Friends From Nearby and Across the Globe

It's been an interesting couple of days. First, I received notice that someone had (FINALLY) signed our lonely guestbook. I went to check it out and found that it was Sister Rich, the mother of Elder Rich (also serving in the Peru Lima North Mission). You can view their terrific blog here. Rich Mission Blog

In fact, it was their blog that gave me the idea for this one. We've communicated via email a couple of times now, and she has been full of ideas and tips that will assist us in our small support role as Elder Layton serves. For example, she forwarded a listserv that she belongs to (and Brenda soon will) called missionary moms. From that we learned that some of the Elders take an oderless garlic pill to keep the bugs and parasites away. It's been very good for us to receive experienced suggestions from her.

Then, today I heard from a young man named Jose Arevalo (has a comment under the previous post), who lives in the Peru Lima North Mission - and is actually in the branch where Elder Rich is serving right now. He was baptized nearly one year ago, is about to turn 19, and has already submitted his papers to serve a mission. He was excited to meet Elder Layton (may not happen since Elder Layton won't even get to the field for another 6 weeks) and is an exceptional young man. (I have the word of Sr. Rich on that.)

For those of you who have not served in Central/South America - simply put - at least from my perspective they are the greatest missions in the world! I know, I know, that's what they all say, right? Well, Jose is an example of why they really are. The people are so kind and full of love and humility. They are without question the children of promise (see video in the last post). I love them and wish I were more like them.

The point is this...for the next two years Elder Layton will be serving the people of Peru. What will probably happen is that he will discover that he will have a very, very difficult time keeping up with their kindness, and the servant will oft times become the recipient of service. One of the many reasons we're so excited for Elder Layton is simply how incredible the people are going to be. They will be one of the biggest and most enjoyable parts of his mission experience. That's my prediction and I'm sticking to it.

The Temple

As part of his preparation to serve the Lord on a full time mission, Sean went through the temple in Portland, Oregon on May 10th, 2008. He was prepared and it was great. The temple is the place where certain covenants and blessings are made and received that are eternal and magnificent. So of course it was a great day.


What made it even better was that we had family and friends there to share this event. Grandma and Grandpa Chiechi, Grandma and Grandpa Layton, Priesthood leaders, including the President Rau and Bishop Gardemann, and several good friends and ward members all attended. Unfortunately Grandpa Chiechi became very ill the morning of the endowment and was forced to spend a good part of the day in the hotel room. But we knew of his full support and love for Sean.


The temple has been the highlight of his preparation, but other things have been going on as well. There are Visas and Passports to obtain, medical checkups and shots, clothing to buy and a host of things to do to get ready. Sean's been busy. We've been busy. But this is an exciting and unforgettable time for Sean and for all of our family and friends. We are deeply grateful for the support and love that have been offered. It is a rich time in our lives.

Sean has also been called and is serving as a Ward Missionary. It is perfect preparation for him.

In about one month, we'll be leaving to return Sean to Provo...to a place only about two blocks from where he has been living for the past year. It is completely surreal. Our hearts are full.