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