Dec 14, 2015 update

Elder Reed shared a letter in voice this week, and was excited that he would be able to communicate with family on Christmas. Elder Reed shared that he's had a good week. The Elders were able to go to the center of Lima and make some purchases. He spent 10 soles on ice cream (see below) and usually he only spends about 3 soles on ice cream, but he thoroughly enjoyed it!

There was a district meeting this week and he got to see some missionary friends (ie, other missionaries) that he'd been with about a year ago when he was in Surco - he got a picture too - they enjoyed seeing each other again! He was also so happy that, one day, a member was able to drive them to their appointments and they were so grateful! Elder Reed then recalled how, a few years ago, he was the member helping to drive the missionaries around - life comes full circle!

Elder Reed said they got stuck in traffic at one point and he realized how grateful he is for stoplights in America (who knew!) :)  He went on divisions with another Elder and they laughed a lot - :)  He also realized that, this week 3 years ago, Elder Reed received his Eagle Scout rank. This year, the missionaries cleaned their apartment. 

Elder Reed shared that he knows time goes by so quickly and we need to use it, do what we can now to share the Gospel because if we don't, the time is gone and we can't get it back. Elder Reed's testimony continued: "I know that my Savior lives and loves me - He cares for me. He hears my prayers, he hears everyone's prayers - every one of you. He knows our pains, and our sorrows. There's nothing that makes Him more happy than our obedience to His commandments and sharing the message with our brothers and sisters." He shared a scripture from the Doctrine and Covenants that talks about how, if we remain steadfast in solemnity and the spirit of prayer, and bearing of testimony, that we can receive a remission of sins - what a blessing! 

"This is the 10 sol ice cream I spoke of! 3 scoops  (1 each of ) chocolate, lúcuma, and mint) AAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH it was good!"

"Elder Meik, Rios, Reed, Jones, Hermana Ossola and Martinez in the same zone again 1 year later!!! Man it was cool to take this pic! >>>this is pic before we were all in the zone, but they were all there except elder Rios... I promise!"

"Elder Hualinga, Reed, Russell, and Taylor (the new crew of Huachipa)"

"a special edition Sprite... notice anything out of the usual?"

"The building in the center is our capilla... the one next to the catholic school ;)"

Until next time - remember your blessings!