Elder Scott Learning, Living and Sharing the Gospel in Perú: Feliz Navidad continues into January

To start of today's post I want to begin with the news of the passing of our beloved prophet, Thomas S. Monson. He passed away last night at 10:01 MST surrounded by his family. President Monson was a dedicated, faithful servant his entire life, and for the past 55 years has been a member of our 12 apostles, being called and sustained when he was only 36 years old, and then tirelessly served as the 16th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints starting almost 10 years ago.

One of mine and Elder Scott's favorite quotes that President Monson said was, "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved." He was a truly inspired, gracious, loving prophet of our Lord and his presence will be missed here on this earth. Luckily we have a sure knowledge that life does not end at death, rather Heavenly Father's plan includes a chance of eternal joy and happiness as we can become perfected through Him. This is a gift available to any of God's children who choose to live righteously and follow His commands. President Monson is surly being received with much love and gratitude for all he accomplished in his mortal life.

I mentioned I was going to focus on personal letters Elder Scott sent home for the next few blog entries, and today I am going to pull out a couple key points in the letter he sent to me that is going to of course focus on Christmas, but that happens to be my favorite time of the year, and I figure there's no reason we only need to remember the reason behind the season during the month of December. "For now in my letter I want to focus on Christ because I just love this time of year. It's so super special. I'm super excited as well for the Ilumina el Mundo program (Light the World program) that will be starting on the 1st of December. I'm excited to participate in another awesome 25 days of service in 25 different ways. Yay! I love this program because the light and Spirit of Christ is so super strong during this campaign. It literally does change the world. I love it so much. This Christmas I look forward to my last Christmas here in Perú. The time has just flown by so quickly. By the time you read this I'll be home in 8 quick months. Like what it that even?! It's like nothing at all. I'm being sure to keep on working hard and making every day count though.

President Mendez shared a phrase with me recently that has had a big impact on me. He said, 'Be the type of missionary that your parents think that you are.' I just loved that phrase. It blew my mind really. And since he said that I think about it so much as I make choices. I am trying so hard to be the very type of missionary that you all think that I am. I always try to make you proud. I love you so much. Know that I am working hard here, especially during this wonderful Christmas time. Thank you for always being here for me and for being such wonderful examples. You give me strength to continue pressing forward, especially when times get tough. To keep pressing forward when the odds are against me. Thank for watching out for me and loving me. Know that I think and pray for you all constantly. I know that Heavenly Father is watching over and protecting you all in every moment.

Love,
Your Son

Since the past two p-day's fell on holiday's (Christmas Day and New Year's Day) I didn't receive pictures until Elder Scott's sweet pensionista's daughter Grace was able to send me some yesterday, and boy did she hook us up.

Here are a few of my favorites that came through.

Meeting his new trainee, Elder Vergara, for the very first time