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
