts of Lima. The Session went great. I enjoyed it a lot. I love just being able to enter in a place of peace where your worries are put aside for a second. I absolutely love going to the Temple. Today was even more special because there was an old guy taking his Endowments out that sat right in front of me. He must have been 70-years-old and was just barely getting his Endowments. It was a great sight to see, that it doesn’t matter at what age a person comes to know the Gospel; all that matters is that they get to know it. It made me feel very thankful that I have grown up in the Church and that I get to enjoy being a member for a longer amount of time… :) We can never take for granted the many blessings that we have received as a family for being members of the Church and enjoying the comfort that the Plan of Salvation gives us. I am so thankful that we have this knowledge, and I am thankful that we are going to be an Eternal Family. Right now they are renovating our meeting house so we are meeting in another one and our schedule is from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. It isn’t a horrible time schedule because there is no air-conditioning so it gets really hot. But I also like it because there is more time to get things ready for Church and get investigators to go to Church. This is only going to be for six weeks and then we are going back to our old meeting house, but it is going to appear as a newly-built chapel. We are going to have benches and everything is going to be new. I am way excited. I am so glad that you all enjoyed Landon’s Homecoming. He was already excited to see you guys three weeks before he left. And all of the Elders’ families that you met are families of Elders that I know. Elder Evans was a really good friend that I made when I was in Collique. He was finishing his Mission and I had just barely hit three months. He talked to me a lot and we had a lot of fun hanging out in the nighttime talking and enjoying some midnight mac and cheese… I told you that High School Musical would be the perfect gift for Landon. I’m sure that he has secretly watched them many times already. He can’t resist it. He is now addicted, just like the rest of us down here in the Offices. Not a day goes by that we don’t randomly all break out singing a High School Musical song. I love it. I had a really lucky Friday the 13th. I got out and taught a couple lessons; President took us to lunch at Chili’s; and I got to come home knowing that the next day was P-Day. I had a really relaxing and enjoyable Friday the 13th. I can’t even tell you how happy I am. Good news... we have found a future missionary who is now able to accompany me every day so I was able to leave with him yesterday, and I will be leaving with him every day starting Monday. I am way excited. Even better news is that I found another lady that is like Yolanda from Iquitos. Her name is Martha, and I absolutely love going to her because I always know that she is ready with questions because she has already read everything that we leave for her to read, and she is just so excited to see me every time that I go. She is so ready to get baptized. All I have to do is just answer her questions because she understands everything, and then just finish up the other basic points she needs to know about the Church. We have set her baptismal date as the 28th of November and we know she can be baptized that day. The only thing she has to do is attend Church tomorrow and next week and she will be ready. Please pray for her to be able to attend and that everything will work out. I have been asking Heavenly Father every day and night to bless me with this baptism. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. Every time I converse with her, we are both on the verge of tears, but we never start crying. It is just because we connect so well, and I love her to death. I can’t let her go. This week when I wasn’t able to get to my area, I called her up to tell her so. Phone calls with her are really sweet. If I am not able to make it, she sincerely tells me not to leave her and not to lose her. She says that she wants it so badly. Like I said…God prepared her before I met her. So, please don’t forget Martha in your prayers. I had a very good week because I opened my eyes to a lot of things in the scriptures. There are so many hidden things in the scriptures. I now understand what it means to dive into the scriptures and study them. There are too many things to learn and so little time to read. I am now an addict to reading the scriptures. I love reading. I love reading the scriptures. I love it. Chase, good luck in Les Mis this week. I know that you are going to be the Star. Say “Hi” to Whitley and Delaney for me. Let them know that I still think about them and miss them a ton. Break a Legend this week. You’re going to do great!!! Dallis, I’m glad that life is going good and that you are enjoying the Nintendo. Keep the list updated. We have a huge Marathon waiting for us in 2010!!! :) Mom and Dad, thanks for the tender hearts that you both have. Know that all the hugs from Landon were sent with love from me. I made sure to give him tons of hugs to give away. I love him to death. Dad, you can’t listen to that song anymore. I love it and miss it too. Just keep going strong. I’ll be home in no time. I can’t believe Davey is already finishing. That is going to be such a fun day for all of you to go and see him. It has been so nice knowing that my cousin is in the Mission at the same time as I am. It gives me strength and keeps me going. Family, I love you to death. Don’t forget that you are always in my prayers and that I will never forget about you. I love you forever. Love, Colyn
Monday, November 9, 2009
"I love being a Missionary"
November 7, 2009 - Hey Fabulous Family, What a great day it was at Gamarra. I found some really cool things. The best news about this week is that my companion is okay. These three months that we’ve been suffering through were all worth it. Thank you for all of the prayers in Elder Sandoval’s behalf. We went to the hospital on Thursday, but the doctor wasn’t there so we went back yesterday. They took the band off of his foot, which was the most pain that Elder Sandoval had to go through. He said that it felt like the doctor was ripping the skin right off of his leg and foot. He was almost crying because it hurt so bad, and he was making the funniest faces. We both had moments where we were laughing because the pain was very humorous. :) But he’s okay; the bone sealed together. The x-ray doesn’t look like it, but just like skin leaves a scar, so does bone. He has a scar where the bone has sealed together. The doctor told him that he should start to put pressure on his foot, slowly but surely, taking one crutch away, and then being able to walk without crutches. The doctor said that he should be able to walk pretty good in a week’s time. We are all happy for this good news. Elder Sandoval is thankful that he is going to finally be able to leave and teach, just as I am too. I want to start having some baptisms again… During this time of suffering and being basically locked up, I have learned and realized many things, not all of which can be said, but it is written in my journal. Like I have said before, I learned that there is a reason for everything. My companion and I have become closer in our relationship. We get along much better than we did before. I also learned that staying in the house is not a good idea in the mission. It is always better to be out teaching and working, getting people to know the true Church of Jesus Christ, and bringing their souls unto salvation. I thought you’d just like to know that everything turned out fine; my companion doesn’t need an operation, and he will not be going home. We are very happy. :) Other good news: I have gotten skinnier. I am much skinnier than when I was in Iquitos. My belt now fits me good, and I don’t look as chubby in my face, neck, or any other part. I feel much healthier and happier. I was so worried seven months ago that I was going to come home a little bit more chubby, but now I see that there is hope. :) For Christmas I want a huge box full of all sorts of candy… We’re talking: Starburst, Skittles, Butterfingers, Watchamacallit, Rollos, Sweettarts [hard and squeeze kind :)], Laffy Taffy, Junior Mints, Milkyway, Tootsie Rolls, Sour Watermelons, Nerds (for my compi), Beef Jerky, and everything else that you know I like. I just want to satisfy the midnight crave. Oh, and don’t forget about orange sticks in my stocking. It’s tradition for me and Dad to receive them. :) Thanks. A package of good gingerbread men would be accepted. Chase, Go Senior Class Officers!!! You are the most creative and spunky kid alive. I am so glad that you are enjoying your time at school. I really want to thank you again for being in High School Musical with me. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t remember a moment of HSM and the superstar my brother was out there belting on the stage. You’re the greatest Chase. Know that I love you. Dallis, Congratulations on the 4.0!!! That is so awesome! “That’s right, following right in his oldest brother’s footsteps… Oh yeah.” :) Just kidding. But that really is amazing. I told you not to worry about Algebra 2. Just don’t forget about what I have said about prayer. Our Heavenly Father already knows what we need. All we have to do is ask and then do our part as well. I know that he heard and answered our prayers. :) Great job in the tournament as well. Oh man, how I miss baseball. I haven’t seen a baseball diamond in more than a year. I have not seen a single one down here in Peru. Like Utah is full of baseball fields, all of Peru is full of places to play soccer. Everything is soccer; but there is nothing like picking up a glove and a ball, and going out on the diamond to play a double-header championship game. I miss it so much. We have to play when I get home. Keep the glove warmed up. I love you Dallis. Mom, last week was a miracle. I honestly could not believe that we sent the e-mails at the same time. I thought the exact same thing…it was a tender mercy. I can’t even put into words how I felt, but I felt as if we were in the same room, just not being able to hear or see each other. It was an amazing and very comforting feeling, and I am thankful that Heavenly Father gave us that moment. It fortified my strength as well. We are going to make it. “Anything’s possible.” The Mission is possible. I just can’t wait to be able to share a really hard laugh with you. It is going to be the best moment ever. Dad, like I have said before… Thank you so much for the tender heart that you have. If you can call me and Mom crybabies, then we can also call you one. I love you Crybaby. I really do love you. 50 miles is a long way to go without being able to hold back the tears. I know that Dixie Rock was a really spur of the moment decision, and even though you were already in your pajamas and ready to go to bed, I didn’t want to miss the fun and special moment of taking my awesome Dad on a fun spontaneous trip to a place he had never been before. I will never forget that moment, nor will I forget that trip. And you know that I would do it all over again in less than a heartbeat. Like I said, “Just plan the vacation, and I’m there.” I really miss St. George. I have so many memories of living there and being with a really good group of friends. Dixie Rock was one of my favorite places to go, at sunrise, sunset, and in the nighttime. I especially love the nighttime because you can see the whole St. George city lit up, and the Temple stands out as well. It is a beautiful part of this world. I can’t wait to see it again… Dad, just know that I love you to death. Family, I love you so much. Know that everything is going fine and that the Mission is great. I love being a Missionary. It is a great feeling to wake up every day and put the nametag on that says I am a representative of Jesus Christ. I love it. Keep going strong and don’t forget that I love you. You are the best family in the world. Love you forever!!!Love, Colyn
Sunday, November 8, 2009
"I made it over the Hump!!!"
October 31, 2009 -
Hey Lovely Family,
"I made it over the HUMP!!!" Thanks for the cute package. I absolutely love the picture of you guys with the camel. You all look so great.... I also love the stuffed camel with the homemade cape. I am going to sleep with it every night so I can always be reminded that I made it over the hump and that my special family is supporting me in everything that I do. I feel a little strange passing the year mark. It means that what I have already done, I just have to do over again. I have already survived a year without television, movies, video games, music, full-out singing, dancing, card games, board games, and everything else that I love; so one more year is possible. In the beginning, I never would have thought that I could go so much time without doing the things that I love, but I have done it, and I know that the Lord has blessed me for it. I can't believe that one year passed so fast. This next year is just going to fly by. Honestly, I feel more comfortable now because I am now even more certain that I can endure to the end because I have now made it to the half-way point. It feels FANTASTIC!!! I have so many emotions, but it is really hard to put them into words. Just know that I am happy and healthy, and enjoying this special time in the mission. :) So... Happy One Year! And... Happy Halloween!!! Not many decorations are going on down here, but I have seen some people selling masks and Halloween candies in the streets. I'm going to see what happens in the nighttime because I think it's going to be a huge Peruvian Fiesta. (Insert in the nighttime: There were some kids dressed up as vampires, witches, wolves, and Pippy-Longstocking, and some were just carrying around devil tridents and pumpkin bags, but no one was giving out candy. It's not a hugely celebrated day down here.) So what is everyone dressed up as? I'm dressed up as a missionary; Dallis-baseball player; Dad and Mom-matching cheerleaders; and Chase-a Jabbawockee (whatever that is...) I hope you had a lot of fun making those interesting costumes. I had fun picking out a tie to match my missionary outfit.... :) It's fun being a missionary for Halloween. Are you ready to put up Christmas tomorrow? I want you to enjoy Christmas just as much as we do when we are all together. We are going to put a Christmas tree up here in the Offices, and I am already putting up some Christmas decorations and pictures that I have colored to make my room have a Christmas mood. I love Christmas time and I want to have it around for as much time as possible. I don't know if we'll get the Office decorated tomorrow, but I'm going to get the decorations up as soon as possible. :)
Guess what? I did it. I got my letters sent off to my converts. :) I feel great. I sent all of them a little note asking them for their names, their birth dates, their addresses, their phone numbers, and all of the information they can give me. I also sent them pictures and asked them to send me pictures of their family. I can't wait to start receiving response letters. I also received a card from Jose Carlos Sandoval Hidalgo, who was one of my best friends in Iquitos. If you remember my Mom and Dad from Iquitos (Letty and Leo); we were teaching Rosa who is Jose's aunt and Letty's sister. Jose baptized Rosa and we became the best of friends.
Things that happened this week: The Office was renovated. By that I mean that there were guys working her all day every day for three days this week. They repainted some walls, refinished the wood on all of the desks and counters, cleaned the glass and windows, washed the computer chairs, washed the carpet floors, and many other little jobs. The Office looks great, but because they were here working, I couldn't get a lot of my Personal Secretary stuff done so I've got a little more work to get done next week. I took advantage of the time not working to improve my study. I got a lot of studying done and I feel great.
I still miss Landon, but I still have his fun companion here Elder Santiago. He is from Guatemala and is so cool. He is just a good, fun friend that is always there to talk to and agree with. I wrestle him, I sing High School Musical with him, I make jokes with him, and we all get along with him really well. He keeps my spirits up. I love him to death. So I am getting along well. I didn't leave at all this week, but I got to study the scriptures, supervise the workers and I did some printing off of some Christmas decorations. So everything is okay. We are going in on Thursday this week to have a check-up on Elder Sandoval's foot. If it isn't healing still, then he will most likely have surgery, and the recuperation will be a longer time period. Surgery will mean that he'll have to go home. Pray for him so that everything goes okay, that his leg is healing, and that he won't have to have surgery. No missionary wants to go home.
Family, everything is going fine. I am doing great. I HIT A YEAR!!! The countdown has begun... I don't like watching the time, but it is always good to know that it is passing. I hope everything is going great at home. I can't wait for the new house to get started and I hope that everything turns out all right. Don't forget to decorate full-out for Christmas. Enjoy Christmas and know that the best Christmas present will be the phone call home from the Studmuffin Missionary who is serving in Peru. Haphy Halloveen! I wuf ju! (That's "Happy Halloween!" and "I love you!" said when I have a shampoo bottle stuck to my lip. ;) I love you guys. Take care until next week. Love you forever.
Love, Coco.
Hey Lovely Family,
"I made it over the HUMP!!!" Thanks for the cute package. I absolutely love the picture of you guys with the camel. You all look so great.... I also love the stuffed camel with the homemade cape. I am going to sleep with it every night so I can always be reminded that I made it over the hump and that my special family is supporting me in everything that I do. I feel a little strange passing the year mark. It means that what I have already done, I just have to do over again. I have already survived a year without television, movies, video games, music, full-out singing, dancing, card games, board games, and everything else that I love; so one more year is possible. In the beginning, I never would have thought that I could go so much time without doing the things that I love, but I have done it, and I know that the Lord has blessed me for it. I can't believe that one year passed so fast. This next year is just going to fly by. Honestly, I feel more comfortable now because I am now even more certain that I can endure to the end because I have now made it to the half-way point. It feels FANTASTIC!!! I have so many emotions, but it is really hard to put them into words. Just know that I am happy and healthy, and enjoying this special time in the mission. :) So... Happy One Year! And... Happy Halloween!!! Not many decorations are going on down here, but I have seen some people selling masks and Halloween candies in the streets. I'm going to see what happens in the nighttime because I think it's going to be a huge Peruvian Fiesta. (Insert in the nighttime: There were some kids dressed up as vampires, witches, wolves, and Pippy-Longstocking, and some were just carrying around devil tridents and pumpkin bags, but no one was giving out candy. It's not a hugely celebrated day down here.) So what is everyone dressed up as? I'm dressed up as a missionary; Dallis-baseball player; Dad and Mom-matching cheerleaders; and Chase-a Jabbawockee (whatever that is...) I hope you had a lot of fun making those interesting costumes. I had fun picking out a tie to match my missionary outfit.... :) It's fun being a missionary for Halloween. Are you ready to put up Christmas tomorrow? I want you to enjoy Christmas just as much as we do when we are all together. We are going to put a Christmas tree up here in the Offices, and I am already putting up some Christmas decorations and pictures that I have colored to make my room have a Christmas mood. I love Christmas time and I want to have it around for as much time as possible. I don't know if we'll get the Office decorated tomorrow, but I'm going to get the decorations up as soon as possible. :)
Guess what? I did it. I got my letters sent off to my converts. :) I feel great. I sent all of them a little note asking them for their names, their birth dates, their addresses, their phone numbers, and all of the information they can give me. I also sent them pictures and asked them to send me pictures of their family. I can't wait to start receiving response letters. I also received a card from Jose Carlos Sandoval Hidalgo, who was one of my best friends in Iquitos. If you remember my Mom and Dad from Iquitos (Letty and Leo); we were teaching Rosa who is Jose's aunt and Letty's sister. Jose baptized Rosa and we became the best of friends.
Things that happened this week: The Office was renovated. By that I mean that there were guys working her all day every day for three days this week. They repainted some walls, refinished the wood on all of the desks and counters, cleaned the glass and windows, washed the computer chairs, washed the carpet floors, and many other little jobs. The Office looks great, but because they were here working, I couldn't get a lot of my Personal Secretary stuff done so I've got a little more work to get done next week. I took advantage of the time not working to improve my study. I got a lot of studying done and I feel great.
I still miss Landon, but I still have his fun companion here Elder Santiago. He is from Guatemala and is so cool. He is just a good, fun friend that is always there to talk to and agree with. I wrestle him, I sing High School Musical with him, I make jokes with him, and we all get along with him really well. He keeps my spirits up. I love him to death. So I am getting along well. I didn't leave at all this week, but I got to study the scriptures, supervise the workers and I did some printing off of some Christmas decorations. So everything is okay. We are going in on Thursday this week to have a check-up on Elder Sandoval's foot. If it isn't healing still, then he will most likely have surgery, and the recuperation will be a longer time period. Surgery will mean that he'll have to go home. Pray for him so that everything goes okay, that his leg is healing, and that he won't have to have surgery. No missionary wants to go home.
Family, everything is going fine. I am doing great. I HIT A YEAR!!! The countdown has begun... I don't like watching the time, but it is always good to know that it is passing. I hope everything is going great at home. I can't wait for the new house to get started and I hope that everything turns out all right. Don't forget to decorate full-out for Christmas. Enjoy Christmas and know that the best Christmas present will be the phone call home from the Studmuffin Missionary who is serving in Peru. Haphy Halloveen! I wuf ju! (That's "Happy Halloween!" and "I love you!" said when I have a shampoo bottle stuck to my lip. ;) I love you guys. Take care until next week. Love you forever.
Love, Coco.
"He will do it for one more"
October 24, 2009 - Familia Quinn, Do you know what today is?... It's the One-Year Anniversary of "High School Musical 3: Senior Year!" Can you believe that one year ago, we were all seated at the District in a Movie Theatre at midnight ready to watch the movie be released. I can't believe that much time has passed. We were all getting ready for my Farewell, I was freaking out about my talk, and we were all kind of in a weird mood. And now look where we are... All of us in good conditions, happy, enjoying life, and just waiting for one more year to pass. You know what they say... the second year passes by a whole lot faster than the first. That sounds great to me. I think it's because we are all used to it now. I'm definitely not as homesick as I used to be; the boys are back in school; Mom's keeping busy with the house, homework, kids, and a husband; and Dad's busy getting a house approved, built, and furnished. It's good that we are all just working hard. It keeps our minds distracted and keeps the time passing by. I think we are all in awe that a whole year has passed by. The second one is just going to fly by. So get ready, cause here it comes....
So my Best Friend left this week. I had tears in my eyes before I could even give Elder Rich a goodbye hug. He is a really special friend to have. He kept me laughing, protected me, and helped me learn so many things. I'm really going to miss seeing him every day and just enjoying the small moments that make life the greatest. His e-mails to the Office let us know that he has been so blessed as a Missionary, and that his life as a Returned Missionary is great because of the service he gave for two years. I'm pretty sure he'll be coming back in December. I'll most likely still be working here in the Offices so I'll be able to see him and talk to him as Landon. (That sounds really weird.) I can't wait for you guys to see him. Tell him "Hi" and "Thanks" from me.
Changes were this week and everything went perfect. There were tons of Missionaries that had Changes. It was fun to see all of their faces and the smiles they had, all excited for the new Change to start. I am way excited as well. I think I am now accustomed to what I have to do as Personal Secretary. So this Change is going to be more organized and less stressful. I am really excited to start working on a new Change again. :) The new Missionaries all look great and look like they are going to be leaders in the Mission. It is so fun to see the excitement that the new Missionaries have as they enter into the Mission Field. It just brings a new fresh spirit to the Mission. I would never go back to being a New Missionary again, but I absolutely love the energy they bring to the work.
I did a lot of cleaning this week because I like living in a clean, up-kept house. Slowly, but surely, the house is getting more and more organized and cleaner. If I'm going to be living here for a while, I don't want to have to put up with dust and bugs and other things that don't make it very comfortable. I'm used to it, but if I can make the living conditions better...why not?
Excellent News... I got a package this week! :) I was so excited. I received the paper that said I had a package in the Post office on Monday, but we weren't able to go to the Post office until yesterday. All that matters is that I got it! Thank you for everything!!!!
There is a tradition that the Peruvians have during the whole month of October. They make a special cookie called Turron. It is like a thick sugar cookie with lots of caramel and sprinkles. They are pretty good, but you do get sick of them. They make them all October long as the tradition of the month.
Family, we've made it to the year. Just keep going strong and we'll pass this year in no time. I'm going to put myself to work so that the time passes fast. I know that Heavenly Father is blessing us beyond what we could have ever dreamed of. I know that He is our Father in Heaven and that He really does love us. I am thankful to Him, for taking me in His arms for one whole year, and I know that He will do it for one more. Family, you are my inspiration and my life. I love you guys so much and miss you even more. Know that I have you in my mind and heart every day, and that you are never forgotten in my prayers. I love you. Take care and go cheer on BYU!!!
I love you!!!
Love you forever, Coco
So my Best Friend left this week. I had tears in my eyes before I could even give Elder Rich a goodbye hug. He is a really special friend to have. He kept me laughing, protected me, and helped me learn so many things. I'm really going to miss seeing him every day and just enjoying the small moments that make life the greatest. His e-mails to the Office let us know that he has been so blessed as a Missionary, and that his life as a Returned Missionary is great because of the service he gave for two years. I'm pretty sure he'll be coming back in December. I'll most likely still be working here in the Offices so I'll be able to see him and talk to him as Landon. (That sounds really weird.) I can't wait for you guys to see him. Tell him "Hi" and "Thanks" from me.
Changes were this week and everything went perfect. There were tons of Missionaries that had Changes. It was fun to see all of their faces and the smiles they had, all excited for the new Change to start. I am way excited as well. I think I am now accustomed to what I have to do as Personal Secretary. So this Change is going to be more organized and less stressful. I am really excited to start working on a new Change again. :) The new Missionaries all look great and look like they are going to be leaders in the Mission. It is so fun to see the excitement that the new Missionaries have as they enter into the Mission Field. It just brings a new fresh spirit to the Mission. I would never go back to being a New Missionary again, but I absolutely love the energy they bring to the work.
I did a lot of cleaning this week because I like living in a clean, up-kept house. Slowly, but surely, the house is getting more and more organized and cleaner. If I'm going to be living here for a while, I don't want to have to put up with dust and bugs and other things that don't make it very comfortable. I'm used to it, but if I can make the living conditions better...why not?
Excellent News... I got a package this week! :) I was so excited. I received the paper that said I had a package in the Post office on Monday, but we weren't able to go to the Post office until yesterday. All that matters is that I got it! Thank you for everything!!!!
There is a tradition that the Peruvians have during the whole month of October. They make a special cookie called Turron. It is like a thick sugar cookie with lots of caramel and sprinkles. They are pretty good, but you do get sick of them. They make them all October long as the tradition of the month.
Family, we've made it to the year. Just keep going strong and we'll pass this year in no time. I'm going to put myself to work so that the time passes fast. I know that Heavenly Father is blessing us beyond what we could have ever dreamed of. I know that He is our Father in Heaven and that He really does love us. I am thankful to Him, for taking me in His arms for one whole year, and I know that He will do it for one more. Family, you are my inspiration and my life. I love you guys so much and miss you even more. Know that I have you in my mind and heart every day, and that you are never forgotten in my prayers. I love you. Take care and go cheer on BYU!!!
I love you!!!
Love you forever, Coco
Saturday, October 24, 2009
"Everything happens for a reason"
October 17, 2009 -
Hey Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Family,
I feel so good being able to write you right now because I look forward to reading what you have written every week. I’ve just been having kind of a hard, stressful week, so being able to write to you calms me down and reminds me of the special blessings that I have. I’m a little stressed because I just can’t get out of the house as much as I want to. We thought my companion was doing better because he got his cast off and he started to lightly walk on his fractured foot using one of the crutches; however, when we went to the doctor this week and took x-rays again, the doctor said that he shouldn’t have even been trying to put weight on his foot. The bone has started to heal, but it isn’t to the point where it is strong enough to take the full weight of his body. The doctor put on a smaller fake cast and my companion will be off of that foot for another twenty days still. The other Elder who tore a ligament in his leg is going to be sent home this week because the recuperation will take too much time. It is kind of stressing me out because I am losing my ability to teach and I just don’t have the groove anymore that I built up while I was in Iquitos. Something I have learned is that there is a reason for everything. There is a reason for everything that happens in life. I have faith that Heavenly Father is trying to teach me something, but I’m having a hard time learning. I could really use a couple prayers in my behalf. I am doing fine, but a few extra prayers can’t hurt. :) This week was Elder Doza’s 21st Birthday on the 13th and we went to Rodizio’s. (I’m pretty sure it’s just like the Rodizio Grill…) The waiters came around with swords that had all different types of meat on them. They would first ask you if you wanted it, and then they cut you off the piece that you wanted. I absolutely loved it. I think the weirdest meat I tried was ostrich. I never thought that it would be good, but I really liked it. It was a really fancy restaurant, and it was just lots of fun to be with President and his family enjoying a really good meal…Today we had the awesome privilege of traveling to the Peru MTC to a devotional. The guest speaker was Elder D. Todd Christofferson from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It was so cool. He gave a great talk, and it was great to see the nobleness and spirit that reflected from him. President Pérez is going to be in Conferences for the next few days being taught by Elder Christofferson and other General Authorities. What a close connection President has with the General Authorities of the Church. Answering Grandma Quinn’s question, President and his wife are from Uruguay. They have so many stories that just grab my attention and I love hearing about their lives, just as I like hearing about the life of any other Latin. This week that’s coming up is my big week…Change Week. I have been working like crazy and still have a ton of work to get done before Monday morning. This is my big fun week that I get to be in charge of every six weeks. Monday, I will be leaving with Elder Rich to visit his converts that are here in Lima. Tuesday, I will be weighing suitcases for those that have changes to the jungle, and I will be sending all of the Missionaries that are finishing to the airport to go home. Then Wednesday is the big day of changes. I will be up at about five in the morning, and my work will not be over until 12:30am on Thursday morning. I am way excited. I just get an adrenaline rush being constantly busy with all of the Missionaries. I absolutely love it. I’ve almost got every Missionary with their name and face memorized. I still get confused sometimes because a lot of them look the same. By the time I leave, I am sure I will be at least familiar with every one of the Missionaries. I love being President’s Personal Secretary. I am excited for Madison VanDenBerghe. She is going to have so much fun being able to serve in New York. Like I’ve said before, the people we know are all over the world…Elder Rich is going home this week… :( I can’t believe the time has finally come to say goodbye. It flew by so fast. I was able to call his mom, just like I call every mom before their Missionary comes home. I told her that she had to call you up as soon as possible and tell you that I absolutely love you and miss you. I knew it would bring you some comfort to know that I was doing okay during the week… I’m sorry I made you cry again, but the tears are being shed on both sides. One is crying in Utah, the other crying in Peru. I actually don’t cry as much as I used to, but when the occasion calls for the tears, there’s no point in holding them back. Know that I do love you and that I am doing okay. Elder Rich is already preparing to give you the best loving hug from me. (But of course, it won’t compare with when I always used to annoyingly pick you up and spin you around in the kitchen… :) ) So be expecting a big hug from him in my behalf. I love you. Dallis, sorry that Algebra 2 isn’t going as good as it should be. It honestly hurts my heart that I can’t be there using all of my free time to help you. Just know that I will be there in a year to start helping you out with all of your High School homework. Know that I am praying for you to have success in school and the studying won’t be as stressful as it is right now. I know you can do it. Just keep going strong… Know that I love all of you, and there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about each and every one of you. Thanks for being so faithful in writing me so that I am always caught up on what is happening at home. I am way excited for the progress our family is having, and I am very thankful for the blessings that Heavenly Father gives us every single day. Remember…Everything happens for a reason, everything. I love you beyond what words can say. Take care until next week… Go BYU Cougars!!!
I love you forever.Love, Coco
Hey Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Family,
I feel so good being able to write you right now because I look forward to reading what you have written every week. I’ve just been having kind of a hard, stressful week, so being able to write to you calms me down and reminds me of the special blessings that I have. I’m a little stressed because I just can’t get out of the house as much as I want to. We thought my companion was doing better because he got his cast off and he started to lightly walk on his fractured foot using one of the crutches; however, when we went to the doctor this week and took x-rays again, the doctor said that he shouldn’t have even been trying to put weight on his foot. The bone has started to heal, but it isn’t to the point where it is strong enough to take the full weight of his body. The doctor put on a smaller fake cast and my companion will be off of that foot for another twenty days still. The other Elder who tore a ligament in his leg is going to be sent home this week because the recuperation will take too much time. It is kind of stressing me out because I am losing my ability to teach and I just don’t have the groove anymore that I built up while I was in Iquitos. Something I have learned is that there is a reason for everything. There is a reason for everything that happens in life. I have faith that Heavenly Father is trying to teach me something, but I’m having a hard time learning. I could really use a couple prayers in my behalf. I am doing fine, but a few extra prayers can’t hurt. :) This week was Elder Doza’s 21st Birthday on the 13th and we went to Rodizio’s. (I’m pretty sure it’s just like the Rodizio Grill…) The waiters came around with swords that had all different types of meat on them. They would first ask you if you wanted it, and then they cut you off the piece that you wanted. I absolutely loved it. I think the weirdest meat I tried was ostrich. I never thought that it would be good, but I really liked it. It was a really fancy restaurant, and it was just lots of fun to be with President and his family enjoying a really good meal…Today we had the awesome privilege of traveling to the Peru MTC to a devotional. The guest speaker was Elder D. Todd Christofferson from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It was so cool. He gave a great talk, and it was great to see the nobleness and spirit that reflected from him. President Pérez is going to be in Conferences for the next few days being taught by Elder Christofferson and other General Authorities. What a close connection President has with the General Authorities of the Church. Answering Grandma Quinn’s question, President and his wife are from Uruguay. They have so many stories that just grab my attention and I love hearing about their lives, just as I like hearing about the life of any other Latin. This week that’s coming up is my big week…Change Week. I have been working like crazy and still have a ton of work to get done before Monday morning. This is my big fun week that I get to be in charge of every six weeks. Monday, I will be leaving with Elder Rich to visit his converts that are here in Lima. Tuesday, I will be weighing suitcases for those that have changes to the jungle, and I will be sending all of the Missionaries that are finishing to the airport to go home. Then Wednesday is the big day of changes. I will be up at about five in the morning, and my work will not be over until 12:30am on Thursday morning. I am way excited. I just get an adrenaline rush being constantly busy with all of the Missionaries. I absolutely love it. I’ve almost got every Missionary with their name and face memorized. I still get confused sometimes because a lot of them look the same. By the time I leave, I am sure I will be at least familiar with every one of the Missionaries. I love being President’s Personal Secretary. I am excited for Madison VanDenBerghe. She is going to have so much fun being able to serve in New York. Like I’ve said before, the people we know are all over the world…Elder Rich is going home this week… :( I can’t believe the time has finally come to say goodbye. It flew by so fast. I was able to call his mom, just like I call every mom before their Missionary comes home. I told her that she had to call you up as soon as possible and tell you that I absolutely love you and miss you. I knew it would bring you some comfort to know that I was doing okay during the week… I’m sorry I made you cry again, but the tears are being shed on both sides. One is crying in Utah, the other crying in Peru. I actually don’t cry as much as I used to, but when the occasion calls for the tears, there’s no point in holding them back. Know that I do love you and that I am doing okay. Elder Rich is already preparing to give you the best loving hug from me. (But of course, it won’t compare with when I always used to annoyingly pick you up and spin you around in the kitchen… :) ) So be expecting a big hug from him in my behalf. I love you. Dallis, sorry that Algebra 2 isn’t going as good as it should be. It honestly hurts my heart that I can’t be there using all of my free time to help you. Just know that I will be there in a year to start helping you out with all of your High School homework. Know that I am praying for you to have success in school and the studying won’t be as stressful as it is right now. I know you can do it. Just keep going strong… Know that I love all of you, and there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about each and every one of you. Thanks for being so faithful in writing me so that I am always caught up on what is happening at home. I am way excited for the progress our family is having, and I am very thankful for the blessings that Heavenly Father gives us every single day. Remember…Everything happens for a reason, everything. I love you beyond what words can say. Take care until next week… Go BYU Cougars!!!
I love you forever.Love, Coco
Thursday, October 15, 2009
"Before we know it...we'll all be sitting in the living room together, laughing and enjoying the stories of the past two years"
October 10, 2009 - Hey Extraordinary Family,
Do you even feel the weeks going by? Sometimes, I feel like I don’t really have anything to write because the week passes by so fast. Seems like this week was a really progressive week. Today we went to the Temple and had a great time. We all ate breakfast in the cafeteria and then went in to do a Session. The Temple was packed today. I think there must have been over 1500 people there, which is a huge amount for the Lima Temple. Of course, it is Saturday, so they usually have Stakes assigned for certain Saturdays. The only bad part was the wait. We got there at 8:30am and we had to wait for our Session, which started at 11:00am. We didn’t leave the Temple until 2:00. I came home and took a nap and did a little bit of cleaning and working. The weather is starting to change down here. I think we’ve had two or three days where the sun has just shined beautifully. Spring is right around the corner. It’s so weird. I’m going into warmer weather, while you guys are just about to start the beginning part of winter. I have loved being able to go outside and see the clear blue sky because in Lima, the sky is usually a foggy grey. Seeing the blue sky reminded me of being in Iquitos because the skies are either true Cougar blue or full of thunderstorms. That means Christmas is right around the corner. Hey Quinn Family I love you and can’t wait to see you next WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’ll give you a huge hug and well not kisses but a huge hug for sure!!!!!!! From elder Colyn!!! Love you see ya soon!!!!!!!!!!Love, The New Troy hahaha (Elder Rich) That was a recently inserted comment from Elder Rich. He goes home in a week-and-a-half. I’m really going to miss him. He’s just going to die when he sees you. And I think you will too. Make sure you check with Elder Landon´s Mom about his Homecoming. He’s so excited to see you. And I can’t wait for you to see him… :) I hope everything is going great. Sorry this is such a short letter, but I didn’t really have a lot to talk about this week. I was more excited to hear about what is going on in your lives. :) I love hearing all the news about the family. I’m really glad that Family Night went okay and that everything worked out. Sorry I made you cry Mom, but you know that it’s my job. :) Keep going strong, and I will too; I think we’ll just have to share a moment of crying together when I get home, but I’m trying to hold it all back until then. You know I love you. Dad, sounds like everything’s going great at work. Keep it going on, and get the house done fast. I can’t wait to see it. I know you are just going to create the perfect house. (Just make sure that I don’t have to do any yard work when I get home. I just want to relax when I get home.) :) Dallis, I’m glad everything is over with baseball, and now you have more time to study Algebra 2. I’m sorry it’s kind of hard, and that I can’t be there to help you. Maybe you could go and get help from one of my old teachers at Riverton. They have the after-school help for Math specifically. Just tell them that your older brother wants his studmuffin brother to get straight A’s in Algebra 2 and that you are just as perfect as he was… :) Tell Chase “Hi”. Lucky him. I would have loved to have gone to Shakespeare Competition. I’ve gotten some letters from Nathan White, all the way from New Zealand. He’s doing great, and I can’t wait to get home and be able to talk to him. So many things to do when I get home, I don’t know if I’ll be able to do them all. We are just going to have too much fun! I love you guys so much. I hope you know that I love you and think about you every day. Thanks for being my support and my strength. The time is passing, and before we know it, we’ll all be sitting in the living room together, laughing and enjoying the stories of the past two years. I love you so much. Take care until next week. I love you. Love, Coco
Do you even feel the weeks going by? Sometimes, I feel like I don’t really have anything to write because the week passes by so fast. Seems like this week was a really progressive week. Today we went to the Temple and had a great time. We all ate breakfast in the cafeteria and then went in to do a Session. The Temple was packed today. I think there must have been over 1500 people there, which is a huge amount for the Lima Temple. Of course, it is Saturday, so they usually have Stakes assigned for certain Saturdays. The only bad part was the wait. We got there at 8:30am and we had to wait for our Session, which started at 11:00am. We didn’t leave the Temple until 2:00. I came home and took a nap and did a little bit of cleaning and working. The weather is starting to change down here. I think we’ve had two or three days where the sun has just shined beautifully. Spring is right around the corner. It’s so weird. I’m going into warmer weather, while you guys are just about to start the beginning part of winter. I have loved being able to go outside and see the clear blue sky because in Lima, the sky is usually a foggy grey. Seeing the blue sky reminded me of being in Iquitos because the skies are either true Cougar blue or full of thunderstorms. That means Christmas is right around the corner. Hey Quinn Family I love you and can’t wait to see you next WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’ll give you a huge hug and well not kisses but a huge hug for sure!!!!!!! From elder Colyn!!! Love you see ya soon!!!!!!!!!!Love, The New Troy hahaha (Elder Rich) That was a recently inserted comment from Elder Rich. He goes home in a week-and-a-half. I’m really going to miss him. He’s just going to die when he sees you. And I think you will too. Make sure you check with Elder Landon´s Mom about his Homecoming. He’s so excited to see you. And I can’t wait for you to see him… :) I hope everything is going great. Sorry this is such a short letter, but I didn’t really have a lot to talk about this week. I was more excited to hear about what is going on in your lives. :) I love hearing all the news about the family. I’m really glad that Family Night went okay and that everything worked out. Sorry I made you cry Mom, but you know that it’s my job. :) Keep going strong, and I will too; I think we’ll just have to share a moment of crying together when I get home, but I’m trying to hold it all back until then. You know I love you. Dad, sounds like everything’s going great at work. Keep it going on, and get the house done fast. I can’t wait to see it. I know you are just going to create the perfect house. (Just make sure that I don’t have to do any yard work when I get home. I just want to relax when I get home.) :) Dallis, I’m glad everything is over with baseball, and now you have more time to study Algebra 2. I’m sorry it’s kind of hard, and that I can’t be there to help you. Maybe you could go and get help from one of my old teachers at Riverton. They have the after-school help for Math specifically. Just tell them that your older brother wants his studmuffin brother to get straight A’s in Algebra 2 and that you are just as perfect as he was… :) Tell Chase “Hi”. Lucky him. I would have loved to have gone to Shakespeare Competition. I’ve gotten some letters from Nathan White, all the way from New Zealand. He’s doing great, and I can’t wait to get home and be able to talk to him. So many things to do when I get home, I don’t know if I’ll be able to do them all. We are just going to have too much fun! I love you guys so much. I hope you know that I love you and think about you every day. Thanks for being my support and my strength. The time is passing, and before we know it, we’ll all be sitting in the living room together, laughing and enjoying the stories of the past two years. I love you so much. Take care until next week. I love you. Love, Coco
Monday, October 5, 2009
"I know we can do it."
October 3, 2009 - Hey Family, Elder Rich is going home the 21st of October and I am super sad. (Elder Rich says he loves you all.) This month is just going to fly by and then you guys are going to be able to see him and he’ll tell you all the funny things that have happened in the last 3 months. I think the Latin companions sing all day. It just makes the day a little bit brighter. I’ve converted the Office Crew… :) I HIT 11 MONTHS THIS WEEK!!! I can’t believe it. I’m still young, but starting to get old in the Mission. It’s amazing how fast time passes when you just don’t pay attention to it. I’m just working, doing all of my Personal Secretary stuff and tearing it up. I was also able to leave this week with Elder Rich and Elder Santiago, and I taught a couple lessons. It felt good to get out of the house. I also loved getting out of the house today to go and watch General Conference. I didn’t cry when I saw Salt Lake like I did six months ago, but I did like seeing Home… Utah is just beautiful. I can’t wait to see it. Mom, I hope you had a Girl’s Night Out while all the men went to the Priesthood Session. I’m sorry that you were blessed with THREE AMAZING BOYS! But don’t worry, I´ll give you a granddaughter and then you can just go to a movie and have a Girl’s Night Out with her everyday if you want… :) I hope that you had just as fun of a night as the boys in the family. Fun experience: There is a faithful blind man in our ward who gives his testimony every Fast Sunday. After Church, I went out teaching with two young men preparing for their Missions and we found this blind man walking alone with his walker dragging along on the sidewalk. I immediately went to help him because I was worried about what could happen. Come to find out, he was going to the Bakery to buy bread. It’s something he always does alone and then goes back to his house. He has memorized how many blocks he has to travel and where he needs to turn so he is used to it. But I wasn’t going to leave him alone. Poor old blind man. I put my arm under his and just started to guide him. I told him who I was and just started having a conversation with him. We went to the Bakery and then took him back to his house. He invited us in and served us bread with Ecco (it’s like a really disgusting watered-down hot chocolate). It was great to just spend a few moments with him and learn about his faithful blind life as a Member of the Church. I think it was one of the simple miracles that I have seen that has just strengthened my testimony of the truthfulness of the Church. If a blind man can walk around alone, and share his testimony every Fast Sunday, and participate in classes, and invite the Missionaries in for bread and hot chocolate, then we can do those things that are asked of us. I’ve been thinking all day about Family Home Evening tomorrow night. I was really inspired by Elder Bednar’s talk about the Family. I was in total agreement with everything that he said. I also loved Elder Ballard’s talk in the Priesthood Session about the relationship between a Father and Son. Like I’ve said before, we have the greatest family on earth. I know that I have the two best parents on earth and I thank Heavenly Father every single day for sending me to you. I think a great theme would be the importance of Families. Share this as well in the lesson (Mom, I think you have to be the one to read it): I know that Families are Eternal. I don’t have a single doubt about it because I have felt the blessings of having a family that is centered on the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that the Celestial Sealing that takes place in the Temple is something real. Every time I go, I feel the reality of the bonds that are made there. I know that by the power of the Priesthood, our family is eternally sealed. From Grandpa and Grandma Quinn down to the newest baby in the family, we are all going to live together because of the righteous and true covenants that they made in the Temple. I know that this is our purpose. We are to have families, raise them in the Gospel, and return to the presence of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ together. Exaltation is not possible alone. We have to do it together. Don’t doubt in the reality of our Celestial Family. I know we are going to live together forever. Don’t doubt in the teachings of the Church. They are all true. The Church is true. Maybe the members aren’t perfect, but the Church, yes, it is true. President Thomas S. Monson is a true Prophet of God, called by Him to teach us the things we need to gain Eternal Life. I also know that the Church was restored through a 14-year-old boy who had the faith to pray and ask of God. I know that God answers prayers and that he loves us. Please know that I love you all and miss you even more. I can’t wait to see you. Keep going strong and help each other get to the Celestial Kingdom. I know we can do it. Does that sound okay? I hope so. Well, it’s late now, so I’m think I’m gonna go to bed. I love you and will never forget about you. Take care until next week. Love, Coco
Thursday, October 1, 2009
"I am part of the best Mission on earth!"
September 26, 2009 - Hey Loving Family, This Sunday that just passed was Stake Conference and it was a huge Peruvian Stake Conference. Every Stake in Peru was gathered together in their Stake Centers and we got to see Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Elder Holland spoke a little bit of Spanish, but then had a translator translate everything. He finished by bearing his testimony in Spanish while crying, and the Spirit was really strong. There were two Stakes that were divided in our Mission, which means that our Mission is doing great work. In the Area, we are beating all the other Missions in number of baptisms. We are just tearing it up as a Mission. Peru Lima North Mission is just getting better and better and better. Soon, we’ll be hitting an average of 300 baptisms a month. I wonder how we measure up to the rest of the Missions in the world. All I know is that I am part of the best Mission on earth. It is a beautiful Mission. I spent this whole week running back and forth to the hospital in San Isidro (by President’s House) to check on Elder Jacobo who had his operation this week for his torn ligament. He’s doing fine. Yesterday on my trip to pick him up, my chauffeur took me on the coolest route. We took the road that runs along the boardwalk of the beach… The Pacific Ocean. It was absolutely beautiful. Peru is really full of different scenery: the desert, the jungle, the woods with snow, beaches… It is a beautiful country. Maybe I should say, it’s a humble country with some beautiful sights to see. So I didn’t mind my ride yesterday. I say chauffer because I have a Member chauffeuring company that I call when I need Missionaries to be taken to certain places. I called him up yesterday; he picked me up and took me along the beach. I had my hand out the window gliding through the air, and I stuck my head out a few times to breathe in the ocean breeze. :) I just felt relaxed for a second. You guys are going to love Peru. Elder Rich is so cool. I think he sent you guys an e-mail earlier today because I left my e-mail open. :) He’s going home in less than a month and I’m going to miss him. He is my fun friend that jokes with me and takes care of me. I am laughing a lot more and I’m smiling more also. He says he’s going to be coming back with his family the second week in December. (I think this would be a good week for us to come back to Peru as a family next year, but we’ll see where life takes us.) :) So guess what? All of the Office Crew Elders are now High School Musical fans and they cannot get the songs out of their heads. There are so many moments when we all just break out into singing a song from High School Musical. (I think we are going to secretly learn a dance, film it, show it to President, and put it in the farewell video for the Missionaries that are going home. I am going to teach them “We’re All in This Together” with a little bit of “A Night to Remember.” Dancing will be our exercises in the morning.) We are all addicts. They didn’t believe that they would like it, but now they can’t get enough of it. I’ve been an addict since I saw the previews for the first High School Musical. I hope that they make a Broadway version of Senior Year so that I can try out and do it when I get back. The songs are just too awesome and the dances just make you want to learn to dance. All the Elders now want to take voice and dance lessons so they can start impressing the girls. I miss last year’s show, being Troy with Whitley. I miss Chase and his hilarious character of Ryan. I miss just putting my all into Troy. I can’t wait to get back in my groove when I get home. It’s going to be so much fun. I already have some fans (the other Elders) that are ready to buy tickets. The Office Crew Elders are too funny. We are having a fantastic time. Today for P-Day, we just hung out. We went to lunch at La Rustica, which is a nicer restaurant. I ordered raviolis with garlic bread and a frozen lemonade. It was delicious. Then we all just came back to the Offices and relaxed. One more week and we’ll be at the Second General Conference of the Mission. I can’t believe that it’s already here again. I was in Iquitos six months ago enjoying hot, sunny, beautiful weather, and now I’m basically wearing my sweater and jacket everyday. This week, I am going to hit eleven months… CRAZY!!! Time is passing like crazy. Everything is going great! Once again… Happy 15th Birthday Dallis!!! What a funny story about your Gameboy, but you’ll have to explain better about the game you got because I don’t understand what you meant, but I’m sure it is really cool. :) Oh and... Mom and Dad... Happy Anniversary!!! :) I love you guys so much and miss you even more. Don’t forget about me. I love you. Love, Coco
He got the package!!!!!
September 19, 2009 - I got the Package!!! I received it on Tuesday and was so excited and a little thrown off. I was not expecting to receive a huge, heavy tube. I couldn’t even imagine what it was filled with. I opened it up and was shocked to find what looked like a huge roll of paper. When I pulled it out, I realized that it was a bunch of different papers with drawings. As I began to open them, I was so happy to see each member of our family and even a few good friends in their own interpretation in drawing themselves. I must say that I didn’t know that our family was such a weird-looking one. I didn’t know that we had so many Hippies in the family. I was surprised to see a lot of you dressed in 70’s outfits. They just made me laugh. I also didn’t know that we had a Snowman in the family, but I guess you learn a new thing everyday. :) They are awesome and I am thankful that you all took the time to make them. I think they are so sweet, and that they are one of the greatest gifts in the world. Thank you for the little notes, and for the motivation written in each letter. I felt each one was filled with a little humor and a lot of love. I’m sorry we didn’t get to celebrate my Birthday together, but the good thing is that I received the package. I did, however, put the pictures of you guys on the wall so you could watch High School Musical 3 along with all of us. I took pictures with us all as a family and they turned out great. It’s definitely not the same as actually putting my arms around you guys and telling you how much I love you. My companion’s cast got taken off this week, but he still has about three weeks left of recuperation. His foot is really swelled and purple and gross. Starting on Monday, for ten days straight, we have to go to the hospital one or two hours everyday so that he can receive physical therapy so that his foot will get back to normal. I have been leaving with Elder Doza (Records Secretary) and Elder Steed (Financial Secretary) to get out and teach. This week, we taught two lessons with a man named Arturo Fernandez. He is the Dad of three girls, married to a fun wife, and he is the only one that isn’t a member. However, guess what happened today? He got baptized! These last two lessons were just to help prepare him for his baptism. It was fun and now I have a really close relationship with this family. It was so great to see the father of the family get baptized. I shared my testimony in the baptism and I testified about how thankful I am for the Plan of Salvation and for the knowledge that families are eternal. I told him that one year from today he will be able to enter the Temple with his wife and his children and be sealed with them for the Eternities.
So, we watched High School Musical 3 as the Office Crew and everyone loved it. It was so much fun to just sit back and relax watching a show that I love. President asked me the other day if I had a copy of me performing in High School Musical. I miss it. I absolutely love getting out on the stage and having the lights hit me and just giving my all. But I know that the time is going to come soon enough to get out onstage and do it again.
Again, thank you for everything. I am so thankful for the awesome family that I have been blessed with. Keep me updated on the Cougars, and I can’t wait to hear how
Homecoming went. :) Please know that I miss you and that I think of you everyday. I love you. Take care until next week. Love, Colyn
So, we watched High School Musical 3 as the Office Crew and everyone loved it. It was so much fun to just sit back and relax watching a show that I love. President asked me the other day if I had a copy of me performing in High School Musical. I miss it. I absolutely love getting out on the stage and having the lights hit me and just giving my all. But I know that the time is going to come soon enough to get out onstage and do it again.
Again, thank you for everything. I am so thankful for the awesome family that I have been blessed with. Keep me updated on the Cougars, and I can’t wait to hear how
Homecoming went. :) Please know that I miss you and that I think of you everyday. I love you. Take care until next week. Love, Colyn
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
"My converts are progressing, and that brings me such a great amount of happiness."
September 12, 2009 -
Hey Fabulous Family,
I got a Birthday package from Grandma and Grandpa Olsen! I was so happy to receive it. It was filled with Swedish Fish, Tootsie Rolls, two huge bags of Doritos, and my favorite part…the DVD of High School Musical 3!!! Grandma says she’s keeping the cards warm. I wonder if I’ll still have my Canasta game on when I get home. I’m sure I haven’t forgotten how to play… I also received a Birthday card from Grandma and Grandpa Quinn telling me they gave you guys fifty bucks to put in my account. It will surely be put to good use… Please thank both sets of Grandparents for their special and precious gifts and let them know of my sincere love for them. Let them know I miss them and think of them every single day. I can’t wait to be back home hanging out with everyone again. It will come too soon…
This week was my big week. CHANGE WEEK. But it wasn’t as stressful as I thought it was going to be. Everything went great and smooth. I had everything under control and all went well. I didn’t make any errors with flights to and from the jungle. I sent the old Missionaries home and brought the new ones in. Everything went great. Elder Llacsa, my awesome companion from Iquitos, had a change from the jungle to Lima, so I was able to see him. When he walked in the door, I almost started crying because I was so happy to see him. I told him I had missed him so much, and that I missed being with him everyday. He told me many great things about the people in Iquitos. He says Yolanda is doing great and is so faithful in her progression. The husband of the couple we baptized there, Ricardo, is now the Ward Mission Leader, and is doing great work there. Two of his kids are now baptized, and a third one is close to getting baptized. That family is just progressing like crazy. He says Rosa is doing great as well. The only bad news is that my Mom and Dad from Iquitos (Letty and Leo, Sister and Brother-in-Law of Rosa) changed houses, and moved out of living with Rosa. They now live in a different part of Iquitos so I am going to have to find out their address to be able to visit them. Their son José Carlos has now sent in his papers to go on a Mission, and I can’t wait to find out where he is going. I can’t wait to go back to Iquitos… Talking about my investigators, Sister Luna, my friend from the Peru MTC, just baptized a good friend of the couple (Rosa and Juan) that I baptized in Collique, here in Lima. She told me that Juan is now the Ward Mission Leader as well, and that Rosa is in the Presidency of the Relief Society. They showed Sister Luna pictures of “Their Missionary”…that’s me… They showed her pictures of me with them bragging about me being “Their Missionary.” I was so happy to hear that, and after thinking about it for a while, I got a little emotional, and every time I think about it, I get a little emotional. My converts are progressing, and that brings me such a great amount of happiness. I know that the Lord is taking care of them. And I’ve got to keep in contact with them. I am going to write all of my converts and get letters off to them, telling them to keep going, and that I will be seeing them soon. I’m sorry I’m such an emotional guy, but when it comes to one of my special Peruvian friends, I get choked up just knowing that they are okay. I think I am going to have to come back every year to see my Peruvian family because I am already missing them. I do have family down here in Peru, and I can’t wait for you to meet them. Today for P-Day President Pérez took us out to lunch. We went by his house in Miraflores to a place called La Bisteca. It is a buffet that has every food you can think of. We ordered all-you-can-eat and I ate everything. It was a really fancy restaurant, and we were waited on hand and foot. I love spending days with President because he just spoils us. It was so good and I felt so spoiled. He takes such good of his Assistants and Secretaries. I think we’ll have to try out the restaurant when we come to Peru. President then took us all to show us some nice suits that were on sale for thirty dollars at a huge American Mall in Miraflores. I did buy one because they were cheap and Sister Pérez was there to help me look good and told me that I looked great in it. We also went to a place that inside looked just like Home Depot to buy some items for the Mission. When we walked in, my mind immediately reflected back on how many times I had been sent to pick up paint or some random building object from Home Depot, or all the times we went there as a family, and the workshops that we did. I felt like I was at home. Oh boy. Anyway, before going to the mall, we passed by a Marriott Hotel and then by a lookout that had a great view of the Pacific Ocean and the beach. It was a beautiful sight, and I loved feeling the wind that the waves were bringing in. It was just a relaxing day to be with President and his family, and the Office Crew. Please know that President is definitely taking better care of me than I need. He is absolutely spoiling me, and I love it. So don’t worry about me. I am absolutely in love with the Mission right now. I am not getting out and teaching as much as I would like to because I am not able to leave without having the help of a member, but I am just improving things here in the Offices. I am working really hard on gaining a better knowledge of the Scriptures and Preach My Gospel. I feel like I honestly don’t know anything. I am working really hard trying to understand, comprehend, and apply the Scriptures. I love reading now. I love reading the Scriptures. Just sometimes I wish I had more time to read and study, but that time will come after the Mission. I am learning a ton; I just need to be able to apply them better and remember the stories better. So that is what I am focusing on right know is bettering my understanding and knowledge of the Scriptures. I hope everything is going great at home and that you aren’t missing me too much. Know that I still get emotional thinking about each one of you because you have had such a great impact in my life. I would not be here without the help of each one of you. Dallis, thanks for making me laugh and for taking care of Mom. Help Mom and Dad out by enjoying baseball and just trying to improve every day and doing your best. Love doing it, and you’ll see that the season will just pass away. That’s what I did with the Mission. I didn’t really enjoy it at first because I couldn’t speak and I missed home and everything wasn’t how I wanted it. But there was a time that I just decided to start loving it, and now… I am absolutely in love with the Mission, and the time is passing faster and I can’t keep up. Try it with baseball and I think you’ll see what I mean. Chase, thanks for getting me into Theatre and helping me not be afraid of talking to people in public. I do a ton of it now, and I know now that I would not be afraid to go and ask for sauce for my taco… :) Be obedient to Mom and Dad. Being away from them has made me realize so many things. I know at times that their counsel may not be what we want to hear, but I also know that everything they have ever told me is something that has helped me and gotten me where I am today. Just take their advice and be obedient to it. Love being with them as well. Spend more time with them and Dallis. Time is too short, and one day, you won’t be able to just see them or call them up and talk to them… It’s something they call “The Mission.” Dad, thanks for being a great hero in my life. You take such good care of the family and you are such a hard worker. Oh man, where would we be without you? Know that I will never be able to thank you. I owe everything to you. And Mom… What can I even say? I don’t even know where to start? I’m going to try and put it into words, but I know it’s not going to come out how I want it. You are my Mom. I miss you like crazy. I thank Heavenly Father every single day for the bond that He made between you and me. We may be millions of miles away, but we will never be separated. We are going to be together for Eternity. I still cry thinking about your laugh and your smile. I miss it. I miss you. I miss my beautiful Mom. But I know we will be seeing each other soon. The Lord wants us to be where we are right now. He is blessing us beyond measure. I will never be able to thank Him for the blessings I have received and for the special family that He gave me. So once again… Thank you. I love you all and miss you even more. Hoping I didn’t make you cry too hard… :)Love, Coco
Hey Fabulous Family,
I got a Birthday package from Grandma and Grandpa Olsen! I was so happy to receive it. It was filled with Swedish Fish, Tootsie Rolls, two huge bags of Doritos, and my favorite part…the DVD of High School Musical 3!!! Grandma says she’s keeping the cards warm. I wonder if I’ll still have my Canasta game on when I get home. I’m sure I haven’t forgotten how to play… I also received a Birthday card from Grandma and Grandpa Quinn telling me they gave you guys fifty bucks to put in my account. It will surely be put to good use… Please thank both sets of Grandparents for their special and precious gifts and let them know of my sincere love for them. Let them know I miss them and think of them every single day. I can’t wait to be back home hanging out with everyone again. It will come too soon…
This week was my big week. CHANGE WEEK. But it wasn’t as stressful as I thought it was going to be. Everything went great and smooth. I had everything under control and all went well. I didn’t make any errors with flights to and from the jungle. I sent the old Missionaries home and brought the new ones in. Everything went great. Elder Llacsa, my awesome companion from Iquitos, had a change from the jungle to Lima, so I was able to see him. When he walked in the door, I almost started crying because I was so happy to see him. I told him I had missed him so much, and that I missed being with him everyday. He told me many great things about the people in Iquitos. He says Yolanda is doing great and is so faithful in her progression. The husband of the couple we baptized there, Ricardo, is now the Ward Mission Leader, and is doing great work there. Two of his kids are now baptized, and a third one is close to getting baptized. That family is just progressing like crazy. He says Rosa is doing great as well. The only bad news is that my Mom and Dad from Iquitos (Letty and Leo, Sister and Brother-in-Law of Rosa) changed houses, and moved out of living with Rosa. They now live in a different part of Iquitos so I am going to have to find out their address to be able to visit them. Their son José Carlos has now sent in his papers to go on a Mission, and I can’t wait to find out where he is going. I can’t wait to go back to Iquitos… Talking about my investigators, Sister Luna, my friend from the Peru MTC, just baptized a good friend of the couple (Rosa and Juan) that I baptized in Collique, here in Lima. She told me that Juan is now the Ward Mission Leader as well, and that Rosa is in the Presidency of the Relief Society. They showed Sister Luna pictures of “Their Missionary”…that’s me… They showed her pictures of me with them bragging about me being “Their Missionary.” I was so happy to hear that, and after thinking about it for a while, I got a little emotional, and every time I think about it, I get a little emotional. My converts are progressing, and that brings me such a great amount of happiness. I know that the Lord is taking care of them. And I’ve got to keep in contact with them. I am going to write all of my converts and get letters off to them, telling them to keep going, and that I will be seeing them soon. I’m sorry I’m such an emotional guy, but when it comes to one of my special Peruvian friends, I get choked up just knowing that they are okay. I think I am going to have to come back every year to see my Peruvian family because I am already missing them. I do have family down here in Peru, and I can’t wait for you to meet them. Today for P-Day President Pérez took us out to lunch. We went by his house in Miraflores to a place called La Bisteca. It is a buffet that has every food you can think of. We ordered all-you-can-eat and I ate everything. It was a really fancy restaurant, and we were waited on hand and foot. I love spending days with President because he just spoils us. It was so good and I felt so spoiled. He takes such good of his Assistants and Secretaries. I think we’ll have to try out the restaurant when we come to Peru. President then took us all to show us some nice suits that were on sale for thirty dollars at a huge American Mall in Miraflores. I did buy one because they were cheap and Sister Pérez was there to help me look good and told me that I looked great in it. We also went to a place that inside looked just like Home Depot to buy some items for the Mission. When we walked in, my mind immediately reflected back on how many times I had been sent to pick up paint or some random building object from Home Depot, or all the times we went there as a family, and the workshops that we did. I felt like I was at home. Oh boy. Anyway, before going to the mall, we passed by a Marriott Hotel and then by a lookout that had a great view of the Pacific Ocean and the beach. It was a beautiful sight, and I loved feeling the wind that the waves were bringing in. It was just a relaxing day to be with President and his family, and the Office Crew. Please know that President is definitely taking better care of me than I need. He is absolutely spoiling me, and I love it. So don’t worry about me. I am absolutely in love with the Mission right now. I am not getting out and teaching as much as I would like to because I am not able to leave without having the help of a member, but I am just improving things here in the Offices. I am working really hard on gaining a better knowledge of the Scriptures and Preach My Gospel. I feel like I honestly don’t know anything. I am working really hard trying to understand, comprehend, and apply the Scriptures. I love reading now. I love reading the Scriptures. Just sometimes I wish I had more time to read and study, but that time will come after the Mission. I am learning a ton; I just need to be able to apply them better and remember the stories better. So that is what I am focusing on right know is bettering my understanding and knowledge of the Scriptures. I hope everything is going great at home and that you aren’t missing me too much. Know that I still get emotional thinking about each one of you because you have had such a great impact in my life. I would not be here without the help of each one of you. Dallis, thanks for making me laugh and for taking care of Mom. Help Mom and Dad out by enjoying baseball and just trying to improve every day and doing your best. Love doing it, and you’ll see that the season will just pass away. That’s what I did with the Mission. I didn’t really enjoy it at first because I couldn’t speak and I missed home and everything wasn’t how I wanted it. But there was a time that I just decided to start loving it, and now… I am absolutely in love with the Mission, and the time is passing faster and I can’t keep up. Try it with baseball and I think you’ll see what I mean. Chase, thanks for getting me into Theatre and helping me not be afraid of talking to people in public. I do a ton of it now, and I know now that I would not be afraid to go and ask for sauce for my taco… :) Be obedient to Mom and Dad. Being away from them has made me realize so many things. I know at times that their counsel may not be what we want to hear, but I also know that everything they have ever told me is something that has helped me and gotten me where I am today. Just take their advice and be obedient to it. Love being with them as well. Spend more time with them and Dallis. Time is too short, and one day, you won’t be able to just see them or call them up and talk to them… It’s something they call “The Mission.” Dad, thanks for being a great hero in my life. You take such good care of the family and you are such a hard worker. Oh man, where would we be without you? Know that I will never be able to thank you. I owe everything to you. And Mom… What can I even say? I don’t even know where to start? I’m going to try and put it into words, but I know it’s not going to come out how I want it. You are my Mom. I miss you like crazy. I thank Heavenly Father every single day for the bond that He made between you and me. We may be millions of miles away, but we will never be separated. We are going to be together for Eternity. I still cry thinking about your laugh and your smile. I miss it. I miss you. I miss my beautiful Mom. But I know we will be seeing each other soon. The Lord wants us to be where we are right now. He is blessing us beyond measure. I will never be able to thank Him for the blessings I have received and for the special family that He gave me. So once again… Thank you. I love you all and miss you even more. Hoping I didn’t make you cry too hard… :)Love, Coco
"I know we will share them again!"
September 5, 2009 -
Hey Family, So I just got on and found out that there was another package that you sent… And it hasn’t gotten here yet. By the hints and clues that you’ve given in your e-mails, I assume it’s going to be a special and thoughtful present. Mom, the mailman is in big trouble. You better call him up right now and tell him that you are the precious and loving mother of an adorable and sweet Missionary in Peru, and that you want that awesome Peruvian Missionary to receive that package as soon as possible. I will be anxiously waiting for the arrival of my package, and know that I will be so thankful for it. Getting a package, or even a letter, is like Christmas in the Mission. It is so fun to receive something and know that somebody cares about you. Send me one a month, and I’ll have the joy and anxiety of Christmas year-round. :) When I get this package, it will be like a be-lated Birthday. I can’t wait to get it…Speaking of my Birthday; it was great!!! I didn’t get to sleep in, but I was woken up to the whole Office Crew jumping on my bed and singing “Happy Birthday.” What a great start to an amazing day. I worked hard, but it was still a relaxing and enjoyable day because it was my Birthday. And President Pérez surprised me by taking us all out to Chili’s for lunch. Ooh, it was delicious. I ordered chicken fingers with BBQ and honeymustard sauce and a frozen strawberry lemonade. It was so good. It was just a fun Birthday, relaxing and enjoying conversation with President, his wife and daughter, and the Office Crew. I gave Sister Pérez my cake and frosting so that she could make it in her house and bring it to me, but I told her that there was no hurry. She was so nice and had it baked and ready the next morning when they came. She is so sweet and made a scrumptious cake. She made it with two layers, with frosting between them and surrounding the cake. It was delicious. So thanks again for sending the package. We had the farewell of everyone that’s going home this change yesterday. Elder Bagley, the Elder from Moroni, Utah, gave a great testimony. I’m pretty sure he knows Grandma and Grandpa Olsen. He’s going home on the 9th. He’s so excited because he’s got a girl waiting for him… So does Elder Rich. I will have lived with him for three months by the time he goes home, and I am sure that he will have tons of embarrassing stories to tell you guys about me. We are having so much fun together and just enjoying the Mission. He is so fun to be around, and we are constantly laughing. The Sons together in the Mission, and the Moms together at home… That’s the way it’s gotta be until the Sons go home and we can all be together… :) We are going to have Mission Reunions for years to come…This coming week is my huge week of the change because it’s CHANGE WEEK. I have had tons of work these last few weeks and still have a little bit more to do before Monday. I’m sending the old Missionaries home, changing the Missionaries that are currently serving, and bringing in the Newbies. This week is going to pass by like nothing. I am going to be so busy, time will just fly…
Chase, have fun with Homecoming and be careful with the new cars. Dallis, you stud. Keep taking care of Mom, and stop growing. I’m not going to recognize you when I get home. Mom, keep having fun with our loving dogs. I know they’re keeping you company, but that they can’t even try and compare with me… I’ll be home soon to take care of you. Never forget that you are the “loving Mother of an awesome Missionary.” Never forget that you are my Best Friend. Never forget that I love you. I love you beyond what words can say. And I miss you even more… Dad, keep improving your work. I know you’ve got it down to an art and that we are so blessed to have such a hard-worker in the house. Take care of Mom and the Brothers. Know that I still look up to you, and that you will always be the greatest role model in my life. I want to be able to raise the same amazing family that you and Mom have raised. I’m going to need your help, and we’re going to have fun doing it. I love you guys so much and miss the laughs and smiles we always shared. I know we will share them again! I love you so much. I miss you. Take care until next week. With all the love that can ever be given.
Your Missionary, Elder Quinn aka Coco
Hey Family, So I just got on and found out that there was another package that you sent… And it hasn’t gotten here yet. By the hints and clues that you’ve given in your e-mails, I assume it’s going to be a special and thoughtful present. Mom, the mailman is in big trouble. You better call him up right now and tell him that you are the precious and loving mother of an adorable and sweet Missionary in Peru, and that you want that awesome Peruvian Missionary to receive that package as soon as possible. I will be anxiously waiting for the arrival of my package, and know that I will be so thankful for it. Getting a package, or even a letter, is like Christmas in the Mission. It is so fun to receive something and know that somebody cares about you. Send me one a month, and I’ll have the joy and anxiety of Christmas year-round. :) When I get this package, it will be like a be-lated Birthday. I can’t wait to get it…Speaking of my Birthday; it was great!!! I didn’t get to sleep in, but I was woken up to the whole Office Crew jumping on my bed and singing “Happy Birthday.” What a great start to an amazing day. I worked hard, but it was still a relaxing and enjoyable day because it was my Birthday. And President Pérez surprised me by taking us all out to Chili’s for lunch. Ooh, it was delicious. I ordered chicken fingers with BBQ and honeymustard sauce and a frozen strawberry lemonade. It was so good. It was just a fun Birthday, relaxing and enjoying conversation with President, his wife and daughter, and the Office Crew. I gave Sister Pérez my cake and frosting so that she could make it in her house and bring it to me, but I told her that there was no hurry. She was so nice and had it baked and ready the next morning when they came. She is so sweet and made a scrumptious cake. She made it with two layers, with frosting between them and surrounding the cake. It was delicious. So thanks again for sending the package. We had the farewell of everyone that’s going home this change yesterday. Elder Bagley, the Elder from Moroni, Utah, gave a great testimony. I’m pretty sure he knows Grandma and Grandpa Olsen. He’s going home on the 9th. He’s so excited because he’s got a girl waiting for him… So does Elder Rich. I will have lived with him for three months by the time he goes home, and I am sure that he will have tons of embarrassing stories to tell you guys about me. We are having so much fun together and just enjoying the Mission. He is so fun to be around, and we are constantly laughing. The Sons together in the Mission, and the Moms together at home… That’s the way it’s gotta be until the Sons go home and we can all be together… :) We are going to have Mission Reunions for years to come…This coming week is my huge week of the change because it’s CHANGE WEEK. I have had tons of work these last few weeks and still have a little bit more to do before Monday. I’m sending the old Missionaries home, changing the Missionaries that are currently serving, and bringing in the Newbies. This week is going to pass by like nothing. I am going to be so busy, time will just fly…
Chase, have fun with Homecoming and be careful with the new cars. Dallis, you stud. Keep taking care of Mom, and stop growing. I’m not going to recognize you when I get home. Mom, keep having fun with our loving dogs. I know they’re keeping you company, but that they can’t even try and compare with me… I’ll be home soon to take care of you. Never forget that you are the “loving Mother of an awesome Missionary.” Never forget that you are my Best Friend. Never forget that I love you. I love you beyond what words can say. And I miss you even more… Dad, keep improving your work. I know you’ve got it down to an art and that we are so blessed to have such a hard-worker in the house. Take care of Mom and the Brothers. Know that I still look up to you, and that you will always be the greatest role model in my life. I want to be able to raise the same amazing family that you and Mom have raised. I’m going to need your help, and we’re going to have fun doing it. I love you guys so much and miss the laughs and smiles we always shared. I know we will share them again! I love you so much. I miss you. Take care until next week. With all the love that can ever be given.
Your Missionary, Elder Quinn aka Coco
Monday, August 31, 2009
Happy 20th to Coco!!!!!!
August 29, 2009 -
Hey Unforgettable Family,
Happy Birthday to…ME!!! Can you believe it? It’s already my Birthday. I am turning 20 this week. Wow. I’m getting old… No, I’m just growing up a little bit. And today, I hit 10 Months. Time is just passing like crazy. I really don’t feel like I’m 20-years-old. I’ve been thinking about what I would like to get for my Birthday, and I think I already got it because… I GOT A PACKAGE THIS WEEK! !! :) I received it Monday while we were all here working, and I was so excited. I couldn’t wait to open it. Elder Rich told me to give all the birthday stuff to Sister Pérez and she will make the cake and get everything ready for a party. I am also way excited for whatever is in the package I can’t open until my 1-year mark. I can’t wait to find out what it is… Again, thank you so much for making my day… I have the best family on earth.
We didn’t show up late to the Talent Show. We showed up on time; it just started an hour-and-a-half late. It’s just the way things are down here in Peru…everything behind schedule, and a little slow… :) But I love it… We sang the EFY Medley in Spanish with some other Missionaries from our zone. I played the piano and I recorded it with my tape recorder. It didn’t turn out great, but I do have some evidence of what we tried to do… But, by far, my favorite part that I saw was the cute little Primary kids dancing. I filmed it, so you’ll get to see it as well…This week wasn’t a good week of getting out and teaching because my companion is broken. By that, I mean that I have to be with him, or we have to find two members, one that can stay with my companion, and another that can leave with me. And it’s really hard to find two members that can help us out during the daytime. But, when I am not able to leave, I just do my Personal Secretary stuff and I am improving a lot of things. Elder Rich told me yesterday that President complimented about me. He told Elder Rich that I have good motivation and am a hard worker, and that I am only wanting the best for the mission … That’s exactly what I want to do. I hope that’s all I do is improve and progress. In the Offices, there are four Secretaries and two Assistants to President. I am the Personal Secretary. My companion, Elder Sandoval, is the Supplies Secretary. Elder Doza is the Registry Secretary, Elder Steed is the Financial Secretary, and Elder Rich along with Elder Santiago are the Assistants. All six of us work here and we live together. The Offices are on the first floor, and our house in on the second floor. It is such a fun environment to be constantly surrounded by a good group of hard-working Missionaries. The time just flies by being able to talk the day away with them. We work hard, but we also have a ton of fun, and I am always happy. I absolutely love being here in the Offices…
Yesterday was the last day I got to talk with Doctor Drake and his sweet wife. They are finishing their mission this Tuesday. I took a picture with them and also wrote down their e-mail so that I can stay in contact with them. They say that they have Missionary reunions all of the time and love seeing their Missionaries. Sorry this e-mail is a little scattered and not as well-written as I usually write. Ms. Kinzer would be a little disappointed… :) Speaking of Ms. Kinzer, Chase, have a ton of fun in her class. She’s expecting a lot from you. Just keep the Quinn reputation high… :) I can’t believe school has already started. The time is going past even faster being busy with homework and after-school activities. We won’t even realize it and I’ll have been out a year. Chase, good luck with Les Mis and Senior Class Officer. You are already a Superstar!!! Dallis, have fun with baseball and being with Sra. Denney. You are such a Stud!!! Mom and Dad, good luck with finding the house. Just keep praying and we’ll find the perfect house… Thank you once again for the special Birthday package. Have an amazing week. I love you all and miss you so much. Love, Coco
Hey Unforgettable Family,
Happy Birthday to…ME!!! Can you believe it? It’s already my Birthday. I am turning 20 this week. Wow. I’m getting old… No, I’m just growing up a little bit. And today, I hit 10 Months. Time is just passing like crazy. I really don’t feel like I’m 20-years-old. I’ve been thinking about what I would like to get for my Birthday, and I think I already got it because… I GOT A PACKAGE THIS WEEK! !! :) I received it Monday while we were all here working, and I was so excited. I couldn’t wait to open it. Elder Rich told me to give all the birthday stuff to Sister Pérez and she will make the cake and get everything ready for a party. I am also way excited for whatever is in the package I can’t open until my 1-year mark. I can’t wait to find out what it is… Again, thank you so much for making my day… I have the best family on earth.
We didn’t show up late to the Talent Show. We showed up on time; it just started an hour-and-a-half late. It’s just the way things are down here in Peru…everything behind schedule, and a little slow… :) But I love it… We sang the EFY Medley in Spanish with some other Missionaries from our zone. I played the piano and I recorded it with my tape recorder. It didn’t turn out great, but I do have some evidence of what we tried to do… But, by far, my favorite part that I saw was the cute little Primary kids dancing. I filmed it, so you’ll get to see it as well…This week wasn’t a good week of getting out and teaching because my companion is broken. By that, I mean that I have to be with him, or we have to find two members, one that can stay with my companion, and another that can leave with me. And it’s really hard to find two members that can help us out during the daytime. But, when I am not able to leave, I just do my Personal Secretary stuff and I am improving a lot of things. Elder Rich told me yesterday that President complimented about me. He told Elder Rich that I have good motivation and am a hard worker, and that I am only wanting the best for the mission … That’s exactly what I want to do. I hope that’s all I do is improve and progress. In the Offices, there are four Secretaries and two Assistants to President. I am the Personal Secretary. My companion, Elder Sandoval, is the Supplies Secretary. Elder Doza is the Registry Secretary, Elder Steed is the Financial Secretary, and Elder Rich along with Elder Santiago are the Assistants. All six of us work here and we live together. The Offices are on the first floor, and our house in on the second floor. It is such a fun environment to be constantly surrounded by a good group of hard-working Missionaries. The time just flies by being able to talk the day away with them. We work hard, but we also have a ton of fun, and I am always happy. I absolutely love being here in the Offices…
Yesterday was the last day I got to talk with Doctor Drake and his sweet wife. They are finishing their mission this Tuesday. I took a picture with them and also wrote down their e-mail so that I can stay in contact with them. They say that they have Missionary reunions all of the time and love seeing their Missionaries. Sorry this e-mail is a little scattered and not as well-written as I usually write. Ms. Kinzer would be a little disappointed… :) Speaking of Ms. Kinzer, Chase, have a ton of fun in her class. She’s expecting a lot from you. Just keep the Quinn reputation high… :) I can’t believe school has already started. The time is going past even faster being busy with homework and after-school activities. We won’t even realize it and I’ll have been out a year. Chase, good luck with Les Mis and Senior Class Officer. You are already a Superstar!!! Dallis, have fun with baseball and being with Sra. Denney. You are such a Stud!!! Mom and Dad, good luck with finding the house. Just keep praying and we’ll find the perfect house… Thank you once again for the special Birthday package. Have an amazing week. I love you all and miss you so much. Love, Coco
Sunday, August 23, 2009
"What a conversation it will be..."
August 22, 2009 - I saw the photo of Davey and Nathan. They both look great. Davey is such a stud. He looks like such a good Missionary. He looks like he is just filled with Mission experience and stories. You know, he’s going to be home before we know it… I can’t wait to be able to talk with him about our Missions when I get home. What a conversation it will be…Nothing really big happened this week, but there is some surprising news. My companion, Elder Sandoval, and I left a little late from an appointment on Tuesday night. We ran to the main street where we always hop on a bus to get taken home, but there weren’t any buses coming. So, my companion told me it would be better if we ran because we could arrive in the same amount of time. I agreed, and off we went. We crossed the street and headed for the MegaPlaza, a huge American Mall close to our house (The Offices.) As we were passing MegaPlaza, the pavement changed to small rocks and dirt. I was in front of my companion running, and suddenly I heard, “Compi…Compi…” I turned around and found my companion helping himself to the ground. He had twisted his ankle really bad and it was hurting him. He couldn’t walk so we called a taxi, hopped in, and were brought to The Offices. He called President and got permission to go to the hospital. And off we went again. I was in a Peruvian hospital. I know it’s weird, but it was actually nice. Anyway, they had to take x-rays of my companion, and come to find out, he had fractured his foot. Yes, that’s right; my companion is currently in his bed with a cast on his right foot… We were in the hospital until 1:00 in the morning… But everything is okay. I am perfectly fine because I have hand-eye-and-foot coordination… :) But my companion could use some prayers to help the bone to seal well and fast so that he can get back to work like normal. It’s harder to get out because I have to wait for two members everyday to come to pick me up and bring me home, one with me, and one to be with Elder Sandoval…Good news… President invited us to lunch on Thursday… He invited us to pizza, but not just any pizza… Papa John’s Pizza… That’s right, Papa John’s… It was so good and delicious. I honestly loved just sitting around as The Office Crew eating Papa John’s Pizza and drinking Coca-Cola with President Pérez. I am loving the Mission and enjoying every moment that passes. Life is good here in the Field.
Later that night on Thursday, Elder Rich and I got in a stamp fight. He being a wrestler, obviously overtook me, and I left with black ink all over my face. I took some pictures and recorded a video of the aftermath… I know that when you guys see it, you are just going to think what a weird kid Colyn is, but I had fun… Life is to enjoy… I have decided to enjoy it to the maximum… I have a billion plans already in action for when I get home… We are going to enjoy life as a family.
Family, I honestly know that we are in the only True Church of God. I am so thankful for the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation and Eternal Families. I love it because it means we are going to be together FOREVER!!! There are not four other people I would rather spend Eternity with than my two studly Brothers, my tender-hearted Dad, and my gorgeous Mom. I love you guys so much and you already know that I miss you so much… We are all doing great. Let’s just keep going… I love you. Take care until next week.Love, Coco
Later that night on Thursday, Elder Rich and I got in a stamp fight. He being a wrestler, obviously overtook me, and I left with black ink all over my face. I took some pictures and recorded a video of the aftermath… I know that when you guys see it, you are just going to think what a weird kid Colyn is, but I had fun… Life is to enjoy… I have decided to enjoy it to the maximum… I have a billion plans already in action for when I get home… We are going to enjoy life as a family.
Family, I honestly know that we are in the only True Church of God. I am so thankful for the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation and Eternal Families. I love it because it means we are going to be together FOREVER!!! There are not four other people I would rather spend Eternity with than my two studly Brothers, my tender-hearted Dad, and my gorgeous Mom. I love you guys so much and you already know that I miss you so much… We are all doing great. Let’s just keep going… I love you. Take care until next week.Love, Coco
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
"Just having a terrific day"
August 15, 2009 -
Hey Perfect Family, How’s everybody doing? I think that everything sounds like it’s basically perfect; you’re just missing one member of the family at home… :) I’m so glad that you all enjoyed Elder Nemelka’s Homecoming. The pictures look great. And Mom, yes, that hug was from me to you. I knew that Elder Nemelka would give it to you with the greatest amount of love that anyone could. I absolutely love the photo of you guys with Elder Nemelka and the other one with the other families and Returned Missionaries. I have to say that we are a family full of studs and a one amazingly beautiful Mom. Dad, well, let’s just say that you haven’t changed a bit… :) I’m just kidding, you look really good. Mom, holy cow, you look great. You look so happy and perfect. I was so glad to see a huge, laughing smile on your face. Oh, how I can’t wait to see you in person… :) Chase, my new look-a-like… :) I don’t know about that, but bud you look great... Dallis, how tall are you? I can’t believe it. I love seeing you guys. It helps me know that you are happy and still going on with life. What a perfect family I have. I love you guys so much.
As The Office Crew, we get a lot more privileges. Today was an awesome day. We had the awesome opportunity of hanging out with President Pérez and his daughter Carolina in their house. That’s right, the house on the 21st floor of the building next to the golf course in the pretty part of Lima, Miraflores (San Isidro), right by the ocean. It is such a good place for President to live. We went there and he made us a delicious lunch: roast beef, mashed potatoes, salad, bratwurst, BBQ sauce, Coca-Cola, spaghetti, and brownie ice-cream to finish the meal. We were also able to watch Madagascar 2 with him, and we laughed throughout the whole show. I absolutely loved being with President. He is such a humble, knowledgeable, and kind person. He is really like my Uruguayan and Peruvian Dad. He takes such good care of me and I love him to death. I would spend all day, every day with him if I could. I really enjoy the moments when he is around. He knows so much about the Gospel and shares so much with us. You would also love to meet him… On Monday this week, President invited The Office Crew to lunch, and you’ll never guess where we went… CHILI’S… that’s right. There is a Chili’s in Peru and it was so good. But that wasn’t even the best part. President knows that I love High School Musical, and that I played the part of Troy in it with Whitley last year. He teased the waitress, telling her that I was Troy Bolton from High School Musical and that at the end of my meal, I should receive some cake and ice-cream like they give for free when you have a birthday. She got a kick out of it. I ordered the good quesadillas they have there with a frozen lemonade. It was delicious. Then, the funniest part of the meal… President tells me to sign a napkin as Troy Bolton. I signed my signature that I signed on all of the programs last year with “Elder Quinn” written beneath it. President then took the napkin and put it with his credit card to pay for the meal. It was so funny. I didn’t get any cake or ice-cream, but I thought it was way funny that President picked me out of the group to help tease the waitress. He is such a funny person and has me laughing all of the time. I really have such a good friendship with him and am so excited for the time I have to spend with him.Today was also a great day because we had a BAPTISM… My companion, Elder Sandoval, baptized Carmen Ermilia Teran Taco. She is an awesome older, single lady, who is very smart and gained a testimony really fast. We had some conflicts involving her sister Luzy, but she survived through it and was baptized in less than three weeks. She is so great and I can’t wait to form an even better relationship with her. Her sister America, and her niece Sarah, are lined up to get baptized next week. Pray for us to help these baptisms turn out. They are all three awesome people and I will update you next Saturday about how their baptisms went. The baptism tonight is also another reason why I am writing so late. We got home from President’s house and then had to leave right to the baptism. That’s why I am writing you right now, but know that I am perfectly fine, and was just having a terrific day.
Hey Perfect Family, How’s everybody doing? I think that everything sounds like it’s basically perfect; you’re just missing one member of the family at home… :) I’m so glad that you all enjoyed Elder Nemelka’s Homecoming. The pictures look great. And Mom, yes, that hug was from me to you. I knew that Elder Nemelka would give it to you with the greatest amount of love that anyone could. I absolutely love the photo of you guys with Elder Nemelka and the other one with the other families and Returned Missionaries. I have to say that we are a family full of studs and a one amazingly beautiful Mom. Dad, well, let’s just say that you haven’t changed a bit… :) I’m just kidding, you look really good. Mom, holy cow, you look great. You look so happy and perfect. I was so glad to see a huge, laughing smile on your face. Oh, how I can’t wait to see you in person… :) Chase, my new look-a-like… :) I don’t know about that, but bud you look great... Dallis, how tall are you? I can’t believe it. I love seeing you guys. It helps me know that you are happy and still going on with life. What a perfect family I have. I love you guys so much.
As The Office Crew, we get a lot more privileges. Today was an awesome day. We had the awesome opportunity of hanging out with President Pérez and his daughter Carolina in their house. That’s right, the house on the 21st floor of the building next to the golf course in the pretty part of Lima, Miraflores (San Isidro), right by the ocean. It is such a good place for President to live. We went there and he made us a delicious lunch: roast beef, mashed potatoes, salad, bratwurst, BBQ sauce, Coca-Cola, spaghetti, and brownie ice-cream to finish the meal. We were also able to watch Madagascar 2 with him, and we laughed throughout the whole show. I absolutely loved being with President. He is such a humble, knowledgeable, and kind person. He is really like my Uruguayan and Peruvian Dad. He takes such good care of me and I love him to death. I would spend all day, every day with him if I could. I really enjoy the moments when he is around. He knows so much about the Gospel and shares so much with us. You would also love to meet him… On Monday this week, President invited The Office Crew to lunch, and you’ll never guess where we went… CHILI’S… that’s right. There is a Chili’s in Peru and it was so good. But that wasn’t even the best part. President knows that I love High School Musical, and that I played the part of Troy in it with Whitley last year. He teased the waitress, telling her that I was Troy Bolton from High School Musical and that at the end of my meal, I should receive some cake and ice-cream like they give for free when you have a birthday. She got a kick out of it. I ordered the good quesadillas they have there with a frozen lemonade. It was delicious. Then, the funniest part of the meal… President tells me to sign a napkin as Troy Bolton. I signed my signature that I signed on all of the programs last year with “Elder Quinn” written beneath it. President then took the napkin and put it with his credit card to pay for the meal. It was so funny. I didn’t get any cake or ice-cream, but I thought it was way funny that President picked me out of the group to help tease the waitress. He is such a funny person and has me laughing all of the time. I really have such a good friendship with him and am so excited for the time I have to spend with him.Today was also a great day because we had a BAPTISM… My companion, Elder Sandoval, baptized Carmen Ermilia Teran Taco. She is an awesome older, single lady, who is very smart and gained a testimony really fast. We had some conflicts involving her sister Luzy, but she survived through it and was baptized in less than three weeks. She is so great and I can’t wait to form an even better relationship with her. Her sister America, and her niece Sarah, are lined up to get baptized next week. Pray for us to help these baptisms turn out. They are all three awesome people and I will update you next Saturday about how their baptisms went. The baptism tonight is also another reason why I am writing so late. We got home from President’s house and then had to leave right to the baptism. That’s why I am writing you right now, but know that I am perfectly fine, and was just having a terrific day.
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