Letter from Elder Morton, 10.27.08

Date: Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:36:17 +0000

Hey yall!

First things first, we had 4 baptisms on Saturday for Casuarinas and Elder Hyde is no longer a baptism novice, he got his 1st of many baptisms to come for Collique! So our area this month got 8! All young men and woman which will strengthen our respective wards for a long time! I am really pumped because we have another 4 scheduled for this upcoming Saturday so lets pray everything pans out. The Elder Saenz and Elder Morton click as of now have 12 total baptisms, and I can honestly say it's not because I am a great teacher or speak Spanish well. If it weren't for the spirit we would be resting on a goose egg for sure!

I won't be transferred until November 19th or something like that so as of now I am great, except I could use some of those great protein sticks you sent last time they were bomb!

Cool I can't wait to read the letters when I get those packages. So far I have recieved one letter from Rob A and it was while I was in the MTC in Provo. Did you send a Sacramento Kings shirt? If so it's all good because on P day we can wear just about anything that isn't cut off or shows our garments. Some of the Elders have some goofy shirts and clothes in general. I will give him his gift when I recieve it, no worries. He will be wearing the medium because he is much skinnier than I am although, I am about 140 or so and maintaining that.

Elder Saenz and I are good. Working hard and being the best missionaries that we can be and still maintain our sanity. He is a funny guy. I will write snail mail as often as possible because I have to, there is so much going on and I want to keep you all in the loop. I have some photos of Elder Saenz and will get them to you as soon as I am able to. I have a good amount of photos that I will get to you of my whole trip from Provo to here.

Regaurding my blog please give a shout out to: Elder Rich, Elder Layton, Elder Hyde (he lives next door to me!), Elder Ridge and Elder Griffin. Yeah about Elder Saenz he won't need to stay with you I dont think, but thats nice of you. I think he is coming to the states sometime next year or so but I think he needs someone to vouch for him. I think he wants to live in California for a summer or so before or after he goes to BYU. As far as a tour of the local sites in Cali I think he would like that. I have his contacts and will get you two families in contact soon.

Yeah I am a survivor you know that and I think my life has given me a good base to build upon during the mission. I do love my family but I also realize that me being here, doing what I am doing, there is nothing better out there that I can be doing for my family than this right now. You are a strong woman, so use that stubborn side of you to your advantage and don't give up and keep on pressing forward! I got rid of my writing tablet but I have access to paper and envelopes so dont worry. I am good on vitamins. I should be ready for more about Christmas time though. I could use more shirts and bottoms that are cotton poly because when I wear that mesh (ones with holes) give me a rash in my arm pits and stuff. Could use more socks and slacks because the dude who washes our stuff lost my grey slacks and three pair of socks. Oh and if it's not too much money if you could send my blue suit for Christmas that would be cool but I don't want you sending me stuff and not being able to pay bills!

I love and pray for you ALL, that maybe we might be able to over come the efforts of the adversary to bring us down! If we pray and have faith that God will answer our prayers he WILL, but God can't steer a parked car!

Love,

Elder Morton

Letter from Elder Morton,

Letter From Elder Morton, 10-24-08

4 October 2008

Hey Everybody!

So here is my monthly report on "Life in Peru'!" Yesterday we had our 6th baptism and the family rocks! Now when their son gets off his mission in Guatamala they can get sealed as a family for time and all eternity, how cool is that?

One funny thing I noticed about where I am at right now, is that when it's not foggy like San Francisco weather, their sun feels like it's in your eyeball, and it is only spring! To get a pretty good visual of what I walk around in all day until 9:00 PM, take a look at Page 148 of "Our Heritage" from the Missionary reference library. Mom has it.

Yes the missionaries walk the dirt roads with houses who have 1/2 a roof or none at all. We are working wtih many great families here and I hope I stay for at least one more change so I can see the other 5-8 peole we ahve with baptism datesenter the waters of baptism. I will find out on Monday, November 6th where I am going on my next change to, or if I stay in this area for another change; or if I stay in this area for another change; which each change lasts 6 weeks. Only 14 more to go and I'm home scott free!

Honestly, my whole train of thought regarding hard work and family has changed immensly. I was so selfish and lazy, scared and prideful, not willing to put myself out there, that I was so much less than could have been. The good news is that I realize that now and developing the tools to make the necessary changes in order to be the man God intended me to be. I have learned about the nature of God and our purpose in life in the past three months since I have been gone from The Best Family I could have asked for.

I can only only immagine what the next 21 months or so hold. For me and you all; but what I do know is that there is more to life than the daily grind and that no matter what we do, or do not obtain here materially does not follow us in the next phase of life, only our good/bad works and knowlege are what we bring to the table. So it is with this and more that I pray for you all to search for and obtain what matters most and once you have obtained it do not let the adversity trick you into selling it for fools gold. With faith in christ and a great family all these things are possible, but God can't steer a parked car!

I pray for you all daily that you may prosper while I am gone both spiritually and temporally. We are children of God; I know this is to be true which means the possibilities are endless; Our potential is greater than we can imagine.

On that note what is going down with everyone in California? I have a new nephew now, right? What's the scoope on that?

Is the family as crazy or crazier than I left it? What's the deal with the banks, that I have been hearing about and are y'all rising above it?

I would like to receive hand written letters from family and friends while I am still in the city because once I am in the Jungle I won't get stuff from the mission office (the address in Los Olivos) until the following change (once every six weeks) because they won't fly stuff out there like letters, and packages. I love you all and send you my best wishes.

Love,

Elder Morton


P.S. If you could send me a sling shot or some portable devise to whack the crazy dogs, I would be very greatful!! On that note thank you Mom very much for all of the package you have sent they make life here a little more like home, which is always good, but try to make it a little cheaper on your side your're not rich yet!

Letter From Elder Morton, 10-20-08

Subject: Word up
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:35:08 +0000

Hello yall!

So far I havent recieved the package with vitamins and teeth whitener, but Im sure it will be at the multi zone in 2 weeks because thats when the zone leaders get all the packages and letters and disperse them to the elders in their zone.

I got the pictures of Ryder and he looks like a champ! A lot like Mike for sure. The baptisms are great, but I cant take the credit because God was preparing them long before Elder Saenz and I came along! Yes I am taking photos of every baptism and when I dont Elder Saenz does. I know you love me Mom, and I am very greatful for that, not everyone has a Mom as great as you!

Yes there arent many people who can afford cars here, they take microbuses everywhere, public transit if you will. None of us have bikes that I know of, we walk or take a taxi, or miscrobus [or van as we in America would call it].

Yes Elder Saenz is the only companion I have had so far, but by the way Pdte. Perez is I could have 13 different comps by the end of my mission, you never know. I have photos from the MTC in Provo till now. I sneak a photo in here and there when I can, for sure. We can check our mail and thats about it, were not allowed to go on the internet to look at that stuff so I probably will never see my web site. I got Annettes email and responded last Monday the 13th.

The work is hard, and non stop but so worth it! I pray that you all are recieving the blessings that you deserve as a result of my hard work and through our trials we may grow stronger as people and as sons and daughters of God. So whats going on with the California crew? Is that bank crisis taking its tole on you all or are you overcoming adversity through the knowledge and training that comes along with being apart of Team INA? On that note how is the Morton family doing in the business and church? Working hard and reaping the benifits I pray.

How is everyones health mentally and physically? How are my brothers and sisters and nephews and nieces each and every one? I pray you are all doing well since you all are in my prayers daily even Mom and Dad! :-)

Is my family confused as to why I would put my life on hold for two years to live in a super poor, city where I cant understand anywhere near as much of what people are saying as I would like and trying to teach them about the restored gospel? Its simple really, I prayed about it with faith that I would recieve an answer, and I did. Without a doubt there is a God and Jesus Christ truely lives and there are billions of people who do not know this simply because no one has given them the correct information and challenged them to pray about it with faith that they will recieve an answer.

I think thats about it, if not its because Im getting old and forgetful as well as bald! Watch out Bruce Willis here I come! Im blazing new trails!

Ciao all, and love you all!

Elder Morton

Letter From Elder Morton, 10-13-08

Subject: Reporting to you LIVE from Peru!
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:41:12 +0000

Hey Mom and Family!

So here is the update. I have recieved the packages with beef jerkey and toothpaste and protein bars and all that good stuff, you're a life saver mom!

For some fun facts our baptism count is at [8] 5 last month and 3 this month with 2 more scheduled for this upcoming weekend! The work rocks, the food is literally like playing Russian roulette but all is good in the hood! I will be here until about November 19th or so?

I am still with Elder Saenz my trainer. He is kind of crazy but a great missionary! I am learning a whole lot from him and excited for you to do business with him because he is sharp and motivated to succeed.

On a funny note out of all the girls who promised to write me, Camie is the only one so far who has lived up to the hype, besides Mom LOL! It's all good I don't really have time to worry about whats not happening because what is happening is that I am becoming a MAN. The man God intended for me to be and if I didn't go on a mission it probably would have never happened. So for those who are worried about the Jungle it will have to wait till mid November at least!. How is everyone up in Auburn and Roseville? Please let them know I am thinking of them!

I am taking pictures when I can but there isn't much opportunity to take pictures considering we are working pretty much 7 days a week, but I sneak a photo in here and there!

I have recieved to the best of my knowledge ALL the packages Mom sent even though our
zone leaders don't get a chance to get them to us as fast as I would like. What matters is that the mission office gets them within 2-3 weeks usually. That's all I can think of as of now.

If there are any other questions I have not answered sufficiently don't hesitate to e-mail me or write me snail mail and I will get back to you!

Love you all!

Elder Morton

Family Photos

"New Nephew"

Ryder Chase Morton,

born 10.03.08

8 lbs 8 oz - 20.7 inches long

Brown hair & light blue eyes

Letter From Elder Morton, 10.06.08

Subject: The jungle has to wait another exchange!
Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 14:35:27 +0000>

Hey yall!

I wrote you a letter and sent it today. You should get it in three weeks or less. It's mostly my testimony and some details of the mission life. So as the subject line says I am here for 6 more weeks in Casuarinas with Elder Saenz! I am really excited about that! At this rate I might actually be able to comminucate with the people when I go to the jungle. Yes when youre in the jungle you get mail once every change, which is every 6 weeks. We email every Monday unless it is impossible, so when I go to the jungle sometime you will still recieve emails from me every Monday. In the jungle you can stay there anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months. Well, relay the message to the best of your ability that I think they should have the missionaries at their homes and listen to what they have to say, because the missionaries won't make them do anything they don't want to do. If they are open minded about it, pray about it, and have faith that they will recieve an answer, they will; after all what do they have to lose by having a better relationship with God?

I am excited about what the future holds. It hasn't been easy but its true that God qualifies those he calls for the labor he calls them for. From what I hear you are working the business, keep up the good work. I knew you could do it! So whats up with your health? How is Rob A doing. Is he doing well in life? As you know I love you all, even you Mom, you rock!

Love,
Elder Morton
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Subject: I knew it! Go Ryder!
Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 14:57:19 +0000>

Hey Mom!

Thanks for the baby news. I am super excited about my new nephew! Was sorry to hear Sun had to have a C-section because of Ryder's head, you know he has lots of brains! Good to hear both mother and son are doing well. I am excited to see the new addition in a little less than two years! He's gonna be a big, smart boy! I hope everyone else is doing well. What's up with Justin, Brandon, Annette and Matt, they fall off the face of the earth again? Send them my love please, when you have the opportunity.

How are you and Dad doing personally? I heard Dad didn't get the job, how is his morale, and on that token how is yours? If you're down then read more Team INA books and listen to more CD's and help more people improve their lives because when you are serving others you forget you are sad or down, it works for me! I am happier than ever. I have a more positive outlook on life because I see every day, how the gospel changes and blesses lives! I have the utmost faith and confidence in you and Dad on every level.

You are the best parents I could have ever asked for and then some. You two have what it takes to be successful in life in every way and are more than worthy to be on that stage with the rest of the winners like Bill and Sue; Wade and Terri and the rest. I love you all very much and look forward to Christmas and you talking my ear off!

Much love to the California click,
Elder Morton
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Conference, Sunday, October 5th

"Elder Eduardo Gavarret,
is a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy spoke about Peru! Though he didn't mention Peru Lima North Mission specifically, he mentioned Puente Piedra, Peru, where Elder Layton is serving right now" Here is an excerpt of his talk. "President Angelo Aracon' from Puente Piedra Stake in Lima Peru', shared the following experience with me. "Each Saturday, the missionaries, the Bishop, some leaders from our city organization and I, visit the less-active members, some non-members and new converts from 8:30 A.M. til noon" At this point of his story, the words of a hymn came to my mind. Dear to the heart of the Shepherd, dear are the lambs of his fold. Some from the pastures are straying, hungry and helpless and cold. See the Good Shepherd is seeking, seeking the lambs that are lost. Bringing them in rejoicing, safe from such infinite cost."

The Elders were listening. Elder Nash, whom they had just met last week, and spoke with, and shook hands with - gave the closing prayer !! Conference was so uplifting for all to hear.
This article complements of Elder Rich & Elder Layton.

Friday, October 3, 2008

"On October 08, 2008, when all is said and done with changes, and with all of the new missionaries (including those from Bolivia), we will have over 200 missionaries!!!! & 16 zones!!!"

North of Peru, 09.28.08

The quechua community of Marahuayca-Incahuasi, located in the department of Lambayeque, to the North of Peru, has begun a phase with a growing industry of the most exquisite edible mushrooms of the country, that grow around hectares of pines that sowed with the support of Pronamachcs. The commoners decided to plant pines in the regions adjoining several hectares of pines with the support of Pronamachcs to market the woods in a time limit of 20 years. Around the pines they began to appear mushrooms ones that previously were rejected for 15 years by the belief that was weeds, weed or poisonous elements. With time, they have learned to take advantage of these mushrooms and they discovered that they are one of the delights in the world gastronomy. "It is a nutritious food, which in epochs of rain they obtain more than 3 tons of this fresh mushroom per hectare of pine and they have 60 hectares on the whole", as indicated Bernardino Lalopú Forest, Chief Pronamachcs Incahuasi-Ferreñafe. Incahuasi is one of the most forgot districts of Peru, where they survive quechua towns. In the population of Incahuasi, their work begins since there where large communal breeding ground and boys free the weeds to the small pines that come to to be sown at the rate of 100 hectares per year. According to Lalopú Forest, between the pine and the mushroom, there is an exchange of proteins, the pine gives the protein to the mushroom and the mushroom at the same time delivers the humidity that requires the pine. "The mushroom is fleshy and the yellowish part is the food, it is a vegetable meat, 100% ecological," added. In the meantime, in that same zone a wasp lives that has become the better controller of plagues, therefore permits to save thousands of dollars in insecticides. The Pronamachcs has raised a humble plant where the mushroom is peeled cut and dried in an oven and they use the wood drought of the same forest where they put its communal mark and its cost is of 35 suns the kilogram.

Offical Document from Peru

27/08/08

Hey Mom & Dad,

I have reached my mission home and the President and his wife are great! The Elders are nice & my companion is a good guy from what I hear. All of your packages made it to the mission home. When I get to my area I will see which ones came. I will write you to confirm. I may or may not email you today but if I can I will. So far so good, I am alive and well. I am excited to teach the gospel to develop a stronger relationship of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. It will be hard but I knew that to begin with. The most important thing is that I concentrate on becoming the best missionary that I can be, so that you all will be blessed spiritually, & temporally, as our faith is tested. I love you guys and pray for you every day. I know no matter what if we work hard with our eyes set on eternal salvation things will work out for the best. Never give up!

Love,
Rob

Elder Morton

SOMOS DE LA NORTE