The Spirit is particularly miraculous when the missionaries are led to a home where they can leave a portion of the Spirit with a humble family. Even then, just a portion is enough to comprehend truth. We invited the 3 of them to follow in Jesus' footsteps and be baptized. The Spirit had testified to their hearts that we were indeed messengers from God. In return, they were willing to do whatever we asked of them. Two of them are above the age of accountability. The other is 5. When we asked what they would like to be blessed with, the 5 year old said "To listen". Think about that. After the blessing, we asked "How do you feel right now?" The 5 year old said "I feel in my heart that God is going to bring my baby sister back" (don't worry she's not dead). I don't know the specific family situation, but obviously she missed her little sister and asked God to bring her home.

Before the blessing, the mother expressed to us several worries and trials that she was going through. After the blessing, she said "I feel like everything is going to be all right." We testified and scheduled them for April 14th. We may or may not get the grandpa involved, too. That was the highlight of the week. Ok that was the highlight of my mission so far. I think. Maybe.

The following Sunday, I gave the Aaronic Priesthood to Ron, the guy we baptized a few weeks earlier, and ordained him to the office of Priest. It was exciting. If everything goes as planned, we should have 4 baptisms on April 14th. All of those investigators are black. There are no white investigators. Well, I guess one...but he's not progressing. Weird huh.

Anyway, more big news, President Smart called me on Saturday and asked me to be a District Leader. Yay. I don't have a clue how to be a District Leader, but I am willing to do it. I am only worried that I will deliver plain, boring, district meetings with no edification or upliftment. I guess I don't have anything more to say. Thanks for everything.

Elder Peck

Hey! Wow! The blog looks great! Thanks! This week, we confirmed 4 people! I did 3 of them. It felt really cool. In my chest. I could feel it. It was my first time - in English.

We found another guy, he has been coming to church with his member wife. I guess we didn't know he wasn't a member until he introduced himself in Elders quorum. Then we put him on date as soon as we found out. April 14. It seems like a long ways away, but it's less than a month. And he wants to learn a lot, so we will teach him a lot. :)

For Pday activity today, we went to a park and played volleyball, basketball, and foursquare. I hurt a lot now. I guess I'm not really good at any one sport. I'm just ok at most of them. I'm happy with that.

So, I got a new name sign! It's the P handshape with the middle finger touching the cheek and moving in circles. It's because of my rosey cheeks. Yay! Elder Henrie got a new name sign, too. It's the same as Utah. Hahahaha. He likes it.

It feels weird closing in on a year. I am starting to feel the air change - to the way it was when I got here. All I have to do, is do it all again. Hopefully better. Um...I guess that's all I have to say. Sorry!

Elder Peck

Letter of March 11, 2013

Hello Family,

I am on a mission. Today, March 11^th, is my 11 months mark. That's almost one year! Wow. I have heard of lots of friends back home getting married and so forth. Weird. Things here are fine I guess. Sure, I could complain, but what good does that do? This transfer is only 5 weeks, and so far we have had 5 baptisms – during the transfer. So life as a missionary is good.

I am also hearing about lots of people going on missions! Yay! Lots of sister missionaries, too. That's good news I guess. Not that I can even look at them. It's just nice to have some females around here. Minus the drama. Oh my heck. Anyway. . .

Today for our P-day activity we played volleyball. I did pretty well. I like 3 on 3 but everyone wants to play - so it was 6 on 6. It was OK. My headaches haven't been too bad lately. I should be drinking more water. That would help, right?

During Stake Conference we sang hymn #220, “Lord, I would Follow Thee”. The 2^nd verse kinda hit me in the face. Pow! It says, “Who am I to judge another when I walk imperfectly? In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can't see.” I guess this verse hit me because I have been prideful in comparing myself to others. I tell myself “I don't need to change, I handle situations much better than others.” This attitude is sin. I'm still working on being humble and patient and loving.

That is the ultimate challenge of serving a mission. It's not the work, or the members, or anything else. It's becoming like Jesus. The more we become like Him, the easier everything else is. But it's a lot to ask. To give up your life, your possessions, your cares, etc. and do whatever it takes to become like the Savior. Do whatever it takes to baptize!! Welp, hope you like the pics. This summer is going to be HOT!

--elder peck

california, riverside

Hello.
This week was good. The baptism was good. The confirmations didn't happen. Johnnie and his kids are moving to another ward outside the mission. We will confirm them next week with the other one. Hopefully. It is fun to find people and teach them and ask them to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized. It's scary sometimes because you know you will offend them and their faith. But the scriptures almost always give answers to their concerns. It's good to search the scriptures to find answers to people's lame excuses for not being baptized.

One I like, is in D&C 22 about being re-baptized to join the church. One young man asked me "What if I've already been baptized" ...I didn't read out of D&C, but I explained that we baptize using the restored authority given to Joseph Smith...and that baptism in this church is a New and Everlasting Covenant. He seemed to understand and almost agree. We have an appointment with him on Wednesday. We'll see how it goes.

Anyway, that's all I got for today. I'm learning more Spanish. I know how to say "close your eyes, and stick out your tongue" An old man taught it to me. I'm really happy to hear about Ross serving a mission. He will do great things. What about Austin Leavitt or Matthew Peterson? Or Travis? Or Briggs? Or Zach? Those guys should be getting ready to leave soon right?? Anyway...thanks for everything. I would like you to send the sd card soon. I have 100 pictures already and I will send the baptism programs and a few pictures I drew - after I get the blank sd card. Thanks.

Elder Peck

March 4, 2013

Hello.
This week was alright. We only did one confirmation because the other three were out of town. We'll confirm them next week. This Friday we will go see our investigator get married so that he can get baptized. They are really excited. I am, too. I've had subtle migraines all week. It never got really bad. But it still bothers me. I have never taken so many pills. Do you think that Satan wants my head to hurt so I will give up? Or maybe something is wrong with me? Well...yes, there are many things wrong with me but is it possible that my head is messed up even more than I thought?

I have learned a lot about the Gospel since I've been gone. Things that are hidden within the basic principles. Hidden treasures of knowledge. I finally understand it. But I can't explain it. These new understandings give my testimony a deep foundation and remove all trace of doubt. Part of it comes from studying the scriptures. Part of it comes from pondering things. I do a lot of that. Anyway, I hope things are well. I will try to pay attention to the little things so I can make something more of my weekly emails. Oh, that reminds me. There was a fire. I'm pretty sure it would be online or in the news somewhere. Ok well, bye bye.

Elder Peck