Feliz Navidad!

family,

So it was wonderful to talk to you all on Saturday. It really reminded me that you all still exist and you're more than just emails. Every one of you told me something I needed to hear. It was great. I don't know what I would do without such a super family helping me out. I love you all so much.

Thanks for the package as well, Mom! It turned out stellar because I live with three other elders, two gringos and a short little guy from Lima. So I ended up being able to give a shirt to everyone (picture evidence included). We had a pretty fun Christmas. On Christmas Eve we met up with the four other elders and two sisters of Jaén and the Pensionisto (yep, he's a guy) dressed up as Santa Claus and sang us some cool Peruvian villancicos (christmas carols) then we played a really fun game where we drew a random name of another missionary and drew a picture of them in five minutes. Then we went around and guessed who was who. After that we drew each other as an animal, a movie character, a random object, a weapon, etc. Everyone always guessed who was me really easily because they always drew me as something long and skinny (giraffe, pink panther, ridiculously tall tree, and a spear). It was funny. After that we played a white elephant gift. There was no ugly cabin painting, but I ended up winning a sweatband/visor combination (called a beach bonnet) and a japanese mulan-style fan from Hermana Barlow (Sandy Utah) so that was definitely a good gift. Speaking of gifts, we found a rad store last p-day which is basically the "D.I." of Jaén. I bought a few sick ties for about $1.80. I was pretty proud of myself. Oh and on Christmas Day we made macaroni and cheese.

On Thursday we sang a musical number with Elder Shelley and Elder Espinoza in the ward talent show; we sang "Angels We Have Heard On High" in spanish and english. That was pretty fun. Elder Zaugg and I sing in a lot of houses because he's basically my first companion who can carry a tune (no offense previous companions). I still love singing as much as ever--Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

A couple weeks ago we stopped to talk to an old man who always sits on the side of the road. His name is Juan. I love that guy! He's not too interested in the gospel since he goes to the Jehovah's Witnesses but we always stop by to visit him. He calls us his "gringo nephews." So I started calling him "Uncle Juan." We met his niece who owns a hair cutting place down the street. We went to visit her even though she didn't show much interest and there we met her daughter Gina. Gina is studying law and seems really really interested. I love how sometimes the first person we contact doesn't really progress, but we end up finding someone else who leads to someone else and through this "person chain" we find someone who actually ends up showing a lot of promise. God is over all.

Well, that's about it. I love you all so much and testify once again that I have hope for a better world, a world made possible through Christ. Sometimes the world we live in isn't the greatest, but there's a much better world waiting for those who are willing to work for it. Like Mom said, I know Christ lives and that because of Him we can live forever.

elder bassett.

Another Transfer

family.

Hey guys! I hope everyone is doing great. I got transferred this week to Jaén Centro in the Zona Jaén. First we went from Piura to Chiclayo (3 hours), then from Chiclayo to Jaén (6 more hours of pretty much the North Ogden Pass). My new companion is Elder Zaugg from Idaho Falls, Peru. Just kidding, he's from Idaho Falls, Idaho. He has one transfer more than me in the mission (about 14 months) and he's a really cool guy. We're having a lot of fun.

Jaén is a cool place; it's in what's called "ceja de selva" (jungle's eyebrow) meaning that it's not quite jungle yet. It's surrounded by mountains a lot like good old H-ville. In fact, this morning we climbed up one of the mountains to get a good view of the city. Then a random pickup truck passed by and gave us a ride back down. It was sweet. There's 18 missionaries in Zona Jaén but only 8 live in Jaén city. The rest live at least an hour and up to 3 hours away in Bagua Grande, Bagua Chica, San Ignacio, and Chachapoyas. We live in the same room as Elder Espinoza from La Victoria, Lima, Peru and Elder Shelley who's also from Idaho (I'm outnumbered). They're really cool guys as well.

I'm adjusting to a new area, new companion, new investigators, and new responsibilities. This week we've been able to meet a couple of really cool investigators and I know that if they read the Book of Mormon they'll be able to become converted. I can't tell you how many people we meet that have this kind of attitude:

"So, did you read chapter 34 of Alma in the Book of Mormon we left you?"

"No, that book doesn't really convince me."

"Why?"

"Because the people in there have weird names. I like the Bible better."

"Did you even read the book?"

"No... It just doesn't convince me."

They're just not into reading. But if they read it, they'll know. I've been trying to really strengthen my testimony of the Book of Mormon so that I can better help people to understand its importance. It's a work in progress. I really do know that book is true.

Well I'm loving my new area. It's really hot here and it's already rained a couple of times. I'm learning a lot and really trying hard to improve my personal prayers. I've been thinking a lot about what faith really is and my viewpoint of the world and of myself is really starting to change. It's a pretty inexplicable thing. Well my time is running a little short. I love you all so very much. Take care and read your scriptures. And pray.

elder bassett.

Good-Things-to-Come

Click on the words above to see the wonderful video Garret is talking about. Love it.

A Warrior for the Lord in Peru

family.

So today we found out our transfers. Elder Abregú is headed to Urrunaga, another area in Chiclayo. And after basically a whole year in Chiclayo....... I'm headed to Piura. My new area is called Capullanas (that's Kah-poo-yAH-nahs for you gringos) and it appears that my new companion's name is Elder Diaz. I'm really excited for a chance to "start over" in a sense and give the Lord more of me than before. I sure pray that He will bless me with the capacity to fulfill my new assignment.

General Conference, although a week late, was nevertheless spectacular. I had the privilege of watching all five sessions and received a lot of great messages straight from the Holy Ghost; his influence is becoming more and more real to me. I especially liked the example of the "four-color pen" by President Uchtdorf. The pen never complains or refuses to switch from red ink to black or insists on only being used for "important documents." We are tools in the Lord's hands. Nothing more. We should be happy with doing whatever he would have us do. Elder Holland also spoke a little bit about that... Some people are "leaders," others are "helpers". We've just got to be willing to do His will. I'll work on that.

In the Sunday morning session, a sister in the ward brought an investigator who is a pentecostal christian or something. Anyway, during the closing prayer she started praying out loud. In english. She didn't say much, but that really weirded me out... Still not sure what that was all about exactly. Well, there's a first time for everything.

Yesterday was my companion's birthday; some ward members came over to Hermana Lourdes' house and we played games, sang songs, and ate cake. Peruvians are so funny. They really like having the person who loses be "punished." The bishop's wife lost, so they made her run outside and scream "el chancho del vecino se ha muerto!" (the neighbor's pig is dead). The best part: she actually did it. ha ha! The people here are so great. They can have fun doing whatever. Sometimes being easily entertained is a good thing. We shouldn't need fancy toys or technology to have a good time. And as with all Mormons throughout the world-- Alchohol wasn't necessary to have a good time either!

I'm just trying to figure out what I can do to magnify my calling. I sure have high hopes for this transfer. Mom, thanks for referring to "good things to come." I watched the video on lds.org and wow it was great. I've needed that message several times out here.

Well, I love you guys a lot! (so the guy who owns the internet just gave me a tie with wheat stalks on it... yes!) I'll let you guys know how my first week goes.

elder bassett.

When September Ends

family.

It's hard to write a week's-worth of news when it feels like only a day or two has gone by.

We're still working with Paolo and Talula. Talula's other son was killed a few months ago. We left Paolo a Book of Mormon and he said he'd read it. Everybody says they'll read it, but extremely few people actually do it. We came back a couple of days later and he said he was on page 54 and that it's really interesting. So that's pretty much two thumbs way up. Rarely have I seen an investigator who is so interested in the Book of Mormon.

A common sight in the dusty streets is a group of kids playing marbles; my companion likes to play with them sometimes. This week he played with a couple of chibolos in La Pradera and lost every marble he has. So I don't think he'll be playing anymore.

I can't believe I've never said this before, but Sister Riojas, our pensionista, makes really good lasagna. Don't worry, Dad, it's no competition to yours, but it's pretty delicious. She's also made us pizza and alfredo noodles. And pancakes. I'm guessing I'm not going to have another area in which the pensionista knows how to cook so many different types of food. She's great and looks out for us a lot. Her grandson is named Moroni.

The people who were renting the room next to ours moved out and Hermana Lourdes decided to make a built-in bathroom. We're helping out a little and I think we're going to move into the other room in a few days when it's all finished up. One thing I love about the Peruvians is their ingenuity and practicality (is that a word?). They're good at building things with what they have.

The combis (vans) here are crazy. It's the main form of transportation and I think it's now a normal thing for me to be in a van smaller than our Suburban with like 25 people in it. Sometimes they have to take detours and start driving on the side of the road... It can get pretty bumpy sometimes. The other day we were in the combi with a bunch of kids going to school. The road was closed so the guy just goes off the side of the road and it's so bumpy and there's kids flying around everywhere. Luckily the windows were closed or we might've lost someone.

President Chipman showed me a scripture in John 17:21 (I think that's where it's at) where Jesus pleads to the Father that He and His followers can be unified. Why? So people will recognize them for who they are and believe their message. That's why it's so important that I be unified with my companion. Maybe that's also why it's so hard to accomplish that unity sometimes-- because Satan knows that all he has to do to get us to fail is to take away our unity.

I love you guys a ton. Thanks for the awesome pictures. You're all growing up! My love for each one of you has grown since I've realized how great you really are.

elder bassett.

Missionary BIRTHDAY!

Elder Abregu "shoving the cake" in Elder Bassett's face!

Ward members gather for Elder Bassett's special day!!

family.

Jiulianna was baptized on Saturday. It was a special experience. In the middle of the baptismal service, a dog somehow got in the room and started running around. Only in Peru. Aside from that, it was great. She has great desires to go forward with faith and is learning to appreciate the Book of Mormon. I think her sister Angela is pretty close as well. We'll see.

Thanks everyone for wishing me a happy birthday. It was a great day. To answer Dad's question, the tradition is that the birthday person takes a bite out of the cake and someone always shoves their face in. I'm pretty sure I still have frosting up my nose. But no worries, they gave me that piece.

Some members of the ward found out it was my birthday and gave me a party. I also went and visited a couple of members. They are so generous and give all that they can. I ate a ton, which is always good. I felt a lot of love. It was kind of a strange feeling to have someone do something for me after constantly thinking of others, but it made me happy.

Ally, thanks for welcoming me into the "twenty-somethings" group of the family. I realized for the first time today that our family no longer has "kids", only teenagers and old people. The fact that I've gone from the teenagers to the old people is a little hard to swallow. I'm in denial.

I love you guys a ton. Thanks for the prayers.

elder bassett.

New Area - Remigio Silva

family.

Well, my first week in Remigio Silva went well. We were able to baptize Maria, who is married to a very inactive member who is now returning to the church. She is awesome. She is pregnant, and every time we visit her she prays for her little child that he or she can grow up in the gospel.

We met Pamela this week, and yesterday she came to church! We have been talking to her about baptism, and she already is doing great and learning a lot. She has a lot of opposition, especially from her family, but she is developing a testimony of the Book of Mormon.

My companion is Elder Quiroz from Los Olivos in Lima. He is a really good guy and we have a lot of fun together. We get along really well and he is just way rad. Today he completed 5 months in the mission. This week we made popcorn and played UNO in a family home evening.

I also met Jose Palma this week. He is an investigator that has been attending church for almost a year. He studies his scriptures every day and even pays tithing. The problem is that his wife does not want to get married to him. This week we were able to teach her a little about why marriage is important. It is so interesting to me that we meet so many awesome couples that don't want to get married even though they-ve been together for like 20 years. But this guy is really really cool. He has a giant testimony of the Book of Mormon, of tithing blessings and of the church.

A bit of advice… Satan is real. He throws a lot of temptations at us. One of the things he's catching me on right now are the three d's… Especially discouragement and doubt. But guess what! I'm learning to be happy even when things go bad. There's a saying that rhymes in Spanish that says something like "a smile only counts when everything is going bad."

Don't let him discourage you. I love you all and want you to know that you are sons and daughters of the Being who created the universe. The stars are actually pretty bright here in Chiclayo, and every time we walk home at night I realize that I'm the Son of the Man who made the stars. Pretty cool, huh?

elder bassett.

This week I ate guinea pig for the first time. I can't really figure out what it tastes like, but it's not chicken.

Joy in the Gospel

" Maria was baptized this Saturday and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints yesterday. She was extremely happy. It's been a source of joy to see this family come unto Christ. Maria's mother heads to Lima today; we visited them last night and in the closing prayer she expressed to the Lord her gratitude for her many blessings, her regret for having left the path for so long, and her resolution to stay on that path now that she has begun her return. They are good people. "

Serve the Master

Family,

Today the zone got together and played water balloon/towel volleyball. It was really fun and cooled me off. I thought that once winter came it would start to get cold here, but the temperature doesn't really drop until late afternoon. That's when the wind starts to blow, and it sure blows a lot sometimes. Everything here is dust and sand and hardly any streets are paved, so it's a little unforgiving on the eyes at times. Anyway, I was pretty much the water balloon MVP. You should be very proud.

Even though I feel like I say it every week, these last seven days went by really fast. Really really fast. First off, we were able to help Maria and Adriana accept a baptismal date. I'm not sure if I've written about them... Maria is the 12 year old daughter of Mercedes, a very inactive member who hadn't been to church in a long time. It has brought me a lot of joy to see her come back to church and remember what she's forgotten. Adriana is Mercedes' sister and Maria's aunt. We need to help Adriana a little with her doubts. Usually, an investigator has doubts about the church; Adriana has doubts about herself. She doesn't feel like she is completely ready because she still gets mad sometimes. This family is passing through a ton of difficulties and I really feel like we met them at the right time. I remember our first visit; they seemed way less than excited to see us. However, with time they have really opened up and shared with us some of the challenges that they are passing through. They will be baptized this Saturday. Mercedes goes to Lima on Sunday because her new baby boy was born with a really big tumor on his back but she had to wait a couple months to get a spot in the hospital in Lima. This situation has made me a lot more grateful for the access to great medical care that you all enjoy. Please pray for these two. They sure need it.

We were able to teach a couple and their 14-year-old daughter yesterday; at the end of the lesson we asked the father if he could say the prayer. He said that he couldn't, but that he wanted us to help him. It turns out he's a drug addict. He goes through the trash all day and recycles what he can. That's his job, and he's using his earnings to support a wife, a daughter, and a tenacious drug habit. The father of all lies, Satan, has had a lot of practice these past few thousand years. I was reading Jesus the Christ and James E. Talmage wrote a little about "pleasure vs. happiness." So many people are slaves to one type of addiction or another; more often than not they refuse to admit it. We know from the scriptures that "no man can serve two masters," and it's really true. It gives me huge happiness when someone admits that they're stuck, trapped and deceived, and that they want out. This action alone proves that they at least want to stop serving one master so they can serve the Master. I pray that we can help this man. Pray for him as well. His name is Segundo.

Well, that gives you three people to pray for. And, as always, pray for me. Your prayers are powerful. I love all of you and hope that you all are finding joy in serving the Master. Take care.

Elder Bassett

What's Up in Peru?

(Sent this photo of friends to Garret…cute, huh?)

Family—

At Dad’s request I’m going to try to give you a bit of an idea as to what Peru is like. I am in Las Brisas, part of the zone Chiclayo Central. Our zone covers a little piece of the city. The actual Las Brisas is pretty suburban, except that all the houses are stuck together. The people here are really practical with how they build things—square, brick buildings with a flat roof. I’m sure it helps that they never get bad weather here. But I really like the style of life here. People are for the most part happy with what they have. Anyway, the area also covers Los Olivos, Virgen de la Paz, Cruz del Perdón, Cerropón, and Molina Alta—these parts of the area are up on hills and are a little more humble… Brick houses, or more often adobe. I would take a picture but like I said before we don’t walk around with things of value. Then there’s La Purísima, where we live. It’s a lot like our subdivision at home, only bigger. It’s pretty green there, and there’s a ditch behind our house (I’m getting pretty good at catching mosquitos with my hands).

The food is good. Gloria, our pensionista, is a good cook. My favorite foods are ají de gallina, tallerines verdes, lomo saltado, and chupa de chorros. Today she made us tacos. They were actually pretty good, considering that they are definitely not a Peruvian food. I’m guessing you all think Peruvian food is pretty close to Mexican food, but it isn’t. Lots and lots of rice. We also never drink water. They make juice every meal. Breakfast is always bread, but with different combinations of stuff. The bread here is really good. We usually eat it with cheese, avocado, jamonada (basically chicken baloney), and fruit… Mangos, papayas, bananas, apples, peaches, maracuyá, guanábana, ciruelas, tangerines, oranges, etc. And we drink a kind of coffee made of cebada (barley, I think) which is completely healthy and word of wisdom-proof. So there’s your food request.

My companion, Elder Tello, is 26 years old. He was born in Huánaco, but raised in Lima. He is awesome. He has taught me tons of stuff. He came here to work. The cool thing is, so did I. This transfer has flown by and I’m happy to work with him. He likes visiting less-active members. When he talks to the investigators I can tell that he is truly concerned for them and interested in their life. So he’s great.

As for funny things… There’s this dog that always barks at us when we pass by (here in peru, they don’t have yards, so they keep their dogs on the roof). Anyway, I picked up a pebble and chucked it at the dog and it hit him in the face and made the funniest noise ever. It didn’t get hurt but now it doesn’t bark at us. Also, a common way to greet people hear is a kiss on the cheek. Luckily, I’m so tall that people just can’t reach. It makes it kind of awkward for them but for me it’s hilarious. I’ll keep thinking of more stuff. Oh yeah we jump over the ditch every morning to go proselyting so we can save like 5 minutes and one day Elder Tello fell in.

Well, that’s all I got. Oh one thing I might add… Yesterday I opened my suitcase to look for something and there was definitely a scorpion in my suitcase. Pretty cool stuff.

I’m learning a lot and growing a lot. And when I say growing, I mean growing spiritually; however, I’ve migrated two holes on my belt. I’m actually getting less scrawny. It’s a weird feeling.

I love you guys a lot and can’t wait to call you. I miss you all a ton. I am here to let people know that there’s a way they can get back. We can all get back. It’s really not that hard. I hope all of you back home are doing your best. That’s really all we have to give.

Elder Bassett

6 Month Mark

Family—

Well, another preperation day creeped up on me and caught me by surprise… This week went by fast, like all the other ones. We continue to work hard and are helping John to progress… He and Shirley came to church again! Johany’s mom still doesn’t want to give permission… We’re hoping for a miracle. We’re going to try to do a family home evening at their house. We were able to help Jorge accept a baptismal date (not sure if I wrote about him… 14 year old that plays soccer with the young men every Friday). His father won’t give permission either… Here goes for miracle #2. We also found Richard this week… He is 20 and is studying tourism and english. He actually speaks decently. He’s a really humble guy with a lot of charity towards his fellow man. Yesterday he accepted to be baptized the 1st of May!

Even though we haven’t baptized anyone, I feel so successful. I am learning a lot and growing a lot. And I have been able to feel that the Lord approves of our work… It feels good. Of course there is a TON to improve… I lack so much. But Heavenly Father is helping me become more than I was before. A lot of help is coming through my companion… He is a great missionary.

This week we were able to give a lot of service and work with a lot of less active members. People in the ward, even active people, have come to us with their problems and it has really hit me that everyone has problems… A lot of times we never notice, but our own neighbors could be going through the hardest time in their life.

I want you all to know that I am being truly and greatly blessed by the Lord. I am beginning to realize how big this work is. I shouldn’t deserve to be a part of it, as imperfect as I am. And yet He lets me work for Him. LOVE all of you!

Elder Bassett

Gotta Love Those E-mails!

"Hey Family

This week was great, just like all of them! Elder Tello and I have now been companions for a month. We continue to work hard and feel that the Lord is pleased with what we are doing in Las Brisas.

Pretty much all of the progressing investigators we had fell through this week... A couple we haven't been able to find, a couple who didn't want to come to church, and a couple who told us they just didn't want to listen anymore. It has been a little discouraging, but the funny thing is I'm not discouraged. As F. Scott Fitzgerald said, "trouble has no necessary connection with discouragement-- discouragement has a germ of its own." Thanks Mom, for the quote, by the way. Sometimes the amount of work we do and how obedient we are isn't directly proportional to the amount of visible success we enjoy. However, I am finding a lot of joy in the little things that really matter... As President Chipman said in the last zone conference, the most important success we find is in the things we cannot measure.

Shirley and Jhon came to church with us yesterday with their four year old daughter, Karoline... I'm pretty sure I wrote about them. Earlier in the week we were able to have a really good lesson with them about the Plan of Salvation... I was able to feel God's love and forgiveness as I spoke about the Atonement, and I know they could feel it too. It looked like they had a good time in church yesterday, although Jhon got a little confused in Principles of the Gospel... The lesson was on repentance and the teacher ended up talking about the three kingdoms and baptisms for the dead. Ha ha but it was all good.

We were able to visit with Hyrum this morning... He is a 17 year old "oveja descarriada" according to his grandpa (lost sheep). He comes from a family of members and is going through a lot of very big struggles right now. He told his mom he was going to internet for and hour and didn't come home for a couple days. Apparently this happens a lot. She is really worried for him, because she doesn't know what he could be doing... I would be too. (Mom... I really wasn't that bad of a kid.) I sure hope we can help him, because he still has a tiny desire to maybe go on a mission (a very good sign). We challenged him to read the Book of Mormon every day this week. He said he would.

I love you all lots. I'm going to try to send a voice note this next week, because I really want to write everyone back individually. I seriously LOVED the talk that Mom sent me by Jeffrey R. Holland. There's a cool quote that says: "You can change anything you want to change, and you can do it very fast. That's another satanic suckerpunch-- That it takes years and years and eons of eternity to repent. It takes exactly as long to repent as it takes you to say 'I'll change'-- And mean it." He goes on to talk about how although restitutions must be made and suffering must be endured, our own repentance process can be as instantaneous as that of Alma-- who went from being one of "the vilest of sinners" to becoming one of the most powerful prophets of the history of this world. I love the principle of repentance; what it has meant to me in my life and what it means to all children of God who make the decision to follow His Son." --Elder Bassett

Elder Bassett y Elder Tello

"Hello Everyone-

It's been a great first week here in Las Brisas, my new area. My companion is Elder Tello (TAY-oh) from Lima. He is a happy quiet guy who works hard and does what he's supposed to. I have a feeling I'm going to learn a lot from him. This week I've been getting to know the area and the people that Elder Tello was teaching before. Las Brisas is HUGE. We do a lot more walking. The ward is a lot bigger (yesterday 160 people came to church) and they are willing to help us. So I'm really excited about that.

It was really rough to leave the Sanchez family. We talked to them on Monday night before I left, and I was able to bear a testimony that did not come from me…always a moving experience…

I love you so much. What I'm living as well as what we are all living, is best defined by King Benjamin: "For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." Throughout our life here on earth we will be in constant struggle with our personal "natural man" --A part of us that wants to be lazy, selfish, prideful, disobedient, and completely average…Don't be average. I'll do my best not to be average either." --Elder Bassett

LOVE the Sanchez Family!

Elder Bassett and Elder Elguera have worked closely with this sweet family. They were baptized on Valentine's Day. Perfect!

Got the Package..

"What's up! Ok so first off I received a package. It's a little…special. I think a dog bit it or something. But it came! Thanks so much, Mom.

This week has gone by really fast…we continueto work with Robert and Elcira and they are set to be married this Saturday, with their baptism on Sunday! So that's pretty sweet. We continue to visit them often and I absolutely love the time I get to spend with their family. Once again I have forgotten to take a picture. They are the best. As we walked away from their house one day this week Elder Elguera turned to me and said, "You know what? If President opened up this area just for them, it was worth it." He's right. There is a change taking place in their family.

Tell everyone thanks so much for their letters…they lift me up a lot…Take care and thanks so much for your support." --Elder Bassett

ELDER BASSETT & ELDER ELGUERA

This is Garret and his great companion from Cusco, Peru! They are working hard for the Lord:

"There is so much more opposition against our church than any other church, just as there was so much opposition against He whom we represent—Jesus Christ. I learn something new every day I teach… The doctrine we preach is so simple. It makes perfect sense. But there is a key to knowing the truth—Prayer. The people who take the little step of faith and pray to their Heavenly Father for guidance will receive an answer, and these few people are the ones who choose to follow him. In the end the prayer is what makes the difference.

I love you all and hope all is well in the good ol’ states. As missionaries, we are inviting people to take an elevated path that will lead them to an elevated glory. Those who take this path will find happiness they never knew existed—But first they have to take a leap of faith. I like to think that the children of Israel had to get wet before the Red Sea opened… That they just kept moving forward as the water rose higher, trusting in their God and his mightiness to save. I love you all once again. Take care". --Elder Bassett

Quick Trip to Lima

"Well, this week has been interesting. Wednesday morning the zone leaders burst into our room while we’re studying and say “Elder Bassett you’re going to Lima! Get your stuff ready we have to go!” So I headed to Lima! Apparently I had to return to get my papers all squared away so I’m not illegal. I also got to go to a session in the Lima temple. It was really really good. I was so rushed I didn’t bring my camera, so no photos. It was me, another gringo, and three Guatemalans. We slept in a nice hotel… With a shower with hot water! It was freakin amazing.

I love you all very much and hope you are all in good health and good spirits. Remember that you are in good hands. The Lord will protect us as we are obedient to His commandments. It is the only way. He wants to bless us so much but all too often we refuse to let Him. Let Him bless you. I love you all so much and send my love from Peru. Let me know when it gets there. Ha ha. Take care."
--Elder Bassett