May 25, 2013 - Humanitarian Service and Missionary Photos

Dear Familia,

First off, happy birthday Spencer!!! 15 right?? haha, I think so. Hope you enjoyed your birthday!!!

Elder Pinegar and fellow missionaries serving as a translator for a humanitarian eye correction center May 2013

Bus Ride to the service projce

Yeah, so how I said, sorry for not writing you guys on Monday, but that's when the service project was. Luckily, they let us choose our P-day, so today is the day we picked. Anyways, I sent a bunch of fotos of what we did. It was a eye correction center that they set up. They had over 50,000 glasses....Wow! I had the chance to help people that had vision like you mom, but had never had glasses for 50 years. One woman had -15.00, and -13.00 in the other eye. Much more than legally blind. I had the chance to see her when she put on glasses and see the smile on her face when she realized what was around here. We saw in total more than 500 people, and on top, they called me doctor, clearly I looked like one!! haha yeah so that was they biggest thing we did this week.

"Dr." Pinegar - Enjoying giving service

Giving sight those who could not see---What a huge blessing for the people of Peru

Another TALL Elder - Yes - Elder Pinegar has met his match!

In other news about the investigators, the sister Maria and her daughter grace have dates set for baptism the 15 of June. She and her daughter are going to be good converts. she always has a new person there when we teach her, and she is really alert when we teach. 

Elder Pinegar and his district with President & Sister Chad A. Rowley

Action shot of the Legua district

A taste of Peru with the missionaries

Yeah, so were in charge of the Polverines, while the other missionaries are in charge of the Legua. The Legua is a little bit bigger and has more room to be able to find new people to teach while we're here. It's a little bit harder to look for new people, cause the majority of the people have already heard about the church. Ohhh, the other pics are of an activity that we had at the stake. We got a futbol team together, and they are gonna play in the stake tournament. The majority are members.

Legua Futbal team

Beautiful princess

That's crazy what's going on at home with everyone! Haha yeah and I like the idea of having my date set*,  less that 3 months! I'm doing good on staying focused.  So that's basically the DL on this week. I'm doing good and enjoying my time. ohhh and don't worry Dad, I read your letter. I loved it, thanks for always writing me! I sure do enjoy it.

Anyways, peace out till Monday. Make sure you all write me and let me know what's goin down with the family and what not!!!!

Love,

Elder Pinegar

*Though we don't have an official return date for Elder Pinegar, our bishop scheduled his homecoming date. Elder Pinegar will speak on August 18, 2013 unless he comes home after this date. We'll let you know if this changes.

May 13, 2013 - Mama's Week

Dear Familia,

Our Mother's Day skype visit May13, 2013 from Legua, Peru

Yeah,  so yesterday was a great opportunity to be able to see ya guys!* Wow! everyone is doin great! So I'm gonna try my best to not make this letter to long, or to short! haha 

First off, thanks for all the support that you guys give to me! That really makes the difference when you're a long ways away!  So I'm doing good as you could see from yesterday. I'm excited and keeping up the work as always.  So lets get down to business. First off, I was thinking about what Tanner told me and what not. I'm sure I'm gonna move out, but not till January. I'll be way too rushed with only 2 weeks getting home, plus I've got a lot of studies to catch up on. 

Tanner Wooden visiting with his best friend after 2 years and 5 months May 13, 2013

So for the past week, it was good and full of work. We were able to be effective and actually able to bring investigators to the church. The family that we're working with right now is great, and we believe that everything will go good with them. The mom is called Maria (just like all the women haha). She's great and has a really good attitude towards everything. She knew missionaries like 40 years ago, but she was going to a Catholic school where it was prohibited to talk about other religions. But here we are 40 later. Wow right? Yeah, so that's the biggest news. we're getting ready for a muti-zone conference that's going to be this Friday, so basically this week is gonna fly by. 

So that's about all the news for this week. I forgot the memory card to the camera so you won't be seeing pics this week, but don't worry, I'll keep ya covered for the next week k? So if there are any questions for me, hit me up, and I'll answer them the next week.

Nick seems like he's doing great. and it"s crazy to see that Scott's done with his mission. Wow!  Yeah, I'll be done in no time, just gotta keep it goin big!!! 

Elder Nick Pinegar & Elder Alex Pinegar talking together for the first time in a year - May 13, 2013

Love you guys with all my heart, and just know that Ive always had y'all in my mind. You're my support!!! keep stayin fresh!!

Love,
Elder Pinegar

*Note from Mom: It was soo good to see Elder Alex on Mother's Day. It was tough making a skype connection--but after an hour of trying, Alex was finally able to find an internet cafe that had a viewable connection. He says he’s forgotten how to speak English—but he did alright for our Mother’s Day call. He was able to talk with Nick after a year. The skype call wouldn't work, so he ended up calling him on a land line. We're sure that was a happy reunion. 
Alex should be coming home the 2^nd week of August--he is still having his dates figured out. He serves as a co-senior companion as of now with another missionary who will also go home the same time as him. He lives in the house chapel (the small church) and doesn’t really belong to a branch—but a house church---so even smaller than a branch. He said they average about 30 people at church each week—and had 6 investigators this past week—which he was so excited for. Hopefully they will turn into a branch in the next 3 months…though he doesn’t know if he will end his mission there or not.

April 7, 2013 - A Letter in the Mail

Since handwritten letters are so far and in between--thought we would share this with you.

To: Mom and Dad

I know it's been a while since you guys have gotten a good handwritten letter from me, and for that I ask Perdon.

I'm currently in the Legua II. There isn't too much prosperity here. I'm not saying that it's a hard area, but it's not easy! haha  It's pretty interesting to be looking at my mission at the time that I'm nearing for my departure. What a great experience. How Good it is to be able to know other people, see the effect of real life, and be able to see the hand of God in the every day things. I can truly say that although I still have my same personality and that I can be a little harsh at time, I can say that I've got a much better perspective of this life, the temptations and blessings. The obedience, I know I'm not perfect and at times I willingly disobey, but I'm really doing my best to get better. One thing that I've been able to learn, is that God loves us. We are his children and that although sometimes we can't understand all the reason behind everything, we should TRUST him, cause he knows! Anyways, Just want to express my love for you guys. I'm getting excited to be able to see you very shortly!! Thanks for all you do for me and my companions. Hope you enjoy these photos and pics!*
Love,
Alexander Cato Pinegar

*Alex sent us a bunch of new photos--they will be up soon.

May 6, 2013 - Advice, Birthday Wishes & Calling home

Dear Familia,

Yeah, so first off, the English honors class did not help me AT ALL*, and in fact caused me more problems than help. Remember when Dad had to come and sit with me in class? haha Wow what a story!** second, FERLIZ CUMPËAÑOS A TI MI ABUELITO LINDOP MIO! yeah don't worry gramps, I haven't forgotten bout you!!! keep goin strong and make the goal to hit up the treadmill!! ;) hahah love ya tons!

Elder Pinegar, Elder Carrion, Elder Martinez & Elder Lazaro having some fun at a park on P-day

So for the most part, all is going good here in the polvorines and we're puttin in work to make sure that it keeps on progressing. We ended up dropping a lot of investigators, and we're currently looking for new ones. We've found a few, but the area is a little bit tough, but nothing to hard to handle! Anyways, I'll let ya know what's going on with my last phone call home! WOW but that's a good thing right?! haah Anyways keep it chill! I'm getting along great with my companion who also has the same time in the mission as me! We're doing out best here and trying very hard to be diligent!

Elder Carrion & Elder Pinegar in front of Peru's National Soccer Team Logo  - May 2013 

Love,

Elder Pinegar

*We asked Alex to give his brother some words of encouragement on getting a better education by taking an honors course. Thanks Alex! 
 Note from Mom:  Paying attention in English honors would have saved me a lot of time editing your letters--just sayin' :) 

**Alex's brother, Spencer recently argued about why he had to take English honors and it was like having the same conversation with Alex when he was going into 10th grade. Luckily there are 2 teachers and Spencer opted for a different teacher than Alex had.

April 29, 2013 - New Companion & Turning 21

Dear Familia,

I'm with my new companion, and he goes by the name of Elder Carrion. He's from Ecuador, Machala.. He's great and well, for where he's from, tall. haha He's got the same time as me in the mission, and I believe that we'll be rollin out at the same time as well! We're trying hard to stay focused, but ya know 4 months goes quick! Anyways, he's a champ and is patient. We're really similar, and it's going to be easy to get along!

Elder Carrion, The Zone Leaders, Elder Pinegar, Elder Lazaro & Elder Martinez celebrating Elder Lazaro's and Elder Pinegar's bdays - April 29, 2013

 The Zone Leaders came today and did a ¨study session¨ with us, where they smashed eggs on my head and poured flour all over me and elder Lázaro (his birthday is today, we're 21 together) so that was pretty chill. haha I really enjoyed it. Then we went out to eat a chicharron mixto (battered chicken and seafood), but I'm thinkin that it did me bad. I'm pretty dizzy right now and what not, but I'll get better. That's the price of eating where your heart takes you!

Elder Pinegar & Elder Lazaro celebrating their bdays Peruvian style with the zone leaders.

Thanks a lot for the package that you guys sent. It was really thoughtful, and in the last package that you send if it could be pure candy and snacks and toys and things that I can give away to comps and members, that would be great!! And a memory card with photos!!! You should be getting the memory card that I sent home in a few weeks. The mail here is slow...I really enjoyed the photos that you sent me!!!

So this week was good. We've been doing a lot of looking for members and new investigators. The sun is still killin us, although its backed off just a little..we're getting activities planned and ready for this week and the month to come. Hopefully, all goes like we planned. That's basically the news for this week, nothing to exciting....we'll work hard so Ive got good stories for the next week!

So for my testimony, I gotta say that it really hasn't been all at once, more constant. Like the Spanish....Ive had the opportunity to read A LOT in my mission. I believe that I gained my testimony in the time that I've been able to read and think about what the scriptures say by analyzing the bible, Book of Mormon, and the actual evidence of the two. I had the chance to read the BOM, Bible, and Jesus the Christ all in Spanish. I gotta say, that was really the first time that I got to read them with Real Intent in my entire life, be it Spanish or English. That's when God works with the heart, making it sensitive, soft, willing to understand. I battled with my pride time after time, but I know the Book of Mormon is true, because I read it. I felt the words illuminate my mind, precepts that I didn't understand before, were finally founded. But it only came with humility. I know I'm going to have trials in my life, but I'll always know that what I'm doing right now is needed, regardless of how much I hate the heat and dirt. God loves us, and he shows his love through His gospel. His gospel is relayed by the missionary that I am.

Love you guys a lot, just as much as you love me!!! keep stayin fresh, cause its hotter than..here haha!! Ohh and send a shout out to Geoff for his Bday.  It was last week!! see ya in 7!

Elder Pinegar

April 22, 2013 - A Baptism & a Brand New Branch

Dear Familia,

Elder Pinegar, Hna. Consuelo and her children & Elder Castro - April 2013 Legua

So this week was good, the week of changes as well. My comp is the only one of the 4 that had changes. I'll be with someone new tomorrow. It was pretty predictable, seeing that he had a lot of time in this area. Also as you can see from the pictures, the Hna. Consuelo was baptised this past week, after passing an interview with the president. She was very content, and the baptism was a success. 

Elder Lazaro, Elder Pinegar, Elder Castro & Elder Martinez enjoying a great baptismal day in Legua

 As for the family group, I believe that it is going to start growing. We finally got ourselves separated from the other ward, and the president put people there that are actually going to be supporting us!!!  That's probably the best news. And I'm pretty happy with it cause were gonna be seeing more activities!!! Believe it or not, that's the best way to help people get to know the church. 

Elder Castro & Elder Pinegar washing dishes--actually only Elder Castro looks like he's doing dishes :)
They live in the "house chapel" and this is the kitchen in the church in Legua, Peru April 2013

Enjoying juice after a good P-day game of soccer
Elder Pinegar, Elder Lazaro, Elder Martinez & Elder Castro 

Anyways, love you guys tons. Sorry for the problem with the bank*...haha yeah. Hope all is going well at home. Oh and Dad, I got your letter.  Thanks for your thoughts and feelings. I'm ready to keep on going hard, doin work. 

your second son,

Elder Alexander Pinegar!!!

Chow!!! 

* Alex couldn't remember which debit card had money in the bank--unfortunately, he picked the wrong one. It's the first time he's used it in 20 months.

April 15, 2013 - President Visit, Patriarchal Blessing & Pictures

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.

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!

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