Be Pure

This week I had a dream. I learned a very very great lesson that I will remember ALL my life, and it was from a dream!!

´´Receive a remission of your sins, and be pure´´ Those are the words from my dream. This is something very special to me, and these words came from a very wise missionary that was in our mission but now is home. A great friend and a great future leader. I remember these words EVERY DAY since that night.

I want to invite you all to receive a remission of your sins through the atonement of Christ and then be pure! Whenever a thought comes into your head, just think - “Be pure”.

Words of Wisdom from Peru

Remember, everything we do in this life has a consequence or a reward. We have to make the right choices and be ready for the trials the Lord is going to give us. Remember, the Lord gives the righteous trials to test their faith and to help them grow, but God also gives punishments to those who are doing bad things and not obeying, so they will maybe repent and change. Let's do the things that are right and be strengthened by the Lord and get on our knees when it's tough. Remember we're stronger when we're on our knees. Saying your prayers is really important. I know life is hectic and there are ALOT of things going on, but we HAVE to remember our God in everything, and thank Him for everything he has given to us.

Words of Wisdom from Peru (and a picture too!)

(Not sure when this was taken, but thank you Elder Peterson *and mom ;)

All is well. I’m trying everyday to be better and be more humble. I love the Lord and I love you all. Thanks for all you do and all you help me out with.

I love the Lord and He loves us. Follow Him and keep His commandments. Be as happy as you can be, and the only way to do that is to follow Him and keep our covenants.

We need to look into the future, even after this life. What do we really want?? What really matters?? I know this church is true and that all of us just need to keep at it, have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, believe and fulfill our covenants.

The family is the MOST important thing in this world, nothing else!!!! Work will come, the chores will always be there, but the family is something very sacred we should cherish.

Remember the promises we make at baptism. If you don’t remember them, go to church every Sunday, and there is a complete hour where we can remember them and renew them.

I hope you all have had a great November, because it’s halfway done!!! And then we’re in December, that’s right, then we’re on to the new year, then we’re on to Mother’s Day, then we’re on to July and October........It’s all going way way too fast. A lot of things are going on back there in Morgan and I’m missing it, but I know I’m where the Lord wants me to be, and I’m happy. I love you all and I love my Savior and what He did for me…… and does for me…. Go to church!!! Love Elder Rich

Words of Wisdom from Peru

This advice is taken from an email we exchanged a couple of weeks ago. I sure love my son, and appreciate his help.

"Mom, I'm sorry, but if you say the words “ I don't really expect it to” or stuff like that.... you're not having faith. I do it all the time in the mission, like for example, I say, "Man, I hope these people go to church, but I doubt they will". If you have doubt, you don't have faith. We all need to work on this part of our faith. We say we have faith, but then we say and think in a different way. Never say the words, "I doubt it", or "I don't expect it". Always think the most positive, and don't let those words enter in your mind. Don't let them. I love you mom and you are a great woman of great faith... Don't worry, we all have faults, and none of us have perfect faith, that's why we're here on this earth. I love you mom.. Thank you for teaching me this lesson... I love you."

A little advice............

"Please tell everyone sending letters, to tape the back of them. They run them through a machine and some of them rip and I don't get them" :(

Words of Wisdom from Peru

Concerning The Book of Mormon:
"Remember, read it every day. That is the key. Every day. Don't miss a day, even if it's just a chapter, and then don't forget about it. Think about it throughout your day. Ponder it, and don't forget to pray before and after, to help you understand."

Peru Info

This is information from a missionary who served in the Peru, Lima North Mission from 1998 to 2000:

Wish List: A little photo album that I could show pictures of my family.

Never Used: Iron, Sewing Kit, Rain Coat, Cooking supplies (I didn't need a sewing kit because there was always people who would sew whatever I needed for real cheap)

Preparation: I wished I would have read more of the books from the Missionary Series (Jesus the Christ, Articles of Faith, etc)

Living Conditions: A one room apartment was the norm.

Weather: In the jungle you will experience a lot of flooding due to much rain. The rain coat from home didn't do the job, and it never rained hard enough in Lima to need a raincoat.

Natives: Never tell them how much you make at home or how wealthy you are as an American, always respect their country and customs. Learn about their traditions and respect them.

Problems: Diarrhea, I was able to get a bottle of a drug called Bactrim that really helped to make me feel better when I got diahrrea.

Culture Hints: I really got a Peruvian companion mad when I walked in between him and a guy he was talking to without saying "disculpe". It seems really silly, but it was very important to him. Also when someone "invites" you to eat something it is very important to accept it and eat it all. Always share your goodies with your companions. If you buy a snack, be prepared to share it.

Missionary Secret: My first companion told me "Know why you're really here, and the rest will take care of itself." That was really good advice for me.

Other Advice: You never remember the rejections, but you always treasure those who accept your message