Elder Allen Week #20 & #21 Que tal todos! Yeah, not much really happened this week, but a Merry Christmas to all!

After 3 months in the field we had our 2nd training meeting, which is supposed to be around month 1, so that's fun. It was combined with the group behind me, so that rocked. (Thought I got rid of Elder Litster dang it haha) The message I liked the most from it was about Ether 2:23

When Ether is commanded to build the boat, he does so willingly but runs into some problems. One of which being there is no light. He asks the Lord what he should do, and the Lord responds with this- And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared: What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels? For behold, ye cannot have windows, for they will be dashed in pieces; neither shall ye take fire with you, for ye shall not go by the light of fire.  No Windows, and no Fire. These are the obvious solutions, right? That's where we get light from. 

A lot of the time, this is how we ask for help or blessings. We look for the easiest way possible to get what we want, in the way that requires the least. But the Lord doesn't want that from us. He wants us to have a 16 stone plan. To have an idea, and work on it. Get everything worked out, and then pray for the finger of the Lord. If we have this 16 stone plan, the blessings will come. 

The Lord could give us windows and fire, but it's only when we have the 16 stone plan that we see the finger of the Lord. Only then our testimony grows. Only then we see the miracles working in our life. Stop looking for the easy way out, and get to work. The Lord will make up the rest. 

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Christmas in Peru Rocks! It's definitely different from home, but the spirit is still here. And they still have hot chocolate, even though its super hot. (And its a lot better here, its made with real chocolate). Our branch Christmas party was a blast, and everyone paints their house here for Christmas. It's a lot of fun. But it still feels like July, so that's weird. 

I forgot to mention, In the newest group of missionaries, there's a new Hermana, Hermana Allen. But wait- She's from Ecuador. How weird is that? Haha. 

And lastly, today I made the hardest decision of my life. I had to go against everything I have ever stood for. After 3 months in this country, Today I found the first American Football that I have seen. It was at a local second-hand market, for about 1 dollar. But you'll never guess what team it's for. The freaking utes. Who finds a utes football in Lima Peru. I bought it anyway because I want to play some real football haha. 

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John 3: 16-17-For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

This is most definitely one of my favorite scriptures. God sent his son because he loves us, and his son, Jesus the Christ, saved us all. He is the star that shines in the darkness. He is the life and the light of the world. From the silent night, He was born until the night He suffered, bled, and died for us. He is the greatest gift we will ever receive. Through him, we are redeemed, forgiven, and saved. Christmas will always be my favorite day, not for the presents, but a day to remember Him. What gift will you give to Christ this Christmas? 

Feliz Navidad! Happy Holidays! With love, Elder Allen. 

Week #21

Feliz Navidad y Año Nuevo!!

Needless to say, Christmas is completely different here. But it was awesome. A new experience. They celebrate Christmas more on the 24th than on the 25th, so we had a Christmas dinner on Christmas eve. Chicken, like always, but it was good. Instead of a silent night, Christmas Eve in Peru is one of the loudest and coolest nights of the year. The fireworks are incredible. In every direction you look, fireworks light the sky. And they just keep going. It was unlike anything I have ever seen. The silent morning exists though. We got up at 6:59 like normal, and walked outside. The quietest street I have ever seen in this country. It was awesome. Called the family, that was weird but good. All in all, It was a Christmas that I'm always going to remember. 

The rest of the week was tranquilo. Not much happened. We had work splits for the day, and I got to hang out with Elder Barreto, a Brazillian in his 1st transfer. It was fun to take the lead for once, and we got a lot of work done. One of the people that we contacted we taught all of lesson 1 to, invited him to be baptized, got to explaining the Book of Mormon, he says that he already has one and that he's already a member. Wow. Thanks for telling us that when we shook your hand. Hahaha, it was pretty funny though. There's a ton of inactive members here. It's crazy. 

We should have a baptism this Sunday, a joven (youth) named Rosalinda. She had all the lessons about a year ago but didn't feel ready. But she's so excited to be baptized now. She's changed a ton these past weeks. Hopefully, all will work out good and tranquilo. 

With all the new changes in church this upcoming year, I'd like to share how strongly I care about the opportunity to go to church. I feel like once a week isn't enough sometimes haha. A day to just sit down, to be with our families, and more than anything, to remember our Savior and take the Sacrament. And now the chance to study the gospel with the family and in the home is incredible. In the Bible Dictionary definition of Temples, it says- Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness. All of you that are at home, with your families, make the best about this new revelation from God and learn to love church even more. 

Happy new years! 

Elder Allen