Area: Villa Union Comp: Murillo
Dearest Everyone,
-Christmas happened! It was great. I slept through the fireworks which went on all night long (according to Elder Murillo, who couldn't sleep a bit). I called you guys! We opened gifts! We taught people! That's really all I could ask for.
-Nearly everyone we've visited this week has given us food, which means that I'm probably going to get home looking very much how I did when I left it.
-We had the Christmas dinner with President! First we watched a movie. Then I got a panetón (a Peruvian Christmas cake that's like 95% sugar). There was also a special choir made up of select missionaries here in Cusco. Elder Murillo was selected, and since I had to be there in the choir practice, I made myself Elder Pearce's official page turner as he played the piano. I did a great job.
-We have these special contacting cards that were Christmas based, which means that they're really no good now, and on Christmas Eve there were still a ton. We had an activity where we just gave them out on busses and in the street and everywhere, and I don't know if I've ever had more fun contacting.
Anyways, things are great here! Keep up the awesomeness! Talk to you next year!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Monday, June 20, 2016
Sleigh 12 Reindeer 21, "Christmas Edition" (12/21/15)
Area: Villa Union Comp: Murillo
Dearest Elf Friends,
-Merry Christmas! I hope it's wonderful! Enjoy your week, be full of Christmas cheer, and don't forget Jesus Christ in your celebrations!
-My new sector is great. It's got a super super strong ward (a couple of weeks ago 187 people came to church!) with leaders and everything. The only thing is that it rains every single days, and we have hills with dirt trails, which means mud. I sink into the mud every day, but it's great.
-My new companion is great. We already knew each other, and we're great friends, and he works super hard. Do you remember Elder Black? Elder Black was also with him, and he says that Elder Murillo was is favorite companion. He's a great guy!
-My new pension is great. She's a chef, for starters. Also, they're rich, and they not only give us a lot of food, but also she buys barbecue sauce and ice cream for us. Can you believe that?!
-Elder Murillo speaks English, so he's in the choir of Cusco missionaries that is going to sing in English on Wednesday in the Christmas dinner. I really like going to their practices, since all of my friends are there.
Anyways, things are amazing here! We're working really hard, and I've never been so tired in my life! Have a Merry Christmas!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Dearest Elf Friends,
-Merry Christmas! I hope it's wonderful! Enjoy your week, be full of Christmas cheer, and don't forget Jesus Christ in your celebrations!
-My new sector is great. It's got a super super strong ward (a couple of weeks ago 187 people came to church!) with leaders and everything. The only thing is that it rains every single days, and we have hills with dirt trails, which means mud. I sink into the mud every day, but it's great.
-My new companion is great. We already knew each other, and we're great friends, and he works super hard. Do you remember Elder Black? Elder Black was also with him, and he says that Elder Murillo was is favorite companion. He's a great guy!
-My new pension is great. She's a chef, for starters. Also, they're rich, and they not only give us a lot of food, but also she buys barbecue sauce and ice cream for us. Can you believe that?!
-Elder Murillo speaks English, so he's in the choir of Cusco missionaries that is going to sing in English on Wednesday in the Christmas dinner. I really like going to their practices, since all of my friends are there.
Anyways, things are amazing here! We're working really hard, and I've never been so tired in my life! Have a Merry Christmas!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Episode 12 Jedi 14, "Star Wars Transfer PDay" Edition (12/14/15)
Area: Villa Union Comp: Murillo
Dearest Everybody,
-Transfers! I'm going to Villa Union, Cusco with Elder Murillo. I don't know if you remember him, but we lived together in my very first transfer in Juliaca. He's fun, and we're great friends, so it'll be a lot of fun! Also my sector is full of hills, so I'm about to lose even more weight!
-I really almost never get attacked by dogs, I promise. But I did this week. Three dogs ran up to me and tried to bite me, and I followed the advice of Elder Halverson to just kick them. It was exhilarating, and I'm totally fine, and I got one right in the neck. I loved it. But now I can check 'kick a dog' off of my bucket list!
-We had a Family History activity yesterday with some senior missionaries, and I had the job to translate! It was actually a lot of fun!
-We had the best activity I've ever heard of. All the members brought food, then as the missionaries we tried all the food and chose the 'best' food. I haven't eaten so good in a long time.
-I gave a talk on Sunday, and my bishop asked me to talk on Saturday night. I talked about Christmas, and it was great.
Anyways, things are going well! Have a great week of Star Wars!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Dearest Everybody,
-Transfers! I'm going to Villa Union, Cusco with Elder Murillo. I don't know if you remember him, but we lived together in my very first transfer in Juliaca. He's fun, and we're great friends, so it'll be a lot of fun! Also my sector is full of hills, so I'm about to lose even more weight!
-I really almost never get attacked by dogs, I promise. But I did this week. Three dogs ran up to me and tried to bite me, and I followed the advice of Elder Halverson to just kick them. It was exhilarating, and I'm totally fine, and I got one right in the neck. I loved it. But now I can check 'kick a dog' off of my bucket list!
-We had a Family History activity yesterday with some senior missionaries, and I had the job to translate! It was actually a lot of fun!
-We had the best activity I've ever heard of. All the members brought food, then as the missionaries we tried all the food and chose the 'best' food. I haven't eaten so good in a long time.
-I gave a talk on Sunday, and my bishop asked me to talk on Saturday night. I talked about Christmas, and it was great.
Anyways, things are going well! Have a great week of Star Wars!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Tree 12 Gift 7, "Essentially Christmas" Edition (12/7/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Morales
Dear Everyone,
-Merry Almost Christmas! I say that because it's getting really cold here (which is weird for summertime) and the Christmas devotional was yesterday! They incorrectly announced the time of the devotional as 2 hours before it actually started, which caused a lot of unhappy campers, but it went well!
-I went to Cusco! I already told you about that last week. But, there was a strike between Cusco and Sicuani and I couldn't get back, so I spent the day on Tuesday and went to work with Elder Black and Elder Belliston! It was awesome.
-Our Ward Mission Leader's wife gave birth! It's a little girl. She's alive. They were in the hospital for less than a day. I know nothing else. Exciting though!
-We had an activity today as a zone, which was essentially Lehi's dream. They had to hold the rope until the end and not let go while wearing a blindfold. We made the track pretty dangerous though, and my job was to tempt them. I ended up getting 4 to let go! And in all, only 4 out of the 13 made it. Fun times!
-A kid bore his testimony yesterday, and he said, "I know that the Church is true and that it's the most powerful church on earth." Interesting insight.
Anyways, have a great week! Keep up the good things! Be Christmas-y!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Dear Everyone,
-Merry Almost Christmas! I say that because it's getting really cold here (which is weird for summertime) and the Christmas devotional was yesterday! They incorrectly announced the time of the devotional as 2 hours before it actually started, which caused a lot of unhappy campers, but it went well!
-I went to Cusco! I already told you about that last week. But, there was a strike between Cusco and Sicuani and I couldn't get back, so I spent the day on Tuesday and went to work with Elder Black and Elder Belliston! It was awesome.
-Our Ward Mission Leader's wife gave birth! It's a little girl. She's alive. They were in the hospital for less than a day. I know nothing else. Exciting though!
-We had an activity today as a zone, which was essentially Lehi's dream. They had to hold the rope until the end and not let go while wearing a blindfold. We made the track pretty dangerous though, and my job was to tempt them. I ended up getting 4 to let go! And in all, only 4 out of the 13 made it. Fun times!
-A kid bore his testimony yesterday, and he said, "I know that the Church is true and that it's the most powerful church on earth." Interesting insight.
Anyways, have a great week! Keep up the good things! Be Christmas-y!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Month 12 Day 1, "A Machu Picchu Maddie's Birthday" Edition (12/1/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Morales
Dearest Everyone,
-HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDIE! You're finally old enough to keep doing the same things that you've always done! I don't believe that there's any new priveleges with being 22. Sorry to be disappointing. I hope today is wonderful though! Eat cake! Be happy!
-I went to Machu Picchu! It was amazing. I never knew that so many rocks would be so interesting. Only 5 of us went, including Elder Whitlock (from my group) and 3 sisters. We left at 2:00 in the morning on Monday, and we got back at about 7:00 at night (it's actually really far). It was super cool. I'm not even sure what to tell you. Pictures to come!
-There was a Stake Young Women's activity in the chapel that was formal wear. Our bishop was assigned to give the first prayer, and showed up dressed as a clown. He supposedly was wearing that for something else he went to, and he didn't have time to change, so he decided to say the first prayer dressed as a clown. Luckily, they didn't let him.
-There is an unexpected strike between Cusco and Sicuani, so I'm stuck here until tomorrow probably! Which means that I get to go work with Elder Black!
-Thanksgiving! Our pension made the most Thanksgiving food she could, which meant chicken and potatoes and Jell-o and a Reese's pastry that I didn't know existed. It was actually really wonderful.
Anyways, it's been a great week! Happy birthday Maddie! Enjoy the Christmas season!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Dearest Everyone,
-HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDIE! You're finally old enough to keep doing the same things that you've always done! I don't believe that there's any new priveleges with being 22. Sorry to be disappointing. I hope today is wonderful though! Eat cake! Be happy!
-I went to Machu Picchu! It was amazing. I never knew that so many rocks would be so interesting. Only 5 of us went, including Elder Whitlock (from my group) and 3 sisters. We left at 2:00 in the morning on Monday, and we got back at about 7:00 at night (it's actually really far). It was super cool. I'm not even sure what to tell you. Pictures to come!
-There was a Stake Young Women's activity in the chapel that was formal wear. Our bishop was assigned to give the first prayer, and showed up dressed as a clown. He supposedly was wearing that for something else he went to, and he didn't have time to change, so he decided to say the first prayer dressed as a clown. Luckily, they didn't let him.
-There is an unexpected strike between Cusco and Sicuani, so I'm stuck here until tomorrow probably! Which means that I get to go work with Elder Black!
-Thanksgiving! Our pension made the most Thanksgiving food she could, which meant chicken and potatoes and Jell-o and a Reese's pastry that I didn't know existed. It was actually really wonderful.
Anyways, it's been a great week! Happy birthday Maddie! Enjoy the Christmas season!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Movie 11 Second 23, "Mother's Birthday Edition" (11/23/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Morales
Dearest Everyone.
-I'm writing this in the afternoon because in the morning we went with the other Elders to some waterfalls, where we hung out and had a barbecue. I really got in touch with my man side, who doesn't get in touch with anything.
-HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOTHER!!! 30 years old again! That goes by so fast. Next thing I know it, you'll be 30 years old again, but next year.
-We had an activity, that was essentially a carnival with a bunch of little games, and we had a turnout of 40, making it the most successful activity I've ever seen here.
-After a self-sufficiency seminar from the self-sufficiency senior missionaries in Cusco, the whole city of Sicuani wants to learn English. In unrelated news, I am everyone's new favorite missionary!
-In one week I'll be in Machu Picchu! I will write emails, don't worry, but I don't know what time or if it'll even be Monday. So if I don't write Monday, happy birthday Maddie!
Anyways, things are going good here! Keep up the good work! Stay alive!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Dearest Everyone.
-I'm writing this in the afternoon because in the morning we went with the other Elders to some waterfalls, where we hung out and had a barbecue. I really got in touch with my man side, who doesn't get in touch with anything.
-HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOTHER!!! 30 years old again! That goes by so fast. Next thing I know it, you'll be 30 years old again, but next year.
-We had an activity, that was essentially a carnival with a bunch of little games, and we had a turnout of 40, making it the most successful activity I've ever seen here.
-After a self-sufficiency seminar from the self-sufficiency senior missionaries in Cusco, the whole city of Sicuani wants to learn English. In unrelated news, I am everyone's new favorite missionary!
-In one week I'll be in Machu Picchu! I will write emails, don't worry, but I don't know what time or if it'll even be Monday. So if I don't write Monday, happy birthday Maddie!
Anyways, things are going good here! Keep up the good work! Stay alive!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Flashlight 11 Battery 16, "I'm sorry but this is a boring one" edition (11/16/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Morales
Dearest everyone,
-An Elder here (I won't mention any names, but I've never mentioned his name, so it doesn't really matter) needed a tooth taken out, so he bought the tools and anesthesia to take it out himself. We were pretty sure that he was going to do it and die, but eventually his district leader convinced him not to. It turns out he didn't even need it out!
-Two kids got baptized in another ward, and the whole zone came. I don't even know why. I went because I knew them and they asked me to speak at their baptism, and the missionaries from the ward needed to be there, but that left us with 12 uninvited missionaries. Success!
-Christmas is in a month basically. I've already made all the necessary adjustments to be in the 'Christmas Spirit', which includes putting my felt Christmas tree on a nail on the wall, eating Peruvian Christmas Bread (Panetonne), and listening to straight Christmas music. My companion absolutely loves it.
Anyways, this was a fairly uneventful week! I'll try better next time!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Dearest everyone,
-An Elder here (I won't mention any names, but I've never mentioned his name, so it doesn't really matter) needed a tooth taken out, so he bought the tools and anesthesia to take it out himself. We were pretty sure that he was going to do it and die, but eventually his district leader convinced him not to. It turns out he didn't even need it out!
-Two kids got baptized in another ward, and the whole zone came. I don't even know why. I went because I knew them and they asked me to speak at their baptism, and the missionaries from the ward needed to be there, but that left us with 12 uninvited missionaries. Success!
-Christmas is in a month basically. I've already made all the necessary adjustments to be in the 'Christmas Spirit', which includes putting my felt Christmas tree on a nail on the wall, eating Peruvian Christmas Bread (Panetonne), and listening to straight Christmas music. My companion absolutely loves it.
Anyways, this was a fairly uneventful week! I'll try better next time!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Race 11, Lap 9, "The Post-Halloween Recovery Week" Edition (11/9/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Morales
Dearest Everyone,
-We went looking for less actives with our ward directory this week. That involved a lot of knocking on doors, and at one point, we knocked on a door on an inconspicuous street we'd never even seen, and our pension came out. Potentially she has a secret second home, where she poses as a less active.
-President came! We had interviews with him and he spoke in Stake Conference this weekend. It was an adventure.
-During the interviews, a crazy homeless woman entered in the church building, and spent hours bathing in the woman's bathroom. I can't even express the smell of that bathroom once she left (I helped clean the bathroom).
-It was Sicuani's anniversary, and the streets were absolutely full of people parading, which is forced upon all children and government workers. It was a great way to celebrate their lack of progress by not working!
-Our ward actually has mutual! That's the first time I've seen that down here. All they do is have a bonfire and eat hotdogs each week, but the youth love it and it's actually becoming really successful. Kaching!
Anyways, it's been a good week here in Sicuani! Have fun! Don't die! Merry Christmas!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Dearest Everyone,
-We went looking for less actives with our ward directory this week. That involved a lot of knocking on doors, and at one point, we knocked on a door on an inconspicuous street we'd never even seen, and our pension came out. Potentially she has a secret second home, where she poses as a less active.
-President came! We had interviews with him and he spoke in Stake Conference this weekend. It was an adventure.
-During the interviews, a crazy homeless woman entered in the church building, and spent hours bathing in the woman's bathroom. I can't even express the smell of that bathroom once she left (I helped clean the bathroom).
-It was Sicuani's anniversary, and the streets were absolutely full of people parading, which is forced upon all children and government workers. It was a great way to celebrate their lack of progress by not working!
-Our ward actually has mutual! That's the first time I've seen that down here. All they do is have a bonfire and eat hotdogs each week, but the youth love it and it's actually becoming really successful. Kaching!
Anyways, it's been a good week here in Sicuani! Have fun! Don't die! Merry Christmas!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Pumpkin 11 Carving 2, "Halloween Transfer PDay" Edition (11/2/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Morales
Dearest Everyone,
-Transfers! I'm not going, nor is my companion. Elder Sanchez finished his mission, so Elder Denham's new companion is Elder Pavon, from Paraguay. Fun stuff!
-Elder Sanchez finished, and his last week included a lot of goodbyes and a lot of food. I went with him one day, and I finished stuffed to the brim because you can't possibly say goodbye without food. I'm not complaining though!
-Because Elder Sanchez went home, he gave me a bunch of his stuff! I got a speaker, and a tie, and pens, and a lot of other stuff that I don't need but that I like very much.
-We're also in a trio with Elder Denham until his new companion gets here! It's actually a ton of fun. The best part is that he says whatever he wants to anyone, but in a way that they just don't get mad. Kaching!
-We went to Espinar with Elder Denham! We were only there for about 2 hours, but we were in the bus for 5, which was great! We got to smell all the smells of unbathed country Peruvians.
-The Assistents came to have splits with the Zone Leaders! It was actually a lot of fun to just hang out with them and talk, especially since one of them is Elder Niaupari from my group!
-Halloween! To my surprise, they dressed up in costumes and trick-or-treated! How wonderful!!
Anyways, it's been a good week! Take care! Don't die!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Dearest Everyone,
-Transfers! I'm not going, nor is my companion. Elder Sanchez finished his mission, so Elder Denham's new companion is Elder Pavon, from Paraguay. Fun stuff!
-Elder Sanchez finished, and his last week included a lot of goodbyes and a lot of food. I went with him one day, and I finished stuffed to the brim because you can't possibly say goodbye without food. I'm not complaining though!
-Because Elder Sanchez went home, he gave me a bunch of his stuff! I got a speaker, and a tie, and pens, and a lot of other stuff that I don't need but that I like very much.
-We're also in a trio with Elder Denham until his new companion gets here! It's actually a ton of fun. The best part is that he says whatever he wants to anyone, but in a way that they just don't get mad. Kaching!
-We went to Espinar with Elder Denham! We were only there for about 2 hours, but we were in the bus for 5, which was great! We got to smell all the smells of unbathed country Peruvians.
-The Assistents came to have splits with the Zone Leaders! It was actually a lot of fun to just hang out with them and talk, especially since one of them is Elder Niaupari from my group!
-Halloween! To my surprise, they dressed up in costumes and trick-or-treated! How wonderful!!
Anyways, it's been a good week! Take care! Don't die!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Folder 10 File 26, "The One With Another Strike" (10/26/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Morales
Dearest Everyone,
-There was another strike this week! Just to be safe, they told us to stay in the room, but it turned out to be super lame. We ended up watching movies from the Church and eating a ton of junk food. Day well spent!
-I had a birthday! It was awesome! Our Ward Mission Leader gave me a cake, we ate lasagna for lunch, I got my SUPER AWESOME package, and it was just a fun day!
-Elder Sanchez and Elder Morales 'purged' themselves on Saturday, which consists in buying this special water that tastes like blood and drinking it until there's nothing left inside you. It looked like a horrible experience, but they're glad they did it!
-There was a wedding this week! We went because we're friends with the couple, and the wife's getting baptized in a week. It started an hour late, and it was filled with a lot of 80's rock music, but it was fun!
-We had a regional conference of Peru and Bolivia from Salt Lake, where Elder Anderson spoke in Spanish! Awesome!
Anyways, it's been a good week! Keep up the fun stuff!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Dearest Everyone,
-There was another strike this week! Just to be safe, they told us to stay in the room, but it turned out to be super lame. We ended up watching movies from the Church and eating a ton of junk food. Day well spent!
-I had a birthday! It was awesome! Our Ward Mission Leader gave me a cake, we ate lasagna for lunch, I got my SUPER AWESOME package, and it was just a fun day!
-Elder Sanchez and Elder Morales 'purged' themselves on Saturday, which consists in buying this special water that tastes like blood and drinking it until there's nothing left inside you. It looked like a horrible experience, but they're glad they did it!
-There was a wedding this week! We went because we're friends with the couple, and the wife's getting baptized in a week. It started an hour late, and it was filled with a lot of 80's rock music, but it was fun!
-We had a regional conference of Peru and Bolivia from Salt Lake, where Elder Anderson spoke in Spanish! Awesome!
Anyways, it's been a good week! Keep up the fun stuff!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Cake 10 Candle 19, "Logan's Birthday Edition" (10/19/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Morales
Dear everyone,
-HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOGAN!!!! Time goes by so fast! It seems like just last week we celebrated your birthday!
-I went on splits with Elder Sanchez! It was awesome. He just says whatever he wants to. He always forgets people's names, and then he'll just randomly guess a name. It's always wrong and hilarious. We also got a ton of contacts with him!
-Elder Morales is in Machu Picchu, and he's getting back tomorrow, so I'm in a trio with the Zone Leaders! Awesome!
-We had a movie activity, and we weren't allowed to watch the movie, but we were outside handing out popcorn and I think I ate my weight in popcorn.
-There was no electricity in the city yesterday, which means that the talk I gave was heard by almost no one.
-Mike left!
Anyways, thanks for being awesome! Do good things! Eat cake!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Dear everyone,
-HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOGAN!!!! Time goes by so fast! It seems like just last week we celebrated your birthday!
-I went on splits with Elder Sanchez! It was awesome. He just says whatever he wants to. He always forgets people's names, and then he'll just randomly guess a name. It's always wrong and hilarious. We also got a ton of contacts with him!
-Elder Morales is in Machu Picchu, and he's getting back tomorrow, so I'm in a trio with the Zone Leaders! Awesome!
-We had a movie activity, and we weren't allowed to watch the movie, but we were outside handing out popcorn and I think I ate my weight in popcorn.
-There was no electricity in the city yesterday, which means that the talk I gave was heard by almost no one.
-Mike left!
Anyways, thanks for being awesome! Do good things! Eat cake!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Stardate 10.12.2015, "1 Week Until Log's Birthday" Edition (10/12/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Morales
Hello everyone!
-We got new ward boundaries! I'm actually really happy about our ward. They made it much bigger, and gave us a neighborhood where missionaries have never worked. The Stake President even told the stake that the new boundaries are mostly to help our ward, since it's the most pathetic.
-There was a baptism from Pitumarca, which is a small family group (smaller than a branch) about an hour outside of Sicuani. It was interesting, because the members taught them, not missionaries, and the two people that got baptized were a 68 year old woman who doesn't speak Spanish and a 30ish year old woman who is completely blind. It went well though!
-We had a party with our Ward Mission Leader! And by party, I mean he made us lunch. Cow heart! Yum!
Anyways, it's been a fairly uneventful week! Do good things!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Hello everyone!
-We got new ward boundaries! I'm actually really happy about our ward. They made it much bigger, and gave us a neighborhood where missionaries have never worked. The Stake President even told the stake that the new boundaries are mostly to help our ward, since it's the most pathetic.
-There was a baptism from Pitumarca, which is a small family group (smaller than a branch) about an hour outside of Sicuani. It was interesting, because the members taught them, not missionaries, and the two people that got baptized were a 68 year old woman who doesn't speak Spanish and a 30ish year old woman who is completely blind. It went well though!
-We had a party with our Ward Mission Leader! And by party, I mean he made us lunch. Cow heart! Yum!
Anyways, it's been a fairly uneventful week! Do good things!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
10/5th General Session of Weekly Emails (10/5/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Morales
My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
-Conference! I did not get to watch much, since the powers of the devil combined against us to keep us from watching it in English. We spent most of the time waiting for it to buffer, and really we didn't get anything out of it. We eventually gave in and watched what was left in Spanish, which was not nearly as good. I'll download the audio and listen to it in English this week though! Don't worry!
-Espinar (a little part of Zona Sicuani that's two hours away) couldn't watch Conference in their city, so they came to Sicuani and are staying with us. We've had an 8 Elder Sleepover since Friday! Party!
-We were in a trio for one day with Elder Vásquez. Our sector is on one side of Sicuani, and his on the other, and we had to combine the appointments. We walked a lot this week!
-We had our first meeting with the Ward Mission Leader! He says that not only does he want to help with the work, he also wants to take us to the secret, awesome parts of Sicuani on PDay. Awesome!
Anyways, not much to report! Thanks for being awesome! Learn great things! Apply Conference! Ponderize!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
-Conference! I did not get to watch much, since the powers of the devil combined against us to keep us from watching it in English. We spent most of the time waiting for it to buffer, and really we didn't get anything out of it. We eventually gave in and watched what was left in Spanish, which was not nearly as good. I'll download the audio and listen to it in English this week though! Don't worry!
-Espinar (a little part of Zona Sicuani that's two hours away) couldn't watch Conference in their city, so they came to Sicuani and are staying with us. We've had an 8 Elder Sleepover since Friday! Party!
-We were in a trio for one day with Elder Vásquez. Our sector is on one side of Sicuani, and his on the other, and we had to combine the appointments. We walked a lot this week!
-We had our first meeting with the Ward Mission Leader! He says that not only does he want to help with the work, he also wants to take us to the secret, awesome parts of Sicuani on PDay. Awesome!
Anyways, not much to report! Thanks for being awesome! Learn great things! Apply Conference! Ponderize!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Measure 9, Note 28, "The One with the Strongest Ward I've Ever Been In" Edition (9/28/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Morales
Dearest Everyone,
-Elder Morales! He's awesome. He's like a great big teddy bear. He's got a little more time in the mission than I do, and I'm his 4th companion from my group. He's from Lima. And it was his birthday on Saturday! We decorated downstairs, ate cake and pizza, and taught some awesome lessons to celebrate.
-Mike's here! Mike's a return missionary who served here a good 15 years ago, and every year he comes here and stays for a month. He seems like a cool guy. The pension also told us that he brings a ton of American food, which is also pretty cool.
-We have a Bishop! This ward hasn't had a Bishop since April, but now they gave us a Bishop from another ward and the one who was doing all the work is our Ward Mission Leader, making this the first time in my mission that I have a real Ward Mission Leader!
-Elder Graham also had a transfer last week, and went to Puerto, in the same district as Elder Hogan. The Elder that came is Elder Denham, from Mesa! We have a lot of fun talking about Arizona.
-"Although I may not be my brother's keeper, I am my brother's brother, and 'Because I have been given much, I too must give." -Elder Jeffrey R Holland. Help other people!
Anyways, it's been a good week! We spent half of it sending and receiving people from Transfers, and the other half teaching a ton of people! Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Dearest Everyone,
-Elder Morales! He's awesome. He's like a great big teddy bear. He's got a little more time in the mission than I do, and I'm his 4th companion from my group. He's from Lima. And it was his birthday on Saturday! We decorated downstairs, ate cake and pizza, and taught some awesome lessons to celebrate.
-Mike's here! Mike's a return missionary who served here a good 15 years ago, and every year he comes here and stays for a month. He seems like a cool guy. The pension also told us that he brings a ton of American food, which is also pretty cool.
-We have a Bishop! This ward hasn't had a Bishop since April, but now they gave us a Bishop from another ward and the one who was doing all the work is our Ward Mission Leader, making this the first time in my mission that I have a real Ward Mission Leader!
-Elder Graham also had a transfer last week, and went to Puerto, in the same district as Elder Hogan. The Elder that came is Elder Denham, from Mesa! We have a lot of fun talking about Arizona.
-"Although I may not be my brother's keeper, I am my brother's brother, and 'Because I have been given much, I too must give." -Elder Jeffrey R Holland. Help other people!
Anyways, it's been a good week! We spent half of it sending and receiving people from Transfers, and the other half teaching a ton of people! Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Week 9 Month 21, "Birthday Transfer Pday Edition Again" (9/21/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Morales
Hello everyone!
-It's not actually anyone's birthday, sorry!
-TRANSFERS! Elder Cedeno is going to Puno, and Elder Morales is coming here. I don't know who he is, but expect a report!
-We had a ward talent show on Friday. We were going to participate, but it was going to start at 7:00 and we had an appointment at 8:00, and it didn't actually start until 7:40. I don't know how it was!
-Our appointment was with a member in another ward, who made us tacos. Success!
-We taught a famous Peruvian artist, which was interesting! He has a ton of cool art, but the one he wanted to focus on was of himself, nude. He told us to look really closely until we found the hidden item in his body. Very uncomfortable.
-They had a mandatory parade for all the youth in the whole city on Sunday, meaning that very few people came to church. We asked someone how mandatory it actually is, and he told us that there's a significantly hefty fine for not going. So that's what Peru's like.
-One missionary had a birthday last week, so last Monday night in the District meeting we ate over 100 soles of pizza. Worth it!
Anyways, things are good here! Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Hello everyone!
-It's not actually anyone's birthday, sorry!
-TRANSFERS! Elder Cedeno is going to Puno, and Elder Morales is coming here. I don't know who he is, but expect a report!
-We had a ward talent show on Friday. We were going to participate, but it was going to start at 7:00 and we had an appointment at 8:00, and it didn't actually start until 7:40. I don't know how it was!
-Our appointment was with a member in another ward, who made us tacos. Success!
-We taught a famous Peruvian artist, which was interesting! He has a ton of cool art, but the one he wanted to focus on was of himself, nude. He told us to look really closely until we found the hidden item in his body. Very uncomfortable.
-They had a mandatory parade for all the youth in the whole city on Sunday, meaning that very few people came to church. We asked someone how mandatory it actually is, and he told us that there's a significantly hefty fine for not going. So that's what Peru's like.
-One missionary had a birthday last week, so last Monday night in the District meeting we ate over 100 soles of pizza. Worth it!
Anyways, things are good here! Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Boat 9 Deck 14, "The One With 9/11" (9/14/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Cedeno
Dearest Everyone,
-We had interviews with our Mission President this week! Elder Cedeno and I were in charge of getting the keys for the church, which means that after everyone left we had to stay in the church building with the assistants waiting for President to finish up. Then we went with the Assistants to get ice cream.
-Elder Graham was sick for 2 days, and I was the elected 'stay-er home-er' with him. I watched so many church movies.
-We went on splits with the Elders from Espinar to cover more ground in one day on Tuesday. I went with Elder Halverson, which was great. We put gum into boxes, he tamed a rabid dog, and he showed me how to find graham crackers. Success!
Anyways, not a super exciting week, but a good one! Keep doing good things! Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Dearest Everyone,
-We had interviews with our Mission President this week! Elder Cedeno and I were in charge of getting the keys for the church, which means that after everyone left we had to stay in the church building with the assistants waiting for President to finish up. Then we went with the Assistants to get ice cream.
-Elder Graham was sick for 2 days, and I was the elected 'stay-er home-er' with him. I watched so many church movies.
-We went on splits with the Elders from Espinar to cover more ground in one day on Tuesday. I went with Elder Halverson, which was great. We put gum into boxes, he tamed a rabid dog, and he showed me how to find graham crackers. Success!
Anyways, not a super exciting week, but a good one! Keep doing good things! Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Gallery 9, Piece 7, "Dog Week" (9/7/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Cedeno
Dearest Everyone,
-I went on divisions with Elder Graham this week! It was a lot of fun! We actually got a lot of work done too. The highlight of that day was definitely when a dog decided to attack me. It didn't bite, it tackled me, but it was equally terrifying.
-On Saturday, Elder Cedeno and I were waiting outside of a member's house when three dogs decided to attack us. Luckily Elder Cedeno has a stick that supports his camera and makes it easier to take selfies, and he fought them off with that. 0 bites!
-Yesterday, we went to visit an elderly lady and her two adult investigator sons. They live on a very steep hill, with only one path up, and a terrifying dog blocking the path. It also tried to bite us, but a nice man living there fended it off with his backpack.
-We gave blessings nearly every day this week, making this week not only "Dog Week" but also "Blessing Week."
-I finally tailored my pants, and I no longer look like Jared the Subway Miracle. It's actually kind of nice to have tight pants!
-We had a bonfire with all the Elders in the Zone last night, where we ate about 80 hotdogs among 12 of us. It was amazing.
Anyways, it's been a good week! Keep doing good things! Don't die!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Dearest Everyone,
-I went on divisions with Elder Graham this week! It was a lot of fun! We actually got a lot of work done too. The highlight of that day was definitely when a dog decided to attack me. It didn't bite, it tackled me, but it was equally terrifying.
-On Saturday, Elder Cedeno and I were waiting outside of a member's house when three dogs decided to attack us. Luckily Elder Cedeno has a stick that supports his camera and makes it easier to take selfies, and he fought them off with that. 0 bites!
-Yesterday, we went to visit an elderly lady and her two adult investigator sons. They live on a very steep hill, with only one path up, and a terrifying dog blocking the path. It also tried to bite us, but a nice man living there fended it off with his backpack.
-We gave blessings nearly every day this week, making this week not only "Dog Week" but also "Blessing Week."
-I finally tailored my pants, and I no longer look like Jared the Subway Miracle. It's actually kind of nice to have tight pants!
-We had a bonfire with all the Elders in the Zone last night, where we ate about 80 hotdogs among 12 of us. It was amazing.
Anyways, it's been a good week! Keep doing good things! Don't die!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Lecture 8 Minute 31, "Lucas's Triumphant Return" (8/31/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Cedeno
Dearest Everyone,
-Our pension had a dog named Lucas. He has been missing for 6 weeks. The same day that he left, the pension said, "I bet someone stole him," which I thought was ridiculous because he's a terribly ugly dog and the streets are full of dogs. After a couple weeks, we all kind of accepted that he wouldn't come back. However, this Tuesday, my sweet, 5 foot even elderly pension was walking down the street when she saw Lucas walking with a man. She called to Lucas, who came running. The man quickly said, "Hey! That's my dog!" According to the pension, she punched him as hard as she could in the face, and he just left. I don't know if I believe her story 100%, but regardless, Lucas is home!
-We did service for the government, which included filling backpacks with school supplies for poorer students. They had 5000 backpacks, and enough supplies to fill about 2500, so that was well planned. Each grade's backpacks had different materials, and the only materials in every grade's backpack were notebooks and fingerpaint.
-A drunk tried to get out of trouble with the police by claiming that Elder Cedeño and I were his children. I don't know if he even noticed that I am obviously white, my companion is obviously black, and neither of us looks even slightly Peruvian.
-Another drunk tried to hug me, and I told him that he may certainly not hug me. He then ranted until we just walked away about how if we stop hugging, then the world would be a terrible place.
-There's a member here that has his own ice cream business, and he always tries to give us ice cream. This week he won, and I've eaten just over 15 ice creams.
Anyways, it's been a good week! Keep doing good things! Talk to you eventually!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Dearest Everyone,
-Our pension had a dog named Lucas. He has been missing for 6 weeks. The same day that he left, the pension said, "I bet someone stole him," which I thought was ridiculous because he's a terribly ugly dog and the streets are full of dogs. After a couple weeks, we all kind of accepted that he wouldn't come back. However, this Tuesday, my sweet, 5 foot even elderly pension was walking down the street when she saw Lucas walking with a man. She called to Lucas, who came running. The man quickly said, "Hey! That's my dog!" According to the pension, she punched him as hard as she could in the face, and he just left. I don't know if I believe her story 100%, but regardless, Lucas is home!
-We did service for the government, which included filling backpacks with school supplies for poorer students. They had 5000 backpacks, and enough supplies to fill about 2500, so that was well planned. Each grade's backpacks had different materials, and the only materials in every grade's backpack were notebooks and fingerpaint.
-A drunk tried to get out of trouble with the police by claiming that Elder Cedeño and I were his children. I don't know if he even noticed that I am obviously white, my companion is obviously black, and neither of us looks even slightly Peruvian.
-Another drunk tried to hug me, and I told him that he may certainly not hug me. He then ranted until we just walked away about how if we stop hugging, then the world would be a terrible place.
-There's a member here that has his own ice cream business, and he always tries to give us ice cream. This week he won, and I've eaten just over 15 ice creams.
Anyways, it's been a good week! Keep doing good things! Talk to you eventually!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Stanza 8 Line 24, "The Birthday One" (8/24/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Cedeno
Dearest Everybody,
-HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRUMAN! You're finally an adult! Take advantage of that! Vote! Buy dry ice! You're free!
-There was a birthday party in the church building on Tuesday for a little girl who turned 1 year old! I completely remember my 1st birthday, which is why I think that it was a great idea. It was bigger than any party I've ever had. We stopped by, and I ate to my heart's content, which was wonderful.
-On Saturday we went to a birthday party for a 35ish year old man who is recently becoming active. That party actually was great, since it wasn't planned, a lot of people from the ward showed up, and he thought that no one remembered his birthday (including his family, who totally did remember). Also everyone that came brought a cake, and I loved that part.
-I went to Cusco! I had to fill out some papers to stay in Peru for another year. It was fun though! I partied with all of my friends in the office (all of my friends are in the office) and we went to Chili's and Dunkin Donuts!
-One investigator of the Sisters has been refusing to pray during the 8 months or so that they've taught him, so they gave up and gave him to us. We visited him, and it turns out that he wants to pray, he just didn't know how. Success!
Anyways, it's been a good week! Do good things! Happy birthday Truman!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Dearest Everybody,
-HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRUMAN! You're finally an adult! Take advantage of that! Vote! Buy dry ice! You're free!
-There was a birthday party in the church building on Tuesday for a little girl who turned 1 year old! I completely remember my 1st birthday, which is why I think that it was a great idea. It was bigger than any party I've ever had. We stopped by, and I ate to my heart's content, which was wonderful.
-On Saturday we went to a birthday party for a 35ish year old man who is recently becoming active. That party actually was great, since it wasn't planned, a lot of people from the ward showed up, and he thought that no one remembered his birthday (including his family, who totally did remember). Also everyone that came brought a cake, and I loved that part.
-I went to Cusco! I had to fill out some papers to stay in Peru for another year. It was fun though! I partied with all of my friends in the office (all of my friends are in the office) and we went to Chili's and Dunkin Donuts!
-One investigator of the Sisters has been refusing to pray during the 8 months or so that they've taught him, so they gave up and gave him to us. We visited him, and it turns out that he wants to pray, he just didn't know how. Success!
Anyways, it's been a good week! Do good things! Happy birthday Truman!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Level 8 Life 17, "The One With The Party Month" (8/17/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Cedeno
Hey everybody!
-HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MY PARENTS THIS PAST FRIDAY! I remembered, I swear! I hope it was great. I have no idea how long you guys have been married.
-Supposedly August is Party Month in Sicuani. It's not nearly as bad as February in Puno, but it's still bad. Everyone's drunk. And they have a different breed of Panay here, where they are more ridiculous. It's hard to explain, I'll just have to film it. Video to come!
-Transfers! I already told you that I'm staying. In one sector, both of the sisters left and two new ones came in, which should be really hard but they're killing it, making me feel like a terrible missionary.
-At church, the same 5 year old from last time gave a talk, and when he was 15 minutes in they cut him off. At first they passed him a note so that he'd stop, but he can't read, so they just had to tell him. It was wonderful.
There's not much more! Things are going well, and I don't have many stories because usually we're working. Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Hey everybody!
-HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MY PARENTS THIS PAST FRIDAY! I remembered, I swear! I hope it was great. I have no idea how long you guys have been married.
-Supposedly August is Party Month in Sicuani. It's not nearly as bad as February in Puno, but it's still bad. Everyone's drunk. And they have a different breed of Panay here, where they are more ridiculous. It's hard to explain, I'll just have to film it. Video to come!
-Transfers! I already told you that I'm staying. In one sector, both of the sisters left and two new ones came in, which should be really hard but they're killing it, making me feel like a terrible missionary.
-At church, the same 5 year old from last time gave a talk, and when he was 15 minutes in they cut him off. At first they passed him a note so that he'd stop, but he can't read, so they just had to tell him. It was wonderful.
There's not much more! Things are going well, and I don't have many stories because usually we're working. Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Game 8, 10th Half, "Transfer/P-Day Edition" (8/10/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Cedeno
Hello everybody!
-Transfers! I don't have a transfer, and neither does my companion. Don't worry! Nothing's changing!
-Our Ward Mission Leader told us that he no longer intends to fulfill his calling, meaning that this is my 3rd sector without a Ward Mission Leader. Yay!
-We had a meeting of the missionaries in Sicuani with the Stake President, where he basically just thanked us because we're the best (not that I mean anything by that).
-There was a talent show on Friday, and two of the Sisters dressed up in super traditional clothes and sung a song not even related to Peru. They did a good job, but after I asked about the clothes and they said that they just take any reason to dress like that.
I'm not really sure what else to say. It's been a boring week, but those are some of the best! Hopefully I'll have better stories next week! Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Hello everybody!
-Transfers! I don't have a transfer, and neither does my companion. Don't worry! Nothing's changing!
-Our Ward Mission Leader told us that he no longer intends to fulfill his calling, meaning that this is my 3rd sector without a Ward Mission Leader. Yay!
-We had a meeting of the missionaries in Sicuani with the Stake President, where he basically just thanked us because we're the best (not that I mean anything by that).
-There was a talent show on Friday, and two of the Sisters dressed up in super traditional clothes and sung a song not even related to Peru. They did a good job, but after I asked about the clothes and they said that they just take any reason to dress like that.
I'm not really sure what else to say. It's been a boring week, but those are some of the best! Hopefully I'll have better stories next week! Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Song 8 Line 3, "The One With the 11 Year Old" (8/3/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Cedeno
Dearest everybody,
-HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO REAGAN! She's growing up so fast. The last time I saw her, she hadn't even gotten to the double digits yet, and she's already going to be 11! Enjoy it Reag! Eat all the junk food that you possibly can! Don't do any work on your birthday! Do good in school!
-We had a conference with President Harbertson on Tuesday! We had it outside, in normal street clothes, which was interesting. It kind of made it seem like a Young Men's campout, except it was 6 hours long and we were all missionaries. It went well though! We were right on the shore of a lake, and we played games and everything!
-Just by chance, on Wednesday we found playing cards (which are not allowed in this mission) and had to burn them, the Sisters bought everyone pizza, and we had a Les Mis party with Elder Graham and Elder Augat in dinner. What a wonderful, completely-normal-in-every-other-way Wednesday!
-We did service for the in-charge-bishop and his wife, which was carrying rocks down a hill that has an incline of probably 90 degrees. That's a little bit exaggerating, but not much.
-There's not a real bishop, it's an "in charge bishop", which means that the 2nd counselor in the Stake Presidency is the bishop until they find a new one. They've had this going on for probably 6 months now.
-The fake-bishop's wife has a dog, and she refuses to go anywhere without it. Especially Sacrament Meeting.
-In our conference with Elder Uceda, he told us that if an investigator isn't reading the Book of Mormon, praying, and going to church, they'll never progress. So if you guys want to progress, do the same!
Anyways, it's been a good week! Pamper Reag for her birthday!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Dearest everybody,
-HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO REAGAN! She's growing up so fast. The last time I saw her, she hadn't even gotten to the double digits yet, and she's already going to be 11! Enjoy it Reag! Eat all the junk food that you possibly can! Don't do any work on your birthday! Do good in school!
-We had a conference with President Harbertson on Tuesday! We had it outside, in normal street clothes, which was interesting. It kind of made it seem like a Young Men's campout, except it was 6 hours long and we were all missionaries. It went well though! We were right on the shore of a lake, and we played games and everything!
-Just by chance, on Wednesday we found playing cards (which are not allowed in this mission) and had to burn them, the Sisters bought everyone pizza, and we had a Les Mis party with Elder Graham and Elder Augat in dinner. What a wonderful, completely-normal-in-every-other-way Wednesday!
-We did service for the in-charge-bishop and his wife, which was carrying rocks down a hill that has an incline of probably 90 degrees. That's a little bit exaggerating, but not much.
-There's not a real bishop, it's an "in charge bishop", which means that the 2nd counselor in the Stake Presidency is the bishop until they find a new one. They've had this going on for probably 6 months now.
-The fake-bishop's wife has a dog, and she refuses to go anywhere without it. Especially Sacrament Meeting.
-In our conference with Elder Uceda, he told us that if an investigator isn't reading the Book of Mormon, praying, and going to church, they'll never progress. So if you guys want to progress, do the same!
Anyways, it's been a good week! Pamper Reag for her birthday!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Month 7 Week 27, "The One Where Ty Becomes a Missionary" (7/27/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Cedeno
Hello everyone!
-TY'S LEAVING ON A MISSION THIS WEEK!! That's so crazy! Make sure that he brings a golfball on his mission!
-Elder Uceda (the President of the South America Northwest Area) from the Quorum of the 70 came to Cusco to come talk to us this week! He came on Thursday, but there was another riot in Sicuani so we had to leave Wednesday afternoon and come back Friday afternoon. The conference was great! It was him talking for 6 hours, about half of it about repentance. At the beginning, he started with, "I feel like the Lord wants me to invite you all to repent." Then he talked about that for a really long time, and added, "I hadn't planned anything about repentance for today, but the Spirit told me to talk about this." So that's terrifying! Also every once in a while he'd start talking and get this face like he was listening really intently, then he'd say something profound. It's cool to see people so in tune with the Spirit!
-I went to Espinar this week! It's a sector in the zone, but it's outside the city of Sicuani. It's 3 hours of switchbacks away, it's the highest place in the mission, it's the coldest place in the mission, it's got the slowest internet in the mission, and it's widely regarded as the worst sector in the mission. I just visited with one of the Zone Leaders who was going to do a baptismal interview. It was cool!
-We found out when we had to travel to Cusco on Wednesday, only hours before. Everyone got the news pretty quick, except for one companionship that doesn't have a cell phone and had already left to work for the day. Elder Cedeno and I went on a treasure hunt for them, and we found them! Success!
Anyways, it's been a good week! Keep up the awesomeness! Don't do stupid things! Have a great Peruvian Independence Day tomorrow!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Hello everyone!
-TY'S LEAVING ON A MISSION THIS WEEK!! That's so crazy! Make sure that he brings a golfball on his mission!
-Elder Uceda (the President of the South America Northwest Area) from the Quorum of the 70 came to Cusco to come talk to us this week! He came on Thursday, but there was another riot in Sicuani so we had to leave Wednesday afternoon and come back Friday afternoon. The conference was great! It was him talking for 6 hours, about half of it about repentance. At the beginning, he started with, "I feel like the Lord wants me to invite you all to repent." Then he talked about that for a really long time, and added, "I hadn't planned anything about repentance for today, but the Spirit told me to talk about this." So that's terrifying! Also every once in a while he'd start talking and get this face like he was listening really intently, then he'd say something profound. It's cool to see people so in tune with the Spirit!
-I went to Espinar this week! It's a sector in the zone, but it's outside the city of Sicuani. It's 3 hours of switchbacks away, it's the highest place in the mission, it's the coldest place in the mission, it's got the slowest internet in the mission, and it's widely regarded as the worst sector in the mission. I just visited with one of the Zone Leaders who was going to do a baptismal interview. It was cool!
-We found out when we had to travel to Cusco on Wednesday, only hours before. Everyone got the news pretty quick, except for one companionship that doesn't have a cell phone and had already left to work for the day. Elder Cedeno and I went on a treasure hunt for them, and we found them! Success!
Anyways, it's been a good week! Keep up the awesomeness! Don't do stupid things! Have a great Peruvian Independence Day tomorrow!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Race 7 Lane 13, "The One with More Drunks (like always)" (7/13/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Cedeno
Hello everybody,
-We did service! We thought that we were going to build a floor for someone, but they told us to show up at 10:00 and when we did they had already finished that They then gave us the job of moving a pile of dirt from one location to another, 20 feet away. That proved to be a ton of fun.
-I gave a talk yesterday, but they didn't assign a topic so I just read a talk that I gave in Yunguyo. It was wonderful.
-We also had the musical number yesterday, but I've got a cold and can barely talk, so my singing voice sounded fantastic.
-A drunk wandered into the capilla and, in the words of Hermana Holland, was 'creeping' on the Hermanas. They called me and told me that he was trying to get them and they were trapped in the Primary room. When I got there, he was surprisingly creepy, but he just wanted to learn English from them. I still broke my own personal best time and got him outside the capilla in under 30 seconds.
-My pension does all that she can to make American food. This week, that included lasagna and pancakes, making this the best pension in the world.
Anyways, I'm not sure what else happened this week! We did lots of work, and accomplished lots of things! Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Hello everybody,
-We did service! We thought that we were going to build a floor for someone, but they told us to show up at 10:00 and when we did they had already finished that They then gave us the job of moving a pile of dirt from one location to another, 20 feet away. That proved to be a ton of fun.
-I gave a talk yesterday, but they didn't assign a topic so I just read a talk that I gave in Yunguyo. It was wonderful.
-We also had the musical number yesterday, but I've got a cold and can barely talk, so my singing voice sounded fantastic.
-A drunk wandered into the capilla and, in the words of Hermana Holland, was 'creeping' on the Hermanas. They called me and told me that he was trying to get them and they were trapped in the Primary room. When I got there, he was surprisingly creepy, but he just wanted to learn English from them. I still broke my own personal best time and got him outside the capilla in under 30 seconds.
-My pension does all that she can to make American food. This week, that included lasagna and pancakes, making this the best pension in the world.
Anyways, I'm not sure what else happened this week! We did lots of work, and accomplished lots of things! Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Route 7 Campsite 6, "The One Where Things Start to Happen Again" Edition (7/6/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Cedeno
Hello everyone!
-HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! Elder Pearce and I woke up early and put on the national anthem and sung our lungs out. That was the only thing we actually did though.
-We live with the Zone Leaders! Which is a lot of fun and actually really convenient. And Elder Pearce (from my group, don't know how often I've mentioned him) got his transfer from Juliaca to here in Sicuani as the Zone leader!
-Elder Pearce and I arrived here on Thursday afternoon, and he had another transfer and yesterday he left and is in Puno. Elder Graham (from Canada) is now living with us as the Zone Leader.
-We live with our pension, who makes us 3 meals a day and makes some of the most delicious food I've had in a year. Score!
-I got to spend a couple days in Cusco! It was great. I spent time with a ton of my friends from my group, we went to the only Papa John's in the mission (and I ate a very big pizza by myself), we had trainings with President, and THEY GAVE US CELLPHONES! We were the only misson in Peru without cellphones, and I guess we still don't have cellphones for everyone, but I have one!
-Besides the Zone Leaders, and the missionaries around me are sisters, which is weird because the zone I've been in since December is an all-Elder zone.
-Elder Buehner (he has one transfer less than I do and we started in the same sector in Juliaca and lived together and everything) fell really far and broke his back. He'll be fine, but he's already had surgery and been sent home. He'll be in bed for months, and he potentially will be allowed to come back in December, so that's super sad.
-President Packer also died, so that's sad.
-A lady that none of the four of us has ever met died, and they asked us four Elders (my companion and I, and Elder Pearce with his companion) to be the pallbearers. We did that, and the plan was that I would dedicate the grave until the Stake Patriarch showed up and he did it.
Anyways, life's interesting here! It's back to being crazy every day and I love it. And we're working hard! Have a great week!
Elder Steele
Hello everyone!
-HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! Elder Pearce and I woke up early and put on the national anthem and sung our lungs out. That was the only thing we actually did though.
-We live with the Zone Leaders! Which is a lot of fun and actually really convenient. And Elder Pearce (from my group, don't know how often I've mentioned him) got his transfer from Juliaca to here in Sicuani as the Zone leader!
-Elder Pearce and I arrived here on Thursday afternoon, and he had another transfer and yesterday he left and is in Puno. Elder Graham (from Canada) is now living with us as the Zone Leader.
-We live with our pension, who makes us 3 meals a day and makes some of the most delicious food I've had in a year. Score!
-I got to spend a couple days in Cusco! It was great. I spent time with a ton of my friends from my group, we went to the only Papa John's in the mission (and I ate a very big pizza by myself), we had trainings with President, and THEY GAVE US CELLPHONES! We were the only misson in Peru without cellphones, and I guess we still don't have cellphones for everyone, but I have one!
-Besides the Zone Leaders, and the missionaries around me are sisters, which is weird because the zone I've been in since December is an all-Elder zone.
-Elder Buehner (he has one transfer less than I do and we started in the same sector in Juliaca and lived together and everything) fell really far and broke his back. He'll be fine, but he's already had surgery and been sent home. He'll be in bed for months, and he potentially will be allowed to come back in December, so that's super sad.
-President Packer also died, so that's sad.
-A lady that none of the four of us has ever met died, and they asked us four Elders (my companion and I, and Elder Pearce with his companion) to be the pallbearers. We did that, and the plan was that I would dedicate the grave until the Stake Patriarch showed up and he did it.
Anyways, life's interesting here! It's back to being crazy every day and I love it. And we're working hard! Have a great week!
Elder Steele
Book 6 Episode 29, "Birthday-Transfer-PDay Again" Edition (6/29/15)
Area: Sicuani Comp: Cedeno
Hello everyone!
-HAPPY BIRTHDAY (yesterday) to Lincoln! He's growing up so fast. I remember back when he still had braces!
-Transfers! I'm going to Sicuani, which is just outside Cusco. It's much more green than here, but it's still on the cold half of the mission. I'm excited though! My new companion's name is Elder Cedeño. It's not the same one that was here with me in Yunguyo, it's a different one from Elder Hogan's group. Exciting though!
-Today there's a holiday in Peru where they celebrate some idol, which means there's no school or work today. Obviously they spent all day yesterday drinking, which made yesterday super successful.
-President Uchtdorf had a fireside with all the members and missionaries living within the mission on Monday! It was great. He and his wife were a little out of it because of the air, but it was still amazing. His advice to the mission was "Keep the commandments and trust the Lord."
Not much else happened! But don't worry--Next week I'll have LOTS of things to say! Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Hello everyone!
-HAPPY BIRTHDAY (yesterday) to Lincoln! He's growing up so fast. I remember back when he still had braces!
-Transfers! I'm going to Sicuani, which is just outside Cusco. It's much more green than here, but it's still on the cold half of the mission. I'm excited though! My new companion's name is Elder Cedeño. It's not the same one that was here with me in Yunguyo, it's a different one from Elder Hogan's group. Exciting though!
-Today there's a holiday in Peru where they celebrate some idol, which means there's no school or work today. Obviously they spent all day yesterday drinking, which made yesterday super successful.
-President Uchtdorf had a fireside with all the members and missionaries living within the mission on Monday! It was great. He and his wife were a little out of it because of the air, but it was still amazing. His advice to the mission was "Keep the commandments and trust the Lord."
Not much else happened! But don't worry--Next week I'll have LOTS of things to say! Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Song 6, Estrofa 22, "Post-Father's Day Temple Dedicaton Pre-Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Joseph Smith Lincoln's Birthday Transfer P-Day" Edition (6/22/15)
Area: Yunguyo Comp: Hogan
Hello everybody!
-HAPPY FATHER'S DAY Dad! I hope it was fantastic! Assuming that 'fantastic' means a very long car drive.
-We had a temple dedication yesterday! It was the temple of Trujillo, Peru, and President Uchtdorf and Elder Bednar came to dedicate it. It was fantastic. Also I immensely miss temples.
-We saw the temple dedication in Juli, along with the Cultural Celebration the night before and a fireside by President Uchtdorf in Cusco tonight. That means that we decided on Saturday to just go to Juli and stay for 3 nights, along with the rest of the zone. Zone sleepover!
-"I remember also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world."-Alma 36:17
"Behold, it came to pass that I, Enos, knowing my father that he was a just man-- and blessed be the name of my God for it-- Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak...sunk deep into my heart." Enos 1:1,3
Those are 2 of the prophets of the Book of Mormon who mention how important their fathers were for their conversion. Fathers have the vital role of presiding the family and protecting them physically and spritually. Thanks for always sharing your testimony Dad!
-We had a service project which was just setting up new computers for a lady in our ward. She specifically asked me because I'm "kind of nerdy" (although it's really not that hard).
Anyways, it's been a good week! Have a good time! Don't get sick!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Hello everybody!
-HAPPY FATHER'S DAY Dad! I hope it was fantastic! Assuming that 'fantastic' means a very long car drive.
-We had a temple dedication yesterday! It was the temple of Trujillo, Peru, and President Uchtdorf and Elder Bednar came to dedicate it. It was fantastic. Also I immensely miss temples.
-We saw the temple dedication in Juli, along with the Cultural Celebration the night before and a fireside by President Uchtdorf in Cusco tonight. That means that we decided on Saturday to just go to Juli and stay for 3 nights, along with the rest of the zone. Zone sleepover!
-"I remember also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world."-Alma 36:17
"Behold, it came to pass that I, Enos, knowing my father that he was a just man-- and blessed be the name of my God for it-- Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak...sunk deep into my heart." Enos 1:1,3
Those are 2 of the prophets of the Book of Mormon who mention how important their fathers were for their conversion. Fathers have the vital role of presiding the family and protecting them physically and spritually. Thanks for always sharing your testimony Dad!
-We had a service project which was just setting up new computers for a lady in our ward. She specifically asked me because I'm "kind of nerdy" (although it's really not that hard).
Anyways, it's been a good week! Have a good time! Don't get sick!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
Week 6 Day 15, "The Pre-Father's Day One" (6/15/15)
Area: Yunguyo Comp: Hogan
Dearest Everyone,
-I acknowledge that Father's Day is this coming Sunday, but I'm going to send my 'Father's Day' email next week. Stay tuned! I'll let you know what Elder Hogan buys me!
-Elder Hogan went to Lima this past week to do his papers! It took him an extra 4 hours to get to Cusco because there was another riot in Juliaca, but besides that all was pretty normal. I was in a trio with the two Latinos in my sector, and I'm proud to say that I can still speak Spanish!
-We talked for an hour about the 10 commandments, which is something that only happens in trios.
-I conducted sacrament meeting and gave the longest talk yesterday, but yet again I was saved by the other elders who spoke much longer than they had to before I spoke. Success!
-There's a temple dedication this week! Which means no church on Father's Day, just the temple dedication, which is awesome. Also a member of the First Presidency is going to dedicate the temple, and after go to Cusco to talk to all the people living inside the mission. Score!
Anyways, there's not much to report. Things are going well! Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Elder Steele
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