Elder Stoked for the Work Royal

    David was thrilled to have a knife pulled on him in his first day in the mission field, to have a gun fight in his neighborhood, and now to have been involved in his first gang fight . . . oh, and he actually found an incredible connection to the Kelly family.  Very interesting.  (Uncle Dale, Aunt Chris, Cousin Matthew, Cuz in Law Erika, take note.)  David loves to tell a good story.

   

    Mike

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March 16, 2009

    Hey ya`ll!!

    Alright, first and foremost, being the most important item on this weeks agenda, HAPPY 8 MONTHS ELDER ROYAL! Alright, got that out of the way. We had interviews with the president this week, he seems pretty "trunky." I must say, because he finishes in like three months, and he talked about "time" more than anything during our interview. I found it rather amusing. Pretty interesting, though, he said: "Wow, Elder Royal, you have out eight months now? Time is going so fast!" Well, time is going fast - I just did not expect to hear that from the president (ha). Anyway, on with the week…

    A few interesting things this week, in what was overall a week that was somewhat disappointing. We worked hard, of course, but there was a lot of outside things going on that made focusing on Catacaos a bit more difficult. One day was interviews, which took all afternoon, another we went to the doctor (for my comp, not me, Mom), and then….another day something else happened…that I cant remember. Hmmm. That sounds suspicious to even me. Anyway, not our best week, but I can't complain. We still worked hard.

    Oh! Sit down and relax. I've got a really good story! Exciting, awesome life changing (and potentially life maiming) experience. Yes, this is one of those mission stories I'll hold onto forever. My comp was doing a baptism interview, and Elder Adkins, our ZL, went to go find some other investigators to get interviewed. So we were strolling along down the street, and there were like 15 guys yelling at each other. So we played it safe, walked on the other side of the street, and this older guy says: "Hey, careful guys, you might wanna walk fast." So we did. However, the little gang of dudes moved to where they blocked the street, so we went one more block and turned left onto another street, and in that moment, rocks and bricks started flying everywhere. And Elder Adkins and I were right in the middle of a brawl. The guys that were yelling started chucking rocks at each other and…yeah we were caught in the crossfire. It was crazy!! We got down the road a little bit, and everyone was freakin' out because there were little kids in the road and stuff, parents screaming, and the dudes eventually chased each other away, and then about 50, literally 50 more guys between the ages of 15 to 25 who went chasing after all of them. No - we didn't get hit, and unfortunately, I didn't see anyone get hit, either (ha ha, jk). But yeah, they all have really bad aim, so it was just throw and run. But it was nuts…to be right in the middle of that. Then we left. That's my story.

    Interesting story number 2. Talk about a small world. My comp knows Matthew Kelly and his wife Ericka. That's right. Elder Machacuaýs father was the bishop where Elder Kelly served, and Ericka was my comp's Sunday school teacher. Best part, my comp was at their wedding. Wow! Tan pequeño es el mundo. So that's some fun facts for you.

    So it was kinda a rough week with the work. Not too many people wanted to listen to us, unfortunately. However, my comp is awesome and we have lots of fun together. With the whole teaching part, the message I received from about 80 percent of people is that they are good at professing love for Heavenly Father, but their devotion seems to end there. They always claim they are too busy or something, and it's really sad to me when people say they have all this faith and stuff, but they don't bother to learn more about how to live accordingly to Heavenly Father's commandments. Many seem to feel that passing by the church once a week for a few minutes and singing a song gets the job done. From what I have seen, there is a small percentage of people who actually understand how truly important this all is, that knowledge must be attained, and that salvation must be earned - that the Savior's invitation of "come follow me" requires action, even sacrifice. There is a misconception that we are automatically saved because Christ died for us. There is more. We still have to do our part - to not only accept Him, but follow Him. So, that's thats my job, to help people understand that and find those who desire to know and do more. But, I live with it. Frustration is all part of the mission, and I've accepted the fact that not everyone is going to welcome us with open arms. But that's ok. I'll keep at it. I studied Alma 5 this week, and if anyone needs some good spiritual feeding, that's a great chapter. Alma 5:44 is a really cool scripture, a more missionary kinda scripture that when I read it I imagine it mounted on one of those missionary plaques with the picture and scripture hanging in the church hallway by the bishop's office. Good stuff.

    So, there is a phrase everyone uses here, no pasa nada. It means like…lame, or, nothing good comes from it…something along those lines. There are a lot of phrases in Spanish that I know how to use in Spanish, but not exactly sure how it would be in English. But it's funny because I started singing that phrase with the music of the Mexican hat dance, or the Cucaracha song…so whenever we are talking to someone who, is lame, or doesn't get it or something, my comp and I quietly begin singing that, but like, na na na na na na na na na na…it's funny. Like I said, good times with Elder Machacuay. Oh, other funny story I might as well mention, I got in the habit of saying se vende, for a person that sells stuff, and when an investigators mother told her that she was in the comercio (where all the sellers are) I meant to say like: "Oh is she selling today?" But how I said it, with se vende, instead of just vende, it means: "Oh is she selling herself today?" Something like that. So that's for Brad, because he likes the language stories. My comp had a good laugh and gave me a pretty hard time about it. So that's me, still learning this dang language (ha ha, jk). No, it's actually coming along real well.

    Alright, so that's what I got for you guys today. Hope you enjoy it. Not our best week, but hey, we're gonna keep at it, try again this week, get something done, cause we're missionaries and that's what we're here to do. In closing, the Church is true, the commandments make us wonderfully happy when we keep them, so please do it, and have an excellent week in whatever ya'll might be up to. I love you all very much and thank you for all your support, and prayers. Don't forget about me, but more importantly, don't forget about your Heavenly Father who loves you dearly. (Isaiah 41:10,13. I think that is the right reference. Ha ha.)

    Bye!

    Elder Stoked for the Work Royal

The holy worlds of the the Lord which are written in this book

    Extra!  Extra!!  Read all about it!  David's latest, hot off the press.  If you have any extra guitar strings, probably should send to David.  We expect he will be touring soon with a mariachi band.  (Do they have those in Peru?)  He mentions his cousin Cody, who just entered the Provo MTC last Wednesday (Iowa Des Moines Mission).  We are hoping Cody is doing awesome (and have sent him a few letters already).  Missionaries are awesome!

 

    Mike

    February 23, 2009

    Hi family!

    I was gonna scare ya'll by telling you I had food poisoning, but decided against it (since it would be a cruel hoax and Mom already worries enough). Alright, where too begin...let's start with the missionary work. We had two baptisms yesterday. Things have been going great, but Elder Rios is is slightly disappointed and has recommended that we repent for our lack of diligence. (haha.) He's so funny, and quite hard core. I find it really cute. ;) He's pretty impressive really - absolutely no thinking outside of missionary work whatsoever. A few weeks ago, his mom was sick and had an operation - we fasted together for her, and on the day of the operation during dinner he said... "Oh, I wonder how she's doing . . . wait, no, I can't think about that, I don't want to lose focus on the work." So, wow, I'm thinking: "Well, buddy, you're a better man than me - that's for sure . . . 'cause I think about my mommy a lot!" (Anyway, wow I get off topic quick.) Okay, back to the baptisms: Wendy, 18 years old, and...drum roll please . . . FREDDY!! Yes, that's right. We finally got Freddy in the water. That was awesome. We taught Freddy a few times this week, he's been working a lot and had a family job to do at his aunts house on Sunday. Luckily, it poured rain, got super muddy and his dad didn't feel like going. Freddy showed up to church all on his own, and when the bishop announced the baptism of Wendy, he asked Elder Rios and me: "Can I get baptized today, too?" So, that couldn't have gone any better. I'm excited to see how he'll be as a member, and hopefully soon, a missionary. So those were our two great stories for the week.

    Speaking of Sunday and the rain, it was waaaaay muddy going around to get investigators, which, in my opinion, always brightens my missionary Sabbath Day - made it a lot more fun - and to make it even more awesome - I fell. Yep, fell in the mud. But, luckily I have the reflexes of a cat and caught myself, matrix style, and just my hand and bag got muddy. Good stuff. We had some interesting lessons this week, the most interesting ones being with evangelicals. They scare me with their constant screaming of "Amen! Glory to God!" All outta nowhere, spoken as we were in mid sentence. Weird. We asked one lady to read some verses, and whenever she read she would take the book, stand up, and say: "The holy worlds of the the Lord which are written in this book, I shall read the following. . . ." It was weird. They also pray with a lot of theatrics, screaming and stuff. I'll tell you something, though, those people are quite committed. If they ever joined the Church, they would be strong, strong members. We have a lot of other good people that we are teaching, and this Cambio has been really good so far. Next week we have changes, so we'll see what happens.

    In other news, I left the keys inside our room Friday afternoon and we were locked out until 11:00 p.m. when our landlord showed up. Sound like something I'd do? Well, of course it does - 'cause I did it. But, that was fun. Also, a young adult from San Pedro came to our ward on Sunday and updated me and everything in S.P. You may remember Yohan and Lady, my last investigators that we left, that just couldn't get baptized. Well, they got baptized a week ago, so that's really cool. Now, on the sad side, you may also remember Humberto, the kid that we baptized without back in November. Well, he went inactive quickly, and really just got baptized for his girlfriend, a member. They are both 15 - sad part - the girl is now two months pregnant. Ouch. And the girl's whole family has now gone inactive from it. Pretty sad situation. There a lot of teen pregnancy here. In fact, we have an investigator with an older brother, who is 17, with his 16 year old wife, and their one year old baby. During a lesson with her, the two got in a fight, and he slapped her, pushed her, as she fought to get out of the house. Yes, pretty awkward situation, and... I tried to hold back from hitting him to get him off her, but the dad jumped in and took care of it. Anyway, always a sad situation for teenage pregnancies and what not, kids not nearly ready to bring children into the world and serve as parents.

    Now, let's see, you asked what I need. I have looked high and low for and good SD card for my camera...but they are either really bad and...actually always RIDICULOUSLY expensive. I've had to be kinda conservative on taking pictures lately cause its full and I have to delete old stuff and what not. If you could... I dunno how much they cost there. May be expensive there too...dunno. But if you could. oh and also...one of those little wrist chords for the camera. Don't have one and its kind of a nice commodity. Yeah, and I don't think they sell those wrist chords anywhere in Peru. Seriously, that's all I can think of. Oh, and maybe some guitar strings...haha. But maybe not. I busted one today...and judging by my past buying experiences... I'll probably have to buy a whole new guitar if I want six strings again.

    Alright, well I hope that's enough for this week. Things are still going good for me. I love the work, and Elder Rios is great. We work hard. Happy to hear that all of you are doing good - thanks for your letters and everything. And I'm really glad that Cody is finally out here with me in the mission field, and I'm sure he is enjoying the MTC. I thought about him a lot this week, wondering how he is doing starting out and what not. Well everyone, the Church is true. The Book of Mormon is true, so get to reading it, everyday, and pray. I say about 50 times a week to people struggling or menos activos that the basics of reading and praying are so important to shape and keep our testimonies. Keep living the Gospel. Keep praying for me, as I pray for you. Elder Royal out.

    Elder "I'm so sad the Cardinals didn't win the Super Bowl" Royal

Lotsa pictures

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February 16, 2009

    Heeey Ya'll!

    Alright, so it's P-day again here in the south, and we didn't have anything planned for the morning, so here we are at internet café. We had another pretty good week - had two baptisms on Saturday. One was Yuliana, one of the girls scheduled for last week, and the other was a 9 year old, Alexia.(or Angie, as she prefers). I baptized Angie, and felt completely horrible when I threw her down to fast and she came up choking and gasping for air after swallowing a bunch of water. (Ooops. Guess I should be more gentle with the youngins.) Yuliana, 17, was baptized by her father. He was kinda nervous, and it took a record seven dunks, and about 10 prayers to get 'er done. He kept messing the prayer up and not putting her all the way under water. It was, sadly, a little fun to watch. (haha.) Most 'cause the dad's brother is the 1^st counselor in the bishopric, and he was like... "c'mon! Be a man and just do it! It was funny. Nonetheless, she was eventually baptized and her father kept his manhood. ;)

    Sunday continues to be the most frustrating day of the week for me, and I think it may remain that way until I get back up north with ya'll in 2010. It's rough, trying to explain the importance of the Sabbath Day, and it's rare to have someone actually grasp it. So with investigators, new converts, even long time members, it can be frustrating to explain why they need to attend church, not work on Sunday, and what not - but most people just don't seem to get that. And unfortunately, Sunday is the best day of the week for sales people, the day they make the most bank. (Urg the oposicion. No me gusta por nada.) But that's life. We did have some investigators show up to church yesterday, and we have some people getting ready for baptism this week as well. Still nothing with Freddy, though. Something happened with him - not sure what. He has some outside influences going on. Freddy works a lot, but he's such a nice, humble kid - so we continue to work with him. We couldn't meet with him all week 'cause he was gone late working, but we finally caught him last night and had a good lesson that might reignite that spark within. So, if you could, please say some extra prayers for him, 'cause really, he'd be a great missionary.

    Okay, so besides that, we also had our big conference the other day. That was cool. We got all dressed up in suits, and during breakfast, our pensionistta didn't realize the cap was off the milk when she decided to shake it, spraying herself and me . . . and my suit . . . with milk. I laughed. It was more funny than anything. Anyway, the conference was good. No, I didn't have to play the piano (yippie!) and no, Elder Christofferson was not there. Both rumors turned out to be false. However, Elder Godoy of the Seventy was there and gave an awesome talk. It was really amazing - the best conference I have attended so far. Really, really good speaker. Oh, and when Elder Godoy left the building, he walked past me, patted my shoulder and said, "See ya" - in English even! So - that was like the highlight of the week for me.

    So things are continuing to go good here in Catacaos. Elder Rios is cool, still awesome, still happy - like one big happy robo-missionary.  ("Taste these tears you robot!  Taste the happy!  I'm not gonna like your eye."   haha.  Brad will know that.)

    Did you guys ever find that "Especially for Missionaries" book? It's really good. I still remember page 99 about how young men don't have agency to choose for or against serving a mission. It's something we are all called to do. Also, the movie "Money or Mission." Just really good tools for Dad and his missionary preparation class. I would love all my friends to join me in the mission field. It's really the chance of a lifetime to serve the Lord for two years.

    Happy Birthday Kelli!! I hope you enjoy turning 22. (I love you Kelli!) Oh, and please remind Cody that I love him, too, to enjoy the MTC en route to Des Moines, Iowa, and especially to have fun in the RC (Referral Center).  I loved that place.

    So family, friends, and all others - the Church is true, and missionary work is awesome. I love reading and studying the scriptures, and teaching. I'm still not the best teacher in Spanish, (haha) but it's coming along. My Spanish is really improving now, because I can't speak English with anyone here except myself. Yes, the Church is true. Don't forget it. Don't ever allow yourself to stray, to go inactive - because its always such a sad story, and we (missionaries) want you to always enjoy the blessings of the gospel in your lives. It's all true. Believe it. Live it. Do it! Peace out.

    Elder "Oh Yeah, Who Won the Super Bowl?" Royal

Aldair 14, Merly 14 (cousins) and Alonzo 9

    Good evening.  David is happy, still lives his life as though it is being filmed before a live studio audience.  (Something I used to say to him in his earlier days when he always acted as though there was a laugh track following him around.  He's a crack up.)  Thank you for your support.  David is enjoying life, the Spanish is coming, the piano skills are apparently lacking, some of the work is quite challenging, but David still maintains his sense of humor.

 

    Have a great week everyone.

   

    Mike

__________________

February 9, 2009 

    Heeelllloooo!

    Yes. I'm sorry I'm late again. And I still hate these Spanish keyboards. They are way lame. Anyway - on with my missionary life....

    Alright so we had a good week - and baptized three people on Saturday: Aldair 14, Merly 14 (cousins) and Alonzo 9. Alonzo reminds me of a very young Cameron Utter. Kinda funny actually. Anyway, so we had them all together for one service, and had a really good turn out from the members. I baptized hem, one right after another. It felt really nice to get in the water again, not only cause it's seriously hot here (ha), but just because, well it's been a long time since I got perform the ordinance - like two months or something. Yeah, I know that may not seem like a long time...but here in Piura it is, actually. So it was a really cool baptismal service and we got lots of good pictures. I was going to print off some pictures today to send home...but I didn't feel like waiting in line. I guess I still kinda have a bit of the attitude of: "why do what you can today when you can put it off till sometime whenever?" Today, or next week, I guess. Either way, yoúll get pics from me eventually. Patience, please.

    On the not so good side, we had three baptisms scheduled for Sunday that did not go forward. That was kinda sad. Two of them, Fredi and Antonio, a couple of great kids, weren't able to attend church because they had to work with their parents. (ugh.) The parents are a bit of an obstacle there. But Fredi is so awesome. We had a lesson the other day where we just kinda jumped right in because he asked a question, and as we were talking Fredi said: "Wait...shouldn't we start with a prayer?"  He's awesome. He actually had his interview this week and told our zone leader that he wants to serve a mission. So, Fredi is doing great - progressing real fast. He will be baptized soon . . . very soon. Elder Rios is very cool. He likes doing letters last on our preparation day. Not my first choice, but he's still cool.

    Besides our amazing investigators, we also teach a lot of menos activos, which to be honest... I personally struggle with. I know that sounds bad, but I guess I need to work on my own patience. It just seems like all the stories of these families are the same, having traded Church activity for some very lame reason and can't go back because they are too prideful. It's so sad, pitiful. One dad that just can't admit his own past mistakes, but continues to drag his family away with him with the explanation that: "Jesus knows I'm justified in my actions...we have to show our faith with works, and we need money, so my son and I work on Sunday . . . my wife can't go to church because she doesn't have maternity clothing." Wow, such lame excuses . . . especially the maternity clothing one - three straight Sundays with that one. I even offered to buy some maternity clothes for them, but that did not begin to resolve the issue. It is painful to see leaders of families lose sight of all that is so important, and lead their children from the gospel of Jesus Christ, which will impact future generations. It is so sad, especially because the father is a former Elders Quorum President and the mother a former Relief Society President, with very active children. And it is all gone (for now), due to silly pride - the father being unable to consider that perhaps he is wrong. Hopefully all that will change one day and, who knows . . . perhaps we will play a role in helping lead this family back to Christ. That's our goal.

    So the Great Adventures of Elder Royal continue, some good - some bad. But that's life. I love my personal study, and find something awesome everyday. One thing I read recently was in Mosiah 3:19, which most know I'm sure, but the last part talks about being willing to submit ourselves to anything the Lord throws at us in life. That's how strong our faith needs to be - yet in time of desperation and defeat, when we have to be strongest, that is when most people just give up. If we are true to the faith, and endure, we can always conquer adversity and evil. It's difficult, sure, but we can do it. Because in the end, it's always worth it. After much difficulty come the blessings. (D&C 58:2-4. I think that's right. Love those verses.)

    On a lighter note, the other day we were walking through the centro of Catacaos when three 20 year oldish girls ran up to us. They were somewhat lighter skinned, so I thought they might be visiting from the states or something and were gonna speak English with me. Nope. Instead, they asked if they could interview me for a class or something, whatever they were doing. It was weird . . . well, and funny. They had like three little cameras on me, and they asked me questions. So, I told them all about my family, you know, about how Brad plays inthe NFL, Kelli plays volleyball for the Puerto Rico national team. I dunno why, it's just how it came out. I'm not quite as good at that kinda stuff in Spanish as I am in English (haha). But it was funny. And . . . many people here comment about 20 times a day about how they love my eyes. I've had some weird things said to me before, but, having an 18 year old kid ask me to give him my eyes is . . . well, something else. It's weird.

    This week we have zone conference with everyone - and the rumor is that Elder Todd Christopherson of the Twelve is coming! Oh yeah, and the other rumor is that good old Elder Royal gets to play da piano. Oh joy! I already butchered the music machine in front of a Seventy, so what an honor it will be to do it again in front of an Apostle of the Lord. ;) Here's hoping. And by that I mean, hoping that it's not me - and not that my fingers will magically play great (because, let's be honest, we all know that's not gonna happen). Okay fine, it is me - then hope and pray mightily for my fingers.

    Today was a good day for mail, too. Mail is sweet!! I got a Valentine's package from Mom. Woo! And a package from Gian, letter and pics from Brad and Whitney, and letters and pics from Tia. Good, good mail day. Gracias for that. It keeps me going. Oh how I love mail.

    I think that's about all. That's definitely plenty for now. Remember how true this Church is, and to read the wonderful scriptures, and say some amazingly heartfelt prayers. And do not take anything for granted. I have had that song in my head lately, ". . . . ya don't know what ya got 'til it's gone. . . ." Truer words never spoken. (Well, that may be a bit of an overstatement, but you know what I mean.) The Church is true!

    Elder Royal

--
rjp

it was cool to hang out with the white dudes

    David sent us another late letter.  Good to hear from him.  Still seems to be enjoying his new area, making lots of friends, and likes the feeling of being "smart" - probably more from his English teaching classes.  His latest follows all the "Write David" advertisement immediately below.  (He pays us well for posting that weekly.)

 

    Mike

 

________________

 

February 2, 2009

    Hey family!

    Sorry it's late again, which means I have to go fast to get this done and be home in time. Lame. But, anyway today was Prep day, and we spent a good five hours of it in the mission office because we have carpeta reviews and interviews with the president. Not gonna lie, not my favorite way to spend a P day, but it was cool to hang out with the white dudes in the office all day, seeing as of the 12 guys in my zone, only 2 of us are Norte Americanos. The English is nice sometimes. Actually it is always nice to get a little break. I'm still not very good at jokes or anything in Spanish.

    Anyway, catacaos! Things are going good here. Elder Rios and I are working hard. We didn't have any baptisms this past week, but this week we have four baptisms, and two possibilities. So, it could turn out to be a pretty good week! Oh, I forgot to tell you last week, but a I bought a guitar, cute little thing, $50, but it gets the job done. I'm hoping to use it for special musical numbers and stuff to make baptisms a bit more interesting...to be honest the number of people in baptismal services are usually pretty small, and services are kind of dull. So I think that might help a little.

    So this week we have Yuliana, Fredi, Antonio, and Merli - all teenagers. But all are really good kids. Fredi is 18 and will be a great missionary. I can see it. When he was at church on Sunday, a member of the bishopric went to meet him and asked: "so when are you getting baptized?" Fredi's response (translated, of course): "Me and my brother (Antonio) are getting baptized next Sunday!" Really awesome kid, and Antonio is just as good. Yuliana is in a part member family, and already we see big changes in her, how she dresses, and took out the other 17 pairs of earrings she had dangling from her ears. Merli is a 14 year old with a huge family of brothers, aunts, uncles, all that good stuff - and we are slowly connecting with all of them. So things are going well out here - we teach a lot, have a lot of good lessons. And then of course on the less good side we have some challenges, such as Irina's sister-in-law, Nancy, interfering with her baptism to the point that it could not go forward this past week. That happens sometimes, family members of other faiths go nuts when they learn someone has committed to baptism and do things to prevent it. And this is not limited to children/teenagers committing to baptism, but to those much older. For example, we were teaching a 30 year old woman with three children recently and invited her to be baptized. Her response: "Um, I need to ask my mom first." Some people here simply refuse to think and act for themselves, but place their destiny in the hands of others. It is a cultural thing that we just have to deal with. But, that is not true for all those we teach.

    Oh yeah, I totally forgot about this story. It's a classic. We were teaching the father of a part member family (the wife and daughter are members, menos activos, but members - the father is not). We invited him to church and out of nowhere he told us that he had another wife and family, stating: "Well, I can't just leave my other family. They need me there, too." So far as I can tell, that's not a cultural thing - it's a really weird thing. Anyway, not sure what is going to happen there.

    My pensionsitta here is cool - nice little old woman, who has been active in the Church since her baptism of 20 years ago. She presently has a son on a mission. Unfortunately, her sister has cancer, and I think my pensionistta may be on the verge of a mental breakdown because, frankly, her sister could die pretty soon. She is having some spiritual issues, but doesn't like to talk much about it. Part of the problem (to me) is that she isn't reading/praying, which makes her spiritually weak and less able to handle life's burdens. The other night, when we were eating, she turned on the TV to what I thought at first was a stand up comic, but was some kinda religious dude shouting at the screen. He calls himself, Apostle Rony Chavez. How he got the title apostle is beyond me. At first, the three of us laughed at it together, because it was seriously that ridiculous. But, last night we noticed that she has been taken all these notes, written down scriptures, and websites of stuff from this guy's sermons. So we did what any good missionaries would do - made her notes and such illegible and tried to block the channel. (haha, jk). At any rate, she is struggling, and I ask that you please keep her in your prayers. She is a really nice, funny little lady, but adversity is leading her to look for comfort elsewhere, which gives me concern.

    Oh Dad, if you plan on doing some landscaping, I think you should have a little porch out front where that overhang is to the left. (haha.) Just a thought. Other thought, ya know those little camera wrist chords, so the camera doesn't fall? I have looked around a lot for those, but can't find one. If you guys have one you could send, that would be way cool. If not, don't worry.

    Well, rest assured that I couldn't be happier with how things are going. Spanish is coming along well. The work is great. I love being a missionary and wearing the name tag, being on the Lord's errand, all the respect and love we are given, which, I don't feel I have earned, but nonetheless, it is given, because we are missionaries. I love helping people, members and non members alike, and seeing lives change. Also everyone thinks I'm really smart (ha). All my life I've wanted people to think I'm smart - tried everything, including wearing glasses (which, by the way, didn't work) (haha). But, really this work is truly amazing - to do what the Savior would be doing in bringing His gospel into the lives of others, spreading the light of Christ. I know this is where the Lord needs me to be, and I strive to be diligent in serving Him daily. The Church is true. Don't forget it.

    Les amo a todos ustedes, tu hijo, 

    Elder Royal

I love love this!!

    Well, we did not hear from David until late tonight.  He seems to be very excited about his new area and companion.  It is really nice to see David getting over his first transfer, the language barrier, and feeling more and more confident in his ability to speak and teach in Spanish.  Thank you for your prayers, thoughts and letters to David.  He seems to be doing pretty good in the letter receiving department - it's the writing back that appears to be the snag in the whole two way communication thing (and I do apologize for that - but . . . thanks anyway, and he still loves to hear from you!).  Have a great week.

 

    Mike

 

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January 29, 2009

 

            Hey Family!

 

            Sorry I'm SUPER late today.  I'm sure ya'll have been freakin' out.  And I don't think I will always be writing this late.  I doubt it anyway.  It just happens sometimes.  First off . . . not gonna lie . . . if you didn't know, the last three months was a good struggle for me with Elder Calderon.  He's a good enough guy, but, yeah . . . not quite the worker and a little bit, or a lot, on the eternally trunky side.  But, he is still a good teacher.  At any rate, here I am in Catacaos.  And its awesome!  Elder Rios is my new companion - and seeing as Elder Calderon had absolutely nothing good to say about him, that this cambio was gonna stink for me, and that I was going to die...naturally I'm not surprised that in reality, Elder Rios is a super effective, super focused missionary, and knows how to get the job done.  Elder Rios is from Cuzco, Peru.  There is only one other North American in the zone, the zone leader.  So, there will be a lot more Spanish for me this transfer.  Mike Taylor, buddy you called it.  I remember you saying I would get an awesome comp for this transfer, and sad to say... I doubted you.  But woah, this kid is amazing.  The ward is awesome, incredible amount of help from leaders, other members, and even the youth.  It's a really big ward too - attendance of 180, compared to the average of 80-100 in San Pedro.  We have noche misional every Friday with members and investigators, and get this - I'm teaching English!!  WHAT??  Yes, it's true.  But hey, when you're the only English speaker for miles, who the heck is gonna think I'm wrong?  It's a once a week, every Saturday night thing.  So that's fun.  At any rate, it's going great so far.  We have already found some awesome people that we are teaching and had 10 investigators at church yesterday - more than I ever had in my first area.  But, I still love San Pedro.

 

            Catacaos is cool - a little town outside of Piura that is actually, well, a town with streets and sidewalks and all that good stuff - and then is surrounded by little mud and stick hut houses.  It's awesome!  I love when we walk into a house with sticks and mud for walls, a metal sheet roof, halfway broken door - and a TV.  Everyone has a TV.  Oh the beauty of this country.  A few interesting sight sees this week: two men carrying a pig head, and a stripped clean dog with no head getting ready to be cooked, and a guy with a monkey - named Obama (no kidding).  Well, I heard Elder Higley went home due to illness.  I hope he's okay.  And I loved hearing from TJ or Elder Gibson today.  That was sweet!  Dad, that high school picture you sent of you with the gymnastics team was . . . interesting.  (I could have totally taken you if we were in high school together.  ha.)

 

            So it's going well.  Very, very well.  Everyone says to lose yourself in the Lord's work, and I think I'm finally learning how to do it.  It's definitely a process, not something that happens overnight. But I'm beginning to worry less about time, seeing as its going so fast anyway, no need to worry about it.  A couple months ago, I was on the fence of thinking that learning a language was a waste of time, that the first six months could be better spent than struggling to understand, teach, and punch the wall in frustration (although I never actually did that).  But the mission is a great learning experience and it takes time.  Something the movie, "Money or Mission" teaches is to pray on your knees - and I know that definitely helps.  It really makes prayer more meaningful when we are kneeling.  I highly recommend it.  The mission truly is amazing - but one can hear that 1000 times and still not grasp the understanding of the importance and greatness of this calling.  It has to be experienced and it's the best thing in the whole world!  Any young man that deprives himself the blessings, the experience, the privilege - well quite frankly, what a terribly awful thing to do to yourself.  The Church is true.  I love love this!!

 

            Elder Royal

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rjp

First Transfer - I am off to Catocoas!

    David has passed the sixth month mark in his mission and is preparing to experience his first transfer.  He is both excited and sad, but seems to be looking forward to meeting new people and doing some new things.  We were in Reno this weekend and had a great time seeing everyone and going through the Reno Temple with Cody and his family.  (We did some skeet shooting too, and I am a born marksman!  Coincidentally, we watched Quigley Down Under last night and I can now totally relate to Quigley.  Thanks Dan!)  We always enjoy getting together with our big, great family.  We had dinner with David's cousin Matthew, who served a mission in Peru, and his wife Erica, who is also from Peru.  It was muy divertido.  (I have a Spanish translator on my phone and try to act like I can speak the language now and then.)  Have a great week.

    Mike

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    Heey Family!!!

    Well, a missionary's email nightmare occurred for me (again) this morning (and yes, it seems to happen way too often). Just as I completed my first awesome email, all of a sudden all the computers just shut down, completely destroying everyone's emails. That was not so good. Normally, I would whine and all that. But, I have been through this before and know the drill – no time to whine, just start typing the whole thing again. So, the one you are getting won't be as long, probably not nearly as funny, but here we go.

    Okay, first things first. We have cambios this week – so adios to San Pedro. I am off to Catocoas. I'm not sure if I spelled it right, but it's a little town just outside of Puira - the tourist town where Whitney will spend all of Brad's money, if you remember that. So, this week was interesting. San Pedro is moving up in the community – by that I mean they are now constructing roads and sidewalks. (Woo hoo – just as I am now leaving. Haha.) It was really rainy all week actually, always overcast, which is cool. I like that a lot! Cool is definitely cool. We had a fairly good week, worked a lot with Lady and Johan, who I think I mentioned last week – the teenage brother and sister. They are both really smart and know they should be baptized, but are still hesitant to take the step. Hopefully, we can get it done before I leave on Thursday. But if not, I just hope they continue to grow in the gospel. And here's an interesting little tidbit. We taught them the commandments the other day, and ... when we taught them about the Law of Chastity, Lady refused to believe we are virgins – especially me, because, in her words (translated): "You're a gringo! And you're from Las Vegas!!" So, not too sure what kinda stereotypes they have of us...but that's that. They were pretty convinced that they could break the commandments, as long as it's just a little, not in excess. (Hmmm. Where have I heard that before? How about 2 Nephi 28:8? Boo yah!) But they are really good kids, and I'd really like to see them baptized. (Of course, I'd like to see everyone baptized, because the gospel is true!)

    Let's see, oh happy six months to Elder Royal! Time sure is going fast. Here's something interesting. Dad, just as you asked, I am reporting my first dream in Spanish. It happened on the night of my six month mark. It is the first all Spanish speaking dream I can recall ever having. It was really cool. I was with Tyler and Jason Foote, which was funny because we were all completely fluent in the language (and I don't think Jason even speaks Spanish). So Jason, perhaps there is a Spanish speaking mission in your future? Anyway, it was a cool dream and I had my shaggy hair, which of course was awesome. (haha).

    I received an email from Elder Higley, who sounds good - said he had some pretty rough times with his companions, and also that he has been sick a lot, because of food and has even had kidney stones! He said something about going home because of his health. I'm not sure exactly what that means, if he is just going home-home, or to serve in the states. I dunno. But I gave him your email so that hopefully his parents can get in touch with you.

    So you were in Reno to go through the temple with Cody this weekend. How was that? Great I'm sure. Please tell Cody he's awesome. I know he will be a great missionary in Iowa. Oh and I did get a bunch of packages from you guys last week, from the fam with all the tapes and stuff, Kelli and Jason with a couple of SWEET ties, and one from Melanie Burr with some toys and suckers. (haha). She probably hates me 'cause I never wrote her back. (Sorry Melanie.) I'm not really too good at that – but I am so grateful for family and friends who think enough of me to write and send stuff. It really means a lot. Anyway, the tapes are so cool. I'm still not done with them, but they are so fun to listen Too - especially the Christmas call (which I didn't know was being recorded and I get to listen to it all over again – very cool).

    So things are going good and I'm ready for a fresh start with a new companion and area. But, I will really miss San Pedro. It has been very good to me. We're buddies. So, goodbye San Pedro and Elder Calderon. We ended well together . . . and no matter what happens, the Church is still true, and that's all that matters.

    Thanks for all your support and such. Letters are awesome - pictures and tapes and all that. I heard on the tape that Gian sent me something. I am still looking forward to that (don't have it yet). But maybe today. We'll see. Anyway, ya'll are awesome, keep praying - for me, yourselves, and everyone else. The Church is true. Love ya.

    Elder Royal

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rjp