Okay, I have a slight headache right now, from a slightly stressful morning. So last week I probably should've sent home the Christmas stuff I have for you, but didn't. So I am trying to get that done today - pictures, tape, and some letters. The problem this morning was trying to get the pictures on a DVD for you...not working out...few technical problems. So hopefully I'll get that done before the end of the day and get it sent out...seeing as you probably wont get it by Christmas...but it will get there eventually.
Uh... Mom. I got all your boxes, but I wasn't sure if they were meant for Christmas day, so I opened all of them and I thought it was a pretty cruel joke that there were directions for a razor but no razor, until I opened the cookie box a week later and found it hidden in there. Funny. And the new temple announced is in Trujillo, which is the closest mission south...probably a few hours on a bus away from Piura at least. And don't stress about the Christmas call. I'll be calling from my pensionsitta's phone, so it should be easy. So don't worry Mom (although I guess I kinda like it when you worry about me).
I'm pretty excited this morning about finding a song that I sang with Cody, Karalyn Hastings and Brook "Skittles" Taylor on the Church history trip. It's called: "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need." I love it! It's wonderful. Beautiful music is an awesome thing. My pensionsitta is downloading it to my mission music Ipod. Awesome!
My 3rd transfer officially started, which means I am no longer a "greenie" and being trained. So, hooray for me. Spanish is still...fun. To think that I'll be fluent in it someday is a happy thought, but until then I'll continue to try and figure out how this language works and what not. Kinda funny though. Now I understand why native Spanish speakers speak English the way they do, because they directly translate their Spanish into English, like English speakers do with Spanish. Doesn't work out too well either way, sounds weird. Nonetheless, it's funny.
We still struggle a bit to get people to come to church, which means we haven't baptized in a while. But my focus is on giving my very best effort at all times. I cannot control how other people act or make decision, but I can control my own faithful diligence and have faith in blessings associated with that. There is a great amount of joy and satisfaction in this work. I say that because, well, at times I have to really push my companion and it gets frustrating for me on occasion, but once he kicks into gear we can actually get a lot done. I had another interesting dream this past week. I don't remember what it was about, but I remember that I had been stressing about the lack of accomplishment, feeling that we were not doing enough. Then a voice in the dream said: "Many of us worry about what to do or how to do it, instead of actually doing it." I don't know if that's a real quote or not, but I woke up right away and thought it sounded kinda cool (General Authority material even!), so I realized that as long as I am personally moving forward, doing things towards improving, working harder, then I can still feel satisfied in the work...even if that means just studying the scriptures and Spanish while my companion takes the morning off. But, it's all good.
So, I received another tape from you guys. That was cool to listen to. I really enjoyed Brad attempting to pray in Spanish, if you remember...you really just did English with a Hispanic type accent. It got me laughing pretty good, though. Let's see Brad Welch was on there too...and . . . not dating. tsk tsk. (haha). But that was cool. And Dad talked a lot...and it was funny because after the BYU/Utah game...not gonna lie... Dad sounded really, really sad. (haha.) But life goes on.
Heard about Trevik's mission call to Lubbock, Texas - Spanish speaking. Cool man! We can speak Spanish together when we get back. Hooray! Speaking of missions...where is Cody going? Man ... been waiting on that one forever...and did he ever get my birthday card? I sent a big thing of letters to Brad and Whitney with a bunch of stuff for people up there....still waiting to see if they got it. Oh, if you guys can...give my love and send a how's it going to my buddies in the missions...if you have found them...Elders Brown, Higley, Hoyjberg, TJ Gibson, and of course, Jack and Aaron. That would be sweet.
Dad, I love hearing about the mission preparation class. Please help all of these young men!!! I can't stress enough of how important I know a mission to be now, and no young man should deprive himself of the blessings - especially my friends. Dad, I love you very much and I loved Elder Yupanqui very much too. He was technically my "father" in missionary lingo (my trainer), and I respected him as such. I am a young missionary, but I don't know that I will ever met another missionary that I love and respect more than Elder Yupanqui. He recently went home this week, and returns back to his home life. I meant to bring his email to give you to contact him, and he speaks fluent English and may even be going to Provo sometime next year...and you could maybe meet him. But, I have to admit, going from Elder Yupanqui to my present companion was quite a change - and challenge. Sometimes life gets difficult and I come near to a breakdown and really need comfort from someone. Always, besides having Jesus Christ himself sit and talk with me, that person is you, Dad. I have a huge amount of respect for you, for your knowledge, and wisdom. Nowadays I miss the times when you would walk into my room, sit on my bed, have me put the guitar down and visit with me. I didn't always like that, sure, but I'd do anything for it now. I love you Pops, and love getting your huge amount of letters each week, which is always a huge spiritual boost to start the week. Thanks for that.
Well everyone... I don't know what it's like to read my letters... I have a feeling that it's kinda weird because I just throw out all my random thoughts...and don't really talk about the mission too much, or the area and all that stuff...but...the people of Peru are awesome. My area, San Pedro, I love it. And my companion, although annoying at times, really is a great guy, and I enjoy working with him. The blessings of the gospel are real, and there is no greater joy than serving the Lord and being a missionary. I love being here, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I urge all young men to stop contemplating whether or not to serve a mission, and decide right now that you're going to serve, and begin preparing hard now. It's one thing that you will never regret. I can promise you that. The Church is true. I love my family, and friends. Thank you for all of your love and support for me. Friends of mine...please join me in the mission field! Thank you mucho for your continued love and support. I love you guys like crazy. Thanks for the letters. You guys are awesome. Love you. Talk to you in 10. Bye. Peace out.
Elder "Seriously Loving Peru" Royal
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