Breaking Barriers and Chairs

I must already be getting into the swing of things because this week was super fast. When you are busy with the work, time flies by. My companion and I have met so many people and seen so many miracles. Taught a kid named Christian a few times this week, his family is very catholic so I don't get why his name is Christian, lol just kidding, he is really cool, wants to be baptized. Went to a couple birthday parties this week and had the opportunity to give four blessings too. It is amazing to see the gift of tongues work as I gave the blessings for these people who were sick. Also taught Francesca and she is really interested in baptism as well, besides the fact that I broke my chair in the middle of the lesson, it went amazing. The food is amazing here, as a matter of fact they have hamburgers here and they are so good. Zone conference was on Saturday and the church had a piano I could play after so that was great. The weekends are the most successful because people are home and we see a lot of miracles as we teach them. Its amazing!! Had a blast at Pichanga today (soccer place), scored six goals so I think I am ready to go pro(reference to Nacho Libre). Pray for this week to go a little slower so I can keep up with the miracles that happen, good luck all, see ya next week.

Sandy Living Conditions

These are some pictures of Elder Blazzard's living conditions in Piura.

Week 1 in Area

Made it to Peru safely and my luggage eventually came later, great story. I don't have a lot of time but I´ll give a quick run down. Traveled all day Monday to Peru and stayed in a nice hotel with hot water, only slept for three hours though. Did legal stuff all day Tuesday (in Lima), the culture is interesting.

Flew to Piura (Mission Headquarters) late and slept in the mission office, met some cool guys. All day Wednesday was at the mission home where we ate super good food like ceviche and lomo saltado. Learned about the mission and the zones and got my padre, or trainer, Elder Monroy. He is quite the fletchon(works really hard) and does not speak a lick of English. He is awesome though and helps me as best as he can. Thursday was the first full day and it was the longest and most productive day of my life. We focus a lot on Preach My Gospel and I do okay with the gospel phrases, just need to work on the regular conversation.

I have seen my Spanish improve already but do not have to do much during a lesson since they just stare at me the whole time. They have never seen a tall, blonde, white guy before so it is pretty funny. I do lots of magic and all the neighborhood kids chase me around for more. Love the people, it is amazing how open they are to the gospel. I cant think of much more to write, really difficult at times but I know this is the place to be right now. So grateful for the opportunity!!

Arrived at the Mission Home and First Assignment

13 November 2019

Piura Perú

Arrived in Peru and Mission Area

Elder Blazzard,

Message: Made it safely, spread the word. Flights were fund and mad it to Lima late. Slept for 3 hours in a cool hotel and did legal stuff all day Tuesday. Now in Piura and everyone is cool. Don't have our suitcases til tomorrow the 14 but it is fund. Lovin the adventure.

Elder Blazzard

carte de la mision peru piura

Last Week at the MTC

Final week is already coming to a close and I leave on Monday early in the morning. I'm so excited to get to Peru and serve the people. Had amazing devotionals this week with one from Elder Uchtdorf on Tuesday. He taught to control what you can like your feelings and actions, a humble confidence. We had about 10 TRC lessons this week which was very helpful in improving my speaking abilities. This whole week was also an Ayuno de Ingles which means we did not speak English all week and got real deep into the language, great preparation for the field. I feel comfortable with the language and can't wait to knock on some doors.
Yesterday was our last class with Hermano Andreason and I'm really going to miss his lessons. A few things he taught this week are to work hard for the most joy and tear your "spiritual muscles" to grow stronger, "the world needs the best missionaries". He also taught to love your investigators first, then be sharp, this is found in D&C 121. Stand with God and face the people, I am a representative of Christ. Last trip to the temple with my zone was this morning and it was amazing, I read in Mark 6 verse 34 about Christ teach the sheep without a shepherd.

I can't wait to get to Peru and start doing the real stuff, gathering the lost Peruvians.

MTC - Closer to the End of Training

Learning more and more here at the MTC headed into my last week. Everyone got their travel plans except for us Peru missionaries so we'll see what happens. They are all freaking out and want to know where they're going except for me. I don't care where I go, just want to get out of here and start preaching. I've permanently taken the role as the calm and joyful group member that keeps everyone level headed and happy which is very needed here as people are freaking out about the language. Trust in the Lord is super important. Now get this, I actually started keeping a journal so I kinda know what happened this week. It snowed Thursday which was awesome, Elder Smith from SoCal and Elder Holmes from Tucson were not having it, it was funny. Hermano Andreason taught that our missions are like "mini-vidas" and we need to live to its maximum potential. I raided another floor of rooms that missionaries just moved out of and I'm up to $10 in change I think, plus a ton of candy, laundry detergent, shampoo, and a box fan. Brother Bassett taught about being a representative of Jesus Christ at the devotional on Tuesday and an Elder had a seizure in the middle of it which took a while to take care of. Elder Holmes had mustaches for us to where for Halloween Thursday so that made the day better having had service in the early morning and late night class. Been officially a month since I've gotten here apparently, think someone is messing with the clock or something because that's crazy, I'll share some pics. See ya next week right before I ship out!