November 26, 2012 - Well that's the work!

Dear Familia & Friends,

First off, I just want to give a shout out to g3off Wilkinson.* My brother and good good goood friend. Congrats! I can't even begin to tell you how good of a friend you are. You're a stud and I just want ya to know that!!! Anyways show the Africanitos that you love them. Yeah buddy!!! haha Anyway, we still keep it runnin in style in every part of the world. You know man that we are mundial (worldwide), and we got many more in other parts of the world. but ya know that we are all doing the same thing, one God..........that's it ONE GOD...wow

Anyways, just wanna let everyone at home know that I'm doing fabulous, still do it big here in Perú, always will. Well just so you know. this was sent out to my buddies in the mission, if ya got it ya know who you are. I love ya guys with heart and soul. Just wanna say that if it wasn't for the mission, I don't know where I´d be and I don't know who I would be.....scary but true. 

Yeah, so the DL on this week is that we put in some real work. We did a fair amount of visits, and we had an astounding 11 investigators at church. As for that, I don't know how many will get baptised, but it looks like we're gonna have to get some weddings goin on; yeah, at least that means cake and a night of music ;) jaja We're working with a lot of young people as well, and we;re going to just have to wait and see what happens. We're gonna see if they wanna make a move or not by gettin baptised. I'll let ya know a little bit more the next week on what's the details with them.

Anyways, just wanna thank my parents for being so great, and an example that now I finally appreciate. Also my family, although we're not perfect, we're happy :) jaja Yeah, and next in line is all the people that helped me get where I am today. Without you I wouldn't be half of the man with half the heart. I send home much love!!!

Lunch in Paita

PS: The pic that i sent you is a pic of almuerzo (lunch) and what not haha. I had a great time joking with the pension about how I was going to eat ALL of it.....yeah, I ended up throwing it away (not all, but the parts that were necessary) Overall, the food here is alright, and I think I'm picking up some weight and what not, but it's all good. Just getting bigger......maybe I should start exercising ;) haha nahhh, the last 3 months I'll do it.....I hope! 

Love ya all, and just know that when your cold, I'm hot. Could be a figure of speech or literal. you decide.!!!

chow ELDER PINEGAR

* Geoff just had his missionary farewell on 10/25/12 and will be reporting to the Johannesburg, South African Mission on 12/4/12

November 19, 2012 - New area and decisions of a lifetime

Dear Familia,

Elder Pinegar overlooking Paita Nov 2012 - Notice the taxi on the road

Yeah sooo what up?! This week was good and was full of lessons. I had to take a good look at the book that we work from, and we got down to organizing. The week went fast, and the rest I'm sure will just go faster. Anyway, we've been working with a few people, and we're hoping that it will be success with them. We've got a lot of young men that we are hookin up with the good work of God and let them know what's up. I'm pretty sure that one (jhon) is hopefully going to be baptised this month, but I don't promise anything. As for the other people, we have a couple of less actives that we are puttin work on. We're doing our best to build here and hopefully our effort turns out.

We're looking forward to this week and hopefully the familes that we are going to be teaching will be there. What happens here is that the people we can always find and always teach, but it's like my first area, sometimes they just dont want to make a decision, so we just gotta keep the chin up and push them towards the goal of the lifetime.......and that is what scares them, because it's a lifetime goal....long haha. Anyway, the people that surround me, especially the members, are great and very friendly. They make me happy, and I find the motivation to keep on going when I talk with them. Anyways, thats about all that i got goin on here.

(Answers to Mom's questions) -- How are you doing? So first off im great, Do you know Elder Justin Farmer?-he has a blogsite and he's in your area..second yeah i know him he has the same amout of time as me and is from Colorado. Do you see the mission president very often? Yes I see the pres. and his wife. I saw his wife and daughter (who is visiting) yesterday and the pres last week, but normally it about every 3 months. Did you only have 9 people at church or did you mean 9 investigators? I meant 9 investigators there are about 60 that come to church. What area are you in? I'm in Paita, rama paita. and only Peruvians, Do you ever see Americans? I'm the only gringo around, and yes I always get starred at.....they have a custom here to kiss on the cheeks, of course that's not allowed by the missioneries, but last week a chick kissed me by surprise. That's number two, the first was a grandma haha! Where are you living? How close is your pensionista? I'm posted up in the room when i took a pic with my comp, It's narrow, but has a great place to chill, kinda like a living room. We live above the pension, Do you eat fish now? and yes we eat fish, but she knows I'm not a big fan, especially of the pota haha 

Well my times up but I love yall tons!!!!!!!!!!!! Just know that and keep it in mind!!!! I'll hit ya'll up next week!!!!! Peace!!!!

Love,

Elder Pinegar

November 12, 2012 - 3 P's Paita, Pinegar & Pinzón

Elder Pinegar & Elder Pinzón in Paita

Dear Familia,

Yeah sup fam!! So here's the dowlow on this week. I'm in Paita. It's one hour south of Talara and it's coastline, so it's breezy. It will be a good place to spend the summer here. I'm in Paita Alta and it's pretty chill. The members are great and there is a lot more support here in the branch. We're doing work and had a good assitance (attendance) here; The highest that they have had. 9. 

So anyways, I have a new companion. He is called Elder Pinzón (the name is from Spain), but he is from Ecuador, Quito. He's pretty chill, and I sent a pic of him to y'all. I calculate that he will be here only 1 change more and what not. My area is fairly small, and I think that I'll get used to it fairly quick. The pension here is really nice, and her whole family is kind. I had to eat cow stomach the other day. That was gross. It's called mondongo here. My comp was born in the church, and his parents were converts. He is pretty tranquilo and likes to talk a lot in the lecciones. It's probably because he is fairly new. He has 3 months in the mission. It's nice this time cause I can practically talk to him about everything. The Spanish is natural, and I'm slowly forgetting my beautiful English.....yeah so that's the downlow on this week, just know that I'm doing good and having fun!!!! 

Basically all the people here are fishermen and ohhh my pension said that about 30 years ago she knew an Elder Pinegar.... ask dad if he every served in Paita K? yeah thanks!!!! keep it chill!!!!

Elder Pinegar

PS: I would like just a few things, first is melatonin 3mg. second is 2 refills for that pen that shark sent me. (zebra refill F 0.7mm) thanks!!!! love you guys!!!! and if y'all have any questions, make me a list and I'll answer them!! 

Oh and that's cool about Scott, don't worry, I'm in communication with him. haha I always got my G´s.

**Alex also sent a letter to Jared in Spanish--so for those of you who speak the language--it will be an extra treat--google translate is okay--but doesn't do it justice.

que tal papacito mio! ya esta seman fue muy buena y donde estoy ahora es completamente diferenty que le anterior. las personas, en especial los miembros están animados y listos por el trabajo que se le presente. el presidente de la rama es muy bueno y se nota, la feliciadad. te comparto mi experiencia en la iglesia ayer. no es exatamente espiritual, pero fue bueno. acá tal como en mis otros areas me siento bien con los miembros. ha sido como 4-5 años desde he tocado el piano.....y está domingo me obligaron a tocar......fue un disatrre completo, pero me recuperé con las ultimas dos canciones. siempre estoy dispuesto de servir, quizá no tengo tanta abilidad en todas las cosas, pero me acuerdo en mateo en cuanto los talentos, yo tengo 5 y definitivemente quiero mas!!! jaja no es que soy egoísta, pero es bueno de aprender siempre, como me dijiste! sigue fuerte!!! ohhh y felicitaciones con tu edificios y todo eso!!! una cosita mas, me olvidé de decirte feliz compleaños......to pido que me disculpes, te amo mucho!!!!!! haz trabajo pero disfruta a vida a la vez!!!

paz para siempre!!! tu hijito alex pinegar

GOOGLE translate with a lot of help from Jared below:

Hi little Daddy!! 
This week was very good and where I am now is completely different than it was before. The people, particularly members are excited and ready for the work. The branch president is very good and it shows, and it's easy to tell he's happy. Let me tell you about church yesterday, it's not exactly spiritual, but it was good. Here as in my other areas, I feel good with the members. It's been like 4-5 years since I played the piano ..... and this week they needed someone to play the piano Sunday ...... I was a complete disaster, but I redeemed myself with the last two songs. I am always ready to serve. Perhaps I don't have too much ability in everything, but I agree with Matthew when the Lord spoke about the talents. I have 5 and definitely want more! haha I'm not selfish, but it's always good to learn, as you said! Move forward! Ohhh and congratulations with your building and all that! One more thing, I forgot to tell you happy ...... birthday.* I ask you to forgive me, I love you much!! work hard, but enjoy life at the same time!

peace forever!

Your son Alex Pinegar
*Jared's Bday was Oct 19

November 5, 2012 - A Great Week

Hi Familia,

Elder Pinegar & Elder Muchaypina (on his left) & His Zone in Talara Oct 2012

So this week has been good; We had a great week. I don't know why, but it was good. Me and my companion get along really well and chevere and what not. but unfortunately today were changes and it looks like I'm leaving Negreiros......sad but happy at the same time. We're going to be leaving some great investigators and people that I really believe have potential.  This week I finally sent 2 pics, one is of the children of a family that we are working with, they are great and really friendly. the other is of the zone in Talara. the two are both bien bakán!! 

Elder Pinegar & Elder Muchaypina with the Milagro's children - Oct 2012

As for this past week, we have one person that is actually progressing and I think that he is baptismal material. He's called Jorge. He is 70 and has a rep haha but it's all good. he sounds really excited to be able to come to church again. and the family in the foto I call them family milagros (its because the mom is called Milagros). We had a NDH (FHE) with them and it was great and what not! 

As for the voting issues, not too many people know or care about the UU EE  (U.S.), but on occasion they ask me about the political issues, and I just tell them that the candidate is Mormon, so they should be too! haha. Ohhh, and I'm doing work as a negotiator here. I finally decided to buy a speaker to listen to some tunes, seeing that I'm basically the only person in the whole mission without one! But I did my fair share of bartering. Y'all know me!!

Ohh, and as for my companion, he is a recent convert and has almost two years as a member. He's the only one, but his family is listening to the missionaries and what not! So who knows. yeah and for Christmas I really don't need anything. But I would like a GOOD stretch band to get my body figure back. I need one that can handle my pythons!! haha soooo chill!!

Love you guys tons, and just know that I am always thinking of y'all!!

Love,
Elder Pinegar

October 29, 2012 - The Work Goes On

Dear Familia,

Así es.........that it is in English. I think that has been my favorite word choice lately. Anyway that's great what's going on at home and everything that is happening in the westside. We're holding down the town around here in the parts most dangerous of Perú haha (its a joke) but really. So about this past week, we've been doing good, but we had a big bummer seeing that none of the investigators that we have went to church. Luckily for us we had the chance to find another family that seems really interested......I hope.We had the chance to do some good service projects this week and help others that were in need. But I gotta say it was kind of awkward when a single mom with a child started to hit on me haha. 

So the noticias for this week is that in a part of our area about 500 people have invaded and just posted up cause they heard that the government was giving away house lots. We took advantage of that opportunity and found the family that took interest. We'll see how that goes with all that. Anyways, as for the families, we're still working with one of them and had the chance to teach them about the plan de salvación; They liked it and were every interested, but when we invited them to church they just kinda ignored us.....it's all goood. But I hope that some day the missionaries will be able to do some good with them! That's about all that has been goin down this week, but its been good being able to find some new people to teach.

As for the package, I'm sure that my good buddy Elder Muchaypiña will love the gummy worms! haha He really is a great person and I would consider him a good friend, a great friend. We've really been able to bond and get through some tough times, and also he taught me how to cook up a mean paloma soup. So I don't mind. Ohhh, and speaking of the woman that donated the paloma for our cause, her uncle died last week. So I guess that it was good to share the plan de savación with her like 3 days before. We'll see how she's doing this Wednesday.

anyways, that's about it for this week! love ya all like a true champ would!!!!! keep it real at home and tell the rest that I love them too!! 

Elder Pinegar

October 22, 2012 -Palomas & Leccions

Hi Family,

So basically this week has been great. My companion and I are puttin in WORK. I've been using all my connections that I have here to get the people listening. I really enjoyed the letters that I have been receiving, keep em comin. I'm trying to get him ready to train, seeing that I know that he will be training in 2 weeks haha but he doesn't know that. Anyways, soo a little bit of info on what's been happening around my neck of the woods.

First, the family that we have been teaching is great, but we found out last Monday that they are only married by the church, which here is as good as being single. That was the biggest surprise, but I think that they are going to think about it. We had a family home evening with them, seeing that another married couple would be good. It was a great help, and we ended up talking about temples and what they really do for us. That was good. but William, the husband is pretty proud....kinda like someone I know, but I told him that all he had to think about was praying. He told me that he is scared to pray cause he is scared to change. But it's all good. I think that he´ll be alright.

Anyways, the other family kinda went lights out on us. The husband doesn't really want to be preached to. but I got my form down on lock and have a good relationship with him, so we'll see what happens with them, seeing that we have a cita with them this week.

Ohhh, I have a pretty tight story for y'all. So my comp and I were visiting an investigator this past week. She has 3 children, and they happened to have two palomas (doves-pigeons) as pets. We told her that paloma is tasty, and I told her that I had never eaten it before.......so she got out the vegetables and spaghetti and said that were gonna have some soup. With the permission of the mother, we grabbed the paloma, there was a black one and white one. So we grabbed one. Yeah, so I told the children to go to the other side for a moment, of course they didn't. We rung the neck of the paloma and the two little girls were terrified, but the 5 year old boy was highly intrigued haha. The little girls grabbed the white paloma and ran into the other room and told us that we were bad haha but the mother just laughed haha. We plucked it and the mom prepared it. As it was cooking, we had a great lesson about the plan of salvacion and she was highly interesado. We ended the leccion and pounded down a good ol paloma haah.  I dont think that I will ever forget that leccion!!!

Anyways, we have been putttin in work and have a couple families, one excepted to be baptised but didn't come to the house chapel this Sunday....we'll see what happens, but I think that in the long run she and her family will enter the water.

So that's basically what we have been doing here, and for P-days we have just been doing work on fùtbol. I'm developing my skills in that as well. That's where I'm headed right now as a matter of fact!

Love you guys a ton! Love the people that love the people of the people! Always have y'all in my mind and prayers!!!!! keep on being studs! Ohh and a shoutout to the Woodens. You guys have really impacted my life and just let Jackson know that he is a stud, just like my little brother and sister!!!

peace,

the Elder Pinegar

October 15, 2012 -Putting in work all over the globe

Dear Familia,

First off, I'm sorry to hear about what has happened with Uncle Ransom and his family. I send my condolences to them and to Grandma Jacque (I believe that this name is Spanish) but I just want you all to know that this was all part of God's plan. I don't know why or because, but I know that God knows and that's all that I need to know. 

Anyway, as for this week, we have been puttin in work all over the globe.....if the globe consisted of only Negrieros that would be cool, but unfortunately that was just a figure of speech. We've been working with the families, and we found another family that looks like they will be pretty happy to get goin in the gospel. We had the chance to teach a little bit, and it looks like we are finally going to start having progressing investigators. as for the families....we'll see what happens tonight, seeing that we have a family home evening planned for them. (It's not planned at all, but we do work and I've always known how to improvise!) Anyways, we're hoping that this will be fundamental in the progression of this family así que vamos a empezar implicando los miembros en nuestras ensenansas. So hopefully they do alright.

As for Negreiros, it's starting to get hot here, but at least the wind blows, and we are always refreshed by it. The mangos are starting to come forth and ripen, and I'm starting to plan where I'm gonna make my first attack! haha but that's as well is just a figure of speech.

Anyways, that's basically the downlow on whats happening in my neck of the woods. Make sure that you enjoy this week, because school starts again the following week! Just know that I love you guys and I always put in a good word to the Lord for ya!!!!

keep doing what God wants, not what you want........then keep being happy about it!!!!! much love !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elder Pinegar

ps...my companion loves gummy snakes, ya know the little sour ones, if you could send me 2 packs of those before the end of octubre i would love it! thanks your the best!!!!