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