Well, I'm getting an early start on the emailing this week. Glad it's finally P day again. Last week was kinda long because we had a lot of weird things going on in the zone, guys going to Lima with visa problems and stuff, so we had a lot of splits, and trios and what not (got kid of annoying actually). My zone is a bit weird (as you may have figured out after the baptism of the 15 year old I described last week). My zone leaders drive me insane sometimes, and we are constantly with them because they are all close buddies with my companion. Let me give you an example of why they drive me nuts. Saturday night they called us and said we had an "emergency transfer" to take effect the next morning, that I was leaving to Tumbes - city up north - and that Elder Calderon would be going South to Chiclayo. Then, about 20 minutes later they called back laughing, telling us it was a joke. (Pretty lame.) I was not amused, since it was very disappointing to think that I would be leaving my area before Christmas. I really love it here - the people, the ward. It would be sad to leave. Transfers are next Thursday and I am really hoping to stay in San Pedro longer. Anyway, what happens, happens.
Okay, enough of that. We had a pretty good week for the most part. We did not have a baptism this week for the first time since I have been in the field. (Okay, that brings up one more thing that bugs me about 80 percent of the missionaries here - they are way too focused on numbers and have the belief that higher numbers equal increased righteousness. I am not really interested in baptizing hordes of people who will never come back to church. And yes, that happens a lot. Fortunately, I use Alma 8:15 as my personal measure.) We did have a few investigators come to church yesterday who look like they might be getting baptized in the next week or two, which is very cool.
Let's see, we did a lot of door knocking to find new people this week. Knocking doors can be pretty fun at time. Sometimes I create really awkward situations, or my comp will make it awkward and want me to say something. (Yeah, I really don't need other people to make awkward situations for me, though, pretty much my specialty.) Anyway it's fun. It's what makes for good stories. And knocking on doors reminds me of my days selling for APX - good and bad memories there too, but all funny. I'm thinking about implementing the APX skills into my work here, because getting inside the house is always important. Something like..."so do you guys have a bible in here? you do? k perfect, lets take a quick look at that...and walk in." It's bullet proof. (That will probably only be funny to APX people.) Knocking doors on the weekend is fun, because it's nearly impossible to talk to people. Everyone and their mom is blasting music and getting drunk. And I don't mean that as an expression like "a lot of people are getting drunk" - seriously, everyone and their mom. It's crazy. And people walk around dressed up worshipping the saint people and stuff like that. Very interesting to see.
Oh and you guys had Thanksgiving this past week.... Yeah, not gonna lie, that was slightly sad. I like Thanksgiving a lot (those days with the huge Kelly family gatherings playing all kinds of games in the gym, hanging out with my cousins, watching all the ladies stress about whipping up a fantastic meal). So I hope you all had lots of fun, and that Cody ate my share of turkey and what not. Speaking of Cody, has he received his mission call yet? Man, it seems like forever ago that he put his papers in.... Oh, and he has a girlfriend? Really? Hmmm. Well, he's always been the lady's man. If I got the kinda attention from girls in the states as I do from the girls here...I'd be like the cool guys in America: guys like Brad and Cody... Unfortunately, it's not that way...so I have to live with little Peruvian girls whistling at me...not so much what I'm looking for... ;) Has Brad said anything about getting the big letter I sent for him and other Provo people? I received a letter from Al Cruz today, too, which was awesome! Please send him my regards. So cool.
Well, overall things are still going good. Elder Calderon is cool, too, and we are getting along, and having fun together. Yes, my zone is weird, but the Church is still true. So it's all good. My Spanish is definitely coming along, which makes me feel good. And...I am really learning to appreciate America, too. Good place we live in up there. I always remember hearing to not take America for granted (is that how you say that?)...but even though I tried to appreciate our country, I think I really did not realize the greatness of it all. I guess it takes a change of circumstances like this to really help bring that realization home. So yeah, America is very cool. Hopefully, it still will be there when I get home (and not sink into the depths of hades). ;) Okay, missions are way cool. Wow, I have to say that I'm looking forward to reading my many Dear Elder letters later today. Everyone is sooooo jealous of me. It's great. Love you tons Daddy (the biggest Dear Elder client in the history of www.dearelder.com), and I have a ton of respect for you and Mom. You guys are awesome. Hope everyone is happy and doing great. Until next week!
Elder "I'd love some of the Provo snow right now" Royal
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