It's not what we do, it's what we become!

10/22/17 So this week has been unbelievably busy... luckily it was not overwhelming and we were able to complete all the tasks necessary to keep the mission running smoothly. I had the opportunity to welcome the new group of missionaries that arrived this transfer, travel to a small town called Nauta to help some Elders who were having difficulties with their house, and travel with the Mission President to meet with the Branch President of Nauta for a lunch-meeting. Its been pretty nuts, so that's why I'm writing today instead of Saturday like I said I would be... we were traveling yesterday and ultimately we lost P-Day haha. But its alright, there's always the next week!

I have been learning a lot about leadership and having more responsibility, and I think one of the most interesting thing that I've experienced is what its like to be your own boss. Up til now there's always been someone that is "in charge" so this is the first time that I don't have another missionary who´s in charge. Its just the President! how crazy is that! Its a huge responsibility to have and it requires a lot of self control and discipline. It keeps on humbling me to know that the Lord trusts me to be a leader here, and I know that he doesn't make mistakes in his choices, but it was still quite a surprise. 

to sum everything up, its been crazy haha, and never have I ever been more humbled for the responsibilities that the Lord has given me. I know it will not be easy, but oh will it be worth it! Quick scripture, Deuteronomy 4:31. Lovin it! -Elder Grover

10/26/17 AAAAND here we are again, trying to remember what actually happened this past week, which is actually really hard to do when it all fly's by in a blur. Well this week, my assignment and duties took the majority of my time, so I was not able to proselyte as much as I would have liked to... which in other words means: we got nothing done in the area. BUT THATS OK, cause were gonna hit it super hard this next week!

My favorite part of this week has by far been the time we have spent with other missionaries, giving training and council. Sometimes it gets really frustrating when they simply don't do what they're supposed too, even when they know what it is and why. But the greatest help that I've received is living with charity, and a love for all of Gods children. It helps us view people differently, not who they are but rather what they can become. The greatest part about developing this attribute is that it doesn't only help with missionaries but with investigators too, especially when they have trouble progressing. It makes the difference for us and for them. The scriptures are always a great help in this aspect too, the basics being Moroni 7 and Corinthians 13 (with a hint in 2 Nephi 26) and wrapping it up with DC 121 36-44. Out of all the attributes of Christ, this is by far one of the most important to develop. Even President Monson gave a talk about it! We should all make a greater effort to love one another, as Jesus has loved us. (John 15:12)

I know this is the work of the Lord, and that my calling is divine. Christ died for us that we may have joy, and if we trust him we will find the joy we seek. I pray that we may always seek his guidance in our lives, and that we may find it according to our faith. Have a great week! -Elder Grover

FOTOS: lunch with the PRESIDENT LI HIMSELF, (it was reeeaaally good!)

homemade fajitas! and Me, my companion and the former Assistant to the President.

11/4/17 As you have read, this week has been ridiculously fast (the fastest of my mission), and I have no idea how I ended up back here writing... So yeah, things are kinda a blur but its alright, cause I think that just means that I'm working haha. However, there is one thing that never changes. Every week I learn something new... and the cycle continues every day. Its a good time.

Life down here is pretty swell, the mission is as interesting as always and we just keep on rollin. My  new goal that i started this week is to start from 0, like it were my first weeks in the mission. I'm gong to re-read the BOM, Preach my Gospel, the white bible and the bible, all over again, and I'm gonna mark the snot out of it! I'm actually really excited because after reading it so many times you begin to feel like you know the majority of it, but giving yourself a fresh start helps refresh you knowledge and helps you receive additional personal revelation. 

All in all I'm doing well, I'm always super busy so its hard to think about anything else (but that's the idea!) I hope all is well wherever you are and that your all reading the BOM! it helps so much, all you have t do is open the book and your heart! Love you all! CHAO

-Elder Grover

quick pics, one from the last change, doing service at a fish farm and a #superdopeselfie with the president and sister Li in the mission house.

11/11/17 well its been a week of wonders for sure. To be honest, not a ton has happened other than the usual stuff we do in the offices and the work in the field. Ever day is a battle of time management haha, sometimes its really hard to get everything done right when it needs to be. I feel like its giving me a taste of the real world... a lot to do with too little time. ah well haha, its all good, still happy and workin hard!

Recently while trying to find time to get my personal studies in, I was meditating on the subject of conversion, and how its a loooooong process and not just something that you can rush and get it over with. While studying the topic I came across a talk by Dallin H Oaks that's called-The Challenge of Becoming. That talk has changed the way I've looked at the mission, life and has made me reflect on how converted I've really become. It was especially interesting to read the story of Peter, and how his process of conversion is a lot longer than one may think.

Peter was called to the ministry while fishing and from there he had a series of experiences that helped him experience a deep conversion, but every time that he thought he was truly converted he fell (denied Christ, cut off some guys ear), even going back to the same boats that he started with. Took him a bit to get it together, but when he did he was one of the most influential people of the time, and a truly faithful disciple. Like Peter, I have had similar experiences where I feel that way, feeling totally faithful and boom, something throws you through a loop and you're back at square one. Well, after completing my year I sure felt that way, like I had "made it" but really I lacked so much more. Now I realize that its not what we do, rather what we become, and that's the goal to be like Christ, like it explains in the end of Moroni 7:48. If we continue making an effort, we will eventually get there, with faith and patience, and above all, Charity. I love you all and I hope you have a great week! -Elder Grover

11/18/17 Well this week has been very productive in regards to working in our area. I'm really learning a lot in the area of Castañas, and I am always grateful for the opportunities that i have to help and serve others. We did a lot of exchanges this week and so I wasn't with my companion very much but I was able to work with a lot of other elders in the mission and see how they were, how they were working and how they can improve. More than anything I always love learning from the others, its very interesting looking at the diversity there is in all of Gods children, how every one has their own strengths and weaknesses. I know that I am no different in that aspect, and I need the help of my Savior just like everyone else... Just like how Moroni explains it in Ether 12:27.

My companion and I have really been pondering what we can do in order to help the mission in a productive way that still allows for the missionaries to use their agency. from what I've heard, the mission Peru Iquitos is a very strict mission, and there's a ton of rules that people get worked up over. Even though we have these rules to protect us from the harm of sin, sometimes it makes me wonder if it really helps in the conversion of the missionaries. I like to relate it to the law of mises, where the people were really stubborn and wicked, so they had a list of strict rules set to help them remember the Lord their God always, and even then the people fell in transgression and sin. when Christ came, he taught the higher law, the Gospel, based on repentance, made possible by the Atonement. And with the higher law set in place, it made room for the miracle of repentance, mercy and forgiveness. Makes me wonder which way works, because both were a part of Gods plan, and both have their purposes...Well, I only know that we live on this world thanks to Christ and what he did for us, And that we have a debt that we cannot and will not be able to pay. I love you all, and I hope you have a great week!

enjoy the pic of jaguar skin! we're gonna make ties :)