Moche Mobbin'

Well ladies and gents, I'm sicker than a dog. I'm getting better but I was fighting to stay alive. I just got a bad cold. It's actually getting really cold here, especially at night with us living by the beach, and with the seasons changing, I caught a cold. Every night I'm practically dying with a cough.. but I think I'm starting to get a little better! I just have a bad headache right now and cough, but it's calmed down a bunch.

Anyway to start off the week, we went to see Vilma. She actually said something super cool that I liked. She said, “At times we separate ourselves from God when all He did was love us.” Wow! It hit me pretty hard. She's doing great and really progressing. 

Also.. Eli... left.. Really sad, but he is disappearing for 2 months to visit family. Kind of stinks.. a lot. But, that's life! Also, Steicy will be getting baptized this week!! We don't know who is going to baptize her yet but we are going to get all the details set tomorrow.

We had a Multi-zone conference this week. President Rios went OFF about the spirit and revelation. Something great he said was, “NEVER think you're the one who is teaching in lessons. The Spirit is the teacher. You're just the instrument that the Lords uses to communicate.” Also like it says in Matthew 10:20: "For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. " I found that today. Pretty cool. But! I really saw that put into place during my District meeting. When I was teaching, I was even learning a bunch. It was such a great District meeting. At the end, I gave the prayer (it was in English because that’s what president wants) but I was about to start and I couldn’t speak for like 15 seconds, the spirit hit me like a wall! It was awesome. I was bawling the whole prayer but I felt the spirit so strong! It was such a great meeting. Elder Daza later told me, “I didn’t understand what you were saying, but wow, the spirit was strong.” I think it changed the attitude of our district this week too because our district went OFF! I was hyped. 

We went to visit Jorge this week and he looked a lot happier than the last time we saw him. He's been completing with his promises and it's showing because he seems like a different person! 

Later that day we visited Jessi. When her 4 year old daughter saw us she goes, “Hola angels!” She can't pronounce “elders” so she calls us angels, haha, she's adorable! Jessi is doing great as well though. I have no doubt that she will get baptized in August. 

On Thursday I had an interchange with the Zone leaders. I went over with Elder Alarcon, my companion from Chao. It felt like Chao again but in Trujllo. We got along really well and we were laughing all day! We taught this guy named Jose, but he goes by “Latin Palo”, don’t ask me why haha. They had left with him the intro of the Book of Mormon and, Holy. Cow. We asked what he understood and he basically recited the whole intro. He told us about the Lamanites, Nephites, tower of babel, Mormon passing the plates to Moroni, the Hill Cummorah, Joseph Smith, how it’s the most correct book on earth, and even down to Sept 21, 1821! CHEEHOO! The guy is a straight stud. Elder Alarcon and I were laughing because we have never seen anyone understand that much. It was nuts! He's about to get baptized for sure! 

That next night we were eating dinner and Ana´s mom and sister had come into town. Ana's mom reminds me of Grandma Henrikson so much, especially because of this... She was sitting in front of their computer and we were all eating. Elder Daza put a Mormon message on for her and it was way too loud, so we told Ana's mom to turn it down. She picks up the mouse and starts doing everything possible with the thing; pounding it on the desk, picking it up, moving it around, clicking 100 times and scrolling. We. Were. Dying! Haha it reminded me of something grandma would do with technology, hahaha love it.

Yesterday we walked ALL day, it was nuts! We fought to get 2 new people added to our teaching pool. One of them was Cristian Hess, who is about 70-ish. As we were 10 minutes away from dinner starting, we were knocking every door possible to find someone. As we were walking, I saw an old man cleaning on his balcony. We walked past and then I got the feeling to go back. I thought of a quote from President Monson that President Rios said this last week, “If you don’t choose to obey the quiet voice, you will be losing one of the best moments and experiences in your life.” So, I stopped in my tracks and we went back. I asked him simply how his day was and he responded that it was alright but not too well. I promised that we had a message that would better his day. He let us in and we talked for about an hour about his life, the gospel and all his stories. Later he bought us sodas and walked back to Ana's house with us. President Monson was right. That was one of the best experiences of my mission. 

Anyway, that’s about it folks. It's been a great week. I love you all. The church is true. Missionary work is great. Have fun ladies and gents!

Love, Elder Rokovitz 

                                                                            

Us (my district) after last p-day.

You already know, me and my boy, Elder Johnson.

I ripped my pants trying to be a good missionary and do some service. I squatted down to pick up a bag and that's what happened.....oops!

My pants.

Me and Elder Daza in the back of the moving truck.

They told me to drink lots of water because I'm sick.... My backpack is filled with about 7 liters, so I hope that works.

Me and the dad of a church member, who is an Israelite, and my buddy.

Me and Elder Daza and Claudia's daughter.

A bunch of crabs on the beach. That's about 1/8th of them.

A really big crab.

Drunk guys that wanted to take a picture with us.

Besitos (Kisses)

Dad, I hope you had a great Father's Day and I'm glad I made you cry hahaha. I love you Dad!

I am amazed that the house sold already! Wow that is absolutely nuts! Like WHAT?? 13 days? That is so cool, I'm so happy for you guys! That's such a blessing how that all worked out. How cool!

First off, you have to forgive me for this letter. This week was a great week but nothing too crazy happened. We found a bunch of new investigators this week though.

Yesi is doing great. Elder Aldea and Elder Daza visited her when I was on an interchange. She wanted to go to church Sunday but couldn't. She told us she would be there but thought it was at 9 at night, not 9 a.m.

Eli traveled these last two weeks so we haven't been able to visit him, but we will this week!

I've gotta give a shout out to our pencion's family. They're just such a great family. They love us and care for us like we are their own family. On Wednesday they took us out to this really great restaurant and they just love us and treat us as their own!

                                                                               

The four of us elders with Jose Luis and Ana and their family.

Outside of the restaurant with Jose Luis and Ana (in red) and their family. They treat us so well and we love them so much. 

During the week me and Elder Scott had an interchange haha, love that kid. We had a good lesson with a less active family, met a guy who teaches cheerleading (never seen that here) then at night we did divisions with the mission prep class.
                                                                             

Interchange with Elder Scott.

For the mission prep class, I was one on one with a recent convert, Cristofer, and he was a straight stud! We didn’t get in any houses for the 2 hours we were going but he was super strong for only being a member for 1 year. You would’ve thought he had been a member his whole life. And he's also the only member in his family. It was a great day. He bought me a Gio burger afterwards.

                                                                             

The four of us elders with the two young men in our mission prep class.

Me with Cristofer. (I'm going to have to ask Cory if that was some kind of giant catapillar on the wall or something on the camera lense or what.)

After the interchange, Elder Daza (that was in my area with my companion, Elder Aldea) told me how good Elder Aldea did and how great of a missionary he is. Then he told me how good of a job I've done with training him. That made my day, for sure!

On Friday we ran into Elder Johnson's old "stalker" in Trujillo! Here it's custom for men to greet and… disperdir women, (I can't quite figure out the word "disperdir" but I'm coming up with translations like "waste", "dissipate", "throw away") and women to women, a kiss on the cheek. The crazy girl.. who was like 17 years old, first asked for a Book of Mormon, then spoke to me in broken English and was like shaking the whole time, she then tried to give me a kiss on the cheek! NOPE!! I ran! So yeah, that was cool.

Also this week we taught Maritza twice. And her husband, Alexis, was home this week as well, which was awesome because we shared of the Family Proclamation to the world. We then taught about criando (raising) your children in the luz de cristo (light of Christ). It was so perfect! All 4 of them came to church for all 3 hours!! It was so great. We were stoked about that.

                                                                             

Me and Elder Aldea with Maritza, Alexis and their children.

I really am so greatful that you always prayed with me before school. I really have come to understand here the unity it brought in us. I didn't know at the time, but you knew, and did it out of love for me. I'm truly grateful for that. I really am! I have used that example as well as us getting together everynight before the first person laid down for bed, to pray as a family, in many of my lessons to help people grow stronger. I love you and want to say thanks for always loving me and being such a great example!

We did find Melissa and Juan on Sunday. We found them at Juan's mom's house. Melissa had eye surgery and Juan's phone got robbed.. so we hadn’t been able to find them home. But! We will be going to them this week.

All is well here. Sorry for the short letter. But it's been a super fast week and we've been working hard, but not too much exciting to write about. I love you all. I love my dad. I hope you all had a great Father's day, and I hope you have a great week! Cuidense mucho, que les vaya bien, chao, besitos! (Take good care of yourself, bye bye, kisses!)



Con amor, Elder Rocobitz (Our last name is always mispronounced - He's probably just spelling it like he's heard it pronounced lately.)



                                                                           

Me and my "son" on Father's Day at church. They did this for pictures of dads on Father's Day.

Elder Daza, Elder Mich, me and Elder Aldea waiting to get our hair cut.

We went to the Huaca again (different zone.) Our tour guide is in the front with the tan hat on. 

Me and Elder Daza

At the excavation site of the ruins.

The mural of the myths. This basically proves the Book of Mormon and the Celestial kingdom. As you can see, they are divided into 3 parts. The top is for "the Gods and Kings", the second is bascially things on this earth now, and the last is the others and the devilish type of things. Plan of Salvation? Three grados de gloria?... sorry forgot how to say that in english (Three degrees of Glory.) You can see behind me the original mural that has been found in the excavation. It's original from 400 b.c.- 800 a.d.

                                                                                 

In this picture you can see a man being crucified, (Straight up. It looks like a red "Y" behind him with the bird on the right side) that is not common and never was common here in the Americas at that time. Jesus Christ? 

Here in the "earthly" part of the 3 divisions. you can see the sun, the moon, and the stars (The moon is the big red curve, with the sun above it and the stars below it, representing the three degrees of glory.) This is in the middle of the whole mural.  

Me and Elder Daza with our tour guide.

The Zone at the Huaca.

Gaby waxed my arms.. I forgot how bad it hurt... I thought it wasn't going to hurt too bad.. I almost cried. (When Cory wrestled and did sports, he hated having the hair on his body ripped off during games and matches, so he often had the hair removed. While being a missionary, the process hasn't been needed. Looks like he wanted to show them how tough he was.....)

                                                                                 

Me with Rolomo. He's a savage. I love him.

Coffee, Crackers, Avocados and Salt

First off, Dad,  HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!! ... well sort of.. next week haha. I just want to let you know how much I love you and respect you Dad. I'm so greatful to have such a good man in my life to look up to and have such a great example. I've had so so many great memories with you that I can't even begin to count! I miss you so much and I'm so greatful to have had good parents who raised me in the gospel and taught me the principles of how to live a good and righteous life. Dad, I can never thank you enough for all that you do. We had Stake Conference this week and President Rios shared a short testimony of the Savior that put me to tears because it was just so powerful. It just reminded me so much of you and your strong testimony you have for the Savior. It was probably the best part of my week because it reminded me of you and the example you have set for me and the love you have for the Savior. I'm truly greatful for all that you do. The hard work you have always put in to get to where you are in life, in work, and in the gospel. I know it wasn't easy for you, though you are humble and don't share often those hard moments, but I know it wasn't easy. Dad, I love you. I am so greatful for your love and your example! I miss you a ton but I am glad I am where I am. I know this is where I need to be, where you want me and where my Heavenly Father wants me. 

Remember the story last week with Jarira's husband? We are so glad that the 2nd counselor and his wife came by when they did. We found out later that he and his wife weren't going to go out that night but decided to and that they were about to take a different route but they decided to take the same route of the street that we were on. It was really inspired!

Well, this has been a pretty eventful week and it has been a great week. So first off about Vilma - On Tuesday we had a lesson with her, the bishop's family and a less active member about the Sacrament and it went great! At the end of the lesson we challenged her to baptism but she told us she wanted to learn and prepare more, which is totally normal. But then on Saturday we went back and taught her again and she goes, “Tell me about this baptism thing.” My companion and I were like, OKAY! If you say so! We had a great lesson on baptism with her and challenged her for the 29th of Julio (July) to be baptized and she accepted! Whoo! We´re really hyped about that. Keep praying for her to progress. 

That same Tuesday night we went to go teach a young man named Alvaro, when a drunk guy was calling to us. My companion stopped and I told him, “He's drunk, let's just go, we´re late.” But my companion goes, "No, I feel like we need to talk to him", so we went over and talked to the guy. I'm glad we did. I know he may have been drunk, but I could just see in his eyes someone from inside yelling for our help and I just felt something special with him. We've gone back there twice but he hasn't been there. Hopefully we will be able to find him home soon. 

After that we went to Alvaro's, who is in a wheelchair. We have gone there a few times but his parents would never let us in the house so we just talked to him outside. They are VERY Catholic. But this time we finally got in. I said to the mom, "We want to talk to you guys about the virgin Mary." She was a little confused but was like, okay. We then went in and shared 1 Nephi 11: 14-15, and 18-21. (14: And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open; and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, what beholdest thou? 15: And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins. 18: And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh. 19: And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look! 20: And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms. 21: And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father!...) It was a great lesson. I'm going to start using that more to see if we can visit more of the Catholic people here. After the lesson, Alvaro said, "Wait here", and comes back with coffee and said, “I made you guys some coffee”...... ugghhh, I felt so bad to reject him but it was a good teaching moment. He then goes, “It's okay, I'll make you guys some herbal tea.” Haha he came out, gave it to us on little stools and then brings out avocado with crackers and was like, “You guys can eat crackers and palta (avacado) right?” Then he got some salt.. “Can you guys eat salt?” Hahaha we were like, yes we can, haha it was pretty funny! But yeah, it was a great day! 

The next day we went to this reference we got named, Doy. He is the first Peruvian that actually looks and acts like a straight cowboy out of Texas hahaha. He was a great guy and super nice to us and everything but wow.. I learned every colorful word in the Spanish dictionary in every form.. haha, but he's a good man. We look forward to keep teaching him. 

Also this week we found a lady named Yesi. She. Is. Awesome! She was at Hermana Maria's house (old pencion) and as we were leaving she asked when we visit. We told her that we were about to have a Noche de Hogar (family night) with Maria and her familia tomorrow and she was welcome to participate. Well, she came. She loved the hymns and thought the message was really great.. that was Friday. We invited her then, on Friday night, for the Stake Conference which would be held the following day. She told us that she would love to go! So we went to the night session. We got there at 5:30 p.m. and then we were informed that they actually changed the hour from 6 to 7 and so we had to wait another hour and a half… the conference then lasted until 9 p.m. and she was attentive the whole time! The next day during lunch we get a call from her and she asked us, “What day are you guys going to visit me?” We told her that we had taken out a cita (appointment) with her for Tuesday. She then goes,” Well Maria said you guys were going to go and visit a hermana today.. is it okay if I accompany you guys?” ummm….. YES!!! I've never had any investigator ask that after one visit! Wow she is chosen! She's so cool. We are going to put a fecha (baptism date) with her this week. 

Also quick note before I forget, Melissa had surgery on her eye so that’s why you aren’t hearing about her, and Jorge had to work during the day this week 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. so we weren’t able to visit them. 

To end I want to tell you something powerful from the conference and that was President Rios' talk on Saturday night. He had about 5-7 minutes to talk, which was very short, but he talked about the Savior. First he told us all to turn to the person sitting next to us and share our testimony of the Savior. He then bore his heartfelt testimony of the Savior. It reminded me of the powerful testimony of the Savior from my own father. It was the first time that I have seen president cry, and he was teared and choked up his whole talk. It was so powerful, I couldn’t help but cry as well. What a powerful talk! 

I just want to let everyone know that the Savior lives and loves you all. Put any hardship you have on His shoulders and He will carry it. Never lose hope. I love you all so much and hope you enjoy your week!

Love, Elder Rokovitz

(No pictures this week. Cory said he tried and tried to load them but it wasn't working. He said he would have his pensionista send them, but so far, I haven't gotten anything from her. If they come during the week, I will load them as a separate blog post.)

Hot Water

Alright ladies and gentlemen -This week has had its ups and downs. The whole week went good up to the last day. 

On Tuesday the other elders here were moving and so we went to go help. The problem was they moved to a third floor room and to get from the second to the third floor you have to go up a TINY spiral stair case. But that didn't hold Elder Daza and I back. The two of us got all the big heavy furniture up first.. in 10 minutes! Haha we were running up and down the stairs. We moved them in, in 15 minutes haha. Elder Daza and I are gonna have to start a moving business when we get back!  

We put a fecha (baptism date) with Jorge and also with Steicy. Jorge isn’t 100 por ciento (percent) sure yet, but he said he would read and pray more to know. His fecha (baptism date) we put is the 29th of Julio (July) and Steicy´s will be the 1st of Julio (July). Steicy´s mom is a member but was less active for a while because of work. And Vilma is doing better! We have a cita (appointment) with her with the bishop's family tomorrow and are going to put a fecha (baptism date) with her for the 15th of Julio (July). 

                                                                               

Steicy drew this picture for me. 

Later that day we found one of our common drunk buddies. We walked past and said hi and he points up at the sky for 30 seconds and goes, pointing back at us, “God loves us all!... Except Americans!” Then he starts laughing and goes, “It’s a joke! He loves you! And so do I homie!”, then gives me a hug. We were dying! Always remember, God loves you unless you're an American! Haha, oh wow! 

The next day was the highlight of my week. Why? Because our shower got fixed! WE´VE GOT HOT WATER! CHEEHOO! I now have a strong testimony of D&C 29:39 that says, “For if they never should have tasted the bitter they could not know the sweet.” Blessings - they exist. 

Also, later in my studies I learned something I've always wondered about. It's in D&C 137: 7 & 10. In the D&C manuel it talks about how in the pre-mortal life we had spiritual bodies. Those children who died on this earth before the age of responsibility are automatically “exalted.” What I didn’t know is, in the resurrection the mothers of those children will raise that child until they grow and progress into their spiritual stature, or, their pre-mortal spiritual stature. How comforting to any mother that has lost a child, knowing she will not only get to see that child once again, but she will get to raise that child to adulthood! How cool right?? I never knew that. 

Later that day I did an interview for the baptism of the elders in Salaverry. It was a couple and she like told me her life story haha. She took an hour to interview and her husband took 20 minutes haha, but she invited us to their wedding the following day, so that’s who the wedding pictures are of. 

                                                                              

Me with the newly married couple.

Elders and Sisters at the wedding celebration.

Me and Elder Daza enjoying wedding food.

After all that and a great interchange with Elder Daza, came Sunday, which just was not a good day.. but the mission is like that. Ups and downs. The worst part was at 7:15 when we decided to go try to see Jarira… bad idea. I've told you about her a couple times. Her family just won't let us visit her. We knocked and her husband sees us through the window and just shakes his head and sits back down on his couch to watch TV. I then just stand at the window and ask if I can just ask him a question. After a few seconds of us not leaving, he gets up and storms to the door. He opens the door and starts yelling at us and swearing at us. Meanwhile, I keep trying to ask if I can ask him a question. He finally goes, “I'm going to the police!” (They're stationed across the street.) We thought, okay.. we will wait then. We aren’t doing anything wrong. He goes around the corner and then comes to the corner again, pointing to the police station, acting like he is waiting for something. He goes around the corner for 2 more minutes then returns. I ask, “Are they coming?” He then just continues to yell and swear at us. Meanwhile, the second counselor in the bishopric and his wife pass by and wait 2 houses down. After the continuation of the man yelling and swearing, Jahir (2nd counselor) goes, “Let's go elders, you did your part.” We tried to then thank the man for his kindness and shake his hand, but he just puts his hands behind his back and goes, “No! Get out of my presence!” …. Yeah, that went well.. Jahir and his wife waited to comfort us. I couldn’t help but cry. Not because of the man and his words and threats but because I've been praying for this man for over a week, hoping he could open his heart, and now I know we will never return. I couldn't speak without bursting into tears, feeling so bad for this man. Just like Alma and Amulek and various other prophets in the Book of Mormon that feel that sadness because of the people's stubborness and wickedness. That's how I felt. And I just poured my heart out to the Lord that night that He would have mercy on that family and that they can find peace. I just feel horrible. Something that Jair told me though is that one day that man is going to feel bad for what he did. Luckily today I could let it all out in boxing haha. That's why I love boxing with Abraham in the morning haha. 

Anyway, that's all I've got for you today. I love you all and hope you all have a great week! Cuídense y espero que tengan un buena semana. (Take care and I hope you have a good week.)

Con amor, Elder Rokovitz

I know you're all wondering if Jose Luis followed through with his end of the aceituna bet......Yep, he did!! Jose Luis came to church this week. We are so proud of him and love him so much.

                                                                                 

One big happy family. Elder Aldea, Elder Scott, me, Ana, Jose Luis, their children and Elder Daza in front. Love this family.

Me and Elder Daza after some futbol.