May 23, 2016

Dear Family,

Hows california doing over there?  I love the Peruvian people and their culture. Today when we were on our way down on a taxi, well it really wasn't a taxi because it was an old car and he didnt have a license to taxy either, we got in a small crash. It was just because he was looking down and the car in front braked and he didn't see. I've never been in a crash before but today I had the experience of feeling one hahhahah. It was just a small hit but the guy in the car we hit got out and started screaming, also saying bad words. It was really funny and the same time a good story to write in my journal. I thought they would start to fight but nothing happened. SOOOO thats life here in Peru....its really awesome to fine really good people in this messed up world or to help others repent.

This week we stake conference and a seventy came to give an amazing talk about who's our hero really. I could feel the spirit so strongly while he talked he said somethings i would like to share with you guys. He said that Lehi when he was teaching his children and blessing each on of them. The Spanish scriptures say that he instructed them but in the Hebrew meaning in English it comes out as educating. What is the difference between instructing and educating? The seventy explained with some examples. First instructing...son you have to keep the law of chastity because the lord says it, son you have to be obedient because it says it in the scriptures. Instruct is when you tell someone what they need to do. Well you always are commanding them....but educating someone is forcing values into someones life. This really surprised me to know that parents need to educate their children with values. Constant values that will last for their whole lives. He explained that where he lived their were a lot of drug trafficking and a lot of screaming but his mom made sure that he was home every day at 9 at night. Even when he was 20 he had to be home at that hour. He explained how those principles have blessed his life and the values hes had have stuck with him and have made him who he is now. Im so blessed to know that Lehi educated his children with love and promised their sons that if they stayed near to the lord they would never perish.

I thank my parents for the work they have done to not just instruct me. Tell me what to do all the time but they have been examples to me and have educated me with values that I will have all my life. Thank you mom and dad, i have really seen how a lot of families suffer from problems and with a lot of anger but you guys have always been happy. Really gives me the perspective of how I want my family to be. Im so grateful to be in your family and that the Lord has permitted me to be born as you guys as my parents. I have preached for a lot of time know and my faith is truly unbreakable of what the lord can do and the power he has. I love you guys and we will be talking pretty soon.

Till next week....

Elder Parra