May 9th, 2016: Party in the PerU.S.A

Fam and Friends,

First and foremost I have to wish the ever stylish, beautiful, thoughtful, and hip mom, Dayna J, a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

If you don't know her consider yourself deprived of all the good things in life and take her out to lunch.... or Costco! I love you so much mom and hope you had a great day!

So. This week.  We found a family with eight kids (shouts out Hardings).  They are super awesome and their kids are super well behaved!  The only downside is that they live in Rosa de Guadalupe where a member of the ward got murdered so we cant visit them past 6 pm. Also the majority of their kids (a good soild five of the eight) are literally always completely naked when we go over. Hahahaha. They are doing great however and already accepted a baptismal date for June 4th!

One of our progressing investigators (has a date for the 21st) had a drinking relapse this week:( He was super sad, we were super sad, but we taught about repentence, the spirit was killer, there were tears from both ends, and then we topped it off with chicken feet soup. The Lord doesn't expect immediate perfection, but he does expect immediate change. #starttoday

I have been sick for the past couple of days and if you ask any Peruvian they will tell you it's because I sleep with the fan on and I drink cold drinks. Dont ask me why but literally everyone here is convinced that those things make you sick. I on the other hand, am convinced it is the work of Satan trying to make us miserable by telling me I can't have a fan or a cold drink when it is 95 degrees. #Apostasy

All in all this week was great.  We had a mother's day activity with the ward that was supposed to start at 7:30 but didnt start until 9.  Elder Sangueza did a musical number at said activity and brought the house down!  And I gave Hermana Vilma an actual hug because she literally treats us like her own kids and that is what she wanted for Mother's day.

I hope all the mom's out there had a great mother's day. Continue to kill it. I love you all and talk to you next week!

Elder Meier

May 2nd, 2016

Que tal (how are you) fam and friends.

So this week was terrible turned great. LOL. It actually started off great. We found three new investigators Mon and Tues and things were really rollin.  We were pumped because we had so many lessons with a member planned and we were determined to get hermanamiento for each of our investigators (i dont know what hermanamiento is in english. I think it is like fellowship but idk???). Anyway, literally went all out, we were calling people up the Whazoo, confirming citas (appointments) with everyone and their dog, and calling and texting our members constantly.  Long story (filled with sweat, tears, and half swear words)short, NINE out of our TEN lessons with a member fell through. Some investigators weren't home, some were drunk, and some went to Trujillo to buy more watermelons. I instantly was discouraged and when Sunday rolled around I became even more discouraged when NO ONE came to church.  Luckily the sacrament is a real thing and during it I  felt like the Lord was content with the efforts we put forth this week. After church I accepted that this week was just going to be crappy and that we were not going to get our goal of 5 new investigators (after Tuesday no one let us in their house).  Sunday was normal and good, but I just kept feeling sad that this week was so unbeneficial.  Finally it was 7 o clock, we had to report at 8, and we still hadnt found any new investigators.  Early that day the Familia Zeta ( the family where the dad, Carlos, isnt a member) invited us over to eat dinner if we werent busy. The temptation was real to ditch the search for nuevos (new people) and go enjoy the comfort of the Zeta home.  But both Elder Sangueza and I really felt like we could make one more push to find a new investigator before giving in.  Randomly both of us remembered a family we had seen playing a board game together (this was literally like a month ago). We decided to go and visit them and finally SUCCESS! Doris and Segundo and their three kids were PUMPED and ready to listen.  We literally started off LOLing and sharing experiences and they invited us back for a second lesson.  After the appointment all I could think about (and sing with Sangueza in the calle (street)) was our mission song A Vencer ("carry on" in english). Honestly the Lord knows what he is doing, and everything will work out if you just push a little bit harder and go a little bit further.  The funny thing about missions is things like this happen all time and yet I still get discouraged even though I know the miracle is going to come. The church is true and blessings are available for everyone who wants them. Love you all and hope you have a great week!

Love, Elder Meier

April 25th, 2016

Hi fam and friends,

So the highlight of this week (and by highlight I mean downlight) is that Rosa and Wilmer rejected us this week:( but also LOL. Basically we went to their house with a top notch lesson planned, found out they still hadn't prayed for an answer or read the Book of Mormon, one thing lead to another, and basically they are happy where they are and firmly believe in El Senor Cautivo (Black Jesus). We said 'ok' and Rosa explained that all of her family is Catholic and she's not willing to leave all that yet, but that she will call us when she is ready. So cheers to black Jesus stealing our investigators.

The bright side, however, is that we found a fantasic new investigator/family this week!  His name is Edu (There is an accent on the u).  We found him last week while we were contacting.  Actually that's a lie.  We found him last week while we were buying watermelon during our five minute break from contacting.  Basically in this mission from 6-8 we are only allowed to 'Buscar Nuevos' which usely means knock doors.  We had been knocking doors for an hour straight with ZERO success and decided to buy watermelon.  Edu just so happens to be the man who sells watermelon.  As we were buying, the spirit instantly yelled at me 'TALK WITH EVERYONE' so we contacted Edu, he told us to come back, we taught him twice, and HE CAME TO CHURCH ON SUNDAY!  Holla at Edu.  We have an appointment to teach the him and his family (they were in Ecuador) this Tuesday.

Peru continues to entertain me, and I continue to LOL. We had three dogs in sacrament meeting.  I am literally at war with cochroaches, I had to give a talk in sacrament meeting, and the Jehovah's witnesses continue to come to our house to teach us. Hahaha. All in all things are well and I miss you all. 

Love,

Elder Meier

April 18th, 2016

Fam and Friends.

So, there was def an earthquake in Piura.  It was miniscule and I loled the entire time because really it just felt like I was in a mediocre bouncy house for approx. one minute. Hahaha. But mark it off the bucket list!

This week was also transfers:( They were terrible. Both Hermana Spainhower and Elder Peterson are leaving:(  This transfer was easily the most hilarious and I will miss Hermana Spainhower and Elder Peterson immensely. Mostly because not a single member can say either of their last names and it is always hilarious.  My comp is also VERY sad that Elder Peterson left (he literally loves him, as do I) and he kept saying 'Peter se fue' (Peter left). It has been a sad day all around.

The highlight of this week was when some good hearted but very busy district leader forgot that we had to do a musical number this week until Saturday night (whoops #mybad).  LOL.  We all quickly decided to sing 'Ye Elderes de Israel'.  Don't ask me why because turns out NO ONE knew it that well and we got up there and did terrible. Utterly terrible.  But I loved it because it perfectly pictured our dysfunctional little district.

This week was however fantastic in the way of missionary work. My fave investigators are currently ALL OF THEM. They literally all are pulling through with their compromisos (promises) and I am stoked.  Some of my faves are Karina y Kiara.  Karina is the mom and Kiara is the daughter (she's eleven).  The mom can't see very well so Kiara reads her the Book of Mormon out loud.  When we went back last Friday for the appointment Kiara had read her mom the entire intro, testimonies of the witnesses and Jospeh Smith. Kiara also explained to us PERFECTLY what she had read, including who the Jaredites were which I didn't understand until my junior year in high school. Everyone this week was also so willing to accept baptismal dates??? (I know for a fact it's because we have been showing the #BecuaseHeLives video and that video could literally convert Hitler.) Anyway we currently have 7 dates for the 21st of May so mark your calendars folks because it's gonna be a party!

Anyway, missionary work continues to be number one. I hope all is well back at home. I love you all and take care!

Elder Meier

 Hiking with the district

 Canchaque!! The dog literally followed us the entire time and then surprise kissed me when I went to take the photo

April 11th, 2016

Fam and Friends,

First off, my birthday was number freakin one.  Hermana Vilma THREW ME A SUPRISE PARTY! First one I have ever had! Hahahaha. She made my favorite dessert, it's literally crackers and pudding, and invited all of the missionaries in my district over. I did, however, get egged.  But Hermana Vilma was 100% prepared with a change of clothes (garments and socks included) and gathered water so I could shower (our water shuts off at six). Shout out to that woman. Also shout out to Hermano Jhon.  They take such good care of us.

Today, P-day, was also fantastic.  We went to Canchaque.  I told the district that if we got 15 new investigators and 10 people at conference we could go to Canchaque.  We got 13 new investigators and 9 people at conference, but I say mercy to the diligent, and we headed to Canchaque anyway!  Canchaque is the only beautiful place in our mission, and it is also three hours away. Hahahaha.  We left at four in the morning, saw the most beautiful sights, I had several 'there is a God' moments, and then we got home around three. It was a hilarious day, and I bought some delicious Peruvian cheese.

Now, miracle of the week...Carlos.  There is a family in our ward, the Familia Zeta, who are literally number one and my fave fam.  The son Anthony just recently left on a mission, and is the one who gave us Manuel as a reference.  He accompanied us every day and I miss him daily.  He was the first to get baptized at the age of 18, without his mom's permission. Next, one of his little sisters  got baptized (she is also THE best). Then their mom, Socorro, got baptized and she is currently one of the recent converts we visit weekly.  Anyway, long story short, everyone got baptized and converted except the little sister (she currently has a baptismal date and is taking the lessons from the sisters) and the dad, Carlos.  Now, Carlos is terrifying. I don't know if it's his I heart Jesus tattoo, or the fact that he never wears a shirt so the said tattoo is also visibly present, but he terrifies me. I have also been trying to teach him since day 1 with 0 success. This week, however, it finally happened.  It started off normal. We had citas with some investigators and menos activos and we headed out the door.  Then, however, every single cita and plan de respaldo fell through, and because I am weak and a baby I instantly started being discouraged and finally said a prayer where I'm pretty sure I said something like 'I understand that you didn't want me to visit any of the six people we got planned, so you're gonna have to tell me a little clearer who we are supposed to go and see.' Instantly the names Rosa and Wilmer popped into my head.  Wilmer is the brother of Hermana Socorro and we had a cita with them scheduled later that day and Hermana Socorro was supposed to accompany us.  So we go to their house to confirm the cita at five, only to find out that they couldn't and we had to rearrange it for the next day.  I not so gratefully offered up a half hearted prayer of thanks (I was trying so hard to be grateful, but it was literally the 7th cita that fell through) and we headed off to Hermana Socorro's house to tell her the cita got changed. Low and behold when we arrived, there was Hermana Socorro and CARLOS.  Socorro invited us in and Carlos for the first time ever had a full fledged conversation with us, shirtless and in all his Jesus Tattoo glory.  This getting to know you talk went on for about an hour, and time was running short.  I quickly realized that we currently had an opening at five for a cita where Rosa and Wilmer had been.  The spirit instantly started yelling at me. Yes YELLING. (Still small my bum).  'DO IT' it screamed, 'ASK IF YOU CAN COME AND SHARE SOMETHING AT FIVE'. After about approx 7 minutes of inner turmoil I finally blurted out 'Are you guys gonna be here at five?'. Silence. So I explained that we had an opening at five and wanted to come and share something.  Silence. Finally Carlos said that would be fine, we set the appointment, I checked my vitals, realized I was okay and we had a cita at five, and left for lunch.  When we returned at five, we had an excellent lesson, Carlos invited us back, and he even wore a shirt for the lesson! I then of course had to repent to the Lord and tell him that I realize I know nothing and that everything is under control.

I just want you all to know that this church is true, because it teaches the actual and restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  The Gospel is what is the most important.  Next comes fun activities and funeral potatoes.  The restored gospel is what makes us happy, different, and powerful.  Think about the blessings of the gospel in your life.  The knowledge you have.  Then try to tell me it is just something someone invented. FALSE. The gospel is here for the happiness of you, me, Carlos, and EVERYONE. I know it.

I love you all and hope you have a great week!

Elder Meier

1-Birthday tradition

2-Jace's district

3-Hermano Jhon & Hermana Vilma

April 4th, 2016

Fam and Friends!

Thanks for all the birthday wishes!!!!  Yes I got my packages!  I'm actually lowkey scared for my  birthday because it is a tradition to throw eggs and flour at the birthday boy and Hermana Vilma (my pensionista and literal bff) said she was going to break into our house (she has a key) and destuirme (destroy me). Hahahaha. Pray for me.

Conference. Wow.  Shouts out. So good. No I don't have a favorite talk. I just love apostles, prophets, and auxillary leaders.  I do have to confess something, however, the mission has made me a cry baby.  I am literally weepy at all times. And conference was terrible.  It all started with Sister Chinchay.  She is a menos activo (less active) in the area of the other elders.  I taught her one time on an intercambio (exchange) with Elder Peterson.  Her and her husband are trying so hard to go to the temple and be sealed with their family.  Saturday morning Elder Sangueza and I are on the bus on our way to the conference center,  all the sudden this lady hauling three kids in both her arms gets on the bus.  I finally came to realize that it was sister Chinchay.  And then I instantly started crying.  When we got to the stake center we helped her with her kids (I was still crying) and they all got seated to watch conference.  I think what really impacted me was that for weeks her and her husband have faithfully come to the Principios del Evangelio (Gospel Principles) class and they take turns leaving the class to take care of their one year old who never stops crying.  In my one lesson with her, she started crying as she expressed how she wants more than anything to be sealed with her family and that she would do anything.  And there she was, Saturday morning, by herself because her husband is working two jobs, hauling all of her kids to conference.  The most beautiful part was that one of the talks was specifically focused on the temple, and the spirti instantly told me that that message was for her.  I of course then started crying AGAIN and remained inconsolable. 

Also I have to give a shout out to Charles Wade Meier. Sorry I was never supportive in Family Council.  Turns out you were way ahead of the times and Elder Ballard would be so proud.

Investigators.  Shouts freakin out to our investigators!  Kevin, Mario, Ericka, Karina, Javier, and Gilder are KILLING it. They are all reading the BOM, all praying, and all progressing.  We still don't know how many came to conference because there was one thousand people there, but we know for sure that Karina and Javier came and they loved it.  Karina said it was 'lindisimo' (awesome) and Javier said it was 'muy bueno' (Javier is a little more serious.) Anyway shouts out to our investigators. Love 'em.

Oh yeah Peru is also currently getting turnt up because there will be a new temple in Lima.  Soon Peru with have FOUR temples. HOLLA!

Anyway fam, hope you all stay sweet and spiritual.  This week was exceptional spiritual.  I have never felt such a strong spirit.  God loves each and everyone of you.  There is a plan, and it is to help you receive your divine potential. Love you all.

Elder Meier

We went to the beach today and I was super excited and tourettesy.

March 30th, 2016

No group email, but an email to mom!

Dayna J,

Easter was a blast.  We had a sleepover with the other elders.  We played monopoly and bore our testimonies. Hahahaha. Also, I'm low-key glad it was too cold to do the Easter Egg Hunt outside because i dont feel TOO bad that I missed it now.

I hope dad had a great b-day! You married a real winner mom! Hahaha.  The mission makes me sentimental at all times and all I can remember about anyone in the fam is that they are the best and I love them so much. 

Pday is usually a hot mess. Hahaha. Sometimes we travel to a beach or a hike (but Piura is the world's most hideous mission so there aint much. Hahaha).  Lots of other times we play games or watch a Disney movie. Today we watched Ice Age four at the a members house.

I was scared to take money out becuase I can only do so many adult things at once, but I finally did, and yeah it worked great!  I just dont want to spend too much because I want to try and save that money for school.  This month I they gave us less than usual so I had to take some out to buy sunscreen. Hahaha.

I am devasted that the Nordfelt's are moving. Literally what the crap? NO.  I oppose. I do not sustain Dennis unless he is teaching seminary at Hunter High.

Anyway mom, things are going good!  I hope you are having a great time!  I tried to send some letters home but who even knows what will happen. Hahaha.  I have two boxes of contacts left just in case you were wondering. Oh!  Before I forget, in the next package PLEASE if at all possible send me clippers.  I can not get another Peruvian haircut.  Today was the final straw. 

Anyway, I love you and have a great week!