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

Last Letter from Chris?

(Chris will be released from his mission on Sept. 24 and will be traveling for a few days with his parents before returning home on Sept. 28th. Chris will be speaking in Sacrament Meeting (in the NEW Paradise church) on October 18, 2009 at 11 a.m.)

hey fam.

hey dad i talked to freddy and he said that he had to make some payments on the house and doesn´t have the money for the iphone. so yeah. that's cool, i was thinking the buses would be cooler anyways.

mom i think the only thing you could bring is some peanut butter for people.

oh and there's a guy here, areil espinola. he lived in utah for a while and when he came down didn´t have room for a few things. he would like you to email him and he will call you ( he speaks english) and ask if you could bring it down. . cool well, see yall later. chou.

Happy Birthday Sarah!

Dear Family,
Ano ba? Linoloco n'yo ako in a serious way. I was SO fooled by those pictures of Sarah and the car! (No! Sarah did not get a car for her birthday -- but she wished she did!)
Chris, way to go! You're AWESOME. Lovin' your emails.
Dad, thanks for the peanut butter / jelly recipe. Hahaha. I'll have you know that peanuts and peanut butter are infinitely better here, but it's all about the bananas. Write that one down. peanut butter and banana. This week I cooked sinigang. Wow, sarap.
Wow, if Chris can survive that last part of your email, he's doing great! (Chris, I know you're doing great).
This week Elder Edwards from the Area Presidency came to our Stake Conference. The full-time Elders prepared a musical number, I was the pianist. It was a slightly arranged "Come all ye sons of God". As the priesthood meeting was about to start, we realized that the part of the chapel we were in was absolutely piano-less. Frantically, we looked over the church for a keyboard. We found, and pulled out of the cobwebs, a short keyboard that must have been used by those chanting monks during spanish rule 200 years ago. We plugged 'er in just as the congregation was about to sing the opening hymn, and with another missionary acting as a music stand for me, we suffered through the ancient, MIDI piano sound. During our musical number, it was hard to overlook the fact that the piano setting sounded more like a water-logged banjo. The spirit must have made up for it, because the next day at the meeting, I got to shake Elder Edwards hand and he thanked me for playing the piano in the priesthood session. Yes! Check off one more lifetime goal. I also got to play one hymn and the postlude/prelude in the main session.
We picked up one investigator at her home -- Sister Hernandez. She walked in with us, and after 4 hours, walked out arm in arm with a relief society sister, like they were long-lost friends. Fellowshipping is such an amazing thing!
Elder Edwards spoke about how after the Savior appeared in America, the news was spread abroad so many gathered on the morrow. He then mentioned, while we grimaced, that the attendance at the stake conference that day was 10%. He pointed out that if we were 100%, the chapel, and the institute building, and the church grounds, and the neighboring building wouldn't be enough to hold all of us. He compared us to the Nephites, he said: "Don't we have the same message? We heard the Lord's servants. We missed you. The spirit of the Lord was there. We want you back. Come with us." It was so powerful coming from a general authority, a servant of the Lord.
He had two stories about a stake conference in Herare, Africa 4 years ago. They were inspiring, I'll send them next week for Grandma and Grandpa Swan. Send them my love, and also to Grandma Peck, and Great-Grandma Peck. I hope they are all doing well, and I look forward to Great-Grandma's upcoming birthday.

The spider pictures are pretty cool, huh? His web was green and thick. Spider-fighting is way cool to see, kids carry around their spiders in match-boxes. May gugumba ka ba? Magpa-away na sa kanila!
I'm still waiting for news from Capas. If everything went well, the Zamora family should have been baptized on the 12th of September. News moves so slow during the last part of the transfer. The last family on the camera card.. . Maybe. . . Elder Razo and I are sitting on the floor, and there's one young sister, and a couple -- that's the Zamora family.
I love you! I'm learning a lot here, and looking forward to another great one. I really can't believe that two years are just about up for Chris! That really throws me. I love you all! Have a great, great week.
Elder Loren Peck

Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh Scary!

(Note from Kerry: Sarah was asked to the Homecoming Dance this past week. Her first date! She turns 16 on Wed.) scary scary. man i think the family is going down hill. sarah tell eli that hes crazy. hahaha. no im joking. hey happy bday this week. hey that is so cool about byu. wow. i love it. starting off good. hey dad about the bus or car, i don´t have any money. thats all i have to say about it. and i will tell you uruguayian drivers are crazy. but we would get around faster. and would get more sleep. and i don´t think we would wnt to take it to colon but that would be saturday and we could get a bus easy. and then use the car to go to 33 and trinidad. but like i said i am broke. estoy pelado. and mom of course im showing em all how to work. im not even close to being trunky. when are you coming down wed or thur. we have three bapizms planed for the next two weeks and they are all going to rock. we are working really hard. and seeing a lot of success. i love melo. but hey love yall and well talk later. chou

The Work in ADUAS

Woah there,
Sinabi ko na kay SARAH na hindi ako pumayag sa kanyang Pag-de-dating. Pasaway talaga 'yen! Joke lang, Sarah, Mahal kita.
Mom, here in the Philippines there's been a real push for food in homes, some kind of Church charity project called FAITH is gripping the nation (food available in the home) It's been great to hear that it's a world-wide effort. Wow, Zion sure is amazing.
The missionary (zone leader) next to me (who attended BYU), and I read dad's section about the BYU game a minute ago. It was a nail-biter, and several Filipinos glanced over while we were oohing and ahhing, pumping our fists and doing a victory dance. Okay, . . . back to missionary work. (Thanks for the update, keep them coming)

This week we teamed up with the bishop and for the first time in the mission, I got to RIDE (even if it was sidesaddle on a trike or squished in that tiny sidecar) from appointment to appointment, as we reactivated priesthood and looked for part-member families to teach. Two of the families we visited came to church, it was great. Hopefully soon we'll get an Elders Quorum President and High Priest Group Leader called so we can have a PEC and get the work really going here in Aduas. For every active member, there are 7 or 8 inactives -- The Philippines has SO MANY members, kaya lang. . . so many don't come to church. Sometimes we'll get halfway through a lesson with someone we thought was a new investigator before they'll say: "oh yeah! Joseph Smith . . . Yeah. . . I remember now, I'm a member of that church."
Okay, so that's only happened once or twice, but we knock on doors all the time that are actually inactive members.
We've got one really great investigator, Brother Añoso, who's come to church twice. He's so sharp, he understands the lessons so well. And keeps commitments, which is exciting and refreshing. When we taught about repentance, we gave an invitation to him to repent of his sins, and we told him how. I was surprised when he hung his head and was quiet for a minute. Looking at his feet, he said "Well, I've got a lot of sins. I know it's not right to be baptized if I'm not clean." He then looked up at us, and we said that was right, and bore testimony about the cleansing power of the Atonement. It was a powerful moment. Brother Añoso accepted the commitment with all the gravity it deserved. It's a pleasure to teach him.
Another investigator surprised us when, after the invitation to pray about Joseph Smith, he (Brother Francha) said "I don't know. For a long time I've lived in a way I know God isn't happy with. It's just been easier for me. If I'm going to kneel down and ask God for knowledge, He's going to want me to do something, too. I know what he wants me to change my life. When I ask, I have to do what He says, and if He says you're right, that's a lot to do." I was blown away. He was so right. I hope and pray that Brother Francha will make a decision to change. He's sure to feel something if he will pray, I've grown so sure of that while I've been here in the mission field.
There's great experiences out here, all the time. I still think about the Zamora family, and pray for them. I realize more and more what it says in Doctrine and Covenants, that your joy will be so great if you help one soul (and better yet if many) to the kingdom of God. Meeting them there means the world to me. I'd do anything to make that possible. I'm looking always for people that I can learn to love like the Zamora family. It's possible with anyone. That's where the joy comes from -- a true desire for their welfare, to see them again, wanting them so much to recieve all the blessings possible, wanting them to be as happy as they can possibly be. Feeling like family, wanting to see them every day in the perfect happiness that is the kingdom of the Father, just like I saw them every night in that small house, on the side of a quiet street, in a place called "ligtasan", which in english means "salvation".
I love you, family! Keep up all the work and play, I love you all.
Sincerely,
Elder Loren Peck