The Patricio Family Baptism

Dear Family,
It was Friday night, 8:00 p.m. My small umbrella was no match for the pounding rain, and I'd given up trying to find a way around the ankle deep puddles covering the road, even though I was wearing my leather dress shoes. My companion walked beside me in the dark, shoes and socks in hand, sloshing barefoot down the dark cement street. We had about 1 kilometer more to walk before we came to our last appointment, which was another 1 kilometer from our apartment. The distance didn't bother me, because our walk was already more than half-way over. It had been raining steadily for 5 hours and showed no sign of letting up. As we walked past the rice fields and mango groves, and the occasional, dimly lit residence, I couldn't help but think that this really is the best two years. It wasn't because of our comical circumstances. Earlier that day, we'd crossed fields and squeezed through barbed wire fences to get to our farthest appointment. We'd trudged through mud and water only to find that our usual route was flooded and impassable. We'd found a different way and ended up jumping over a stream a good 200 meters away from the path. My companion had found a long branch and had tried to pole-jump the water, only to have his umbrella and one shoe fall into the mud. We tried hard not to step on the green beans on the other side of the water as we picked our way back to the path. We'd laughed and enjoyed our once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but all that wasn't the highlight of the day. I was feeling so good that night because we'd just taught the Patricio family, and tomorrow was their baptism. The couple had listened intently as we answered their questions and taught a simple lesson about family prayer. They had asked us how to bear testimony after the baptism, and we'd had a very spiritual meeting. They told us that they were praying every night now, and that their daughter Jezobel had begun to repeat what her parents said as they helped her say her prayers. It was easy to see that they were ready, heart and mind, to enter the church of Jesus Christ and make their first, sacred covenant. I thought of Christ's invitation to the Nephites, that they come unto Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. We had to stop during the lesson twice in order to wait for the rain to slow a little, because we couldn't hear each other over the noise of the water on the tin roof. After the lesson, Brother Filip Patricio accompanied us a little ways from his home with a flashlight along a path that wasn't flooded. We thanked him warmly, and he thanked us. On Saturday, the baptism went just as smooth as I'd hoped, and we beamed as they took turns bearing their testimony. On Sunday they were confirmed, and I was honored to stand in the circle as the priesthood bearer said: "Receive the Holy Ghost". I was so eager for the Spirit to enter full-force and full-time into the lives of this family, because I know they are worthy of it and ready for it. Moments like this are the sweetest that I've ever experienced and I'm certain there are few moments that can compete, throughout life. I can't imagine a better feeling! I want this family's happiness and salvation as much as I long for my own. It wouldn't be heaven without them. That's the reason this is the best, and it breaks my heart thinking that the mission would end after just two years. There better be some pretty good things waiting after the mission -- some good opportunities and important things to do -- otherwise, it just doesn't make sense to go home. I'm loving the work.

The Bala family didn't make it to church, and I really worried about them all morning. At three o'clock, we went to visit them. This time, we were wearing boots, because the water is shin-deep going to their home. I was so relieved after the lesson -- they still have a strong desire to be baptized. They didn't have anybody to go to church with, and in the end they just didn't go. We had a great lesson with them and before the end they said: "Elders, we hope you won't get tired of coming and teaching us, even though we've been taught for so long! We're trying, just have patience with us!" They have a new goal date on the 28th and we made sure yesterday that they will have plenty of members stopping by their house to pick them up next Sunday. Brother's inability to read hasn't presented much of a problem yet. He's been keeping the Word of Wisdom for 3 weeks now, and every night his wife reads to the whole family out loud. I came away from our lesson yesterday feeling strongly that this family (the Bala family) will be baptized. . . soon.
Thanks for all the news, family! I wish I had more time, but the time is far spent!
Love ya'll!
Elder Peck

Here We Go Again!

Dear Family,
Wow, that dessert picture was hands down my favorite. Those chewy caramel/chocolate bars. . .
I've just got a short update this week:

I love the Patricio family! Brother Filipino and Sister Lerma. After a month of teaching them with their 3 year old daughter Jezobel, I pulled out the nursery book ya'll sent me a year ago and am going to start using some of the pictures and cut outs from that for Jezobel because she's way into drawing (I mean . . she's 3 right?). Her parents can't get her to leave the Primary room on Sundays. They passed their baptismal interview with flying colors and last night they invited us to their parents and siblings. I had a blast getting to know them all because I love the Patricios so much. We're teaching 3 complete Patricio families right now, the fathers are all cousins. It sure is an exciting thing that's happening in their area and I pray I can take care of them like Christ would! We're expecting a great turn out and great baptism on Saturday, at 3 PM. YES!!!
On Saturday Ronald Vergara, age 15 was baptized, the last in his part-member family to join the church. It was a sweet moment, and he's being taken care of so well by the Branch Council. I'm so happy with the help of all the branch members in the missionary work and conversion process. They take such good care of our investigators and converts.
Last week Sister Bala came to church while Brother Johnny worked in the fields. This week, Johnny promised that even if he had work, he'd turn it down to come to church. Johnny only studied until grade 3 and can't read or write. On Saturday night his daughter and wife came down sick, so I doubted if they'd make it. But at 8:45, Johnny walked in, in what was clearly his best dress -- jeans and a pink shirt, looking very nervous. I stuck right to him and talked to him and the members were all very good to fellowship. I think he had a good experience. Later in the afternoon, we were asked to give a priesthood blessing to his wife. Next week, we pray they'll make it as a family!
It's been a great week! Tomorrow we're headed to Angeles for Zone Leaders Council for a day and a half. I'm looking forward to a spiritual feast, and of course I'm also looking forward to Sister Puzey's cooking! American food! My companion's name is Elder Tarronas, from Quezon Province. He was actually my zone leader in another zone 6 months ago. I think we're going to make it just fine this transfer. Elder Paler has started texting members in the area -- he's back to work! (Elder Paler is Loren's last companion that just finished his mission last week). Elder Thorn and I have been writing each other, it's been good to stay in touch with him. I love the new zone, there's a lot of new Elders and it's going to be a great 6 weeks. Here we go!

Love na Love ko KAYO!!! Thanks to everyone-
Elder Loren Peck

Happy Birthdays!

Pictures: A kind of mussel, I think, called "tulya". Branch members after a CSP project (weed wacking with machetes). Middle one is from Lupao, that's Brother Capistrano and his wife and mother in law and baby.
Love ya'll!

Dear Family,
It was great to get the two letters today! Thanks so much for the great pictures and notes! Happy Birthdays all around! Have a great summer. Actually, I can tell the summer has been great because everybody has a sunburn.

My companion packed the last of his things this morning and we said goodbye for the last time. He's headed home to Mindanao. I'm with an Elder from a nearby area for 3 days. On Thursday I'll go to Tarlac to pick up a new companion.
There's a lot to do every day and I want to make this next transfer good. I can't believe that the transfer is gone already, there is so much to think about every day. It's not about staying busy during the day that's hard, it's trying to get everywhere and make sure to still get home on time. Elder Paler and I were speakers on Sunday, I spoke about Missionary work. It went just fine, the outline was good but I wish I would've taken more time to polish it. Before I knew it, it was Saturday night and there wasn't any time to prepare. I can't believe how fast the days go.
I love ya'll family, and I hope everything is well.
The Patricio family is well on their way to baptism. Their interview is scheduled for this Friday and their baptism on the 24th. They are an amazing family. Yesterday they had to drag Jezebel out of the Primary room becuase she hadn't finished her drawing and she didn't want to leave yet. Philip participates in classes and they just fit right in at church. They aren't shy at all and they make a lot of friends on their own. Very, very wonderful family. Sister Patricio is pregnant and I'll probably still be here in September when the baby comes. They are so kind to us, and to me. They are very respectable and decent people, I'm very impressed with them. Last night they shared their simple meal with us -- vegetables, bamboo sprouts, and monggo beans with rice noodles, on rice. Elder Paler had a hard time saying good-bye to them. We're continuing to teach their cousins, who also are very interested, but due to work in the fields coudn't come to church yesterday. Besides that, the padre de pamilya is very shy and doesn't like to join us. Which is going to make things difficult. . .
6 investigators made it to church, several part members. This is a great area and very progressing. I'm looking to a fresh new start this transfer and redoubled efforts.
I'll see if I can attach a few more pictures. Thanks so much, family, and have a great week -- happy birthday, Chris!
Love, Elder Loren Peck

Boiled Bananas!

Interviews this week was good, but as always, I wish there was a little more time to talk to President Puzey! The Puzey's delivered a keyboard this week to Darius in Lupao, and Sister Puzey gave me the details. Apparently it was a really uplifting experience and Darius was really surprised and appreciative. We've sent in a request for a grant, because the keyboard won't be his to keep if the grant isn't approved.
I almost forgot: Happy 4th of July! Hope the fireworks were great. The 4th here was great, because a lot of people came to church! The youth (13-22) I mentioned, from a place called Calapan came again, this time there were 11 of them. It's going to take a while to get them separated into families and teach lessons, but it's quite the thing to see them taking up the entire front two rows in church. A potential missionary is their friend and he's been encouraging them. Besides that there was a part member youth that came to church for the 8th time, he's 14 and the only one in his family not yet baptized. It looks like his baptism will take place on the 24th. But I was most excited to see the Patricio family at church again. It was their third time. After Sacrament, Brother Philip attended classes and Sister Lerma went to primary with their 3 year old. Their child (Jezebel) loved Primary and they are one happy family. Because of their interest, their extended family and neighbors have really opened up to us. We're now teaching 2 more families in their area. The Remedios Patricio family, and the Edwin/Venus Patricio family. Philip said his mother also may be interested. This may turn into a great thing!
Last night we taught about obedience and reviewed the commandments that we'd already shared with them. After the lesson, they said they had no questions because they were following all the commandments we'd taught. Brother Patricio shared blessings (health and strength) that he said he believed was a result of living the Word of Wisdom. Fellowshipping efforts continue and they are looking forward eagerly to baptism on the 24th of July. The Holy Ghost is present and often very strong as we teach in their home. They are determined to be baptized! June 24th looks like it's going to be a very good day.

I had a great breakfast this morning, by the way -- an eggplant omelet and boiled bananas on rice with some left over sweet potato/pork soup. Boiled bananas of the "saba" variety is one of my favorite snacks/dishes. 3 cents a banana -- sweet and hot! Last night we were fed by a member -- goat calderetta and "papaitan", which is a bitter side dish made from the intestines of the goat. Things are going well in the area, and I'm loving the way we spend the days. Study, planning, and most of the time out about and among the people. It's such an uplifting thing to be doing, and I love our working time. The mission is great! I've been praying very hard for the gift of tongues lately, sometimes I just get tongue-tied and I know I just need to open my mouth more and talk, no matter what. This is no time to develop a "fear of men". Sounds like it's the usual, busy summer days in Cache Valley, but that's how it's supposed to be! Have a great week, everybody, I love you all so much --
Love, Elder Loren Peck