Great Gatsby!‏

HAGS (Have a Great Summer) everybody,

I definitely couldn't resist writing that and hope you all have such a fun last week of school and then enjoy every single minute of your summer break. That was always the best time of year so make sure you just soak it all up.

I was reading in the Liahona this week and saw an article by Sister Smith. It made me think about Eric Smith and I felt bad I didn't write him more. I think he's home now and if there's anyway you can get ahold of him or his email for me I would love to write him. I'm so grateful for all of my friends who have always been such great examples to me and it's fun for them to start going home now. I know the time just goes by so quickly.

This last week has been kind of cold. It gets down to like 63 degrees or so which isn't so bad, but it's not that fun to wake up to either. I've been doing more exercises this week though so that should help me stay warm and help with my body as well. (Now don't be thinking I'm all sorts of fat or anything, I just don't have very much muscle anymore).

We met this family Noelia and her daughter Geraldine this week and they're super cool. They have great desires to be baptized and it never ceases to amaze me how the Lord has prepared us to accept His gospel. I know we are doing His work here on the earth and I am so grateful to be a part of it.

Before I forget, I also need to send out a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to my parents. 24 years must go by so fast. I'm so grateful for your examples to me of staying strong and making it through together. I am so grateful for my whole family and wouldn't be anything without you guys. You keep me strong when I want to be week and I am so grateful for your examples.

I'm training an elder named Elder China. He's from Bolivia, but his grandpa moved there from Japan during World War II. He actually lived in Japan for 7 years so he knows Japanese and is pretty good at English too. (Need to be a little careful with that). He's a cool guy and has lots of desires to just get working. I'm trying my best and sure am learning a bunch of things. Patience is number one on the list though and it's hard, but I'm grateful I can prepare for the rest of my life here on the mission. It just came to my mind to ask for a blessing yesterday and so I asked Elder Arnett to give me one. He said it was his first blessing and it was just what I needed. I know it didn't come from him because he said some really special things. I am so grateful for Priesthood Blessings and know our Heavenly Father is watching over our lives in a very personal way. I just cried and it felt so good.

I thought a lot this week about how privileged I've been to grow up in the US of A and enjoy so many blessings. I guess the better word is just blessed. Sometimes I wonder why people here act one way or another, but then I just try to be grateful that I was taught differently and it helps me not judge them.

I realized this week that Los Rosales is where I came to love the Peruvian people, where I learned to love them. It wasn't easy, but it's oh so worth it. We're all different, but we are all children of God and I am so grateful to be here on the mission where I am learning so much. I love Perú and I love Peruvians! I love everyone!

Miguel, Estefania, and Cristhan were baptized this week and it was so special. Miguel said it really touched him to hear that baptism was being born again and that we can start all over. That makes me think more about the sacrament too and how much of a blessing it is to be able to be clean EVERY SINGLE WEEK!

I loved reading in the Book of Mormon this week especially 3 Nephi 7:18 about faith equals power and how the people couldn't resist his teaching. 3 Nephi 9:20 about how the didn't know they had received the Holy Ghost and sometimes we don't realize. Then of course we've beenable to read about Christ's coming to the America's and the Sermon on the Mount is one of my favorite scriptural passages. I love the beattitudes and more than anything about the peacemakers (I'm still trying). Then I loved 3 Nephi 12:30 about taking up our cross (whatever it may be) or as I feel giving up our will to the will of The Father. And 3 Nephi 12:41 about ''going the extra mile''. I love the scriptures so much and am so grateful I can study them so much.

I love you all so much and hope you have the best week ever. Have so much fun in Lake Powell and whatever else you all are doing this summer. I'm praying for you and know it will be so much fun.

Love your best friend forever and ever,

Elder Aaron Wheatley

''I was raised by a cup of coffee''/ It Happened‏

Hey Everybody,

Sorry for the less than missionary like title. Go look it up if you want though, I just thought it was appropriate for this week because...it happened. Nomi said it would take 9 months and that's exactly what it took. I don't know if I'll ever feel like I was born in Perú, but this week everything just seemed normal. The dust and dirt was just there, the people just spoke Spanish, and I was just plain old HAPPY. I love the mission so much and am so excited for all that is going to happen this next year. I love Perú so much!!! I think I could count it as my second home.

Now, the most important. I forgot to write last week, but I showed the people here the pictures of you from skype and everyone said that you looked really young Mom. And as we know latino's are brutally honest, so I just thought you should know because it must be true if they say it. And I definitely agree.

I had to work one day in the city because my companion went to the clinic and I was so amazed at how green it was. It was actually pretty funny because I was right next to one of my old areas (Faucett) and I always thought it was so dirty back then. I guess that's what happens with my time to adjust to Perú. I sure do love it here, but my brain is going crazy. I will feel like I am in the Garden of Eden when I get back to Utah, I think.

I also got to work with Elder Arnett this week and he sure has come a long way. It reminds me of when I was new in the mission. It's funny because these last 6 weeks were probably some of the longest of his life and they felt so fast to me. That's the day my brain changed and I am so grateful for it.

Now for the biggest news. My companion, Elder Figallo, is leaving to Bolivia. They called on Saturday and said that his visa came through. I'm sure going to miss him and am so grateful for the time we were given to be together. He'll be a great missionary in La Paz and I am so grateful for all of the miracles we were able to see together. Yesterday we had so many investigators in Sacrament Meeting and he is leaving right before a family is getting baptized. I know miracles come from Heavenly Father as we are diligent and obedient.

I will be staying in Los Rosales for another transfer and I am so excited! I love it so much and will be training a new missionary. I don't know his name, but know I will learn and grow so much. Thanks for all the prayers you are offering in my behalf.

This week is going to be so full and they just are all blending together now. I hope you are all having so much fun with the end of school and everything. It is so exciting to hear about all of the mission calls and I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU AANNALIISA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't know exactly what you are feeling, but I know you were called EXACTLY where you need to be. It was really hard for me to even like Perú and now I'm writing that I LOVE it. The mission is the most amazing gift that Heavenly Father gives us to learn and grow. You will be forever changed and I am so excited for you to join all of us out here in the mission field. That's really awesome that you get to leave so soon too. I know you will be amazing and the people of California are so blessed to have YOU coming their way.

Just remember, when in Rome...drink chocolate milk! I hope you all laughed at good old Elder Aaron Wheatley. What a funny guy.

Oh yeah, so Helaman 15:3, we are chastened because He loves us (Proverbs 3:12 and Hebrews 12:5-11). 3 Nephi 1:11-15 we always need to look up. I just thought about how awesome it would be to pray and then for Jesus to say. ''Don't worry, I'll be there tomorrow''. We need to just hold on to our faith and do all that is asked of us. I am learning so much on my mission and absolutely love the Book of Mormon. I am so grateful I can read it everyday and the days are just flying by.

Have the greatest week ever and just go have some fun. And for all of you out on missions or preparing, thank you so much.

Love your ALMOST Peruvian brother and friend forever,

Elder Aaron Wheatley

ps. Sorry for no pictures again. I will really do my best next week!

Hanta Qullami‏

Hellooooooooooooo,

So I guess that title is Quechua for ''I love you''. I'm really not sure on the spelling, but now you know.

This last week was so awesome of course apart from being able to skype yesterday and so I'll do my best to get it all down. 

 

On Monday, we went to the beach and that was pretty cool. This time of year it is completely deserted and looked like a ghost town. The funniest part was when we passed by a store and an elder saw Dr. Pepper. All the gringos freaked out and then we found out that there was Mountain Dew too. I was laughing because I thought about Charlie on his mission. I was more than happy to find out that she had a Snickers and enjoyed every second of the 5 that it took me to eat it!

I almost flooded the church which could have been pretty bad. We were just trying to empty the baptismal font and next thing I know this room in the church was being filled with water. We turned on a pump to get it out, or so I thought. Then we went upstairs and I got to play the piano for a little which was awesome. The power went out so we went to see what happened and saw that there actually was more water in that room and it had reached the motor and shorted the power in the whole building. That was actually pretty bad. There were two members there and we got it all worked out. We turned the sprinklers on outside to get rid of the water and one of them was spraying in the wrong direction. I thought about all the times I got to fix our sprinklers with Dad. We would think we'd solved the problem and then there was another. They told me not to touch it, but I did and it sprayed all over me when the top popped off. I fixed that though and they were all laughing at me. I said ''I just want to serve'' and they all laughed even more.

So, I think I'm in that part of the mission where everyone says it all just changes and they are happy to be here. People told me it would take about 9 months and they were right. I wake up now and am happy to be a missionary. I want to work and talk with the people. Then the best part is getting home every night and just feeling like death because we're so tired. I love being with Elder Figallo and love this area. This is what I thought the mission would be like, but it's even better.

We had some cool lessons this week with one guy that lived in the US for 13 years and spoke English to me out of no where. We have been teaching his wife (or I don't know what to call it when they aren't married but live together). She's super cool and he's actually pretty cool too. So he knows a bunch about the Church and was asking all sorts of questions. As we said a prayer and then searched for scriptures ONLY IN THE BIBLE about the premortal existance it was super cool, and there are a bunch. The Spirit was there and next thing you know we were drinking Ecco together and just having a grand old time. His name is José and I really hope we can help him learn and grow.

We also got to talk to some Isrealites this week and that was pretty sad. It was a less active member and his absolutely, completely, totally confused sister who is an Isrealite (I don't know if that religion exists in the US). So she was using the LDS version of the scriptures and was preaching all sorts of false doctrine. Then she would turn to the Jehovah's Witness bible and I had no idea what was going on. She was taking her ideas from all over the place. I know she wanted to do what was right, but it was really sad to see her and is sad to see all the people who are just so confused. She started off with good principles and then distorted them until they were so confusing. She really knows the Bible though and has totally corrupted her brother. He says he knows the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true and that Joseph Smith restored the Church. He quotes from the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants and says he knows they are true. And then he goes on to say that the Church is of God, but His chosen people are the Isrealites. The women all walk around with their hair covered and all sorts of things. It's just really sad and more than ever I KNOW the importance of having a prophet to lead and guide us.

The coolest thing about church was an analogy that someone said about how the Church and life is like a treadmill. When we think we have reached what we need to we can't stop, because if we stop the thing goes backwards and takes us with it. It was a great reminder to me to keep moving forward always.

Also, an investigator wrote my name Elder Whiskey yesterday and that was super funny.

Talking to all you guys yesterday was more than words can describe. I have even more desires than ever to be a better missionary. It was funny to end the skype and then just jump back into Spanish and talk about what we need to do here to help the investigators and the ward. It just felt so normal -- I LOVE MY MISSION!!!!!!

A couple good scriptures are Helaman 5:50-52 about how the word changes people. Then we have Helaman 6:7-17 and it was pretty hard to read about them prospering because I knew they were just going to fall. A good reminder that we all have trials for a reason (Helaman 12:3). Helaman 10:2-11 was awesome about the priesthood sealing power. And then of course Helaman 13:12-14 about how we are saved by the righteous, it made me think about Alma the Younger. And to top it all off Helaman 7:7-9, it made me think about how even the prophets wanted to live in a different time. We are given what we need though and I am learning to be so happy with it.

I'll talk to you all soon and hope you have the greatest week ever. Make sure to enjoy the amazing weather. Thanks for being my family and friends I love you all so much.

Do it neatly Wheatley, (and everyone else too), love your more than happy best friend in Perú,

Elder Aaron Wheatley

The Point is He's Clearly Overreacting

Hola mis amigos,

Yeah, this week was one of those OTHER weeks. Those weeks that just make your face hurt from smiling and chill you to your very bones with pure goodness. I'm just full of sheer joy. There is sunshine in my soul today, si o si (that means for sure).

Alright, I'll do my best to get on with this letter and let you all enjoy the happiness with me. So before anything I want to say CONGRATULATIONS to my cousin and best friend Charlie. I'm super excited for you to get married. Everyone says she's a super cool girl, so that makes it all the better. It'll be fun to hear about all the changes that are happening in the family this summer. That includes the Youngs with their plans to join us (well I guess you guys) in my land of make believe. I'm praying that things work out for the house and if not a different one, but that would just about be the craziest thing in the world to move next door to Nomi.

Now back to my week. It's actually pretty funny because it starts out with one of the least pleasant memories of my whole mission. On Monday we were invited to eat ''tocuch'' with the Salvador family. I think that's how you spell it, but it should mean something like horse poop in Quechua. It's really that bad. Alright, sorry if that's super crude, but I really have no idea how else to describe it. It's fermented potatoes that reek and then they put it in some gelatenous mixture. Well, I was doing alright and we took some videos of us eating. I got it down, but made one mistake. I finished strong and then the hermana asked me if I wanted more. That's definitely a lesson learned. I told her just a little bit because I was really full, we had eaten just an hour before so I wasn't lying. She took it and just gave me a little more and I handled it like a dignified gentleman. My companion was so close to throwing up and we've been laughing about it the rest of the week. It's one of those mission food experiences that I'm grateful I had once and will do my best to never have again.

For Brianna's birthday I was actually on an exchange with Elder Arnett and we just partied it up. We listened to some good church music and ate delicious cake, of course with some IncaKola. He also had Nutella, which is acutally pretty cheep down here, and that was good as always. It was just fun to be thinking about you Brianna and I hope you had the greatest birthday ever.

Your pictures from Prom are so great and you look so beautiful. You are growing up way too fast as I previously have stated and wouldn't mind if you slowed it down a little bit. I hope you had a blast dancing the night away. Also, the pictures from your softball game looked so cool and I'm looking forward to watching you when I get home.

Later this week I actually had another work visit with Elder Holley and that was super awesome. Other than being able to speak English (yes, I still miss it after all the time in the mission) it was so much fun to talk about sports. We talked about a bunch of different sports teams and about some stadiums we've been to. It was fun to remember going to Notre Dame with Dad and you gotta love Touchdown Jesus. For all you sports lovers out there, go ahead and soak up as much as you can for the both of us. I'm looking forward to a long lifetime of sports lovin´. I really liked just talking to him about our stories, why we're here on the mission, and how we know the Church is true. It gave me a lot of strength and I wanted to thank you all for being such great examples to me and letting me borrow of your light until I found out for myself. I love the mission and am so grateful to be here.

Sunday a family bore their testimony about being sealed in the temple and I just about burst into tears. I really don't understand it, I just was touched by the Spirit. I am so grateful that we are all sealed together and am so excited to hear about how our family is getting even closer, and growing even bigger.

So I haven't really said that much about the week now that I think about it, but I guess that's why it was so cool. It flew by and I was just happy doing the work of the Lord. My companion and I get along really well and I love him. It's really cool, because I'm learning a lot of patience as I let go of the little things he does that bother me and focus on all of the big things he does that just blow me away. He's such a great guy and I'm so grateful for every single one of my companions. I have learned so much from them all.

This week we were blessed so much to be able to set up baptismal dates for two amazing families. I have never been given the privilege to baptize a family and now there are two and a third one soon. I really hope I can stay here in Los Rosales I love it here. Now about the third family. I don't remember what I said about Walter and Leonor, but 2 weeks ago she sat us down and said that she felt super pressed by us, she didn't like us coming around so often (only one or two times a week), and that she liked smoking and drinking. Her son was super cool, but just kind of followed her. So we pass by to say hi this week and she tells us that she talked to her son and they want to get baptized in a month or two. Later we talked to Walter and he told us that she said ''no pude aguantarme'' (she just couldn't handle it, she couldn't hold it in anymore, that's the best translation I can do). Well, that was one of the coolest moments of my mission just hearing that and we are seeing so many blessings in this area as we are just obedient and work hard.

I'm super excited to talk to you all this Sunday and can't believe the time is passing by so quickly.

In my reading this week I really liked Alma 61:6 about doing things day by day. Alma 61:19-20 about rejoicing in being burned by someone else, it actually was an answer to his prayer (I love Pahoran). Alma 62:35-36 about how anger destroys us. Then of course our beloved Hagoth in Alma 63:5-8 it was really nice to think about Papa, I love him so much. We finished Alma!!!!!!! Helaman 4:26, read all the footnotes, it can all change in the space of not many years if we don't continue forward in righteousness. Alma 5:6 about how good is good enough. Helaman 5:12 of course is a classic and then 14-20 about how the preached with power and authority. I know we all have the same power and authority and am so grateful to be a missionary.

I loved my mission this week and it was so fun to hear from so many of you. I am allowed to write to whoever wants to write me by email and I'll do my best to respond. I hope your mission was just as good as mine and I'm looking forward to an even better one.

Have the greatest week ever and a HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY!!!!!!!!!

Love your happy son, brother, and friend in Perú,

Elder Aaron Micah Wheatley

Happy Birthday Brianna!!!!!!!

Hey Guys,

Happy Birthday Brianna!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The greatest little sister in the whole entire world. I am so excited for you to turn 16 and scared to death. You are growing up way to fast. I hope you have the greatest birthday ever inspite of all of my fears and that Prom is the funnest thing ever. I had so much fun at all my high school dances and can't believe you are old enough to date...and drive. You are super lucky. Driving is so awesome. Just go ahead and have the time of your life. I love you so much and am so excited to hear how it all goes.

This week was kind of all over the place so I'll get going. A young man in my ward left to his mission (Sao Paulo South with Elder Matthew Woodruff) this last week and that was a really cool experience. He had a lot of people from the ward there as he was set apart and it was really weird remembering when I was set apart. It was cool remembering all the craziness. It feels like so many lifetimes ago and I am so grateful for the experiences I have been given between then and now. I say ''lifetimes'' because I'm definitely not the same person anymore, Jake knows what I'm talking about. I felt the Spirit a lot and was grateful to have another man on the side of the Lord in this great battle. I'm so grateful to be serving with all of my family and friends.

We got to go to an awesome conference with Elder Craig C. Christensen and Elder Waddell from the Seventy. I learned so much and the Spirit was definitely there. It was really cool to just listen to them speak in Spanish and for it all to work out. It's amazing how our brains can change and I am so grateful for that blessing. Change isn't so easy while it's happening, but after it's all said and done, we're better off for having done what the Lord has asked of us.

It was fun to be on the bus because I got to be with a bunch of mission friends. We talked all about movies, 80's music, and much more. It was fun to just joke around and not have to worry about making it to the next appointment for a while. I remember Mariah saying it was so awesome to see all the friends she had made during the mission and I feel the same way. Also, during the conference Elder Waddell said that we are exactly where we need to be and we don't need to think about anything else. I don't love everything about my mission, but I know it's EXACTLY where I need to be and I am so grateful for that. I don't know what the future holds, but I'm doing what I need to now.

We went around looking for service opportunities this week and no one wanted them. That was kind of weird, but we did end up peeling some beans for a member. We got to do some contacting in street clothes on our way back to our apartment and that was pretty cool. I actually really like contacting even though I have to drag my companion to do it sometimes. It's hard for me to get started, but then it becomes kind of fun to get rejected and even better to be accepted. We all just need to raise our voices so people can hear. They are waiting for us.

We had a baptism on Saturday and it was really special. Jhosi was baptized by a member named Michael who only has 6 months in the Church. That was really special and I know it will help them both stay strong in the church. I don't know what's happening right now with the computers, but I'll try to send pictures next week. A little girl was also baptized this week and I had no idea that was happening. Actually, I'm not even sure anyone other than the Bishop was aware. That's Perú for you though. It all went well and it was such a special experience, just as all baptisms are. I'm so grateful to be a part of this wonderful work in helping others come unto Christ. Jhosi shared his testimony and it was super strong. Also the little girl (Yaslyn) had to be baptized 3 times and was shivering in the cold water. She didn't want to do it again, but her dad helped her and that was a special experience.

Yesterday the Zone Leaders called us to pick something up real quick before church. We were wating for ever and then got it. Then we had to wait for the bus. As we were waiting some white people got off and I said ''what's up?'' but they didn't hear. Then one Indian guy came over and asked where I was from. I said Utah and then found out they were from the United Kingdom (London, Wales, and Scotland). It was really cool to speak a little English, but they left real quick. They were missionaries who were here for 8 weeks and it was really fun to think about Mariah.

We had a special lesson with an investigator Miguel. His wife listened to us and asked how she could know if it was all true, especially the Book of Mormon. We explained to her that she needed to ask God and she's definitely on board. That was super cool and I am really excited for what the future holds for them. They are a real great family and things like that make it all worth it.

This week I read in Alma 51:16 that we must first cleanse the inner vessel (Alma 60:23-24 and Matthew 23:25-26). Alma 53:21 first we are taught what is right, thank you so much MOM!!!!!!!! Alma 55:11 those who die in righteousness are happy. Alma 56:44 ''What say ye?'' it reminded me of The Lord of the Rings and I was happy. Alma 57:25 no one escapes life without wounds. Alma 58:34-35 when we don't know we have to give the benefit of the doubt just like Pahoran in the next chapters. It's crazy that we are going to finish Alma soon and I love reading with you so much.

I'm pretty much always tired these days, especially at bedtime. I think that's a good sign that I'm working though. I love you all so much and am praying for you. Have the greatest week ever and I'll be talking to you soon.

Love your son, brother, and friend,

Elder Aaron Micah Wheatley

Don't be Hasty

Hello Everybody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whoo, hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a great time we're all having down here in Perú. I hope it's going equally well for all of you living in the land of make believe. (I sometimes call it that because it's only in my dreams, which have been coming on strong lately). So this week was crazy and I'll do my best to help you all be excited too.

Well, the time keeps speeding up and as far as I can see you are all super busy too and that's a good thing to hear. Before I get too far, I want to make sure you are all taking some time to have fun and relax too though. It's good to stay busy and get things done, but those little fun times are some of the funnest to remember. Just go out and get an ice cream with your siblings or sit down and play a board game. I'll be tearing ''Sorry'' up when I get home as well as ''Farkle'' because two years of luck is just building up on me right now.

I got to have a work visit with a new elder this week and it was a really great experience. His name is Elder Arnett and he's fresh out of the CCM. With 6 weeks it seemed like things were going crazy and I was really happy I got to be with him. He's a great Elder and I learned so much from him. His simple testimonies were so powerful and brought the Spirit so quickly. I also got to reflect a lot on how far I've come and I amazed myself. It was pretty cool to realize how normal I feel with everything going on all around me. We just got on the bus then I told them where to stop and we got off. I looked back and was like, YEAH!!! I guess it's really like everyone always says, it just takes TIME. I realized how far I've come with Spanish and how I can really communicate and then the rest of the week I kept seeing how comfortable I am to be in such a strange place. All you people who have gone on missions know what I'm talking about and it sure is a nice feeling. 

This week I was also smacked with a good one as our baptismal date fell through. He's 22 and his mom is also listening to us and everything was going great. Then one day we were passing by and she asked us to come in. It was a little scary and my companion was super weirded out. We both knew what was going to happen and she said she likes the Church and wants to be baptized, she just doesn't like how persistent we are. It's not the first time I've been dropped by an investigator, but she is the first person who said she didn't like us coming over so often (once or twice a week). She's having a hard time though because she straight up said that she likes drinking and smoking. I'm not really sure what to do, but we are learning to have even more patience and I know the Lord will take care of it all. Oh the adventures!

We were a little disheartened, but then we had weekly planning and realized how many people there are in our area to teach and to help come unto Christ. It really amazes me all the blessings we are receiving from God and I know they will keep coming as we keep doing our best to be obedient and just work. Sometimes I'm tired and think it would be nice to just rest a day, and then the next day we leave an hour or two late for a myriad of reasons and I am just bored out of my mind. I think we can safely say that I'm going crazy, but I'm sure loving it. For all you people leaving on missions, those two words will change your life. Obedience and Work.

Now for a couple things I will never stop missing from the good ol´US of A. I smelt something like a barbecue going on yesterday and that was just about enough to make this missionary cry. Okay, not for real but I sure miss it. Also, I miss green, there's just no denying it. Utah seems like the Garden of Eden to me right now. And on to the most important, NOISE RESTRICTIONS. I don't know exactly what the law is here, but no one obeys it if there is one. Saturday nights are definitely party nights and I'm sure grateful for the ear plugs I brought from home. Just a couple things I'm grateful for.

This last week we had interviews with President Dorius and it was awesome. It was about 10 minutes, but I sure learned a lot. I'm looking forward to getting to know my new mission president too.

Oh yeah, Josafat, aka, the best investigator I have ever seen, got to go to the temple this week. He loved it and is enjoying reading the Bible now that he has finished the WHOLE ENTIRE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE. I have no idea how it all just happens, but God is merciful. I just talked to this kid on the street and next thing I know he's reading the scriptures like a mad man. For all of you out on missions, just keep it up. I have such a testimony that Heavenly Father prepares His children to hear His message. They're not all the same, but there truly are prepared people just waiting for us.

As for my reading for the week, I loved it. Moroni is such an awesome guy. So young and fearless. I really loved Alma 48:17-18 and then to finish it all off with 19. Helaman was such an awesome guy too and went on to lead one of the greatest armies I've ever heard of. I also really liked Alma 44:10 because when it's over, it's time to be over. Alma 47 is a great example that we can't come down even a little, we need to stand strong in truth and righteousness. Alma 50:23 with 2 Nephi 5:27 definitely help us find the key to happiness. And above all else, I'm a guy and reading about wars is just pretty interesting. Wars, peace, and preaching.

I love you all so much and hope everything is going well. Have the greatest week ever and don't worry about me because I am loving life here in Perú. Now we just have to keep it all going. It's all flying by and you gotta love it.

Love your pal in Perú,

Elder Aaron Micah Wheatley

Hurrah for Israel!

Hello World,

Thank you Elder Tanner Christensen for the title idea. It helps so much to know that we are all in this together, the building of Israel.

This week was another week of learning and growth as we helped a lot of people come closer unto Christ. We had a bunch of lessons and I felt the Spirit a lot, but hardly anyone went to church and we aren't having much luck helping them accept baptism. (I know this is Perú so it's still higher than some of my brothers and sisters are seeing in their missions. I'm just grateful we can all do this together.)

We went to an area in my ward called arboleda and it definitely is not an arboleda!  (Arboleda means grove of trees.)  It's even more of a desert wasteland and maybe I'll have pictures next week. We met a really great family from a member referral and I hope we can continue to help them come unto Christ.

Walter and Leonor are so awesome, but they just don't go to church. We had a lesson with them and watched the Testaments with a bunch of members which was special. We got to eat dinner with them too and that was a great time just talking. A real easy way to teach the Word of Wisdom when she brought out coffee too. It actually went over really well and it is just going slowly. Walter is awesome though and I can see so much desire in him.

I loved my reading in the Book of Mormon this week and especially enjoyed Alma 36:19-21. I was thinking about all the hard things that happen on missions and tried to remember all the hard things I've done before in my life. I know I've gone through hard things, but couldn't remember in detail. As I read this scripture it just became so clear to me that forgetting is a gift from God. We aren't supposed to remember how hard things were, that's just not how it's supposed to be. We remember that it was hard, but the pain is swallowed up in the Atonement of Christ which fills us with indescribable joy. That is the gift of the Atonement, that we can forget. That we can let go of the past and be so happy. Maybe even overflowing with joy. I also loved reading all the other counsel Alma gave to his sons and am so grateful for my mom and dad who have always been there to counsel me. I love you Mom and Dad.

We had a great lesson with a less active who served a mission and he said that it all started one Sunday when he didn't go to church. I'm grateful for my mission and the base it is giving me for the rest of my life. It's a refiners fire sometimes, but we are becoming FIT for the kingdom of God as we pass through this life.

Now quickly about Josafat. He never ceases to amaze me. He has read almost all of the Pearl of Great Price and received the priesthood yesterday. What a great blessing Heavenly Father has given me to see someone so strong enter the path to eternal life. I am so grateful for all of the people I have met and come to love on my mission. They have all shaped me in one way or another to help me become more like Christ.

I love you all so much and hope you have the greatest week ever known to mankind. I'm praying for you and feel your prayers for me.

Love your brother in the Lord,

Elder Aaron Micah Wheatley