My second week..ish..in the field is behind me, and I still haven’t been robbed...

    Here's the latest email from David aka Elder Royal from Piura Peru.  He is doing well, was involved with his first baptism this past week, and is very upbeat.  I was surprised that there was very little discussion about his struggle with the language, which indicates it is probably coming along pretty well (that's our take, anyway).  Mail appears to be arriving slow.  Perhaps it is taking a while to catch up with him.  I still send David letters via www.dearelder.com (go to "write a letter", then to Piura Peru, then just write in David's name, type or cut/paste - whatever, hit send, and hope it eventually gets to David).  David's physical address for letters is as follows: 

 

Peru Piura Mission

POB 30150

Salt Lake City, UT  84130-0150

 

or for packages and air mail stamps:

Los Naranjos Mz H, Lp 4

Urb. Los Geranios

Piura PERU

    Also, David says he can receive emails, too, at royal_d@myldsmail.net.  I send him short emails on occasion (you know, BYU scores), but have learned that he has little time on the computer, so I try to keep them brief, save all my rambling for the letters, but David loves hearing from family/friends. 

 

    Have a great week.

 

    Mike

_________

September 29, 2008

 

Family!!

 

            Alright, so my second week..ish..in the field is behind me, and I still haven't been robbed...threatened...shot at or stabbed.  So, we're in good shape.  I can't remember everyone I talked about last week...but...we had our first baptism here in San Pedro Saturday night!  It was way cool.  And of course...because I'm being trained I have to do (or rather I get to do) all of the baptisms...so...yep.  I was the one doing it.  We baptized the girl Silvana...whose whole, entire name is crazy long... I can't even begin to remember it and I practiced by literally reciting it 50 times in the font before we did the actual baptism.  But, I said the prayer right...did the dunk... a perfect 10 ;) ...and it was pretty much awesome.  And I was way nervous too, so I was really happy that I got through it without messing up.  There was a very strong spirit at the baptism, I can tell you that.  Really cool experience.  I am very excited to have many more of those.

 

We are teaching a very cool family.  The Mendoza family.  Every time we go it's quite the adventure.  The father is a less active member so we are teaching all of them and their...6 (or so) kids.  There are lots of little guys running around...and for some reason...Sister Mendoza decides...oh the elders are here - come here baby girl time for breast feeding.  Wow, talk about uncomfortable.  So, during every lesson so far, I have had to teach gospel principles by looking away, at the ceiling, stuff like that.  Anyway, they are cool and I believe they will get baptized soon.

 

            I love it out here.  Doing great!  Did you guys get all my letters?  I sent a bunch a few weeks ago.  Hopefully, you did.  I haven't received any of your mail for the past month, but we are going to the mission office today and I hope to get something there.  Mom, I was going to have you send me more ties, have you get into my stash of cool ties, but I think I'll wait on that – because I can't remember where I put them.  By the way, you can give my email address out (which would be nice, since I don't get many physical letters here).  I can receive emails, but I cannot respond directly – only to immediate family.  (Mom, I know you are worried this will cut down on my writing home time, but I promise to be good about all that.)  Jordan, great to hear you made the grade in geometry.  Keep working hard there.  Mom, see if you can get me contact information for TJ.  Just want to send him a letter since he's leaving on his mission soon.

            Anyway, I am sorry to say that I have only two minutes left!  Ah!  Yeah, I spent a lot of time reading through emails – all good (great actually).  But really, life is going great, awesome!  My comp is sweet.  Life is great!  Mail has been incredibly slow, but I am not discouraged.  Well, sorry I have to go so soon.  Lost track of time, but I'm loving it here!  I love you all.  Keep working hard with all your stuff – school and all that...and...love ya.  Yep.  And I look forward to hopefully getting some letters tonight (crossing fingers).  It's all good.  Thanks fam.  You're the best.  Tell my friends to write me.  The gospel of Jesus Christ is true!  Bye. ;)

 

            Elder Son Royal