Merry Christmas And a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

12/29/2014. Transfer to Pisco 

Well, this Christmas was a little different, but I enjoyed every minute of it. I have grown to have more family then just those of my own blood. I had an amazing time talking with my family through skype and am so grateful for all of there support. 

I got transferred today from Lima to a city called Pisco. It is more south and is super cool from what I can tell. I just got here today, so I havent really got to see much yet. I am super excited to start over in a new area and really give it all that I have. It is so strange to pack up your bags and head off to a new area. These areas really become your home, with the ward as your family. I have really been blessed and am so grateful for the opportunity that I had to serve in the area of Tablada de Lurin. Now I am here in Pisco and I couldn´t be more excited. My companion´s name is Elder Choque and he seems cool. I have only been in this area for a couple of hours, so I will write more about it the next week. 

We were working with a older lady to help here get baptized this week. Her name is Delivia and she has to be around 70. She had her interview to be baptized and had some problems with her understanding of the Restauration of the Gospel through the prophet Joesph Smith. This got me thinking about the last conference when I believe it was Elder Anderson who spoke on the importance of this point. I had the opportunity to visit all of the church history sites before my mission, so I have a really storng testimony that I know that Joesph Smith was a Prophet of God. I challenge all of you to really think about the importance that Joesph Smith played in the history of the church. 

I love you all and am so grateful for the influence that you are in my life. I often look at the example of you all to give me strength. You really are my inspiration. Until Next Week!!!

Elder Roberts

here are some photos of sunday night. The one photo with the family was a funny photo, but nobody else did anything. This family is part of my family now. The other picture is of me with my two favorite guys in the ward of Tablada, Brother Tanta and Brother Alexia Flores. They are some incredible guys. 

Merry Christmas From Peru!!!

12/22/2014

Well, it is here, Christmas! It is insane how fast that time goes by. I am so grateful for all of you and all that you mean to me. Every week that I come in and read all of these letters it really puts a smile on my face. I know that all of you are really in tune with the spirit, because all of your advice is exactly what I need to hear. 

I have been working on being completly obedient and diligent lately. I feel like this is where our joy comes from, is if we are doing these two things. I have really been working on staying animated and enjoying every single moment that I have here. We have changes coming up this next week, so it is possible that I will be going to a different part of the country. I am really trying to make sure that I give it all I have in this last week. 

Enjoy the holiday season with your families and remember how special they are to you. I can feel the prayers of all of you for me and am so grateful for all of the support that all of you are. Cant wait to talk to the family on Christmas Day! Love you all!

Elder Roberts

12/25/2104  

Dear Brother and Sister Roberts, (Littell)

 

Merry Christmas from the Peru Lima South Mission! We are so very grateful for the opportunity we have to be here in Peru serving the Lord in this special time in which we celebrate his birth. We are so grateful for the loving sacrifice you make to allow us to serve with your child and allowing us to take care of them.

 

In this very special season, we wish to give you a photo of your missionary taken this last week at our mission Christmas conferences!

 

It is our wish that our missionaries and their families know how much we love and care about them, just as the savior does. We invite all to watch the following video which focuses on the birth of our Savior, He is the Gift. 

http://www.mormon.org/christmas?cid=HPFR112814529

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

Love,

President and Sister Douglas

It's Almost Christmas!!!

12/15/2014

HOLY COW IT IS ALMOST CHRISTMAS! I cant wait to talk to you all! I have been in the mission for almost 6 months! How crazy is that???? I have finished almost a fourth of my mission! It is insane how fast the time flies by! 

During this holiday season, I have really been able to focus more on christ because that is what I talk about every single day. It really has helped me to remember the true importance of chrismas. Remember the greatest gift that you can give others is the knowledge of eternal life through Jesus Christ. 

Well my stomach doesnt feel so good right now, so I am having a hard time on focusing on what I am writing, so I will keep it short. I cant wait to talk to all of my family on christmas and love and miss you all. 

The pictures are of us with one of the families here and also one of us at the house of the president of peru. We got to go last Pday. Oh, and one more thing, changes are coming up the monday after chrismas, so I will write you all tuesday of the week. I think the next week too. But love you all and know I am doing Great!

Howdie!

12/8/2014

This week has been great and I have learned a ton. One thing that is kinda of funny is that I actually miss working outside and just digging a hole in the blazing saint george sun. I guess my dad can say I told you so. He always said that I would appriciate it one day. 

Well, I have two pics and that is all of the time that I have. One is of my companion with dirty pants. He literally always has the same mark of dirt on his pants, but I will never say anything cause I think its funny. Also one photo of me and My district leader in my house. 

Elder Roberts

Hey Y'all! (12/1/2014

This week was all good! I really have been learning a ton and developing new talents every day. Me and my companion are almost complete opposites, so we have been learning a ton on humility and also how to try things in a new way. We are had an amazing week last week, so I know that we can really help out this area. 

Dont have a lot of time, but I just want to hurry and tell everyone how much I love you all. You truly are all amazing examples to me and I have been so blessed to know all of you. 

Here are some pictures, they can talk a lot better then I can. The one is a sign that a member made here of me. I thought it was hilarious and hope that you guys get a laugh out of it too! The other picture is a bunch of us at the temple, and the guy right in front of me is my companion! Love you all! 

Elder Roberts

Another Week, Another Lesson (11/24/2014)

Well, this week I have grown and learned a ton! I have been so blessed to learn all of these lessons. My companion has helped me to learn a lot of different lessons. I have really continued to be more and more humbled. 

My companion is from here in Peru, the north. He is actually a pretty chill guy. He is a little different, but I have come to learn that different isnt bad. The thing that I am really trying to learn is what is the way of God wants me to do things. I really been striving to be more humble this week.

I had a lot of responsibility this past week, with the new companion and all, but we ended up teaching a ton of people and doing some of our best numbers. I am really enjoying having more responsibility because I can really push us to work a lot harder. 

Well, I have a story. We were walking to the house of our pensionista to get some dinner, when my companion started saying, freakin, freakin, owwww. I turned around and he had a nail shoved into his shoe. Before I could say anything, he yanked it out. Now I was sitting there thinking that pulling it out probably wasnt the best idea. But he said he was all good, so we walked to the house of the pensionist and he washed it out. We called the health office and spent all of that day riding in cars and getting lost to find the hospital. It was actually pretty fun. Yesterday all we could do was sit around the house after church because he couldnt walk on his foot. But I think all is good now. 

Well, that is about all Ive got. I let my zone leader borrow my camera, so no picutes today. But I want to end with saying that the lord really will help us out in EVERYTHING, but first we must do our part. Our part is that we obey all of his commandments and that we try to do all that we can to resolve the problem first. After we have put in all of our effert is when we can recieve the help. 

Love you all!

Elder Roberts

Changes In Peru

Changes....Whoa (11/18/2014)

Well, Elder Roberts again. This week we had changes, so that is why I am writing now. but anyways, things are kind of crazy right now. Now that my old companion is gone, all of the responsiblity of the area is on my shoulders. Also making sure that we do everything that we need to and that I dont forget anything. Oh, and I have to do all of this in spanish. 

My new companion is a little different. I think he will be really good for this area because he just teaches how it is. I think that can really  help cut to some peoples hearts. The thing is, he is pretty nerdy and he kinda creeps me out a bit. He just likes to stare at things and zones out a lot. But I know that it will get better with time. 

Right now I am truly getting down on my knees and just giving things to the Lord. That has never had as much significance to me as it does now. I really am just asking him if he will lift the weight and the troubles off of my shoulders as I continue to work. I truly have been blessed. 

The last week was pretty great, I really got to enjoy the time that I had with my companion. It really was probably the best time that I have had in my mission. I got this sick poncho made of alpaca from one of the members here. I got a picture for all of you back at home. I also have a picture of a bunch of the youth in the ward with my old companion. Hope you Enjoy reading this and know that I love hearing from you all!

Elder Roberts

Hello Again From Peru

11/10/2014

Hey everyone, it is Elder Roberts! Everything is going great down here! I have just been truly losing myself in the mission and I can honestly say that I have both feet here. I love all the letters by the way, so please keep writing! I truly have been so blessed with amazing friends and family. 

Well, this week has just been another week of work. We are just keeping at it and really trying to help as many people as we can. We had a reunion with the President this week, and it really fired me up to go and do better. He always knows exactly what I need to hear to get me going and motivated. 

This week we finally got things so that we can cook in the house. We got these two know knifes, and I thought it was a good idea to open one knife with the other. Well, I ended up cutting my finger and after it healed up I got this sick nike sign on my finger. Also I taught my companion how to make a shake, and he wants me to make him one every day now! hahahah

Well, thats about it for this week, Im starting to forget what has happened. It is all starting to blur together. It is great and I am loving it down here. Remember that if you read your scriptures every day as a family and go to church, your testimony will be transfomed into a true conversion to the gospel. Love you all at home!

Elder Roberts

The one picture is of my sick nike sign and the other is me and my companion goofin off at the church. 

Insert from mom: I just realized today that the mail system has been and still is on strike in Peru and Jaden hasn't been getting my packages. I have his Christmas box all ready to send and don't know how to get it to him😥

Bringing in November and a time to be Grateful!

I got pictures Ma! (11/3/2014)

My goal this week was to make sure and get some pictures so that you all wouldn´t get bored  reading my letter! This week we had a ton happen, so I hope that I can remember it all. 

We went to the temple this week and did a session, in spanish. It was actually pretty cool in a different language. I really understood everything and was really enlightened this last time. I miss how easily I use to be able to go to the temple before the mission. After we got to go to subway, and that was probably one of the happiest moments of my life. They only have big US chains in the center of lima, which we never visit, so this really was a treat. I got a pic of the temple with my zone. All of this was on halloween. Its not that big down here, so I didn´t even know till someone said something. 

We also got to go to this cool birthday party and play more mormon games. The party was chill and totally a mormon party, the kid is only like 13. It is so fun to finally talk with anyone I want about anything and not really have to worry about the language. I truly have been blessed lately with the language. 

Well, Im out of time. All I have to say is remember how blessed you are in your life and that because you have the fulness of the law, you can be blessed with all of the blessings that come with obedience. Laws are given  to those that can follow them.

Love you all and have a great week!

Elder Roberts

October in Peru

Weekly letter with no time: (10/7/2014)

Sorry everyone, no time this week. All I have time for is to say that I am in the same area, my companion didnt change, and I have really drawn closer to the spirit through my trials. The Lord is with me every minute helping me to take the next step that i feel I cant take. I can feel all of your prayers and am so grateful for everyone! 

Elder Roberts

God's Hand: (10/13/2014)

Hey everyone, Elder Roberts again. I am so grateful for what all of you mean to me! This past week we had the opportunity to listen to conference, and I really hope that all of you understand the power of the Words of a Prophet. Every talk had a part of it given to us about heeding the words of the prophet. I know that there is a reason for this. There is something going to happen. I dont know if it is a grand announcment or a world catastrophy or what, but something is coming. Before this time it was always warning us to prepare. It has now shifted, that now is the time to act. We dont have any more time to sit and prepare for things to come, because now is the time to act. 

There were truly some amazing talks this conference, and I hope that all of you will turn to these words often. I know that before the mission conference was a sunday where I could catch up on some sleep. Now I truly understand it is God specifically giving me His direction, for the specfic trials that I have in my life. 

This week we had a trial with one of the famlies that we were going to baptize. I dont want to share the details because I dont feel that I should, but all I can say is that I have never seen the filth of the world like I have now in my life. But at the same time, seeing this has opened my spiritual eyes of ignorance to the true all knowing Power of God. God knows what each one of us need and what each one of us desires. He will help us if we only kneel down have have a desire. 

Sorry if my emails are long and dont catch your interest, but I truly feel that there is someone that I can touch with the message that I feel through the spirit. 

I want to give my testimony at this time. I know that Joesph Smith is the Prophet of the Restauration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that through him, I know that the Book of Mormon is a true work of God. I know that there are prophets, seers, and revalators here on the Earth today. As we listen to there words, we can apply what they say directly to our lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Joesph Smith es el Propheta de la Restauración de la Iglesia de Jesucristo en la tierra. Yo se que el es un ejemplo perfecto de los atributos de Cristo. 

Love you all, 

Elder Roberts

Overcoming Death: (10/20/2014)

First, Happy Birthday to Adlynn and Lex! One year older and wiser huh? I am just sad I wont be there to celebrate. You all know that I love to party! haha

But anyways, this week was fantastic! I was a sick as a dog and have been for 6 days! It is all good though, after 3 we are allowed to call in and get medication, so I called on the 5th and got some good drugs that I am pretty sure that we arent allowed to take in the US. But I feel a lot better now. I am pretty sure I had a stomach infection of some sort.  Lets just hope that the temple sells garments in my size, cause Im pretty sure I need some more now. hahahaha But through the sickness, it really humbled me and helped me realize how blessed I am, with my heath, my family, and all of the things that I have. 

Know that I am praying for Grandpa Graff and that I felt sick when I heard what happened with him getting bucked off the horse. I know that he is one of the best and toughest men I have ever met, so if anyone can overcome the challenge, it is him. 

Our ward mission leader here kinda reminds me of Grandpa. He is a 65 year old man that still works like he is 30. I can barly understand his spanish, because he kinda just mumbles, but we are actually really close. He comes out with us every day to visit people. Every time that we walk by a house and hear music he will break it down and bust out some moves with me. hahahahah it is literally the best thing ever! There is always US music playing in english, so the people dont understand any of it. 

Well, to finish up, I learned a lesson of humility this week. Remember what you have at all times and be grateful for the little things, like someone that will dance with you when your having a tough time walking. Enjoy when little kids make a mistake and just enjoying having the love and unity of your family. Thank you all for always being there for me!

Love,

Elder Roberts

Following are pictures from Elder Tyler Kraupp's email this week.  

More of my first Area in Peru

9/22/2014

This week was probably one of the toughest weeks of my life. It came from nowhere when I least expected it. I thought that I had made it through the tough times of missing home and family, but it really all hit me at once. Luckily, I have the Savior on my side to help me push through. 

We had a conference with the mission president this week, and while at that conference, the mission president gave his testimony. He stopped and said that he was going to give it in english. As he gave his testimony of the Savior, I couldnt help but feel his testimony strike me right in the heart. It was so deep with the spirit in a way that I cant descibe. He also bore testimony of the blessings that my loved ones are recieving for my service. It truly strengthen me and raised me up. 

We met with the bishop the next day to talk about goals. As we were there, I told the bishop that we are here to serve him in the objective of missionary work. As we began to talk about the ward in more specifics, I had the thought given to me that ´this is why you are here´ I know that I was called where I am for a specific reason. I know that The Lord knows me, who I am, who I will be, and who I am becoming. 

Know that the Lord know all of these things for all of you too. He knows all things about you through the infinite atonement that he took apone himself. We must come to him with a broken heart, a heart that is prepared to Change for the Savior. 

The Atonement is always looked apone as a thing that we use when we make mistakes. But it is so much more then that. Understand that the Atonement is grace, it is how we change, it is how Christ understands us. I challenge you to study about the atonement and try to comprehend how grand of a miricle it truly is. 

Elder Roberts

I had the chance to go on another exchange this week and go in a triplet. One of the kids is super nerdy and the other is from Columbia and I can barely understand a word he says, but they are two of my favorite guys in the mission. I am sending a sick picure of them. 

Also we had the opportunity to clean the beach here in Lima with a bunch of different stakes. Got a picture of that too.  

Transfer Time: 9/29/2014

Well, this was a pretty good week after a tough one last week. I feel like once I got through the tough time everything has been going really well. This week has been a big week of change, not only in me, but in my ward as well. We have been really working to try and get our ward into the missionary effort, and they are what we like to call, sunday saints. They are perfect members that will do anything on sunday, but the rest of the week is off limits. 

We are changing them little by little, and in time i know that they will have the change that the atonement can bring about. I am so grateful for the ability to simply go on my knees and have a desire to change and all things can be brought about. Is it not so simple? All we have to do is kneel down, ask with a sincere heart, and work and God will bless us with all things that we ask for!

I am sooooo excited for General Conference coming up, but that also means transfers are closer. They are this coming sunday and I have a feeling that me or my companion is going to change areas. He is feeling the same thing. I have been really blessed with a good companion right now, but I know I am going to get that paitence companion pretty soon. 

This week we got to visit the second largest semitary in the world. It is crazy, the graves are above the ground and it is pretty wierd. We hiked up on a mountain in the semitary and played some baseball on top of it, which was pretty sick. We found a wine bottle for the bat and some kid brought a tennis ball. It was way cool. 

I also got to visit the temple this week. I didnt get to go inside because of some mix up but it was still great to get to listen to the spirit around the building. I cant wait for the day I get to enter that holy house with my future family. 

Dont have any more time, but I havent been getting all of the emails that people send me latly, so if you think that you sent me an email, know that I always reply,. So If i dont reply, i didnt recieve it. 

Love you all!

Elder Roberts

Elder Roberts in Peru (Peruvian Jaden)

 Sister Douglas and I thank you for trusting Elder Roberts in our keeping.  We are grateful that he is serving in the greatest mission in the world.  We know that missionaries are assigned by revelation and that your son is where the Lord wants him to be at this time of his life.  In 3 John 1:4 it reads "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."  We can attest that your son's service will bring you great joy and will bless the lives of thousands.  We love your son and will do our very best to care for him.  

Sincerely

President and Sister Douglas

First Day in the field: 8/27/2014

Elder Roberts calling out from Peru! It is incredible to be here finally after the long anticipated wait! I love it here and am going to try and talk about it as much as I can! 

It is a whole new world down here, and i dont even know how to describe it. THe lifestyle is completly different then anything that you could imagine in the US. There are wild dogs everywhere! It is crazy how they are just all over the place. Luckily havent got attacked yet! hahaha

Well, it is only my second day in the area, so I will tell you about getting to my area first. We arrived in Peru around 11 pm. We then went to the temple, which was another hour. It was super packed riding, but that was with only missionaries. We got to sleep at hotel that is right next to the temple. We were there and got to sleep until three in the morning, then we drove somewhere until 7. We got to the stake center and met the mission president and his wife. They are an amazng couple and it is awesome to be with them 

We had a lesson for the next 8 hours covering everthything that we should remember. It was crazy to try and memorize that much information. Throughout that time, the mission president was doing interviews with each one of the new elders. When I got to talk with him, it was good, and I feel like he truly was inspired where to put me. 

After 8 hours of information, we were finally assigned companions and areas. It was probably about 3 when this finally happened. We all sat and waited as they called our names off one by one. I would have to say it was ´probably one of the most nerve racking moments of my life. My heart was racing the entire time. I am in the Tablada De Lurin, villa maria and my companion is Elder Laredo.  Elder Laredos mom has a facebook page, it is in espanol, but you should look it up. Tengo un hijo en la mision sud. He is an amazing! He speaks a little bit of English, but not near as much as I would want him too! hahahaha, but he is amazing. He is very relaxed but is still super obidient. Elder Kraupp and I actually are in the same area and district! How crazy is that! We had district meeting today and it was funny that we ended up in the same zone. 

Anyways, after we left, we took a taxi for awhile and ended up in our area. I have no clue how long of drive it was. My companion taught the driver the whole way and I bore my testimony of a couple of things and we gave him a phamplet with our names and numbers. It was awesome getting to work right out of the gate. Our area has dogs everywhere. Our apartment is pretty nice compared to the area. We even have some hot water in the shower! We went and taught and visted that night then headed home. Talk about getting thrown into the fire. I am pretty much a testimony bearer while my companion does a lot of the teaching. We are slowly getting to figure out what each other is trying to say between my hammered spanish and his small english. 

I really cannot stress how much I appriciate inspiration, for i know that this is where i am supposed to be and that I am supposed to be with my companion. I am truly blessed to have God know exactly what I need. Know that I love it here and that there is no need to worry, for God is truly blessing me. Love all of you and am so grateful for all that you do for me! 

Elder Roberts

Best and Hardest Week: 9/1/14

Well, I am typing on a computer and have no clue how much time I have, so I am going to try and put the important things first. I already got to baptize someone. We baptized a husband and his wife. They are such great people and I am so happy I got to baptize the wife. The brother just had knee surgery, but he still wanted to be baptized. What amazing faith. I know that God will bless them for there willingness to follow him.

This has probably been one of the craziest expierences of my life. I had one low point during the week where I felt super tired and couldnt understand the language and it was super hard for me to keep my cool. Luckily I did, and I have truly felt the spirit in me all of the time. I have had some amazing expierences, a lot of them with investigators and the spirit. I feel so strongly the influence of it in my life. I challenge all of you to read through the doctirine of christ in 3 Nephi 11 and truly study it. Make sure to also study the Atonement, because it is truly incredible to learn more about the sacrifice that Christ had for us. 

The dogs arent that bad once you get use to them. Sometimes they will chase you and bark and try and bite, but its all good. I havent got bit yet, so I am all good. I have tried the whole picking up a rock thing, but I think that these dogs dont really care! It is crazy to watch them all fight. 

The buses here are crazy! They dont really stop when you get on, so you have to make sure and hurry, otherwise they will drive off. The taxis here are these little three wheel things that are sweet! I want one so bad! We dont get to take them that often though. 

Bread here is 1 sol for 8 pieces, which is like 40 cents in the US, but then other things are super expensive. It is strange how it changes. Every meal here consists of chicken, rice, maybe a potato, and an amazing juice. Luckily I havent had any problems with my stomach so far. I think the daily vitamins are helping. 

The houses here are set up like concrete blocks with tin on the top. The floors are concrete slabs and they usually use curtains if they want to make another room. It sounds bad, yet being here it just seems normal. I love every single minute of it. It truly has become my life. 

The language is coming along really well. I have leared a ton in just a short amount of time. I can usually understand if someone speaks slow, or at least get the general concept. I need to continue to work to get it though, yet the lord continues to bless me. We walk pretty much everywhere, which makes me happy I brought so many shoes.

I dont know when I will recieve that package. did you send it to the mexico MTC or peru? my comp. said it takes about 3 weeks for a package. I am sure i will get it at some point. 

Know that I am doing great and that everyone in the US is truly blessed and doesnt understand how much they have. Remember how blessed you are and ask yourself why God has blessed you with such an opportunity. Love you all!

Elder Roberts 

My companion took some pictures of the baptism, so I am going to put them on the bottom.

The other picture is of me and my companion in our house. It is really nice for here. I am going to try and get a charging cord at the store today for my camera, so fingers crossed!

Family & Relationships: 9/8/14

Today I was looking at the photos that I have that my sister Jill made for me. As I was sitting there looking, I began to think. I suddenly felt the spirit burn in me, and the confirmation of why I was here. I am here to help people, to serve others, and to make my family proud. Those are all important things, but as I sat looking at the picture and realized what the true purpose of me being here is. I have been so blessed with a family that loves me and that I love unconditionally. It is very rare to have a family as close and strong as mine is. With cousins, brothers, sisters, grandparents, it is incredible how close we all are. I know that I am here to make that last for eternity and to help others find the joy that a family brings. 

I am continued to be humbled as I see what these people have. It is virually nothing, one jacket, a pair of shoes, the same pants, and maybe a hat. On saturday and sunday the members feed us, and as I eat I pray everytime that this family may be blessed with 10 times as much as they gave unto us. My mission is the poorest in Peru, so I really get to see some crazy things. 

I have had some much time to continue to think about the people here and how we can help bring families together. One of the hardest things in Peru is that they dont get married. It is a constant struggle to try and get couples to be married, even after being together for over 30 years. 

I dont want you to think that I am homesick, because honestly, Im not. Every time that i look at the photos of my family and close friends I can only think about what I am bringing unto these people. I know that God will bless these families and that it is my resposablity to help Him in that work. 

The culture here is very different. One thing is that every meal is rice, patatoes, and chicken. Always. It is really good though, so I cant complain. I got an all american classic of lasaugna, pudding, and sprite. It was literally the best. 

We get to do service one a week, and every time the service is moving rocks, moving dirt, or building something. I absolutly love it. I am usually on a wheel barrel because I am huge compared to everyone else. They seem to think that I am superhuman in my ablities to work, so they always make me do a job for two people. It is really probably because I am a greengo, but it is all good because I am happy to get to serve.

My companion doesnt keep the house as clean as i would like, so i did some cleaning and i found a new jacket. it is a medium, but I am totally gonna rep it. I had to go 4 days without laundry because the laundry guy lost it. I looked super nebie wearing just a white shirt. During the winter here, everyone uses sweaters, so I am super happy I brought those two with me. I am going to try and buy some gloves today because my hands are always super cold. 

The rain is different here, it is really a mist. It just gets really think and then you have water everywhere. It is really weird. I cant quite describe it. It almost feels sort of nice though. It is pretty much a non stop thing here. 

I hope that you enjoy my letters. My challenge for all of you is to really think about how blessed you are and make sure that your family and those relationships are your first priority. 

I got a picture inside one of the houses. This is probably the biggest one I have been in while in peru. It is probably as big as most peoples kitchen. 

9/15/14

All right, I gotta start out with this. So I was at this members house out front. They were selling food because he needs to pay for rehab for his foot. I was sitting there eating when a huge band started to play. All of the sudden, a bunch of guys come out of a house dancing with a casket and a bunch of people are dancing and clapping. They were throwing the casket all around and I couldnt belive it. But it is a culture thing here, so I guess its cool. hahaha

This week I got to go with the Zone leader Elder Colton for a day and stay the night. He has a pretty nice area for peru. The people there are about the average class. I really got to learn a lot about how different each missionary is. I really learned a ton about how we can be direct in calling others unto Christ. It is difficult, but when we are direct the spirit confirms the words that we are saying. I think that President Holland is a perfect example of this. 

This monday night we got to go to family night with a family and also an investigator of a member. It was super fun! We played the cup stacking game and it was a absolte blast! Being with all of those people having fun doing simple games is exactly how the lord works. I can honestly say speniding time with that family gave me more joy then all of my times going to some party or bonfire. It is amazing to see the light of christ in these people. 

We have gotten a ton of new investigators this week, which has been our goal for quite awhile. One problem that our area has is that the people dont trust the bishop because he tells the ward about the private interviews he has. Also our ward council doesnt really want to work. We asked the bishop for time and I stood and gave a couple of expieriences and explained that without the ward, the missionaies are nothing. It truly is the memberts that make missionary work possible. I have a personal testimony of this. 

In the Scriptures in spanish, there is a guide of topics in the back. In the guide, I looked up the difinition of sacrifice. It said sacrifice is when you give everything that you have to Jesus Christ. I challenge you all to work on sacrificing more for Jesus, Our Savior. 

Last couple of weeks at the Mexico City MTC

Two more till I go down under (8/12/2014)

Well, this had to be one of the most epic weeks, yet i dont have that much time, so excuse my punctuation and spelling. I had a birthday, Got a virus, had someone walk in on me in the bathroom, my companion lost his marbles last night, and bought some sick womens sweatsuits with two other guys. I will defiantly send a pic of the suits. they are so fresh. I love it. But anyways, it is super chill down here. Keelbrew emailed me and told me to buy the gospel works in Spanish, so i am going to. I think it will be good to have. 

Thank you for sending me with those letters mom, for it truly meant a lot to be able to read something for my birthday. There is something different about holding a letter and seeing someones handwriting that i have never truly appreciated until now. 

My birthday was good, all the guys around here went to the tienda, store, and bought me some candy. it was super nice of them to think of me. I ended up sharing it all with them, so it all worked out. I am so grateful cause i gotta make sure and not each too much bad food. 

I got a virus that has been going around here, and lets just say i am lucky that i have been blessed with such a strong stomach. I almost had a couple of close calls. during one of these time, i was in the bathroom and the door was broke, so my district put the door wide open while i was going then left. I had a teacher walk in on me and just stare me down. That was probably one of the best experiences ever. 

Anyways, i am almost over the virus. I have been feeling a lot better. It is crazy how fast it spread

My companion lost it in a weird way last night. he just got really strange and was laying on our district leader and whispering to him like he was batman. I dont know, but it was pretty weird. hahahahha

In the tienda there were these sick jumpsuits, so me and two other elders got them. They totally remind me of what my mom would wear to go and play tennis, but we pull them off. 

I have begun to read in the D and C and it has been an amazing experience. to all of you guys at home, please read as much as you can. I know it is difficult, but if you make time for the lord, he will give you more than you could ever dream of gaining yourself. Also, we had a talk by elder Bednar on video, and it talked about how christ would always turn outward in his times of struggles. How often do we find ourselves with selfish thoughts when we are sick or when we feel we are in need. When I was sick with the virus, instead of turning in, i really tried to do as the savior and to turn out and serve others. Try to pray for others in your prayers instead of yourself, for this shall bring more blessings unto you and those you pray for then a selfish prayer could ever accomplish. 

Continue with your testimonies. Dont simply have a testimony of the Gospel, but become truly converted unto it. If you do, you will be one of Gods truly choice children. Put your faith in one much greater than yourself, and He shall never disappoint you. 

I love you all and am so grateful for this expierience in my life. I know that Christ is our Savior and that through Him all of us may be saved. To not delay in your turning unto Him, for the time my soon be too late. 

Here are a couple pictures of our sick sweatsuits. Your gonna love them. 

The Elder From That Town You Love,

Elder Roberts

I AM OUTTA HERE!!! Into what, I have no idea! (8/19/2014)

Well, the time has finally arrived. I received my flight plan today. Next monday at around 11, I will leave the MTC and head out for peru! It is so crazy to think how much time has passed, yet it feels like it has been the only thing I can remember. The closer and closer I have got unto the Lord, the stronger and stronger i feel the spirit. It has gotten to the point that i feel as if i dont speak that much anymore, but it is simply the spirit using me as an instrument.

I want to make sure and thank everyone that wrote me for my birthday, it really meant a lot. I don't remember if i said that before. Thanks for the donuts mom, I just got them today and have been able to share them with all of those around me. Everyone has truly enjoyed it.

Well, it is starting to get to that point where everyone starts forgetting I am gone, but I am cool with it. Hopefully you guys will still read my email even if you dont get to write me back. Back when I was at home, missionary letters were my favorite thing to pass the time on the can. It was always a good spot for me to have some quiet and get to hear and feel other peoples experiences and testimonies.   

I got to visit the temple today, and it was pretty cool. It is closed for construction, but getting to see it was still great. We just got back a couple of minutes ago, so I literally just got here. It is absolutely amazing to me to see the difference in these peoples way of life. It is truly a whole new world. 

I got over my sickness, and am back to about as good as i can be with beans and rice every day! I cant wait to head out and go and eat South American beans and rice, even though it will probably be the same. I know I am about to have a really trying time in my life, so I will need all the support I can get. Luckily I know that God is on my side and will help me through. 

I have had some absolutely amazing experiences this week, and it is so incredible for me to see the Lords hand. One of the stories i would like to share is about Sister Olsen. She is the sister that i was struggling with a couple of weeks ago. She had really been struggling here, and in consequence would blow up on our District. I finally looked at myself and realized how cruel I was truly being. Who am I to judge another? I then tried to look deeper, to what could truly be the cause of her blow ups. I began to pay attention to her more during class. She has really been struggling. One night, she absolutely lost it. Our district went back to the house and we talked to the zone leaders how this has been a repeated problem. They then said they would think about what to do. We then kneeled down as a district, and said a prayer for her. The following night, she bore her testimony to us and the spirit present was absolutely astounding. I am so grateful for our prayers being heard in behalf of this sister. She is actually an amazing and wonderful person. I am so happy that God was able to open my eyes and see through His vision, not my own blind eyes. 

Another experience I had was in the opportunity of giving a lesson to out investigator. We do this everyday, but this time it was special. I have had a hard time with the language for the past little while. I decided that I was going to refocus and make sure that I was doing all that i can to learn the language. I kneeled down and asked God what i should read, so I have begun Preach My Gospel in only Spanish. I have to admit, it was a daunting thought. As I have stayed faithful to reading everyday in Spanish, I have been sufficiently blessed with the Hearing and Speaking of tongues. Now back to the lesson. I was sitting there and we began with prayer. I said it, and from that moment on, every work was inspired of the Holy Ghost. Every thought I had was given unto me. Our teachers are our investigators, so after the lesson my teacher came up to me and was about in tears from my progress. She kept trying to hug me, but I had to keep reminding her i was missionary! hahahah It was truly amazing to feel the Lord use me as an instrument, and not only once, but in every day of my life.

I know that I am about to leave the shelter of this oasis, and I know that I will be overwhelmed. The best I can do is draw close to the Lord and wait to see what He has in store for me.   

I truly hope that these stories are helping to build someones testimony, because I know that mine has grown immensely, and I know that there is never a climax or a ceiling to where our testimony can go. I know that through continued service, our Lord will continue to bless each one of us individually. I challenge all of you at home to look at yourselves and say, what can I do to become more like Christ? I know that each of us has something we can work on. Truly strive to strengthen the testimony of those around you, and by doing so yours will be strengthened. 

I know all of you at home are busy, but please remember to make time for the Lord, for He is always willing to make time for you. 

Elder Roberts

The picture is of me and my Roomate Elder Taylor in front of the Mexico City Temple. I had some more, but his camera died and that is all I could get.