Shakira
What's happening, fam and friends? Let an elder know what's going on with you through email. Another beautiful week here in Lima, Perú. Grateful to be here, so let's get into it.
Grub & various infirmities
The meals here aren't super bad. However, sadly, breakfast is always deeply disappointing. Every morning is a miss here. They need some American insight on breakfast in that kitchen. We also had a couple more fallen soldiers in the district this week from the food and heat. Shout out to those guys who battle it out in the baño, keep fighting, gentlemen. Also, one of the sisters was passing out this week, and that was nuts. One morning at breakfast, she hit the deck at the table and was out of it for a sec. We were not sure if she was crying because the cafeteria had sold yet another breakfast, and she couldn't do it anymore. We all kind of looked at each other not knowing what to do. Anyway, she's alive now, so we're coolin'.
Shakira
So we're RAW now, just kidding, but we're getting there, no doubt. We've been playing soccer every morning for 2 hours with kids who can straight ball, so we're only getting better. My name off the field is Elder Pickett, obviously, but on the soccer field, I've earned a different name, Shakira. This epic field name was earned because apparently Pickett sounds like the name of Shakira's ex-husband or something. This was pointed out to us by a temple worker here, and a bunch of the guys loved it. This also paired with the fact that you can give me the ball "whenever, wherever" (lil Shakira dad joke for all the pops out there) and I'll score. Also, as a missionary, my hips are prohibited to lie (another Shakira dad joke, c'mon now). Sorry, I got carried away there, let's get back to the email.
Spiritual
I had a couple of cool experiences this week. Some will have to wait till next time, but this is so cool, so lock in. This week, I had the opportunity to give one of my very good friends here a blessing. He badly injured his knee playing soccer in the morning and could barely walk around without help. That night, almost in tears, he expressed his concern that he might have to go home because he already struggled with bad knees and now it was worse. He asked for a blessing, and I said I'd love to give it. However, the blessing is supposed to be in the native language of the person receiving it, and Elder Garcia speaks only Spanish. However, God provides a way always. Through the guidance and power of what could only have been from God, I was able to deliver a clear and complete blessing in Spanish, which is a language I know very little of. Also, not only did Elder Garcia's knee get better and better by the day, but today was his first day back playing soccer with us (with caution, of course). This experience is sacred to me, and I am very blessed to have witnessed it. Through willing and humble service, God is able to make us instruments in his hands, and great things can happen.
I am also beyond blessed and grateful to be here and to be wearing this plaque. I have felt an overwhelming amount of love from my Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ recently. This plan they have for us is incredible; it's perfect in every way. Not only is this plan a work of incomprehensible intelligence, but it is also a work of incomprehensible love. Our minds hardly grasp this at all. I also want to talk about the Book of Mormon. You've probably heard of one or read one. My advice is read it, or read it again. I promise you if you focus, ponder, and pray about its contents, it will be so worth your while. In my readings this week, I loved a verse in 2nd Nephi chapter 2 (my favorite chapter in the whole book). Verse 24 reads, "But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things." Everything that has happened or will ever happen is known by God. God also happens to know all things, including what is best for each one of us. Although it is tough, there is no need to stress, worry, or panic. Siempre confía en Dios.
I apologize for the long read; you're a real one if you read all that.
Like usual, love you all.
Send me an email if you want to be valentines or something (psych, ladies, my heart is so locked up).
Google Photos is going off, so go check it out.
Get after it this week.
Yours truly,
Elder Pickett
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