After Christmas

Hey Mom and Dad,

Like I said the night of Christmas, Merry Christmas. It's hot over here in Peru and people are afraid of using fans because supposedly you'll die from pneumonia. It's pretty weak.

Anyway, I got an email from Elder Souza who is in the Lima Central Mission. He said he got an extension of two months to serve a mission, and is doing well. He asked me to send him a luggage because his broke down, and doesn't have the means to secure a new one. It was cool hearing from him finally.

Well, I don't have much to add for this week except for the fact that our 5 baptisms programmed for this month are starting to get shaky, but we aren't giving up on them just yet. Tessy is for sure going to be baptized this Saturday. Aldair the 8 year old boy wants to get baptized, but his mom doesn't want him to get baptized in any church (much less ours) because she thinks that like a boy he'll forget about it as he grows up like a toy. She's hanging out in Rome right now for her job. Thankfully, her 24 year old sister Leissy is helping him along going to church. Katya and Melissa told us they think January 15 is too soon for their baptism because they don't know as much. Cesar (22 years old) wants to get baptized to feel the Holy Ghost more in his life, but is having trouble going to church on Sundays.

Anyway, that's the scoop on what's been going down for Peru. Thanks for writing, and I'll get back to you both next week. Love you both, and see you later.

Elder Emiliano León

Fasting and Prayers

Hey Mother and Father,

I got the package you both sent. Cupcakes, candies, and baseball caps. I haven't opened it yet because we're going to go bowling right after the internet machine. Things are going well on the mission too. This Saturday we have a baptism programmed for a 17 year old girl named Tessy. She's really cool, and to make her story short, if there was anyone who needed a family and friends because her world was a bit ignorant of her needs, it would be Tessy, and I'm happy that she has taken a step of faith to follow Jesus Christ.

Well, I'll share a personal experience with you both. Elder Hesselgesser and I fasted for God to help us find those who can really be baptized. We fasted to give us guidance on what we can do to find His elect and bring them into the fold, and I kid you not, but 10 investigators came to church, and we didn't even go to pass by their homes to pick them up.

Yeah about the photos, I made a DVD disc of all of the photos that I have on my camera, the only problem is that the disc somehow went wack, and it doesn't read. I'll think of another way to get those photos. My comp and I learned that when one demonstrates more faith in keeping the commandments, their prayers are answered more quickly. We found that out in the Book of Mormon when the Lord was slow to answer prayers because of the wickedness of the people.

Well my time is up. Another fun story, my comp and I were teaching a family, and the baby boy of 1.5 years walks to my comp and hands him a butcher knife by the blade, and then later brings matches. His name is Leo, and he is the funniest kid in the world. He'll brake people's things, slap your face if you're sleeping, loves to be annoyed, but if you bring him a plant he starts crying becuase he's afraid of plants. Also, he's got a mullet because his Mom never cut his hair since he was born, because Leo goes crazy when they want to cut his hair. Anyway, I hope you both are doing fine. Work on losing that weight, it'll be good for you. I'll talk to you both next week.

Elder Emiliano León

Incredible Story

Hello Mom and Dad,

I have an incredible story to tell you both. Well everything is riding
smoothly in Pamplona. We could use more help from the members to teach
families and find new investigators. I remember before I left for the
mission, I wasn't too excited about sharing the gospel with other
people. Well, irony is cruel because nearly all of my areas that I've
been in the church members don't really help us out with missionary
work. A few do help us out, but they're very limited to the help they
can present because of work and school. So, Mom and Dad, I urge you to
pray for opportunities to share the gospel with the missionaries to
family or friends. It will be a blessing for you, the church, and the
missionaries. It's something I learned in the temple about sacrifice.

Well, that's about all of what's going on in Pamplona. We're preparing
a 13 year old boy for baptism this Saturday. His name is Jorgino, and
he really wants to seguir aprendiendo mas acerca de la iglesia. He has
permission from his mother who really wants to help him out, but his
father is the one we need help with. He recently gave his son
permission, but he himself is like Abuelito Hector, catholic and a bit
hard hearted. We're going to see him and talk to him for the first
time tonight. Rock n roll.

I'll tell you about an icredible story that happened here in the
mission. It all happened before I got my change from Pisco to
Pamplona. It starts with a missionary who already finished his
mission. His name is Elder Jay. I was never in the same zone as he
was, but I did get to know him for only 5 hours during a zone
conference.

Well the story goes like this: He lives in California, but
he was an adopted child from Peru and never knew his biological
family. Well, he grew up in a family who are church members, and he
got his mission call to the Peru, Lima South mission, and he was
excited. He asked President Manning for permission to look for his
parents, and it was granted. Well, fast forward the scene, and 1 week
before he finishes his mission, he still hadn't found his family.
Elder Jay, while in Chorrillos, asked his pensionista for help, and
she was able to get the data for him, and found out that his family
lives somewhere in Pamplona Alta. With permission from President
Manning he went to our zone and asked for the missionaries to find his
family. Some 5 days left before his mission ends, Elder Bearnson and
Elder Xicay found his mother and told her that her adopted son is a
missionary from the church, and that he's here and wants to meet her.
Four or three days left, Elder Jay finally got the opportunity to meet
his biological mother who gave him up for adoption about some twenty
years ago. He entered the home and saw his family all waiting for him
and asked, "I heard that my mother is somewhere here, where is she?"
So they told him that Carmen was his mother, and Elder Jay finally got
to meet her, but only for two days.

He gave his testimony with tears
in his eyes that Sunday meeting, and said that he wanted her to know
the restored gospel, but that she would decide for herself to be
baptized.

Well, Elder Bearnson and Elder Huaman ended up teaching her family,
and they got baptized yesterday Sunday morning. I interviewed Jasmine,
Jesus, Elder Jay's siblings; and Carmen, his mother. In fact, his
mother asked me to baptize her. I don't know why she asked me, but I
think it's because I told her I'm from the same state as her son. I am
convinced that our Heavenly Father answers prayers.

So, there you have it. God exists. The odds of that happening are so
slim, it's just a testimony builder. My time is up, and I have to get
going. Hope you enjoy the story.

Elder Emiliano León

Lima , Peru Temple Visit

Hey Mom and Dad,

Thanks for the letter. Our whole zone went to the temple this last Thursday, and it was a good visit. I haven't been to the temple in about a year and a half, so it was a good refreshing taste. I actually could understand all of what was being said inside in Spanish, so I didn't need headphones for translating.

Well, this past week has been difficult. After we visited the temple and prayed for help on our mission, apparently God decided to have fun with us because every single appointment we had made failed. After we tried appointments, we visited some of the inactive members, and they weren't home. So after failed attempt after failed attempt, Elder Hesselgesser and I decided to go contacting and doorknocking to pump ourselves up. It just so happens that the first house we contacted were deaf people. We had to speak really slow, and think of ideas to show the Book of Mormon in ways we thought weren't possible. Luckily, there was someone who wasn't deaf to listen and translate. She wasn't interested, but I had fun with that experience even though her Catholic grandma busted out the rage.

One of our investigators ended up leaving for 2 weeks, so her date to be baptized was pretty much cancelled. Well, there's always the next 8 months to work things out. I did the best I could, we'll just have to be patient.

I'm happy to hear that your school is doing great and progressing. If Sebastian has an email, can you give it to me? oh dang, that reminds me that I haven't sent any new photos. You have to understand that I've been really busy. I promise that I will get those photos on CD. You will have new photos before this change ends.

Tell Jack I got his email that I appreciated it a lot. I was happy to know what has happened to our home teaching families. Mom, Dad, do your home teaching and visiting. Here in Pamplona, we have a problem with recent converts not going to church and going inactive because nobody visits them. I read Bruce R. McConkie's talk called "Just an Elder," and it really is an important part of the church. As a missionary it pains me to see recently baptized members lose that light they had in their eyes.

Well, my time is about up. Thanks for letting me know what's going down in Oceanside. I miss the Mexican food, let me tell you. Tell Abuelito Hector, Luis, and Abuelita Chole that I can't wait to return and speak to them in Spanish. Love you all, and please continue our geneaology. Hasta luego.

Elder Emiliano León

Lima

Hey Mom and Dad,

We had elections yesterday for los alcades en el Perú. That meant no church on Sunday, no proselyting, and no leaving the room. We were cooped inside for the whole day, and Peru experienced an entire day without the Restored Gospel being taught. Crazy stuff, and the rule about not leaving home was straight from the Area.

So that meant we didn't get to see the General Conference. We will be seeing it next weekend. Patience, like always. I have to thank you both for putting the names in the temple prayer list. Leslie and her mom are getting better, like they say in Monty Python. We have two boys that Elder Martinez and I are working on to get baptized. Juan Flores, who is 15 years old, and Giorgino, who is 13. Juan wasn't able to get baptized in September because his mom didn't allow him to, but we have no way to get in contact with her since she lives in a completely different city. Giorgino wants to get baptized, we just need to teach his whole family together, and get in contact with his father. They're really good kids, and they'll help the young men progress.

The missionary work here in Pamplona is great. Maybe not as great as I thought, but for what we have, it's good. My testimony has grown on the mission, being a district leader, I get to interview people for their baptisms. I've heard some intense and amazing stories. I'm almost certain that coincidences don't exist, because they're practically small miracles that occur every day if you have the Spirit with you.

Well my time is about up. Thanks for writing me and filling me in on what has happened in the General Conference. Now I have a preview of what to expect. I'll do my best to send photos. Take care and say hi to everyone back home for me.

Back in Lima, Peru ! Pamplona Area

Hola Mom and Dad!

Well, guess what? I finally got changed from Pisco and I am now in Lima. I'm in San Gabriel with my new companion Elder Martinez from Nicaragua. I'm now district leader, which means I get to do the baptismal interview for the investigators. San Gabriel is way different than Pisco. There are a bunch of cerros, or hills. But these aren't grassy hills. They're dirt hills, and they're crazy steep. It's like if the people constructed one house on top of another.

It was sad leaving Pisco. It was inevitable, but I didn't have time to say goodbye to all of the members of Pisco Playa or write un recuerdo, because I had to leave at 5pm the same day, and pack all of my stuff. I guess now I'm gonna have to write and mail a lot of recuerdos to Pisco Playa. Plus it's a bit colder and cloudier in Lima than in Pisco.

Well, it's a new area, new Elders, new members, new ball game. I've never been a district leader, but there's always time to learn. En verdad, gracias por su ayuda por animarme. Creo que es porque yo estaba en un solo área por mucho tiempo. Ahora son nuevas personas, y solamente tengo que enfocarme en la obra. Bueno gracias por escribirme. Les amo mucho y nos vemos la proxima semana.

Elder Emiliano León

Pisco Playa

Hola Mom and Dad,

Well I'm still in Pisco as usual. I'll get to sending photos next week. Things have changed pace on the mission, and today I don't have a lot of time. My new companion is Elder Berrú and he is from Piura, Perú. Apparently there has been an update on how we do things, so this week is going to be a mass training week for all of the missionaries, or something like that. Anyway, I'll let you know more on that next week.

The weather here is still cloudy and cold. Some days it gets sunny and warm, but all of the nights are still the same... cold. My spanish is at a fairly good level and I believe I can communicate on an easier level. Now that Pisco Playa and Pisco Pueblo are now separate with regards to missionary work, it's easier to focus and help Pisco Playa. My companion and I are working hard to bring more investigators to church.

There are now 16 missionaries in Pisco, and I'm pretty sure I'll be staying here until October. We were able to bring a lady named Graciela to church this Sunday. Her two daughters were baptized in Lima, and I think that has helped her be more receptive to the gospel. We're using the help of la familia Zavala since they live nearby. Funny story coming up. I told the bishop that I wanted to play the piano for the hymns, but it just so happened that the book closed on me while playing, and I ended up pressing the wrong keys and ruining the whole movement. It's actually not so hard playing piano. Thanks to the guitar classes I took, I'm able to play, I just need to practice a lot.

Well my time is almost up. I'll be sure to get those photos coming, and write in Spanish from now on. Say hello to the familia and all, and I'll talk to you guys next week.


Elder Emiliano León

Prep Day & Almost 1 year in Pisco

Hola Mom and Dad,

You're not gonna believe what I am about to tell you, but I didn't get an exchange. In fact, I'm staying in the same area, and I am going to be training another new missionary again. If I don't get any cambio loco, then that means I'll be in Pisco until October. All of the other missionaries were laughing when they heard I was staying. We joke about how President Manning forgot that I even exist. La familia Hernandez esta felíz que no voy a salir. Tambien los miembros de la iglesia estaban soprendidos cuando escucharon que me quedaría aqui.

My companion Elder Tani will be staying in Pisco, but he will be a serving in Pisco Pueblo, and his new companion will be arriving today. I, on the other hand, am staying in Pisco Playa, and my new companion won't be arriving until Wednesday. Elder Juarez, my trainer still serves his mission. He called me the other night and told me that he will be training another missionary too. What does all of this mean? I will have two sons, and a brother on the mission. A family of missionaries.

It has been cloudy and cold lately. Daytime sometimes the sun beams down on us, but at night the cold sweeps in. I miss all of the food back home. Jaime made some burgers, but they're not as good as In n Out nor Rocky's. So my gramps thinks he can outlast injuries and illnesses by manning up and taking it. Good luck. I'm happy that he's in doctor's care now. As always, tell the family I said Hi and that I love them all. Enough to the point where I miss them. If you're going to send another package, send corn and flour tortillas, with the album REQUIEM by Gioseppi Verdi. I'm craving for tortillas. Love you both and take care!

Elder Emiliano Leon

Spirit of God

Hello Mom and Dad,

I'm fine on the mission as always. I believe I've learned to distinguish when the spirit is present and when it's not. President Manning talked about just how important it is to have the spirit present when you teach. Elder Moser, who already finished his mission, gave a cool lesson about the Holy Spirit. It's basically the same situation as if we had planted a seed, or want an egg to hatch. We cannot force the process to advance faster, but we can nurture it and change the environment so that growth will take place.

It's the same when teaching investigators. I've had moments when my companion and I were teaching with and without the spirit. It's something small and subtle that you can feel, but you can't explain.

I've been reading A Marvelous Work and Wonder, and Mom, you're right about that book. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you told me that the same book helped you become more active. I can see why, since everything it explains is so clear and concise when talking about the Restoration.

Well the next exchange is in July 18 I believe, and I'll be in Pisco until then. I will have 9 months in my area, which is pretty intense. Most missionaries are only there for 4 to 6 months. I can't believe that I already completed a year, really.

Pisco Playa finally received a new bishop since they had none since February. It's hard working with 2 wards, but it's all for the experience. Yesterday was the most intense case of Paracas winds. It's basically a sandstorm when the winds blow in from the sea and pick up all of the fine dust on the National Reserve, and all of Pisco is bathed in a golden fog... of dust. It was cool but lame at the same time, because you couldn't see what was about 25 meters in front of you, but as we walked, our shirts changed from white to cream. I would blow my nose and dust would shoot out. But no worries.

Today is absolutely normal.Yes I got my package with my book and razors, and the card arrived. I'm still here with my companion Elder Tani in the same place. I think I'm going to be here for 9 months. I already finished my first year, and it all flew by so quickly.

Anyway, here in Pisco the members ask me, "Elder León, when do you leave? How long have you been here? Aw, don't leave us!" They're really cool and help us with our references. The only difficulty is that we have two wards, so we're covering a huge area. We lose time traveling from one area to another and going to meetings. We have one baptism planned for July, and are going to try to plan two more.

News flash: Apparently my request was granted, and President Manning will be sending two more missionaries to one of the two wards my companion and I are taking care of.We've been cruising along, and are planning to have a baptism this week, if time will allow us.

I'll be completing 8 months in Pisco soon, and I'm almost 80 percent sure that I'll be leaving Pisco this time. The next change comes in July 18. If by some chance I stay here, that means I'll complete 9 months and leave at the end of August.

The other missionaries here in Pisco and the members are all telling me I should go and buy my piece of land and build my home since I haven't left.The people told me "Lo siento hermano León, pero los Estados Unidos ya no están en el mundial." Peruvians are all talking about the World Cup. Part of me wants to leave Pisco and visit other places, and a part of me wants to stay because I got accustomed to the people here.

Time is up and I gotta be closing this letter. Love you both and say hello to everyone back home. I mean it, because a hello echoes and leaves huge effects. Until next week!


Elder Emiliano Leon

Wards Pisco Playa & Pisco Pueblo

Hey Mom and Dad,

Yes I finally got my package. Had to pay 22 Nuevo Soles, but it worked out. Apparently if the package weighs to much or contains items of value, some other company detains it or checks it, and then slaps on a price. That's what the office told me, anyway. I haven't opened it yet, but it's right here next to me.

Well I'm glad to hear that the family is doing fine. Oil spill in the gulf ? Didn't hear anything about that. Obama having concerts during a crisis ? That's incredible. I did read something about contamination and Obama and water in the newspaper in Pisco, but it was only a glance. I figured that's what it was.

Anyway, I've been really busy in Pisco. I don't know if I told you two, but my companion and I are in charge of two wards. Pisco Playa and Pisco Pueblo. Our area is huge. The size is like the beachfront in Oceanside to Sprinter station on El Camino Real. The bad thing is Pisco Pueblo está mejorando, mientras Pisco Playa está bajando en progresso. Members in Playa are inactive, and my companion and I are going to have to start the reactivation process soon, but I believe it's for the better.

I'm probably going to buy a small radio and USB, so don't be surprised if there's a sudden drop in the card. Thanks for sending me the package, though. Getting a package is like receiving pie, it's so good. I can't believe that I will be completing 1 year in Pisco in 4 days. Time flies by, and well my time is running out so I better cut this letter short. I really enjoy the missionary work. At some times it's frustrating and stressful, but it's all worth it when you bring people to Christ. President Manning said there's a light in their eyes, and I think I'm starting to understand what he meant. Well I better get going. Thanks for the package, and tell everyone in Oceanside 3rd ward I said hello. Love you both.

Elder Emiliano Leon

Pisco and Baptisms

All is well over here in Pisco. That's great that you all got to see each other in San Antonio. I'm jealous because I didn't get to eat Rudy's nor Taco Tote. I got nothing close to Mexican food here in Pisco, and I miss it so much. The closest thing I have to authentic Mexican food are the corn tortillas I have in the fridge, and the can of beans. A Pizza run sounds excellent. We should have one when I return home, and go visit Santa Fe.
 
Tell Omar I said congratulations on finishing medical school, and that he's finally a doctor of medicine. He achieved a feat of strength ! Also tell Jaime Jr, tio Jaime,and tia Laura and Hugo that I said hello. If I get sick over here in Peru, I think I might pass a call to his office. I haven't gotten seriously ill lately. The worst I've had was a fever and sinus infection, but tha has passed already.
 
Well the weather in Pisco is starting to cool down with cloudy skies. Yesterday the Paracas winds picked up pretty strongly and blew dust all over the place. Oh, and there was a 6.3 earthquake in Ayacucho, and my companion and I felt the small aftershock yesterday. Strongest earthquake I've experienced so far, because I could feel the ground shifting side to side. It was similar to when standing up inside of a bus, and the driver accelerates and then puts the brakes. Anyway I'm alive and well, and the mission is going well. We have 3 baptisms planned this Saturday, and I'm praying ferverently that it will all go well.  

My companion and I had two baptisms this weekend, and I can't believe it's already June. Time flies by insanely fast. I see you guys uploaded my photos from Pisco, but the weird thing is I have a lot more than the ones put on the missionsite. Did the CD arrive messed up, or did you only select a few good ones? I'm happy to hear that Omar graduated and that the family got together to see him. I can't believe he grew out a beard. Does he think he can copy my style? I guess beards are in... and that's because I started that trend. And Jaime Jr lost a bunch of weight! Last time I saw him he was about Hugo's size. So much time has passed by, it's hard to believe that my cousins are all grown up and starting the long bumpy road called life. Pretty soon I'll be on that same road too when I get back.
 
I don't know if my package has arrived yet, but I'll call the mission office and check. Oh, by the way, did you happen to get Cousin Tony's email? Or Alicia's email? I've been wanting to get a hold of them, but Tony's email got deleted somehow, and Alicia I don't remember. Tell Tony I said hello that I hope he gets better.  
The mission is going smoothly, and requires a heap of work. The baptisms we had were two boys at age 16, Paolo, and the other at 13, Yair. Their mother is an inactive member since... long ago. Their father isn't a member, but he's a Danish Argentinian who speaks English and is working for gas pipes in Mexico. The brothers love to argue and make trouble, but they're good kids. I'll send a photo when I get the chance. We almost had a pack of crazy dogs attack us until I pegged one with a rock, and the neighbor yelled at me for being an animal abuser. It wasn't even her dog. That's the thing about Pisco is that there are dogs everywhere. Stray dogs and domestic.
 
Well my time is about up, and I have to close this session. Thanks for keeping in touch and uploading the photos with Omar and Tio Jaime and Charlie. It was cool seeing a glimpse of what has happened back home. Take care and stay safe. I love you both and I'll talk to you next week like always.
 
Elder Emiliano Leon




Paracas National Reserve

Hello Mom and Dad,

Sorry for the late reply, but I'm feeling a lot better now, and my cold went away. Nowadays in Pisco there are these strong gusty winds called Paracas that come in and reap the city with dust. Well, I'm used to it now thank goodness. Today our zone went to the National Reserve of Paracas, but because I've been here the longest, it was my fourth time visiting the place. The cool thing about today is that we passed by new locations, including the Candelabro, which is that giant carving of the "Tree of Life" that you guys mentioned to me. Apparently most people go to see it from a boat, which is something we can't do. However, one of the church members takes people to Paracas in his van as his job, and he used to take the missionaries to Paracas and knew a secret passageway into the peninsula. Cool thing about being an Elder is that you somehow get these insane connections with people because they love you. Anyway he told me that he used to go into Paracas all the time when he was a kid, so he knew about the pathway that hardly anyone goes through. It was pretty sweet.

Life is going smoothly here in Pisco, as usual. By the way the mission pays and is supposed to supply us with a new showerhead that heats water. If I don't get a new one I'll go and buy one. Winter is approaching, and cold showers on the roof with no doors, with only one curtain, and at 6:30 in the morning is not the most convenient of things to do. My companion Elder Tani is doing well, and I'm still training him and showing him the ropes. He has improved, and continues to do so. Jaime and his family were happy too to talk to you two on Mother's Day, and they say hello to you guys too. Anyway, thank you Mom and Dad for sending me another package. Well it's getting late and I need to close this email soon. Love you both and take care as always. I'll write those letters for my grandparents, and until next week, I'll see you later.

Elder Emiliano Leon

Staying in Pisco

Hey Mom and Dad,
Guess what? I'm still in Pisco. President Manning said I get to be a trainer, which means I'll be having a newbie for a companion, and I'll basically be showing him the ropes on how to do missionary work. This means I'll be in Pisco until around July or August... I'll complete 1 year here in Pisco! He arrives Wednesday, and my companion Elder Souza got another exchange, and he was sad to return to Lima and leave me, and Jaime and his family. He actually broke into tears, and that was something that surprised me. In the mean time I'll be staying with another Elder from my same district until Wednesday comes by.
I did get the package and the cupcakes are already finished. Also a cool Halo 3 t-shirt that Anthony sent. It's way cool. About the cupcakes... my companion and Jaime's family gobbled them up pretty quickly; and how awesome it is to finally have music to listen to, even if it is Christmas music (with The Most Wonderful Time of the Year?) and Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Well, you asked me for what to include in the next package here is the list : some more "gold toe" dress socks, flour tortillas, and the CDs I requested earlier. (Echoes of War and Diablo 2 and classical music)


Yes, the food is good here in Peru, but when you don't have any variety like in the States, it kind of gets old. But that's alright, the food is good. You should try Causa. That stuff is good. You don't know how much I miss the Quik Wok, Mom's and Abuelita Chole's Mexican food, and Rocky's, and italian food. Now I realize it really was a blessing to be able to choose wherever you want to go eat, because where I'm at, it's practically the same everywhere. Pollo, papas, arroz, ceviche, bistek, sopa, tallarin, etc.

There is one supposedly mexican restaurant nearby where I live, but it's not even close. It's still good though. Our 3 baptisms that we had programmed this weekend fell through. There's no hope lost, though. The 3 teenage boys still want to be baptized and their parents approve, it's just they want to postpone the date so their family can be together for their baptism.


Well my time is running out, and I have to be closing this letter and I'm sorry I haven't sent letters to my grandparents sooner. I've been busy, and have had literally no time. I should have time these next two days, and I'll definitely get to it. Tell everyone, especially my family, that I said hello and to keeping praying for me. I'm glad your school is growing and that things are prospering. I'll talk to you two next week, and I love you both mucho.


Elder Emiliano León

Food & Baptism

Hey Mom and Dad,

Great to hear that you two actually tried some sushi to eat, and now you know why I love it so much. Speaking of food, I do have a list of favorite foods. Number one would have to be "tallarín rojo con pollo y papa huancaína." It's basically spaghetti with chicken in this red spicy sauce with potatoes covered in this yellow sauce of goodness. They have the same thing but with green sauce, but I prefer the red tallarín. Next would have to be "pollo a la brasa" which is basically chicken cooked over fire in rotary served with french fries. It's good stuff, but the ketchup here has more of a sweet taste than in the states. People eat so much chicken here it's not even funny. My companion tells me that in Iquitos where the jungle is at they eat the crazy stuff like turtles, paranas, monkies (the smaller monkies), fruits I never even knew existed, and a bunch of fish.

The only out of the ordinary stuff I've eaten is ceviche, which is basically raw fish cooked with lemon and spices. There are many different types of ceviche because you can eat ceviche de pescado, mariscos, pulpo, etc. I've eaten the muscles, the fish, and even octopus which is actually very chewey. It was kind of unsettling at first because when I forked a piece of octopus, you could see the tentacle suction cups. I've also eaten crab and crab soup. That stuff is delicious, but I needed help breaking open their shell, but one of the members of the church told me "just use your teeth, like this," and then he broke open their claws with his molars. Crazy.

Well our baptism was a success, and I got to perform it. Her name is Lady Martinez who is 15 years old. She wanted to throw herself in the water really quickly so I just let her drop. Water splashed, but it was success. My companion and I accidentally flooded the stake center because we left the water switch on, and we thought that it would automatically turn off because in Lima that's what happens, but we were wrong. So for 4 hours my companion and I desperately swept the water out of the doors and mopped the floors with our bare feet. Luckily nobody could tell that the stake center was flooded just hours before the baptism was held, but the only bad thing is that the stake president's office was flooded with water. If I had the keys we would have cleaned his office, but we didn't. We didn't say a thing, so I think we're fine because he wasn't mad at all, just a bit puzzled.

Well my time is up so I need to wrap up this email. That's really cool that Romney signed a book for Dad in La Jolla. It's always in La Jolla. I'll be sure to write that letter to Abuelita, but please send me Abuelito Hector's address too because I don't have it. Take care you two, and I will talk to you later. Love you both, and goodbye.

Elder Emiliano Leon

Fall Coming to Pisco

Hello Mom and Dad,

So Jeff Bridges won an Oscar? That makes me laugh since he was the villain on Iron Man. That's too bad that Steve Burke moved, but it makes sense since Blizzard is located in Irvine. Much easier to travel to work. Did you happen to get his email address? I'd like to get a hold of him. I heard Blizzard was going to start internships with the Art Institute of San Diego, you should look up on that. I'm still here in Pisco, which means I started my forth exchange in the same place. I have the same companion from Iquitos, who is Elder Souza. We get along just fine, and nothing major has happened between the two of us. Things are finally starting to pick up as far as missionary work. We found 5 people who are almost golden. Thanks to the members of our ward, they're helping us out establish friendships. I now realize how important it is when a member accompanies the missionaries, and it makes me feel like "Aw man, I wish I would have accompanied them more."

Now church email is powered by Google, which means it's faster and I get more space to receive emails. So Elder Perry is coming to Vista? I'm pretty sure that the Bobier building is going to be flooded, including the missionaries. I've only been in the presence of one apostle, which D. Todd Christofferson. I didn't even get to shake his hand, but that's alright. My new camera is pretty cool, and my companion is taking photos like crazy. That reminds me, I haven't sent you photos since the beginning of November. I'll see if I can put together another CD with photos to send to you two.

It makes me happy to hear that everything is going well for you two and the family back home. If you can, include some interesting snippets from the newspaper in the package. Tell me, have you two noticed any blessings that have come since I left for the mission? And how's the Quikwok? I miss the chinese food and Roberto's. Elder Martinez is from California, and he has an In N Out t-shirt, and it makes me yearn for a double double every time I see that shirt.

Well my time is about up, and I'll talk to you two next week. Thank you so much for sending the package, and don't forget corn tortillas! The other missionaries, especially the latinos, love the stickers you put on the boxes. The favorite is the virgencita al costado de Moroni. Be sure to tell the family I love them and that I miss them too. I can't believe I'll have about 9 months completed. Wow. Anyway, love you both and take care.

Elder Emiliano Leon

Survived the Earthquake

Hello Mom and Dad,

No need to worry about the earthquake in Chile, I didn't feel any tremors and everything is going just fine. No I didn't get the sheet music from the hymnbook of Kolob. Thanks for the packages though, I really enjoyed them. I ended up sharing the cupcakes with the entire zone of Pisco, and already ate all of the poptarts. Just be sure to only send one package at a time. Any requests? Corn tortillas, and more cupcakes. That's all.

So L.T. left the chargers? Well, now I'm really worried because what are we gonna do now without L.T.? Oh well, we'll find someone else to help better the team. That's crazy that Brian and Trent already have 6 months left, and I barely have 8 months. Time flies by quickly. I heard the Oscars are going to be this Sunday, and I also heard that a Peruvian movie made it to the nominees. I forgot the name but it talks about the terrorism that was in Ayacucho.Fun fact, Ayacucho is in my mission. Next week please tell me which movies won which awards. I'm eager to know because Up was also nominated.

Well I checked my debit card to see how much money is in my account, but it tells me I only have about 900 dollars. I remember you telling me that I should have about 1400, but my machine tells me I don't. How odd. Anyway, I have about 2,500 nuevo soles with the money that's in my card right now. I just wanted to let you know that I'm planning on buying a new camera since the one I have isn't working that good anymore. The cameras cost about 600 soles, which is about 250 dollars. I'm letting you know in advance so that you both won't get worried when I pull out that big chunk of money.

Well other than that I'm doing just fine. Just need the sheet music, corn tortillas, music CDs, and more cupcakes in the package. If you can't send it all in one package, then separate them BUT send both at different times. Thanks for always keeping me updated on what's going on back home, and giving me support. It really comes in handy. Well my time is almost up and I must close this message.

Emiliano

Hot in Pisco

Hey Mom and Dad,

Glad to hear from you all, and I'm just letting you know that my new companion is Elder Souza, who is from Iquitos, Peru. That's in the jungle, and it's funny that he likes Guns n Roses and that his favorite song is Welcome to the Jungle. He doesn't speak English, but it's funny to hear him immitate what they sing in English, and he likes it a lot.

Haven't gotten my 2 packages yet, but that's normal. The office is usually 2 weeks to a month late with packages. So the Saints won the Super Bowl and I missed out on The Who playing at half time? Well there's always next time. Metallica passed by here in Lima for a concert and it was all over the news. There are floods going on in Cusco from the rain in the mountains, and more floods in Lima. It hasn't rained at all here in Pisco. It just gets hotter and hotter. Since it's February over here, people celebrate Carnaval on Sundays where they toss water at people. We haven't gotten hit yet, but I'm sure Jaime (the man of the house) is waiting for an opportunity to drench us.

Well everything is going fine here in Pisco, and my companion loves to WALK. Not just walk, but walk very fast, and work hard. It's a complete change from my previous companion who was a bit laid back. By the way, I'm glad you started volunteering, Mom. How's the relief society in Oceanside? Have you talked to Sharon Garcia lately? I remember you telling me that you used to talk to her a lot when she was the Primary teacher. Anyway I hope you two are doing well, and that SDNH progresses. I miss eating at Roberto's and In n Out. They have Papa John's, Dominos, and all the big food chains in Lima, but not in Pisco.

Have you hear any news about the missionaries and Abuelito Hector? I'll have to thank Elder Zant for being able to get into his home. Well my time is closing, so I will talk to you later on. Take care and I love you both.

Elder Emiliano León

Hot in Pisco

Hey Mom and Dad,

Glad to hear from you all, and I'm just letting you know that my new companion is Elder Souza, who is from Iquitos, Peru. That's in the jungle, and it's funny that he likes Guns n Roses and that his favorite song is Welcome to the Jungle. He doesn't speak English, but it's funny to hear him immitate what they sing in English, and he likes it a lot.

Haven't gotten my 2 packages yet, but that's normal. The office is usually 2 weeks to a month late with packages. So the Saints won the Super Bowl and I missed out on The Who playing at half time? Well there's always next time. Metallica passed by here in Lima for a concert and it was all over the news. There are floods going on in Cusco from the rain in the mountains, and more floods in Lima. It hasn't rained at all here in Pisco. It just gets hotter and hotter. Since it's February over here, people celebrate Carnaval on Sundays where they toss water at people. We haven't gotten hit yet, but I'm sure Jaime (the man of the house) is waiting for an opportunity to drench us.

Well everything is going fine here in Pisco, and my companion loves to WALK. Not just walk, but walk very fast, and work hard. It's a complete change from my previous companion who was a bit laid back. By the way, I'm glad you started volunteering, Mom. How's the relief society in Oceanside? Have you talked to Sharon Garcia lately? I remember you telling me that you used to talk to her a lot when she was the Primary teacher. Anyway I hope you two are doing well, and that SDNH progresses. I miss eating at Roberto's and In n Out. They have Papa John's, Dominos, and all the big food chains in Lima, but not in Pisco.

Have you hear any news about the missionaries and Abuelito Hector? I'll have to thank Elder Zant for being able to get into his home. Well my time is closing, so I will talk to you later on. Take care and I love you both.

Elder Emiliano León

Happy New Year 2010 in Pisco, Peru

Well it's good to hear from you two, as always. I got the package and all of the Spam is gone, and we ate 1 pack of flour tortillas. We still haven't bought any milk to eat cereal, but we can buy some today. Still have beef jerky and the beans, but I don't know how long they'll last.

New Years was pretty cool. Elder Dominguez and I sewed up a life sized doll with clothes. Here in Peru the people make dolls to burn them at midnight, so logically we did the same. I printed a photo of Jaime, our pensionista's husband, and taped it onto the head of the doll. His family got a good laugh watching his twin dummy burn in flames. We also bought fireworks and lit them up at midnight, and everyone else in Pisco did the same, so all you could hear was a barrage of explosions and see smoke rising into the night sky from the burning dummies. I got a small burn on my arm thanks to my companion, but it has healed.

As for the next package, I don't need the Preach My Gospel stickers. I have the book and it alread has space to write notes. The Book of Mormon, D&C, and Pearl of Great Price is good. But do they have the stickers for the Bible? Try to find those, but if you can't, it's fine. Did you happen to get the chicharrones? I don't remember what, but you told me something about them on Christmas.

The Nelsons are moving out of the ward too? Aw man, I'm going to miss his antics. I enjoyed home teaching him. What about Steve Burke? Is he still around? I heard that he was thinking about moving to Irvine because that's where Blizzard is located. That campus is huge, by the way, you should check out their website, last I heard they were gonna do internships and that it would be easier for him to go to work. What about McPhereson? I don't remember how to spell his name, but is he still around working for Sony Computer Entertainment? Well it's good to hear everyone is doing fine in the ward. I'm out of time, so I'll talk to you all next week. Love you all and take care.

Elder Emiliano Leon