Well, I Certainly Can't Beat Your News!

(Loren just received the news that Chris was engaged to be married.)

Dear Family,
Um...
I forgot what I was going to write about. This might be a short letter.

And the December 17th date didn't have any year on it, so I'm just assuming that's '11. Thanks for waiting, huh? Nice try with the bedroom pitch... the full meal was more tempting. Hey, I've got nothing against having another sister as long as she can't beat me in an arm-wrestle. Which is why I'm kind of worried about Kristen. I lost all my bets that Chris wouldn't be married by the time I got home! Hey, next week I want some more details about the proposal and the sneakers and the plans.

Ok, I'll see what I can remember what happened to me this week (back to me, right?)
I got to shake Elder Cook's hand on Saturday and say "Elder Peck, Cache Valley, Avon". With Elder Edward there was time for a few sentences before the line pushed me on. He said he'd had an Elder Peck as a companion during his mission, but we didn't get to find out if I was related because I still needed to shake hands with Bishop McMullin, Elder Ko, and the two other 70's that were there. They all bore their testimony and many of them spoke along with their wives. I heard Elder Cook again in a special meeting with the Angeles Stake on Sunday. It was great to hear him speak outside of General Conference. He told stories about his mission and his time here in the Philippines. When Bishop McMullin started speaking, everybody sat up straight in their seats because who only hear that voice at conference time. He's such a good speaker. It was a spiritual feast this weekend. But their visit interfered with the conference re-broadcast, so I've only seen the two Sunday sessions, and read Elder Uchdorf's talk about pride and the priesthood. My favorite was President Monson's, about gratitude, that was so powerful. Thanks for the letters mom and dad -- I hope everything is going well with work and with the family.
Our schedule didn't line up with the Sibals or the Tolentinos this week but we've been texting them occasionally about church and just to keep some friendly contact. We hope to get back as soon as possible, especially because Elder Landingin is going through "office shock" this week and is really missing the field. I know exactly how he feels, but I think I've made a big adjustment, where I can see what I'm doing and how we're helping here in what we're doing. It sure is hard to not have a ward, members, and investigators. It's feels like a big step down at first and it's just hard on a missionary. But it's only for a few months and there are a lot of things to learn here about the administrative side of the work, as well as all the things that President Puzey is constantly teaching us in his teachings and example.
Elder Landingin is the best companion. I remember a year ago when Elder Cobacha and I were companions, and things just clicked and it was the happiest time for me. Things are clicking just the same here, and I'm learning so much from Elder Landingin. I find the administrative tasks and work comes very easy for me, but it's the ministering that I really need to work on -- working with people and feelings and being spiritually attentive to others spiritual needs. That's one of my companions strengths and something I'll really be focusing on these next few weeks. The Magaland elders had 11 investigators to the meeting with Elder Cook -- 2 families. Elder Magsino is doing great in Bulaon, I saw him earlier, we had some time to play frisbee/basketball.
I really had a lot more I was going to write about, but I honestly can't think of it all anymore. I should've written before I read your letter. I feel completely absorbed here in what we're doing and it's my life! It's hard to imagine anything else. (like brothers getting married!) Hey, good luck with everything -- life sure is moving fast over there! Don't move too far away, ha?
Love ya'll lots!
Love,
Elder Loren Peck