work, work, work

Dear Family,

This week we worked a lot. I did a work visit with some missionaries in our district, and that went pretty well. I worked with another new missionary, Elder Christensen. He seemed to enjoy the experience, and I was happy with what we achieved, too. During the morning that we were together, we drew out the plan of salvation on his whiteboard and used it as a starting point for conversations. We found a lot of people interested in learning more.

Elder Butterfield's Spanish is getting better quickly. I'm proud of him. He managed to get by without me during the work visit, so that shows me he's ready for anything.

We taught a lot of lessons this week and invited a bunch of people to church. We were a little disappointed when everyone we expected to come did not, and those we expected not to come showed up. Here in Peru, this was Holy Week - so Friday was celebrated more than Sunday. Some people were upset that the members had a sports activity on Friday, but it was an even better opportunity to develop good answers for the question, "Do Mormons observe Holy Week?" The answer is, yes - every week. Every Sunday we remember the Atonement through the Sacrament. And we covenant to remember the Savior and His sacrifice always.

Mari Florian came to church again this week with Joe, her nephew. She will be baptized on the 25th, but Joe hasn't accepted baptism yet. Eduardo Chiclayo, whose son just left on a mission a month ago, came with the rest of his family as well. He's the only nonmember in his family, so they're working hard with him to help him come to church.

We cleaned a bunch this morning and then went running to the haircut place. I feel like my hair is growing faster every time.

Well, I'm loving the work. I'm trying to be better every day, and I love to help others do the same. It's not easy, and I suppose that's why it's worth it.

Love,
Elder Withers