Living the dream!

Subject: Living the dream!
Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:26:26

Hey yall!

This past week was the best week for us as missionaries go because we are seeing the results of our hard work and people are attending church that we are teaching! We have a few baptisms programmed for April and this week we will be getting more! We have a good number of families that we are teaching and the number is growing every day. I am really happy about that because we had about a week and a half of almost nothing after a few baptisms in the first two weeks of March.

Justin is what you get when you don't have your priorities in order. There always will be "The black sheep" or "the rebel" when you have kids but if you give them a good foundation until they reach 18 they at least will end up pretty normal adults. Brandon is a junior. It's hard to believe but we're all getting old! Brandon has always had that side to him where he wants to do what he wants and gets angry if you bother him. He has been that way ever since he was a baby. Brandon is and always was spoiled because his Mom let him be that way and Justin is the same way.

There is always hope but at this point they need reprogramming before it's too late. Brandon has it easy and I hope he doesn't take it for granted. It seems like Brandon is going down the same road as Justin in many ways. It's an empty life and I pray that they can learn from their mistakes before it's too late. It's a bit cruel but sometimes the booty blinds young men and they have no idea what is right and what is wrong. It's like a drug in a way in that you will do anything to get it once you are addicted to it even if it means putting your family through hell and back.

That's good news that Dad got a chance to see Ryder and was all grins afterwards. I know it's crazy there with the crisis and everything and all I can do is pray that the lord might bless you and keep you safe and with a roof over your head. You can get out of the rut of you keep active in the church and work the business in your free time. JUST DO IT!

I agree Mom they don't make them like they used to, but there is always hope. My kids will be different because they will have the gospel in their lives from day 1. My kids will learn the value of following the commandments and setting good goals and how to accomplish them and they will be my legacy because I will give them a chance to be successful in Team INA and they will serve a mission when they are 19 years old. I agree with you I will talk to Annette because I plan on being a Diamond in 6 years and I will not rest until I accomplish that goal because it's the best I can do for my family.

You too can be a great leader in the business all you need is more confidence in that you CAN do it! I am super pumped because my testimony is growing every day and I can honestly say that I won't be the same when I get home. I have different vision and a different attitude. The mission really molds us and prepares us for the future if we let it, if we really lose ourselves in the lord's work. It's hard to believe that I will be home in three months! It's crazy how fast the time has gone by. I have two changes left and I'm done. It's weird. I don't like how it sounds but the truth hurts sometimes. I love being a missionary. We really help people on a deeper level. This is the work of the lord.

I love you all and I can't wait to show you all the great families I have been blessed to know. I have friends here that truly feel like an extension of my family. I love them. I can't wait to show you the converts. I plan on taking the family to Peru as a Diamond celebration!

Send my love to the family and friends,
Elder Morton

Still working hard & Loving it!

Subject: Working hard and loving it!
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:55:02

Hey yáll!

My Birthday was pretty cool. I had two cakes and spent my birthday with a few of our recent converts. I think the package from Jennifer is in the offices now because my one of my buddies is the package guy now. That sucks that Alberto wasn’t able to visit you guys but we’ll be going there soon! If he visits in October or November I will be home and that would be really cool!

Well it looks like Justin is going down the same route as many other military rebels. I am disappointed he no showed you at his going away breakfast and the way things turned out for you and Annette. It’s disappointing, but he’s a grown man so it’s his problem. He’s lucky I’m here because that’s just not right. What the heck! It’s sad really because it could be a whole lot different all he needs is the gospel in his life. June will be interesting and that’s for sure!

That’s cool about Abel and his girlfriend. He’s a good guy. I didn’t know he sings but maybe he could do something with that because he dances as well. You gotta say hi to Jimmie and Fu for me! I want to talk to them about some business ideas that I have when I get home. Yeah tell them because it comes from a branch president here in Peru and well, he’s a happily married man with a great little son. He's only 28 years old and a leader in the church, with a college education. He has his stuff together.

Keep working hard and obeying the commandments. If you do that you will receive the blessings afterwards. I have a testimony of that because I have been able to see the results in my mission many times. The scriptures teach us how we can be blessed and happy but if we don’t do what the lord wants we won’t be truly happy, never will we be able to fill the emptiness with material things. It’s like this if we can’t help our selves be happy how can we help someone else be something that we are not? We can’t and won’t it’s plain and simple.

We have the two things we need to be happy in our hands we just need to take advantage of these things so that we can be happy and help everyone else obtain the happiness that we have in the lord. The church is true and if we follow the example of Wade and Terri Simmons we can help a whole lot of people spiritually and temporally in ways that no one else can. I know that as children of God our potential is limitless no matter how "average" we seem.

I Love you all,

Elder Morton

Getting older....and wiser!

Subject: Getting older....and wiser!
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:38

Hey y'all!

It's the sad truth, I will be 27 tomorrow....Wow, I am catching up to you guys! lol!

The good times with Alberto will always be there because we will be visiting them as often as possible if I have anything to say in the matter.

Everything will be fine don't worry, Justin is doing what he believes is the right thing and thats all you can hope for. At least he isn't doing anything illegal. Give him my best and let him know I love him and he is always in my prayers. Uncle Rob

I have enough vitamins to cover me till May I think. If you could and if you haven't done it already, I would like it if you sent me some of that body lotion from the business, it keeps my feet in good condition so that I can walk without any problems.

I am not really thinking a whole lot about the first thing I want to do when I get home because I need to concentrate more on my work here in Peru still. When we get to that bridge we will cross it with pleasure. I really am greatful for all that God has blessed me with. I am lucky to have been born and raised where I was and have such great parents that taught me all that I needed to know to be successful even though I didn't take advantage of it as much as I should have. Thanks mom for covering me on all the bases that I can't take care of myself while I am here with the driver's license, credit cards, cell phone, gym and all! Thanks mom for all that you do, I really appreciate it.

It will be great to go back to the gym finally! In two years I have gone 2 weeks in total and that was almost a year and a half ago. I haven't driven at all for two years so that will be a bit strange at first but I will get used to it again.

I am glad that Dad is finally working and hope he doesn't go back on stand by he is happier working that is for sure. I pray that you guys keep on working the business and never give up so that you two can have a little something, something to retire on. That is good to hear that you found your gym shoes and inserts, now you can get back into the gym without excuses!

It is sad to hear James and the lady truck driver didn't work out. About James, I have an Idea that our branch president gave me and I really felt the spirit that it was true. It's called "The Courtship" It includes 4 steps that you must do in order. 1. Initial Contact 2.Be friends and nothing else. 3. The Courtship 4. The kiss! Sex not included till after the wedding! He can give it a shot, what does he have to lose?

Mother's day is right around the corner and it will be cool to talk to you all for the last time in Peru. I have learned and put in use that your point of view makes the difference and not the situation. A positive additude leads to success and not the other way around. I plan on coming home strong spiritually and using what I have to help me create a new legacy for the Morton family. There is nothing we can't do or as the Addidas shoe company says "Impossible is nothing", or Nothing is impossible!

We are working hard and I love it. The mission is the bomb because it gives us the chance to redefine ourselves and become someone more like Christ. I am being an obedient child of God and it pays off in many ways and we recieve many blessings because of our obedience to the will of God. I pray the best for you all, family, extemded family and friends.

With a lot of Love,

Elder Morton

Working hard and loving it!

Subject: Working hard and loving it!
Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 15:46:12

Hey yall!

To much surprise I received the birthday box today! So I have the sox’s, CD, protein powder, vitamins, letters, birthday cards, and protein bars. Thank you Mom! In regards to the next box I think I'm good for now, maybe some old spice high endurance deodorant stick and razors, there is nothing else that I can think of right now.

Yes I plan on doing things a lot different this time around. You're right; the time is flying by so fast I can't believe it. Yeah you tell those guys to clean up the joint or I will lay the smack down! lol!

I feel you about Peru. It has been a wake up call in many ways and I know that it is for my own good and that of my family as well. Yeah get yourself back in the gym and I will do the same as soon as I get home! Keep up the good work y'all and the blessings will come.

With Justin whatever happens it was meant to be that way and we must learn from the good and bad experiences but I have no doubt everything will be alright with him.

Brother Solomon is the man! I have always liked him. I want to be more like him when I grow up!

I hope Wally & Jennifer are happy and things work out for them whether they stay in California or move to Utah. I invite him to live here in Peru and see what it's really like to have a hard life. He needs to move on and enjoy what he has, a wonderful wife and daughter. That's cool that Mike invited you guys over whenever you'd like to see Ryder. I can't believe Ryder is 17 months old.

Tell Chris to keep at it and no matter what give it his very best and he will do well.

Wow! Brandon will be 18! How crazy is that! And Justin will be 22...Wow! I wish them nothing but luck in their lives and I invite them to investigate the church because they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I know this to be true because I have seen miracles as a result of living the gospel.

Here in my new area we are busting our behinds and seeing the fruits of that work and really I feel blessed to be here. My comp is a great young man and we get along well. We really want to make a difference in the wards that we have because our goal is to baptize 8 people in March and that will require working as a team with the wards we are in. I know we can do it and it's going to be a great experience for us all. I have never worked so hard in the mission and yet I have never been so happy. This is God's work and it's true, I have no doubt about that.

When I get back home I plan on going to the gym right after sleeping for half a day! I want to have about two weeks of working out at the gym, lifting weights, playing X-Box and resting..... After that I will be full out Work, Church, Team INA, and studying Italian and Spanish. I have a lot of goals and one of those is finding "mi media naranja o mi flaca." In other words, my future wife! With my new skills I will be able to do a lot more with my time than before and there will be enough time for everyone. I know that God has big plans for me all I have to do is be obedient to his commandments and diligent in my work ethic and do it all with love!

A new Rob is coming to town, watch out! I love you all and what I'd like most is to see you all happy and really understand what our purpose is here and that this isn't it, there is much, much more but it depends on us. We are children of God and there are no limits to what we can do.

Send my love to the family, friends and everyone who asks about me , please tell them that I am doing great and loving the mission. I am grateful for this experience and no matter what my kids are going to serve a mission!

Love,
Elder Morton

¡Estoy bien en Lima, Peru!

Subject: ¡Estoy bien en Lima, Peru!
Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 14:26

Hey yall!

Although I didn’t go to the jungle I was sent to the same zone and same district as the one I started out in. I am in a ward that’s in the same stake as my first area so I get to see my first converts from almost two years ago and they are all really special to me so I am super pumped to be here.

I don’t know what will happen with my email address with the new change, but I will let you know all the needed details. The photo of Ryder was really cool. I liked it a lot!

I got the box with dark socks and foot cream and protein bars but the other one I haven’t received yet. I hate to admit it but I haven’t sent the CD of photos yet because of the craziness but I will send 2 CDs of photos with a letter next Monday because I will have money then. The time is flying by like no body’s business! Next thing we will know I will be calling you for the last time in the mission and a month later I will be home!

I plan on taking the whole family on a trip to Perú in 6 years when I become a diamond as a diamond celebration! I really want my family to know the families that I have grown to love and that took care of me while I was here. That is my goal and I will do whatever it will takes to accomplish it.

Justin is a good kid, he just needs a firm foundation in the lord because the things of the world seem to have a lot of influence on the younger generation and next thing you know you aren’t young anymore and you are still doing things that the teenagers or college students are doing when you should be a responsible, focused on your future young man. Education is great but what you do with it is the key.

I have learned so much about attitude and what a huge difference it makes. It doesn’t matter your situation if you have a good attitude about it things will turn out all good. So let’s always be positive and we always will be blessed!

Love you all,

Elder Morton