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.
