Semana 56 in 9 de Octubre (February 16th, 2015)

I think it´s safe that I've gotten to the point in my mission that my trainer warned me about, when I've been gone so long that I think everyone has forgotten about me and I spend the majority of my internet time on lds.org looking at the ward directory or my genealogy tree. haha but thanks for writing me mom and dad, I can always count on you guys!  But this week we went to the family history center downtown with one of our converts to help her get started on her genealogy, and the hermanas let me log into my family history account. I was doing some exploring on mom's line and it's gotten tracked back SO far! MOM!!! Do you realize that through your dad's line we are direct descendants of Charlemagne the emperor of the Roman Empire?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Check out the photo attached below, I was following the line of your dad, through Horace Bollings skinner and he's got some crazy lines of Royal blood and that line is up to some B.C. years. Family History is that COOLEST! I have been able to feel the spirit of Elijah so strong in my mission, especially knowing that I can't do much about it here,  but I can't wait to work on genealogy with you guys now that you're professionals in your callings!

Anyway, I know in the jungle of south america we've got like an 8 month lag behind you guys, but we just watched Meet the Mormons this morning! It was so so good---even watching it in spanish. Made me so happy to be a member of the church and have the gospel which has brought so much happiness to my lives and the millions of others.  All of the missionaries in Iquitos got together this morning to watch it and I got to see hermana Tinta, which made me happy. I can't believe she already is almost at 6 months! She is the cutest, I will always have a special place in my heart for her and she is still in Punchana and is doing so so great!

Hermana Hernandez and I had a great week this week.  We have been having a great experience teaching our investigator Henry and his mom Lucith. We had no idea but his mom was baptized a member of the church when she was 17.  We had been teaching them both and they are both coming to church now and super excited. I love teaching people and seeing them progress, and the coolest part is inviting them to act for themselves, praying that they will follow through with the committments and seeing them truly receive answers to their prayers. Lucith commented on the changes she has seen in her son, about his history with alcohol and the differences she's seen since he started meeting with us. It's a testimony that the gospel changes lives and we're excited to see the progress of Henry and Lucith. They've got a few neighbors who are members and they are a great support as well.

I've spent a long time reflecting and pondering about what it means to be a successful missionary and if I'm gonna come home from this whole thing looking back and feeling good about what I've done. The conclusion I've come to is that the only true indicator of a successful mission is the level of conversion to the Lord that you achieve and your obedience in following through. I'm determined to achieve success and I pray for it every day!

On sunday, while you were all celebrating Grandma's birthday,  it was a holiday known here in the Selva as Carnaval. It gets a little bit, well a lot bit, crazy so all the missionaries in Iquitos had to stay indoors alllllll daySunday. It consists of people getting drunk, painting eachother and lots and lots of water fights. I won't lie, it was a long time to stay inside with little to do, but we took full advantage of it and slept like a straight up princess for the first time in 15 months. BEST SUNDAY NAP OF MY LIFE!!!!  Then we went up to the roof and watched the craziness outside for a bit. As part of the the festivities every street colaborates to make and Umbisha (or something like that...) with is basically a three story high pole with a bunch of crap tied to it. And then they dance around it seven times and knock it down and rip all the stuff off and have more water fights. I really don't understand this holiday at all but it's fine. 

But please wish Grandma a happy 80th birthday from me! Loved the pictures and it is so weird seeing everyone looks so big. Makes me feel old.

Well, that's all for this week!

Love you guys!

Hermana Benyo

Me and Hermana Tinta

Up on the roof while were locked indoors

Yum! Alligator meat

Looking down at the Carnaval party...getting ready to knock over their junk-pole

Mom's family line up to Charlemagne

Semana 54 in 9 de Octubre (Feburary 2nd, 2015)

I'm pleased to announce that after over 14 months in Peru, 6 trips to Lima, 1 to Ecuador and 1 to chile, I finally have my visa!!!! YAY!!

No, but this week was pretty good. My trip to Lima was actually really awesome, normally those little trips can get you unfocused but this time really helped me, it gave me some time to sit and reflect about my work and my area and all the people were teaching and how I can get better. I got to catch up with one of my first district leaders who is now serving as zone leader in Pucallpa.  We were talking about the early days in our missions, when he was my district leader he had barely six months and me and my companion had just finished our training and were opening an area.  We really had no idea what we were doing and when we prayed to set our monthly goal we came up with the number 8. 8 baptisms that month was our goal. I had no idea that it was a high goal but to me it felt right.  The other new missionaries in my district set super high goals as well and I just remember people looking at us like...yeah right...But that month we worked SOO SO hard to achieve that goal. And although we didnt get eight, we baptized a family of 5 which wasnt bad for our first month in a newly opened area.  Talking about this reminded me that with time we sometimes fall into conformity.  Although I have much more time and experience than I did back then, I have never been so dedicated to do achieve a goal. When I got back from Lima I was feeling pretty good, and since then we have been dedicated and committed to achieve our inspired goal.

This week flew by and I honestly can't remember what even happened, but I know that we worked hard and thats what counts.

Sorry this letter is short and semi-boring, but hope you all have a good week!

Also happy birthday Spencer!!! Can't believe you're already 23! That makes me feel old.

Love you all!

Hermana Benyo

Semana 53 in 9 de Octubre (January 26th, 2015)

So for a second, let´s forget about the wedding papers being turned in the day of, let´s forget about selling tickets and raising money with chicken wings, let´s forget about the fact that the bride was late and in her absence the groom disappeared too and the municipality workers had another gig scheduled a half hour after, let´s forget about all of that for a moment and take a moment to appreciate how beautiful it is to be a missionary and help broken families be healed through the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the ceremony Hna Karen said that what had happened was what she considered to be a miracle. When we found this family, Karen and Nigzon were about to leave eachother and now a short month later, they are married and he is now listening to the discussions as well. I was grateful when all the stress of selling chicken wings on thursday and matrimony and hair doing on friday was over. Then came my favorite part...THE BAPTISM!!! Words fail to describe the feeling you have as a missionary see those special people, Karen, Clara, Gilmar, and Amy come to that day when they make covenants with the Lord, knowing that they are REAL converts who are here for good.  Seriously, we´ve got some future relief society pres. matrerial! After the baptism, Karen testified of her desire and vision of her family in the temple along with her husband...I know they´ll get there!  Yesterday a woman asked me if as a missionary I have witnessed any miracles such as healings of diseases....I told her maybe not, but I have seen miracles. I have seen hearts softened, natures changed, and families transformed. Maybe I´ve never seen the healing of the physically afflicted, but I have witnessed the healing of spiritual infirmities through the atonement of Jesus Christ as well as the transforming effect that it can have ona family.  And to me, that is the greatest miracle of all.  I feel completely privileged to have been a part in the conversion of this family and to have been but an instrument in the hands of the Lord, it is truly humbling to me.  I finished this week one happy Hermanita.

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!

Hermana Benyo


PHOTOS:

1. Ran into my amigas Hna Allphin and Hna Dickey on Pday

2. El beso

3. El baile

4. Me and the happy couple ;btw here i reattached the photo number 4-

5. The family all together

6. Me n my mexi

7. The Baptizers- Elder Moreno and Elder Taylor

8.9. THE BAPTISM!! 

Semana 52 in 9 de Octubre (January 19th, 2015)

So first of all, want to send my condolences home and to everyone in the green bay-appleton area...I am so devastated you guys. But it's okay, at least I'll be home for the Superbowl next year!!!

Anyway, cambios happened and I have a new companion! Her name is Hermana Hernandez and she's awesome. We seriously get along great. The weird thing though is that this is her second time serving here in the area of 9 de Octubre II....so hey, we're both starting our third transfer here in the area and it's an added bonus that she already knows her way around!  It was sad shipping off Hermana Burrell to Pucallpa where she will spend her last transfer before going home in February.

On Tuesday Hermana Burrell caught her flight to Pucallpa and I had to wait for Hermana Hernandez to fly in from Tarapoto, so I got to be companions with my MTC companion and bestie Hermana Talbert!!! It was a dream come true. Also it reminded me of how we were in the CCM and how excited we were to get out and serve and obey every single tiny little rule. It helped me to set some goals and raise the bar a little bit higher, that is one thing I love about Hermana Talbert, we always end up helping eachother become and be a better person and missionary, that's a good friendship right there!

Really though, Hermana Hernandez is awesome, I was a little nervous at first about getting a new companion but we actually work together really well, she's super patient and we have some good laughs together.

Karen and Clara and Gilmar and Amy are super excited for the wedding and baptism this week, I'm a little stressed about it to be honest.  I'm super excited for these guys to become members I think off the bat they'll have callings in relief society because they are rock solid these hermanitas!

Anyway I just want to share my testimony of the power of prayer and personal scripture study.  I truly don't think there is anything else that can strengthen your personal conversion than these two things.  As the time passes I can see how much my knowledge and love for the scriptures has increased, and not only that but my testimony and conversion.  I am grateful to be here in Peru sharing the gospel every waking second of my life and I've kind of been thinking lately that, well, I don't really remember how to not be a missionary.  So like I already mentioned before, guess I'm never coming home! 

Love you all, make it a great week!

Hermana Benyo

Photos:

Companion day with Hermana Talbert! #motokarselfie

 Landscape shot in my area

Saying bye to Hna Burrell

Former Companions, hermana Lozano

Two chickens on a date 

 SERIOUSLY THIS CAT THO....you would NOT believe some of the things I have seen while proselyting in Iquitos

My favorite convert kiddos!

Guido and Betsis kids: Emily, Enith, Olgita and 'Hermana Leche'

 Scenic river in our area.... #savetherainforest

The 9 de Octubre monkey peed on me, Castigado.

Semana 51 in 9 de Octubre (January 12th, 2015)

I have very short time to write but here's a couple of Photos!

This week we had two work visits and were super busy with wedding papers.  I was lucky enough to go do a work visit with the sisters in Colinas, my old ward!!! Got to see some of my old converts and that was cool, here is a picture of me and little Angel, who we ran into in the street. He got baptized with his mom back in June and it was great to see him again! I love that area with all my heart. Also Saturday night my companion and I ran into my AWESOME converts Guido and Betsi. they were standing on the street in my area and saw us coming. I'm sad because they informed me that in february they are moving to a place 2 days up the amazon called requena (the church hasn't gotten there yet). I was really worried at first because they are super active and progressing toward the temple, but they assured me that they'll be coming back monthly to Iquitos to meet with Bishop, pay their tithings and progress to be able to be sealed as a family in December. They made me promise to come to their temple sealing in December....I told them that I would DREAM to do that, so I'm gonna be praying that someone donates me their lottery winnings!!! haha

I think they'll be okay and they told me that the kids said that they're gonna go on a mission when they grow up to be like 'Hermana Leche' hahahah.  I can't tell you how much love there is between this family and my old comp hna Centeno and I. I will never ever ever forget them, as they always say, they consider us family.

We had some complications with the wedding papers for Hna Karen so we're gonna be workin on that today.  Hope all is well with you guys and I'm SO STOKED about that crazy Packers win. SO NUTS!!! My comp is from texas though and a little less excited hehe.  

LOVE YOU ALL!!! 

Here's some photos too of Quistococha!!

Love,

Hermana Benyo

Semana 50 in 9 de Octubre (January 5th, 2015)

This week was amazing and full of miracles!

Karen and Clara and Karen-s kids Amy and Gilmar are doing awesome. The zone leaders are helping us out with the marriage papers, so that helps us out a ton!

Weve also been able to find a few other awesome people this week who are super prepared, honestly we've been seeing some serious miracles here in 9 de Octubre!

Our pensionista had to drop us so we're eating now with the Bishop and his family, It's awesome I love them so much!

Yesterday for fast and testimony meeting our investigator Karen got up and told the congregation that a month earlier the only option that she had in her mind was to leave her husband.  She said that when she started listening to the discussions, her eyes were opened to her own weaknesses and that she didn't have to leave her husband, but rather needed to repent and change her own self. She brought the copy of the book of mormon up front and shared a scripture that she found when she was struggling, so she prayed and opened up to a scripture, chapter 30 of 3 Nephi. She received exactly what she needed, to know that she was the one who needed to repent, leave all of her sins behind, and be born again through baptism and repentance. She testified that she knows the church is true and she knows that God speaks to us through the Book of Mormon, and that now, a month later she is about to to marry the man she wanted to leave and be baptized. Her testimony was SO powerful, the whole ward was blown away and I almost cried. It was one of those, 'is this real life' moments that are so sweet and recurring in my mission. SO excited to see the continued progression of this family!

Hope you all have a great week!

Happy birthday to my baby sister Alyssa who turns 17 today!!! Also, tell Aunt Lily the package got here and that it made my life and I love everything she sent! That battery operated caribeaner fan is my new best friend and the kids here think that it's the coolest thing ever.

Love you guys!

Hermana Benyo

Semana 49 in 9 de Octubre (December 29th, 2014)

I can hear the bells!!

Wedding bells that is! Hermana Burrell and I are pretty excited about the miracles we've seen this week.  Although Hna Burrell was dying of Dengue all week, we passed our navidad pretty nicely here in Iquitos.  Saw all your pretty faces on skype and then we went to mama Rosalia's house in Punchana and they gave us presents. I got a skirt and a new headband! Love the shirts and necklace and everything you guys sent me too. Thank you Santa!!

So Hna Clara is still preparing for baptism, and I had mentioned her daughter Karen to you guys. She wasn't able to accept a baptismal date because her husband wanted nothing to do with us and wanted nothing to do wqith marriage either. Well, the Lord worked his magic like he always does and we are happy to announce that they will be getting married on the 26th of this month! And what more, her husband Nixson expressed his desires toi be baptized along with his wife, mother in law and two children. How sweet it is to teach marry and baptize full families! Starting the papers tomorrow, please keep this family in your prayers because when people styart to build their testimonies, thats when the Satan throws in the real challenges!

Anyways, sorry this letter is so short and sweet but know that my love for you is great and that the gospel is true and brings true everlasting peace!

Love,

Hermana Benyo

In Honor of the Big win against the Lions at Lambeau, Here's three cheeseheads coming at you from the Jungles of Peru! (the wisconsin  girl inside me was so excited when this guy picked us up!)