The Last Week

Hey Everyone!

This is the last week, but thanks so much for the support and for leading me here. I know that these two years have gone by fast, but I feel as if I had the time I needed to make the descisions that I had to take. I've grown to honestly love the Lord, and I've learned that the only way that I can show that love is by serving Him and doing His will.

I won't be coming home the same person. I can't be the same. But I've only learned to be better and to serve God before all else. I know that He lives and loves me. And that He guides my steps and has a purpose in my life. He is my master and He leads me to a better life. I could not have achieved what I've achieved without His help. He's allowed me to change a small part of the world, one person at a time. And it's been quite the humbling experience to be a part of the conversion of His children. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.

I'm extremely excited to see everyone again, though it hurts deeply to think about leaving these people. I love it here, and I love being a missionary. I hope that I can keep in contact with these people through my entire life (I guess I can't lose my Spanish, then).

But I'll see you all in a week. I'll be getting back extremely tired and burned out, but I already know that seeing you guys will fill me with excitement. Thanks for everything. I love you all!

See you in a week!

Elder Seth Prestwich

Yet Another Week Down

Hey Everyone!

I can't believe that another week went by!

Well, to be honest, the days were super long and the week as well. But now that my time is running short, it scares me a bit. I know I have plans for my life afterwards, but I don't want to give up the life I'm living right now. It's really a once in a lifetime chance, and I love it here. Though at the same time, I'm really excited to see everyone at home. I get more and more mixed emotions as time goes by. Though when all is said and done, the moment that I have to study, plan, or leave to teach, I'm always focused in my goal and in the people here.

Not much has been hapening here. Things are a little slow, but we're finding a new person that really wants to learn every now and then. Though there seem to be a lot of obstacles in the way. We'll just stick in there and do our absolute best to keep these people going.

I keep looking back at who I am and the amazing change that the Lord has worked in my heart. I know I'll never be the same as I was before. And I'll certainly by happier. The Lord has helped me feel free of doubt and pain. No, life isn't all the color of roses, but it's fulfilling and joyfull each day, despite the problems. It's the happiness that I've always looked for in life, but didn't find until I really started to follow Christ. I dearly hope that everyone can find the same happiness. I know that's what's brought me here and kept me here. I know that same feeling will make me want to share the Gospel when I get back.

And if there's anyone who's reading this and wants to fill in the holes in their life or find the purpose of life, take a step closer to Christ. It doesn't matter where you are in life, member of the Church or not, there's a step you can take towards Christ to fell the healing in His wings.

Take care, everyone! Face the future with faith!

Elder Seth Prestwich

One Week at a Time...

Hey Everyone!

Hope that you guys enjoy the trips in these coming weeks! Sounds like it should be quite a fun adventure.

It's been an adventure here in Chan Chan. We were super happy so see the baptism this week! It was quite a miracle. I honestly didn't think it was gonna happen. But the Plasencia family  (converts that were baptized just a couple of weeks before I got here) worked miracles for us. Luis, Hna. Plasencia's sobrino [nephew] was baptized. His mother is coming to church and interested in the message, but his father was off on work trips and didn't really want to give permission. So his mom said no. But to our surprise, when his father got back, Luis' mother and the Plasecias really convinced him. They talked about how Luis has changed and how it's one of the best decisions that he's gonna make. The father was impressed by what they said, and, still a little reluctant, gave permission for him to be baptized. His mother was really impacted in the baptism and told us that she's started thinking about getting baptized as well. So we'll be there to give her that little push that she needs. Luis' father didn't say anything, but nothing negative, either, so that's good, at least. But we'll get him in on it as well. Well, the Plasencia family will probably do most of the work. They're definitely powerful converts.

Other than that, we've been working hard and focusing on finding new people. I'd really appreciate a little help in with your prayers in doing so.

Tell the Brewerton's good luck in their missions! It'll be the greatest adventure of their lives. =)

Thanks for everything!

Elder Seth Prestwich

Five... Not That I'm Counting the Weeks or Anything...

Hey Everyone!!

Well, I completed 23 months in the mission this last week. I feel rather happy to have been albe to serve the Lord like that. But at the same time, it leaves me with little time. Still not sure how I feel about that.

Especially because I'm in a new area. I'm in Chan Chan, in the center of Trujillo. It's way different from my other areas. It's the first time I'm the city. It'll take a little getting used to (though I won't have much time to get used to it). I'm just getting to know a few people in the ward, but they seem really cool. I was super excited to hear someone playing the piano on Sunday for the first time in my entire misison! That was pretty cool. Though Dad tells me that you guys had a string sextet last Sunday. That's just a whole nother level.

Other than that, the week passes by slowly. It always seems to for the first week in a new area. But it was still a good week, so I can't complain. It'll be fun being in Trujillo, close to everything. It's a cool area for a last area. I'll actually get to buy some souveniers.

Anyway, my companion and I'll be here working hard. We don't really have many investigators at all, but I'm really hoping that we can find a few this week that are ready to come to Christ. I'd really like to find one more prepared family before I head out. I'm doing everything I can to find them.

Well, take care everyone!

Elder Seth Prestwich

NEVER Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch....

They're transferring me! Noooo!

I can't believe it. It'll be my last six weeks of the mission, and I'm gonna be in a new ward and a new area. I won't know anyone, and I'll hardly have the chance to get to know anyone. It's gonna hurt so much to leave everyone here. I was so prepared to keep going. I seriously have everything planned out for the next 6 weeks. But not any more... I'm off to Trujillo again. The ward is Chan Chan, and I think it's in the center of Trujillo. We'll see how it goes...

It's gonna hurt me a ton to leave everyone here. I got really attached to several familes and investigators here. But I know it's the Lord's will and that He has a purpose for me, so I won't complain. I'll just do my best and do all that I can. There's something that the Lord wants me to accomplish there and something that He wants me to learn as well.

Anyway, other than that, all is well. I'll be leaving San Luis to my son. I hope all goes out well there.

I'll just have to make the best of my very last area and my very last companion. Six more weeks. I feel like my mission just got a whole lot shorter...

Take care, everyone!

Elder Seth Prestwich

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Sometimes I fix little grammatical errors when I know what Seth really meant. This one was beyond hope...he used to speak English :). " I'll be leaving San Luis to my son. I hope all goes out well there." --maybe he's leaving San Luis to his companion? (son because he was a new missionary?) Guess we'll know in 6 weeks. --Alan

I Just Got Told That I Only Have Seven Weeks Left...

Hey Everyone!

Well, Mom gave me a good little reality check there. I only have 7 weeks left? Doesn't seem like it. I still feel like I'm gonna be here forever. Though something is puting me in overdrive-final-sprint mode at the same time. I feel like it's comming way too soon.

Other than that, "Spot It!" is a hit! It's turned out to be the perfect Family Home Evening game. It's super easy to pick up and any age can play it. It must've been inspiration to send that game, haha. Well, I quite enjoy it and so do the people here.

Lately, I've been thinking and studying about the Atonement of Christ. I really like what are the "three pilars of the atonement" -- Grace, Mercy, and Merits (2 Nepi 2:8). I've been able to research a little about each word and it's helped me understand more about my reliance on Christ and just what he's done for me. Here's just a small part of what I've found:

Grace- the enabling power of Christ

Mercy- the forgiveness

Merits- Resurrection

I don't have much time to talk about it more, but I really know that the Atonement is what defines the happiness in my life. And I know that Christ did it for me and for the whole world so that we could live with God again. I'll be forever greateful for Christ and what He's done for me.

Hope everyone's well! I'm just working hard down here, making progress little by little.

Take Care!

Elder Seth Prestwich

Another Week Down?!

Hey Everyone!

I can't believe that another week went by! That's insane. I feel like time is just flying by, but I'm hoping to have enough to make the goals that I have. I'll just have to work even harder! There's always something more that I can do.

I can't believe that my companion only has two more weeks of training left. He's grown a lot and I've grown with him. It's amazing how fast someone can change when they're serving the Lord.

As for investigators, we had 12 in sacrament meeting yesterday! We were super happy to see that. It was definitely a miracle. I just hope that they can start progressing! Those who aren't 18 yet need permission from their parents to get baptised, and those who are older have to get married! We'll see how it goes, though. They just need a little time to get all of their papers together or talk with their parents.

Other than that, well... Not much has happened. We're gonna go to the beach again in an hour, so that should be super fun. I'll have to let you guys know how it was. There are some nifty caves around here, so it's still interresting, even though we can't go in the water.

Take care and do missionary work!

Elder Seth Prestwich

Another Week of Winter...

Hey Everyone!

We've hit the colder part of Winter here in Chimbote. Everyone is suffering from the "brutal cold." It's kinda like fall weather... But everyone is getting sick "due to the change in weather."

I swear it only cooled off a little. It's finally not hot all day every day (just for a few hours of the day, the rest is pretty cool). But I guess it's all a matter of perspective.

I kinda miss the snow, though.

Anyway, more important than the weather is that we had another baptism this week! Yefferson was able to make it to baptismal water, even though his mother Hna. Zuly couldn't quite make it. But Hna. Zuly should be able to follow his footsteps in these comming weeks. The baptism service we great. We only ran into one problem; when we showed up, the font was empty. We had filled the water up early that day, but someone came and drained it all before the baptism. We came, opened up the door to show Yefferson the water, and there was nothing. UGH!

But, thankfully we have a font that fills up pretty fast and by the time enough people showed up (40 minutes later, which is normal... unfortunately), the font was already filled and we started the baptismal service. It was still shock to open the door and see it dry, though.

Other than that, we've been doing great down here in San Luis. We're working hard and have several more people who are getting close. We'll be here to help them each step of the way.

Hope all is well and that everyone can keep enjoying their Summer.

Take Care!

Elder Seth Prestwich

Well, I guess I'm 21...

Hey Everyone!

I guess I'm 21... That's what the calender tells me. That means I've finished a full year of my life in service to the Lord. From 20 to 21. That's quite the achivement if you ask me. I know I could have done more and been better, but I've been trying. I've been super greatful for all that God has done for me in this year and for the conversion that He's allowed me to develop. But most of all, I'm grateful for the people that He's put in my path so that I could help them find the way to eternal happiness. That means more to me than any change that I've personally had.

The members and my investigators did a nice little party for me. It was just 4 or 5 families, so it was a bit calmer. It wasn't the entire ward throwing a party. So this time, we got to eat in the house of an investigator (which isn't common here, since we have pensionistas) and several families came. They did a little surprise party with the dinner they invited me to. It was really nice. I got to eat cake and they gave me a couple little gifts.

Other than that, we'll see who else we can help.

Thanks for the birthday wishes!

Take care!

Elder Seth Prestwich

It's Almost My Birthday!

Well, we're going strong here in San Luis!

The week was good and we're gonna keep working. We have several investigators preparing for baptism this month and I hope all goes well.

Jefferson was getting ready to be baptised for last Saturday, but his mother didn't give him permission. She told him he has to wait two years until he's 18 to make that descision. We're gonna see if we can get her to change her mind this week. It was a big let down for him to not be able to get baptised, but we're not giving up yet.

As for other investigators, they're doing well. There's a mother and her daughter (Zuly and Jefferson, as well) that came to church again last week and are doing great. They listened to missionaries years ago, but didn't get baptized. This time, Zuly is a little more determined. I really hope she can make it there. She's quite receptive to the spirit and humble. We just have to help her get over her fears.

Other than that, I'm doing pretty good. The zone leaders have told me that I've got a package waiting for me, so I'll get it today. Thanks for sending it!

I'm sure I'll enjoy it a ton.

Everything is going strong and I'm pumpped to work hard. I don't have very much time to waste, after all. I gotta do my absolute best and work with all my heart, might, mind and strength.

Take care!

Elder Seth Prestwich

Happy Independence Day!

Well, we've hit July. Crazy.

Hope everyone enjoys the 4th! I'll have to make a little flag to hang around the room or off my backpack. I'd like to show a little pride for my country.

Other than that, all's been going normally. People are coming to Christ, I'm in good health, so no complaints. My companion is learning a ton. I often forget that he's a new missionary, so that's a good sign. He's getting a lot better.

But I guess it would have been cool to have a week that was a little more eventful, but it kinda went by. Nothing too out of the ordinary. Though we did get to go to the stadium and go play soccer. That turned out pretty fun. It was full sized and we played 11-11. Even with that many people, we got worn out super fast. Lots of running. But quite enjoyable. I'm just hoping that I'll learn to play well some day.

Hope everyone's healthy and well!

Elder Seth Prestwich

President Turk is Off...

Hey Everyone!

Well, this was quite the eventful week!

First off, Juliana was baptized! She's 35 years old and is married, but doesn't have kids. She's a chemical engineer and is studying a second major. But it was really great to help her come to Christ as well. We found her in a time that she'd been looking for a specific purpose in her life. She'd felt a bit lost. Other than her husband, she wasn't sure exactly what more there was to life. So her friend explaind a little about the Plan of Salvation. Something simple. She liked it, and then her friend brought her to church. A simple invitation, but Juliana loved being in church. After the first day there, she told us that everything seemed familiar, as if she'd already known that it was right. It didn't take her long to gain her personal testimony and feel closer to Christ. She came to love the Book of Mormon and the message of the Plan of Salvation. She even felt a strong spirit from learning the commandments. So she made it to the waters of baptism last Saturday and left the water quite suprised at the feeling of the Spirit. Even if it scared her really bad to be submerged in water.

After that, we met together as a mission in Trujillo for the missionary broadcast to the world. It was really inspired and I dearly hope that the ward will be excited to apply it with us. It'll do miracles in the lives of many of they do. Then President Turk, our mission president, gave his farewell testimony along with his wife. They'll be in the US again bytomorrow. We'll be giving a warm welcome to the new president this week. It'll be interesting to see the changes in the mission with a new president and the addition of the new programs (epecially using internet in the mornings!) from the Prophet and the Apostols.

But I'm doing wonderful and seeing the work move forward! I now have 3 months left to work till I drop. I really hope to help as many people as possible in these months. There's a lot of people who are close, so it should be great!

Take care!

Elder Seth Prestwich

Wow, Sounds Like a Lot Happened...

Hey everyone!

Well, sounds like there was a lot going on back home. I'll be praying for all those families that lost their homes in the fire. I really hope that they can recuperate quickly.

But on the good side, I'm doing great down here. We just finished yet another transfer and I'm working hard. The baptisms are coming around, so I'm supper happy about that. I'm always thankful for the chance to help people, especially find their way to Christ. I wouldn't trade this time for anything, as hard as it may be. I'm not sure what I'm gonna do when it finishes... So I figure I'll just not think about it. I'll just work day by day for now.

Hope everyone is enjoying Summer and the new games. And that Father's Day went by well. And I hope that things can get a bit better back home.

You'll all be in my prayers!
Thanks for everything!

Elder Seth Prestwich

The Beach!

Well, we just had a fun little time at the beach in my area. We took a small 20 minute comvi (shuttlebus type thing that's public transportation) ride there and had a ton of fun. We explored several caves and played volleyball and soccer. Quite a good day.

But even better than that were Esteban and Estefany's baptisms! They both got baptised on different days this week, but it was really amazing. They both felt the Spirit quite a bit. Estefany is an 11 year old girl, and the last who needed to be baptised in the family, she's Junior's (just got baptised a few weeks ago) sister. She was SUPER afraid of going under water (first time in her life), but she came into the font bodly and had a HUGE smile as she came out. One, because she felt the Spirit really strongly, and the other I'm sure is that she didn't drown, like she thought she would.

Esteban's experience was great as well, and a bit funny at the same time. He's been fighting to progress, but finally made it to the waters of baptism. And as he came up out of the water. He clentched his chest and asked "What is this feeling?!"

I laughed, "That, my friend is the Spirit."

"It's INCREDIBLE!"

We were talking after and he commented that he'd never felt so clean or happy. He had a whole lot taken off of his chest. I loved to hear that. I know it'll be an experience that will help him keep faithful until the end of his life.

And on top of all that, Junior had the chance to go to the Temple! He went with the ward and had an amazing time. He came back super happy. And then, the very next day, he prepared and passed the sacrament for the first time. I felt quite proud of him as he passed the sacrament to me. It gave me quite the smile.

So things are going quite great down here. We're hoping to get a couple married and ready to get baptised in these weeks as well. I'll let you know how it goes!

Take care everyone!

Elder Seth Prestwich

Wow... It's June...

Hey Everyone!

Time is sailing by. It's already June and we're starting off the month great. We have a baptism this week and several more should come in this month. We've got high goals and expectations here in San Luis. I really hope we can keep it up.

My companion is really trying to get used to missionary life. It's quite the change, and he's one that worries about everyone. So I'm trying to help him stay calm and not get down when things don't work out. And to not worry so much! But things are still going great and he's learning super fast.

As for interesting things... Well, I ate pidgeon with spaghetti. That was a bit strange. But it really doesn't have any meat at all, so it was kinda lame. I guess they cook it mostly to give flavor to the sauce.

I also figured out the date that I'll be coming home, and that'll be the 23rd of September. So my mission will be 9 days longer than a year! Guess I got lucky.

Well, I hope everyone is doing great back home and that the Summer is full of fun activities!

Love you all!

Elder Seth Prestwich

This is My New Companion, Elder Tarzan!

Hey Everyone!

Phew, do I have my work cut out for me. Looks like I'll have the next three months of my mission to train. My companion's name is Elder Rodriguez, but he's from the Peruvian Jungle. Let me tell you, the Jungle is a whole different culture. But he's super awesome. He's friendly and excited about being a missionary. He's come pretty prepared, though. I'm impressed. Though he feel inadequate at time, he's really doing great and already improving. But I really enjoy being with him. The jungle culture is super friendly.

Other than that, we have three more baptisms coming up for next week (the 8th). I really hope that they can make it. They're Bruno (19 year old boy who's entire extended family is member) and the twins, Kelly and Yulisa (18 years old, their older sister, who's basically their mother, is a recent convert). They're all doing pretty good, but still need a little help to strenghten their testimonies and friendship in the ward. But they're doing great and one can progress a ton in a short amount of time (if they're willing).

I've been doing pretty great, though. I love the Work that the Lord has given me. I'm doing my best to enjoy this time and take advantage of the opportunity that I have to be here. I'm just doing my best and giving it my all, hoping that I'm doing the Lord's will.

Hope all is well! Enjoy Summer Vacation!

Elder Seth Prestwich

For Every End There's a Beginning

Hey Everyone!

Well, first of all, Junior was baptized this week! He's a great kid who's family was less active. But we managed to get the family active and now They're coming every week. We were supper happy about that. There's been a huge change in their home. They definitely seem a lot happier these days. That's what I came here for.

We've helped them put the goal (along with the bishop) to make it to the Temple. 

They're also gonna divide my area in two. I'll be losing half of my investigators (some really good ones, including one with a baptismal date), which is a stab to the heart. But other than that, it'll be alright. The new missionaries will take good care of them. It'll be odd working in half the area, but it's still huge, so it'll be alright. The ward should be able to grow pretty fast.

On top of that, I'm gonna be training! Looks like I'll be bearing a son in my old age (they always call the trainers "fathers"). Who knew? It'll be a huge change this transfer (and I'm not even leaving to a different area!), but it should be pretty fun.

But looks like I'll be destined to be here in San Luis until the end of my mission (since I'll be training). It's odd thinking that I only have 3 transfers left. Doesn't feel like it...

Hope all is well!

Elder Seth Prestwich

Another Week Dedicated to the Lord

Hey Everyone,

It was really great talking with the family this week. I really enjoy just a moment to hear them and talk. And to see them as well. Everyone looks so much older! It kinda surprised me. Well, at least Nathan and Brenna (though I only saw her for a split second). It was really nice to talk with Chris as well and hear him. Guess that was the last phone call home. That seems super crazy to me. I only have a little more time to dedicate fully to the Lord...

Not sure how I feel about that.

Other than that, George and Alessandro had a great baptism. They both could feel the Spirit and enjoyed it. George a little more than Alessandro. George is 13 years old and a bit more mature, but Alessandro is 8, and quite sensitive. He went up to bear his testimony after his baptism, and slipped up with his words. He said baktism instead of baptism. His brother chuckled a little, then Alessandro broke into tears, and hid under the pulpit, crying. He lost the Spirit for a moment, but after it all passed, and his mother comforted him, he was better and smiling again... You never know what's gonna happen at an 8 year old's baptism at times....

Hope all is well and that everyone can enjoy their week!

Elder Seth Prestwich

Well, We Just Had an Emergency Exchange

Hey Everyone!

Well, this week was pretty crazy. Well, it was normal until the end. We got a phone call at night and they told us that we're gonna have to do an emergency exchange. They want to send a local missionary my way and they sent my companion to Trujillo. So that was pretty depressing. I'm gonna miss him. But I guess we'll trust the President's inspiration. I'm a bit worried because I only have 4 weeks here in this area, but I know that the Lord qualifies those whom He calls. So I'll do fine, I'm sure. I'll just have to trust in the Lord. I don't know who my companion is yet, but he should be getting here at lunchtime. So I'll have to let you know on Sunday.

As for the call, I'll try to call at 6:00 (my time). I think that should be alright for you guys. But I figure I'll get to call for a couple minutes a few days before to organize it all, as usual.

Other than, that, the district has been super excited to do missionary work. I think the visit with Elder Bednar and the leadership reunion got a lot of people excited. They did several large changes in the misison. But it should be really cool.

Thanks everyone! I love ya!

Elder Seth Prestwich

Elder Bednar in Trujillo!

Hey Everyone!

Well, it was a huge blessing to listen to Elder Bednar. I was able to receive a ton of revelation from that time listening to him. I think I learned more from observing his method of teaching and the pattern and all than listening to any of the particular words. I think that's kinda what he was going for as well. He didn't go up to give any sort of talk, but he talked and interracted with us. He brought up just a question about the 3 talks of his that he asked us to study the past few weeks. He then built on each answer and hit just a couple important points, then would go on with another question. He talked more about how the Spirit allows us to learn and grow as we act for ourselves. It doesn't come as we're acted upon (for exaple, just taught to without a desire to change). But it was really cool to be able to enjoy his example and to teach us valuable lessons about missionary work and about life. I have a lot that I'm gonna change in my teaching to be able to teach people more as agents than objects. I realize that I've had a lot of faults in my teaching before that I'll never do again. It'll be hard to develop a different style of teaching of course, but I'll keep working at it. I really hope I can become a more effective teacher through his advice and example. It's amazing to get dirrection from an Apostol of God that's for your specific group. And to have him there filled the room with a powerful Spirit. It was just a great experience.

But it was super exciting to go and shake his hand at the end as well! We all got the chance to go by and shake his hand (along with his wife and two 70s that were there). That's the first time I've ever had such an opportunity.

I'm doing great here with Elder Rotolo. We had two baptismal dates (Junior and George), but they didn't come to church this week. They've both come several times in the past, but we're worried that they're not taking their commitments (or the covenants that they're going to make) very seriously. So we want to wait a week so we can help them and try working more with their parents (less actives) so that they can be more firm in the church. We'll be working to help them understand the importance and meaning of baptism as well.

But all is doing great in the dunes of San Luis! It's an amazing place for missionary work. I love it!

Hope all is well! Take Care!

Elder Seth Prestwich