Letter From Elder Morton, 11-28-08

Wednesday, 11-05-08

Hola Familia!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Wow, when I think things can't get any crazier they do! Crazy not in a bad way so don't worry, but its a constant roller coasterthat I'm on called a "Mission."

First things first the work here is good, but my companion Elder Saenz was sent some where else because my current companion Elder Garnica was having problems; so the fun is over for me. No worries though he seems like a good kid. Home boy speaks no English so I have no choice but to talk more in Spanish than I had to before. Plus I've been in this area for almost 10 weeks so I have to show him the ropes, it's all good. I can't believe its November already! On that note on my P-day (personal day) which is Monday Iwill send those pictures Mom wanted. Consider it a huge birthday from Peru! That's really all I can send for now. There are probably 150 photos.

Saturday, 11-15-08

As of today I have received two boxes: one with my suit,& black slacks, garments, & goodies. The other box had protein powder, cookies, protein bars, orange stuff for my water, shaving cream, shampoo, cold medicine, & razors. Thank you Mom, You Rock! But I must say again, please be careful with your finances, especially with things with the economy being "iffy" to nice. I don't want you guys to have a harder time finacially because your're sending me a bunch of stuff, than when I was home helping you out with the mortgage. The reason I always ask about the business and how it is going is because if you are consistent you will be able to enjoy the fuits of your labor sooner than later, and that would make me so very happy to know that while I am here blessing the lives of others, through preaching the gospel you are home not only blessing the lives of others through the business but having your lives blessed financially as a reward for your hard work. I Love You guys even though you are kind of crazy :-) I really feel as though I have the best family in the world.

I pray for you guys at least 5 times a day so I know that some good will come of my efforts for you guys. God Loves Us. I know this to be true. If we do what we are supposed to do like following the Commandments, working hard, staying positive, good things will happen because God wants us to be happy. I have seen so many mircles and changes of heart that I can not deny the fact that God is working hard also that the devil too is working hard, so we must Pray and Pray often if we expect to win this marathon we call Life. As of today we have baptized 12 people and if everything goes well tonight it will be 18! The Church is true, even down here! Much Love for you all and I can't wait to hear from you all!

Love,

Elder Morton

Letter from Elder Morton, 11-24-08

Subject: I'm still alive and kicking!
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:37:52 +0000

Hey all!

Another week survived, another week of wacky experiences, another awesome baptism! Thats 15 people total who have excepted the gospel and took the plunge....literally! This month has been slow as far as baptisms go and people with baptismal dates, but the adversary sometimes gets his 2 cents in. We have had three baptisms for November as of the 23rd but the good news is we have more in line for this upcoming weekend!

On another note I have had a few firsts. One was my first religious fight with a boyfriend of one of our investigators. That was ugly because I am at the point to where I am understanding about 90% of what the people are saying and able to, with much delay respond, but not fast enough for a doctrinal fight.

Also this morning was my first dream in SPANISH! Por fin! It was a funny one ofcourse. Man I really have changed my train of thought for the better in these 5 months or so. My faith has come so far from where it was, but as our knowledge grows we realize how little we really know.

How is everyone doing? I pray that you all are perserviering over the economic situation and health issues. Time is flying by for me, which is a blessing because I love and miss you all.

Whats Rob A up to these days? Is he a workaholic or has he found a good, healthy balance? Whats my nephews and nieces up to? Are my brothers and sisters keeping their noses clean or they still as crazy as when I left? Keep on kepin all folks, there is more to life than being born, passing the time away and then dying and becoming worm food.

Anything new in California besides the economy sucking? Is Obama the President or was he really born in a different country? How are Bill and Sue, and The Young Guns? Please give a shout out to my team, and my homies in the Rocklin 2nd and Rocklin 6th wards!

Happy early Birthday to Annette, I hope it is a good one! Whats Jimmie and Futaba up to? Working hard I have no doubt. Whats going down with Semaj, Revonda, Joyce, and our Bay Area click? Dad and you still hanging in there? James still a hermit? Anyone else that I didn't mention it's because I don't have much time left and I am losing my mind faster than the hair on my head! (Which is fast!)

Love you all,

Elder Morton

Letter from Elder Morton, 11-17-08

Subject: The Jungle has to wait for 6 more weeks!
Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:52:16 +0000

Hola crew!

So, as the title entails I will be here in Lima for at least another 6 weeks! Thats cool with me because I wanted to spend Christmas here in the city. Man it is so weird to think of spending Christmas anywhere but home, but thats what the mission is all about, new experiences and over coming challenges. As of now I have recieved 2 packages one with my suit and clothes (you rock!) and the most recent one was with cookies, protein powder, protein bars, shampoo, and shaving cream. With all that stuff I won't go hungry for the whole change! Thanks also goes to Annette, Justin and Brandon for the slacks and socks.

Thanks goes to all those who are thinking, praying and asking how I am, I appreciate it. I am in the midst of writing my family, Rob A, and The Solomon family but wont be able to send those letters out till Wednesday of this week.

Yes I have a few funny stories and I have only been here for a little less than 5 months! In two years I will have many I'm sure. On that note hows the health situation with you? You still alive and kicking? Also how is the business going? Do you have more than 5 people in your 2nd leg yet? Hows Bill, Sue and the Young Guns doing? I think about the business pretty much every week. I can't wait to get back and make it happen, not just immagine what it would be like you know?

This weekend was crazy, we had 6 baptisms scheduled and 4 fell through for one reason or another. One is an older lady who has health problems but ever since we started teaching her and her family she was getting progressively better till the day of her baptism. She got rushed to the hospital and wasnt doing great. So needless to say the devil brought his lunch and woke up early. As of now I know for a fact that the devil does exist and he is working hard to thwart Gods plan of salvation. Things are becoming so clear to me about life and our pourpose here. I am reading even more now than when I was home reading all those business books, and its all centered around the principles of the church and the will of God. I am realizing how ignorant I was about everything. I was affraid of rejection, whether it was present or not. I now know how important hard work is and especially how truely important family is. Spreading the gospel is the best thing I could be doing with my life at this point. I feel so blessed for the opportunity to be here, even though to be honest, I wish I had done this sooner because I would be a lot better off at this point in my life.

The good news is I have a new vigor for life and the church. I will be a much better member when I get home because of this experience and that Jesus lives and we are without a doubt children of God which means we have endless potential. We just have to seek it out and follow the commandments. The baptism count is 14 as of now!

Love you all,

Elder Morton

Letter From Elder Morton, 11-10-08

Subject: HAPPY B-Day MOM!!
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:36:10 +0000

Hey all!

First things first HAPPY EARLY B-DAY MOM!

I did hear that black power is in the white house! According to a newspaper here in Lima.

My new companion is Elder Garnica from Bolivia. He is a good kid who has been on his mission for 21 months. He speaks less English than I do Spanish but its all good. Elder Saenz is from Ariquipa, Peru. I will be able to pick up my packages on Friday at the multi zone I think. Don’t worry I will get Elder Saenz’s stuff to him. Thank you for all the packages and emails and letters. Its like having a piece of home away from home. I really appreciate it. But as always please be careful, I know things are tight with money in America right now so don’t go to the poor house because of me.

I will know next Monday where I am going so I'll let you know ASAP. I have mixed feelings about Obama. I hope he lives up to the hype because if he doesn’t it will be bad for everybody. I have confidence that he can and pray that he will get us back to the America that we once were economically and otherwise. I am proud that we have a black president to represent.

How are things going in California as far as the family goes? Still putting the pieces together? On that note how is the business going? Yall working hard and reaping the benefits and enjoying a little stress relief financially?

What’s up with Rob A? Have the have the Elders over one night to give him one of the lessons, he really has nothing to lose since he is already there and the church can only bless his life and all he has to do is listen, and pray to know if the church is true or not.

On that note I got your, Rob A, & the Solomon’s letters from the end of September and am writing back a little bit every day and will mail them out the end of next week.

Last week was rough having to speak only Spanish but I was marginally successful. Yesterday I taught a lesson about prophets, temples, priesthood, all in Spanish and IT MADE SENSE! They were not confused and they were as exited about prophets as I was!

On a funnier note I ate Cau Cau for the first time last night at a families house for dinner and boy do I have a funny story for you all when I get home. I will write details in my letter that I am sending next week. I will say that it is Cow intestines.

I send you all much love and pray that the next two years are the best yet for all of us.

Elder Morton- blazin new trails

Yo people!

I am good and I was in a member’s house when one earthquake hit in Lima, and was in my apartment when the strong one hit. It sounded like a bomb but our place was fine.

Please Thank Annette, Justin, & Brandon for the clothes. I really appreciate them. I'd like to see my family when I get back please let them know. How is Mike & Sun & new Nephew Ryder doing? Also, please give our friends (from the bay area) Semaj, Revonda, Joyce, Jimmie, Futaba & their families a holla for me and send them the message that they are invited to my home coming July 2010! If they are down with it. I look forward to seeing my friends at the Rocklin 6th and Rocklin 2nd as well and would like to arrange a get together with them as well! I have funny photos to share with you all and cool ones a like. I don’t get too many opportunities but I try to get "something for Mamma."

I need cotton-poly bottoms as well if you can send those with my tops that would rock. I will send you word as soon as I can if I am going to the jungle so don’t worry. The 19th is the day of changes and yes if I don’t go I will be in Lima till Dec. 31st.

As far as your health goes do what you can and pray often. Don’t be a pansy but be smart as well. Satan is hard at work I see it clearer and clearer every day, but we can over come him with faith and action. Keep plugged into the business and go to church every Sunday possible and God WILL do his part.

Give Wally, Jenn & Claire a Holla for me. I love them too.

How is everyone? Are yall as crazzzzzzy as ever! : -) I love you all family and friends!

Elder Morton

Letter from Elder Robert Morton, 11.03.08

Subject: Estoy bien! Mas o Menos
Date: Mon, 3 Nov 2008 14:52:47 +0000

Hola Familia mia,

Yes I have had a few brushes with "iffy" chicken and such but I have survived and I am getting used to the food. There really is no way to get around getting diarrea for the first few months but after a while your body adjusts.

So what's with the hospital deal? Your feet, knees and stuff? I will pray specifically for your health to improve. So are you doing well with the business with the eye of the tiger that is cool! Have you shown Jimmie Wilson The Plan yet? Also what about the Minguzzi's?

That picture is all the people from my group minus the Elders who had visa problems such as Elder Hyde, Elder Ridge, & Elder Layton and others. So I will end my mission with the North Americans guys in the picture and the Latinos that have one more month in the field than us because of our (the North American boys) had 9 weeks in the MTC as apposed to the 3 weeks for the latinos. Elder Saenz isn't in the picture but Elder Hurd, Elder Anderson, ELder Ticona, and Elder Vargas are. They all have many more months than me and Elder Anderson is home. Yes Elder Griffin is hilarious, really a good kid.

The baptisms really have nothing to do with me because I can't really communicate fully yet and my experiences in teaching situations because my Spanish is limited however, it is getting better.

Thanks for all your help and great boxes they are much appreciated by me and Elder Saenz.

Send Annette my thanks and love please. I appreciate the good thoughts and love. To my knowledge there isn't anyone who does tailoring but I might ask around to see if one of the members does because I am cheap and really need to be.

Score! I am going to put that sling shot to good use, the dogs don't like missionaries here! I am going to get that CD of photos to you as soon as I can, but I will get it done no matter what.

The Jersey deal is cool, we have undershirts and stuff, especially Elder Saenz! I didn't recieve the email from Rob A but we are under servailence here and one of the zone leaders or something might have deleted it since we're not supposed to get email from people other than direct family not even cousins! I follow orders. I also haven't recieved more than one letter from Rob A either.

In regaurd to letters I am greatful for the attempt honestly I know what a hastle it is to send a letter from here to there so I really feel the love and please send my thanks to those who have written!

Elder Saenz has all your numbers and address stuff so it is up to him, and he will get a hold of you for sure. He has been sent on an emergency transfer because some other Elder did something stupid so he has to leave. Elder Saenz always cleans up others Elders messes. He was a good companion. I will get him his gift so don't worry his new area will be close to the mission office. Yes Elder Saenz will need a sponsor but thats up to you guys. He would probably hang with you guys for a day before he goes to BYU.

Good to hear you and Rob A got the rules and conditions officially settled. Good to hear also that my brother Mike is being cool with the new baby, and seeing to it you & Dad get to see him, he is a good guy.

I take the boxes by hand and ride in a comvie or taxi. Also Please give a big thanks to Elder Ricks for me for the tie if you can. I found out recently by accident that the tie that we wondered about, was from the Elders!

Things are going here pretty well. I am dissapointed that Elder Saenz has to change early but thats how it goes.

Loves you all,

Elder Morton