Hey family!
How are you all doing? I hope things are going well. I am enjoying getting to know my new area here in Comalcalcos. I have only been here a week and the mission offices just called us last night letting us know that my companion is being transferred and that a new missionary will be arriving tomorrow who will take his place. So it should be exciting, the 2 of us learning the area together!
We had a stake conference where we heard by satellite David A Bednar and Richard G Scott (who spoke in Spanish!). It was a wonderful conference and I felt so happy as I was able to listen to messages that I knew were going to bless the lives of these wonderful people. The other day we talked to some fairly recent converts, they have about 2 years in the church. The father said becoming a member was a complete 360 turn around and it sure hasn’t been easy. After his baptism he had job problem, got sick, had an accident and other things but that it has all been worth it. We look at his family now and they are definitely a happy bunch, despite the obstacles.
It just makes me happy to know that there is a source of answers and that there is a right way to go. Sometimes I look around and see that there really are so many easy paths to choose from and I’m not exactly surprised why so many have been detoured from good solid principles, it’s that the world is blatantly staring them in the face and inviting them to join. How joyful it is to know that there is a Prophet on the earth, apostles, and people who help us along the way.
I’m in a new area, new companion, and new everything, but there is a happy familiarity I feel as I meet the caring members of the church and work with my companion to share the gospel with others. I’m not very good at explaining it but I can say with a surety that I’m sure grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, it’s the nucleus that I think holds me together. I love all of you, I think your just the greatest family. There really isn’t another family like the Peines. As goofy and as fun as you are, I think your just the right family for me. Thanks for your love and prayers!
Love,
Elder Peine
Friday, March 15, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
New Area! 03/04/13
Well the time has come. Yesterday I received the call that I am being transferred to a new area. It’s definitely bitter sweet. I have gotten to know a lot of great people and it’s hard to leave. My new area is called Comalcalco, Tabasco. It’s not too far away from where I am right now, about two hours. (I heard they have a chocolate factory there! There are also lots of ruins!) Today we have been visiting many of the members and investigators and saying goodbyes because tomorrow I’ll be off to a new area. My companion who I’m with right now with be training a new missionary, which will be a great experience. He was a little shocked since he himself just recently arrived, but he came pre-prepared and will do just fine.
This week I have just felt so loved. Just the little things make all the difference. The people just say a little thing or do something small and I just feel so happy. One fairly recent convert shared her testimony in sacrament meeting which she had never done before and she said that recently she has been gaining a firmer testimony as she has reached out to an old friend to share the gospel. One brother, even though he has had some fairly difficult trials has demonstrated his love for the gospel as he joined as for an entire day to visit investigators.
It’s not easy to go, and the members get upset because missionaries keep coming, they get used to them, and then they have to leave. But I have loved being hear and am excited for what lie ahead. I love you all and hope you are all enjoying the daily sparks of joy that are found in doing what is right. God lives and we are his children. What peace and what joy it is to know that we are all watched over.
Love,
Elder Peine
This week I have just felt so loved. Just the little things make all the difference. The people just say a little thing or do something small and I just feel so happy. One fairly recent convert shared her testimony in sacrament meeting which she had never done before and she said that recently she has been gaining a firmer testimony as she has reached out to an old friend to share the gospel. One brother, even though he has had some fairly difficult trials has demonstrated his love for the gospel as he joined as for an entire day to visit investigators.
It’s not easy to go, and the members get upset because missionaries keep coming, they get used to them, and then they have to leave. But I have loved being hear and am excited for what lie ahead. I love you all and hope you are all enjoying the daily sparks of joy that are found in doing what is right. God lives and we are his children. What peace and what joy it is to know that we are all watched over.
Love,
Elder Peine
Sister Brunilda!
Brother Manuel and Sister Angels
Go Pemex City!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Things Are Good 02/25/2013
It sounds like everyone is having a wonderful time wherever they are. I wish you all the best, hope all is going well. Thanks for keeping me updated, I enjoy hearing how you all are doing. Things down here are going well. The work continues! It’s getting hotter; we find ourselves all ways crossing to the shady side of the street to avoid getting too toasted. We have been enjoying ourselves though. Sometimes the neighborhood dogs follow us around, we enter a house to teach and they wait outside for us and then we continue on to the next appointment. People here are very friendly and supportive. The members love to feed us and try as much as possible to make visits with us. I would have to say that it’s not the biggest town (it’s called Pemex City, but really it’s just a town) but its never boring here. We always have things to do and there are lots of people to visit.
We passed by this week to say hello to Rodolfo, a recent convert. During the conversation I happened to ask him how old he was. He pondered for a moment, and then asked me what day it was. We responded well it’s the 22nd of February! Shocked, having had forgotten the date, told us it was his birthday, he was turning 71! So his grandchildren, my companion and I all sang him happy birthday which he enjoyed very much!
One of the members brothers passed away rather suddenly and it’s been pretty hard for him. I feel grateful though to know that he knows the Plan of Salvation and that this isn't the end. We have spent time with him and we try to teach but really all he wants right now is just someone to listen, so we listened and he seems to be doing better. Another members father passed away and she got sick at the same time. Things get tough sometimes, people go through so many things and it just amazes me how people can handle situations, however difficult they may be. I know the gospel surely helps.
Someone from the stake came to visit the branch and he shared a talk about afflictions, relating a story of a swordsmith. Someone asked the swordsmith how he made such marvelous, strong swords that never broke. He said the secret is knowing exactly how many times to hit the sword while making it to end up with the strongest, most refined sword possible. And so it is in our lives in comparison to swords, The Lord knows exactly how many hits we need to become the most refined people we can become, each hit has a purpose. As we turn to the Lord he will strengthen us spiritually and we will progress here on earth. He doesn’t promise we won’t have afflictions, but he does allow us to learn from them, if we so choose.
Love you all!
Elder Peine
We passed by this week to say hello to Rodolfo, a recent convert. During the conversation I happened to ask him how old he was. He pondered for a moment, and then asked me what day it was. We responded well it’s the 22nd of February! Shocked, having had forgotten the date, told us it was his birthday, he was turning 71! So his grandchildren, my companion and I all sang him happy birthday which he enjoyed very much!
One of the members brothers passed away rather suddenly and it’s been pretty hard for him. I feel grateful though to know that he knows the Plan of Salvation and that this isn't the end. We have spent time with him and we try to teach but really all he wants right now is just someone to listen, so we listened and he seems to be doing better. Another members father passed away and she got sick at the same time. Things get tough sometimes, people go through so many things and it just amazes me how people can handle situations, however difficult they may be. I know the gospel surely helps.
Someone from the stake came to visit the branch and he shared a talk about afflictions, relating a story of a swordsmith. Someone asked the swordsmith how he made such marvelous, strong swords that never broke. He said the secret is knowing exactly how many times to hit the sword while making it to end up with the strongest, most refined sword possible. And so it is in our lives in comparison to swords, The Lord knows exactly how many hits we need to become the most refined people we can become, each hit has a purpose. As we turn to the Lord he will strengthen us spiritually and we will progress here on earth. He doesn’t promise we won’t have afflictions, but he does allow us to learn from them, if we so choose.
Love you all!
Elder Peine
Just me!
Rodolfo and his grandkids
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Enjoying the Gospel 02/18/2013
We had a wonderful visit from one of the quorum of the 70 this week, Elder Daniel L. Johnson. Teaching the principals of the Gospel to investigators, less active members, and active members so that they understand was the main topic of the conference.
The primary had a baking activity and they asked us to join them at the end. We got to try there concoctions which actually turned out quite delicious. It was good to see all the kinds having a good time together.
We passed by to see on the members and it pleased us to see that one of the investigators was there when we arrived! The member had started making friends with the investigator which made us both rather happy!
We taught a less active member the Plan of Salvation who replied with surprise saying how he had never really thought to much about the plan before. We talked about the Savior and His atonement. He replied saying that he really needed to focus his life more on the Savior. He pointed out that He is the center of everything, for example even how we calculate time before and after his birth, and that he should be the center of our lives. It was touching to realize how much Christ really should be at the front of our minds more and the impact that He can play in our peace, family, and everyday life.
I love the work. It’s fabulous. After having spend a day and a half in Villahermosa (away from my area for the conference) coming back to my area, it really did feel like home sweet home. I love you all so very much, may you all be guided by the Spirit, and may you recognize the many blessings the Lord gives us. I know he cares and works to bless us in so many ways.
With much love,
Elder Peine
The primary had a baking activity and they asked us to join them at the end. We got to try there concoctions which actually turned out quite delicious. It was good to see all the kinds having a good time together.
We passed by to see on the members and it pleased us to see that one of the investigators was there when we arrived! The member had started making friends with the investigator which made us both rather happy!
We taught a less active member the Plan of Salvation who replied with surprise saying how he had never really thought to much about the plan before. We talked about the Savior and His atonement. He replied saying that he really needed to focus his life more on the Savior. He pointed out that He is the center of everything, for example even how we calculate time before and after his birth, and that he should be the center of our lives. It was touching to realize how much Christ really should be at the front of our minds more and the impact that He can play in our peace, family, and everyday life.
I love the work. It’s fabulous. After having spend a day and a half in Villahermosa (away from my area for the conference) coming back to my area, it really did feel like home sweet home. I love you all so very much, may you all be guided by the Spirit, and may you recognize the many blessings the Lord gives us. I know he cares and works to bless us in so many ways.
With much love,
Elder Peine
Us with the branch president
Sunset
Primary!
Monday, February 18, 2013
A Childs Prayer- 02/11/2013
A little boy named David, who's family are members, was baptised this week. Brother Manuel, the Sunday school president baptised him and everything went wonderfully. To finish David was asked to say the prayer. With sincerity and love he thanked God for his baptism, for everyone that came, and for his family. He asked that everyone could be blessed and it was rather sweet. I think we all had a moment of silence right after, just in shock of the simple tenderness of a child's prayer.
My companion and I were asked to speak in Sacrament meeting about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I enjoyed the wonderful spirit that was present in the small little sacrament room and am thankful to know such loving, wonderful people. Living the gospel has not been easy for most of them but their diligence and service is outstanding. They strive every day to be able to have a happy family even though setbacks do arise. We continue to work with the members in helping their friends learn about the gospel.
I love you all so very much. Enjoy this week!
Elder Peine
My companion and I were asked to speak in Sacrament meeting about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I enjoyed the wonderful spirit that was present in the small little sacrament room and am thankful to know such loving, wonderful people. Living the gospel has not been easy for most of them but their diligence and service is outstanding. They strive every day to be able to have a happy family even though setbacks do arise. We continue to work with the members in helping their friends learn about the gospel.
I love you all so very much. Enjoy this week!
Elder Peine
Sunset (its not This is The Place park, but its still rather wonderful)
Davids baptism
Congratulations David!
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Apostle week! 01/28/2013
We had a memorable family night this week with a less active family. They live basically on a ranch and all the members seemed to sort of flock in from everywhere to be present for the lesson. The boys of the family prepared refreshments and I think the family got excited about everyone being together and just enjoying a good night together.
I got to see brother Rodolfo a recent convert, whom I haven't seen for a while because he had to move to be with his family for a while. It was great to catch up with him and to know that all is going well.
On Saturday as missionaries we had a meeting with the Apostle Russell M. Nelson and we each got to shake his hand and enjoy his remarks. It was a wonderful meeting. It surprised me as well that Elder Clayton of the presidency of the 70, who was accompanying Elder Nelson could speak Spanish!
Then on Sunday several stakes met together to hear the Apostle. It was a wonderful event full of emotion and the spirit. It just made me so happy. The apostle might look a little old, but his spirit is as young as ever and he demonstrated in the most wonderful way the love he felt for the Mexican people. I felt highly blessed and highly grateful to God for the wonderful servants and blessings he sends to all people in all nations. Elder Nelson who had an interpreter the entire meeting, finished by bearing his testimony in Spanish and I felt SO grateful that he could connect with the people and that he prepared so that they could hear his testimony in their own language. I will never forget it. I love the Lord so much. I know this is His true church. I cant believe how blessed we are to have his restored gospel here on the earth.
I love you all,
Elder Peine
I got to see brother Rodolfo a recent convert, whom I haven't seen for a while because he had to move to be with his family for a while. It was great to catch up with him and to know that all is going well.
On Saturday as missionaries we had a meeting with the Apostle Russell M. Nelson and we each got to shake his hand and enjoy his remarks. It was a wonderful meeting. It surprised me as well that Elder Clayton of the presidency of the 70, who was accompanying Elder Nelson could speak Spanish!
Then on Sunday several stakes met together to hear the Apostle. It was a wonderful event full of emotion and the spirit. It just made me so happy. The apostle might look a little old, but his spirit is as young as ever and he demonstrated in the most wonderful way the love he felt for the Mexican people. I felt highly blessed and highly grateful to God for the wonderful servants and blessings he sends to all people in all nations. Elder Nelson who had an interpreter the entire meeting, finished by bearing his testimony in Spanish and I felt SO grateful that he could connect with the people and that he prepared so that they could hear his testimony in their own language. I will never forget it. I love the Lord so much. I know this is His true church. I cant believe how blessed we are to have his restored gospel here on the earth.
I love you all,
Elder Peine
Family Night!
The branch on Sunday when we went to see the Apostle Russell M. Nelson!
Rodolofo! (a recent convert)
Thank you for the goodies!
Today is the best day of my life! (why not?) 01/21/2013
We visit Sister Mercedes, a recent convert, and she always asks us to sing a hymn with her. So we all pull out our hymn books and then she asks us: well which page? We tell her the page and she says: Oh that’s a beautiful hymn! This happens every time we visit and I happened to notice that she really doesn’t know which hymn corresponds with each page number but she loves all the hymns and thinks they are all just wonderful! It made me smile because she is always so excited to sing whatever hymn whatever we choose and she says its just great.
We were coming home from visiting another town nearby and in the van/bus that brought us home there happened to be a drunk (absolutely harmless) and we tried not to pay attention to him even though he wanted to strike up a conversation. We soon arrived at the drunks destination and has he got out he handed a bill to the driver and said: that should cover my ride and the Mormons also! He paid for our bus ride! I was a bit shocked, considering we didn’t even speak with him. I hope hes as kind when hes in his normal state as well. But it caught me off guard because I'm not going to say I had the best of thought of him but he was charitable enough to pay for us even though he didn’t know us.
We stopped by to visit an inactive member and he came out to great us but said he was too busy and couldn’t visit at the moment. So we put and appointment to come back and then he started talking with us about how hes doing and how our day has been going. So we talked for another 5 or ten minutes and then shook hands to depart then another comment was made and we continued talking. What had started out to be a brief hello at the front gate, apparently turned into a 30 minute conversation. I found it interesting because at first he really didn’t want to spend time talking with us but I could feel that he had missed coming to church and he liked the feeling he had when he was active.
Life is wonderful, I couldn’t say much more. I find myself enjoying everyday. I have a wonderful happy optimistic companion and the branch is starting to really work hard in doing their visiting teaching and working with investigators. So things are going well. And Saturday we have a meeting with Elder Russel M. Nelson with the missionaries which we are excited for, and Sunday the whole branch is traveling by bus to hear him speak.
Love you all!
Elder Peine
We were coming home from visiting another town nearby and in the van/bus that brought us home there happened to be a drunk (absolutely harmless) and we tried not to pay attention to him even though he wanted to strike up a conversation. We soon arrived at the drunks destination and has he got out he handed a bill to the driver and said: that should cover my ride and the Mormons also! He paid for our bus ride! I was a bit shocked, considering we didn’t even speak with him. I hope hes as kind when hes in his normal state as well. But it caught me off guard because I'm not going to say I had the best of thought of him but he was charitable enough to pay for us even though he didn’t know us.
We stopped by to visit an inactive member and he came out to great us but said he was too busy and couldn’t visit at the moment. So we put and appointment to come back and then he started talking with us about how hes doing and how our day has been going. So we talked for another 5 or ten minutes and then shook hands to depart then another comment was made and we continued talking. What had started out to be a brief hello at the front gate, apparently turned into a 30 minute conversation. I found it interesting because at first he really didn’t want to spend time talking with us but I could feel that he had missed coming to church and he liked the feeling he had when he was active.
Life is wonderful, I couldn’t say much more. I find myself enjoying everyday. I have a wonderful happy optimistic companion and the branch is starting to really work hard in doing their visiting teaching and working with investigators. So things are going well. And Saturday we have a meeting with Elder Russel M. Nelson with the missionaries which we are excited for, and Sunday the whole branch is traveling by bus to hear him speak.
Love you all!
Elder Peine
Manuel (our wonderful member friend who lives nearby), Elder Morales and I
Hello Hello!! :)
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