Tuesday, October 26, 2010 -
What is the Mission???
The Mission is a dream. A Missionary starts by entering into a new world—no phone calls home, no homemade food, missing his family, and being permanently placed with a unfamiliar companion. He accepts to live by strict rules knowing that the Lord will bless him if he does so. As time goes on, he learns more about life—how to overcome trials, the principles of raising a family, what to look for in his future wife, etc. And without noticing it, he starts to worry more about the people he is currently with and solving their problems than he does about his own family. He loves the people and they love him back. And when the time comes for changes, tears are shed, both his and theirs, because of the precious moments they have spent together, never knowing if it will be possible to see each other again. Two years go flying by and then comes the unstoppable moment of stay or go. This Missionary, knowing that his time is almost up, feels both a sense of sadness and happiness. He recognizes that he is going to have to leave behind his newly-developed family, but knows than an overly-excited family is waiting anxiously for his return home. This is the Mission—two years of selfless service given up to the Lord so that this Missionary, his family, his converts, and those he has come in contact with, can be blessed for the Eternities; the two most cherished years of this young man’s life…
Thank you to all those who have supported me and kept me going strong for these two years. I could not have done it without you. I love you and thank you so so much.
Les amo,Elder Colyn Quinn
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
He is COMING HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To the Followers.....
This is Susan, Colyn's mom. I just wanted to share some feelings about these past two years and having Colyn gone so far away. When the day arrived when Colyn and I had to be separated for two long years, I think we both didn't realize how really hard it was going to be. In the MTC, watching the movie that they share with the families before the inevitable separation, Colyn was so nervous that his legs were shaking. The closing prayer was being said and I reached out and put my hand on Colyn's leg as to try and comfort him and he responded with relaxing. He held my hand throughout this whole ordeal, as he always did when we sit through Sacrament meeting together. And when the final hug came to say goodbye, we could not let go of each other. My arms were grabbing at him as to try to take something home with me. The last thing Colyn whispered to me after he told me that he loved me, was.... "I'll be back."
Those were the last three words that I heard him say while he was still in my sight. I have hung on to those words these last two years and drawn strength from them, knowing he would be back. And now HE IS COMING BACK!!!!!! This wonderful, glorious day of him coming back is here!!!! I am truly blessed! My Heavenly Father, for some sweet reason, granted me such a privilege when he sent me such a Prince of a son as Colyn is!!! He knows he is a child of God. He came here obedient, has always remained obedient and I pray that obedience will continue throughout his entire life. He loves his mom. And for this, I can never thank Heavenly Father enough for this choice blessing of having Colyn share his life with me!
Thank you for checking in and keeping up on Colyn's journey in Peru. He has felt your love and it means the world to him! He has had much success on his Mission, again baptizing three more souls this past week. He is grateful to the Lord for allowing him to be where he is and to experience "loving the people he serves".
November 3, 2010 seemed like an eternity away, and now my boy is returning home!
Love to all , Susan - A loving mother of an Awesome Missionary -
(as Colyn would say to every mother he called when letting them know when their son's would be arriving home....he would say to them either in speaking or in writing.....
"Thanks for being a loving mother of an Awesome Missionary")
This is Susan, Colyn's mom. I just wanted to share some feelings about these past two years and having Colyn gone so far away. When the day arrived when Colyn and I had to be separated for two long years, I think we both didn't realize how really hard it was going to be. In the MTC, watching the movie that they share with the families before the inevitable separation, Colyn was so nervous that his legs were shaking. The closing prayer was being said and I reached out and put my hand on Colyn's leg as to try and comfort him and he responded with relaxing. He held my hand throughout this whole ordeal, as he always did when we sit through Sacrament meeting together. And when the final hug came to say goodbye, we could not let go of each other. My arms were grabbing at him as to try to take something home with me. The last thing Colyn whispered to me after he told me that he loved me, was.... "I'll be back."
Those were the last three words that I heard him say while he was still in my sight. I have hung on to those words these last two years and drawn strength from them, knowing he would be back. And now HE IS COMING BACK!!!!!! This wonderful, glorious day of him coming back is here!!!! I am truly blessed! My Heavenly Father, for some sweet reason, granted me such a privilege when he sent me such a Prince of a son as Colyn is!!! He knows he is a child of God. He came here obedient, has always remained obedient and I pray that obedience will continue throughout his entire life. He loves his mom. And for this, I can never thank Heavenly Father enough for this choice blessing of having Colyn share his life with me!
Thank you for checking in and keeping up on Colyn's journey in Peru. He has felt your love and it means the world to him! He has had much success on his Mission, again baptizing three more souls this past week. He is grateful to the Lord for allowing him to be where he is and to experience "loving the people he serves".
November 3, 2010 seemed like an eternity away, and now my boy is returning home!
Love to all , Susan - A loving mother of an Awesome Missionary -
(as Colyn would say to every mother he called when letting them know when their son's would be arriving home....he would say to them either in speaking or in writing.....
"Thanks for being a loving mother of an Awesome Missionary")
"The Mission has been the best experience of my life"
Monday, October 18, 2010 -
I think I'm starting to get really lazy about writing home because I know that I will be home soon enough to just tell it to you. Next week will be my last week to write home. Can you believe it??? This month is just flying by. What are you guys going to be for Halloween??? What's the creative idea this year???
We had a very cool baptism this weekend. His name is Leonel Chavez Olaya. He is 18-years-old and lives with his Grandma because his family is separated. Before teaching him the Gospel, he was involved with drinking and hanging out with bad friends. He had always worn a mouth piercing, but we just taught him the Gospel and read the Book of Mormon with him. He himself had to make the change. On Saturday, I had the privilege of baptizing him. Just before starting the meeting,we were in the bathroom changing into our white clothes and we had a really good conversation. He took out his mouth piercing never to put it back in again. He has made so many changes to get to this point. He showed up yesterday dressed in a shirt and tie (given that the shirt was mine, the pants were my companion's, but he looked like a stud). He will be a Missionary in one year's time. How cool is that??? I am doing fine. This week was probably the best week of work that I have ever had in Lima. It was such a fun fast-paced week.It flew by like nothing. I have to tell you that there are many moments where I just wish the next to weeks could pass by in a flash,but I have many more moments telling myself that I don't have that much longer to put on the Missionary tag and be a full-time representative of the Church and of Jesus Christ. The Mission has been the best experience of my life...I love you Family. Love, Coco
I think I'm starting to get really lazy about writing home because I know that I will be home soon enough to just tell it to you. Next week will be my last week to write home. Can you believe it??? This month is just flying by. What are you guys going to be for Halloween??? What's the creative idea this year???
We had a very cool baptism this weekend. His name is Leonel Chavez Olaya. He is 18-years-old and lives with his Grandma because his family is separated. Before teaching him the Gospel, he was involved with drinking and hanging out with bad friends. He had always worn a mouth piercing, but we just taught him the Gospel and read the Book of Mormon with him. He himself had to make the change. On Saturday, I had the privilege of baptizing him. Just before starting the meeting,we were in the bathroom changing into our white clothes and we had a really good conversation. He took out his mouth piercing never to put it back in again. He has made so many changes to get to this point. He showed up yesterday dressed in a shirt and tie (given that the shirt was mine, the pants were my companion's, but he looked like a stud). He will be a Missionary in one year's time. How cool is that??? I am doing fine. This week was probably the best week of work that I have ever had in Lima. It was such a fun fast-paced week.It flew by like nothing. I have to tell you that there are many moments where I just wish the next to weeks could pass by in a flash,but I have many more moments telling myself that I don't have that much longer to put on the Missionary tag and be a full-time representative of the Church and of Jesus Christ. The Mission has been the best experience of my life...I love you Family. Love, Coco
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
"Only 24 days and the Best Friends are back together!!!"
October 11, 2010 - (A note to all the followers....for the past few weeks, Colyn has not been writing letters home because he and I have been exchanging emails for two hours every Monday morning. So I have compiled the last month's worth of Colyn's conversations and put them in one post.)
September 20, 2010 -
Mom,
We find out changes on Saturday night this week, so I am way excited to see what happens. I am pretty sure that I will be staying where I am to finish my Mission because this is my last Change, but we'll see what Heavenly Father and President have in store for me...
About the weather... I think we are just barely finishing winter, barely because it is still freezing, but we have had some warm days where the sun has been shining. We are just starting spring, but summer will be here for Christmastime... And I'll be at home... Wahoo!!!
Love, Coco
I still haven't heard anything about Yolanda, but I assume that she is doing okay... I just can't wait to see her again...
Wahoo!!! That means we'll be talking every Monday until I go home... only 7 more I think... Can you believe it??? Everyone asks me if I'm trunky, but I just tell them no, but my family is... Hahaha. I love my family.
Love, Coco
Don't worry... You'll be seeing enough of me in a little while. I just hope you don't get sick of me talking to you because we have to catch up on two years of life... That might take a while... :)
Coco
Are you kidding me Mom??? It would be awesome to have Chase open up his Mission Call the day that I get home!!! It won't take away from anything. I didn't think you would want to wait to open it until I get home, but it makes me feel so happy that you want to wait to open his Mission Call until I get home... We will be super anxious for an arrival home and a send-away call... It will just add on to a great night... PARTY ALL-NIGHT LONG!!! And if it seems even better... I will get home and we can just be with the family and good friends and then we can have the big party another day, like on the weekend...and Chase can invite his friends and the Family over to watch him open his Call... You think he'll be getting his Call before I get home?... That is so exciting!!!
Love, Coco
Yes. Comas is part of Lima. It's a little prettier than my other areas have been in Lima, which makes it nice as well, but nothing beats the Jungle...
Coco
September 27, 2010 -
Good News!!! I am going to finish my Mission...in COMAS!!! I am so happy. I am going to stay for my last Change here and that makes me feel really good. I now will not have to get to know a new area, new members, new house, new companion, nothing new. My companion, Elder Zárate and I are both staying. It is so nice. And I am so excited to end my Mission as a Zone Leader in Comas!!! At the same time, I am sad because my friends are leaving the Zone: Elder Smith and Elder Cridlebaugh... Elder Smith is going to be a Zone Leader in Lima and Elder Cridlebaugh is heading off as District Leader to the jungle of Iquitos. I am so jealous... But it is what the Lord has planned... I'll be seeing Elder Smith every once-in-a-while, but today is the last day I will be seeing Elder Cridlebaugh. It's sad to see friends go and they think it is so weird that I am going home this Change. They don't believe it, just like I can't believe it. It has gone by so fast. We have plans to hang out after the Mission so we'll see where life takes us...
I Love you....Coco
October 4, 2010 -
Mom...
Is you there? Because I didn't get my sweet Mother's e-mail this week...
Coco
(Yes Coco....I am here...)
Hallelujah!!! I love my Family!!!
Mom, How are you doing??? Less than one month left... Can you believe it? So, this weekend we didn't watch General Conference because down here in Peru, their Elections were going on, and it is illegal to have any type of reunion in any place, so there were no Church meetings this weekend, and yesterday, we weren't even able to leave the house. We stayed inside all day studying, organizing, and just enjoying a day off... We are going to watch General Conference this weekend the 9th and 10th. And Fast Sunday is going to be the 17th so this month is just going to fly by... WAHOO!!!
You got my packages!!! How fun is that??? I thought you'd like what I sent. Mom, I still need you to select your ten favorite photos of me in the Mission...not baptisms... And get them sent to me...by tomorrow. Tomorrow, we are going to the Temple so I will be able to write you again tomorrow... Hey Mom, Dad tells me that you are trying to make everything perfect for my return home. But Mom, don't stress out. I just want to be able to enjoy the day with my family. Don't be so overwhelmed with everything that you can't even enjoy the day. I want it to be a nice enjoyful day...
The couple that took the packages home is the Nelsons. They are the couple that have been spoiling us like crazy with pizza, hamburgers, french toast breakfast, grilled ham and cheese and pretty much anything we wanted. I felt so bad for them because the husband Elder Nelson got really sick down here. He had some kidney stones and an infection in his body so they thought it would be better to go to the USA to get taken care of, recuperate, and then come back to finish the Mission. They are planning on coming to my Homecoming Meeting and I will be inviting them. They didn't want to go and I felt sad for them, but I know they'll be going back out to serve...
I know. Nathan is finishing his Mission... Can you believe how fast that went by??? I will get home, and then Nathan White gets home three weeks later. Isn't that weird? Our whole group of friends are going to be getting home within the next couple months... How exciting...
I love you so much....until next week....Coco
October 11, 2010 -
HELLOOOOOOOO!!!
ARE YOU THERE?????
(I am here Coco.....)
Mommy!!! I love my Mom!!! How's the day treating you???
Hey. I still haven't gotten my credit card yet??? Do you think it would be possible for you to send me some money through Western Union? Honestly, I am living on nothing. It stinks to not have money. I am not able to spoil my companion, or buy a soda or treats at nighttime, or take a 3-liter pop to a Family Home Evening, because I can't spare even one cent right now. So do you think you could do me that favor. Just put the money in Western Union under my name, and I will go and take it out. What do you think???
I am so glad that you are enjoying school. Only three weeks left and I'll be able to help you with your homework... How does that sound???
Hey. Did Chase get his Mission Call yet??? Or is it this week that it gets there??? Are you sure you can wait til I get home to open it??? I honestly cannot wait. How exciting!!!
(Coco, I told all the sisters in Relief Society yesterday...."this time next month (meaning fast Sunday) my best friend will be home again with me!)
Is that right? Only 24 days and the Best Friends are back together!!! That seems so crazy. I miss my Best Friend so much. But we know that we wouldn't change anything for these two years...
It's time for me to go. I love you so much. General Conference was really good this weekend. They talked a lot about the importance of the family, which of course made me feel really good. I love you and hope everything is excellent. Until next week. I won't be writing in the morning because we are going to a Museum in the morning. I will be writing in the afternoon at about 2:00pm Lima time. I love you. Thanks for your help. I'll let you know tomorrow about the money. Thanks...
Coco
October 12, 2010 -
YEAH!!!!! I'm rich!!!!!
I got the money out yesterday!!! Thanks for taking care of me. You saved me. I love you and miss you so much. Take care.
Love, Coco
September 20, 2010 -
Mom,
We find out changes on Saturday night this week, so I am way excited to see what happens. I am pretty sure that I will be staying where I am to finish my Mission because this is my last Change, but we'll see what Heavenly Father and President have in store for me...
About the weather... I think we are just barely finishing winter, barely because it is still freezing, but we have had some warm days where the sun has been shining. We are just starting spring, but summer will be here for Christmastime... And I'll be at home... Wahoo!!!
Love, Coco
I still haven't heard anything about Yolanda, but I assume that she is doing okay... I just can't wait to see her again...
Wahoo!!! That means we'll be talking every Monday until I go home... only 7 more I think... Can you believe it??? Everyone asks me if I'm trunky, but I just tell them no, but my family is... Hahaha. I love my family.
Love, Coco
Don't worry... You'll be seeing enough of me in a little while. I just hope you don't get sick of me talking to you because we have to catch up on two years of life... That might take a while... :)
Coco
Are you kidding me Mom??? It would be awesome to have Chase open up his Mission Call the day that I get home!!! It won't take away from anything. I didn't think you would want to wait to open it until I get home, but it makes me feel so happy that you want to wait to open his Mission Call until I get home... We will be super anxious for an arrival home and a send-away call... It will just add on to a great night... PARTY ALL-NIGHT LONG!!! And if it seems even better... I will get home and we can just be with the family and good friends and then we can have the big party another day, like on the weekend...and Chase can invite his friends and the Family over to watch him open his Call... You think he'll be getting his Call before I get home?... That is so exciting!!!
Love, Coco
Yes. Comas is part of Lima. It's a little prettier than my other areas have been in Lima, which makes it nice as well, but nothing beats the Jungle...
Coco
September 27, 2010 -
Good News!!! I am going to finish my Mission...in COMAS!!! I am so happy. I am going to stay for my last Change here and that makes me feel really good. I now will not have to get to know a new area, new members, new house, new companion, nothing new. My companion, Elder Zárate and I are both staying. It is so nice. And I am so excited to end my Mission as a Zone Leader in Comas!!! At the same time, I am sad because my friends are leaving the Zone: Elder Smith and Elder Cridlebaugh... Elder Smith is going to be a Zone Leader in Lima and Elder Cridlebaugh is heading off as District Leader to the jungle of Iquitos. I am so jealous... But it is what the Lord has planned... I'll be seeing Elder Smith every once-in-a-while, but today is the last day I will be seeing Elder Cridlebaugh. It's sad to see friends go and they think it is so weird that I am going home this Change. They don't believe it, just like I can't believe it. It has gone by so fast. We have plans to hang out after the Mission so we'll see where life takes us...
I Love you....Coco
October 4, 2010 -
Mom...
Is you there? Because I didn't get my sweet Mother's e-mail this week...
Coco
(Yes Coco....I am here...)
Hallelujah!!! I love my Family!!!
Mom, How are you doing??? Less than one month left... Can you believe it? So, this weekend we didn't watch General Conference because down here in Peru, their Elections were going on, and it is illegal to have any type of reunion in any place, so there were no Church meetings this weekend, and yesterday, we weren't even able to leave the house. We stayed inside all day studying, organizing, and just enjoying a day off... We are going to watch General Conference this weekend the 9th and 10th. And Fast Sunday is going to be the 17th so this month is just going to fly by... WAHOO!!!
You got my packages!!! How fun is that??? I thought you'd like what I sent. Mom, I still need you to select your ten favorite photos of me in the Mission...not baptisms... And get them sent to me...by tomorrow. Tomorrow, we are going to the Temple so I will be able to write you again tomorrow... Hey Mom, Dad tells me that you are trying to make everything perfect for my return home. But Mom, don't stress out. I just want to be able to enjoy the day with my family. Don't be so overwhelmed with everything that you can't even enjoy the day. I want it to be a nice enjoyful day...
The couple that took the packages home is the Nelsons. They are the couple that have been spoiling us like crazy with pizza, hamburgers, french toast breakfast, grilled ham and cheese and pretty much anything we wanted. I felt so bad for them because the husband Elder Nelson got really sick down here. He had some kidney stones and an infection in his body so they thought it would be better to go to the USA to get taken care of, recuperate, and then come back to finish the Mission. They are planning on coming to my Homecoming Meeting and I will be inviting them. They didn't want to go and I felt sad for them, but I know they'll be going back out to serve...
I know. Nathan is finishing his Mission... Can you believe how fast that went by??? I will get home, and then Nathan White gets home three weeks later. Isn't that weird? Our whole group of friends are going to be getting home within the next couple months... How exciting...
I love you so much....until next week....Coco
October 11, 2010 -
HELLOOOOOOOO!!!
ARE YOU THERE?????
(I am here Coco.....)
Mommy!!! I love my Mom!!! How's the day treating you???
Hey. I still haven't gotten my credit card yet??? Do you think it would be possible for you to send me some money through Western Union? Honestly, I am living on nothing. It stinks to not have money. I am not able to spoil my companion, or buy a soda or treats at nighttime, or take a 3-liter pop to a Family Home Evening, because I can't spare even one cent right now. So do you think you could do me that favor. Just put the money in Western Union under my name, and I will go and take it out. What do you think???
I am so glad that you are enjoying school. Only three weeks left and I'll be able to help you with your homework... How does that sound???
Hey. Did Chase get his Mission Call yet??? Or is it this week that it gets there??? Are you sure you can wait til I get home to open it??? I honestly cannot wait. How exciting!!!
(Coco, I told all the sisters in Relief Society yesterday...."this time next month (meaning fast Sunday) my best friend will be home again with me!)
Is that right? Only 24 days and the Best Friends are back together!!! That seems so crazy. I miss my Best Friend so much. But we know that we wouldn't change anything for these two years...
It's time for me to go. I love you so much. General Conference was really good this weekend. They talked a lot about the importance of the family, which of course made me feel really good. I love you and hope everything is excellent. Until next week. I won't be writing in the morning because we are going to a Museum in the morning. I will be writing in the afternoon at about 2:00pm Lima time. I love you. Thanks for your help. I'll let you know tomorrow about the money. Thanks...
Coco
October 12, 2010 -
YEAH!!!!! I'm rich!!!!!
I got the money out yesterday!!! Thanks for taking care of me. You saved me. I love you and miss you so much. Take care.
Love, Coco
Monday, September 13, 2010
"Every prayer makes a difference"
September 13, 2010 -
Hey Family,
Oh if I could put into words what a wonderful weekend it has been. We had the greatest time this weekend. All week long we were trying to get together all the papers we needed for two couples to get married so that the wives could get baptized. Starting with the first couple… Carmen Mejia. She has been waiting for three years to get baptized. The problem was that her husband, Marco, never wanted to talk with the Missionaries and would never leave his room if they happened to find him in the house. We went last Monday night to visit Carmen and see how she was doing and if she had talked with her husband about the Wedding. Her husband was there that night. We knew that he had never come out to meet the Missionaries before, and I was just praying and praying that he would come out and just talk for a sec… And guess what??? He came out. I honestly couldn’t believe it and was so nervous to talk with him. We stood up when he entered the room and then I just had to sweet-talk him. He is a really nice guy. I talked to him for about ten minutes and asked him to get married to his wife just so she could get baptized. We sat in silence for about five minutes, almost laughing and smirking and smiling, because there was a Spirit that was telling all of us that he was going to say “yes”… And he accepted. He said that he would get married only so his wife could get baptized, but that he didn’t want to be obligated in any Church things… That was the first couple…Carmen and Marco
The second couple has a completely different story. The husband Henry is a Returned Missionary, but has been going through many problems in his life. He and his sweet wife, Yizza, live in a one-room rented house where they have to share a bathroom with other people and their bed, table, kitchen, and chairs are all in the same room, the size of the room I lived in at our house in Riverton. They are so humble and have been going through so many problems. At first, before I knew her, Yizza didn’t want anything to do with the Church, but she came to love it and wanted to get baptized. But she needed to get married first. We had to help them baby step by baby step to get the papers ready. The Wedding was on Saturday and they handed us the last bit of papers at Midnight on Friday night, just after I had made a batch of rice crispies, but that is besides the point. But everything worked out. This is the second couple…Yizza and Henry.
Saturday afternoon, we headed early to the Wedding and guess who else was getting couples married…ELDER STEED!!! It was so good to see him. I don’t know if I’ll see him again until we are both in Utah because he goes home in a week… The couples both got there and the Wedding went just fine. Everyone was so happy that they got married and we couldn’t wipe the smiles off of our faces. With me, my Companion, the two couples, their witnesses, and the couples’ families, there were 26 people who went to the Wedding from our Ward. So to come home we just called a bus from the street, kicked everyone else off the bus and told it to take us to Comas. The 26 of us all piled into the small bus and had the funnest hour-and-a-half bus ride ever going to the Chapel for the Wedding Reception. I think I was laughing the whole ride home. (The Peruvians have a really good sense of humor.) We didn’t get to stay long for the Reception because it was already late, but I left my camera with the Bishop so he could take pictures. It was a special night… Weddings are always great!!!
Then yesterday was the Baptism. We have also been teaching a Young Woman named Yosselin and her Baptism was yesterday as well. I baptized all three of them…Yosselin, Yizza, and then Carmen, and what an experience that was. The water was freezing and my hand was shaking in the air as a said each Baptismal prayer, but each one was perfectly fine and even though they were cold, they went under the water and came out fine. Carmen is 44-years-old and has had some health problems and felt so cold, but knew that she had to fulfill the Commandment after three years of waiting… I have never seen Henry, or Yizza, or Carmen, or their families smile so much as they did this weekend. Honestly, it was one of the best experiences that I have had in my Mission. I started off the week by having my wallet stolen, but that didn’t matter. The week ended so perfect that I can’t even start to thank Heavenly Father for letting me be a part of these events in these families’ lives. So I just want you guys to know that everything is going great. I honestly love the Mission and it is so true that I am starting to get sad that I am going to have to leave it all behind for a while, but every Missionary has to start and end his Mission. And of course, there is always the happiness and joy that come from knowing that we (you, my family) are not that far away from seeing each other. Just know that I am enjoying the Mission. I absolutely love it and wouldn’t change anything for it. It is one of the best decisions I have made in my life and just look at how much we have been blessed. I will just keep working until the end. Keep praying for me, for my companion, for the Missionaries in my Zone, for my investigators, for my converts, and for all of the friends that I have made. Every prayer makes a difference. Thanks family for being my support and my inspiration. See ya soon…
Love, Coco
Hey Family,
Oh if I could put into words what a wonderful weekend it has been. We had the greatest time this weekend. All week long we were trying to get together all the papers we needed for two couples to get married so that the wives could get baptized. Starting with the first couple… Carmen Mejia. She has been waiting for three years to get baptized. The problem was that her husband, Marco, never wanted to talk with the Missionaries and would never leave his room if they happened to find him in the house. We went last Monday night to visit Carmen and see how she was doing and if she had talked with her husband about the Wedding. Her husband was there that night. We knew that he had never come out to meet the Missionaries before, and I was just praying and praying that he would come out and just talk for a sec… And guess what??? He came out. I honestly couldn’t believe it and was so nervous to talk with him. We stood up when he entered the room and then I just had to sweet-talk him. He is a really nice guy. I talked to him for about ten minutes and asked him to get married to his wife just so she could get baptized. We sat in silence for about five minutes, almost laughing and smirking and smiling, because there was a Spirit that was telling all of us that he was going to say “yes”… And he accepted. He said that he would get married only so his wife could get baptized, but that he didn’t want to be obligated in any Church things… That was the first couple…Carmen and Marco
The second couple has a completely different story. The husband Henry is a Returned Missionary, but has been going through many problems in his life. He and his sweet wife, Yizza, live in a one-room rented house where they have to share a bathroom with other people and their bed, table, kitchen, and chairs are all in the same room, the size of the room I lived in at our house in Riverton. They are so humble and have been going through so many problems. At first, before I knew her, Yizza didn’t want anything to do with the Church, but she came to love it and wanted to get baptized. But she needed to get married first. We had to help them baby step by baby step to get the papers ready. The Wedding was on Saturday and they handed us the last bit of papers at Midnight on Friday night, just after I had made a batch of rice crispies, but that is besides the point. But everything worked out. This is the second couple…Yizza and Henry.
Saturday afternoon, we headed early to the Wedding and guess who else was getting couples married…ELDER STEED!!! It was so good to see him. I don’t know if I’ll see him again until we are both in Utah because he goes home in a week… The couples both got there and the Wedding went just fine. Everyone was so happy that they got married and we couldn’t wipe the smiles off of our faces. With me, my Companion, the two couples, their witnesses, and the couples’ families, there were 26 people who went to the Wedding from our Ward. So to come home we just called a bus from the street, kicked everyone else off the bus and told it to take us to Comas. The 26 of us all piled into the small bus and had the funnest hour-and-a-half bus ride ever going to the Chapel for the Wedding Reception. I think I was laughing the whole ride home. (The Peruvians have a really good sense of humor.) We didn’t get to stay long for the Reception because it was already late, but I left my camera with the Bishop so he could take pictures. It was a special night… Weddings are always great!!!
Then yesterday was the Baptism. We have also been teaching a Young Woman named Yosselin and her Baptism was yesterday as well. I baptized all three of them…Yosselin, Yizza, and then Carmen, and what an experience that was. The water was freezing and my hand was shaking in the air as a said each Baptismal prayer, but each one was perfectly fine and even though they were cold, they went under the water and came out fine. Carmen is 44-years-old and has had some health problems and felt so cold, but knew that she had to fulfill the Commandment after three years of waiting… I have never seen Henry, or Yizza, or Carmen, or their families smile so much as they did this weekend. Honestly, it was one of the best experiences that I have had in my Mission. I started off the week by having my wallet stolen, but that didn’t matter. The week ended so perfect that I can’t even start to thank Heavenly Father for letting me be a part of these events in these families’ lives. So I just want you guys to know that everything is going great. I honestly love the Mission and it is so true that I am starting to get sad that I am going to have to leave it all behind for a while, but every Missionary has to start and end his Mission. And of course, there is always the happiness and joy that come from knowing that we (you, my family) are not that far away from seeing each other. Just know that I am enjoying the Mission. I absolutely love it and wouldn’t change anything for it. It is one of the best decisions I have made in my life and just look at how much we have been blessed. I will just keep working until the end. Keep praying for me, for my companion, for the Missionaries in my Zone, for my investigators, for my converts, and for all of the friends that I have made. Every prayer makes a difference. Thanks family for being my support and my inspiration. See ya soon…
Love, Coco
"I'M 21 - YEARS - OLD!!!"
September 6, 2010 -
My Beautiful Family!!!
How’s everything going??? Everything is going great down here. I’M 21-YEARS-OLD!!! Can you believe it? I feel so old…just kidding. I still feel like a little kid, and I love it. What did I do for my Birthday??? Hmmmm… The whole Zone came over in the morning to our house to pick up their clean clothes and they sang “Happy Birthday” to me, and I was surprised by getting egged as well… By egged, I mean get hugged by some of the Missionaries to distract me and then getting raw eggs crushed on my head. It was an experience. My shirt, my tie, my shoes, my pants were covered in goop from raw eggs. It was kind of gross, but at the same time, a fun experience. It is a Peruvian tradition that when someone has a Birthday, they get egged. The Saucedo Toledo Family (the two twin girls, their older brother, and their mom) threw me a small Birthday Party at their house in the early afternoon. It was a sweet moment to be with them. They are such a humble family. And of course, I had to eat pizza for my Birthday so we all ate Papa John’s Pizza as a Zone. It was delectable!!! I would say that it was a pretty good day. I sure hope we are going to celebrate it when I get home… Oh, I almost forgot the best part of the day…I got my package!!!...on my Birthday… It worked out perfect. Going to pick up the pizza, we passed by the Offices and my package was there… Today in the morning, I made Rice Crispie treats to share with the Zone… They are delicious. Thanks for thinking of me… Thanks for the box of treats… What a good idea: Starbursts and Skittles… I love them… And I love the music. It is so great to finally have my music back… Thanks for always taking care of me. Thanks for the special Birthday package. I really loved the fun hand-written letters… They made me laugh… I had a pretty good 21st Birthday!!!
We had two special Baptisms this weekend: My companion baptized Lady Brillith Canaza Cueva. She is a fifteen-year-old girl whose family has been less-active for a while. Her Grandma is the only active member and recently went to the Temple to take her Endowments out. We hope that Lady’s Baptism will activate her mom and family. Yesterday, I had the cool opportunity to baptize Giancarlo Miguel Begazo Navarro. He is such a cool kid. He is 19-years-old and actually was born in the Church to parents sealed in the Temple. He even received his baby blessing, but for trials that happened in his parents’ life he wasn’t active in the Church and never got baptized. His dad and sister attended his baptism. It was a really spiritual experience…
I love you family and will be talking to you next week. HAPPY BYU SEASON!!! I LOVE IT!!! GO COUGARS!!! Go have fun and be safe…
Love, Coco
My Beautiful Family!!!
How’s everything going??? Everything is going great down here. I’M 21-YEARS-OLD!!! Can you believe it? I feel so old…just kidding. I still feel like a little kid, and I love it. What did I do for my Birthday??? Hmmmm… The whole Zone came over in the morning to our house to pick up their clean clothes and they sang “Happy Birthday” to me, and I was surprised by getting egged as well… By egged, I mean get hugged by some of the Missionaries to distract me and then getting raw eggs crushed on my head. It was an experience. My shirt, my tie, my shoes, my pants were covered in goop from raw eggs. It was kind of gross, but at the same time, a fun experience. It is a Peruvian tradition that when someone has a Birthday, they get egged. The Saucedo Toledo Family (the two twin girls, their older brother, and their mom) threw me a small Birthday Party at their house in the early afternoon. It was a sweet moment to be with them. They are such a humble family. And of course, I had to eat pizza for my Birthday so we all ate Papa John’s Pizza as a Zone. It was delectable!!! I would say that it was a pretty good day. I sure hope we are going to celebrate it when I get home… Oh, I almost forgot the best part of the day…I got my package!!!...on my Birthday… It worked out perfect. Going to pick up the pizza, we passed by the Offices and my package was there… Today in the morning, I made Rice Crispie treats to share with the Zone… They are delicious. Thanks for thinking of me… Thanks for the box of treats… What a good idea: Starbursts and Skittles… I love them… And I love the music. It is so great to finally have my music back… Thanks for always taking care of me. Thanks for the special Birthday package. I really loved the fun hand-written letters… They made me laugh… I had a pretty good 21st Birthday!!!
We had two special Baptisms this weekend: My companion baptized Lady Brillith Canaza Cueva. She is a fifteen-year-old girl whose family has been less-active for a while. Her Grandma is the only active member and recently went to the Temple to take her Endowments out. We hope that Lady’s Baptism will activate her mom and family. Yesterday, I had the cool opportunity to baptize Giancarlo Miguel Begazo Navarro. He is such a cool kid. He is 19-years-old and actually was born in the Church to parents sealed in the Temple. He even received his baby blessing, but for trials that happened in his parents’ life he wasn’t active in the Church and never got baptized. His dad and sister attended his baptism. It was a really spiritual experience…
I love you family and will be talking to you next week. HAPPY BYU SEASON!!! I LOVE IT!!! GO COUGARS!!! Go have fun and be safe…
Love, Coco
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
"I remember why I am out here..."
August 30, 2010 -
To Chaser -
You are going to have so much fun at College. Just be careful okay. Don't go off and do stupid things. Think of it as the High School Musical Summer, just a little bit more calmed down... Remember to sleep. Don't stay up all night, every night with your friends... Do your homework and don't procrastinate. And get all of the big projects done so that by the time I get home you won't have anything to do, and we can just hang out!!! WAHOO!!! I can't wait Bud...(Everywhere I go, I carry around the picture you drew of us three brothers sleeping together on Christmas Eve because that is what I am most looking forward to. I don't care if we are getting older, we can still be little kids inside. Christmas is the best time of the year!!! And everytime I pull out the picture, I remember why I am out here and it motivates me to just keep Enduring to the End... Thanks for the pictures... Send me more...)
To Chaser -
You are going to have so much fun at College. Just be careful okay. Don't go off and do stupid things. Think of it as the High School Musical Summer, just a little bit more calmed down... Remember to sleep. Don't stay up all night, every night with your friends... Do your homework and don't procrastinate. And get all of the big projects done so that by the time I get home you won't have anything to do, and we can just hang out!!! WAHOO!!! I can't wait Bud...(Everywhere I go, I carry around the picture you drew of us three brothers sleeping together on Christmas Eve because that is what I am most looking forward to. I don't care if we are getting older, we can still be little kids inside. Christmas is the best time of the year!!! And everytime I pull out the picture, I remember why I am out here and it motivates me to just keep Enduring to the End... Thanks for the pictures... Send me more...)
I love you bud and can't wait to watch your performance of Hairspray... Just a little bit more...
Love, Colyn
"You get the first hug and kiss."
August 30, 2010 -
Hey Happy Family,
WOW!!! 22 Months down…2 to go… Can you believe it??? It almost seems like time doesn’t even exist anymore. It just keeps passing before our eyes, and it’s hard to believe that this experience really is shortly coming to an end. I’m turning 21 this week!!! 21 years have passed by so fast. Can you believe it? It seems like yesterday that I was in the Hope of America Program, going to the Space program at Provo Elementary, winning the State Championship as a Philadelphia Phillie in Baseball, playing a tricky salesman in Anything Goes and an All-Star Basketball Player in HSM, and graduating from Riverton High School and SLCC. Time just FLIES by!
BYU Football starts this week!!! Wahoo!!! Go Cougars!!! I’ll be home in time for the Rival Utah game. I am so excited…
And tell Dad, "Are you Kidding Me??? Of course I'll be awake to talk to you"... It don't matter if I'm wide awake the whole plane ride home, I will not be able to sleep when I get off the plane because I will be so excited to just sit and talk with you guys... I don't plan on sleeping for like three days straight... We are going to have so much to catch up on... All I know is that I am going to see you guys, break into tears, hug you, and then just start laughing because of how happy we are all going to be... Mom, just make sure you are first in line. You get the first hug and kiss.Wow. That day is going to come so fast. I love you so much…
Take care until next week. I love you!!!
Love, Coco
Monday, August 16, 2010
"I had the privilege of baptizing them, which was so much fun."
August 16, 2010 -
My Beloved Family,
I love you so much and just want you to know that I miss you a ton. I don’t have a ton of time to write because I was doing reports for the Mission and our Zone. But I do have a fun story to tell.
The two little twin girls that we have been teaching, Ana and Samanta (8-years-old), and their older brother, Carlos (14-years-old), got baptized this Saturday. I had the privilege of baptizing them, which was so much fun. The water was freezing cold because the fonts down here don’t have heating systems, and every time that one of them went under the water and came out, they would be a little startled and would just giggle to make the cold feeling go away. It was quite a show. The mom and the dad both attended. The mom always goes with them to Church and supports them in everything. The dad supports them in everything, but because of work and studies, isn’t able to do everything that he would like to with his wife and kids. But he put aside the time and arranged his schedule well enough to be able to attend their baptism and it turned out great. They still need to get married, but I know that God will help them do that, and that soon the whole family will be members. What a special family. (Ana Luz Saucedo Toledo, Samanta Alicia Saucedo Toledo, and Carlos Orlando Saucedo Toledo).
We also had a good American Homemade French Toast with Bacon and Scrambled Egg Breakfast as a Zone made by the Missionary Couple Elder and Sister Nelson. It is so much fun to have them in our Zone because they really do spoil us. I love having them because they just make us laugh and keep us going every time that we see them…
We had Zone Leader Conference this week and it was super fun. I sang with Elder Steed all of the songs that we used to sing when we were in the Offices together because this is his last change. We can’t believe how fast time has flown by.
Chase got skunked??? HAHAHA. That is hilarious. I love you bud. Heather Rimmasch is getting married??? I hope Grandma and Grandpa Olsen are doing good? Is Grandpa doing okay? I got a package from Mindy Olsen this week. She sent me a picture of Rachel’s wedding with two Libros de Mormón (Books of Mormon) with her testimony translated in Spanish to give to two special people. What a sweet package. She said that she constantly checks the blog and loves knowing that she has a nephew in the Mission…Tell her thanks for me because I don’t know if I’ll be able to send a thank you letter. Let her know that I got the package and that it will be put to special use and that I appreciate her thoughtfulness in thinking of me! I love you Family and miss you even more. Take care.
Love, Coco
My Beloved Family,
I love you so much and just want you to know that I miss you a ton. I don’t have a ton of time to write because I was doing reports for the Mission and our Zone. But I do have a fun story to tell.
The two little twin girls that we have been teaching, Ana and Samanta (8-years-old), and their older brother, Carlos (14-years-old), got baptized this Saturday. I had the privilege of baptizing them, which was so much fun. The water was freezing cold because the fonts down here don’t have heating systems, and every time that one of them went under the water and came out, they would be a little startled and would just giggle to make the cold feeling go away. It was quite a show. The mom and the dad both attended. The mom always goes with them to Church and supports them in everything. The dad supports them in everything, but because of work and studies, isn’t able to do everything that he would like to with his wife and kids. But he put aside the time and arranged his schedule well enough to be able to attend their baptism and it turned out great. They still need to get married, but I know that God will help them do that, and that soon the whole family will be members. What a special family. (Ana Luz Saucedo Toledo, Samanta Alicia Saucedo Toledo, and Carlos Orlando Saucedo Toledo).
We also had a good American Homemade French Toast with Bacon and Scrambled Egg Breakfast as a Zone made by the Missionary Couple Elder and Sister Nelson. It is so much fun to have them in our Zone because they really do spoil us. I love having them because they just make us laugh and keep us going every time that we see them…
We had Zone Leader Conference this week and it was super fun. I sang with Elder Steed all of the songs that we used to sing when we were in the Offices together because this is his last change. We can’t believe how fast time has flown by.
Chase got skunked??? HAHAHA. That is hilarious. I love you bud. Heather Rimmasch is getting married??? I hope Grandma and Grandpa Olsen are doing good? Is Grandpa doing okay? I got a package from Mindy Olsen this week. She sent me a picture of Rachel’s wedding with two Libros de Mormón (Books of Mormon) with her testimony translated in Spanish to give to two special people. What a sweet package. She said that she constantly checks the blog and loves knowing that she has a nephew in the Mission…Tell her thanks for me because I don’t know if I’ll be able to send a thank you letter. Let her know that I got the package and that it will be put to special use and that I appreciate her thoughtfulness in thinking of me! I love you Family and miss you even more. Take care.
Love, Coco
"I love it the most because it has blessed my family"
August 9, 2010 -
Hey Family,
I really don't have a ton to write today because I just got done writing you on Friday for a two-week time period...
So this week is Changes...and what will be my Change???...dun dun du duuh (sound effect)...Comas as Zone Leader...I'm staying right here in good old Comas. My new companion is going to be Elder Zarate, and he is Peruvian...I am so excited to have another Peruvian companion. They are so humble, just like Elder Llacsa over a year ago... Can you believe it??? This Change is already over... Elder Llacsa is going home and so is Elder Garnica. They were both such good comps. I loved being with Elder Garnica this change. He has such a big heart and we had many spiritual experiences this Change. I am hoping that this Change will be even better... Only two left so I want to enjoy them and just keep working and being obedient. The time is going to pass like nothing. We already realize that it does pass by...and we love it... :)
How was the Peru Lima North Mission Reunion??? I am super excited to go to it the next year...and who knows? Maybe I'll be married by then... :) What do you think about that? I don't know in what moment it will happen, but all that matters is that we keep progressing in life. And the only way to keep progressing will be for me to find my Eternal Companion and for Chase to go on the Mission and for Dallis to keep preparing for the Mission and for all of us to fulfill our Church callings... This is what God wants. He wants us to be happy and He wants us to be successful. This is what the Church helps us to do...live life to it's fullest having success and enjoying every moment... I love life. I love the Mission. I love being a Missionary. It is one of the best experiences in my life... I love it the most because it has blessed my family...it has blessed you guys... You are my inspiration to be here and it helps me keep going every single day. I love you guys so much, and you know that I miss you even more... Love you Forever!!!
Love, Coco
P.S. Sorry for writing such a short message, but you know I love you...
Hey Family,
I really don't have a ton to write today because I just got done writing you on Friday for a two-week time period...
So this week is Changes...and what will be my Change???...dun dun du duuh (sound effect)...Comas as Zone Leader...I'm staying right here in good old Comas. My new companion is going to be Elder Zarate, and he is Peruvian...I am so excited to have another Peruvian companion. They are so humble, just like Elder Llacsa over a year ago... Can you believe it??? This Change is already over... Elder Llacsa is going home and so is Elder Garnica. They were both such good comps. I loved being with Elder Garnica this change. He has such a big heart and we had many spiritual experiences this Change. I am hoping that this Change will be even better... Only two left so I want to enjoy them and just keep working and being obedient. The time is going to pass like nothing. We already realize that it does pass by...and we love it... :)
How was the Peru Lima North Mission Reunion??? I am super excited to go to it the next year...and who knows? Maybe I'll be married by then... :) What do you think about that? I don't know in what moment it will happen, but all that matters is that we keep progressing in life. And the only way to keep progressing will be for me to find my Eternal Companion and for Chase to go on the Mission and for Dallis to keep preparing for the Mission and for all of us to fulfill our Church callings... This is what God wants. He wants us to be happy and He wants us to be successful. This is what the Church helps us to do...live life to it's fullest having success and enjoying every moment... I love life. I love the Mission. I love being a Missionary. It is one of the best experiences in my life... I love it the most because it has blessed my family...it has blessed you guys... You are my inspiration to be here and it helps me keep going every single day. I love you guys so much, and you know that I miss you even more... Love you Forever!!!
Love, Coco
P.S. Sorry for writing such a short message, but you know I love you...
"She means the world to me"
August 6, 2010 -
My Splendiferous Family,
So I wasn’t able to write until now because we were in Trainings all week long. They were excellent. Monday through Thursday, from 8:30am until 4:30pm, we were in the Offices receiving new trainings that the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have established. Starting in May 2011, the Missionary Training Centers are going to start training the Missionaries using a different system so they have to start capacitating the Missionaries that are already in the field so that by the time the new Missionaries get here, we are on the same level. It was wonderful. Basically, I had a whole week full of the Spirit because I really felt like I was learning. These trainings are going to help us out so much more. Basically, the Prophet and the Apostles want us to start depending more on our Heavenly Father rather than on President or other leaders for help in receiving revelation on how to help out our investigators. It is going to help us out a ton. It will also help us focus on listening to the Spirit more and trying to follow His promptings always. The work is much more full of the Spirit this way and I love it. And because of these trainings, I wasn’t able to write until today.
But why am I writing at this hour of the day??? We had P-Day today because on Monday we were in trainings… We took our Zone to the Center of Lima today and it was lovely. The sun was out and shining bright so we weren’t freezing all day, which was excellent. We had time to go to the Museum of Natural History and shopping and lunchtime together at McDonald’s (MickeyD’s)… It was just a fun day. I found some really good places to shop and was able to buy a few more Nativity scenes. They are so cute, with the Peruvian beanies and everything. I still haven’t been able to find a Jungle Chess Set, but I should find it before I go home… You guys are going to have a blast when we come down here. We had a sweet member Mom go with us today and she showed us the sweet shortcuts and the best places to buy cool things for the cheapest prices. She also said that she would be more than happy to go with us when we come to Peru as a family… The people are so loving and kind down here. You honestly do not need to worry about me. You know the Lord is taking more than care of me. We really are so blessed!!!
What else do I want to tell you??? Well everything, but I don’t have time…
So, I got the Zone to watch High School Musical 3 fair and square. Nobody really wanted to watch it, but we all put the movie that we wanted to watch in a hat and mine got pulled out four times fair and square… They all really enjoyed it; they just don’t want to admit it… Hahaha… :)
Oh my gosh… I got my package!!! I couldn’t believe the generosity of the package. All of the hygienic stuff is really helping out. Thanks. Thanks for all of the treats as well. The other Missionaries and members have enjoyed them as well… :) I was so happy to receive the hand-written letters from the family. The winner would definitely have to be Chase’s letter, which was only drawings, but they mean the world to me. I love the one with Dallis, Chase, and me all sleeping together on Christmas Eve…December 24, 2010!!! WAHOO!!! I can’t wait… :)
So I got a phone call from the Assistants the other day while they were in Iquitos. They gave me a phone number and told me to call it telling me that it had something to do with Hermana Yolanda, the convert that I adopted as my Grandma. (Mishel and Anthony are her grandkids.) I called and couldn’t believe the news they told me. Her health has been really delicate lately and come to find out that she had been in a coma for 9 days when I made the phone call, which was the 28th of July. They said that everything in her body was now working fine and that they were just waiting for her to wake up, and they wanted me to just be aware of it. I don’t know how she is doing now, but we need to pray for her. Please pray for Yolanda and for her family. I want everything to be OK. She means the world to me and I want you guys to meet her more than anything so you can see the lovely and kind person that she is. I love her. So please keep her in your prayers and I will try and get more information about her status as time goes on…
Other than that, I am doing perfectly fine. And it sounds like you are doing great. Mom, that is the funniest Tipanogos Hiking Trip story I have ever heard. I was laughing the whole time I was reading your letter. Thanks for telling me. Are you now done with summer semester and can just rest for a while? I sure hope so because you deserve it!!!
Chase, good luck in Hairspray! You know that I think you are a Superstar…well, the two of us. Duh… I love that you haven’t lost your groove. You are awesome. Take care Bud.
Dallis, I can’t believe you’ll be driving when I get home. That is crazy.
Dad, we are definitely going to hang out all day long when I get home, be it in front of the television, in St. George, in Disneyland, in New York, or in Peru, we are going to be together. Father and Son Forever… I love that…
Family, I love you so much. Take care until I talk to you next… I love you!!!
Love, Coco
P.S. The next time I write I’ll be telling you about Changes because they are this coming Wednesday, the 11th of August. Who knows what will happen???...I love you.
My Splendiferous Family,
So I wasn’t able to write until now because we were in Trainings all week long. They were excellent. Monday through Thursday, from 8:30am until 4:30pm, we were in the Offices receiving new trainings that the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have established. Starting in May 2011, the Missionary Training Centers are going to start training the Missionaries using a different system so they have to start capacitating the Missionaries that are already in the field so that by the time the new Missionaries get here, we are on the same level. It was wonderful. Basically, I had a whole week full of the Spirit because I really felt like I was learning. These trainings are going to help us out so much more. Basically, the Prophet and the Apostles want us to start depending more on our Heavenly Father rather than on President or other leaders for help in receiving revelation on how to help out our investigators. It is going to help us out a ton. It will also help us focus on listening to the Spirit more and trying to follow His promptings always. The work is much more full of the Spirit this way and I love it. And because of these trainings, I wasn’t able to write until today.
But why am I writing at this hour of the day??? We had P-Day today because on Monday we were in trainings… We took our Zone to the Center of Lima today and it was lovely. The sun was out and shining bright so we weren’t freezing all day, which was excellent. We had time to go to the Museum of Natural History and shopping and lunchtime together at McDonald’s (MickeyD’s)… It was just a fun day. I found some really good places to shop and was able to buy a few more Nativity scenes. They are so cute, with the Peruvian beanies and everything. I still haven’t been able to find a Jungle Chess Set, but I should find it before I go home… You guys are going to have a blast when we come down here. We had a sweet member Mom go with us today and she showed us the sweet shortcuts and the best places to buy cool things for the cheapest prices. She also said that she would be more than happy to go with us when we come to Peru as a family… The people are so loving and kind down here. You honestly do not need to worry about me. You know the Lord is taking more than care of me. We really are so blessed!!!
What else do I want to tell you??? Well everything, but I don’t have time…
So, I got the Zone to watch High School Musical 3 fair and square. Nobody really wanted to watch it, but we all put the movie that we wanted to watch in a hat and mine got pulled out four times fair and square… They all really enjoyed it; they just don’t want to admit it… Hahaha… :)
Oh my gosh… I got my package!!! I couldn’t believe the generosity of the package. All of the hygienic stuff is really helping out. Thanks. Thanks for all of the treats as well. The other Missionaries and members have enjoyed them as well… :) I was so happy to receive the hand-written letters from the family. The winner would definitely have to be Chase’s letter, which was only drawings, but they mean the world to me. I love the one with Dallis, Chase, and me all sleeping together on Christmas Eve…December 24, 2010!!! WAHOO!!! I can’t wait… :)
So I got a phone call from the Assistants the other day while they were in Iquitos. They gave me a phone number and told me to call it telling me that it had something to do with Hermana Yolanda, the convert that I adopted as my Grandma. (Mishel and Anthony are her grandkids.) I called and couldn’t believe the news they told me. Her health has been really delicate lately and come to find out that she had been in a coma for 9 days when I made the phone call, which was the 28th of July. They said that everything in her body was now working fine and that they were just waiting for her to wake up, and they wanted me to just be aware of it. I don’t know how she is doing now, but we need to pray for her. Please pray for Yolanda and for her family. I want everything to be OK. She means the world to me and I want you guys to meet her more than anything so you can see the lovely and kind person that she is. I love her. So please keep her in your prayers and I will try and get more information about her status as time goes on…
Other than that, I am doing perfectly fine. And it sounds like you are doing great. Mom, that is the funniest Tipanogos Hiking Trip story I have ever heard. I was laughing the whole time I was reading your letter. Thanks for telling me. Are you now done with summer semester and can just rest for a while? I sure hope so because you deserve it!!!
Chase, good luck in Hairspray! You know that I think you are a Superstar…well, the two of us. Duh… I love that you haven’t lost your groove. You are awesome. Take care Bud.
Dallis, I can’t believe you’ll be driving when I get home. That is crazy.
Dad, we are definitely going to hang out all day long when I get home, be it in front of the television, in St. George, in Disneyland, in New York, or in Peru, we are going to be together. Father and Son Forever… I love that…
Family, I love you so much. Take care until I talk to you next… I love you!!!
Love, Coco
P.S. The next time I write I’ll be telling you about Changes because they are this coming Wednesday, the 11th of August. Who knows what will happen???...I love you.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
"HE chose the perfect place for me to be...Peru."
July 26, 2010 - Hey Wonderful Family…
I now don’t need to worry about you guys too much because I know that you are doing okay. I also know that we don’t have that much time left and I will be able to see you, hug you, and talk with you, but there is still time left to keep working…
So, not much happened this week in my life either. We just keep on working hoping for the best in every moment. We are currently teaching a really cute family. The mom and kids were at Vania’s baptism last week and now we are teaching them. The dad is a hard worker, 24/7, and when he is in his house he is sleeping, but we were able to talk to him one time for about 15 minutes. The parents aren’t married so the mom isn’t going to be able to get baptized yet, but she attends Church and listens to the lessons, and is totally supportive of her kids… The kids, however, are so ready for baptism. They are so smart and intelligent… Carlos is the oldest. He is 14-years-old and is a reader. He loves to read and is a very patient kid with his two Little twin sisters… Samantha and Ana. They are both 8-years-old and even more intelligent than Carlos it would seem. They are full of giggles and are constantly laughing and they make everyone else around them laugh as well... It is so much fun to teach the three of them with their mom because they always understand, answer questions, and participate in the lessons. We always leave from that house satisfied with the visit and we have more gull to keep working… The kids are preparing to get baptized on the 7th of August so please pray for them… Pray especially for their parents so that they can get married. This way the mom will get baptized and be the example for the dad. He’ll come around when he doesn’t have to work and study every single day… Pray for them…
So, we tried playing volleyball last week, and it was absolutely horrible. It was nothing like Pucallpa. Nobody wanted to play, nobody knew how to play, and I just felt so small compared to the rest of the world… Okay, maybe I’m overexagerating, but really it wasn’t fun at all. I’ll just have to wait until I am back in Pucallpa to enjoy an exciting game of volley… But it wasn’t a total loss of the day because the Nelson Missionary Couple prepared us all home-cooked hamburgers. I put a ton of onion on my hamburger just like I love it. They were so good. It is so fun to have a married couple in our Zone because they spoil us to death… :) But as for volley, I will just keep the talent hidden until it comes time to use it. :)
Our Ward had such a fun activity on Saturday. It started off with a Gastronomic Festival of food from all parts of Peru: jungle, coast, and sierra (mountain range). It was so much fun to try food from every part of Peru. I was super full by the end. Then there was a Ward Talent Show and who was going to miss out on that? I had to participate of course… There were so many great numbers: sketches, songs, dances, and every other talent you can think of. One guy immitated Michael Jackson and did the moonwalk. Everyone said that his feet moved like if they were to have wheels on them. The Young Women did an awesome dance to Beyonce’s song “All the Single Ladies” and the the Young Men also performed a cool dance. It was so fun. I sang a Spanich pop song called “Coleccionista de Canciones” by Camila. It was so much fun. The best part was that a good member friend of mine, Ivan, accompanied me on the guitar. We didn’t have much time to practice and the performance was a little rough but everyone loved it, the Bishop, the Stake President, the children, the girls, the guys, everyone. Ivan was so nice to help me out and he did a great job. Yesterday everyone was calling me Elder Camila and we would just laugh and laugh. It was so much fun! I felt like I was back in my place where I love to be…on stage singing my heart out for an audience that just wants to take it in… Oh, I cannot wait to be back on a stage with lights, microphones, music, costumes, props, and everything… I honestly miss it so much. But there’s not that much left.
It feels so weird being in the Mission and starting to get old. I am one of the oldest Missionaries as for the time in the Mission… I know that I can do it. I know that I can Endure to the End. Like President Mickelsen always said, “You only need two things in the Mission to have success: Hard Work and Obedience.” That is all I want to do so that the time just keeps flying by and so that my companion and I can have even more success… I love being a Missionary and I love serving the Lord. He chose the perfect place for me to be…Peru. I love it here and can’t believe that I don’t have that much time left to live with my Peruvian Family. Pray for me always. Pray for my investigators. Pray for my converts. Pray for my Mission President. And always pray for our family. I love you guys so much and miss you even more. Take care until next week and please don’t forget about me… :) I love you.
Love you forever,
Coco
I now don’t need to worry about you guys too much because I know that you are doing okay. I also know that we don’t have that much time left and I will be able to see you, hug you, and talk with you, but there is still time left to keep working…
So, not much happened this week in my life either. We just keep on working hoping for the best in every moment. We are currently teaching a really cute family. The mom and kids were at Vania’s baptism last week and now we are teaching them. The dad is a hard worker, 24/7, and when he is in his house he is sleeping, but we were able to talk to him one time for about 15 minutes. The parents aren’t married so the mom isn’t going to be able to get baptized yet, but she attends Church and listens to the lessons, and is totally supportive of her kids… The kids, however, are so ready for baptism. They are so smart and intelligent… Carlos is the oldest. He is 14-years-old and is a reader. He loves to read and is a very patient kid with his two Little twin sisters… Samantha and Ana. They are both 8-years-old and even more intelligent than Carlos it would seem. They are full of giggles and are constantly laughing and they make everyone else around them laugh as well... It is so much fun to teach the three of them with their mom because they always understand, answer questions, and participate in the lessons. We always leave from that house satisfied with the visit and we have more gull to keep working… The kids are preparing to get baptized on the 7th of August so please pray for them… Pray especially for their parents so that they can get married. This way the mom will get baptized and be the example for the dad. He’ll come around when he doesn’t have to work and study every single day… Pray for them…
So, we tried playing volleyball last week, and it was absolutely horrible. It was nothing like Pucallpa. Nobody wanted to play, nobody knew how to play, and I just felt so small compared to the rest of the world… Okay, maybe I’m overexagerating, but really it wasn’t fun at all. I’ll just have to wait until I am back in Pucallpa to enjoy an exciting game of volley… But it wasn’t a total loss of the day because the Nelson Missionary Couple prepared us all home-cooked hamburgers. I put a ton of onion on my hamburger just like I love it. They were so good. It is so fun to have a married couple in our Zone because they spoil us to death… :) But as for volley, I will just keep the talent hidden until it comes time to use it. :)
Our Ward had such a fun activity on Saturday. It started off with a Gastronomic Festival of food from all parts of Peru: jungle, coast, and sierra (mountain range). It was so much fun to try food from every part of Peru. I was super full by the end. Then there was a Ward Talent Show and who was going to miss out on that? I had to participate of course… There were so many great numbers: sketches, songs, dances, and every other talent you can think of. One guy immitated Michael Jackson and did the moonwalk. Everyone said that his feet moved like if they were to have wheels on them. The Young Women did an awesome dance to Beyonce’s song “All the Single Ladies” and the the Young Men also performed a cool dance. It was so fun. I sang a Spanich pop song called “Coleccionista de Canciones” by Camila. It was so much fun. The best part was that a good member friend of mine, Ivan, accompanied me on the guitar. We didn’t have much time to practice and the performance was a little rough but everyone loved it, the Bishop, the Stake President, the children, the girls, the guys, everyone. Ivan was so nice to help me out and he did a great job. Yesterday everyone was calling me Elder Camila and we would just laugh and laugh. It was so much fun! I felt like I was back in my place where I love to be…on stage singing my heart out for an audience that just wants to take it in… Oh, I cannot wait to be back on a stage with lights, microphones, music, costumes, props, and everything… I honestly miss it so much. But there’s not that much left.
It feels so weird being in the Mission and starting to get old. I am one of the oldest Missionaries as for the time in the Mission… I know that I can do it. I know that I can Endure to the End. Like President Mickelsen always said, “You only need two things in the Mission to have success: Hard Work and Obedience.” That is all I want to do so that the time just keeps flying by and so that my companion and I can have even more success… I love being a Missionary and I love serving the Lord. He chose the perfect place for me to be…Peru. I love it here and can’t believe that I don’t have that much time left to live with my Peruvian Family. Pray for me always. Pray for my investigators. Pray for my converts. Pray for my Mission President. And always pray for our family. I love you guys so much and miss you even more. Take care until next week and please don’t forget about me… :) I love you.
Love you forever,
Coco
"I LOVE MY ETERNAL FAMILY!!!"
July 19, 2010 - Hey Family,
How’s life going for everyone? I’m doing pretty good. Other than being freezing cold all the time, the Mission is going fine. We had a baptism this Saturday. I had the privilege of baptizing Vania Nicole Chavez Rodriguez. Her grandma is a recent convert to the Church of ten months. I feel bad for Vania because her parents are separated. Her dad doesn’t support her in anything and her mom lives in Italy working, so she is in her grandma’s custody. She has gone through so many trials and really wanted to get baptized to have the comfort of the Holy Ghost in her life. This is another reason that I thank Heavenly Father everyday for having such a special family that will always be together and will never be able to separate. I LOVE THAT THOUGHT!!! I LOVE MY ETERNAL FAMILY!!!
I got a package this week from the Canches Family in Independencia. Estrellita sent me a little note with a Machu Picchu bag and a Peruvian beanie. (I currently have the beanie on because it’s so cold outside…) I love their family so much and can’t wait to visit them before going home… :) I’m still waiting to receive that package that you guys sent. I can’t wait to get it…
Oh by the way, the address of the Mission changed because the Offices got moved, but don’t worry, if you sent things to the old address, I will still be able to receive the packages and letters because the West Mission’s Offices are still in the same spot and they can just walk the things you sent over to the new North Mission Offices. The new address is (so that you can tell everyone and start sending stuff there (I wouldn’t send things after the end of September because I don’t know if they’ll get here in time…):
Av. Carlos Izaguirre #124
Independencia, Lima 28
Perú
It’s a small world after all… This is so funny. So, I just got in my Ward in Comas and there is a Sister that just got back from her Mission like six weeks ago. Her name is Giovanna Julcapoma. We were at the Church the other day and she asked me if I was in the Peru MTC in November 2008. And just so you know, before talking with her, I thought she looked familiar. I told her yes and she told me that she was there too. She was Sister Thaxton’s companion. I couldn’t help but laugh and think about how fast the time passes by. She served in the Peru Arequipa Mission and now she’s a returned Missionary working hard in her ward and soon I will be too… It really is a small, small world…
So everything’s going fine. Today the Missionary Couple, Elder and Sister Nelson, are going to cook American hamburgers for us in the Chapel and we are going to have a volleyball competition. Finally… a little bit of volleyball. It just isn’t the same not being in the jungle…hot weather, shorts and sandals, with volleyball, without failure, every Monday… I miss it a ton. Not that much time left. Can you believe that half of July is already over??? I can’t believe it. July’s almost over, August is Extended Family Trip to Heber and the MPLN reunion at Landon’s house, September are Birthdays and school is back in session, October is General Conference and Halloween, and then there’s nothing left… It will pass before we know it… Just keep going strong and we’ll be so surprised by the speed of time…
I love you so much and miss you even more. Keep praying for me, for my comp, for the Missionaries in my Zone, for my investigators, for my converts, and for yourselves. You deserve it. I love you family. You’re the best!!!
Love you forever!!!
Coco
How’s life going for everyone? I’m doing pretty good. Other than being freezing cold all the time, the Mission is going fine. We had a baptism this Saturday. I had the privilege of baptizing Vania Nicole Chavez Rodriguez. Her grandma is a recent convert to the Church of ten months. I feel bad for Vania because her parents are separated. Her dad doesn’t support her in anything and her mom lives in Italy working, so she is in her grandma’s custody. She has gone through so many trials and really wanted to get baptized to have the comfort of the Holy Ghost in her life. This is another reason that I thank Heavenly Father everyday for having such a special family that will always be together and will never be able to separate. I LOVE THAT THOUGHT!!! I LOVE MY ETERNAL FAMILY!!!
I got a package this week from the Canches Family in Independencia. Estrellita sent me a little note with a Machu Picchu bag and a Peruvian beanie. (I currently have the beanie on because it’s so cold outside…) I love their family so much and can’t wait to visit them before going home… :) I’m still waiting to receive that package that you guys sent. I can’t wait to get it…
Oh by the way, the address of the Mission changed because the Offices got moved, but don’t worry, if you sent things to the old address, I will still be able to receive the packages and letters because the West Mission’s Offices are still in the same spot and they can just walk the things you sent over to the new North Mission Offices. The new address is (so that you can tell everyone and start sending stuff there (I wouldn’t send things after the end of September because I don’t know if they’ll get here in time…):
Av. Carlos Izaguirre #124
Independencia, Lima 28
Perú
It’s a small world after all… This is so funny. So, I just got in my Ward in Comas and there is a Sister that just got back from her Mission like six weeks ago. Her name is Giovanna Julcapoma. We were at the Church the other day and she asked me if I was in the Peru MTC in November 2008. And just so you know, before talking with her, I thought she looked familiar. I told her yes and she told me that she was there too. She was Sister Thaxton’s companion. I couldn’t help but laugh and think about how fast the time passes by. She served in the Peru Arequipa Mission and now she’s a returned Missionary working hard in her ward and soon I will be too… It really is a small, small world…
So everything’s going fine. Today the Missionary Couple, Elder and Sister Nelson, are going to cook American hamburgers for us in the Chapel and we are going to have a volleyball competition. Finally… a little bit of volleyball. It just isn’t the same not being in the jungle…hot weather, shorts and sandals, with volleyball, without failure, every Monday… I miss it a ton. Not that much time left. Can you believe that half of July is already over??? I can’t believe it. July’s almost over, August is Extended Family Trip to Heber and the MPLN reunion at Landon’s house, September are Birthdays and school is back in session, October is General Conference and Halloween, and then there’s nothing left… It will pass before we know it… Just keep going strong and we’ll be so surprised by the speed of time…
I love you so much and miss you even more. Keep praying for me, for my comp, for the Missionaries in my Zone, for my investigators, for my converts, and for yourselves. You deserve it. I love you family. You’re the best!!!
Love you forever!!!
Coco
"It was nice to be "HOME" for a second and say a prayer..."
July 13, 2010 - “We are Family!!! I got all my sisters with me… oh yeah, We are Family!!!” Hey Fam. I’m just walking along minding my business…and enjoying the Mission…
This week was Interviews and I had the awesome opportunity of being the Zone Leader that goes with President’s Wife to inspect the Missionaries’ houses. It was so much fun to go with Sister Blunck and Elder Martelo to visit the houses and have a fun talk with Sister Blunck. She is so sweet and had so many questions about the life here in Peru. She has never been to a third-world country and is still going through a little bit of the culture shock, but loving being here. She doesn’t know Spanish, so just like any Gringo, she is having to learn the language as she goes along. We had a really fun talk about our families and everything. I also had a good talk one-on-one with the new President. He is such a nice man and has so many desires to help us out as Missionaries to become better teachers of the Gospel. I also had a Temple Recommend interview with him because mine has already expired that I got before the Mission. That tells you that I have a lot of time in the Mission doesn’t it?… Let me tell you that the Temple Recommend interview was a little different, you could say easier, being a Missionary and being here in the Mission. I honestly could say yes or no to the questions without having to doubt, and I could even share my testimony because I have come to gain such a sure testimony of this Gospel. It was a really special experience and guess what? The only person that signs the Recommend other than me is President…only one interview… It is a different experience… I am excited to keep working here in the Mission with President and Sister Blunck. :)
As you guys know, I am not a huge seafood fan, but I got served seafood this week and guess what? I absolutely loved it. To start off was a soup and in the soup was fish chunks, recently-taken-out-of-the-shell oysters, a crab’s arm (the big Sebastian pinchers…), and algae (seaweed). It was a delicious soup, and I have to say that the crab was really good. I think I am starting to like the seafood and will be eating more of it when I get home… The plate was a fried fillet of fish served with a delicious creamy orange-flavored sauce. It was delightful, delicious, and delovely. Really it was one of the best meals that I have eaten in my Mission… Strange, I know, that I was able to eat seafood, but it was really good.
WE HAD A BAPTISM THIS WEEK!!! My companion baptized Ricarda Violeta Cueva Suarez. She is about 70-years-old and her husband just got baptized two weeks ago. And her husband’s sister that lives with them (72-years-old) will be getting baptized the first week of August… We are so excited for this sweet couple because in one year’s time, they are going to be able to go to the Temple to be sealed as a Celestial and Eternal Family!!! What a blessing that will be in their life… Someday, for the example they are setting as parents and grandparents, all of their family will be members of the Church. What a special thought…
Mom, don’t worry about me. Yes, I can wait to come back to Peru, but I would love to at least come back maybe just with you if the whole family isn’t able to come down (just like Elder Rich and his Mom) but I just wanted Chase to be with us because he’ll be leaving for the Mission soon after I get back… Peru has it’s heart waiting with open arms for you guys to come down…especially Pucallpa… But yes, I would love to take a vacation to Disneyworld or New York (WICKED) or Washington D.C., etc. Let me know what you decide. Just so you know, I know that they have already boughten my flight home… Can you believe that? I don’t know if you got the itinerary yet (I don’t have it), but you should be receiving it soon…Wow, that’s another reminder of how close it is getting…
Sorry that I can’t be Link in Chase’s show. It is one of the roles that I would love to play some day… I can’t wait to start singing and dancing back up again when I get home… :)
Doug Fidler? Are you serious? I love him so much. He was my Zone Leader when I went to Iquitos more than a year ago. I’m pretty sure that I sent him a Christmas card this Christmas. I don’t know if he got it, but I sure remember him. He helped me out so much in the Mission. He helped me realize that the Mssion is possible and ispired me a ton. It makes me feel good knowing that he rembemered about me after all this time…Mom, I can receive packages really fast now that I am in Lima… Please send it asap along with a big bag of midgee marshmallows and a box of rice crispies. I would like to make some homemade rice crispy treats… We have a place to cook in my house right now… :) Any other fun treats that you would like to send me will be accepted as well. (Hint…Hint…) But please don’t send a ton. You don’t need to be spending lots of money on me. Just be prepared to spoil me when I get back home…
We went to the Temple today, which was a wonderful experience. I haven’t been to the Temple in like five months because I was in the Jungle… It was nice to be “HOME” for a second and say a prayer in the Celestial Room thanking God for the amazing Family that I have, for helping me get this far in the Mission and asking Him to keep blessing us… I love the Temple!!! After going to the Temple, the Missionary couple Elder and Sister Nelson invited us all out to eat Pizza Hut Pizza. It was super good… Our Zone had a fun day… I love you guys so much!!! Say “Hi” to the dogs for me. I miss being able to play with them and lay down in bed with them… I’m sure they miss me too right? Not too long left and I’ll be playing with them in our new home… Oh I am so super excited, but I just need to keep working hard and helping out the Missionaries in my Zone… Pray for me to have strength and to receive everything I need to help them out. I love you so much Family and miss you even more…Take care.
Love, Coco
This week was Interviews and I had the awesome opportunity of being the Zone Leader that goes with President’s Wife to inspect the Missionaries’ houses. It was so much fun to go with Sister Blunck and Elder Martelo to visit the houses and have a fun talk with Sister Blunck. She is so sweet and had so many questions about the life here in Peru. She has never been to a third-world country and is still going through a little bit of the culture shock, but loving being here. She doesn’t know Spanish, so just like any Gringo, she is having to learn the language as she goes along. We had a really fun talk about our families and everything. I also had a good talk one-on-one with the new President. He is such a nice man and has so many desires to help us out as Missionaries to become better teachers of the Gospel. I also had a Temple Recommend interview with him because mine has already expired that I got before the Mission. That tells you that I have a lot of time in the Mission doesn’t it?… Let me tell you that the Temple Recommend interview was a little different, you could say easier, being a Missionary and being here in the Mission. I honestly could say yes or no to the questions without having to doubt, and I could even share my testimony because I have come to gain such a sure testimony of this Gospel. It was a really special experience and guess what? The only person that signs the Recommend other than me is President…only one interview… It is a different experience… I am excited to keep working here in the Mission with President and Sister Blunck. :)
As you guys know, I am not a huge seafood fan, but I got served seafood this week and guess what? I absolutely loved it. To start off was a soup and in the soup was fish chunks, recently-taken-out-of-the-shell oysters, a crab’s arm (the big Sebastian pinchers…), and algae (seaweed). It was a delicious soup, and I have to say that the crab was really good. I think I am starting to like the seafood and will be eating more of it when I get home… The plate was a fried fillet of fish served with a delicious creamy orange-flavored sauce. It was delightful, delicious, and delovely. Really it was one of the best meals that I have eaten in my Mission… Strange, I know, that I was able to eat seafood, but it was really good.
WE HAD A BAPTISM THIS WEEK!!! My companion baptized Ricarda Violeta Cueva Suarez. She is about 70-years-old and her husband just got baptized two weeks ago. And her husband’s sister that lives with them (72-years-old) will be getting baptized the first week of August… We are so excited for this sweet couple because in one year’s time, they are going to be able to go to the Temple to be sealed as a Celestial and Eternal Family!!! What a blessing that will be in their life… Someday, for the example they are setting as parents and grandparents, all of their family will be members of the Church. What a special thought…
Mom, don’t worry about me. Yes, I can wait to come back to Peru, but I would love to at least come back maybe just with you if the whole family isn’t able to come down (just like Elder Rich and his Mom) but I just wanted Chase to be with us because he’ll be leaving for the Mission soon after I get back… Peru has it’s heart waiting with open arms for you guys to come down…especially Pucallpa… But yes, I would love to take a vacation to Disneyworld or New York (WICKED) or Washington D.C., etc. Let me know what you decide. Just so you know, I know that they have already boughten my flight home… Can you believe that? I don’t know if you got the itinerary yet (I don’t have it), but you should be receiving it soon…Wow, that’s another reminder of how close it is getting…
Sorry that I can’t be Link in Chase’s show. It is one of the roles that I would love to play some day… I can’t wait to start singing and dancing back up again when I get home… :)
Doug Fidler? Are you serious? I love him so much. He was my Zone Leader when I went to Iquitos more than a year ago. I’m pretty sure that I sent him a Christmas card this Christmas. I don’t know if he got it, but I sure remember him. He helped me out so much in the Mission. He helped me realize that the Mssion is possible and ispired me a ton. It makes me feel good knowing that he rembemered about me after all this time…Mom, I can receive packages really fast now that I am in Lima… Please send it asap along with a big bag of midgee marshmallows and a box of rice crispies. I would like to make some homemade rice crispy treats… We have a place to cook in my house right now… :) Any other fun treats that you would like to send me will be accepted as well. (Hint…Hint…) But please don’t send a ton. You don’t need to be spending lots of money on me. Just be prepared to spoil me when I get back home…
We went to the Temple today, which was a wonderful experience. I haven’t been to the Temple in like five months because I was in the Jungle… It was nice to be “HOME” for a second and say a prayer in the Celestial Room thanking God for the amazing Family that I have, for helping me get this far in the Mission and asking Him to keep blessing us… I love the Temple!!! After going to the Temple, the Missionary couple Elder and Sister Nelson invited us all out to eat Pizza Hut Pizza. It was super good… Our Zone had a fun day… I love you guys so much!!! Say “Hi” to the dogs for me. I miss being able to play with them and lay down in bed with them… I’m sure they miss me too right? Not too long left and I’ll be playing with them in our new home… Oh I am so super excited, but I just need to keep working hard and helping out the Missionaries in my Zone… Pray for me to have strength and to receive everything I need to help them out. I love you so much Family and miss you even more…Take care.
Love, Coco
"...which would be a wonderful gift for me!"
July 5, 2010 -
My Dearest Family,
Today’s going to be a short note home because I just barely wrote you on Wednesday…and the most exciting news was the Change of Pucallpa to Lima. It really was hard to leave Pucallpa behind, but now I just need to keep working where I am and endure to the end… :) (2 Nephi 31:20)
On Thursday we had Zone Leader Conference. It was really nice. We got to meet the new Presdient and his sweet wife. President and Sister Blunck. He speaks Spanish really well, but his wife is just barely learning, but it will come with time. They also brought one daughter with them that will be leaving to serve in the Peru Cuzco Mission starting in September. Sister Blunck is really nice, just like any Gringo Mom. (She’s kind of a mix of you Mom, mixed with Elder Rich’s Mom…) :) She is really sweet with so many desires to learn Spanish and to help the Missionaries… President Blunck is really nice as well. He read with us 2 Nephi 31 and it was like Family Scripture Study, every one of us sharing what we thought about each verse. It was really interesting to have his perspective of the Doctrine and help me increase my knowledge and understanding. He is going to be a great President for this Mission…
I have a great ward here as well. It sure isn’t anything like Pucallpa, but I do have a great Bishop and great Ward members that are going to help us out a ton in the work. I am so excited to just get to work and have the members’ help because that makes everything nice. I don’t know if it is going to be Lima from here on out, but I think it will be. I think I am going to stay in the area where I am until I finish my Mission. Why do I think that? Well, I am going to send my Companion home this Change, so I will almost definitely be staying the next Change to take care of the area and the Zone. Then I will only have one more Change after that one, and I think I will just want to stay where I am to not have to get to know another area and other members and everything…unless it is possible that I go to the Jungle for my last Change, which would be a wonderful gift for me… But I think Comas is going to be my home for a while. Keep me unpdated on the weather there…Just so you know…it’s freezing cold, and there isn’t snow…just like we don’t like it. If it’s going to be cold there better be snow… :)
Hey, could you send me some ideas of fun activities that we could do as Missionaries in our Zone? I need ideas of activities. Also, send me a list of good recent Disney and animated cartoon movies (Pixar, etc.) because we can watch one movie a Change, but I would like to know which movies are good so we don’t just watch any regular movie… Not many are fans of HSM so I can’t make them watch it… Go HSM!!!
Just so you know, my P-Day is every Monday except for the week that we go to the Temple. Here in Lima, we go to the Temple once a change. I don’t know what week or day that it will be still so it might come unexpected. Since the Temple isn’t open on Mondays, P-Day gets changed in that week so don’t worry if for some reason you don’t get an e-mail from me on Monday. I will write on the day that we go to the Temple, but if I know beforehand, I will let you know so that you won’t have to worry too much. I know you worry just because you love me. I love you so so so much…
Just keep praying for me and know that I love you all and miss you even more. July is already passing by. Can you believe it? Only 3 Fast Sundays left… I love you. Take care in all that you do…vacation, school, work, home, Church callings, worrying about your boy in Peru, everything… I love you so much. Take care until next week. LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!
Love, Coco
My Dearest Family,
Today’s going to be a short note home because I just barely wrote you on Wednesday…and the most exciting news was the Change of Pucallpa to Lima. It really was hard to leave Pucallpa behind, but now I just need to keep working where I am and endure to the end… :) (2 Nephi 31:20)
On Thursday we had Zone Leader Conference. It was really nice. We got to meet the new Presdient and his sweet wife. President and Sister Blunck. He speaks Spanish really well, but his wife is just barely learning, but it will come with time. They also brought one daughter with them that will be leaving to serve in the Peru Cuzco Mission starting in September. Sister Blunck is really nice, just like any Gringo Mom. (She’s kind of a mix of you Mom, mixed with Elder Rich’s Mom…) :) She is really sweet with so many desires to learn Spanish and to help the Missionaries… President Blunck is really nice as well. He read with us 2 Nephi 31 and it was like Family Scripture Study, every one of us sharing what we thought about each verse. It was really interesting to have his perspective of the Doctrine and help me increase my knowledge and understanding. He is going to be a great President for this Mission…
I have a great ward here as well. It sure isn’t anything like Pucallpa, but I do have a great Bishop and great Ward members that are going to help us out a ton in the work. I am so excited to just get to work and have the members’ help because that makes everything nice. I don’t know if it is going to be Lima from here on out, but I think it will be. I think I am going to stay in the area where I am until I finish my Mission. Why do I think that? Well, I am going to send my Companion home this Change, so I will almost definitely be staying the next Change to take care of the area and the Zone. Then I will only have one more Change after that one, and I think I will just want to stay where I am to not have to get to know another area and other members and everything…unless it is possible that I go to the Jungle for my last Change, which would be a wonderful gift for me… But I think Comas is going to be my home for a while. Keep me unpdated on the weather there…Just so you know…it’s freezing cold, and there isn’t snow…just like we don’t like it. If it’s going to be cold there better be snow… :)
Hey, could you send me some ideas of fun activities that we could do as Missionaries in our Zone? I need ideas of activities. Also, send me a list of good recent Disney and animated cartoon movies (Pixar, etc.) because we can watch one movie a Change, but I would like to know which movies are good so we don’t just watch any regular movie… Not many are fans of HSM so I can’t make them watch it… Go HSM!!!
Just so you know, my P-Day is every Monday except for the week that we go to the Temple. Here in Lima, we go to the Temple once a change. I don’t know what week or day that it will be still so it might come unexpected. Since the Temple isn’t open on Mondays, P-Day gets changed in that week so don’t worry if for some reason you don’t get an e-mail from me on Monday. I will write on the day that we go to the Temple, but if I know beforehand, I will let you know so that you won’t have to worry too much. I know you worry just because you love me. I love you so so so much…
Just keep praying for me and know that I love you all and miss you even more. July is already passing by. Can you believe it? Only 3 Fast Sundays left… I love you. Take care in all that you do…vacation, school, work, home, Church callings, worrying about your boy in Peru, everything… I love you so much. Take care until next week. LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!
Love, Coco
Thursday, July 1, 2010
"My heart still really aches for Pucallpa"
June 30, 2010 - Hey Celestial Family,
I am so super excited for everthing that is going on right now. I’m sorry that I had to leave you in suspense. I was busy doing Changes on Monday. You are never going to believe everything that is going on. It is all good. Sunday night, I flew into Lima and I stayed the night in the Offices, which was way fun to return back to where I lived for more than 7 months, now those Offices are of the West Mission!!! Monday were the Changes!!! I had to leave Pucallpa behind, but I will talk about that in a sec. I want to first start with my Change… I am here in Lima in the Zona called Comas! I am going to stay in the Peru Lima North Mission to finish my Mission. And guess what??? I’M A ZONE LEADER!!! I got moved up to Zone Leader, which is going to be so much fun. It is a lot more responsibility, but I am ready to take it on. President Pérez asked me in my interview last week if I was ready to take on new responsibilities. I told him that before, no, I wasn’t, but now, sí. He told me that I wasn’t going to be in the jungle, but that I was going to have a good companion. I love my Companion!!! His name is Elder Garnica and is from Tarija, Bolivia. He is so nice, a Little serious, but super funny, and we get along great!!! We want to have so much success in our Zone, in our Area, and just enjoy this Change. This Change starts today 30 June 2010 and ends 11 August 2010. And guess what? My companion is finishing this Change. He doesn’t want to get “trunky” at all so I have to help him out. No, not really. He’s not “trunky” and we are going to have a ton of success this Change. We are both Zone Leaders and with him having 23 Months and me having 20 now, we are going to have so much success…
I hit 20 Months! Can you believe it? Another month has come and gone. Oh, where does the time go. 4 Months in Pucallpa passed by like nothing.
I have to tell you guys something. On Saturday, we had a huge Ward Fiesta and we played games all day long and in the nighttime, the Ward and all of our friends threw us a going-away party… (Oh, by the way, Elder Padilla got sent to Iquitos, still as Junior Companion…) The Ward really loved us. On Sunday, the Bishopric asked my comp and I to bear our testimonies in Sacrament Meeting. He went first and then it was my turn to finish the meeting. I was totally fine bearing my testimony and sharing my love for them, but then I just had to look at Zoila Panaifo (the Mom of the Family that I baptized…) and she was in tears… (Flashback to Mission Farewell, Riverton Park Ward, 26 October 2008. I saw my Mom crying…) Totally embarassing, I burst into tears right then and there at the pulpit. By the end of the meeting, every Mom and girl, and even some of the men and good amigos were in tears… It was a great moment that I will never forget… Then in the nighttime…EVERYONE, and I mean EVERYONE, came to the airport to say goodbye to me… I recieved gifts and cards and hugs and handshakes and by the end of the two hours waiting in the airport to enter into security, I didn’t want to leave. They even made me sing one last time…in the airport. I of course broke out the Spanish/English High School Musical and then it was time to go through security. Hardest moment in my life… Everyone broke into tears again. I shook Zoila’s hand and gave Tedy a big hug and broke into tears… I was leaving behind a huge family in Pucallpa… I almost couldn’t stand leaving them behind… But it was time to go. I went through security and then had to wait about 15 minutes. When I left outside to walk to the staircase and climb into the plane, everyone was on the second floor looking out the glass windows waving and blowing kisses and I just kept waving my hand until the very last moment when I had to enter in the plane… I can honestly say that Pucallpa took my heart away. I cried all day Sunday finding it hard to believe that it came to an end… I left my heart in Pucallpa and I cannot wait to go back. (I know that I loved Iquitos, but I can now say that Pucallpa is by far the best place that I have been…) I have to come back. I’m sorry if this sounds like a cheesy story, but my heart still really aches for Pucallpa: the friends, the volleyball, the members, the converts, the fun experiences, and all of the amazing things that happened while I was there… I’ll be going back soon…
Well, I don’t know if you guys are in tears after that story, but my eyes are sure watery… But let’s get to some happy news. Mom, don’t worry about school, just get the grades and study good. You know the Church is true. Nobody can ever take your testimony away. It is what will give you Eternal Life with me, Dallis, Chase, and Dad... (okay, let’s not start crying again Colyn…) We are going to live together forever because of the right things that we are doing. I have no doubt that we are going to be an Eternal and Celestial Family. That thought gives me so much hope and motivation. I know it will happen…
I am enjoying really cold weather here in Lima. I went from shorts, sandals, sunglasses, sunscreen, sunshine, and rain in Pucallpa to two pairs of pajama pants, two pairs of socks, a shirt, a sweater, a scarf, a beanie, and gloves here in Lima. We don’t have air conditioning which means we don’t have heat either. I just snuggle up really good in the nighttime. The great thing is that I get to shower in hot wáter… Yes!!! And I have a really nice house that I live in… I have a flat area without big dusty hills. Yesterday, my comp and I bought Papa John’s Pizza to celebrate my 20 Months in the Mission. :) I have great members and we have good people to teach that I still don’t know, but that are preparing to get baptized… I am super excited to work here in Comas, Lima. Our Zone has seven companionships. All are Elders except for one, which is a Missionary Couple for Utah, Elder and Sister Nelson. She served a Mission in Uruguay a long time ago and knows Spanish, but her husband doesn’t. They are super nice and funny. We have four new Missionaries in the Zone. They entered in the Mission on Monday. Remember when I only had two days in the Mission. Oh, that was so long ago, and aren’t we happy to know that so much time has gone by. My goal is just to help these new and young Missionaries so that they can be even better than I am, which isn’t too hard, because I’m not the best Missionary:) I am so excited just to work and have a ton of success… Pray for me to be a good Zone Leader and to be able to receive the revelation I need to direct this Zone together with my companion Elder Garnica, with the accent on the “i”.
Family, I love you so much and I miss you even more. Just keep going strong because there’s not that much time left. Don’t worry about me. I am fine. Pres and Sis Pérez go home today I got to see them on Monday, but will not be seeing them anymore. Tomorrow is a huge meeting for all the Zone Leaders in the Mission and we are going to meet the new President. I am so excited and happy. I love you so much. Take care.
Love, Coco
I am so super excited for everthing that is going on right now. I’m sorry that I had to leave you in suspense. I was busy doing Changes on Monday. You are never going to believe everything that is going on. It is all good. Sunday night, I flew into Lima and I stayed the night in the Offices, which was way fun to return back to where I lived for more than 7 months, now those Offices are of the West Mission!!! Monday were the Changes!!! I had to leave Pucallpa behind, but I will talk about that in a sec. I want to first start with my Change… I am here in Lima in the Zona called Comas! I am going to stay in the Peru Lima North Mission to finish my Mission. And guess what??? I’M A ZONE LEADER!!! I got moved up to Zone Leader, which is going to be so much fun. It is a lot more responsibility, but I am ready to take it on. President Pérez asked me in my interview last week if I was ready to take on new responsibilities. I told him that before, no, I wasn’t, but now, sí. He told me that I wasn’t going to be in the jungle, but that I was going to have a good companion. I love my Companion!!! His name is Elder Garnica and is from Tarija, Bolivia. He is so nice, a Little serious, but super funny, and we get along great!!! We want to have so much success in our Zone, in our Area, and just enjoy this Change. This Change starts today 30 June 2010 and ends 11 August 2010. And guess what? My companion is finishing this Change. He doesn’t want to get “trunky” at all so I have to help him out. No, not really. He’s not “trunky” and we are going to have a ton of success this Change. We are both Zone Leaders and with him having 23 Months and me having 20 now, we are going to have so much success…
I hit 20 Months! Can you believe it? Another month has come and gone. Oh, where does the time go. 4 Months in Pucallpa passed by like nothing.
I have to tell you guys something. On Saturday, we had a huge Ward Fiesta and we played games all day long and in the nighttime, the Ward and all of our friends threw us a going-away party… (Oh, by the way, Elder Padilla got sent to Iquitos, still as Junior Companion…) The Ward really loved us. On Sunday, the Bishopric asked my comp and I to bear our testimonies in Sacrament Meeting. He went first and then it was my turn to finish the meeting. I was totally fine bearing my testimony and sharing my love for them, but then I just had to look at Zoila Panaifo (the Mom of the Family that I baptized…) and she was in tears… (Flashback to Mission Farewell, Riverton Park Ward, 26 October 2008. I saw my Mom crying…) Totally embarassing, I burst into tears right then and there at the pulpit. By the end of the meeting, every Mom and girl, and even some of the men and good amigos were in tears… It was a great moment that I will never forget… Then in the nighttime…EVERYONE, and I mean EVERYONE, came to the airport to say goodbye to me… I recieved gifts and cards and hugs and handshakes and by the end of the two hours waiting in the airport to enter into security, I didn’t want to leave. They even made me sing one last time…in the airport. I of course broke out the Spanish/English High School Musical and then it was time to go through security. Hardest moment in my life… Everyone broke into tears again. I shook Zoila’s hand and gave Tedy a big hug and broke into tears… I was leaving behind a huge family in Pucallpa… I almost couldn’t stand leaving them behind… But it was time to go. I went through security and then had to wait about 15 minutes. When I left outside to walk to the staircase and climb into the plane, everyone was on the second floor looking out the glass windows waving and blowing kisses and I just kept waving my hand until the very last moment when I had to enter in the plane… I can honestly say that Pucallpa took my heart away. I cried all day Sunday finding it hard to believe that it came to an end… I left my heart in Pucallpa and I cannot wait to go back. (I know that I loved Iquitos, but I can now say that Pucallpa is by far the best place that I have been…) I have to come back. I’m sorry if this sounds like a cheesy story, but my heart still really aches for Pucallpa: the friends, the volleyball, the members, the converts, the fun experiences, and all of the amazing things that happened while I was there… I’ll be going back soon…
Well, I don’t know if you guys are in tears after that story, but my eyes are sure watery… But let’s get to some happy news. Mom, don’t worry about school, just get the grades and study good. You know the Church is true. Nobody can ever take your testimony away. It is what will give you Eternal Life with me, Dallis, Chase, and Dad... (okay, let’s not start crying again Colyn…) We are going to live together forever because of the right things that we are doing. I have no doubt that we are going to be an Eternal and Celestial Family. That thought gives me so much hope and motivation. I know it will happen…
I am enjoying really cold weather here in Lima. I went from shorts, sandals, sunglasses, sunscreen, sunshine, and rain in Pucallpa to two pairs of pajama pants, two pairs of socks, a shirt, a sweater, a scarf, a beanie, and gloves here in Lima. We don’t have air conditioning which means we don’t have heat either. I just snuggle up really good in the nighttime. The great thing is that I get to shower in hot wáter… Yes!!! And I have a really nice house that I live in… I have a flat area without big dusty hills. Yesterday, my comp and I bought Papa John’s Pizza to celebrate my 20 Months in the Mission. :) I have great members and we have good people to teach that I still don’t know, but that are preparing to get baptized… I am super excited to work here in Comas, Lima. Our Zone has seven companionships. All are Elders except for one, which is a Missionary Couple for Utah, Elder and Sister Nelson. She served a Mission in Uruguay a long time ago and knows Spanish, but her husband doesn’t. They are super nice and funny. We have four new Missionaries in the Zone. They entered in the Mission on Monday. Remember when I only had two days in the Mission. Oh, that was so long ago, and aren’t we happy to know that so much time has gone by. My goal is just to help these new and young Missionaries so that they can be even better than I am, which isn’t too hard, because I’m not the best Missionary:) I am so excited just to work and have a ton of success… Pray for me to be a good Zone Leader and to be able to receive the revelation I need to direct this Zone together with my companion Elder Garnica, with the accent on the “i”.
Family, I love you so much and I miss you even more. Just keep going strong because there’s not that much time left. Don’t worry about me. I am fine. Pres and Sis Pérez go home today I got to see them on Monday, but will not be seeing them anymore. Tomorrow is a huge meeting for all the Zone Leaders in the Mission and we are going to meet the new President. I am so excited and happy. I love you so much. Take care.
Love, Coco
"I feel so loved!"
June 24, 2010 - Hey Super Family,
I’m sorry that I haven’t been able to write until now, but here I am. Today is the 24th of June, which here in the Jungle of Peru is a huge Holiday. Dìa de San Juan. It is a day that everyone celebrates the remembrance of John the Baptist. Remember that last year, I was in Iquitos for this Holiday. Everyone eats Juanes which are the rice balls, with olives, chicken, and boiled eggs… I am not a huge fan of Juanes, but I can eat them…
President and Sister Pèrez’ Farewell was so nice. We had the interviews Monday morning and then in the afternoon, we all went to lunch and had chicken, french fries, salad, Coca-Cola, ice-cream, and just pure good conversation. Of course, I sat next to President and Sister Pèrez because it was the last moment that I was going to be able to share with them. I love them so much, and they love me too. In my interview with President, I told him thanks for everything and I told him that my family and especially my parents were very thankful for everything that he and his sweet wife have done for me. I also thanked him for helping me progress. He told me “no” that he didn’t do anything, but that I was the one that had done everything to progress. What a humble and nice guy. He also told me my Change, but I will wait to tell you guys on Monday… You are going to be surprised… It was a super nice last interview with President Pèrez. Sister Pèrez was really nice. I had a quick conversation with her while everyone else was occupied and she thanked me for everything, for being more that just a Missionary and friend for them, but more like their son. She gave me a sweet gift from them: a white tie for the Temple. On the back it says: “Un Nivel Màs Alto” and their names. I"ll let you guys look up what it means. It is a really special gift. Sister Pèrez was super funny saying that she is super “trunky” right now, and her husband as well. She says that it is impossible to not be “trunky” when the time is almost up. She says that her family reminds her every minute how much time is left (hmmm, who does that remind me of???). She says that it is okay to be “trunky” but we just have to work until the end. ETTE. I didn’t cry, but I felt really satisfied with everything that they said. I am going to miss my Uruguayan parents. But everything is okay.
I recieved some letters and cards from converts and members. The best cards were from Gladys and Estrella Canches from Independencia. I also received a package from Bailee Paxman…DORITOS!!! I feel so loved…
Family, just know that I am super good and will be writing soon…Monday. I love you so much. Take care and be excited for the Changes!!! I LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!
Love, Coco
PS. I love that Chase and Dallis miss me… I love you so much…
I’m sorry that I haven’t been able to write until now, but here I am. Today is the 24th of June, which here in the Jungle of Peru is a huge Holiday. Dìa de San Juan. It is a day that everyone celebrates the remembrance of John the Baptist. Remember that last year, I was in Iquitos for this Holiday. Everyone eats Juanes which are the rice balls, with olives, chicken, and boiled eggs… I am not a huge fan of Juanes, but I can eat them…
President and Sister Pèrez’ Farewell was so nice. We had the interviews Monday morning and then in the afternoon, we all went to lunch and had chicken, french fries, salad, Coca-Cola, ice-cream, and just pure good conversation. Of course, I sat next to President and Sister Pèrez because it was the last moment that I was going to be able to share with them. I love them so much, and they love me too. In my interview with President, I told him thanks for everything and I told him that my family and especially my parents were very thankful for everything that he and his sweet wife have done for me. I also thanked him for helping me progress. He told me “no” that he didn’t do anything, but that I was the one that had done everything to progress. What a humble and nice guy. He also told me my Change, but I will wait to tell you guys on Monday… You are going to be surprised… It was a super nice last interview with President Pèrez. Sister Pèrez was really nice. I had a quick conversation with her while everyone else was occupied and she thanked me for everything, for being more that just a Missionary and friend for them, but more like their son. She gave me a sweet gift from them: a white tie for the Temple. On the back it says: “Un Nivel Màs Alto” and their names. I"ll let you guys look up what it means. It is a really special gift. Sister Pèrez was super funny saying that she is super “trunky” right now, and her husband as well. She says that it is impossible to not be “trunky” when the time is almost up. She says that her family reminds her every minute how much time is left (hmmm, who does that remind me of???). She says that it is okay to be “trunky” but we just have to work until the end. ETTE. I didn’t cry, but I felt really satisfied with everything that they said. I am going to miss my Uruguayan parents. But everything is okay.
I recieved some letters and cards from converts and members. The best cards were from Gladys and Estrella Canches from Independencia. I also received a package from Bailee Paxman…DORITOS!!! I feel so loved…
Family, just know that I am super good and will be writing soon…Monday. I love you so much. Take care and be excited for the Changes!!! I LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!
Love, Coco
PS. I love that Chase and Dallis miss me… I love you so much…
Sunday, June 20, 2010
"It will be the last time that I get to see them and enjoy their laughs and smiles."
June 14, 2010 - Beloved Family,
What can I tell you? More than… I LOVE YOU!!! I LOVE YOU!!! I LOVE YOU!!! This week did go by pretty quick. Jhoysi got baptized on Saturday!!! She is such a special person. She was so excited and felt great after the baptism. Every time that we visit her, there is a very special feeling. We never want to leave the lesson when we are able to teach her. There is a special spirit that attracts us to stay and teach and we always leave super excited. She had to pass through many trials before her baptism. She keeps telling us that when something bad appears in her life, there is something that tells her “no” and she doesn’t fall into temptation. We explained that this is the Spirit warning her. She was overwhelmed to know that. Now that she was confirmed yesterday she will have that guidance forever. What a blessing!!! Jhoysi is such a good friend. She is going to be a great part of the Church… Jhoysi Lury Huanuire Castro…
Mom, don’t stress too much about your Church calling. God has put you in that calling for a reason. He wants you to learn something and He wants to help you in your spiritual progress. It’s the same for me with each companion that I have and each position or responsibility that I am given. It is all to help me progress, and trust me, it helps out a ton. I feel like I have learned so much… And maybe you won’t recognize me when I get home… Just kidding… Just love your calling and take advantage of every chance that it gives you to serve and learn. God will bless you for doing it. I know it because He does the exact same for me. Look at how much He has blessed our family up until this point in my Mission, and there’s not that much left. Like you said, only four more Fast Sundays. That means that I don’t have that much time left to serve God’s children as a Missionary, and receive the blessings that come with this service. I already know that I am going to cry when I leave Pucallpa because I love the people here. They are too nice. It is unbelievable that one day it has to come to an end.
Mom, next week is when President Pèrez and his wife are coming to Pucallpa to say goodbye for forever. It will be the last time that I get to see them and enjoy their laughs and smiles… They are finishing their Mission the 30th of June, which are Changes as well and the division of the Mission. Wherever we are put, we will belong to that Mission: the North or the West… I am so sad and I know that I am most likely going to cry when I have to say goodbye to President and especially Sister Pèrez. They have been my Mom and Dad for 20 months. And they took such good care of me during the Holiday Season. I had such a good time with them when I was in the Offices. The Mission honestly seemed like a dream when I was there with them. So many memories that I never want to forget and will never be able to forget. I never want to forget their example either…their perfect example of how a couple should be. They are too good to be true…Just like my parents… :) I love you Mom and Dad!!! I still can’t get that Christmas song out of my head…”Greeting cards have all been sent…” Soon I’ll be singing it with my family as we sit on the couch drinking hot chocolate, eating homemade rice crispies, and watching the snow fall down outside. Oh, I cannot wait, but everything will come in its time. I love you so much family. Never forget about me. I love you so much. Take care.
Love, Coco
What can I tell you? More than… I LOVE YOU!!! I LOVE YOU!!! I LOVE YOU!!! This week did go by pretty quick. Jhoysi got baptized on Saturday!!! She is such a special person. She was so excited and felt great after the baptism. Every time that we visit her, there is a very special feeling. We never want to leave the lesson when we are able to teach her. There is a special spirit that attracts us to stay and teach and we always leave super excited. She had to pass through many trials before her baptism. She keeps telling us that when something bad appears in her life, there is something that tells her “no” and she doesn’t fall into temptation. We explained that this is the Spirit warning her. She was overwhelmed to know that. Now that she was confirmed yesterday she will have that guidance forever. What a blessing!!! Jhoysi is such a good friend. She is going to be a great part of the Church… Jhoysi Lury Huanuire Castro…
Mom, don’t stress too much about your Church calling. God has put you in that calling for a reason. He wants you to learn something and He wants to help you in your spiritual progress. It’s the same for me with each companion that I have and each position or responsibility that I am given. It is all to help me progress, and trust me, it helps out a ton. I feel like I have learned so much… And maybe you won’t recognize me when I get home… Just kidding… Just love your calling and take advantage of every chance that it gives you to serve and learn. God will bless you for doing it. I know it because He does the exact same for me. Look at how much He has blessed our family up until this point in my Mission, and there’s not that much left. Like you said, only four more Fast Sundays. That means that I don’t have that much time left to serve God’s children as a Missionary, and receive the blessings that come with this service. I already know that I am going to cry when I leave Pucallpa because I love the people here. They are too nice. It is unbelievable that one day it has to come to an end.
Mom, next week is when President Pèrez and his wife are coming to Pucallpa to say goodbye for forever. It will be the last time that I get to see them and enjoy their laughs and smiles… They are finishing their Mission the 30th of June, which are Changes as well and the division of the Mission. Wherever we are put, we will belong to that Mission: the North or the West… I am so sad and I know that I am most likely going to cry when I have to say goodbye to President and especially Sister Pèrez. They have been my Mom and Dad for 20 months. And they took such good care of me during the Holiday Season. I had such a good time with them when I was in the Offices. The Mission honestly seemed like a dream when I was there with them. So many memories that I never want to forget and will never be able to forget. I never want to forget their example either…their perfect example of how a couple should be. They are too good to be true…Just like my parents… :) I love you Mom and Dad!!! I still can’t get that Christmas song out of my head…”Greeting cards have all been sent…” Soon I’ll be singing it with my family as we sit on the couch drinking hot chocolate, eating homemade rice crispies, and watching the snow fall down outside. Oh, I cannot wait, but everything will come in its time. I love you so much family. Never forget about me. I love you so much. Take care.
Love, Coco
"...I just need to keep working until the end."
June 7, 2010 - Hey Splendifferous Family,
I love you!!! I love you!!! I love you!!! It’s super hot outside. The sun is shining super mucho. I am basically sweating to death every day, even though last week on Tuesday it was freezing cold. I put on my good-looking sweater and went out to work. I wanted to wrap up in a big blanket, but here in the jungle, we don’t have blankets because usually it is so hot in the nighttime that we sleep without sheets, and with the fan on full-blast. It was fun to enjoy a day of cold weather. It honestly felt like Fall BYU Football Season just before Christmastime (which is when I’ll be getting home. Wahoo!!!). We went and visited the Stake President and his family (George Brast, Gaby, Helen, Karla, and George). They have a cute little boy named George, and his nickname is Coco!!! I love him to death, and not only because we have the same nickname. He reminds me a ton of Dallis. He has the exact same cute personality of Dallis. They are identical, only that George is only 6-years-old. Down here, coco is the name of coconut, so I think they call him Coco because he has a large head…just like Dallis… Hahaha. Just teasing Dallis. You know I love you. :) But they really do call George big head and his nickname is Coco. They are one of the funniest families that I have met here. And they seem just like our family. I love eating with them every Sunday because we get along so well, and there isn’t a moment where we are all not laughing. We laugh all lunch long, telling jokes and stories, and just enjoying each others’ company. They are a super sweet and a nice family that you guys have to meet.
Guess what song has been stuck in my head? “Greeting cards have all been sent…The Christmas rush is through…But I have one wish to make…A special one for you…Merry Christmas Darling…” from that one Christmas CD by that one family. I don’t remember… It’s a beautiful song though…
You got my package!!! How exciting!!! I knew you’d love the calendar. Are you using the stickers or just a marker? I think the boys can have fun using the stickers for other things and Mom for scrapbooks… I knew you’d love receiving a hand-written letter from me… Oh, by the way, what day did you receive my letter so I can calculate more or less how long it takes a letter to get home… :) I’ll be sending another one soon…
Did you ever get the things picked up from Jonathan Wayt? I would like to know yes or no to not keep worrying about it…
We just keep on working hard in our area and are hoping to have a ton of success this month. Joysi is an awesome lady that works here in the Internet where we write from and she is so excited and ready to get baptized this Saturday. Just keep her in your prayers. She is such a good friend and was more than prepared to be baptized when we met her… :)
Keep me in your prayers. I know there is not that much time left, but I just need to keep working until the end. Your love and inspiration keep me going. Have a super fun summer!!! HAPPY JUNIANUARY!!! :) I LOVE YOU FAMILY!!! Keep going strong and never forget that you have a Super Guapo Missionary serving in Peru. I love you. Take care until next week. Love You Forever!!!
Love, Coco
I love you!!! I love you!!! I love you!!! It’s super hot outside. The sun is shining super mucho. I am basically sweating to death every day, even though last week on Tuesday it was freezing cold. I put on my good-looking sweater and went out to work. I wanted to wrap up in a big blanket, but here in the jungle, we don’t have blankets because usually it is so hot in the nighttime that we sleep without sheets, and with the fan on full-blast. It was fun to enjoy a day of cold weather. It honestly felt like Fall BYU Football Season just before Christmastime (which is when I’ll be getting home. Wahoo!!!). We went and visited the Stake President and his family (George Brast, Gaby, Helen, Karla, and George). They have a cute little boy named George, and his nickname is Coco!!! I love him to death, and not only because we have the same nickname. He reminds me a ton of Dallis. He has the exact same cute personality of Dallis. They are identical, only that George is only 6-years-old. Down here, coco is the name of coconut, so I think they call him Coco because he has a large head…just like Dallis… Hahaha. Just teasing Dallis. You know I love you. :) But they really do call George big head and his nickname is Coco. They are one of the funniest families that I have met here. And they seem just like our family. I love eating with them every Sunday because we get along so well, and there isn’t a moment where we are all not laughing. We laugh all lunch long, telling jokes and stories, and just enjoying each others’ company. They are a super sweet and a nice family that you guys have to meet.
Guess what song has been stuck in my head? “Greeting cards have all been sent…The Christmas rush is through…But I have one wish to make…A special one for you…Merry Christmas Darling…” from that one Christmas CD by that one family. I don’t remember… It’s a beautiful song though…
You got my package!!! How exciting!!! I knew you’d love the calendar. Are you using the stickers or just a marker? I think the boys can have fun using the stickers for other things and Mom for scrapbooks… I knew you’d love receiving a hand-written letter from me… Oh, by the way, what day did you receive my letter so I can calculate more or less how long it takes a letter to get home… :) I’ll be sending another one soon…
Did you ever get the things picked up from Jonathan Wayt? I would like to know yes or no to not keep worrying about it…
We just keep on working hard in our area and are hoping to have a ton of success this month. Joysi is an awesome lady that works here in the Internet where we write from and she is so excited and ready to get baptized this Saturday. Just keep her in your prayers. She is such a good friend and was more than prepared to be baptized when we met her… :)
Keep me in your prayers. I know there is not that much time left, but I just need to keep working until the end. Your love and inspiration keep me going. Have a super fun summer!!! HAPPY JUNIANUARY!!! :) I LOVE YOU FAMILY!!! Keep going strong and never forget that you have a Super Guapo Missionary serving in Peru. I love you. Take care until next week. Love You Forever!!!
Love, Coco
Monday, May 31, 2010
"So many good memories with them!"
May 31, 2010 - WUZZUP FAMILY???
What’s going on Fam? How you all doing? I am doing super great!!! So, my companion and I are in charge of P-Day today and what do you think we are going to do? That’s right. You guessed it… We are going to play VOLLEYBALL!!! “Don’t put us in charge of anything because you know that it will end up being volleyball!” :) Just kidding. We are super excited because we will have even more time to be able to play today. We filled up 200 water balloons last night and this morning to punish the losing team. We are going to form teams, play two sets to 11 points, and the team that loses gets soaked with water balloons. Then we will scramble up the teams and play again and again and again and again. We are sthuper-duper excited… :)
HAPPY 19 MONTHS!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT???!!!??? Today is the last day of May. It is incredible how time passes. June is going to fly by. It is President and Sister Pèrez’ last month in the Mission and then they are going home to Uruguay. I might be seeing them only one more time… I am surely going to cry when they go home. They have been my Mission parents while I have been out here and I got soooo close to them when I was in the Offices and especially during the Holiday Season!!! So many good memories with them. I can never thank Heavenly Father enough for the time that I had with them… Only 5 months left. Time will pass too fast…
Chase??? Chase??? I got a message from Chase??? School must be out. Wahoo!!! Thanks Bud for the lyrics in Spanish to HSM. They will be put to good use. Now if you could get them to me from HSM 2 and 3, that would be even greater. I would appreciate it… Have so much fun at Graduation!!! I am so happy that you are going to be free of every responsiblity. Enjoy the summer because it will be your last and it is going to go by so fast and then your older brother will be home… WAHOO!!! Be safe and have fun…
Dallis, you are too funny. Good for you with the 4.0 and I am glad you won’t have to put up with any dumb teachers anymore. Have a fun summer and keep keeping track of movies and music… Have fun driving this summer and be safe…
Mom and Dad, I LOVE YOU!!! I am super excited for you. I can’t really telll you anything more than I love you. I love you! I love you! I love you! Have so much fun in school Mom. I know you love it and I’ll be there soon to help out. Dad, keep busy with work and the home so that time just keeps flying by. You two deserve a long vacation. Leave the two boys at home with Kenzie and Maddie or with Grandma and Grandpa Quinn. Go have a fun get-away. You deserve it. I love you so much. Take care until next week. I love you family!!! (5 and Counting…)With much love, Coco
What’s going on Fam? How you all doing? I am doing super great!!! So, my companion and I are in charge of P-Day today and what do you think we are going to do? That’s right. You guessed it… We are going to play VOLLEYBALL!!! “Don’t put us in charge of anything because you know that it will end up being volleyball!” :) Just kidding. We are super excited because we will have even more time to be able to play today. We filled up 200 water balloons last night and this morning to punish the losing team. We are going to form teams, play two sets to 11 points, and the team that loses gets soaked with water balloons. Then we will scramble up the teams and play again and again and again and again. We are sthuper-duper excited… :)
HAPPY 19 MONTHS!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT???!!!??? Today is the last day of May. It is incredible how time passes. June is going to fly by. It is President and Sister Pèrez’ last month in the Mission and then they are going home to Uruguay. I might be seeing them only one more time… I am surely going to cry when they go home. They have been my Mission parents while I have been out here and I got soooo close to them when I was in the Offices and especially during the Holiday Season!!! So many good memories with them. I can never thank Heavenly Father enough for the time that I had with them… Only 5 months left. Time will pass too fast…
Chase??? Chase??? I got a message from Chase??? School must be out. Wahoo!!! Thanks Bud for the lyrics in Spanish to HSM. They will be put to good use. Now if you could get them to me from HSM 2 and 3, that would be even greater. I would appreciate it… Have so much fun at Graduation!!! I am so happy that you are going to be free of every responsiblity. Enjoy the summer because it will be your last and it is going to go by so fast and then your older brother will be home… WAHOO!!! Be safe and have fun…
Dallis, you are too funny. Good for you with the 4.0 and I am glad you won’t have to put up with any dumb teachers anymore. Have a fun summer and keep keeping track of movies and music… Have fun driving this summer and be safe…
Mom and Dad, I LOVE YOU!!! I am super excited for you. I can’t really telll you anything more than I love you. I love you! I love you! I love you! Have so much fun in school Mom. I know you love it and I’ll be there soon to help out. Dad, keep busy with work and the home so that time just keeps flying by. You two deserve a long vacation. Leave the two boys at home with Kenzie and Maddie or with Grandma and Grandpa Quinn. Go have a fun get-away. You deserve it. I love you so much. Take care until next week. I love you family!!! (5 and Counting…)With much love, Coco
"I am indebted to him..."
May 24, 2010 - My Special Family,
Oh my gosh…oh my gosh!!! I love you guys so much!!! I love you so so much… What a week. It was Change Week and I’m staying here in Pucallpa. It’s beautiful here. We haven’t had any rain for about a week-and-a-half which has been nice because we haven’t had to be walking in mud, and it also wasn’t super sun-shiny hot, so we weren’t sweating to death this week… It was super nice. All the members say that the month of June is a cold month, which means it gets a little bit colder, but it doesn’t rain. I am totally okay with that. It makes working much easier because we don’t have to survive the beating sun or avoid the rainstorms. It will be way nice. :)
All the members were so excited to hear that we didn’t get changed. I feel so comfortable with the people that surround me. We have great friends here. The parents love that we play volleyball with their kids because it helps to keep them out of trouble. They know that their kids are going to the Church to play volleyball with the Missionaries and lots of the adults even come to play as well. It is so much fun and I know Dallis would have a blast if he were here. (Don’t worry Bud, I already told them that when we come down to Peru together that we are going to have a huge volleyball tournament. But you need to work on your game because these teenagers from Pucallpa are almost professionals… :) They are helping me learn how to bump, set, spike, and serve the ball better. I am getting really good at spiking, and I can now serve the ball overhand instead of having to hit it underhand… It is so much fun!!! Honestly, it is something that all of us look forward to all week long.) We play every P-Day. We have to or they all start complaining, “but Elder Quinn, come on, we have to play…” We tease them a lot that we aren’t going to play and they all whine for a sec, and then we tell them, “just kidding”… and they all just start laughing. Volleyball might be my favorite sport now…actually I think it is… I remember when I used to go early on Saturday mornings to play Ultimate Frisbee. Volleyball has now replaced Ultimate Frisbee… :)
We had a big French Toast breakfast as a Zone on Saturday morning. It was super fun, but they surprised us at the end by making us eat SURI…AAHHH!!! But it was much smaller than the one that I ate with Hermana Luna, so I got through it much easier. I just put it in my mouth, bit off the head, and swallowed it whole… It was a much better experience.
Speaking of Hermana Luna, Rachel now because she is already home in Texas. She is getting married in December!!! She sent me a DearElder Letter telling me all about it. And you’ll never believe who her fiancée is. His name is Elder Sanchez. He served here and they both finished their missions together. He is super nice and knows a lot about the Gospel. The coolest thing is that he is from Costa Rica!!! But Rachel Luna is so sure that he is the one. I think that it is so good for her. She is so excited to get married and she will be sending me the wedding invitation… She is saving up her money to make a trip to Costa Rica and the wedding is going to be held in Texas. Isn’t that so cool and weird and fun??? I love it. Good for her…
We had two baptisms this week: Mirellya Isabel (11) and Kelly Victoria (9) Rios Ramirez. They are two young sisters who are referrals of the Vela-Panaifo Family. We are currently teaching their parents so that they can get baptized as well, but we have to help them get married first… We want their whole family to be members and receive a ton of happiness in their humble home… They are such humble people and so deserve to have the Gospel in their lives. Mirellya started crying after she got baptized because her dad showed up to the baptism, which was the greatest amount of support that she had ever had from him. He usually isn’t around… This is why I always tell you that I am so thankful that Heavenly Father blessed me to grow up in a home where I had you Mom and Dad, two loving parents who were always there for me and supported me in everything that I did growing up… It is a blessing that we can never thank Heavenly Father enough for. I am indebted to him for blessing me with the two best parents on earth…
Never forget that I love you and miss you more than anything on earth. I am super good. We are so excited to just keep working here in Pucallpa. Please keep praying for me and for those that I am teaching. Special people to keep in your prayers are: Joysi Huanuire who has a baptismal date for the 12th of June, Marinel Rojas who has a baptismal date for the 19th of June, and Carlos and Ester Saravia Tolentino who are another couple we are helping to get married and baptized. They basically are already members, only they aren’t baptized, but this month of June, they will be… :) I love being a Missionary and am having a great time here in Pucallpa. Don’t worry about me. I am totally fine. Just take care. Enjoy school, enjoy the new home, and never forget that I love you!!! Love you Forever!!!
Love, Coco
Oh my gosh…oh my gosh!!! I love you guys so much!!! I love you so so much… What a week. It was Change Week and I’m staying here in Pucallpa. It’s beautiful here. We haven’t had any rain for about a week-and-a-half which has been nice because we haven’t had to be walking in mud, and it also wasn’t super sun-shiny hot, so we weren’t sweating to death this week… It was super nice. All the members say that the month of June is a cold month, which means it gets a little bit colder, but it doesn’t rain. I am totally okay with that. It makes working much easier because we don’t have to survive the beating sun or avoid the rainstorms. It will be way nice. :)
All the members were so excited to hear that we didn’t get changed. I feel so comfortable with the people that surround me. We have great friends here. The parents love that we play volleyball with their kids because it helps to keep them out of trouble. They know that their kids are going to the Church to play volleyball with the Missionaries and lots of the adults even come to play as well. It is so much fun and I know Dallis would have a blast if he were here. (Don’t worry Bud, I already told them that when we come down to Peru together that we are going to have a huge volleyball tournament. But you need to work on your game because these teenagers from Pucallpa are almost professionals… :) They are helping me learn how to bump, set, spike, and serve the ball better. I am getting really good at spiking, and I can now serve the ball overhand instead of having to hit it underhand… It is so much fun!!! Honestly, it is something that all of us look forward to all week long.) We play every P-Day. We have to or they all start complaining, “but Elder Quinn, come on, we have to play…” We tease them a lot that we aren’t going to play and they all whine for a sec, and then we tell them, “just kidding”… and they all just start laughing. Volleyball might be my favorite sport now…actually I think it is… I remember when I used to go early on Saturday mornings to play Ultimate Frisbee. Volleyball has now replaced Ultimate Frisbee… :)
We had a big French Toast breakfast as a Zone on Saturday morning. It was super fun, but they surprised us at the end by making us eat SURI…AAHHH!!! But it was much smaller than the one that I ate with Hermana Luna, so I got through it much easier. I just put it in my mouth, bit off the head, and swallowed it whole… It was a much better experience.
Speaking of Hermana Luna, Rachel now because she is already home in Texas. She is getting married in December!!! She sent me a DearElder Letter telling me all about it. And you’ll never believe who her fiancée is. His name is Elder Sanchez. He served here and they both finished their missions together. He is super nice and knows a lot about the Gospel. The coolest thing is that he is from Costa Rica!!! But Rachel Luna is so sure that he is the one. I think that it is so good for her. She is so excited to get married and she will be sending me the wedding invitation… She is saving up her money to make a trip to Costa Rica and the wedding is going to be held in Texas. Isn’t that so cool and weird and fun??? I love it. Good for her…
We had two baptisms this week: Mirellya Isabel (11) and Kelly Victoria (9) Rios Ramirez. They are two young sisters who are referrals of the Vela-Panaifo Family. We are currently teaching their parents so that they can get baptized as well, but we have to help them get married first… We want their whole family to be members and receive a ton of happiness in their humble home… They are such humble people and so deserve to have the Gospel in their lives. Mirellya started crying after she got baptized because her dad showed up to the baptism, which was the greatest amount of support that she had ever had from him. He usually isn’t around… This is why I always tell you that I am so thankful that Heavenly Father blessed me to grow up in a home where I had you Mom and Dad, two loving parents who were always there for me and supported me in everything that I did growing up… It is a blessing that we can never thank Heavenly Father enough for. I am indebted to him for blessing me with the two best parents on earth…
Never forget that I love you and miss you more than anything on earth. I am super good. We are so excited to just keep working here in Pucallpa. Please keep praying for me and for those that I am teaching. Special people to keep in your prayers are: Joysi Huanuire who has a baptismal date for the 12th of June, Marinel Rojas who has a baptismal date for the 19th of June, and Carlos and Ester Saravia Tolentino who are another couple we are helping to get married and baptized. They basically are already members, only they aren’t baptized, but this month of June, they will be… :) I love being a Missionary and am having a great time here in Pucallpa. Don’t worry about me. I am totally fine. Just take care. Enjoy school, enjoy the new home, and never forget that I love you!!! Love you Forever!!!
Love, Coco
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
"I guess there is something that God wants me to learn still..."
May 17, 2010 - Hey Special Family,
I was really sad that I didn’t get to call you guys up and talk with you yesterday... I was so wanting to just pick up the phone and be able to hear your voices, but at least we won’t ever have to do it again. :) It was the last time that we had to say goodbye and now the next time we talk, we will be talking in person. How cool is that? It makes me feel really good and happy... :) It feels amazing that this much time has passed in the Mission. It really does go by fast, but you do have to live it to believe it...
This week was super. We had a good hard-working week, and we were able to enjoy a Ward Party that we had on Saturday. The Elders Quorum held a special party for the mothers in the ward. We played volleyball and it was a lot of fun to play against the mothers. We were only missing you Mom... Dad, you would have loved to have played as well... :) I had a good day in Church yesterday as well. I will be finding out in a few minutes if I have a Change or not... I am super nervous... I love the members in my ward. They are so genuine and nice. And they love that we started a volleyball-playing tradition because no other Elders have ever done it before...
We had some cold weather at the beginning of last week, which was crazy. I was wearing a sweater in the mornings and even slept with my sweater on. That’s how cold it got, which was super crazy for being in the jungle. Then yesterday was the most beautiful Sunday we have had with clear blue skies and a hot bright sun. It reminded me of waking up at our house in the summertime and sitting down at the breakfast table eating french toast with good milk and watching the sun come up over the top of the Mickelsen’s home... Oh, what good times... It was a really pretty day... And it was super hot... Mom, if it's not too much trouble....could you please send me some more handerchiefs. I have lost the ones you sent me. I would really like you to send me another set. I loved carrying them around because they always reminded me of the loving Mother and family that I have every time that I used them... I would really appreciate it... I love you...
Mom, I love that you are taking school, but it makes me sad that we can’t chit-chat every Monday morning, but it will be for the best... We don’t have that much time left to go... Only 5 ½ Months... Wow, that’s nothing... I’ll keep busy here in the Mission, you keep busy in school, Chase and Dallis keep busy in school and SUMMER VACATION!!!, and Dad keep busy at work, and time will just fly by... I love you guys so much and I am so thankful for your support and your love and inspiration that you give me. Never forget about me and keep praying for me, my companion, and my investigators... I love you so much!!! Love you Forever!!! Love, Coco
I just found out my Change!!! I am staying right where I am... :) I will be staying another six weeks here in Pucallpa. And Elder Padilla, my companion, is staying as well... That means we are staying together for three changes... How cool is that? The members are going to love this news. We are just going to work hard and have another successful change together. Wish us luck so that we will get along and that everything will turn out well. I guess there is something that God wants me to learn still... I love you guys. Take care!!! Love, Coco
I was really sad that I didn’t get to call you guys up and talk with you yesterday... I was so wanting to just pick up the phone and be able to hear your voices, but at least we won’t ever have to do it again. :) It was the last time that we had to say goodbye and now the next time we talk, we will be talking in person. How cool is that? It makes me feel really good and happy... :) It feels amazing that this much time has passed in the Mission. It really does go by fast, but you do have to live it to believe it...
This week was super. We had a good hard-working week, and we were able to enjoy a Ward Party that we had on Saturday. The Elders Quorum held a special party for the mothers in the ward. We played volleyball and it was a lot of fun to play against the mothers. We were only missing you Mom... Dad, you would have loved to have played as well... :) I had a good day in Church yesterday as well. I will be finding out in a few minutes if I have a Change or not... I am super nervous... I love the members in my ward. They are so genuine and nice. And they love that we started a volleyball-playing tradition because no other Elders have ever done it before...
We had some cold weather at the beginning of last week, which was crazy. I was wearing a sweater in the mornings and even slept with my sweater on. That’s how cold it got, which was super crazy for being in the jungle. Then yesterday was the most beautiful Sunday we have had with clear blue skies and a hot bright sun. It reminded me of waking up at our house in the summertime and sitting down at the breakfast table eating french toast with good milk and watching the sun come up over the top of the Mickelsen’s home... Oh, what good times... It was a really pretty day... And it was super hot... Mom, if it's not too much trouble....could you please send me some more handerchiefs. I have lost the ones you sent me. I would really like you to send me another set. I loved carrying them around because they always reminded me of the loving Mother and family that I have every time that I used them... I would really appreciate it... I love you...
Mom, I love that you are taking school, but it makes me sad that we can’t chit-chat every Monday morning, but it will be for the best... We don’t have that much time left to go... Only 5 ½ Months... Wow, that’s nothing... I’ll keep busy here in the Mission, you keep busy in school, Chase and Dallis keep busy in school and SUMMER VACATION!!!, and Dad keep busy at work, and time will just fly by... I love you guys so much and I am so thankful for your support and your love and inspiration that you give me. Never forget about me and keep praying for me, my companion, and my investigators... I love you so much!!! Love you Forever!!! Love, Coco
I just found out my Change!!! I am staying right where I am... :) I will be staying another six weeks here in Pucallpa. And Elder Padilla, my companion, is staying as well... That means we are staying together for three changes... How cool is that? The members are going to love this news. We are just going to work hard and have another successful change together. Wish us luck so that we will get along and that everything will turn out well. I guess there is something that God wants me to learn still... I love you guys. Take care!!! Love, Coco
...the time left becomes even more precious"
May 10, 2010 - Hi Amazingly Cherished and Incredible Family,
Did I ever tell you that I loved you? I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!! What a phone call we had yesterday. It was so good to just hear your sweet voices and share some good laughs with you and at the end a little bit of tears, but that can only mean good things. I love what Mom said that this is the last time that we had to say goodbye for a while. The next time that we’ll be talking, will be in person when I am sitting right next to you… That feels so weird, but it also feels great!!! That means that time is passing. Look at how far we have come. We have come so far and there is not that much more to go. It will pass by before we know it. So we better take advantage of every day and use it to it’s best, keeping us occupied, and I know that time will pass like nothing. I slept great after the phone call. I went to bed crying, but fell asleep fast and was dead out until the morning came. It was a great night, but I think I’ll be needing a nap in the afternoon. :) We are going to play volleyball again today with our ward. I am super excited because it is so much fun… :)
Only a week-and-a-half left of this Change. It is going to fly by and then I will only have 4 Changes left. You really have to live the Mission to realize how fast it does go by. It honestly seemed like an Eternity at the beginning, but now, it seems so possible that the time left becomes even more precious. I know Heavenly Father still has a ton more in store for me… We’ll see what happens in these next few months…
As for packages: candy, a toothbrush cover, a sweet letter, the i-Pod, and whatever other little surprises you want to send me. But don’t send me too much because I really don’t need it. I’ve already lived without it for a while; and I know I can do without it until I get home… Wahoo… What a “trunky” family we have… :) But that is okay… It just lets us know how much we really do love each other…
Chase and Dallis, only one month left of school!!! WAHOOOOOOO!!! Just keep working hard and don’t procrastinate so that you can enjoy the rest of the school year… Keep learning Spanish so that you can speak it with the people down here and really try to get rid of the Gringo accent. Watch HSM 3 in Spanish, and listen to the accents and try to understand it. I have watched it in Spanish and I understand all of it. That just tells you how Spanish-educated I am… :) I understand it!!! Wahoo!!! I love Spanish!!! Dad, please get the yard done before I get home… :) Just kidding. If you need help, I will be there to help you without any problems… Just make sure the vacations get planned… We are going to vacation as a family a ton!!! Mom, I don’t know what else to say… I think the laughs and the tears and the good talk yesterday tell us how blessed we are… :) We are so blessed. Have fun in school and keep loving it. You are the best Mom!!! I love you family. Just keep going strong and pray for me and my investigators always. I love you so much.
Wish me luck in all that I do...
Love you Forever, Coco
Did I ever tell you that I loved you? I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!! What a phone call we had yesterday. It was so good to just hear your sweet voices and share some good laughs with you and at the end a little bit of tears, but that can only mean good things. I love what Mom said that this is the last time that we had to say goodbye for a while. The next time that we’ll be talking, will be in person when I am sitting right next to you… That feels so weird, but it also feels great!!! That means that time is passing. Look at how far we have come. We have come so far and there is not that much more to go. It will pass by before we know it. So we better take advantage of every day and use it to it’s best, keeping us occupied, and I know that time will pass like nothing. I slept great after the phone call. I went to bed crying, but fell asleep fast and was dead out until the morning came. It was a great night, but I think I’ll be needing a nap in the afternoon. :) We are going to play volleyball again today with our ward. I am super excited because it is so much fun… :)
Only a week-and-a-half left of this Change. It is going to fly by and then I will only have 4 Changes left. You really have to live the Mission to realize how fast it does go by. It honestly seemed like an Eternity at the beginning, but now, it seems so possible that the time left becomes even more precious. I know Heavenly Father still has a ton more in store for me… We’ll see what happens in these next few months…
As for packages: candy, a toothbrush cover, a sweet letter, the i-Pod, and whatever other little surprises you want to send me. But don’t send me too much because I really don’t need it. I’ve already lived without it for a while; and I know I can do without it until I get home… Wahoo… What a “trunky” family we have… :) But that is okay… It just lets us know how much we really do love each other…
Chase and Dallis, only one month left of school!!! WAHOOOOOOO!!! Just keep working hard and don’t procrastinate so that you can enjoy the rest of the school year… Keep learning Spanish so that you can speak it with the people down here and really try to get rid of the Gringo accent. Watch HSM 3 in Spanish, and listen to the accents and try to understand it. I have watched it in Spanish and I understand all of it. That just tells you how Spanish-educated I am… :) I understand it!!! Wahoo!!! I love Spanish!!! Dad, please get the yard done before I get home… :) Just kidding. If you need help, I will be there to help you without any problems… Just make sure the vacations get planned… We are going to vacation as a family a ton!!! Mom, I don’t know what else to say… I think the laughs and the tears and the good talk yesterday tell us how blessed we are… :) We are so blessed. Have fun in school and keep loving it. You are the best Mom!!! I love you family. Just keep going strong and pray for me and my investigators always. I love you so much.
Wish me luck in all that I do...
Love you Forever, Coco
"I just don't want to lose the Christmas Spirit."
May 3, 2010 - Hey Super Family,
I don’t have a ton to say, just that I am superdy duper excited for the phone call we are going to have on Sunday. I can’t believe that this is going to be my last phone call in the Mission. It is amazing how fast the time is passing. It seems like just yesterday, I was calling you guys on Christmas Day, just getting back from the greatest sleepover ever at President’s house. 2010 is just cruising by. And doesn’t it feel great... It feels more than great. We’ve already made it 18 Months!!! WAHOO!!! 6 Months from today, I will be arriving in the Salt Lake Airport about midday!!! We will go to lunch and just have the greatest time ever!!! Oh, I cannot wait...
Not much happened this week... We had interviews with President Pèrez. His wife came as well and it was so good to see her. :) I love Sister Pèrez. In my interview, President told me that they forgot to bring me banana muffins that Sister Pèrez always made for me and promised to bring them the next time. He told me that more that just being a Missionary to them, they consider me like a son and a good friend. I absolutely love them to death... We went to lunch after the interviews because my District won in the month of March. President and Sister Pèrez took us to El Braserito, a really fancy restaurant, and we had a fun conversation. Sister Pèrez said that when she went to check my house, that she turned on the Christmas lights that I have hanging around my bed and said that she loved it. I just don’t want to lose the Christmas Spirit. They took us back to their hotel afterward to buy ice cream, which was way fun. It was a great day, just like old times in the Offices... I got a little trunky that day... President wants me to just keep progressing and I hope that I do. I feel like I am, in my study and knowledge of the Scriptures.
We are working super hard, but not really having a ton of success. We aren’t having baptisms, and we are in the jungle. I don’t know. I feel like we are working alone. We don’t have the support we need from the members. We love them and they love us, but when it comes to working, no work is being done. I could really use your prayers to help me just keep going strong. I am not sad at all. I am super happy, but I would really like to start seeing success in my area. Please pray for me to always have the Spirit with me and that it may touch the poeple’s hearts so that they will have more desires to get baptized. I need your prayers in my behalf and in behalf of my investigators. Thanks for supporting me in all that I do. :)
I have a huge and super suprise for you guys... Our whole Zone is going to Lima today!!! We are going to fly as a Zone to Lima because Elder Gavarrett from the Seventy is coming and so we get to go see him. We are all going to fly into Lima in the nighttime and then we will come back to Pucallpa tomorrow night. Isn’t that super fun? I am so excited just to travel. I can’t wait. We 14 Missionaries are all going to travel in rhe plane together. How much fun is that going to be? It is going to be too much fun... Just pray that we will be protected in our flight... :) I am so excited!!!
I am loving the Mission. Time is passing like crazy. We are already in May... A year ago, Yolanda, my precious adopted grandma, got baptized. I haven’t heard from her since then so I am really anxious to get to Iquitos and see her along with Mishel and Anthony... I miss them, almost as much as I miss you... :)
We are still dying of hot sun and strong rainstorms down here. The rain is amazing down here. We love just getting super soaking wet... You will have to try it out when we come down to Peru. You are going to love the people, but keep preparing and improving your Spanglish so that you can speak a little down here. You will be overwhelmed and overjoyed with the love the people have down here. I can’t wait for you to meet them. Everyone is expecting me to come back in December so we better start planning now. Go get your Passports and shots and everything else taken care of. It is going to be too much fun... :) I love you so much family and cannot wait for the phone call this Sunday!!! Happy Mother’s Day Mom!!! Your oldest son’s last phone call in the Mission... :) (Oh, could you please tell Whitley “Happy Birthday” from me? She turns 19 on the 6th of May... Thanks)... I love you family. We’ll be hearing each other in a week!!! I CAN’T WAIT!!! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!
Coco
I don’t have a ton to say, just that I am superdy duper excited for the phone call we are going to have on Sunday. I can’t believe that this is going to be my last phone call in the Mission. It is amazing how fast the time is passing. It seems like just yesterday, I was calling you guys on Christmas Day, just getting back from the greatest sleepover ever at President’s house. 2010 is just cruising by. And doesn’t it feel great... It feels more than great. We’ve already made it 18 Months!!! WAHOO!!! 6 Months from today, I will be arriving in the Salt Lake Airport about midday!!! We will go to lunch and just have the greatest time ever!!! Oh, I cannot wait...
Not much happened this week... We had interviews with President Pèrez. His wife came as well and it was so good to see her. :) I love Sister Pèrez. In my interview, President told me that they forgot to bring me banana muffins that Sister Pèrez always made for me and promised to bring them the next time. He told me that more that just being a Missionary to them, they consider me like a son and a good friend. I absolutely love them to death... We went to lunch after the interviews because my District won in the month of March. President and Sister Pèrez took us to El Braserito, a really fancy restaurant, and we had a fun conversation. Sister Pèrez said that when she went to check my house, that she turned on the Christmas lights that I have hanging around my bed and said that she loved it. I just don’t want to lose the Christmas Spirit. They took us back to their hotel afterward to buy ice cream, which was way fun. It was a great day, just like old times in the Offices... I got a little trunky that day... President wants me to just keep progressing and I hope that I do. I feel like I am, in my study and knowledge of the Scriptures.
We are working super hard, but not really having a ton of success. We aren’t having baptisms, and we are in the jungle. I don’t know. I feel like we are working alone. We don’t have the support we need from the members. We love them and they love us, but when it comes to working, no work is being done. I could really use your prayers to help me just keep going strong. I am not sad at all. I am super happy, but I would really like to start seeing success in my area. Please pray for me to always have the Spirit with me and that it may touch the poeple’s hearts so that they will have more desires to get baptized. I need your prayers in my behalf and in behalf of my investigators. Thanks for supporting me in all that I do. :)
I have a huge and super suprise for you guys... Our whole Zone is going to Lima today!!! We are going to fly as a Zone to Lima because Elder Gavarrett from the Seventy is coming and so we get to go see him. We are all going to fly into Lima in the nighttime and then we will come back to Pucallpa tomorrow night. Isn’t that super fun? I am so excited just to travel. I can’t wait. We 14 Missionaries are all going to travel in rhe plane together. How much fun is that going to be? It is going to be too much fun... Just pray that we will be protected in our flight... :) I am so excited!!!
I am loving the Mission. Time is passing like crazy. We are already in May... A year ago, Yolanda, my precious adopted grandma, got baptized. I haven’t heard from her since then so I am really anxious to get to Iquitos and see her along with Mishel and Anthony... I miss them, almost as much as I miss you... :)
We are still dying of hot sun and strong rainstorms down here. The rain is amazing down here. We love just getting super soaking wet... You will have to try it out when we come down to Peru. You are going to love the people, but keep preparing and improving your Spanglish so that you can speak a little down here. You will be overwhelmed and overjoyed with the love the people have down here. I can’t wait for you to meet them. Everyone is expecting me to come back in December so we better start planning now. Go get your Passports and shots and everything else taken care of. It is going to be too much fun... :) I love you so much family and cannot wait for the phone call this Sunday!!! Happy Mother’s Day Mom!!! Your oldest son’s last phone call in the Mission... :) (Oh, could you please tell Whitley “Happy Birthday” from me? She turns 19 on the 6th of May... Thanks)... I love you family. We’ll be hearing each other in a week!!! I CAN’T WAIT!!! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!
Coco
Monday, April 26, 2010
"I love praying."
April 26, 2010 - Halo mi Familia Linda y TRUNKASA!!!
We’re coming in on SIX MONTHS!!! WAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am always super duper excited!!! I have been counting down to Landon’s Wedding for my six month mark… I cannot believe that he is already getting married either. It’s crazy, but how good for him. He is going to be so blessed to get married and sealed in the Temple. Tell him “Hi” for me when you see him, and that Pucallpa is the best!!! He will laugh, I just know it…
I don’t have anything big to write that happened this week. We are working hard trying to find new people to teach and helping them get to Church every week. Please keep praying for my investigators so that they can receive answers to their prayers and so that nothing will keep them from going to Church on Sunday. Your prayers are the biggest help that I can have.
Interviews should be this week. President couldn’t come last week because of a conference he had so they are planning on coming this week. I really hope that Sister Pèrez comes as well, just so that I can see her. They only have one more change and then they are going home… I am really going to miss them. Oh my gosh, we had so much fun playing volleyball on Monday last week. The Ward members down here really know how to play, which makes it really fun. Last week, every seven points we switched teams and the team that lost every game got soaked with water balloons. It was a lot of fun. We might go and play volleyball again today with them. I love it. My companion is not a super sports guy. I don’t think he played sports a lot in Guatemala. It is funny to watch him play; he is just not that hand-eye-coordinated… It is a fun show… :)
Mom, Praying to our Heavenly Father is an easy topic. Have fun with it and be creative. I know that you now have an even stronger testimony of prayer having your special boy in the Mission. I have totally gained a strong testimony of prayer. I have taught some people how to pray because they had never prayed before. Some couldn’t do it because they believed that they were talking to air and not to a personage. What faith we have as members of the Church that there is a God that exists and listens to our prayers. Others don’t know what to thank God for and others what to ask Him for. Our prayers are perfect. Our prayers are sincere and we just express to our Heavenly Father everything that we need and want to say. I love praying. I feel closer to you guys when I pray, and I love asking God to bless you guys. He has helped us make it this far and will help us Endure to the End… I love you Mom!!!
I love you so much family. Have fun in school! Good luck in everything. Chase should be graduating from SLCC this week. How fun! Good luck Bud!!! Have fun at Landon’s wedding… I LOVE YOU!!! Never forget about me and take care. I love you so much. I pray always that God will protect you and watch over you and I know He is… I’ll talk to you next week…
Love you Forever, Coco
P.S. Two weeks until the phone call!!! WAHOO!!!
We’re coming in on SIX MONTHS!!! WAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am always super duper excited!!! I have been counting down to Landon’s Wedding for my six month mark… I cannot believe that he is already getting married either. It’s crazy, but how good for him. He is going to be so blessed to get married and sealed in the Temple. Tell him “Hi” for me when you see him, and that Pucallpa is the best!!! He will laugh, I just know it…
I don’t have anything big to write that happened this week. We are working hard trying to find new people to teach and helping them get to Church every week. Please keep praying for my investigators so that they can receive answers to their prayers and so that nothing will keep them from going to Church on Sunday. Your prayers are the biggest help that I can have.
Interviews should be this week. President couldn’t come last week because of a conference he had so they are planning on coming this week. I really hope that Sister Pèrez comes as well, just so that I can see her. They only have one more change and then they are going home… I am really going to miss them. Oh my gosh, we had so much fun playing volleyball on Monday last week. The Ward members down here really know how to play, which makes it really fun. Last week, every seven points we switched teams and the team that lost every game got soaked with water balloons. It was a lot of fun. We might go and play volleyball again today with them. I love it. My companion is not a super sports guy. I don’t think he played sports a lot in Guatemala. It is funny to watch him play; he is just not that hand-eye-coordinated… It is a fun show… :)
Mom, Praying to our Heavenly Father is an easy topic. Have fun with it and be creative. I know that you now have an even stronger testimony of prayer having your special boy in the Mission. I have totally gained a strong testimony of prayer. I have taught some people how to pray because they had never prayed before. Some couldn’t do it because they believed that they were talking to air and not to a personage. What faith we have as members of the Church that there is a God that exists and listens to our prayers. Others don’t know what to thank God for and others what to ask Him for. Our prayers are perfect. Our prayers are sincere and we just express to our Heavenly Father everything that we need and want to say. I love praying. I feel closer to you guys when I pray, and I love asking God to bless you guys. He has helped us make it this far and will help us Endure to the End… I love you Mom!!!
I love you so much family. Have fun in school! Good luck in everything. Chase should be graduating from SLCC this week. How fun! Good luck Bud!!! Have fun at Landon’s wedding… I LOVE YOU!!! Never forget about me and take care. I love you so much. I pray always that God will protect you and watch over you and I know He is… I’ll talk to you next week…
Love you Forever, Coco
P.S. Two weeks until the phone call!!! WAHOO!!!
Monday, April 19, 2010
I can't wait to share it with you everyday....
April 19, 2010 - Hey Awesome Family,
Everything is going super great!!! It seems like the time is just passing too fast. You guys have so much going on in your lives. It really does make the time go by. I am so glad that you are all enjoying the new home and that you can now live comfortably with everything being new. How cool is that???!!! I still cannot wait to set foot in the new home, but it will come soon enough… Mom, don’t you dare go and set up Christmas before I get home…just kidding. I want to help set up Christmas. If you guys want to put up the Christmas lights on the house, and the trees outsider (that is if there will be trees in the yard), go ahead, but I want to help decorate the inside with all the Christmas decorations that we have. I want to decorate the Christmas Tree with you guys. I now have a lot of practice because I put up the Christmas Tree in the Offices when I was there… :) There are so many things that we have to do when I get home. We will be so busy inbetween catching up on two years of life, planning vacations, setting up Christmas, and everything else that happens during the Holiday Season. It is so close already. (Dad and Mom, get a head start on buying the gifts already…Hint…Hint…) Just kidding. I love you so much…
My companion and I are doing great. We are working hard to find new people to teach and help them attend Church and prepare to be baptized. Sunday is not a day of rest as a Missionary. In the morning before Church, we run around trying to find all of our investigators and getting them to go to Church. It is a big hassle, but we have to do it so that they can progress. I really need your prayers, especially on Sunday mornings. If an investigator doesn’t attend Church, then they can’t progress towards their baptism. So basically all of the work we do during the week leads up to Sunday. And if the investigators don’t attend, then we have to wait a whole other week for them to start progressing. Please pray not only for me, but also for the people that I am teaching, that they may receive answers to their prayers and that they won’t have any obstacles in attending Church on Sundays. Thank you in advance.
There are great Missionaries in my Zone here in Pucallpa. I have tons of friends here and we all get along really well. We laugh so hard. Honestly, we laugh so hard sometimes… I can’t help but laugh. I love to laugh and share my humor with other people. I always tell people that I inherited my Mom’s laugh, and that I can’t wait to laugh with you again. I am known for my laugh… :) I can’t wait to share it with you everyday…
Dallis and Dad, I’m sorry that baseball isn’t going super hot, but don’t worry. It’s all for the fun of it, for the family bonding, and just enjoying the fact that you have the ability to play. Love it and just keep going strong and you’ll see the change in the outcome of the games…
Chase, how much fun are you having. I know you are just soaring through your Senior Year… I loved Senior Year and hope that your’s is just as fun as mine was. I wish I could go back, but time is not ours to stop or to speed up. Have so much fun with MDT and Lucky Stiff. I’m sure you already told me, but what part are you? (Don’t forget to film it so I can see it…) Keep working hard until Graduation. Are you already in 4th Quarter? Wow, how time passes. I will keep praying for you to make Young Ambassadors. You are too good to be true Chase. I love you Bud and hope that you finish your Senior Year great!!!
Dallis…Daaaalllliiiissss…Dallis…are you there? Just kidding Bud. I just wanted to write and tell you that I love you and I understand the sometimos you get busy. Just keep going Strong to finish Junior High and don’t get in any accidents while driving. I’m sure you are just as perfect of a driver as I am… :)
Mom and Dad, just take care and have fun and enjoy life. I love you so much. You are my inspiration and I can never thank Heavenly Father enough for giving you to me… Life is beautiful, just like our family… I can’t wait to talk with you… Take care until next week, and keep praying for me… :) I love you forever.
Love, Coco, Troy, Bryan, Colyn, Elder Quinn, Tarzan, and Jungle Boy…
I LOVE YOU!!!
Everything is going super great!!! It seems like the time is just passing too fast. You guys have so much going on in your lives. It really does make the time go by. I am so glad that you are all enjoying the new home and that you can now live comfortably with everything being new. How cool is that???!!! I still cannot wait to set foot in the new home, but it will come soon enough… Mom, don’t you dare go and set up Christmas before I get home…just kidding. I want to help set up Christmas. If you guys want to put up the Christmas lights on the house, and the trees outsider (that is if there will be trees in the yard), go ahead, but I want to help decorate the inside with all the Christmas decorations that we have. I want to decorate the Christmas Tree with you guys. I now have a lot of practice because I put up the Christmas Tree in the Offices when I was there… :) There are so many things that we have to do when I get home. We will be so busy inbetween catching up on two years of life, planning vacations, setting up Christmas, and everything else that happens during the Holiday Season. It is so close already. (Dad and Mom, get a head start on buying the gifts already…Hint…Hint…) Just kidding. I love you so much…
My companion and I are doing great. We are working hard to find new people to teach and help them attend Church and prepare to be baptized. Sunday is not a day of rest as a Missionary. In the morning before Church, we run around trying to find all of our investigators and getting them to go to Church. It is a big hassle, but we have to do it so that they can progress. I really need your prayers, especially on Sunday mornings. If an investigator doesn’t attend Church, then they can’t progress towards their baptism. So basically all of the work we do during the week leads up to Sunday. And if the investigators don’t attend, then we have to wait a whole other week for them to start progressing. Please pray not only for me, but also for the people that I am teaching, that they may receive answers to their prayers and that they won’t have any obstacles in attending Church on Sundays. Thank you in advance.
There are great Missionaries in my Zone here in Pucallpa. I have tons of friends here and we all get along really well. We laugh so hard. Honestly, we laugh so hard sometimes… I can’t help but laugh. I love to laugh and share my humor with other people. I always tell people that I inherited my Mom’s laugh, and that I can’t wait to laugh with you again. I am known for my laugh… :) I can’t wait to share it with you everyday…
Dallis and Dad, I’m sorry that baseball isn’t going super hot, but don’t worry. It’s all for the fun of it, for the family bonding, and just enjoying the fact that you have the ability to play. Love it and just keep going strong and you’ll see the change in the outcome of the games…
Chase, how much fun are you having. I know you are just soaring through your Senior Year… I loved Senior Year and hope that your’s is just as fun as mine was. I wish I could go back, but time is not ours to stop or to speed up. Have so much fun with MDT and Lucky Stiff. I’m sure you already told me, but what part are you? (Don’t forget to film it so I can see it…) Keep working hard until Graduation. Are you already in 4th Quarter? Wow, how time passes. I will keep praying for you to make Young Ambassadors. You are too good to be true Chase. I love you Bud and hope that you finish your Senior Year great!!!
Dallis…Daaaalllliiiissss…Dallis…are you there? Just kidding Bud. I just wanted to write and tell you that I love you and I understand the sometimos you get busy. Just keep going Strong to finish Junior High and don’t get in any accidents while driving. I’m sure you are just as perfect of a driver as I am… :)
Mom and Dad, just take care and have fun and enjoy life. I love you so much. You are my inspiration and I can never thank Heavenly Father enough for giving you to me… Life is beautiful, just like our family… I can’t wait to talk with you… Take care until next week, and keep praying for me… :) I love you forever.
Love, Coco, Troy, Bryan, Colyn, Elder Quinn, Tarzan, and Jungle Boy…
I LOVE YOU!!!
Ugh.....I do not like intestines.
Hey Family!!!
YOU MOVED!!!!!!!!!!!! WAHOO!!!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh. I am so excited for you guys. I knew it was going to happen this week. I am so happy that you can all start settling down and enjoy the new home. What a blessing it is to have a new home. But I really am sthuper-duper exthited to go home to a new house. It will be so much fun to bring friends over and just hang out in a comfy and new home. I can’t wait. I’ll be inviting Elder Steed over, Elder Santiago, Elder Evans, and all of my other fun friends that I have met in the Mission. You are going to fall in love with my friends. Honestly, the Mission is awesome. I have so many good friends here and we all get along so well. I love just being around other Missionaries. There is just something about seeing other Missionaries and knowing that they are doing the exact same work, that makes the Work much easier. I like knowing that I am not the only one doing it. There are more that 50,000 of us leaving each and every day to preach the true Gospel to God’s children. How awesome is that? I love it...
So, Hermana Luna went home on Tuesday night... Can you believe it? My best friend girl in the Mission just went home. She finished her Mission this week. She called me on Tuesday night from the Offices just before going to the airport to catch her flight. She was in tears as she was saying goodbye and I was on the verge of crying, but I held myself together. I couldn’t believe that the time had already come for her to go home. It seems like yesterday that we arrived at the Peru MTC together and formed our awesome relationship. Oh my gosh. How fast the time passes by. She was crying because she was so sad that she was leaving the Mission behind and also because of the happiness of being able to go home. I told her to not forget about me and to start practicing her Canasta skills becuase we are still going to have a Canasta Tournament in November when I get home. She told me to just keep going strong and to Endure to the End. And that’s what I plan on doing. It was a really sweet phone call and I was really appreciative that she called me to say goodbye for a period of time... :) Like I told you, I have made some awesome friends here in the Mission and it is really hard to see them go...
Change Day was the 7th and I had the day completely free. We went shopping, took a nap, and just had a really relaxing day. Do you guys realize the amount of time that I have left? The time that I have left is already less than the amount of time that I was in the Offices. Can you believe it? It is going to fly by like nothing...
Interesting and fun experiences this week: I ate mondongo again, which is the intestines of different animals. This time, I ate the intestines of lamb... Ugh... I do not like intestines. I do not like intestines. I repeat: I do not like intestines. But I ate them. It is possible to eat them and I do survive it, but I sure as heck do not like them... :) I had a fun time playing volleyball with the Ward this week. My team of 6 won. That’s right. My team won... We kicked butt. The Bishop’s sweet wife was on my team along with some of the Young Men and Women. I love to play volleyball especially when everyone else knows how to play and plays well. It was actually a competition. I plan on playing again sometime soon. :) Friday night, no one else was in our house except for me and my companion so I started singing for a while. I think I sang my heart out. I sang every High School Musical song I could think of and just sang to my heart’s delight. It was nice to be able to sing full out. It always makes singing that much more fun. Singing is what keeps me motivated to just keep going strong and not forget who I am. :) (Hey, please don’t forget to send me the lyrics the the HSM songs in Spanish. I really want to be able to sing to the Peruvian people and have them understand me.) :) I love you... :)
We worked really hard this week, but ended up having a really pathetic Sunday. We found tons of new people to teach and had some success in finding really nice people. Remember that a person has to attend Church two times to be baptized. So yesterday, all of the new people needed to attend to be able to be baptized in April, but no one showed up. We went and knocked on every door inviting every one of them to Church, but no one was home. So Sunday was kind of pathetic because none of our investigators attended Church. Please pray for my investigators this week that they will be able to attend Church so that they can progress towards their baptism. I really could use your help in prayers. Thanks family.
Keep going strong and enjoy the new home. (Oh boy, how much fun you must be having...) I’ll be there some day. Just don’t forget that you have a Stud Troy Bolton All-Star Missionary serving in Peru that misses and loves his family so much...I love you guys. Take care until next week...
Love, Coco
YOU MOVED!!!!!!!!!!!! WAHOO!!!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh. I am so excited for you guys. I knew it was going to happen this week. I am so happy that you can all start settling down and enjoy the new home. What a blessing it is to have a new home. But I really am sthuper-duper exthited to go home to a new house. It will be so much fun to bring friends over and just hang out in a comfy and new home. I can’t wait. I’ll be inviting Elder Steed over, Elder Santiago, Elder Evans, and all of my other fun friends that I have met in the Mission. You are going to fall in love with my friends. Honestly, the Mission is awesome. I have so many good friends here and we all get along so well. I love just being around other Missionaries. There is just something about seeing other Missionaries and knowing that they are doing the exact same work, that makes the Work much easier. I like knowing that I am not the only one doing it. There are more that 50,000 of us leaving each and every day to preach the true Gospel to God’s children. How awesome is that? I love it...
So, Hermana Luna went home on Tuesday night... Can you believe it? My best friend girl in the Mission just went home. She finished her Mission this week. She called me on Tuesday night from the Offices just before going to the airport to catch her flight. She was in tears as she was saying goodbye and I was on the verge of crying, but I held myself together. I couldn’t believe that the time had already come for her to go home. It seems like yesterday that we arrived at the Peru MTC together and formed our awesome relationship. Oh my gosh. How fast the time passes by. She was crying because she was so sad that she was leaving the Mission behind and also because of the happiness of being able to go home. I told her to not forget about me and to start practicing her Canasta skills becuase we are still going to have a Canasta Tournament in November when I get home. She told me to just keep going strong and to Endure to the End. And that’s what I plan on doing. It was a really sweet phone call and I was really appreciative that she called me to say goodbye for a period of time... :) Like I told you, I have made some awesome friends here in the Mission and it is really hard to see them go...
Change Day was the 7th and I had the day completely free. We went shopping, took a nap, and just had a really relaxing day. Do you guys realize the amount of time that I have left? The time that I have left is already less than the amount of time that I was in the Offices. Can you believe it? It is going to fly by like nothing...
Interesting and fun experiences this week: I ate mondongo again, which is the intestines of different animals. This time, I ate the intestines of lamb... Ugh... I do not like intestines. I do not like intestines. I repeat: I do not like intestines. But I ate them. It is possible to eat them and I do survive it, but I sure as heck do not like them... :) I had a fun time playing volleyball with the Ward this week. My team of 6 won. That’s right. My team won... We kicked butt. The Bishop’s sweet wife was on my team along with some of the Young Men and Women. I love to play volleyball especially when everyone else knows how to play and plays well. It was actually a competition. I plan on playing again sometime soon. :) Friday night, no one else was in our house except for me and my companion so I started singing for a while. I think I sang my heart out. I sang every High School Musical song I could think of and just sang to my heart’s delight. It was nice to be able to sing full out. It always makes singing that much more fun. Singing is what keeps me motivated to just keep going strong and not forget who I am. :) (Hey, please don’t forget to send me the lyrics the the HSM songs in Spanish. I really want to be able to sing to the Peruvian people and have them understand me.) :) I love you... :)
We worked really hard this week, but ended up having a really pathetic Sunday. We found tons of new people to teach and had some success in finding really nice people. Remember that a person has to attend Church two times to be baptized. So yesterday, all of the new people needed to attend to be able to be baptized in April, but no one showed up. We went and knocked on every door inviting every one of them to Church, but no one was home. So Sunday was kind of pathetic because none of our investigators attended Church. Please pray for my investigators this week that they will be able to attend Church so that they can progress towards their baptism. I really could use your help in prayers. Thanks family.
Keep going strong and enjoy the new home. (Oh boy, how much fun you must be having...) I’ll be there some day. Just don’t forget that you have a Stud Troy Bolton All-Star Missionary serving in Peru that misses and loves his family so much...I love you guys. Take care until next week...
Love, Coco
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