February 20, 2017 – Week 21!

This week has been awesome! 

We had intercambios this week, and I was with Elder Jordan (another gringo!), and yeah we probably spoke english too much. We moved some stuff in a family's house for service, and then talked with them for a bit, and ended up helping them out! The mom hasn't been to church in a while, so I hope we can help her to become active again! Her daughter is an example to her. She goes every week and is 16 years old. With Elder Jordan, we tried to cook Tequeños (i think thats how you spell it) and it kinda worked. Cooking is hard when you dont have much to use. You get creative sometimes.

We also had training with President and Sister Larson, and I saw Elder de Arce there! He's in Callao right now. He says it's definitely more difficult to serve there, but it's still not terrible. Even though it may be the hardest sector and possibly the most dangerous, we definitely still can receive help from the Lord wherever we are! I know he's receiving guidance and protection now!

The highlight from this week. Aisha. She's one of our investigators, and she's only 9 years old. Her mom is less active, and her dad isn't a member, but both parents wanted her to get baptized! We worked with her lots this week. Taught nearly all the lessons in one week too. I know the spirit definitely worked with her lots. For exmaple. The first lesson we had with her was kinda difficult. She was shy and didn't talk at all. After only one or two weeks, we heard that she said her first prayer in primary alone, and she seems lots happier, and now talks around us all the time! The spirit has really helped her grow! I baptized her yesterday (Sunday), and it went really well. It took some time for her to get into the water, because it was cold, but even though she was a little nervous, she pressed through and was smiling the whole time! After the baptism, we all felt really happy. There were some tears (of happiness), and all of her family was so greatful and glad. I know that this gospel really does bring joy to people, and can help everyone, no matter what situation they have!

The members in our ward are always great too. They help out lots. We had lunch with some members this weekend, and one of them owns a tourist company called Peru Interact Trails! I'll definitely have to look into that if I want to return to Peru sometime! We also had lunch with the Cahua family. We had some great chicken and rice, and some soup called Chupe, and it was so good! Fish, and potatoes, and lots of other things too! They always cook the best food. Later we had some dessert. Ice cream and alfajores! Aagh I love ice cream. 

I hope you all have had a great week! Always pray for the guidance of the spirit. Always read the scriptures and the teachings of the prophets and apostles. They really can help you overcome any trial you have in your life. I know that the spirit has guided me in this work here, and there is no way I could be living here in Peru right now teaching the gospel without help from the Lord. Always have faith, and it can carry you through all your difficult times! I know it!

--Elder Bruner

Alfajores that we got for dia de amistad last week from hna cahua (lucero the one that cooks.)

Me and Elder Jordan!

Aji-no-men like top ramen. A cheap dinner here in the mission haha

The ocean... aah i love it.

Pic im gonna use for a talk one day. we need to search for Jesus amidst the garbage in the world today

Us and the family that owns the company. i forgot their names

That moment when the water stops in the church and gladly we had enough for the baptism. Happened to the other elders once too.

drip drip

Funny mirror pic

Us and aisha

Cake the family brought for the baptism

Me and Aisha and a little gift they gave everyone who came. i guess the gift is a catholic thing because it says "bautiso" not "bautismo"

A nice old big spider that was in our bathroom. Elder Trujillo helped it out the window and didnt kill it. its like a daddy long leg but i dont think that type of spider.