January 25th, 2016

First of all I want to tell my little sister HAPPY BIRTHDAY this Saturday on the 30th! Can't believe that you are turning 9 Ashlee! 

This last week was really great. In fact I would almost be able to say that it was one of the best weeks that I have had in my entire mission! You all are probably wondering what was so good about this last week and so I will tell you! To start off we had an incredible zone training! In fact everyone was coming up to us after it telling us how inspired and edified they were throughout the whole training. Now I can't say that the reason why they were inspired and edified by anything that we said, but rather by what they felt. I as well was inspired and edified through the one the can inspire and edify being the holy ghost. What great joy I receive as I recognize the holy ghost working within me and testifying to me of truth. In our zone training we focussed a lot on Conversion and how it is that we can be converted and what we are able to do as we are converted to the gospel of Christ. I love what Elder Oaks says about conversion. "Conversion doesn't mean that we know but rather that we do" The principle of conversion is exactly that. 

Then on Thursday night I got a call from a family that I was teaching in Moche asking me to go down to be a part of their baptism. I was filled with such great joy to know that they were going to be baptized and that I would have a part in baptizing. Truly one of my favorite and most spiritual moments that I have had here in my mission would have to be the baptism of the Perez Moron Family. Now the whole family is baptized and are preparing to enter the temple a year from now. I have no doubt that I will find myself back here in Peru to be at their sealing. I love that family so much and I feel blessed to have been able to know them and be a part of their lives. 

Sunday as well was great. My companion and I were actually invited to go and do a training for a ward council here in the stake which went really well. We focussed on the importance of a ward council and that the purpose is found in the scriptures. Moses 1:39 To bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. What a great way to end off the week.

I know that my purpose is to do exactly that. I feel comforted in knowing that this last week I was able to help others take their first steps to obtaining all the blessings of eternity. I love the gospel and I know that it is perfect.

I love you all and hope you have a great week!

Love,

Elder Thorpe