He never left anything undone

Dear Family,

It's nice to hear that there's cold weather somewhere in the world - we're keeping it balanced down here with mostly blazing summer days where the sand and the asphalt are hotter than the sun. We met up as a zone this morning to eat breakfast and watch Disney's Hercules in Spanish - we got to the part right when they were going through downtown Thebes when the power went out. When the lights came back on, we were halfway out the door and on our way to the nearby stake center to play soccer (on the traditional concrete "field"). I took advantage of some of the free time to write a letter and a half. I also became reacquainted with sunburn, but luckily we weren't out there too long.

My new companion, Elder Tapia, is also from Callao (¡chin pun Callao!), just like Elder Gonzales del Valle. It certainly makes things easier to remember when my companions are from the same place. Elder Tapia is in his 21st month in the mission, and thankfully he doesn't seem to be focused on going home soon. I hope to learn a lot from him.

We had a very special lesson this week - it was with Xiomara, a young woman who was baptized last week (and confirmed yesterday). We had passed by her house to see if we could find her the day before, but we were told that she had left with a friend and that one of her classmates had passed away. When we came by, she was visibly distressed. We had planned since the beginning of the week to talk about the plan of salvation, but it seemed to have even more relevance in her situation. The lesson was interrupted by a quick phone call, and Xiomara came back crying - though clearly intent on finishing the lesson. We had reached the part about the Atonement of Christ, and we were able to share some of the most beautiful scriptures in the Book of Mormon about how the Savior took upon himself our pains, afflictions, temptations and illnesses. The Atonement seemed to apply more than ever in those Spirit-filled moments. Instead of continuing to the end of the lesson, we invited her to take her cares to the Lord and seek the peace only He could bring. I believe the most influential learning experiences happen on our knees, behind closet doors, and often where only One can see our tears.

We were also priviliged to attend the funeral services for President Hinckley. With the other North American missionaries, we watched in English while the rest of the stake center watched in Spanish. I was touched by the wonderful things said about our beloved Prophet. I'll miss him most if only because he was the only church president I've known. It's hard to imagine a world without him. He left a footprint in the world - in every temple, in every heart. I loved what President Monson commented, chuckling as he said it, when at the cemetery: "He never left anything undone."

As I've mentioned, Esperanza is built on a hill. It's not too steep, but in some areas it is. About halfway up, the roads are no longer roads, simply sand. It has a way of undoing the best shoe polish job, but still we take the hike just about every other day. Where the roads turn to sand and higher up, it's too dangerous to be there after dark. Even during the day it isn't too recommendable, but it's pretty calm in daylight. I trust a lot in the promises of the Book of Mormon, knowing that if I don't doubt, God will protect us. The 2,000 stripling warriors had such faith, and they all came away triumphant. If I'm obedient, I have no need to worry.

Thank you for your letters and your prayers. May you all do well in your schoolwork, sports, jobs, job-searching, wedding preparations, church callings - and of course those little moments when you get a break to read an interesting book or take a nap.

Love,
Elder Withers