May 18th and May 25th, 2015 updates

[Elder Reed's update from the 18th was short, so I figured I would wait until today's update and do two at once - bonus! No pictures either week though.]

From May 18th update: For the preparation day, the Elders got to play some monopoly. Then, the missionaries will be moving out of the place they were in, so they are going to be doing a lot of painting. From Elder Reed: "my not-so-spiritual thought is to take care of what you have. Make sure that it will survive to the next generation! That way lots more people can enjoy it! My spiritual thought for this week comes from 1 Nefi [Nephi] 6 (the entire chapter - it is 6 verses long). We need to keep our testimony of this book alive and strong (testimony of the Book of Mormon) or obtain our own testimony if we don't have one. There is nothing in this book that doesn't have meaning to us in our day. This promise is also in Jacob [a book in the Book of Mormon] and I will let you search it out, but the point is, are we really converted to this book? I have such a testimony that this book can answer just about any problem you have."  

In another email, Elder Reed said "Thanks for the things that you [Mom] taught me when I was home! I might not necessarily have listened to every one of them, but now I have the grand opportunity to apply them! They work wonders and I still don't know why I didn't listen earlier!!!" [Mom replied that these lessons usually come back once the young one has "flown the coop", as Elder Reed has done, and his Mom is grateful he's able to apply the lessons from his younger years, better late than never! :)]

From May 25th update: "Well, I and my fellow missionaries from the CCM [Peru mission training center] have hit and passed 8 months in the field. When I look back on this time, I find it difficult to imagine I've been here for this long! 

Una noticia: en esta semana tuvimos tres días con 2 lecciones o menos. Fue feo, pero no hay NADA que pude hacer. Recorde la frase de Papa "Mama always said there'd be days like this." Lo bueno es que caminamos por areas que nunca he visto antes. [Rough translation is "News: In this week we had three days with 2 lessons or less. It's ugly, but there was NOTHING I could do about it. I remember the phrase of Papa, "Mama always said there'd be days like this." The good thing is that we have walked to areas that I haven't been to before."]

The weather's changed here in Lima East. Last week the temperature and clouds were the same I'd seen for the last 6 months: hot [temperature] and barely there [clouds]! Then, all of a sudden, the clouds rolled in, the temp dropped about 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and started to sprinkle a hardly-visible-ice-cold-rain. WOW that was different! As long as we kept moving I was fine, but the instant I stopped, the "rain" felt super cold. 

My not-so-spiritual thought .... I remember telling Grandma Reed before the mission 2 things: "You can't find anybody rich enough that could pay me enough money to live in a big, crowded, polluted city" and "that if I had my choice, I wouldn't eat chicken. I'm just not a big fan of chicken." I believe that the God of Heaven & Earth heard this and said to Himself, "now where can I send him that he will be humbled by a large city that eats chicken for just about 95% of the meals?" Peru Lima East was the answer. With that: keep laughing; it makes your day much better!"

Elder Reed also included his spiritual thought in the letter to his Mission President, which he'd copied in his email home, and I don't think he would mind me sharing it here: "The good news is that I have been feeling a little down because there wasn't any real tangible evidence that I was helping the sons and daughters of The Most High here in Perú until Elder Loertscher sent me a pic of an investigator that Elder Moreyra and I started teaching, in baptismal clothing!!!!! It was then that I realized that I really am making some difference here even if I can't immediately see it! I also realized that our efforts aren't ever forgotten or dismissed. I felt so great after that!"

Also, Elder Reed shared that he is having some trouble with his knees and back with all the walking and the heavy bag he is carrying, so any prayers for him would be appreciated. Thanks so much for all your continued support! 

May 11, 2015 update

A "Mototaxi" there in Estaca Vitarte

Preparation day - bowling!

Elder Reed eating at a Burger King - expensive, but "IT WAS SOOOOO GOOD!" :)

Preparation day - cleaning the apartment! :)

Elder Reed said that he wished all Moms a Happy Mother's Day - the family had a great time speaking with him on Mother's Day [especially his Momma! :) ]. 

Here are a couple more pictures Elder Reed shared this week:

Elder Arroyo, me, Elder Horo, and Elder Wilding

Celebrating the success at having opened the accidentally-locked door to the bathroom! :)

Elder Reed shared that he is very grateful he was able to speak with his family in Ohio and Indiana on Mother's Day, as he missed hearing speakers from his "native land". :)  We (his family) learned that he'd twisted his ankle several months ago, but that it is healing nicely. We appreciate all the prayers in his behalf!

Elder Reed's spiritual thought for this week: "This week's spiritual thought comes from. . . the scriptures. :)  John 13:16. Read it & then think of your position wherever you are. Why do you think you are there? God knows you have the ability to do well in your area. He wants you now to use that position for "the perfecting of the saints" in your [sphere of influence]... and maybe even the future saints. Remember that God is no respecter of persons and that he holds everybody in the same respect. As should we!"

Until next time, Elder Reed wishes everyone a great week!

May 4, 2015 update

Elder Reed & Elder Horo - after playing soccer :)

Elder Reed shared a picture of him and his companion after playing soccer on their preparation day. He said, "My team won! ... cough cough... uh, ok, my companion says it was a tough game and it was! Please enjoy your week and have a happy new year!... well when it comes!" [We all have a little ways until the new year, but we can practice counting our blessings each day!]

Here is some of Elder Reed's family letter from this week: "My companion and I have been working for the past 2 weeks without a phone and we are doing relatively well! We haven't yet reached perfection, but we are certainly trying! [Elder Reed then shared where all his companions have been from.] Elder Sands, from Florida USA; Elder Puma, from Arequipa, Peru; Elder Moreyra, from Iquitos, Peru; Elder Vasconez, from Ecuador; and Elder Horo, from Chimbote, Peru.

This week, I had several lessons in fellowshipping. Imagine [that] you have just been converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by 2 young men or women and you feel a great desire to attend church and the meetings and activities, but there is something in the air that doesn't feel right. This something is a lack of fellowship on the member's part. They don't smile at you, wave, or include you in activities or classes and you don't know why. Sound familiar? Whether it is a recent convert or there has been a ward boundary change, it is the same. If we don't put forth our effort [as members of the Church] to show that we are truly members of The Church of Jesus Christ, they won't stay in our chapels for long. Make a noteworthy effort to include people foreign to the ward in all that we do and every aspect possible to build friendships and keep them interested!

That was my spiritual thought for the day, week, and for Sundays in particular. I sincerely hope that nobody was hurt by what I had to say! It is a real problem here and everywhere and I felt the need to pass it along. I also hope you all will do the same in your respective wards! It is a great way to help the work of salvation! Thanks!"

Elder Reed received letters and a package sent by his Mom :) and was really excited about that. [Related to his package, he said, "What joy my companionship has to see that white envelope of goodness..." - I laughed out loud!]

This week we will be able to talk to Elder Reed, and we are all every excited! Until the next update, take care and remember that you are loved by our Savior!

April 27, 2015 update

This week, Elder Reed shared some awesome photos - here you go! I loved his explanations for each photo, so I just copied them here. :)

"The last day that (in order) E. Arroyo, me, E. Vásconez, and E. Maxwell were together in Estaca Vitarte"

"Elder Horo, M., and I under the sign for the chapel"

"Us 3 and her family (HOW COOL WAS THAT TO HAVE THE FAMILY THERE???!!!)"

Elder Reed also shared part of his weekly letter to his Mission President, President Boswell. I thought I would just paste it here, as it is so powerful!

"Oh, Presidente Boswell,
I can't begin to tell you how happy I am that Elder Horo is my companion. He and I combined are relatively new in the Barrio Tilda ( with 2 months cumulative work) but I am UBER excited to tell you that we started the cambio off with a baptism and a confirmation. Both of us think that it is a really good way to start the transfer and I couldn't agree more!

We have been thinking of ways that we could work better with members and we finally came up with talking with the Bishop! Imagine that...l how simple could it be? The good thing is that he is a returned missionary himself. The better thing is that we as the missionaries of his ward have an incredible relationship! We do whatever he asks and he loves to listen to our opinions and ideas to better la Obra Misional en su barrio y en su consejo de barrio. :)

The fact that we even had a baptism this week is a miracle in itself. 1) we don't have a working phone, 2) we forgot to get the keys from a member of the ward for the baptismal interview, 3) we forgot to check to see if we had clothes for her to be baptized, and 4) we had never met her family before and they came to support her at her baptism!

During all this time I was saying in my head that "I will have faith in You [Heavenly Father]! I will just keep going and know that You have this all figured out even if I don´t! Please give me the tranquilidad to continue moving onward!" 

Everything fell into place like clockwork! I have never seen so many answers to one prayer all in a row like that in my mission or in my life! I know that prayers are answered! There isn't a doubt in my mind!

With love,
Elder Reed"

Elder Reed also said that he loves his new companion, E. Horo, and they both served before in close to the same area. Their areas shared the Los Sauces building. So, they came from a rich area to a not-so-rich area and the "LOVE IT! More than Inka Kola!" :) 

That is the update for this week. Remember to count your blessings, for there are always many of them, Heavenly Father is always there helping us! 

April 13 & April 20, 2015 updates...

[I apologize for missing last week's update. By the time I realized it - as it was a very busy week - I figured it would be easier to update 2 weeks at once. Bonus!! :)  I appreciate everyone's patience! Thanks!]

The week of April 13th, Elder Reed sent a few pictures, one which made him very happy. He was able to eat a "real" hamburger and thoroughly enjoyed it! 

If that is all that was left at that point, that was one BIG hamburger! :)

Elder Reed also found a new card for the mission there - enjoy those photos also!

Mission card - information about the time spent serving

He stated that he goes "to bed every night and it is 80ºF and it feels so nice! I think I will freeze [when I get back home] because there is no real climate variation here!". :) 

His cousin has been serving in Accra Ghana [and comes home very soon - time FLIES by!] and they will both have quite a climate shock!

Elder Reed and I had talked a little about the power outage he'd experienced during his online time the previous week. He said that the Peruvians love their sole-per-hour internet, and the power outages don't happen very often. [Soles is the Peruvian form of money.]

During the last part of our conversation, I had asked him how his shoes were holding up. Apparently he had to send one pair in for repairs.... I had no idea! Then, he was gone for the day, so I wasn't able to hear more of that story until this week, which is continued below...

For the April 20th update, Elder Reed sent some more pictures. I must say, I was squeamish when he was telling me the story! First, some pictures....

From Elder Reed: "First off..... I killed a big rat that we found above our window IN our apartment! WOW it was hard to catch, but I eventually cornered it  (and stepped on it by accident!) to rid ourselves of it... It had been in our apartment for about 5 months, so releasing it out into the street wouldn't work and I already stepped on it, so I had no choice because it was already injured!" Oh, the adventures!

Elder Reed also sent some pictures of his shoes - WOW - I had no idea!

Related to his shoes being fixed, Elder Reed said: "What happened was that there is a member in my ward that owns a zapatería (shoe shop) except he actually makes the shoes. They are fakes, but they still look cool (DC and other brand name shoes)! I asked him if he would be willing to help us out because our shoes were a mess! really awful! When I got them back they had NO SMELL WHATSOEVER!" That's always good news! :)

Here are also some excerpts from Elder Reed's letter for this week: 

"20 Abril, 2015 - 3 days before 7-month mark [where does the time go?!] - Well, today is officially the end of this transfer, and I will probably be getting another companion. This week, missionaries from the CCM [training center] came to practice proselyting with us in the field as part of their learning process and I was given a companion: Elder Carr. My real companion also was assigned to help somebody else. We were given a list of people to try to meet and an area to do it in... Well everyone in my list was dead or they didn't live in the area, so we made some contacts. I was then able to see just how much I [had] progressed instead of seeing how far I had to go (that was really refreshing)!!!!

I sent those big Liahona walking shoes in for repairs last week because the fabric around my heel was deteriorating so badly you could've placed your entire fist in the hole it created. [See also above explanation.] I got them back this week and they look refortified and they didn't have a smell! It was HEAVENLY... :)

Spiritual thought: Do we really understand the scriptures? Do we understand how we can apply them to our lives or the lives of others? I'll admit I don't fully understand them; for example, Ether 12:27. ["And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."] What does it say: Well, for starters, if we humble ourselves that God will make weaknesses into strengths. Well. What does it actually say? God is saying that He gave us weaknesses and faith. With that faith, we are supposed to take our weaknesses to the Father of All in prayer, believing that He will help us; in this process, we will be humbled sufficiently to make those weak things become strong.

And with that I would like to say just how much I love you all . . . More love than fits in this letter, Elder Reed :) "

Until next time, remember the blessings all around, even if they show as a weakness which we can make a strength through our Lord!

April 6, 2015 update

This week, Elder Reed decided to send his letter home via SERPost (ie, snail mail), so there isn't much to tell at this point [I hope that we see the letter soon!]. There were also no pictures. He had to deal with a power outage during the time he usually emails. I'm not sure if that happens frequently there or not.

In any event, Elder Reed wanted to share a spiritual thought. "My thought would have to be to watch the first priesthood session talk given by M. Russell Ballard [during the LDS Church's annual General Conference - it is linked at the left]. Apply those questions to yourself and not as a missionary, if you aren't one, and then reflect on how you can improve!" 

Until next week - remember to count the many blessings in your life - they are there!

March 30, 2015 update

This week, Elder Reed sent a lot of pictures, so we'll start with those. :)

Elder Reed and hermano [brother] after a service project - destroying and carrying away the garbage of an old brick building.

This is a picture of P. and his family, a member of Elder Reed's ward who was baptized after he turned 8 years old.

Elder Reed, his companion, P., the Ward Mission leader, a member of the ward and his daughter, and P´s Mom and, up front is P's hermano.

Elder Reed and Hermano Manuel - who Elder Reed says looks like his own brother. :)

Elder Reed's letter spoke of the service project they did with destroying and carrying away the garbage from an old brick building. He said that he is feeling a little ill from the dust, but that he had a blast helping with the project. :) He said that it reminded him of all the times he helped with various projects in the Piqua Ward [here in Ohio]. :)

Elder Reed said he's been teaching English classes for about a month now. He said that more people are slowly coming to the classes and that everyone wants to learn English there. He was told that, in order to be successful there in Peru, one has to know how to speak English. So, he's able to help with that!

Elder Reed included some Spanish - 

[My rough translation is the following, with some online translation help: And how are you? I feel sleepy every day, but I have, for some reason, the ability of getting up at 6:30 every morning. My clock is set for 6:25. At this time, I get up and pray. And from that moment, every day is different." ... I hope I am close!]

Elder Reed is looking forward to Mother's Day, when we will get to hear from him again [his Momma is especially excited!]. Time is moving by so quickly!

Elder Reed's spiritual thought this week comes from his experience with members who go with the missionaries to help teach and search for those brothers and sisters who would hear the message of the Lord - "There are some things that missionaries can't do or say that you as members can! Please support your local missionaries by going out with them to a meeting once in awhile!"

[And as my own addition to the spiritual thought this week, may you each have a blessed Easter, remembering that the Savior of the world LIVES! Until next time, remember the blessings all around you!]