We had a baptism!

We had a baptism! I would love to attach photos but I left my camera in the room, so you'll just have to imagine it!  She´s 11, and she was more active than the majority of the members. My companion baptized her, and it was something really special. I'm starting to get the hang of the Peruvian keyboard. I found the "flying burp", already. Although, there are still many symbols that I have yet to find. I, obviously, did not get transferred. I am still here, living the vida loca, as always. Which is cool, because I didn't want to leave my awesome companion anyway.  He is from Bolivia. He has a really tight conversion story. He was a member of a gang. All of his family took the lessons and got baptized aside from him, but then his older brother told him to read the Book of Mormon and pray. So he did, and he got an answer and he left the gang. The gang beat him almost to the point of death, but he prayed in his heart that if God would save him he would get baptized and serve as a missionary. So, here he is. He is super great and has an inspiring testimony. I think I have changed pretty drastically as well. I know I was never a bad person, but I wasn't the most powerful member either. It's funny, everyone always asks what my reason was to come on the mission. I think I change my answer every time, because I honestly don't remember. But I can honestly say that I am here on my own accord, and plan on serving the Lord as long as I live.

It´s so crazy to see photos of all you guys in tee-shirts and shorts! It snowed like all week over here! Is it not winter? I loved what you said about the importance of prophets. We really are blessed in this dispensation, too. There is something soooo special about hearing his words, and the more you pay attention, the more you recognize the priceless significance of them and that God truly does love His children. I think we really learn a lot about God by the way that the prophets speak. I love you all sooooo much! I´ll be sure to send extra pictures next week!

Much love,

Elder Alexander

He danced very enthusiastically.

Woah! Emma is soooo tall! So is Elijah! What are you feeding them?  Things may change very soon because we have transfers on Tuesday, and I'm pretty darn sure I'm out of here. My companion is staying for sure, because they just called him as a counselor in the branch bishopric this week. The President of the branch isnt completely fond of me.The other day, we had soup for lunch, but it was too hot, so I brought up the idea of receiving nutrition through vapor form, and commenced nomming on the steam coming from my soup. The president then informed my companion that he's very patient with me and most people around here wouldn't put up with behavior like this. But the highlight of the week was this morning, waiting for the taxi to fill up so we could leave for Cerro. One of the town drunks was drunk, big surprise, and he came up in front of the stationary taxi, and began to dance. He danced very enthusiastically. He then, after about 5 minutes, stood up straight, waved, took a bow, and walked away casually.

 The low is that the baptism didnt work out on Thursday, but its going to be this Saturday for sure now. I love you all soo much! Please stop growing!

Much love,

Elder Alexander

A reminder that Peru was not designed for white people's comfort.

No struggle, no victory!

We had a pretty normal week. Again. haha. But I made french toast for breakfast this morning with the pentionista, and that was super cool. Also, our pention took us out to eat last night at the Liverpool Diner (which is not nearly as classy as it sounds). It was super good, except I accidentally invited the waiter to eat with us. I pulled out a chair for my companion, and asked him to have a seat, but then I looked up and my companion wasn´t next to me, but rather a 17 year old girl with a rather surprised, but flattered expression. Then, I later accidentally called her señora, which is an old-lady term. And besides, she already thought I was crazy because we had come the night before, but I had arrived all dressed up aside from the fact that I was using flip flops because we had arrived to the room for the night, I took off my shoes, and then we decided we wanted chicken. And the thing is that there was a ton of snow on the ground and the flip flops have holes in them (the freaky alien ones). But it was alright because I apologized for messing up her night, and now she laughs every time we pass by which is quite a few times, considering the size of Carhuamayo. We´re teaching a pretty good amount of lessons, as always, but not having a ton of success, as always. But we have our fingers crossed that this baptism will go according to plans Thursday! I also remember you guys often and I´m also super proud of all of you. Stay strong, my lovelies. No struggle, no victory!

Much love,

Elder Alexander

PS. I tried cuy!!!!! I ate a guinie pig!!!!!! yeah!!!!!! It was yummy! It tasted like beef-jerky!

Also, Hermana Paisley got transfered and now she´s in my district, which is genial!