Happy Birthday Mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!‏

Hola Chicos,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY DAYNA WHEATLEY!!!

I hope you have the greatest birthday ever Mom! You will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers and it's crazy to think that a whole year has passed since the last time I wished you a happy birthday. So much has changed since then. It just amazes me how normal I feel here now. I was thinking about a year ago and how everything was so new. It was so noisy and dirty and smelly, but now it's all just normal. It's crazy how much we can all adapt in this life.

It's definitely not a perfect place this Perú, but we're all making it together. I keep being amazed by all the generosity that surrounds me and am so grateful to be serving my mission here. I know this is where I need to be and even though sometimes I get jealous of green in other peoples pictures, I LOVE PERÚ.

I loved the letters you sent from Conference -- thank you to Nomi, Uncle Jaret and Aunt Melissa, Uncle Steve and Aunt Michelle, Uncle Tyler, Mariah, Brianna, Mom and Dad for all writing me. I love you all so much!!!

This week we had a training and then interviews with President Archibald. It was so cool as he talked about the Infinite Atonement. I'm learning so much here on the mission and have come to love and trust in my Savior more than ever. I had a good interview too and he just helped me realize that sometimes I am trying to gather goats instead of sheep, or even worse, turn goats into sheep. God has called me to gather His sheep and President told me that I need to be more direct with the people. I need to help them ''activate their agency''. They need to decide what road they are going to take and if they don't want to go with me, then I need to move on and find the people who do. They aren't rocks or books and choosing wrong is at least choosing. Like Lehi said ''there are things to act and things to be acted upon'' and we as humans should never become rocks that just get thrown around. We can always choose. That was really cool and eye opening.

Also he told me that his great grandma is Agnes Wheatley and that he remembers going to family reunions in Don Ada or something like that. That's pretty cool to think that I'm related in one way or another to my mission president.

The best part of the week was by far being able to call Luis                    . He is the first person I baptized here in Perú and President told me I could call him. He had fallen off the face of the planet and no one knew where he was. He had moved and I was just accepting the fact that he had gone inactive. It was double hard because he was preparing to go to the temple with his wife. He can go November 3rd and I really wanted to go with him. So I find his number in one of my old daily planners. A guy answers and says that he doesn't know Luis. He then asks who's calling and I ask for Luis            . He asks one more time so I decide to say and then just hang up. I'm like, it's Elder Wheatley and then a miracle happens. The man on the other line turns into Luis         and says ''oh hermanito de mi corazón''. Yeah, so that was pretty awesome. It turns out he's faithful as ever and was worried because he had no way of contacting me and wanted me to be able to go with them to the temple. That was so amazing so I will keep you all updated on that. Moral of the story...miracles do happen. I was so happy and am so grateful that Heavenly Father watches over his children.

Happy Halloween this week and please tell the Aunties hi and that I love them. Throw in a big hug from me too please.

I wrote down Matthew 23:12 but don't remember what it says so go ahead and give it a read.

Oh yeah, and The Current Bush. I saw that Mormon Message and loved it so much. I'm gonna read that talk this week for sure. I hope you all have the best week ever and know you are all in my prayers. It's so great to hear that Oma is doing better and that BYU keeps up the good work.

Elder Holley reminded me this week...''how did you find me? We saw you from the village, Hola Nacho!'' What a great movie. I love you all so much.

Your Peruvian pal,

Elder Aaron Micah Wheatley

Welcome to Los Olivos. Gotta love Perú!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Había Una Vez (Once Upon a Time)‏

Hola todos,

That's one of the few phrases I knew in Spanish before the mission. I read ''Your Happily Ever After'' by President Uchtdorf and also ''Forget Me Not'' by him too. Those are two of my favorite conference talks of all time. EVERYONE needs to go look them up. It's alright if you want to call me girly too, I actually told myself I was a girl a couple of times as I read them. I wrote all over them as my thoughts just got flowing too. Wow, I really am a girl. But I'm also a man too!!!!!!!!!! Alright, maybe don't tell me I'm girly, I might feel a little insecure, but I loved those talks so much. They were EXACTLY what I needed to read. It was so awesome to read about how important trials are in all of the good stories and gave me tons of hope and strength. Life really is good right now and I'm forgetting not to love myself. Wow, for real though. Such great talks. I don't know why I just got so excited about them. Man, it was just so amazing!

I really liked a couple of scriptures I found in those talks too. Well one in particular was Philippians 1:3. Then I was also reading in El Libro de Mormón (it's cool reading in Spanish and my goal is to finish for Christmas again). I'm pretty sure I wrote about this before, but once again it surprised me how ''in the space of not many years'' so many things can change. Alma 46:8, Helaman 6:32;7:6;11:26; and my favorite 12:2. It just reminded me of how we all need to do our best EVERY SINGLE DAY to stay on the straight and narrow. I'm so grateful for all of you and your great examples for me to follow.

My spiritual experience to accompany what I learned:

Thursday I was ready to conquer the world and we had a day full of plans to do it. We had 2 people to go with us too and it was gonna be perfect. Then the plans started to fall through as the members couldn't accompany us. We passed by some good people and they weren't there. It was really strange, but I just kept on with the hope that I had in my heart. I don't know why, but I just knew everything was going to be great. It was probably one of the days that I most trusted God in all of my mission. I knew He had plans for that day and maybe they were different from mine. It was absolutely amazing as we were both able to see God just start to put everything together. We had some really special and spiritual lessons that day that weren't really planned and we really tried to focus on just listening to the investigators and then helping them. It was so amazing.  I know Heavenly Father is over His work. His plans are way better than my plans and I'm learning to accept and follow His will for me. I'm so much happier as I do that.

Another cool thing that happened this week was how yet another person said I'm happy. Since being in this area quite a few people have commented about how I'm such a happy person. That's been really cool for me to hear because for the last year I was more accustomed to the usual ''tiene una carra de serio'' (or your face is really scaring me/serious). So it also helps when people say you're happy to help you be happier. I think I'm gonna do a science experiment and when people are sad I'm gonna say they look happy and confuse the sadness out of them. I'll let you know how it all goes down when I finish my experiment. But for real, complimenting people helps me stay so happy.

A quick food update. I finally ate cuy (guinea pig) this week and that's the picture I sent. It was all right, but I'm not sure why everyone rants and raves about it. It was kinda like a mix between chicken and fish, but apparently it's super healthy for you. Unfortunately there is not very much meat on them, so don't be thinking about going and buying a pet guinea pig just to kill it and eat it. I repeat, it's not worth it!

Also, apparently I've been rockin' the liver for some time now. I actually didn't know it was liver, I just thought it was weird tasting meat. Then my companion was like it's higado. So yeah, all those old people in the stories that eat liver are now joined by a joven (young guy). It's really not that bad so if the doctor prescribes it you should just do it. But other than that, not recommended by Elder Wheatley.

Really the coolest thing this week was learning to let Heavenly Father do the work. I'm learning a bunch about patience.  He really is over His work and I know what I am learning here will bless me for my entire life. I'm really trying to humble myself without being compelled to be humble cause I'm not a super big fan of trials. I'm gonna do my best, but really I'm grateful for trials that help me learn and grow and humble myself before my Maker.

Good luck Brianna in your concert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll be thinking about you and praying for you!!!!!!!!!!!!! Maybe I'll even do a last clap contest (classic).

I'm so happy to hear that Oma is doing better and am happy she can be back with Opa and that you all will be taking care of them. Please send the whole family my love and some big hugs and kisses to Oma and Opa as well as Nomi. Well, pretty much just everyone. And for you brethren in the mission, a bro hug is good enough.

I love you all so much and am happy here in Perú. It's not perfect, but we're all getting a little better together each and every day.

Have the best week ever and know you are all in my prayers! Thanks for all of the love and support. And just go crazy go nuts. Oh yeah, Go BYU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love your girly/manly son, brother, and best friend,

Elder Aaron Micah Wheatley

 

 

Papa

Oh Yeah,

This week was a really great week and I actually want to start with the scriptures and talks I loved so much. So, I know you guys have all probably read it in the Liahona it's called ''His Grace Is Sufficient'' by Brad Wilcox. I actually heard it in my 3rd area with my companion like twice because he had it on his USB. I then read it in Spanish in the Liahona and was talking about it and then Hermana Lind in my zone was like, I have it in English. So next thing I know I have the full talk in English and it was amazing. I don't know how many times I need to read that talk in my mission and life, but everytime it is just amazing. I guess that's how the gospel works, we just keep remembering the same things over and over again and each time a little bit more sticks. I'm so grateful for His grace!

In that talk I also found two amazing scriptures I wanted to share. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 and also Luke 1:37. I love the scriptures so much and am so grateful for them. I miss the temple a bunch, but feel close to God every time I read my scriptures.

This week was pretty normal to me at least. I really don't know what to write you about my companionship. Elder Herrera is a really cool guy from Cordova, Argentina. He knows a ton of stuff because he read way too many books here on the mission. He was baptized a little less than 3 years ago and left with 1 year as a member on the mission. He makes me laugh a lot with some of the things he says in lessons, but I know it comes from his huge desire to help others understand the gospel. He's cool because we can just talk about all sorts of things together and it's nice to not have to walk the streets in silence like with some other companions. All people are different though and I've learned from all of my companions. He reminds me how blessed we are to be here in the mission and that's a great thing.

The best part of the week by far was a work visit (I think it's called exchange in English) with Elder Holley. I love that man a whole bunch and am so grateful I get to know him here on the mission. We just had a great time teaching in his area. We had a cool experience where this girl came out of nowhere and just started talking to us in English and she actually spoke really well.

My spiritual experience for the week was during a work visit with Elder Holley. I had a reference for him and we were looking for it. I read him the wrong direction and so we headed off there. I was confused where we were going and then we got there and it wasn't the right place. I told him I thought it was closer to where we started so we headed back. Then we were headed down a street and I was about to turn and then he said he wanted to pass by a testigo church. I thought it was the same so we passed by. Then out of nowhere this girl yells at us. So we stop and she asks us if we speak English. She tells us she is studying English at an institute and always likes to practice with gringos. That was pretty funny, but really cool. She seemed interested about the church too and we invited her to English classes we have in the church. We walked away and then were just amazed at the Lord's hand how he placed us EXACTLY where we needed to be EXACTLY when we needed to be there. I read the wrong direction, then we went down a different street, and it was just so cool. We ended up at the reference and it was like 3 houses from where we started. I don't know what will happen, but I know that God directs His work.

In the night we were able to just talk for a long time. We started off just throwing his trompo (a top) and it was pretty fun. We were just talking about the mission and life and he showed me a bunch of pictures he had. We talked about our families and our biggest fears. It was cool to be able to just open up with someone again and let it out.  I keep getting worked up that life will be so different when I get home and then I realize 1 day still has 24 hours and a week is still 7 days. I get to choose how I use my time and I'm definitely going to choose going to the temple.

It was nice to let go of my fears and know that we are all struggling in this life. Elder Holley is such a great example to me. I love that he gets some sports updates from his family too. Someone may seem all perfect on the outside, but we are all working our best in this life. Just go give everyone a hug for me. We all need it.

About Papa. It's still not 100% real to me, but I feel so much peace when I think about or talk about him. I know he's not far. He's showing us how it's done, just like he was a great example in life. From one of my favorite songs ''he showed me how I'm supposed to live and now he showed me how to die''. I'll be thinking about him and all of you tomorrow. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I miss him a lot, but it's just like I miss all of you. It'll be real one day, but for now I'm just so grateful for the Spirit which comforts me so much. I hope you all have such a great day and that you all have fun times remembering Papa. I love him so much and am so grateful for the time I got to spend with him, especially that last little bit working on the house. Nomi, I love you so much too and pray the Spirit will comfort you. Thank you so much for marrying such a great guy. I owe EVERYTHING to my family for your examples.

I am so happy to hear about Oma and Opa too. You are both in my prayers constantly and I know Heavenly Father will continue to watch over you. Have fun with the family getting together and I'm gonna be there before any of us even knows it.

Have the greatest week ever and please go to the temple for me. I miss that place so much. I'm so happy here on the mission and wouldn't trade this for anything. See you all soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love your amigo fiel para siempre,

Elder Aaron Micah Wheatley

Desert Rose

So Good,

General Conference was just AMAZING and it was so fun to think that all of you were listening and enjoying the same things as I was. Something happened and we weren't able to watch it in English, but I still loved it in Spanish. I definitely have to admit that some things were missing though. We are all so blessed to be able to hear the prophet in our native tongue. The Spirit is always so strong!

I really loved pretty much all of the talks, but was especially touched by Elder Holland's masterpiece. He said just what I needed and it was amazing. It was all the best ever though. I definitely need to study the talks a bunch.

After Conference it was cool to just talk with all of the missionaries. I got to talk with Elder Holley, who actually was my zone leader back in Puente Piedra for the last Conference. I asked him 6 months ago if he loved Peruvians and it took him a couple seconds to say that he felt he did. I really couldn't say that I did at that time, but after thinking for a couple of minutes I realized a lot of people had touched my heart. After 6 months we both could say immediately that we loved Peruvians and even Perú. It's not a perfect place, but I love it. I'm gonna miss it so much when it's time to go home (the garbage and everything). It's amazing to me how much we all can change in such a short time if we just allow God to work in us. He has changed me so much and I am far from perfect, but I'm making my way everyday ALWAYS AND ONLY with His help.

A couple cool things that happened were being able to hear James Taylor rockin his tunes with MoTab. That was an amazing 30 seconds or so and I so enjoyed it.

It was also so cool to see the Tempernacle (Provo City Center Temple I believe). That's gonna be one pretty building and I kind of stood up and shouted with my arms outstretched when I saw it. Good times.

The other cool story for the week was when I asked my companion what the meat we had just eaten was and he said liver. It's actually not as bad as I thought it would have been. I had eaten it like 2 or 3 times before I even thought about asking. And if it's good for my body, all the better.

But by far the best story of the week is Oma!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you so much and am so grateful to hear you are feeling better!!!!!!!! I fasted this week and it was super special. It was one of those times where I really felt like I had accepted the Lord's will. Of course my dream is going through the Brigham City Temple with Oma and Opa when I get home, but I just told God that I knew He knew better. Like we heard a bunch of times in Conference (Isaiah 55:8-9). Yesterday while the choir was singing ''Abide With Me, ´Tis Eventide'' I was thinking about Oma because it is her favorite hymn. I was just thinking about it all and probably the most special revelation came to me. It was one of those moments when heaven touched earth and I know God loves us. I just felt that He misses us so much. We're here on earth and He wants us so badly to be with Him. I just felt like He wants to be with us all and He feels so happy when we die in the faith. He can then be with us again and I just felt how much He loves us and wants to be with us. I hope that all works out in your brain and heart like it did in mine. That was a really great moment to me. I'm so grateful His will was done and that Oma is doing much better.

Well, I'm loving it here in Los Proceres in estaca Los Olivos. It hit me this week that the Mount of Olives in Spanish is Los Olivos. I'm not sure what it says in English, but the description in the GEE (Bible Dictionary equivalent in Spanish) was really cool.

I really loved Isaiah 55:8-9, and Philippians 1:3 this week. I hope you all have the best week ever and please give Oma and Opa and everyone a huge hug for me and a kiss too.

Thanks for being the best family ever! I missed our General Conference traditions, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love you all so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love your boy in Perú,

Elder Aaron Micah Wheatley

 

 

What Is Love?

Well, I'm laughing, just like I said I would be last week. I got transferred here to Los Próceres in the stake Los Olivos. It was hard to leave Huacho, but I'm loving it back here in the city. It's like I get to start it all over again and I'm just enjoying all of the little things like; buses, traffic, smog, and lots of noise. I'm just loving it and am so grateful I can be serving my Lord and Savior. I really have been laughing the majority of this week because the littlest things just make me happy.

I am companions with Elder Herrera who is from Cordova, Argentina and we are both new in the area so ''white washing''. It's been a pretty crazy week and we've definitely gotten lost more than once. We've walked the limits of our area a couple of times and have definitely been invading the hermanas area. We're not teaching anyone though, so we're fine. Just funny stories. The ward is so awesome here though and have helped us so much. Everyday someone new has shown us around and I am so grateful for a ward that wants to help us. We were able to help with a service project on Saturday digging a trench and that was super fun too. I just love getting down and dirty and helping others.

We had an amazing baptism and are so ready to have more here.

Oh yeah, we/I locked us out of our apartment and had to do some crazy mountain climbing to get back in the room. Okay, maybe it wasn't that crazy, but it was a tiny windowsill that I had to stand on in my Sunday shoes (I should have just done it barefoot). The good news is I didn't fall and die and now everytime we leave my companion asks me if I have the keys. Gotta love those fun stories.

I don't really know what else to say other than I am loving life here. Really, I am just so happy and His will is being done. I know so many good times (as well as growing experiences) are ahead and I'm excited for them.

I wrote this to my President:

My spiritual experience for the week was the baptism we had. We just got here and everything was so ready. Doris just had the purest desires and that was really special to me. She just said she wanted to get baptized and keep learning more. I felt the Spirit when she said that. Also last night we had a lesson with a less active that was amazing. She knows way too much for her own good, but as my companion said, she doesn't understand any of it. She actually agreed and it's sad, but at the same time so happy, to see that she has been humbled so much. I wish she never would have passed this road, but we are going to help her get back on the path. I just felt such pure love for her and her husband and know they can help this ward so much. I know it's never too late to come back to Christ. I shared that with her and it felt really good. We weren't messing around and talked direct to her. I just love being a servant of the Lord.

Thanks for letting me know about Oma and Opa. I feel a part and protected. I know things will be as they need to and trust Heavenly Father is watching over all of you. My prayers are united with yours too and know He will protect all of you.

I AM SO EXCITED FOR GENERAL CONFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT'S THE BEST TWO WEEKENDS OF THE YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!! Have tons of fun watching it as a family and I'm looking forward to writing you next week.

Thanks for being the greatest family ever! You are all in my prayers!

Love your little rascal in Lima again,

Elder Aaron Micah Wheatley

Good ol' chicken foot!