Dear Familia,
Yeah, so the DL for the past week. Not a lot happened, but I believe that the Sister Consuelo that we were getting ready for baptism is ready! We'll see what happens this week. I had the opportunity to do a few very interesting things this week.
First was the companion exchange that really wasn't... I'll explain. So every month and a half here we do what is called a work visit. But this time it just happened to be with the president of the mission. haha I'll admit it was pretty nerve racking to see him and spend the whole afternoon and into the night with him, but that's just how the big boys roll! I could truly feel the power of President Rowley. Luckily, everything went as planned, and we ended up having some very good lessons! I watched as the president invited one of the investigators to pray kneeling with his family....although the investigator didn't want to, he did it. The president has power!! haha As for the rest of the visit, I was able to write in my journal. The whole visit was with the president, my companion, and I.
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| Elder Pinegar, President Chad A. Rowley, and Elder Castro during a companion exchange that wasn't. April 2013 Legua, Peru |
Second, I had the chance to listen to a patriarchal blessing that was given to my companion. Wow. What an experience. The old and brittle patriarch radiated light. I'll explain the reason for the blessing another day, but bottom line is that it was a very exciting moment and a strong ambiance of the Spirit of God. I believe that was something that I needed, having more knowledge about the Gospel that really helped me build my testimony!
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| The Peruvian Children in Legua - April 2013 |
Third, the picture of the children. Little children come from God and when I saw them all put there behind the gate of the house chapel, I could just see the goodness that they radiated. Not judging, not hating, nothing of evil in their presence. For me, it was a moment of reflection, in the which I was able to think about my own standing before God and man. And how I could be like a little child, submissive and humble; willing to learn and appreciate the good qualities of those that surround me. What a great moment to pass. Hopefully the picture can explain my paragraph.!!
As for the photos you sent, I really enjoyed them! Thanks a ton for sending them! The fish that Spencer has in his hand, I see all the time, and I eat it all the time to.* It's alright. I'm working on getting my memory card sent home to you guys so that you can enjoy the past 7 months of my mission...wow haha I'll try to get it sent this week. Thanks a lot dad for all the love that you show to me!! Although we have our differences and what not, your alright ;) hahah love you just as much as you love me! I'm grateful to be your son and be able to have you as a guide for me. You inspire me to do good and shun evil. I'll always need your great example, keep it up!!! I love my family, my friends, and the people that are around me....wow what a wonderful life, although I don't love the sun, dust and the lack of education....but those are all things that can change....except for the sun and the dust!!! ;) keep being my dad, and I'll keep loving you! I'm glad that you enjoyed your trip** and what not!!! Keep it fresh and hit up the slopes for me one last time!!!! Cause next year they are mine!!!
Anyways, just want to express my love for everyone of you guys that have the chance to read this. I'm so grateful to have the chance to have known you all and am looking forward to the time when we see each other again!!!
Love your son.
Elder Alexander Cato Pinegar
* Mahi Mahi
** We just got back from Sayulita, Mexico
