Our video chat with Cory on Christmas day.
Okay so with my week, this email will probably be pretty short because there's not much to say since we talked yesterday. On Monday we had a really good noche de hogar (family night) with Lilia and her whole family at Viviana's house. It went really well and we talked about the birth of Christ and being "the light" this Christmas. Then we played this game afterwards with a mango. I don't know how to explain it.. haha but it was super fun!
On Wednesday we had the multi Zone conference and Presidente Rios talked about baptism. Always be thinking baptism. Have fun, but baptize, haha it was kind of funny, but it's true. That's what we are here to do. To baptize converts. It was a really great conference. Then afterwards we had our little party. Each Zone did a little skit. There aren't pictures but there are videos.... so wait about 1 year and a little over 6 months and you can see them. Sorry, I just can't send videos. But don't worry, I have tons of videos! After the multi Zone conf. and seeing the awesome surprise from the family and the video that Amber convinced you guys to make with the elves.. that everyone loved and was cracking up at, we went to the boda (wedding) of Marilu and Magnu and it was so nice! We only really got there for the after-party but they were so happy. It was great! (Note: The mission asked families to make a short video for their son or daughter to see at the Christmas Zone conferences. We decided to do an "Elf Yourself" video clip. Apparently we were the only "goofy" family, but Cory said everyone thought it was great.)
Cory didn't have pictures from the Zone party but these were sent to me from the Whitneys. Cory is kind of front and center.
Cory, back row, third from the right.
Chocolate cake after Pollo a la Brasa.
Later in the week when we taught Diana and Durli, we were able to teach Jorge, the boyfriend of Diana. She is so funny. She kinda dragged him in, but he came in and listened and was receptive and asked lots of questions and it was great! They're such a great family and I'm very excited for them! They're progressing great and coming to church so we just have to keep up our good work.
Me and my companion with Durli
Later on Friday, I think, we had a talent show within our District (Stake) in Viru and the missionaries did a bunch of funny skits.. also don't have pictures, only videos.. I'm sorry. But it was a bunch of fun! There were a bunch of sweet cultural dances too which was awesome.
And then on Christmas Eve.... the moment we have all been waiting for.. the BAPTISM of Marilu, Magnu, and Lucy!! It was so amazing! It just made me so happy to see them baptized. I'm so happy for that family, and one day they're going to enter into the temple together and get sealed as a family. Man, I just love them so much! I had the opportunity to baptize Lucy. Elder Valasquez came down from Trujillo to baptize Marilu and Magnu (Elder Valasquez is a stud, he is basically the one who found and taught the whole family.) It was so special though. Satan was working so hard to destroy this family but they weren't about to let that happen! They kept pushing and here they are. Baptized and confirmed into The Church of Jesus Christ! Lucy was super afraid to get baptized, so when it was her turn, she was hiding and crying, but Elder Whitney (the couple Elder and Sister) went over and comforted her and finally talked her into coming down into the pool to get baptized. She was super worried because she didn't know how to swim or hold her breath, but she did great and it was so great to see the happiness on her face when she came up out of the water! It was such a great baptism and one I will never forget!
Magnu, Marilu - holding Mia, Aracely, the oldest daughter behind Marilu (already a member of the church), Lucy, Elder Valasquez and me. (Lots more baptism pictures below.)
That afternoon during lunch there were two turkeys running around in the back room at Flor's place. Flor told us that we were going to kill and eat them for dinner.. (the big Christmas Eve meal) Haha, me and Elder Stroud looked at each other and asked her if we could do the honors of killing the turkey. She said, "yeah sure." And so we got to kill our dinner! I held it down while Elder Stroud cut it's throat open and killed it... a little gruesome, but that's how it went down. That night, Christmas Eve, we had a dinner with all of Flor's family and all of familia Risco plus Casto. It was great. We had turkey and rolls and paneton!
That's our turkey! Christmas Eve dinner minus the paneton. Mom, you have to get a recipe for paneton. It is so good.
The whole group having Christmas Eve dinner at Flor's.
That's pretty much my week. I'm so thankful for this mission and all the opportunities and blessings it has brought! I love you guys so much and thank you all for your prayers and support! Cuidense mucho!! (Take care!!)
At the celebration after Magnu and Marilu's wedding.
Baby Mia. She is so cute.
Elder Alarcon, Magnu, Mia and me at the wedding party celebration.
Elder Alarcon, Marilu, Lucy, Magnu, Mia and me at the wedding party celebration. (Cory did not identify who the young man was in the background.)
The wedding food.
Getting ready for the baptism.
A farmer had a pool that he said we could use for the baptism. This is by and on the stairs to the pool.
Me and Elder Valasquez
Familia Risco singing at the baptism.
Elder Valasquez and Magnu going down into the pool for the baptism.
Elder Valasquez showing Magnu that he will need to hold his nose.
Elder Valasquez with Marilu.
Me with Lucy.
Yes, the children are swimming.
All those who came to support Marilu, Magnu and Lucy.
Elders all together.
Me, Hermano Castillo (who always says, "Mis angelitos" - my angels) and Elder Valasquez.
These are some paintings on the walls. They had a painting contest in Chao and these are a couple of the paintings. It was pretty awesome.
Donald Trump newspaper. Just reading our news in Peru.
Me at the club in Chao on the vip section. A member's brother owns the club and I got to see inside during the day.
Getting ready to arm wrestle Carlitos.
I beat him. We are one and one now.
