Manigong New Year to Everybody!

Dear Family,
Well, the call was great, despite an hour and a half waiting at the internet cafe and then having to take a trike back home because I couldn't remember my social security number to give to those persistent online fishers. But I triumphed in the end -- man over machine, and made a connection. I didn't get the email in time about the scype thing. Seguro on the next go-round. I'm sorry -- It must have been about 11 PM over there. It was enough to hear all your voices. Don't sweat the camera, I think I can find one here in San Jose hopefully in a week or two.
We took a little time to run here to the cafe -- we'll be headed back to the ward christmas party after this. President Puzey told us to attend. Ours was a whole day affair, and lunch was AWESOME. Bicol Express, Chicken Curry, Palabok (pampahabang-buhay -- swakto sa akin dahil kahapon ang kaarawan ko), and Telapia(fish). Most of us ate with our hands, under the shade of the palm trees at the church. The members took pity on me when they saw I wasn't that good with my hands and rice, and they found a spoon for me. Embarrassing -- I'll have to practice the hand thing at our house. It was great to meet the members because I'm new and so is my companion. They all remembered it was my birthday and everybody kept filling up my plate and giving me leche flann and malagkit. Which was alright with me, a little more dessert never hurt anybody. It's a lot of fun to talk with everybody and the kids all get a kick out of giving the American a high five. The kids here are great, I'm not sure what's different but I sure enjoy the kids. It's great to be able to speak a little Tagalog and take part in the conversations.
Christmas day was a great day -- we only had a few appointments but it turned out to be a golden day to "talk with everyone" and we met some people that are really ready to listen. One of them is brother Angeles. A few days ago we met one of his sons, and gave him a pamphlet. His dad must have seen it, and he read it, and when we showed up, he welcomed us in before we even asked. He told us about what he'd read and he wanted us to explain about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. Since then he's read in the Book of Mormon and prayed, and things are looking really good. After the first visit he wanted to come to church and he kept apologizing on the second visit that he hadn't made it. This week we'll have the ward mission leader pick him up. Gerald Gonzales made some great progress this week. I'll include part of what I wrote about him:

"This week was a great time to find and teach. At weekly planning, Elder Dampios and I set a goal to go out of our way to talk to people in our path. I felt strongly that the Lord would place His prepared people in our way. And He did. On Christmas day we met many people that were ready to listen. The spirit of Christ(mas) was at work. Although most people we talked to had no feast or family to share it with, they were happy and willing to share their time with us. We set a new baptismal goal date for Brother Gerald Gonzales and are helping him prepare for the interview. On our last visit, we gave him Enos 1 as a reading assignment and on the return appointment, we reviewed it. He shared what he'd learned, and I was surprised to see that what he'd read had had a profound effect on him. We had asked him a week ago to fast as part of the preparation for baptism and last night he told us about his experience. He told us that he had prayed and fasted for forgiveness, and he told us that his experience was something like Enos'. He said that he was troubled by his sins, but by the time he prayed and closed his fast, the weight he felt bearing down on him had lifted, and he said he felt peaceful. I am impressed with his testimony, and I think he is well prepared for baptism."

As for the phone call, I'll explain some of the things we talked about. Lupao is just a few kilometers away from a good sized mountain range. Most of the people we teach work in the "bukid" (field) planting/harvesting rice, and vegetables in the dry season. Right now there is a lot of work in the onion fields. The town of Lupao is surrounded by fields, bright green and terraced -- small bamboo huts are the only thing amidst the rice. There are a lot of Water Buffalo here, and white "cows" that are NOT cows. I'm pretty certain they're what veggie tales would term "cebu". They have a hump on their neck, they are all white, and they're pretty funny lookin. A lot of the natives ride their tractors around town, which are nothing like our tractors. I'll have to send a picture, but people climb on the back and hitch a ride.
The dominant language here is "Ilokano" and I've picked up a few words. Tagalog is secondary and some of the older generation don't speak tagalog. My companion speaks Vizsayan in addition to tagalog. He reads and studies in English but only talks in tagalog. We hold district meetings in english but aside from that it is 100% tagalog. It's a funny thing to be in a culture that watches english movies, can read in english, listens to english music, can speak pretty well in english, but only use tagalog. It really wouldn't be effective to speak english, though.
I think dad's question was about how we spend our time, if we teach a lot. We've been really blessed and in the past weeks our schedule has really filled out and we've started to really click with the members and we've really started to see the difference. We now have some RMs and the Ward Mission Leader working with us and we've got a decent investigator pool. We have 2 hours of work in the morning, and 6 1/2 in the evening. We usually get 2 teaching appointments in the morning and about 5 in the evening. Most of our appointments are close but having to walk takes time. I don't know how many lessons are normal in the rest of the world (uraguay? norway?) but about 30-35 lessons a week is pretty standard. We rarely have to resort to knocking doors but we have really been working hard to talk to everyone placed in our path and we've had great success finding people in that way. Then again, we've also been given some phony names. But I feel a little more at home in the work and I am getting a feel for what is effective and what is not. I am happy in the work and I feel that the Lord is giving me more and more capacity to be effective and to do "many good things of [my] own free will".
Yep, I'm still waking up at 6:30 sharp and excercising. I've come to really appreciate and respect the schedule and I work my best every day to follow it with exactness. I feel so much better when I keep the schedule. I'm still working on the 6-pack -- right now I'm doing my best with the one "ab" that I have. It's a half an hour of the mission work out -- X every morning.
Christmas was great. We worked just like every other day, and didn't have even one eating appointment. Most of our investigators still worked and had no feast or fixins. It was great anyway. I loved the packages and I bought batteries -- later tonight I'll try out the foot massager, that should take the stress right out of the day. The birthday package was great as well -- we don't have an oven or even a toaster, but I'll try to bake that cake pancake style and tell you how it tasted. Thanks so much family, it's been a great year!
Tell Nathan he's the best from me. I'm excited that we'll be out together. I'm looking forward to the pictures.
Thanks everybody and have a great new year! I'm having the best time and I'm loving the work. I've got a lot to learn and that's what's exciting. I'm glad everyone is doing well and that I got to hear all of your voices.
Have a great new Year!
With love,
Elder Loren Peck

Merry Christmas!

Dear Family,
I am in the Lupao Ward, San Jose Stake/Zone, Nueva Ecija. My new companion is Elder Dampios, from Davou, Region 11 Philippines. He is amazing, really diligent, and an obedient missionary. I feel like we're going to be able to do great things together. He's got a great attitude, and he's happy and masipag talaga. Which is great!
I spent the bus ride missing Aduas. It is really tough to leave everything behind, especially with Christmas and my birthday just one week away. Here's the update on Sister Luna and the Ison family:
We bid farewell to the Luna family on Tuesday and also filled out her baptismal record. If all went well, her interview should have taken place by now. All her grandchildren went crazy when I pulled out the camera and we took a lot of pictures. Sister Lyn Luna, a daughter and long time diligent member of the ward gave me a note and a keychain to remember them by. She was present back at the first lesson and cried for joy when her mother accepted the Baptismal Goal Date.
I can't write about all the investigators and members that I'm going to miss, but one of them is Jhei Yambot -- the young men president, and stand-in ward missionary and ward mission leader. He gave me a "bahay kubo" key chain from Bagio that has my name on it. Wow, he's just a great guy.
My very last appointment in Aduas was at the Ison family home. They'd brought some of their extended family from Hain to listen to us. We had a great discussion and referred their family to the missionaries assigned in Hain. I gave The Isons a few pictures -- the Logan temple and two of our family pictures, and wrote them a note. I bid farewell to them, and shook their hands. Brother Ison held on to my hand and told me thank you and smiled and told me to take care always. I told myself I wasn't going to look back as we walked down the dirt road, but I did anyway. They were standing on the edge of the street in front of their home, waving goodbye. I waved to them and they waited there until we were out of sight.
I've thought about them and pray for them. I look forward to writing them. It is strange to think that I cannot go back to them or see them.
We live at the base of some HUGE mountains -- covered in forest. It's the dry season, and on the dirt roads I feel like I'm walking in Southern Utah, dusty and hot, the sand is red as well. Lupao is a small city, but it's small and out of the way, and it feels homey. It's surrounded with "Palayan" rice fields. The ground is not flat here, so they are terraced, and bright green, and very beautiful. The weather is cooling down and the mornings even feel chilly. My first morning we woke up to a brown out, and I pumped water for my morning shower out of a bucket. When there is power -- it's still a bucket shower. My companion washes his own clothes and he's been teaching me. Up until now I haven't had to wash my clothes in a bucket. We'll live pretty frugally. It's easy to make it a week on about 700 pesos, or about 15 dollars. I'm excited about the area and there is a lot to do -- there is a lot of potential here in this area. Both my companion and I are relatively new here, and it's been great to get together with the ward leaders and start to see some good things happening.
I feel more at home than ever in this work. I love talking to people and getting to know them, and it's easier and easier to share the gospel. The changes have put me to my knees once again, and I am reminded where the true source of strength is. It doesn't feel like Christmas time yet, I've had a lot on my mind this past week and haven't had time to think about what time of year it is. The days fly by and there is always so much to do and the work is so satisfying. This is the best place to be, I know I am not wasting my time. The work is real and it's important. I know that Christ is the very head and I love to testify of Him. I love you, family. The mission is too short. The time and the changes and the opportunities come and go too fast. I am grateful for your prayers. I feel your strength. It's strange to think that I don't know where -- literally -- in the world I am right now. But it doesn't make any difference, the work of the Lord is the same everywhere, and it's the feeling, charity and love, that defines it and is the beginning of every good thing that happens.
Merry Christmas, family, I hope you all know how much I love you! Have a great Christmas --
With love, Elder Loren Peck

I'm Not Ready to Go!

Dear Family,
My time is just about up. It's been a wild day, I found out earlier this morning that (against my will) I'm going to be transferred. They are going to have to drag me. This is what I'll be leaving:
Sister Emelita Luna (Part Member, 60 BGD: Dec 26, 09) She came to church for the 4th time and her interview is later this week. She is doing great and the ward is great -- they've been waiting a long time to see her at church. She's helping out with the cooking for the ward christmas party. She's had troubles as her baptism has come closer, and she had some last minute doubts because of all the problems in work and family that have come up this past week, but yesterday she was doing great and she says she's come through it and she's ready to be baptized. She studies the Book of Mormon and I keep thinking on the next visit that maybe she'll know more than me.
The Yzon Family -- They should be baptized on Jan 9, 2010, but it looks like Sister's visa came early as she made plans formerly to return abroad to work for a while. Hopefully she can be baptized before she leaves, we're working out the details. We have grown very close to their family and on our last visit Angelica, their 12 year old daughter, prayed and asked that "hindi aalis ang mga elder namin" (that our elders won't leave) It is going to be really tough to leave a family (again). But I'm so grateful I got to witness their conversion. Brother is down to 2 sticks and Angelica is still giving him a hard time about that because she wants to be baptized right away.

I've got a lot more to write but I'm out of time. I don't think I can say goodbye to Aduas. I know there's a lot more on the horizon.
Thanks family! I love you all and am grateful for the news.
Sincerely, Elder Peck

And just when I thought it couldn't get better. . .

Hey Chris, are those sneakers?

I only ask because sneakers are really big here. That is, if you have to wear "rubber shoes". Most of the time, though, it's purong tsinelas.
Rachel, happy birthday! But don't think about turning 16 any time soon, you saw what happened to Sarah! I mean, what's fun about life when ya' have to drive all the time?!? Hope everything's going great.
It looks like yoll'er all havin' a party (again).
I thought I'd get to the Post Office earlier, but it's really far, and expensive, and we ran out of time. It's been months now since we've made the trip. Thanks so much to everyone that's written, I appreciate the letters so much! Even if I can't always get back to them.

Dear Family,
I thought last week that things couldn't get any better. But they did. We had another great turnout at church again yesterday, 7 of our investigators came to church. Among them were:
Sister Luna (Part Member Family, 60 years old) -- this was her 3rd time in a row at church. She gave up her Sunday business at the Palengke (which some would call a huge sacrifice) in order to come to church, and instead of telling us how hard that is, she told us how much better she's been feeling. She's always been a reader, and now she said that she's put aside her novels in order to study the Book of Mormon. She's read up to Jacob, and she doesn't just read it, she looks up words in the back and repeats her reading when she doesn't understand. She's eating up the lessons and keeping all the commitments. She told us yesterday that she plans on becoming more active than her member children, and hopes that her example will help them all make it to the church that she says she knows is true. She bears her testimony to us every visit, and I'm blown away with the progress she's making. Her baptism is scheduled for December 19th, 2009. She already has a lot of friends at church -- the members are all happy that the acting head of the Luna household is finally taking the discussions and coming to church.
The Yzon/Javier Family: (Brother Abraham Yzon - 38, Sister Javier -39, and Angelica - 12) Because of the divorce-less Philippines law, they will have to be interviewed by President Puzey before baptism. They've already met him, and if they plan on staying together their whole life, they should be good to go -- but they won't be able to go to the temple -- at least not yet. That's a heart-breaker, but Heavenly Father is at the helm, and we're all doing everything we can. We taught the Word of Wisdom a little less than two weeks ago, and since then, Brother Abraham has cut back from 20 cigarettes to just 5 a day, and he's given up coffee altogether, much to the happiness of Sister and Angelica. Angelica is very mature and bright for her age, and she has friends and even old school-teachers at church. She gives her dad a hard time because they are waiting on him to be baptized as a family. As soon as the cigarettes are completely gone, it's just a matter of waiting 4 weeks in order to be baptized. Brother Abraham is a good guy, he's quick, sincere, and has a great sense of humor. His personality reminds me of one of the Thatchers. Last night we were all had a good laugh at their home -- they're a humorous family -- and then Brother Abraham said sincerely, "Elders, I can do it. I can get rid of the cigarettes." The spirit is always so strong at their home, and they've faithfully kept every commitment "with exactness". They are talking to their extended family and referring them to the missionaries in their respective areas. As far as their family here, the Yzons have invited them to their small home this evening for Family Home Evening. Elder Cobacha and I planned the lesson and talked about games earlier in our study, it should be a great time. We don't have to worry about the Yzons because we know that they are doing everything -- coming to church, reading and praying daily, personally and as a family, and we feel that the spirit is taking a bigger and bigger role in their family life. Last night I couldn't help but notice how much they've come together as a family. In the Lord's time, I feel confident that things will work out with marriage and the temple. They are an incredible family, and I am so excited about them. Their baptism is currently scheduled for the 2nd of January, 2010, but will most likely take place on January 9.
Our other investigators are relatively new, but progressing. Things really start to happen in someone's life when they make it to church. We are truly being blessed in this area, and the members are the real missionary work. They have great referrals and go out of their way to fellowship our investigators. I feel like we are just a small part of the ward mission effort, which is what really ought to be happening. The days are flying and the work is very satisfying. I have never been happier. I can't think of anything that could be better. Elder Cobacha and I are getting along great, and I have learned so much from him. I've got a lot of respect for him. I really hope that this coming December 17th, there won't be any changes, but I'm not the one calling the shots. Whatever the Lord has in store is fine with me. I'm happy knowing that great things are happening right now, and that even if I'm not here to see it, Sister Luna and the Yzons are on their way to making the covenant of baptism, and they will then be entitled to the companionship of the Comforter, Teacher, and Protector -- the Holy Ghost. I'm grateful that I was assigned here in this time. This has been the best time of my life, and It's been an incredible time of learning and spiritual growth. Mom, good luck this week in the calling. Being released must feel an awful lot like transfers. I wish you the best, and want you to know that you, and Dad, have been the greatest examples to me in fulfilling callings in the church and living up to what the Lord expects.
I love you all, family, and hope that you all have a great week!
Love, Elder Loren Peck

One Really Great Week!

First things first. Kalabaw in English means Water Buffalo. And they are everywhere here. In some places, people saddle up and ride them, but they are mostly used for tilling. They are BIG animals. And their horns are huge as well, the horns turn back and not forward. They make belts out of the horns.

Dear Family,
It's been one of the most amazing weeks of the mission. There's a lot to write about this week.
The Yzon family is doing great. This week we taught the Word of Wisdom and the Law of Chastity, and this is a crucial time in their progression. Brother Yzon accepted the word of wisdom, even though he told us it was going to be one of the hardest things he's done to give up smoking. They are on top of it spiritually, they are ready to accept the gospel. It's really surprised me what their concerns are in the lessons, it's like they looked at Preach My Gospel and already know what we plan to teach next time. I think that they can feel what needs to change in their lives, and it's easy to teach them.
On Wednesday, we had interviews. As I was waiting, I got to talk again with Sister Puzey, and she told us the stories about Ephraim the bear up Black-smith fork canyon, Rosy the Miner, Sagwich the Indian, about Gog and Magog close to Richmond, about the buried treasure and old train up past White Pine, and a lot of other Cache Valley stories. Interviews are great, because President Puzey feels like a really close friend, and it's great to have 10 minutes to sit down and talk with him about how things are going. It was great, as usual, and just as we were about to close the interview, he asked if he could see my planner. I knew that planner checks happened every so often, so I wasn't too surprised. He asked about the people we were visiting later, and I answered his questions. Then he said, "When can I come out and work with you two? What time is good for you?" I was surprised, I didn't know President just went out and worked with the missionaries out of the blue. I asked him if I could juggle the schedule a little so he could meet the Yzon family. Because they aren't married, and under Philippines law, cannot be legally married (there is no provision for divorce), they will eventually need an interview with President Puzey before being baptized. The leaders of the church have agreed that people living together in this kind of circumstance may be baptized, but will not be able to go to the temple as a couple. President Puzey told me we were going to say a closing prayer, and then I should go get a cell phone from Sister Puzey and give her directions to our apartment. I did as he said, and Sister Puzey gave me basic directions about how to call them (because I don't know how to work a cell phone). My head spinning, and a little nervous, we planned the details, and headed home to wait until 2:30. We were picked up by the Puzeys and headed to Aduas. The traffic didn't seem so bad inside a big van (I usually face the traffic riding side saddle on the back of a motorcycle and sidecar, taking care of my feet, because the oncoming traffic really is that close).
We arrived in Aduas, and to our relief, the entire Yzon family was at home, even though we had no schedule on Wednesday with them. They were surprised to see President and Sister Puzey, and honored as well. We introduced the Yzon's to the Puzeys. The Puzeys were so great. They admired the pictures on the walls, talked to the kids, and complimented the family. We taught "Study the Scriptures" and emphasized family scripture study. They are already having family prayer. After we taught, President and Sister Puzey also shared their testimony. It was powerful, and the spirit was strong. Elder Cobacha and I were smiling so big because everything went so good. As we prepared to leave, Brother Yzon talked to us and said he understood what President Puzey had said, which was that he'd found his way in life because of what he read in the scriptures. Brother Yzon has a quiet voice, and doesn't talk a lot, but he told us that that's exactly what he wanted, to see his way in life -- how he was supposed to make it through life. We waved goodbye, and walked back to the Puzey's van.
That was a huge help, and a great spiritual experience. After that, we taught the Law of Chastity, and answered all of their questions and concerns -- they told us before we started that they knew that this church was about the family, and they asked us how things were going to work out for them. As they continue to progress, slowly, things are falling into place. Their baptism is set tentatively for January 2, 2010.
The rest of the week was just as good, and we made plans to help everybody get to church. But we really didn't expect what actually happened. 11 Investigators showed up to church, and church attendance is hovering in the mid 80's. The Gospel essentials room was full, and I think everyone really had a great experience. We went around last night teaching and extending baptismal goal dates to those that came to church, and they accepted, and things are really looking up in our area right now. Sister Luna came to church again, and her baptismal goal date is set for December 19. Things continue to go well, and her kids and grandchildren are cheering her on.
I've got to go, but I've got to say thanks to the Swans -- I set up the Christmas trees, and my companion and I got a kick out of the Charlie Brown Tree. I got your letter, dad, and I'll reply. Thank you, it means a lot to me.
Well, I didn't get to write about my sleepless Friday night! I'll fill you in next week. I love ya'll lots! Keep doing great!
Love, Elder Loren Peck

Pasko na!

Dear Family,
Our church attendance really bounced back this week. Yes mom, boxing is HUGE here, and people have been watching the replays and talking about the upcoming boxing matches. Pakyaw (spelling?) ( aka: PacMan) is the hero right now. I don't know how he does it, he's really small.
Chris, this past month I've noticed more and more just how much español there is in Tagalog. The cool thing is, over 300 years of Spanish reign, it got mixed in so slowly that now, a lot of people think the spanish words they use are tagalog. Delicado, milagro, peligro, tsineles, ebanghelyo, propeta, saserdote, libro, mismo, there are hundreds and hundreds I hear every day. There's a lot that's been tag-lized.
Who knows? maybe I'll be able to switch over to spanish when I'm back in the Estados Unidos. Thanks for your part of the letter! Do you have a calling in the spanish ward, or was it a one time thing? Dad, the churches here aren't as "fortress-like" as the one you attended, but it is strange to see the church all fenced up and locked up here, with bars on all of the windows.
I couldn't even remember what day was Thanksgiving this year. A few weeks ago I remembered that it was in November, and I knew it must be close because Sister Puzey gave a talk at Zone Conference on Gratitude and Humility. Sister Puzey gives amazing talks, everything is always so well studied and her talks are constantly very spiritual. I always look forward to Zone Conferences. I had the opportunity again to play the piano. Whatever skills there were before have been in the basement for a little too long -- my fingers are like 10 little kalabaw. Sister Puzey said she wanted to know when #9 was coming -- I had to tell her I wasn't sure. Is there a date? Guess? President Puzey just got back from a Mission President training session -- 3 days. Elder Cook was there, and he said that he had felt impressed many times that something very critical to the latter-day work of the Lord was happening in the Philippines. He pointed out that there are 6 billion people on the earth, and 3 billion in Asia. The Philippines is right in the middle of all that, and in the way things worked out, it happens to be the only Christian nation in Asia. And missionary work exploded here. Now it's still really rolling, but we usually hang around 120 baptisms a transfer with this past one, 80, as the lowest ever, while formerly there were upwards of 300 constantly. President Puzey said that now we needed to get really smart in the work, because people aren't just showing up at church any more waiting to be taught. The focus was Chapter 8.
Getting investigators to church was a big success this week. Last week I wrote about the Degusman Family, but their last name is really Izon. The Izon family regularly visits family on the weekend, but on Sunday they left at 4 AM and traveled here to get dressed and come to church. We swung by to pick them up and they were all ready to go, they'd found some sunday clothes, and brother had even found and polished some sunday shoes. Teaching them has been an absolute pleasure -- they put everything aside to listen and always read the assignments and do everything we ask them. Their circumstances are very humble, but they insist on giving us juice or buying some soda or crackers for us. It's SO against the cultural code to turn a merienda down. We will teach them about the Word of Wisdom tomorrow, and hope they'll be ready for that, but on the last visit, they mixed up some "Nestea" and had already poured it into glasses for us, and handed it to us. We could tell it wasn't the normal juice, so we asked what it was. I looked at Elder Cobacha, and he was scared. We held the glasses and 'ah-hummed' a little and fidgeted a little, but then had to brake it to them that we couldn't drink it. I had to say it, because Elder Cobacha was scared to death that they'd be offended, and I started to think if I didn't say anything Elder Cobacha might start drinking just so they wouldn't be hurt. Luckily, they understood, and everything went great at church. We were early and got to take them around, and they got to talk to bishop in his office and meet everybody. They are an amazing and very promising family, but there are problems as well. Because of some complications, because of the lack of divorce in the Philippines, they can be baptized after an interview with President Puzey, but they won't be able to go to the temple, and that's really hard. We'll see how things unfold. Two other investigators also came to church, including Sister Luna. Her grand-children were really impressed. The week has flown by and we've been really happy in the work. I'm really enjoying seeing the progression here in Aduas, and this past month or two has been peaceful and a really happy time for me. I know I'm here for a reason, and I feel that the spirit is helping me know what to say and is leading us to prepared people, like the Izon family. I love ya'll lots, and thanks for all your prayers. Take care!
Love, Elder Loren Peck
P.S. I received the Christmas package from the Swans and want to say THANKS A TON! The Charlie Brown Christmas Tree will hopefully be assembled later on. Thanks also for the thoughtful gifts for Elder Cobacha. In the 8 months that he's been out he hasn't received a letter from his parents, because they are a long ways from the city and don't know how to email. He occasionally gets an email from one of his siblings -- the only other member in his family. But one of his sisters is taking the lessons and made it to church. Yes! Elder is really excited about that. I passed on the gifts, and he told me to tell the Swans thank you. He wore the tie yesterday. At his home they don't have presents at christmas time, but he loved the christmas season because it was the one time every year he'd head home from Manilla, carrying 3 kilos of meat for their christmas feast.
Thank you!

Thanks -- That Goat was Real Tasty!

Dear Family,
I got my first taste of goat this week at the home of a part member family. Jhei Yambot is our Young Men's President here in Aduas at age 23. He also comes around with us 3 days a week. He works so hard in the church. He's the only member in his family, and that makes his family life a challenge sometimes. They don't understand why he puts so much time into the church, when they think he should spend more time learning the family trade and helping out with their business. His dad and family make and deliver home supplies, everything from home-made cheese graters to brooms. It was Brother Yambot's (dad of Jhei's) birthday and they welcomed us in when we picked up Jhei. The birthday tradition here is to prepare A LOT of food and feed family and everyone that shows up. Turning down food is a capital offense. Sister Yambot is a great cook. One of the things they gave me was goat in the form of a soup that goes on rice. They don't throw away parts of the goat -- so there's all sorts of things floating around in there. Goat is a real Christmas treat, and it's more expensive than pork. I was surprised, it tasted real good.
These past few weeks we've paid attention on building good relationships with the members and with bishop, and it's really starting to pay off. I feel in touch and like I'm part of the ward. Yesterday in our correlation with Bishop, we had a great discussion and it was clear that Bishop was ready to help and excited about the plans. We had a great meeting.
Yesterday Pakyaw (the boxing star) had a match, and that hurt our church attendance. None of our investigators made it to church, sister Luna got sick, Sister Carlos and her neice had a web-cam appointment with her parents in Hong Kong, the Degusman family was out of town.
We've had some great success with reactivation -- we had 5 appointments this past week with less active members, and one of them, a 21 year old (Brother Corpus) that was offended years ago, brought his wife with him to church. His wife is Catholic, and they are looking forward to their first child in about a month and a half. He told us a few weeks ago that by the time his child was here, he wanted to be back on track. Our ward really needs the priesthood bearers as well.
I can't be sure if I'll still be here a month from now for the next transfer, so it's hard now that we're setting baptismal goal dates that will extend into the coming transfer, and the goal dates before then begin to dwindle. I know it's not all about the baptisms, but that's really what we're here for. I know that no effort is wasted and that things happen in the Lord's time, but I'm really trying to be worthy of the blessings of the Lord and doing my best to use the Lord's time wisely and productively.
Wow, three packages! It really is Christmas! Just as long as there's a christmas card from ever'body, that's great. Don't send boots! I know dad was just joking, but just in case, I can't carry them around. I can't think of anything else . . . right now . . . Yeah, I'm done trying to think. It's monday.
I can not figure out this camera card thing. I'm sorry, I hoped to send a picture or two. Maybe I'll just mail the card again. I haven't been taking many pictures. . . I've got some repenting to do.
The days are flying and I'm really loving the time here. Sometime's it's hard and there's a lot of those great 'character building' times, but when the day is done it all works out for the best. There's nothing better than that feeling when the day is done and you know that you're in the right place doing the right things.
I love ya'll lots! Have a great week, and enjoy the snow for me!
Love, Elder Loren Peck

Autumn is here and the coconuts are falling!

Dear Family,
Looks like everybody had a party again this week. The area I'm in right now, Aduas, is well known for it's lechon pork -- the whole pigs, flame roasted. We've got a lot of investigators and members that are in that business. I didn't know dad and Chris were hunting! Way to go Sarah, but remember, you've got to start out with a beater while you're still a freshman. While we talk with people, they sometimes have to point out that we're standing underneath a coconut tree, because periodically the coconuts drop. We laugh and step away from the chance of meeting a comical end, like, that only happens in cartoons, right? But it really is dangerous! Two months ago we "mowed the backyard with a machete" (pagdadamo, in last weeks letter) at Brother Villereal's house (he's got a BIG backyard, and the jungle has taken over). And as I was 'lawn mowing' a coconut dropped not 10 feet from me, spraying coconut milk everywhere. The leaves don't fall but the coconuts do.

It's been another great week. We were a little dissapointed when Sister Luna didn't show up at church. She went and sold at the palengke again, it's hard when change comes slow. Sister Rodriguez, Sister Iverson's former companion, returned home this week and bore her testimony in Sacrament meeting. She had nothing but the best to say about Sister Iverson.
The week has flown by and we've met a lot of promising new investigators. We had a second visit at the home of a new family, the Degusman's, and taught more about the Book of Mormon. They live in humble circumstances, a two room house, close to the church. They are so humble and ready to listen. We could tell that Brother Degusman was excited to recieve a Book of Mormon, and after the lesson he thanked us over and over, and was overwhelmed that it was free. I gave the invitation to be baptized and they accepted it right away. We pulled out their calendar and set a date. As we left they told us to make sure and come back. It's amazing when a whole family responds like that. I feel like this first week is going to be critical in their conversion, and we plan on making frequent contact and help them make it to church this Sunday.
I'm looking forward to the new transfer. The time is really flying by and things are feeling really good. Language and culture is normal, I feel right at home, although I am not as fluent as I'd like to be. There is a lot to learn. Question for Chris and Dad: how can I keep a good progression going in learning the language?
In the package -- I could use some shoe-polish and a couple pairs of socks -- if you can find ones that are a little bit different, throw those in because the ones that look normal keep dissapearing. I'd also like a few ties, I'm really lacking in that department and am regretting that I sent any home. Any kind of tie is great.
I'll miss Thanksgiving and Fall! The pictures are great, there has been no change at all here. The weather really is great here, though, and it's really easy to predict. There is no weather channel -- if there was, it would be something like-- "It looks like another steamer, with a 50% chance of rain. And that prediction is good for the next 5 months."
I love you all and loving the work. It's been a great week!
WIth love, Elder Loren Peck

Rig O' Bamboo!

Dear Family,
About Dad's letter first. I regret moaning and groaning on Saturdays just a few years ago, because now when Thursday and Community Service Project comes around, it's the highlight of the week. The normal activity is what we call "pagdadamo". In English, it means "mowing the backyard with a machete" and that IS an exact translation. Don't worry! I've still got 8. . .9 . . . 11, no! 10 fingers(there are people around here that have 11 digits, but that's not something to talk about). But I'm getting a little better at "mowing the lawn". Next time I'll get some pictures. People's gardens here are amazing! The plants are foriegn to me, so I have to ask before I start hacking so I miss the pineapple's, guavas, and camote. Dad, what we did with the pig is re-enacted for me every once in a while here. Looks like the method is indeed universal. When you buy pork here, the skin is sometimes still on, and they use every part, the tripe is made into a soup called "Goto" and is sold with bread for 10 cents.
Earlier this morning we went fishing -- we baught fishing line and hooks at the palengke, and then headed off to the pond of one investigator. At their house, we found a stand of bamboo and made poles. With cut-up sandals you've got a bobber, and then you're set. We dug up worms for bait, and trekked out to the pond. We didn't catch anything, but it was a good time anyway.
Good news! No transfers! That was an answer to my prayers, I really don't feel ready to leave Aduas and the companionship with Elder Cobacha just keeps getting better. I'll have to write his conversion story, it's amazing. Now, his youngest brother has been baptized and one of his sisters is taking the lessons.
I forgot to tell you that I met the parents of Sister Iverson's last companion in the San Pablo mission. We had a dinner appointment with the Rodriguez family, Brother is a councilor in the Stake Presidency, and we talked about missions, of course. We found that they have two children out on missions right now. They told us that Sister Rodriguez had a new companion, American named Sister Iverson, that was shorter than Sister Rodriguez (they got a kick out of that). Anyway, it's a small world! We'll see Sister Rodriguez on Sunday at church, she gets home sometime this week.
Sunday was the "day of the dead" and only 40 people came to church. Miserable. Only one investigator came. Everybody went to the graveyard and lit candles at home. We met some young carolers that sang house to house and asked for money or candy. Apparently at Christmas everyone does that and they expect money, for everyone that sings. That could get expensive in a hurry.
Tomorrow we might stop by and see Brother Villereal just to see how he's doing. I watched yesterday, half expecting him to walk into the chapel. Instead brother Fullencio walked in a little late, an ancient, stooped man whose hearing is fading. He walked several city blocks to attend, and attended every class, although he slept through the last one. He really surprised us since we've only met him once or twice and we didn't think he was in good enough shape to walk to church.
We (are praying that we) have family home evening at the home of Sister Luna later tonight. She's struggling a little bit to make a decision and I guess she's doubting a little bit her desire to be baptized. But we've only met with her twice, and we're excited to share the Plan of Salvation and get some of that healthy restored-gospel-doctrine into her. We've got great rapport with her and her family, and the lessons are great. She read the whole pamphlet and the introduction and the testimony of the witnesses and Joseph Smith already. AND Moroni chapter 10, which we didn't assign, she just saw the reference in the Introduction and decided to find it and read it. She explained to us what she learned, and said she believed the Book of Mormon to be true. She's promised us, and her excited grandchildren, that she'll accompany all of us to church this Sunday. Things should really start to happen after that. There's progress every week and I'm excited for these next 6 weeks in Aduas.
I'm learning a lot in Personal Study and I'm being obedient. And, I'm getting pretty ripped with my 'missionary excercise . . . X' every morning. Ha ha . . . I'm putting on SO MUCH WEIGHT. I'm scared to send pictures right now. But I work out every morning, the problem is all this awesome Filipino food really sticks to a guy!
I need some shoelaces, mine broke earlier. And can you resend that number for the ATM card? I won't need it right away, but I forgot it. And can you send 2 of those really, really small book of mormons? That's all I can think of off the top of my head right now, along with the things last week. A card from everyone would be great.
I'm loving the work and it's really rolling along right now. We've got some great investigators right now and this week I've really felt the spirit while bearing testimony. I know this work is true, and I love ya lots!
Sincerely,
Elder Loren Peck

Q. and A.

Family! Here are some Questions and Answers: Q. Do they celebrate Halloween? I guess no falling leaves or colorful fall decorations in the Philippines! A. They celebrate something called "All saints Day" and I don't know much about that yet. There's no trick or treating, but I think there are some pretty "out of this world" kind of traditions. I'll get you the news as I find out more about it. Do the seasons ever change here??? No! There's not much Christmas in the air, at least not the white fluffy, cold, kind of Christmas I'm used to. But the Christmas lights and christmas trees are being set up by those early birds. (lights and popcorn on palm trees gives a little different feeling to Christmas) Q. Are you surviving all of the typhoons? We haven't heard much about the one this week. Hopefully because it wasn't bad. A. It was supposed to hammer us! At one point the warning signal in our area climbed to 3, which is huge! We are supposed to head home when it's #2, but we worked right through it, because the bagyo took a last minute turn again and headed up the coast. So here are some more questions: 1. Have you learned what you hope to about BRT-ing from Elder Cobacha? A. I'm praying that I do not get transferred, because I am learning a lot from Elder Cobacha right now. I've picked up a lot about Building a Relationship of Trust, and my approach to talking people is completely different now. I've learned the importance of being honest and interested in the first few minutes talking to someone. After they feel that you care, after you "nakuha ang loob nila", most people will invite us right in. I've learned to start looking for things right away that are important to people, and to talk about that. It's great to see people's eyes light up and see them relax when you hit a subject that they really want to talk about. Everybody has something they want to talk about, and it helps us know what to teach about as well. I've been amazed this transfer as investigators really open up and tell us what they're thinking, what they're problems are in their family, whatever they need help with. It's great to see that trust. I plan on taking what I've learned in this transfer and applying it throughout my mission (and life!) 2. Do you need new shoes? And which kind do you like? Are you wearing irrigation boots like Elder Zac Dymock in Manila? A. It's great to have the two kinds. The thinner kind is really good in the water -- water-proof and fast drying. But the soles have taken a beating. On the other hand, the thick ones are great for walking, the soles are good for a long time still, but they're a nightmare when they get wet. I'll resole the thin ones, I don't need any more shoes yet. Do we wear boots? YES. When I can find some that are somewhere close to my size. For the record, this is what I might need in the future: (in 2 or 3 months) Contact Solution, deodarant (it's sooo expensive here, the anti-persperent kind please), and I'd still like a cheap jumprope, make sure it's tall enough for me, and that's my Christmas list for now (I don't need any more candy). A christmas card from everybody too. 3. Were you able to resolve Brother Villareal's concerns? What about Sister Capuli? A. I'll write about this in the letter 4. Can you receive emails from those other than immediate family? A. Nope. In the MTC, it was allowed if it was incoming, but here they discourage it. Letters are great, though, ya' just can't send too many of 'em! And dearelder.com is great too. Dear Family, It's been a challenging week. We lost 3 formerly progressing investigators and one sister that had been referred to us. Ouch. And it all happened in 3 days. It felt like we were walking from rejection to rejection as our investigator pool dwindled at an alarming rate. It was hard to take, and a humbling experience. My Personal Study on that 3rd day: Chapter 9: "No effort is wasted", and Chapter 1: "A Successful Missionary". Along with Alma 8 and Helaman 10. I prayed to know what we could do or change in our area, and some good ideas came. It really is a turning point in the area, a great opportunity to shake up our schedule, and work in the center of strength. I've gained new insight as to just how important each investigator is, and how precious each teaching appointment is. Brother Villereal told us that he wasn't ready to continue the lessons. It was really tough. He beat around the bush for almost half-an-hour, and it's sometimes hard to understand what he's saying because he suffered a stroke. He kept giving reasons. In the end I said that we were ready to stick with him even if it took months to overcome cigarettes and coffee, and we wanted to continue if he still had desire to be baptized. It finally came down to "yes" or "no" and he said, "ayaw ko na" -- I don't want it anymore. I was speechless. It really came as a shock to me. I got the chance to bear a simple and heart-felt testimony. I felt impressed to mark a chapter in the Book of Mormon even though we had no return appointment. Another long time investigator told us straight-up that they'd only been letting us in because they were shy of us, and weren't going to be baptized like we may have thought. But I've felt, especially in my prayers, that something really good has to be coming, like now is a great time to change, improve, and pay attention to the promptings of the spirit. In the free time, I felt that the Lord really needed us somewhere. And this week we taught two part member families that I'm really excited about -- the Pineda and Luna families. Their spouses and children really want them to accept the gospel and join the church. I felt the spirit in our teaching to them, and Sister Lynn Luna cried when her 60 year old mother accepted the challenge to be baptized in the first lesson. Sister Luna's mother is so great, she understood everything, and when we promised blessings and extended the commitment she accepted and said: "Alright, how many discussions are there?" It was such a good feeling. I'm excited for the changes in the area, and although it was a trying experience, I learned much about the worth of souls and how precious each one is -- how hard it is when they choose not to accept the gospel. But on Sunday morning our Young Men's president passed by the home of Brother Villereal on his way to church. He noticed Brother Villereal outside reading, from the Book of Mormon, and he saw the mark I'd left in chapter 10 of Moroni. Anything can happen! I know this work is true. The Lord is at the head, and all things work out -- on His timetable. I love you all, and hope you have a great week! Sincerely, Elder Loren Peck

Typhoons ARE Ward business!

Dear Family,
There is another typhoon headed in on Tuesday or Wednesday. On Sunday, the direction and wind speed (195 kph) of the Storm was announced as part of the ward business in sacrament meeting. I had to look around to see the reaction of the members -- is that a normal item of business?
I like what you wrote, Mom, about life coming into focus when the end of life seems near. I see it over and over again here in the mission: elderly people, especially when a loved one has passed on, invite us in and express their fears about the coming days. Many tell us thoughtfully about their desire to prepare for the judgement day. I have been surprised at how many people are concerned with repentance. Many ask us how to repent.
These people are a Bible loving people. Most people have never read it, but everyone believes it. We have a problem sometimes at the end of lesson one when we extend the invitation to pray. We promise: "You'll know for yourself through the Spirit the truth of our message." Surprisingly often, when asked if they will pray, they say something like: "Siguro hindi na. Naniniwala naman ako sa mga sinabi n'yo. Galing sa Biblia ang mensahe n'yo."
Something like that. Which means: "No, I don't think so. I believe in what you've said, because it's coming from the Bible." Then we have to find a scripture in the Bible that says "ask for yourselves!" to convince them to ask.
Sometimes when the timing is good, sometimes when teaching the Book of Mormon, it's an interesting thing to ask, after bearing testimony: "How did you come to know for yourself that the Bible was true?" When asked to the right people, that really is a thought provoking question.

We're receiving a lot of referrals right now and enjoying a lot of support from the ward. As a result, our time in this area is spent more productively, we haven't had to mass-tract areas. I've learned a great deal from my companion, Elder Cobacha. He is an amazing BRT-er. Like, it's unfailable! Sometimes in our planning session I just have to ask: How do you do it? Everybody you talk to let's us in! There are religions here where it is forbidden to listen to missionaries of other sects, but even to them, we get in and teach! Elder Cobacha is so honest with people, and he just talks openly with them about whatever they're doing, or whatever else he sees is important to them. I can't believe how fast people open up! Then after about 5 minutes of talking about laundry, or pigeons, or fixing a bike, or whatever, he'll just ask, almost out of the blue: Well, brother, we'd like to share with you now. And he doesn't even get through the sentence before they're saying: "Pasok! And don't worry about your shoes!"
It's incredible. Sometimes they don't even know what religion we are yet. But Elder Cobacha is happy to teach me what he's learned about gaining rapport with people, and I've been taking notes like crazy. Right now we're hovering at 4-6 lessons a day, it helps when we have a ward missionary (about every other day).
We studied "Resolving Concerns" yesterday and it was just what we needed. It seems like right now our investigators have some deep, deep icebergs, social and doctrinal.
One social: Brother Villareal had a stroke and is at home all day long, by himself. He feels remorse for past sins, and wants to repent and be baptized. He reads the Book of Mormon and knows the doctrine. But he can't seem to give up smoking and coffee, and he's beginning to think he can't take the lessons any more, because he's losing hope in his ability to quit. He's afraid to come to church because he has a hard time talking and walking. He's embarrassed of his appearance and shy. He leaves early on Sunday mornings to avoid church.
Doctrinal: Sister Capuli was referred by her cousin, a member. In a visit with her when her relatives were not present, she opened up and said she was born, baptized, and married catholic, and she planned on dying that way. There is a Tagalog saying (Kung saan ka ipinanganak, doon ka mamamatay) that means: Where you're born, there you die, and she used that one. She is(was?) a promising investigator, but she just can't seem to accept that Joseph Smith saw a vision or that our doctrine is important.
Any ideas? It's been a time of prayer and pondering.

Do you have any questions about other aspects of the work?

Love ya'll family, and could I get a bit of Chris' homecoming talk? Thanks a ton for the letter, mom, thinking about what changes I want to make has spurred some great goal setting this week. Love you!
Elder Loren Peck

The rains came down, and. . .

Dear Family,
Our Area, Aduas, and many parts of Cabanatuan City were flooded this week suddenly when three major dams simultaneously lowered their water levels. I found out that our area is like a small island. There are only 5 ways into and out of Aduas, 5 bridges. We had no news of the flood, it came suddenly at 3 AM. At 2:30 PM, we rode into Aduas, in our proselyting clothes, ready to teach, only to find that our appointments were underwater. We came in on one of the two bridges that were not yet submerged. I have never seen anything like this! We sent notes to some of our investigators -- the Hernandez couple -- that the church was open if they needed to head out, and one of their neighbor children made his way through thigh-deep, chocolate colored water to deliver it. They had shin-deep water inside, but they were still there, and looking at a long day and night with no electricity. Entire subdivisions were under three feet of water, and in other places only rooftops were visible. People stood on their second-story balconies, just feet above the water. It's a hard thing to grasp, everybody seems pretty stunned. Including me!
As of now the water has subsided, but some of our promising investigators didn't make it to conference, and we haven't re-established contact yet. Things should be getting back to normal in the next few days.
Conference was amazing! Wow, Elder Holland's talk sure was powerful. We got to see it (a sneek peek) at zone conference earlier this week. I was inspired.
We've been having some great successes here in Aduas, and things continue to pick up. My companion, Elder Cobacha is a master at gaining rapport and trust, and we've been blessed with many referrals and promising new investigators. The members here are amazing fellowshippers. The relief society made a surprise visit to one of our investigators, (the Hernandez couple) and gave her an ensign, which she read right away. They are accepting everything we've been teaching, and are making important steps towards baptism. Brother Hernandez has a lot of potential, he's a disciplined intelligent man, with a good heart and high moral standards. He and his wife went from drinking 6 cups of coffee a day to 0 in less than a week. We are busy and happy.
Conference has been a great time of reflection and goal setting. I love the mission and the opportunities to apply gospel principles in everyday living -- it's the perfect atmosphere to put truths to the test and try to be like the Savior. I am seeing promises fulfilled and blessings poured out. This morning two member children came to our door just as I was starting my excercise, saying that their grandmother was sick and to come quick and give her a blessing. At moments like that it's a wonderful feeling to not need to hesitate, and not need to doubt. I had the opportunity to bless, and although the Tagalog wasn't perfect, I felt the faith of the Sister's family. Their home was humble, they were humble. They carried grandmother from her room and laid her on the couch for the blessing. It's times like this that the name-tag means something special, knowing that Christ is the Healer, and we are His hands.
Sounds like Chris is back to his old, rascally, frisbee-ing ways. Better keep an eye on that one. Love the pictures! Dad, good luck in your many trials. Ang guwapo/ganda ninyo! Thanks for the letter, I love you all.
With love,
Elder Loren Peck

Highlights from Uruguay!

Chris in Uruguay, with Montevideo in the background.

Chris (Elder Peck) and Yanila (who didn't want Chris to leave!) Her favorite hymn is "Called to Serve" which they sang every time the missionaries came to visit.

Bizcochos and Chocolate milk (in a bag) for breakfast. Yum!

Here is the Vivanco family that Chris had the privilege to teach and baptize. They were very excited to see Chris before he left.

This is the inside and outside of the home of Freddy & Estela. Freddy is a branch president near Trienta y Tres, and Estela does the laundry for the missionaries. Both of them feed the missionaries often and take good care of them. We were very privileged to be the beneficiaries of a good meal and a wonderful place to stay while we were in Trienta y Tres. They admitted they didn't have much, but we were welcome to all they had.

Surviving the Super Typhoon!

Dear Family,
A week ago, after hearing about approaching typhoons from investigators, we recieved a text from the Assistants to make an emergency trip to our local palengke's to buy 3 days supply food and water, as well as an emergency light, in case we needed to ride out the Super Typhoon "Pepeng" that would hit the coast on the weekend. As the day approached, it became clear that our area was in a bit of a panic. At every appointment, our investigators pointed out the flood marks on their walls, sometimes 4 or 5 feet high, from past storms. In some areas their houses had been completely submerged in the past. One family told us stories of years past when they had to ride out storms on their roof. Everyone was washing clothes, packing things and waiting. Everyone was counting the hours until the predicted land-fall time. It's what everyone was talking about. When we woke up on Friday, the sky was grey, and the wind started to pick up. Up above us, low clouds hurried past above us. When that wind drops down, it easily takes the tin roofs off houses, lays down trees, and wreaks general havoc. Friday evening, the rain started to fall. Families started heading out, to friends houses -- higher ground. It rained off and on until Saturday when the storm was to hit. The hours passed by . . . the minutes drew short . . . .
Okay, alright! So it wasn't that cool after that. It really could have been cool, but the storms totally missed nueva ecija. We worked right through it. The rain came down though, and we couldn't make it to two investigators because the flood close to their home was just too deep, and they were gathering up the last of their things and heading to higher ground anyway.
You've got more news than I do, but it sounds like other places in the Philippines got hit pretty hard, like Manila and Quezon. My companion, who's family lives on the ocean in Quezon province (Infanta), is waiting for news from his youngest sibling, the only one in his family who knows how to email, to hear if his family is safe. Apparently they are going to let out water from a large dam here, and apparently it's pretty dangerous that our area will flood, big time.
That's the news. I'm way excited for general conference, it's sounds like you already know how great it was. I've got to wait until Saturday. But we've got some great investigators that will join us there -- it's so fun to teach about living prophets, when the investigators are ready. To see that look on their face -- ganoon ba? It's new to them, but it's right. I'm excited about the area, really excited. It feels like things are about to bloom, we've got some great progressing investigators and they have some real potential. I love my companion. We are really hitting it off, it's going to be a great transfer, and I hope I can stick around here for another one or two after this. But that's not up to me. Chris! What are ya doin? I can't believe your back at the house! Is that MY shirt? Back in the irrigation boots, how many minutes did that take? Is it wierd not to be in a suit? And speaking english? Take care, can't wait to hear how all the changes are.
I love you all! The work is true, and we've all some power to move it along. This is a living church, growing every day as every member grows. It works because it's true. It changes lives because it's true.
Take care, everybody! Charlie, enjoy having Chris home a little for me, will ya?
With love,
Elder Loren Peck

------Hey mom, I'm actually sitting next to Elder Razo right now, he filled me in on all the latest news about the Zamora family a few days ago. As the weeks past, the Zamora family started feeding the missionaries (I only got that once!) and brother Zamora, who seems real shy, but has some real inner strength, had a good talk with the Born Again pastor, and some of the neighborhood pressure was eased. Their neighbors aren't quite as nice to them anymore, which is a real shame. He filled me in on their baptism and testimonies, he said that in the teaching now Sister Zamora frequently asked questions about the temple, they are planning their trip one year from now. Sister Carla's baptism (she's 11) should take place any week now, she's got friends in the church and is attending church, but doesn't really want to be baptized because of her friends of different faiths. That's okay, it sounds like she's almost turned the corner, and knowing the Zamora's, they'll drag her to the temple kicking and screaming if they need to in order to be sealed as a family. Talk about a happy ending. I hope and pray everything will work out.

How Great Will Be Your Joy!

Friday morning, as I was stretching my legs, sitting on the white tile floor, one of the zone leaders, Elder Errico, came and sat down at his desk. I started casually asking him about where other elders were, who he saw in Angeles, and what the news was. Elder Nuyte moved to Tarlac, Elder Gumiran in now in Panniqui, ect. Then I asked him if he'd seen Elder Razo there. Elder Errico hardly even looked up as he said -- "Ah, they were baptized". I'd already fallen over and gotten back up by the time I remembered that I'd asked him to find out about the Zamora Family in Capas. Elder Errico, knowing my building excitement might lead to all sorts of whooping and singing at an innapropriately early hour, tried to cap the joy by telling me that the baptism pictures had accidentally been erased by the ward missionary (probably Noel Bosostros!). That ruined my happiness like a breeze bothers a good day. Yes!
It's true! I got a letter from the Bosotros family this week saying "The Zamora couple (just couple???) was baptized on September 19th." All through my sit-ups I couldn't stop smiling. I'm sure sister Carla (their daughter) is soon to follow. I am understanding a little better right now the joy that is written of in Doctrine and Covenants -- How great will be your joy in the kingdom of God with every soul that we helped come home. Teaching them was really something else. The spirit in their home was so strong. I loved them so much and the thought of them making it to the temple in a year makes up for every trial. The gospel is true! Heavenly Father let me see a miracle in their conversion.
Thanks to you all! I know that you prayed just as hard as I did for the Zamoras.
Chris, how am I supposed to fill those whoppin' skiis? What size are those things, anyways? Holy cow, give me a hug, will ya'? Way to go. Mom and Dad's stories filled in all the gaps I had in my mental picture. All those amazing experiences and learnings, enough for a lifetime. I can imagine the blisters on Chris' hands. I'm pretty sure that, like the grinch in his moment of decision, your heart has grown 3 sizes, at least! And that's delicado when it was big already! Chris, I'm excited to get an email from you, there's a lot that I need to hear.

I love you all. Chris, love ya'. I can't say I envy you 100% right now, because there's still a whole lot here for me, and I'm excited for every day of it. I hope you'll tell me everything that's still on your mind about the mission, and what the new experiences are like.
Take care, everybody! With love,
Elder Loren Peck

P.S. My new companion is AWESOME!! We are going to see some big changes here in Aduas, Elder Cobacha, 26, from Quezon Province is on fire, obedient, and on top of things. We left the mission home at the same time. He's tall for a Filipino, easy to talk to, hard working, a thinker, and a problem solver. And a good cook! This change is going to be the best!

"Exotic" foods are strictly "bawal" for us here -- I can't as much as eat balot! I mean, seriously! Liver doesn't even bother me now, but I can't compete with Chris! If we were free to eat, I could chow on chicken guts, tripe in soup, chicken feet, pig innards, and a whole lot more right here outside the internet cafe, and on every corner. Kaya lang . . .
I cooked chop suey earlier! I'm getting the hang of some of these dishes, two days ago it was squash and "sitaw" which is like green beans gone wild, with sardines. Aside from that I've learned how to cook adobo and sinigang -- But I'll tell ya what -- when I get home I won't be able to do a thing without a wok. And I won't know how to eat a thing if it's not on rice. That's not a joke. I've forgotten what "main dishes" are.
I can't believe Chris is on his way home! I don't know what to think about that. I love you all so much, and I love the news!
Thanks, everybody!
Elder Loren Peck
(but there's only one now! ah, . . . I didn't say that! Quick, get Chris a tissue!)
Love ya!

Travels in Uruguay!

Hi family and Loren!

Here we are at Tres Cruces waiting for a bus to Triente y Tres. Chris showed me the cyber cafe where he has emailed us many times. So here we are because this was one place I really wanted to see.

So here´s the scoop--
(forgive the errors--Chris wasn´t kidding--the keyboards are crazy!)

Chris looks great! He smiles the same, he talks the same (except he speaks crazy fast in Spanish) and his laugh is the same. He loves the people here and it shows. And the people here love him. The hardest thing here to watch is the people hug Chris good-bye and cry. They will miss him very much. They tell me so. My favorite thing so far has been sitting in the taxis and listening to him talk to and teach the drivers. Very cool. I am excited to see the outlying areas in Uruguay--so far we have seen the nice area around the temple and the mission home.

Love ya´ll , we´ll see you soon!
Mom

Hey yall waz up. im here with mom and dad and im really exited to go home and see yall. it sounds like yall are good. but ya better get prepared to get tickled to death.hahahaha. well see yall later. chou (Chris)

Hi Everyone!

Here we are in Buenos Aires, Argentina with 3 hours left before our flight. We figured we would get a letter to Chris and Loren, (wait, not Chris--he is standing right here beside me!) We left Montevideo just about an hour ago and it is only a 30 minute flight to Buenos Aires. We will spend the rest of the night flying and should arrive in Dallas around 7 a.m. Then it will be on to SLC hopefully just after 11 a.m.

Last night we went to a real live professional soccer game. They take their futbol seriously here!!! We had to pay extra to make sure we were out of the section (the barra bravos Chris tells me) where there are lots of knives and guns and things better go their way or we will know about it! It was the security officer that told us that! Anyway, we had a great time watching great soccer and because Elder King and Elder Chris are still missionaries we had to leave the game 15 minutes early to make it home (hotel) in time for curfew. Good thing we left early. We actually found a taxi, and the end of the game there was a last second goal that didn´t count and it was who everyone was cheering for! It was crazy! The whole end of the stadium where the barra bravos were stood and jumped up and down and sang very loud songs with banners flying and fireworks shooting (not the legal Utah kinds either)!!! (and Chris adds-- not the legal drugs either!) Anyway, we´re out of Uruguay safe and sound and on our way home.

Except immigration had a problem with Chris´ exit information (apparently he didn´t "check in" properly two years ago - he didn´t take out his identification cedula (credentials?) and they told him he might have to stay in Uruguay until he straightened it out. But Shaun and I were free to go they said. Needless to say, they still marked Shaun and my luggage as "stand-by" so we hope they end up in Utah sometime soon. Tomorrow would be preferable! Then after a few computer checks and a discussion or two between immigration officials, they stamped his passport and let him through. I´m not sure if he was happy or not. I think he wanted to stay in Uruguay a little longer.

We are having a great time! This morning we went to church in Colon where Chris served as a missionary for 4 and a half months. There we met two families that Chris had taught and baptized. The father, Gerard, was so surprised when he saw Chris! He just kept hugging him and hugging him and saying thank you, thank you (except it was gracias, gracias) then coming to thank us for sending him. Good Grief! I was in tears and we had only been there a few minutes!! Everyone kept telling us how much they loved Chris and what a good missionary he was, and even from the pulpit the counselor in the bishopric cried as he talked about what a great missionary Chris was and how much they would miss him. Then they asked Shaun and I to bear our testimonies and Chris could translate. Talk about getting put on the spot! Fortunately Chris pulled us through!

Well, I guess I better leave time for Shaun and Chris to write. We all need lots of time--these keyboards are all mixed up!

yo yo yo whats up in the house or were ever you happen to be. mom is never going to make fun of me any more for writing without caps and all that stuff. so we had a rockin week. we went up to 33 and had a good asada (mom and dad didn´t have the guts to try the guts) but they were super good. and then last night we went to a soccer game, Nacional against River. it was super fun except mom about froze to death. we only picked a few fights and won all of them. and, of course, river won the game. i have mixed emotions about leaving uruguay. it really stinks. don´t get me wrong, i´m excited to see you, but it´s kind of tough coming home. at least mom and dad passed as not being tourists. they fit in pretty good and we didnt get robbed.

Hey Loren: Its dad. We haven´t been robbed YET. We still have to get away from Buenos Aires in one piece. We have had a great time here. Yoúve gotten a lot of the news. I´ll fill you in a little more on the food. Our picky eater Chris is no longer so picky. I guess that´s what hunger will do! This member in 33 served us lamb´s tongue (a much prized delicacy no doubt - but I´ve learned to run when I hear that word "delicacy". It usually means something you don´t find on the usual menu for a very good reason). Chris gobbled it right down with a hearty "yum"! Blood sausage was next. "You´ve go to try it" he says, "It´s great!" I said maybe later. (Not on your life). Cow intestine was the next tasty treat on the menu. At least it was tasty according to Chris. I was suddenly full when that piece came around. But, I found myself thinking that this must be just the kind of thing that Loren likes by now -- if he´s gotten hungry enough to try it;)

It has been a great adventure to come and pick Chris up. The highlight was seeing the gratitude of the new members introduced to the Church by Chris. That made all the sacrifice worthwhile to see the light in their eyes and their joy in finding the gospel. It really warmed our hearts to see the love they had for Chris. Everyone talked about what a hard worker Chris was. This seemed to be one of the traits that really stood out to them. Several members talked about him always having blisters on his hands from helping people. Sure enough, he has some right now. The members were so friendly. I´ve never been kissed so much in my life! Chris seems a little melancholy now flying away from it all. I remember the same feelings myself. Still, what great memories he will always have for his hard work and faithful service here. Loren. We are so excited to think of you having these same kinds of experiences in the Philippines. What a blessing it is to bring the light of the Gospel into a person´s life, and to watch the change. These people Chris baptized a short time ago have already become stalwarts in the ward. One is a secretary to the Bishop and gave the priesthood lesson today, and another conducted sunday school. Well, my time is up here at the internet booth at the airport. We love you and are praying for your happiness and success always. Love Dad

Chris, Has it been two years?

Dear Family,
I just recieved some unexpected news -- My companion, Elder Nuyte from Bicol, is about to be transferred. I was surprised because he's new here too, and I haven't even seen the whole area yet. I thought we'd have at least another transfer or two. On thursday I'll have a new companion, but I'm looking forward to as many months here in Aduas as the Lord will bless me with. It's so exciting to get into the work, be in it for the long run: pray for the people, and then go out among them -- talk with them, walk with them, get to know them, teach them, pick them up for church, take them step by step. It's so exciting to see people come to church, and to see members fellowship and fulfill their callings. It's exciting to see less actives return to church and see that spark light up again. It's just exciting to see the work of the Lord roll forth, every box of Book of Mormons that we give away, I think about it filling the world like Daniel's vision.
Being in it for the long run -- for two years day in and day out -- every thought and deed going towards the ward and the people, that is what is exciting.
It's been 2 years? What? Chris, you've been the best example a brother (kuya) could be. I love you. I'm excited for you, because you've done what you were called to do. You've set footprints for me your entire life that make me stretch, and I'm grateful for that. Thinking of my love for you has helped me love my companions -- That has been one gift. I realize that I was sent to the Peck family -- 2nd -- for a reason. Thanks for everything, Chris, actions speak louder than anything. You are a stud.
I hope to get an update this coming Thursday from Elder Razo about all the people in Capas -- he'd better write!
My time is up, but I've learned so much this past week. One investigator, Brother Añoso, has been making great progress, and it's been a privelege to teach him. Like everyone else, he has concerns and worries and one amazing thing is the opportunity to study for him, and pray for him and in a very real way recieve revelation for him. It's like that with every investigator, overcoming roadblocks and seeing people repent and change is a real blessing in the work.
I love you all. Chris, I want real bad to see you right off the mission -- you'd better keep on glowing, I want to see that straight-off-the-mission-look in a couple of years, okay? Deal!
Thanks family, you and your prayers bless me every day.
Love you lots!
Elder Peck