I did it, i straight did it

Last P-day of this transfer. In a couple hours I'll know where I'm going to live, thankfully! I'm really not a fan of having no idea what's going to happen to me. I feel weak. I've been in El Porvenir for four and a half months now, so I think I'm going, but god has a plan for everyone. 

On Friday, January 23 at about 5 pm I baptized Karla Andrea Caceres Panduro. That was fun. It's still hard to believe because I'm just me, but her life is now changed. The holy ghost is a strong man, he taught Karla. I was just talked.

Despite the first baptism, It was a bit of a rough week. I'm really prideful, and that's a problem. Yeah I know what to say, and how to be decedent guy, I'm not rude, or even mad, but deep down. deep in my heart I'm a really cold person. It's funny because as missionaries we preach the antidote for the worlds problems, but deny ourselves the right to drink the same antidote. The ultimate and eternal sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Atonement.

So many people say, "The mission is the happiest time of your life" I don't know if I agree with that. For me I was a lot happier before. We say it's fun, because we're scared to look deep into our hearts, and reognize god is trying to make us happy for eternity. to do that, haha well it ain't gonna be all sunshine and rainbows. Our hearts need stripped of pride, filled with the light of christ. Once that's done. Yeah okay probably the happiest time of our lives. Humility my friends, it's the key. :)

Other than that! pretty average. there's a new missionary from Gunison here who went to Snow college for a year and a half, we know a lot of the same people, he was actually with a girl I went to school with for six years, she never liked me to much, but hey small world. Haha 

You guys hang in there. Have a good week. Do some prayi8ng. From what I heard it hleps a lot? :) I love you all.

Now...SOMEBODY PLEASE. tell me your favorite quote

Quote of the week

"There's no such thing in anyone life as an unimportant day.

Alex Woollcott

Photos

1. Peru Monopoly! (I lost)...

2. The way it was lookin, I was going to return my clothes haha

3. The power of a friend. Karla is a refrence from Rosa.

4. Tell me Mia doesn't look like Hercules when he's drinking the mortal potion

5. Only one person is Elder Smith's first baptism

6. The family we live with, and Karla. They have been family friends for years.

7. Yeah Okay

8. I like, that temple life

9. The last supper. :(

10. Yup

11. Elder Aspajo and Elder Frutos.

Do you have time, to listen to me awhile

Don't have much to say this week. Taught some lessons. Karla is getting baptized this Friday. She's so ready. Yovana's "husband" thinks he's going to baptize their son in March when he turns 8. Yeah right. We put another guy on date named Fidel. He's cool, he lived in the U.S. for 15 years, he has a strong Christian background so he knows a lot, he asked the most dreadful question when we talked about baptism, "So was my last baptism not valid?" Not a fan of that. Good thing we have god on our side :)

This week.. You know. It was a bit rough mentally. At times I feel like Jim Carry in "The Mask" when he's trying to take the mask off, and it's almost impossible. My companion wants me to trust him with everything, and talk all the time. And me, well.. I don't like trusting people. He's a great guy, but I’ve only known him for 3 months, and he wants my life story! I don't know, sometimes It's hard to take off the mask.

Other than that another day another soul. Reading the Book of Mormon. Preachin the gospel, trying to have a change of heart. After almost four and a half months here, nothing new really happens. I'll tell you a quick story because I don't have anything else to say.

There's a drunk guy who always walks around, the first time I met him he did the classic, "Wassup man! Where you from?!" In English, I said Utah. then he grabbed me, and that made me furious in a heartbeat. He shook my hand and said, "I'm from Texas, I have a question...Do you love what you're doing?" I stared deep into his eyes for just a moment, and saw the helplessness in him. I lightly responded, "Of course!" He said good, I gave him a picture of Jesus and that was it.

I've talked to him two times since. The second he expressed his depression, Alcohol on his breath, I told him to go to church, the third time I asked how he was doing. He was high as a kite and said, "I'm doing better man, thanks"

That story doesn't have a good ending. It's sad. I just think of his eyes. People need help. We all have our problems. The difference is some have the light of Christ, others continue to walk in darkness. Question is, what do you have?

Now....SOMEBODY PLEASE .tell me your favorite scripture and why.

Quote of the week

"It is better to light a single candle than to sit and curse the darkness"

Pictures

1. I like pizza. a lot.

2. I was Elder Frazier :) He was Elder Smith, but he didn't know. hehe

3. Impatient New missionary.

4. Patience man, it changes things.

5. I like to write in peoples journals

6. The life of a missionary....I need 25 lessons every week so instead of dinner I'm going to get another lesson in. I'll eat in my room after planning, I'm dehydrated but we're out of filtered water so you drink the coke that luckily a member gave you because you wrote on her menu board because she has bad handwriting, and well you write decently. haha man... Some days.

This week was possibly the fastest and smoothest week I've had here. We've been pretty busy. I'll try and explain it without boring you to death. :)

I want to talk about a few people. First Carlos and Rosa. In the past 5 months they went from less actives, they were my first rescue. SO many trails, problems, bums, doubts, and fears. This week they set their marriage date. Feb 14th at 7pm. (Cheesy I know) But depending on the bishop, they're going to the temple. To be sealed together. I can't express my joy. Last night they explained how thankful they were for me, and that caught me off guard because man I'm just Daniel. I said the spirit must have done some work because I really am just a 19 year old boy. It was a funny experience I'll remember forever.

Other person is Karla. When we met her two months ago she was a bit of a wreck. Her boyfriend left her and her daughter, she moved in with her mom, she was hopeless. I can't explain how much she's changed. I think she was the first person to actually read the pamphlet we gave her. She's Rosa's friend so her and Carlos have been there for every lesson. She's going to be baptized the 24th. Last night she said she wanted me to baptize her, that too caught me off guard. haha I told her, "Listen, if you're Elder Smith's first baptism, and you ever go less or inactive, I don't care where I live or how poor I am, I'll come back here and kill you." She laughed, then I said I'm not kidding. It was pretty funny, and so I guess I'm dunking her. 

I have a lot more to say, but maybe you'll just have to talk to me when I'm home :) And I got things to do today, and people to email! I hope you have a good week, and for HEAVENS SAKE if you have a questions, concerns, doubts, or anything Read the Book Of Mormon!.

Now SOMEBODY PLEASE.. tell me who has more members of the church, Utah or California. 

Quote of the week

"You really are the bearer of good news!" 

----A old friend who wrote that in my idea journal.

Here's another because I'm feeling generous. It's a classic.

"We might not have it all together, but together we have it all!"

That's me and Jesus. :)

Pictures! I'm sorry.. I messed up this week man..

1. Elder Frazier bought this and said, "This will last me the rest of my mission" As I was brushing my teeth looking at it, I thought, "Why do we all write in each others journals, it's like a yearbook, something we'll never read again". So I grabbed his shave cream, knowing he'll use it everyday and wrote a note on it. :) Now he'll read inspiring words every morning! haha

Happy New Year

This week was the most unproductive, productive week I've had. It started REALLY slow. New years eve no one was home, then new years day everyone was either sleeping, hungover, or still drinking. The streets were literally empty. It was the quietest I've seen it here. Then on Friday the traveling missionaries came to visit us! The traveling missionaries are just two missionaries who visit companionship throughout the mission. We divided up the day and went. I was with Elder Kent. The man is my hero. he has 21 months. we were the first gringos together for the first time in my areas history!

We had a solid day, and one less was porbably the strongest spiritual lesson I've had. It was with a mom named Yovana. She's an investigador because her worthless Boyfriend won't get divorced with his last wife, so they're not married. She wants to be baptized but can't. They have three kids, he works all the time and hasn't ever came to church. So she's alone.. Oh! and the pile is a returned missionary. The government is taking thier house, on Thursday she was completly helpless and fell to her knees. We hadn't visited her for a couple weeks, then on Friday, I called her. It was very touching. I hope and pray the lord will bless her and we'll help.

A lot more happened that day, and this week. The mission president from Lima central came to our ward. Along with the two missionaries who were teaching in our area. Disobedience man, I'm telling ya it doesn't get you anywhere. I hope we don't loose the couple, but it's not looking too good.

Karla is still progressing like a beast. She's cool, smart, and pretty easy to teach. When we taught the word of wisdom she said the famous line, "NO COFFE?!" It was funny.

Yeah Okay. It's 2015. 365 days to be a missionary, only full year in my life. If that's not awesome I don't know what is. Hang in there, have the best year of your life. 2014 was pretty good for me, but 2015 is looking pretty. I love you all. Sorry for the long email.

Now...SOMEBODY PLEASE Tell me your goals for 2015

Quote of the week

"What we believe determines what we do" Bruce McConkie.

Wow. PREACH!

Pictures!

1. New Years here has more fireworks than Christmas

2. Really the whole atmosphere was smoke. It was awesome

3. My guy and the travelers.

4. Elder Kent is my Hero

5. Yeah okay.

6. Hi, I'm Elder Smith. I've been alcohol free for one year. :)

Wow

What a week! Number wise. Crap. at the beginning of the month we had 4 people with dates. One left Lima, One decided the church wasn't true, one won't read, and doesn't think we're serious. But one! Karla! She's doing great. She's 25 with a 5 year old girl. Hopefully she'll keep progressing.

I have a lot to say, but instead I want to talk about one beautiful word. Believe. As I was watching Polar express Christmas afternoon, the deep symbolism of the movie hit me.

To be honest, I really don't think I've changed much since I've been here, (Or so I thought) Everyday I pray and plead for patience, love, faith, hope, and charity, and it's frustrating because well... I'm not patient. I don't LOVE the people, or have much faith in many of them. When I was watching polar express. I realized I was missing a crucial word. Believe. Believe I'll grow to be all those things.

Then last night, I was lying in my bed and I realized where I was exactly 2 years ago.. I was lying in a cinderblock cell. I was in detention.  I remember it all so clearly. Wow... I have changed SO much in two years. I hadn't even read the Book Of Mormon a year ago. So now. Now I believe. I'll obtain those attributes I need to succeed as a missionary, and as a person.

I believe it'll take time. This kind of change is permanent. I'm not frustrated because of my weakness. I believe in the atonement. Continuous progress, through the continuous atonement. Wow. I'm so blessed. and happy. I hope we all will believe, believe in ourselves, as well as others. Then we can hear the sweet jingle, of that silver bell.

I love you all, be safe. Be smart. Pray Always. Enjoy the holidays. Believe.

Now... SOMEBODY PLEASE tell me what your favorite present this year was and why

Quote of the week

"Good decisions don't make life easy, but they do make it easier"

Christmas pictures!

1. At our Christmas party with other zones

2. President Boswell is a little taller than me...

3. We finally took a good picture together! Elder Meik, Elder Lebaron

4. "The three amigos" Remember? MTC brothers for life. :)

5. It's no Salt Lake, but it has it's own special feel

6. I've grown to love my little man. Elder Aspajo

7. That's a turkey, and the mom who made us Christmas eve Dinner!

8. I went on to have about five more plates.

9. Planeton and hot chocolate.

10. She even gave us presents :)

11. Merry Christmas....

12. Haha yeah.

13. We like cookies

14. Elder Frazier lives with me, and well. He speaks better Spanish than people here. I love the man

15. Merry Christmas My friends :)

Why are you on your phone right now?

Hey guys, You know it's Christmas. I still can't really comprehend that. I'm callin my momma in a couple days! :) haha This week, well... I had immigrations, for pretty much two days. Oh wait! I didn't get transferred! I'm still with Elder Aspajo in San Luis, it's nice because for Christmas I know what's going on, so that's good! But with Immigrations, we lost a good two days of work.

It was a slow week, a lot of people are leaving Lima for the holidays, because well... lima there isn't much. and really, I don't know why you're reading this. Spend some time with your family, and friends. If you're not with them, go. Because next year, you'll never know where you're at. Last Christmas I didn't think I'd be 4000 miles away, but yet here I am. So PLEASE go enjoy your family!

Little thought though, The other week Carlos asked me to pray in English, because he wanted his blessings in dollars. haha, it was a joke, every now and then he still asks me to pray in english but I agreed and prayed outloud in English for the first time in a good minute or two. Yesterday we were in a lesson with an investigator and he was with us, I said the opening prayer, we had our lesson, closing carlos said me, in english! to which I responded, I said the opening, and why in english? haha still as a joke, but then our investigator agreed me pray again in English.

Now I can say a pretty decent prayer in Spanish. You know it's nothing spectacular, but after 3 months in Peru, praying about 10 times a day, you get good. But I've always felt like I was looking for words, not talking to god. I don't know what happened last night, but as I started to pray, everything got silent. The two kids that were running around screaming, stopped and listened. I can't remember what I said. I prayed for her, and a testimony be born in her heart. It wasn't a long prayer. But I don't think I've ever felt the spirit so strong when I was praying. I could bearly speak. When I finished. Carlos explained, even though we can't understand him, it's a better prayer than isn't it? Our investigator agreed.

If angels weren't surrounding us in that moment, I don't know what was going on! haha, but there you go. There's a thought for you as you celebrate Christmas. Fall to your knees. Talk to your father. He knows you, loves you, and wants you. Power of prayer is real my friends.

Now SOMEBODY PLEASE

Send me pictures of Christmas please :)

Quote of the week

Uhh.. I don't have one, I forgot.... So here's a good quote I use a lot

"Listen, just be a decent guy and don't be stupid. You'll be fine"

Daniel Smith.

Pictures!

1. One more transfer with the gringos! Sorry I ruined the picture, I was doing so many wrong things in it.. haha but they look good :)

2. Another great sunset in Lima

3. Tell me of a missionary who has better decorations than me?

4. Best Chapsticks in this world.

5. When you're awake before Peru, there's something wrong. (Immigartions)

6. I am a CHILD

7. Our P day is actually tomorrow, we just email today.

Sometimes....I get angry...

This week we got a phone call from the ward mission leader from a ward in Lima Central mission. He explained he has a referral for us, two people ready for baptism. The elders from Lima central have been coming into our area for the past three months to teach them...

When we visited them is when I became a little angry. Because we explained the rules behind how missionaries work. The other elders were everything but obedient. Then after some very direct answers to questions, we brought up the temple. haha... This is where I became livid. They didn't know a thing about the temple. Not even that it existed... If someone can explain to me why after 3 months those elders didn't talk about the BIGGEST and most IMPORTANT thing in this church. That would be great. There baptism date was the 27th. That's not going to happen. This my friends is a PERFECT example of why Peru has 3 million members of the church, and only 22,000 are active.

Baptism is not the goal. I speak only for Peru here because I don't know other missions. Baptizing is for boys. That's why 16 year olds can do it. Eternal life is for missionaries. CONVERSION. living with our families forever. With never ending joy is possible, and real. If an investigator can't give up coffee, or smoking. They don't understand the promise of eternal life, and if the missionary baptize that person without taking the time and effort to explain, then god have mercy on that missionary.

We changed our investigators dates because three or four weeks it's not possible. I want to go to the temple, not just stand in cold water... And that's all on that. haha

After emails we'll find out who's getting transferred. actually at 1 30. Then Tuesday we'll all transfer! It's kinda hard right before Christmas, but that's okay. I'm healthy, and happy. (For the most part) haha. Reall nothing else to say, we'll see what happens this week. :)

You guys hang in there. Get through the holidays. I can promise you if you think about god more than dollars, you will. :)

Now...SOMEBODY PLEASE

Go to temple square, and send me pictures :)

Quote of the week.

"It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves"

Pictures!

1. I love packages! and letters!

2. I am... so happy. I love my family!

3. The first real sunset I've seen here. Beut.

4. Now we're cooking! More please :) With all my new stuff I'm sending at least a letter a month because I got talked into it so If you want a sweet letter from me. You better get writing :)

5. Dogs here are lazy as the people! haha

6. Love my California Boy

7. It just tastes better when it's from America :)

8. I like nice bus rides when they're not 60 people.

9. Every week :)