January 12, 1975, [Sunday]

October 1, 1976 [Friday], Dear Kenny,

Would you believe it 7 days and you have been in Lima for a year. Where has the time gone. That was interesting to say the least about your first companion. Does lifes [sic] pass far to[o] fast when we stop and look at it.

I have been working for 2 1/2 weeks for Jack Renouf – I’m sure I mentioned to you that he was having a bi-centinental [sic] show. We really did some odd jobs. In fact they were very boring jobs, but we did get paid $3.25 an hour, so we felt good about that. I was sick when I got my check they had taken out seventy dollars for all those things. In other words I worked three days for the government. It really doesn’t pay to work for a woman. Today was my first day, and I was really geared to get in and move. Things got kinda [sic] stopped when who should poke his head around the corner of the Frig, but a mouse. Well I haven’t changed only for the worse as far as they are concerned. I was talking to Linda Green and I just screamed in her ear. She didn’t get to[o] shook as she has them all the time. Well needless to say I have totaled out the day with zero. It took off out into the family room and I guarded the door all day, until Reg came and he left the door open. Would you believe it.[?] Those things give you the creeps. Do you see a lot of bugs and mice over there? For some reason I would imagine Peru like Mexico. Is the places [sic] as dirty as Mexico? I don’t know if we mentioned it our [sic] not, but Canada was really a clean place. It reminded us a lot of Mexico (the area that is green) except that it was much cleaner.

John is moving right along on his Webloes badges. He has all of them but one, and he is working on that one. He is still working on his arrow of light. There is a lot to memorize before he gets that. I hope to have him get that this month along with the final one. He has again started your clarinet, and guitar lessons. I hope he will practice them sometimes because I’m sure he will do twice as well after so much practice. I try to watch them so something can be done. (or will be done) I’m sure this rings a bell with you too. You seem to like to give mother a bad time.

I talked to Sis Green and she mentioned Leona received some pictures of Temples, (Sounds great!) Were they the ancient temples?

Well Ted just came home from Bro. Oldham[‘]s to get forms for his Eagle. Larry Green got released from Scout Master, and Bro Sullivan is not yet organized. We just drove out to Orange County (with out thinking) and pick[ed] up an Eagle Form. It was the wrong kind of course, so over to Oldham we went, and he seemed to have everything you need.

Well Honey this is going to be it for tonight. We love you, and appreciate you so very much. God bless you always Keep Smiling Love – Mother & all. –

El 2 de octubre de 1976 [Saturday] Muy estimado hijito,

[T] I’m going to commence this letter while waiting for the start of priesthood meeting – the fifth session of general conference of the church, which should start within a few minutes. Once it has started, I will have to abandon this correspondence for a rat [raton], I say a little rat [ratoncito], I say a little while [rato].

It was impossible (The prophet [Spencer W. Kimball] is beginning the meeting) to listen yesterday, Friday, because of the work I always have to do. Today, we dedicated ourselves to the work of Saturday, and I forgot to turn on the broadcast. A choir of brethren are singing right now. The choir is singing a hymn that I like a lot, because we have sung it in the Ward priesthood meeting. Bishop Petersen doesn’t like it, so we can’t sing it very often. Elder Packer just finished speaking about sexual sins – a talk given very well. Now, Elder Rex D. Pinegar is directing the word. I ask myself [preguntarme por los bigotes] if you have the opportunity to listen to this same conference? Bro. Pinegar spoke of missionary work and the testimonies of the living prophets. Now we are listening to a declaration that exhorts us to be loyal – that as parishioners, we must follow the commandments. “That we believe and are what we must be”, so said Pres. Romney. Now President Tanner is reminding us of our responsibilities and privileges as members of the kingdom of God, and not become weak in the word.

Tomorrow we will be able to watch and take advantage of the sixth session of the conference. The prophet is admonishing us at the moment.

“Sunday” [October 3]

Yesterday I cut my finger while I was slaughtering [onataba] the rabbits, and with some pain I continue to write this letter. It’s not that the cut is very bad, but the finger I cut doesn’t work very well, therefore I can’t write very neat, nor as small as before. Who knows if you can read what I’m writing.

We had a few very impressive experiences today, listening to conference. There have been many changes in the organization of the church.

David [Ted] has finished all the requirements for Eagle, and all that remains is to submit the paperwork, the interview of the board of review, and “The Court” to receive the Honor. One hopes to complete all the paperwork this week, and then wait, and wait. It is going to take several weeks before he finishes the interviews. Phil Brown called to tell us that half the roof of the cabin was blown away by the hurricane or tornado [voragine] last week, so I will have to make two trips pretty soon to assess the damage and make repairs.

We are sending a few extra colones [dollars] this time so you can have a little fun – or buy yourself a pair of shoes. We appreciate the work you are doing on behalf of our Lord Jesus Christ. May you be blessed greatly in all your efforts. Affection [ET], Dad

October 10, 1976, [Sunday], Dear Kenny,

We received a lovely letter from you this week, we were so happy to get it. It sounds like you are enjoying your new life. I am so happy for you Kenny that you are having this experience. I notice in the third ward that Craig Moore is leaving on a mission. He really surprised me, I didn’t know anything about him. I don’t know where he’s heading too, but I should find out one of these days. That third ward is really sending out the missionaries. I don’t know if we [the Ward] are going to send money to each missionary for Christmas or not, but I’m sure you enjoyed it last year.

The neighbors down the street have their house up for sell [sic]. These people (Leavans) Mexican family. We have tried to interest them in the gospel, but so far no good. Maybe someday they will get the message. They have a book of mormon [sic], also a meet the mormon[s] in Spanish. They didn’t seem to have time for church.

We have really had some hot weather here the last several days. Its like the heat has taken over everything. We can’t seem to get cool, unless we sit in the house with the cooler on. For October this is really different. I‘ve got my usual kick about moving . I’d love so much to live in Utah for the remainder of my days.

Carrie is still giving us a bad time about her going to Solvang every weekend. I’m getting so tired of hearing her grumble about that. Gee, I think it would be nice to be [sic] the biggest home for once. She should be setting a good example for the little boys.

Have you started your summer weather down there? Its hard for me to realize your climate just [sic] different from us, since we really don’t change much all year round. It makes it difficult. I think we need a change now and then in the climate. Its nice to hear your missionary work is moving along so well. (over)

Larry and Susan were married Friday. Aunt Wilma called and mentioned how nice she is. I would have loved going up, but I felt the money had to be spent so many other places. This is the disadvantage about living so far from everyone. Well this must be all for now. I love you Kenny, and appreciate all your [sic] doing. May the Lord bless you and keep you safe as you serve him daily. God bless you! Mother.

El 10 de Octubre de 1976 [Sunday] Estimado hijo Ken,

[T] I hope when you receive these lines I’m writing, and that they will find you happy and in good health. We are more or less well. Every day we bring you to the attention of our Heavenly Father that you will be well, and that you have success in missionary work. We too need your prayers that we may conquer our temptations and overcome, yes, we ask for your prayers on our behalf that we never cease to be valiant.

Friday in the evening, the Raineys and us went together to Jelly Stone Park to spend the night, which we did with enthusiasm. On Saturday, Sister Jacobs came up with her son and Johnie [sic] Baker. Altogether we were nine people for the Cub activity. We bought nineteen kilos [41.8 pounds] of apples, given they harvest a lot of agricultural products in the region and we enjoy them so much.

Ted is still not an Eagle. It happens that here in the Seventh Ward that no one knows what one needs to do to finish the paperwork and interviews, and because of the ignorance of the leaders, he is not going to become an Eagle for several months yet. Well, so is the vicissitude of life. [Parilatinamente] we will learn to endure and not get upset over difficulties.

Here I am sitting in the chapel [capilla] (Catholic word) waiting for the beginning of Sacrament meeting. It seems like there will be a lot of sinners [pecadores], I mean preachers [predicadores], this afternoon: Lisa Renouf, Scott Shields, Henry Goldsmith, Sandie Maddux, Lorraine Sullivan, Joanne Petersen, Ray Sparks. In addition, Gary Smith is going to since the song, “Ave Maria”.

Now that I have seen your ability with the typewriter, I don’t have any fear in writting some lines by machine, even though I must not skip a line, to not waste [perjudicar] the space, so I’m going to correct what’s lacking as I write. Each time I am convinced that school teachers need to be more thorough in correcting the grammar and in the correction of essays, etc. Of course it can be said that I need more practice in the art of type writing.

The second weekend of November I hope to be able to go to El Huerfanito to do necessary repairs on the cabin. Various people have said they want to accompany me, as well as Ted and John. I don’t like to leave it there without any roof, in particular because tourists and strangers might think that it has been abandoned and break in, and steal all the furniture out of it, etc. It has always been a preoccupation, but in these days I can’t stop thinking about the house there. I don’t want to lose any more than what has already been lost.

I have a new student from Cordova, Argentina, where Elder Clemence is located. I don’t know if she is going to get me a name and address or not.

Did you receive the letter with the name and address of the people from Lima? I only mention it in case you didn’t receive that letter. I think we have already indicated that we have sent you a little extra money so that you receive it by Thanksgiving Day. Also, as you said in your last letter, you don’t have the photographic camera Argus C-3, you were thinking of buying photos from your companion of the Inquisition. I wanted to ask you if the pocket sized holy scriptures (Book of Mormon [Triple Combination] and Bible) have been useful to you, that you took into the Mission in English?

I thought I might finish with the poem “El mitayo…” but I’m writing this at home, and the book is at school. Who in Peru has heard of the book entitled, El Hermano Asno [Brother Asno]? A narration that I read sometime ago, yet still remember in part. Of course, the small novel Huasipungo impressed me more.

I will soon need to finish with this so ridiculous message [recado]. Even in my sin I desire all the greatest blessings of the Lord for your protection, happiness, and success. I hope you pray for us too, given we all have plenty of weakness, that we continue well founded in the faith, with love, dedication, respect, all. [ET] Con carino, Dad

El 17 de octubre de 1976 [Sunday] Estimado hijo Ken,

It has been less than a half hour that I arrived home, having exited Phil Brown’s plane in San Ferenado around [a eso] six-thirty, and later by car a little [y pico] more than an hour to arrive home. We left Friday about midday to go to El Huerfanito. I spent almost all day Saturday dismantling the roof, which was two hundred meters from the house. I removed all the nails and was able to reconstruct part of the patio, and close the roof over the house proper. In the mean time, my thumb injury has sufficiently improved, but with the work with the beams and sheets [of plywood] I got a sliver, which still hurts me now. With a trip in the pickup, I will be able to carry the rest of the materials to finish the rest [of the roof], including paper, asphalt [roofing rolls], and nails. We had very good luck as there wasn’t much dirt (sand), nor rats in the cabin like we thought. To be able to go to the cabin by plane was very comfortable. One loses the emotion of driving over Nacho’s road. The brother of Nacho, Ramon, is now the landlord, proprietor of half of the camp, and it seems to us that Ramon is going to be better than Nacho for the camp.

Unfortunately, I don’t have significant news of interest to tell you. Generally, I have some news after attending the church meetings, but since I couldn’t go today, I don’t have anything to say. Of course, I did listen to the transmission of the choir from Salt Lake from the tabernacle, very early this morning, and read a little, but outside of that, I didn’t have church today.

Mother told me that Bishop Petersen gave a talk about the Worldwide General Conference, but I will have to leave to her what he said.

An experience I enjoyed very much in Mexico is that I swam in the Sea of Cortez for an hour. It has been a while since I have bathed there when the temperature was as comfortable for me, and had the time to enjoy it.

Let’s see if you can tell me who composed the following lines, and what they refer to: “Horror dantesco estremecer se siente por sobre ese tropel de héroes membrudos, Que se alzan con graníticos escudos y son cascos de plata refulgente! La angustia de cada héroe es infinite, porque quiere gritar, retiendola [sic], salta, se parte de dolor…pero no grita; y solo deja, extático y sombrío, rodar desde su cúspide mas alta, la silenciosa lagrimas de un rió.”[Note] You need not trouble [chocar] yourself trying to figure out the author, because you are well established in the Rocky Mountains. Not that you walk a lot among the lights [alumbres] because the saints are sometimes annoyed for lack of oxygen which doesn’t even allow a Joseph who seeks to know who struggles to read a poem of an unknown poet, from the school of modern realists. Once you know who wrote the poem you will have better visions of the condor of Caupolucan, of the avatar [poem], of death [troquel] and of honor [blazon – poem] of the poet so renowned, of such fame, a very celebrated man of the twentieth century, the singer of the America autochthonous and savage, that feels like an Inca, that doesn’t drink in the waters [linfas] of the Castalia fountain, which was born four times, and was Yupanqui, the literary volcano. Well, I must mount my conqueror’s horse and leave behind the subject of the poet, to avoid the crazy night of lightening.

So, now I take my leave of talking about silly things. You will have already divided the Peruvian nation into two spiritual missions, right? Are the two offices of the two missions in Lima, or is one going to be in another city? I need to finish this letter. I hope for you all the best – even time to write us a few lines – and that the Lord will bless you. [ET] Con carino, Dad

Ken - I could not find the specific poem but it was written by José Santos Chocano Gastañodi (Lima, Perú b. May 14, 1875 - Santiago, d. Chile July 13, 1934) a poet who is also known as "The Singer of Americas", from the first line of one of his most celebrated poems: "I am the singer of the America, Autochthonous and Savage"" (" Yo soy el Cantor de América, autóctono y salvaje", from the poem "Blasón" in Alma América). Released after two years in jail, Chocano moved to Santiago, Chile, where he lived in dire poverty while preparing a new collection of poetry, Primicias de Oro de Indias. He was stabbed to death on a streetcar in 1934; reports are divided as to whether his assassin was a stranger, a madman (who may have thought he had a treasure map), or a rival in a love affair.

October 20, 1976, [Wednesday], Dear Kenny

It’s been a long time since we heard from you? I hope this means everything is fine, and that you are busy. Boy the time is flying by. Would you believe that it is almost Halloween again, and then Thanksgiving. The Bi-Centinnenal [sic] has just about come to a close. I just got my bathroom wallpapered in Sept. in Red, white, and Blue, so you can see I don’t want the year to pass. (How’s everything going?) No news is good news they always say.

John has [not] been getting around to writting [sic] letters for a long time. He gets started, and that’s as far as it goes.

We have [had] four of our rabbits kick up their heels a week ago. I guess it was to hot for them out in their pen. When we came home from a cub scout outing, the pans were bone dry, and there lay four out of six on the floor. I didn’t realize the heat got them so bad, but I guess that[‘]s what happened. Anyway anyone that things [sic] he knows everything says that’s it. (Reg and Ted have gone Home teaching for the evening.) Reg has not had a companion since you were except for Ted. Good thing he’s got a couple of boys. Oh, yes, Jack and Barbara Renouf are thinking seriously of buying Goettes[‘ sic] house. Can you believe it – Last we heard it was 150 thousand. (years ago.) don’t know what the lattest [sic] price is. I heard Thorns are asking 120 thousand for theirs. They may not be moving if they are holding out for that price.

Have you heard from David? I don’t’ know what’s going on up there, but I hope he finds time to do some studying. Do you hear from Mark Petersen? Now that Melodee [Melanie is] living down here, I wondered if he’d find time to write anyone. What a waste. I think he’s such a nice kid, and so young in some ways. Oh well life goes on.

Ted is still waiting for a progress review and papers to be sent in before the long wait before Eagle. Oh, I hope he can get it in 1976, he has wanted to so bad.

How’s the missionary work coming? We hope and pray you are finding sucess [sic] in your labors. The signs of the times are being unfolded more each day. People’s hearts are failing them. We should be so different from the world, and yet I wonder just how much.

Sis Luedtke is going to have a baby. She has been sick, but is holding in real well. She has asked to be released from Primary Pres. She has been so tired. It will be a hard adjusting [sic] for Heidi. I told her she’d have to have two to make everyone happy. Heidi is 7 in March. She has really grown.

Tomorrow I have to go to the Dentist. This I would rather not do, but they have showed lots of interest in what has to be done, so guess I might as well.

Rod Leach leaves soon for his mission to New Zealand. Since his call it seems like such a long time.

Well hone, we love you and appreciate you so much. Keep smiling, and continue to live close to the Lord. He loves you he is happy with what your [sic] doing. Write when you can. Love Mother.

October 29, 1976, [Friday], Dear Kenny,

Well her it is, the air in the morning feels definetly [sic] like fall and the days are hot. Whenever I feel this kind of weather I want to live where the seasons change. The frost is on the pumpkin, and its fall all over.

Mark & Melanie announced their marriage for December, I guess he’s not going to wait until they can go through the Temple. She lives with the clerk, (Bro. Cardall) so I guess they might as well get married. How’s things with you Kenny? Have you been okay since the surgery? Do you think you’ll be in the office until you transfer home? I can’t believe all the things you Elders are doing in your spare time.

Well David bought himself a car. I didn’t think he would last long without wheels. He got him a new Mazda. I guess its what he always wanted, so what can one say. Its his money that will have to pay for it. Its his dream.

The ward goes on, little upsets here and there, but everything goes on. Changes in positions come and go. People move in here and there, people transfer out, and the Dorffs continue to stay in the same house, by the side of the road. The color of the house is still yellow, the fence looks a little more broken down, needs painting, but the house is the same. People running here and there. One gets the felling he’s in a rut, but so what if he is. The family has many blessings. Most grateful for a missionary in Peru. We hope and pray he’s serving the Lord the best he can, And happy with what he’s doing. Grateful for life and the challenges that we face in living. G[r]ateful for 5 other children – 2 in college, 3 at home. Pray everyday for the strength to do what[‘]s right in leading the way.

Grandmother is still tending the children behind us. The parents will be home Saturday. (That’s tomorrow.) Its been nice having her close. We will miss her. The parents went on a 2 week vacation (without children) to Florida and Texas. I’m sure Mrs. Needed [sic] it, as you know she’s always sick. I think the children needed to be away from her too. Grandmother says it hasn’t been hard. Haven’t heard much about the other missionaries, but then I haven’t ask[ed] either.

The family will be going to Bruce’s for Thanksgiving. I hope to be able to make the trip. I get so tired traveling much. David will be home, but I’m not sure about Diane. Have you heard from Dave or Diane lately? They should write once in awhile. Carrie is going to Solvang today. She’s in a good mood when this happens. (Coy is still P.G. [pregnant]).

Well honey, I must close. We love and appreciate you so much. Keep smiling! And pray always

Love Mother

contacts. Our prayers are with you always. Love to all – Say hi to everyone. Love Mother.

El 31 de octubre de 1976, [Sunday] Muy estimado Kino,

[T] I’m going to make an attempt to write some lines between Priesthood meeting and Sunday School, since I am only going to have limited hours this afternoon. As it is, after Sacrament meeting, Brother Harvey Harper is going to have a fireside n his home to discuss political issues, and if I can, I will attend. I have not decided yet regarding which of the candidates and proposed new laws I want to support with my affirmative vote in Tuesday’s elections, the 2nd of November, and it could be useful to participate in the discussion to better understand the wisdom necessary to decide. In any case, I want to give my support to Brother Harper, to see if I can better understand politics too. In these discussions two or three points of view are presented to inform the voters, so it could be worthwhile, if I’m not mistaken.

I very much enjoyed the letter you wrote me in Spanish. I can see that you are leaving me behind [en la zaga], and I will need to improve my language skills if I’m going to stay on par with you. Now you and I have a world apart from the rest of the family, and we can talk about the social problems of those countries, helping us understand [so sol [sic – no solo – not only] words as well as impressions and philosophies.

It is difficult for a person who doesn’t understand the language, and therefore the literature and the art, to have an adequate impression of the people. It is almost impossible to sense the depth of their psychology, the desires, the challenges, the desperations, the yearnings of a people, if the student doesn’t understand the language. In the end [al fin y el cabo], he ignores or at least doesn’t comprehend the tear that one sees with the eyes, but his heart can’t cry with the feeling of the soul, if one can’t internalize [profundiza] it through the language and the feeling, the which one can’t achieve without penetrating in the society itself. The foreigner can only rarely comprehend the mentality even when he/she understands the language that is being spoken.

In one of the next letters I will provide a copy of the itinerary of our projected trip for 1978, so that you will have a better idea of my effort to have a more intimate contact with the Peruvian people, along with the other people of Latin America. Of course the sacrifice of money and time will be a sacrifice on my part, since no one will be helping me with the expenses [He received half salary for the period of the sabbatical leave.

It seems as though Mark Petersen is going to get married to his fiancé during the month of December. They are not going to wait until they can enter into the temple of the Lord. Not to criticize, but I give thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ everyday that you are on a mission fulfilling his will. It is difficult to accept that the son of the Bishop has not conformed to the commandments and teachings that are so clearly from the Prophet.

It would be of interest to you that Rodney Leach will leave on a mission the 20th of November, more or less; and the daughter of Bro. Wilkie, of the Fifth Ward, is now leaving for Ecuador.

Form the poet Oscar Ponce de Leon one doesn’t absolutely know anything. Therefore, I will receive the volume of him with great interest. The literature and the culture of the Incas have very much interested me, since I read the history of the Conquest of Peru, by the historian Prescott. I have that history in my personal library. There is much that is similar to what we know of the Book of Mormon.

So, a Peruvian will be the President of the Mission? Fantastic. I have read with great and consuming interest of the Lima Stake, and also of the Area Conference that will be held in February of the coming year. These events will endorse and establish the work a great deal. Everyone there must be very enthusiastic to know of these things. How sweet is the song the sowers hear as they enjoy harvest [cosecha] or the crop [siega].

David should be home to spend the weekend, before you receive this letter. Who knows if such a quick trip will provide a good result. In any case, we will be able to see his cockroach [car – RX-7] he just bought. I think it is going to cost a lot to buy the gas (nafta) it will take to drive it, along with the insurance he needs to have. [ET]

Ricardo Palma “embroidered ‘traditions’ around all sorts of colonial episodes: the indiscrections [sic] of a high-born lady, the amorous adventures of a vi[c]eroy, and obscure stabbing on a cobbled stone street, an out-of-the-wat [way] and half-forgotten miracle come to life in his pungent, richly wrought, and almost always ironical style.”

[T] You now have your lesson about one of the most celebrated authors of Peru, and I’m going to say goodbye now in order to not arrive late to church. Don’t be discouraged, but left up your head and fortify your spirit, so the Lord can see you haven’t despaired, and you have confidence in the work and his support. You will then receive the necessary rod [jalon] to carry the message to many souls, children of God. There has to be a lot of people still desirous of receiving the gospel. [ET] Papi

November 4, 1976, [Thursday], Dear Kenny,

Well the Elections are over – Ford and many other Republicans will slowly fade away. The big news is “Carter[‘]s” victory. People are still asking who is this man from Georgia, After a while people will be asking “what, and why,” but life goes on.

How is everything with you Kenny.[?] We do love your letters, in [sic] kinda [sic] keeps us in touch with someone very special to us. It makes our week hearing a few words from someone so nice – that we pray each day for and love with all our hearts.

Carrie seems to [be] settling down some. We even get to have her talk to us once in awhile.

David should be arriving home soon from Provo. He is coming down to attend a concert. Oh, to be young and foolish again! Such a long way to come to spend all that money! They say young men do foolish things, like buying new cars, driving 800 miles for a concert and spending $20.00 a ticket (each.) I hope that its all worth it! You would never do that would you Ken? Lets hope he keeps in mind his goals?

Do you hear from the Bishop ever Kenny? I know he is such a busy man, but thought that I would ask. Mark and Melodee [Melanie] are getting married in Dec. sometime. They might as well as they are together most of the time anyway. I hope there [sic] happy – that[‘]s what counts in life. I am so happy and proud Kenny to have you on a mission. I am glad you made this decision to serve the Lord first. You will never regret it I’m sure. I only wish there was some way to help those people see what they are missing.

Do you think you will be in the office for the rest of your mission? How does that usually work?

I don’t know Kenny if I mentioned or not that Carrie did write that girl, you wanted her too. She never heard any more from her however. – News: - Sis green and Sis Luedtke are both expecting children. I don’t know how Leona feels about this. We love you. Mother.

El 7 de noviembre de 1976 [Sunday] Muy estimado Kino,

[T] I write these lines hoping they will find you happy and in good health. We are well, thanks to the Lord Redeemer, and we can’t do anything but worship him for the many blessings that he has given [brindado] to us ultimately for all our life.

This past weekend we have had our first born child [son] at home. Even though he has been gone a lot to visit friends and on appointments, we have been able to spend a little time to visit and converse about what interested us of his activities. We have also taken a ride in his new automobile, which is very nice, although costly. He should sacrifice a little more and not buy [custom] tires, but since he’s spending his own money, we don’t want to be critical. Also at home for the weekend were Lynne Haskins, Kelly Howarth, and others for the marriage of Jennifer Galewick. Another marriage that took place was that of Miss McCraney, so Jeff came from the B.Y.U. for that event.

Your mother and I are sleeping in the camper these days because your mother gave your grandmother Ruth the mattress in our bedroom, and mother is thinking of putting a new mattress there. In the meantime, we don’t have a bed to sleep in [ET] except [T] in the camper.

On Friday in the evening the Spanish Club participated in the “halftime” activities at the American football game, winning the second place prize. I believe we made the best float [carrosa alegorica], but we didn’t win the big prize [el gordo] according to the judges.

We are now making preparations to go to the cabin this coming Wednesday (which for you has to be last Wednesday). We are looking forward with unique anticipation, because I want to complete the roof and patio, other than wanting to bathe myself in the Sea of Cortez, and fish a little.

We will be eight or nine people with three adults and four or five youth. Who knows if it will be a rest, but at least a change of scenery [medio ambiente].

I’m going to continue with my literature lesson because you haven’t objected, at least up till now. The following lines were written by Juan del Valle y Caviedes, from the sixteenth century, born in the year 1652, and died in 1695 [See note]. (A selection nothing more).

Lamentaciones sobre la vida en pecado (Lamentations on a sinful life)

Ay mísero de mi! Ay desdichado!

Que, sujeto al pecado,

Vivido he tanto tiempo orgullecido,

Si es vivir el pecado en que he vivido.

****

Al fin, mi Dios, si os ama reverente

Cuanto vi de animado y de viviente,

No he de estar de mi mismo avergonzado,

Viendo os has alabado

Al tiempo que he pecado, disoluto,

Arroyo, monte, paz, flor, ave, y bruto.

I believe the cited lines can serve you very well in giving a talk in church, applying some principles of the gospel to the poem of Peru. It may be impressionable for the Peruvians and I hope that they are useful to you. It is for that purpose that I use space in this letter and in others. I don’t know if I have mentioned to you that the President of the Spanish Club is a girl from Honduras. She will be another contact with the people from there for our 78 trip. All the names and addresses possible I am accumulating because it seems right and good to know the cultures of those countries, to know many people that can teach us regarding what we can experience once we have arrived. Of course, I am still waiting approval for my request by the District Commission, and they won’t grant until maybe February, but in any case I want to take advantage of every opportunity to be prepared.

They are showing for the first time [estrenando] the film, Lo que el viento se llevo on television, so as sinful [pecaminoso] as it seems, I’m going to finish this letter as soon as possible. We just finished saying goodbye to David who is returning this afternoon to B.Y.U. He is working, and with the passengers he has, he is going to come out more or less well on this trip. However, it seems like a lot of traveling for the few days one could be here.

Chris Munger and David went to a Neal [sic]Young (?) concert on Thursday. It couldn’t be that these two are interested in each other, right? Well, Chris is a very good and nice girl, so who knows?

I need to say goodbye for the moment, given that there is almost no more space in which to write. I hope for you all the greatest benefits of the gospel, and that you aren’t discouraged in anything. The Lord is good and divine. [ET] Dad

Juan del Valle y Caviedes Born in Porcuna, Andalucía, Spain around 1645. He came to Peru at an early age and settled in the mining area of Huancavelica, where life was hard even for a Spaniard at the top of the social pyramid. It appears he quickly dissipated his fortune on gambling, drink, and women of dubious morals drawn to the money and debauchery of the mining fields. Apparently he contracted a venereal disease, and was badly treated by the primitive doctors in the town, many of whom had minimal training and were basically charlatans. This illness gave rise to one of Caviedes' major themes: the damage done by physicians and their indifferent and rapacious attitude toward their patients.

November 11, 1976, [Thursday], Dear Kenny,

[Note on top] Ted passed he Character Board for Eagle. We will send clipping when it comes out

Here we are celebrating Vetrans [sic] Day on the right day. Some of the school District’s [sic] including Lowell celebrated it on the 25th of Oct., so when everyone else is out they are expected to be in school. How dumb huh?

How are things with you Kenny.[?] Your letters don’t come as regular as I would like. Seems like we answer a couple of times each letter. Hope all is well, and you are busy and happy.

David was down for 3 days last weekend. I imagine that he will have quite a bit of homework to do. He has a lovely car. I didn’t get a chance to ride in it, so I can’t say much on that subject, But its pretty.

Tommy Thorn passed away yesterday. He is the one that has been in the hospital so long. It probably will be much better for him. The Thorn’s [sic] as I have mentioned before are moving to Springville. I really envy them in being able to move back to Utah. I hope they enjoy it.

Reg, Ted, John, Larry Green, Bart, Tom and Donny left for the cabin yesterday afternoon. (Whoops I forgot about Kenny Goldsmith. Ted, Ken and Larry are suppose[d] to hike in from Puertoios [sic]. They need to get a twenty mile hike. I sure hope they have a good time, as your Dad has been looking forward to it for a long time. Carrie and I are going up to Solvang after she finishes school on Friday. She’s really been looking forward to this.

Kenny how are chances of your getting a picture taken down there.[?] (large 8 by 10.) How much, and how good is the work. [?] Maybe on your “P” day you could check on it. I would really love one of you. How much and everything. I will send extra for you to get one in color.

We sent you a little extra last month for Christmas. I hope you will be able to get something nice. Kenny did you ever get the cards we mailed to you for your operation. [?] I have never heard you mention it so thought I’d ask. Things take such a long time.

Well honey we love you and appreciated you so much. May God keep you in his care always. Keep smiling and all will go right.

Love Mother.

El 15 de noviembre de 1976, [Monday] Muy estimado padre [sic] Kino

It is already Monday in the afternoon. We could not leave El Huerfanito until the sixth hour of the morning on Sunday, and because of a series of difficulties, adventures, vicissitudes, extra excursions, etc., we didn’t arrive home until almost four in the morning on Monday. After showering, I went to bed a little after four, getting up at six to go to work. Today I suffered some while I tried to not go to sleep in front of the class, without appearing very sleepy.

We were able to repair the primary part of the roof, fish a little, and do some of the items I had from school. The boys fished a lot and had a lot of fun.

The literature lesson that I have to present to you this time is a selection of some lines composed by the Peruvian Manuel Gonzalez [Prada – See Note], born in 1848 and died in 1918 (the year known worldwide for the [end] of the 1st World War), the poem is called “Triolet,” [1901] which speaks of life and of death [This is a translation I modified from on online source – Ken]:

Desde el instante del nacer sonamos,

Y solo despertamos, si morimos.

Entre visiones y fantasmas vamos:

Desde el instante del nacer, sonamos.

El bien seguro, por el mal dejamos;

Y hambrientos de vivir, jamás vivimos;

Desde el instante del nacer sonamos;

Y solo despertamos, si morimos

From the moment of birth, dream,

Y sólo despertamos si morimos. And only wake up if we die.

Entre visones y fantasmas vamos. Among dreams and ghosts we go.

Desde el instante de nacer, soñamos.From the moment of birth, we dream.

El bien seguro, por el mal dejamos;The good assurance for the bad we leave;

Y hambrientos de vivir, jamás vivimos. And hungry live, never live.

Desde el instante de nacer, soñamos. From the moment of birth, we dream.

Y sólo despertamos si morimos. And only wake up if we die.

On Monday, the eighth of November, we were finishing our dinner when the telephone rang. The person responsible for the Character Board [la mesa de caracter] for the Scouts spoke. He said that Ted, the parents, and the Scoutmaster need to be in the conference room of Wells Fargo Bank, within some twenty minutes. He believed that we had been advised, but he was mistaken. We got dressed immediately, they interviewed Ted, us, and Larry Green, and they approved. Ted is now an Eagle. We will soon hold the Court of Honor, but first we expect [official] notice from the National Directors, but all is for sure now.

By the way, we haven’t received any notice of the bill from the hospital, nor from the doctor, nor from the company Blue Cross.

Harvey Harper has been changed from the Whittier office to Pomona. I don’t know when it will be, but it seems that it has to be shortly. I don’t have any greater news to tell you other than what I have already told you of the members of the church. I am so tired after not sleeping for some forty hours, that I’m going to tell you that it pains me.

We appreciate what you are doing for the Lord, and we always pray to him that he will bless you the blessings necessary in order for you to complete well, with honor and glory to God, the mission you have. Stay loyal and energetic, put your shoulder to the wheel to sustain the Rock for eternity. [ET] Carino, Dad

Born on January 6, 1844 in Lima to a wealthy, conservative, Spanish family. A Peruvian politician and anarchist, literary critic and director of the National Library of Peru. He is well remembered as a social critic who helped develop Peruvian intellectual thought in the early twentieth century, as well as academic style known as modernism. One of the most brilliant figures in Spanish American letters, he was a master of satire and invective. With apostolic zeal he took up the defense of the exploited indigenous people, and in his eloquent essays, speeches, and polemical writings he hurled demolishing broadsides at the landowning oligarchy that had ruled Peru since colonial days. He advocated radical social reform along nationalistic lines and became the mentor of a generation of young radicals. Triolet - A poem or stanza of eight lines with a rhyme scheme abaaabab, in which the fourth and seventh lines are the same as the first, and the eighth line is the same as the second

El 21 de noviembre e 1976 [Sunday], Muy estimado Kino,

[T]I’m sitting here in the living room watching a program that is recounting the history of the N.B.C. network. This includes radio, and television, since the year 1926. It seems like it includes everything of importance or interest. You would like it a lot, but of course you need to fulfill [your duty] with the Lord, which is most important for the moment.

This week, everyone is thinking of going to Bruce’s house in Arizona for Thanksgiving Day. The Hanson Sisters [Rosella and ] your grandmother Ruth, Thomas and family, David and maybe Diane; with luck we are all going to be there to eat.

We now have a new carpet in our bedroom. Mom and Carrie covered the floor with pieces of carpet and next week I have to put in the bed and other furniture.

The Thorns drove the body of their son to Springville for burial there, given that they are moving there before Christmas, therefore the burial plot will be closer to their new home.

To continue the literature lesson, I think will place here some additional stanzas [estrophas] of Manual Gonzalez: Laude

Todo goce, todo ría,

Con la luz del Nuevo día.

Monte, selva, mar y llano

Alcen himno tan pagano

Que hasta el pecho del anciano

Se estremezca de alegría

Y, Oh Sol, hemos de perderte!

La espantoso de la muerte

Es no verte mas, no verte

Oh gloriosa luz del día.

All rejoices, all smiles,

With the light of the new day

Mountain, jungle, sea and plain

Lift up the pagan hymn

That to the breast of the ancient

Stretches with happiness

And, oh sun, we will lose you

The fright of death

Is to not see you more, not see you

Oh glorious light of day

I believe you may be able to use these stanzas for a sermon about death. It’s possible that things have changed but I found a lot of fear of death in South America, and the poem expresses maybe the biggest loss that man feels intellectually about death.

I can hardly concentrate on the television program, which continues to review many programs of all classes, comedies, dramas, athletic, musicals, dancing, etc.

What can we send you as a gift for Christmas? It is impossible to send anything other than money, and we don’t know if you lack something or if there is some advantage in having more money.

We are in good health. Of course, flu, tiredness, bad digestion, we have once in a while. In any case we are very busy with church, school, and work. I am playing the organ again in Sacrament meeting. I’m also going to accompany the choir for the Christmas program, that is if they fix the instrument. So you have put on weight? I have too, but I will let you win as it is a race that I don’t want to win. All hope for your success. [ET] Carino Dad

November 25, [19]76, [Thursday], Dear Kenny,

Here it is Thanksgiving day [sic]1976. Hope your turkey day is nice in Peru, with all the trimmings. We are down here at Bruce’s. We came in last night with Jenny and Donnie – Tom and Eileen and the two little kids are coming in with Rosella Hansen. David arrived in the night with Mary Lou Hansen, so total we should have 16 people today. We will be thinking of you and praying your day is special.

What is new down there? We received a lovely letter from you earlier in the week. It was nice being able to hear from you before we came.

What[‘]s happening at the Bishop[‘]s [Mission President Bishop’s Family] at Thanksgiving.[?] Do they have dinner for all of the missionaries? Sounds like you have really enjoyed being near the family. Do they have several little children? I thought you mentioned once that they are expecting a new one. Is that true? You are so good with kids.

Did we write to you about Coy Luedtke expecting? She is due to have hers at the last of May. The children are really excited about it. I hope they get another girl. Coy was just released from Primary President last week, so she should be able to function okay now. Seemed like she has a lot going all the time. Libby and John Fergerson [sic] are expecting some time in May too. Last I heard Michelle and Jack were still hoping. I hope all goes well fro them. I really don’t know if I mentioned about Karen and Tim Shaw expecting or not, also Scott and Louisa Haskins are expecting. They are in Italy. Zion is truly growing! Tom Shaw is getting married next May. His girl friend works so I guess that[‘]s all that[‘]s needed too. Haven’t heard any news on Terry Shaw, so can’t give a run down on her. I think I mentioned that Tommy Thorn died. He has been getting worse these last year[s], so I’m glad he didn’t have to suffer. Its really the beauty of the gospel plan that he will be whole in the next life. The Thorns are moving next month to Springville. It will seem funny when they move. Mormon Hill doesn’t have many mormons [sic] anymore to speak off [sic]. Harpers, Clowards and Dohrmans are the only ones there when the Thorns leave. I think I mentioned that Barbara and Jack Renouf have bought Gottes[‘] house. Those kids have got to have money to buy something like that. I am really happy for them, they need something big with those eight children. They are really special people.

Here we are still waiting for Tom and family to arrive. Hope they haven’t had car trouble. Its 11:30 our time here, and if things went as scheduled[d] they should have left 12 hrs ago. Well honey I am going to close for now. Hope you have a wonderful day, and many contacts. Our prayers are with you always. Love to all – Say hi to everyone. Love Mother.

El 28 de Noviembre de 1976 [Sunday] Estimadisimo hijo Kino,

I will now commence this epistle after eating, before choir rehearsal, but I’m sure that I will have to finish it later. I’m not going to sing in the choir, nor can I accompany its practices now since the Relief Society room doesn’t have an organ, and they still haven’t repaired the organ in the chapel, and my organ doesn’t work well at all since it was fixed by your uncle Thomas.

As I already indicated last time [in my last letter], we went to spend Thanksgiving Day at Bruce’s house. We arrived there at two in the morning, very tired, fatigued. I couldn’t sleep the hours that were left because it seemed to me that I was driving all night. We were very tired all day Thursday, but we ate very well the chicken ham [pollo jamon], stuffing [relleno], etc., prepared by your grandmother Dorff. Diane didn’t come but David, yes, and we could visit some two and a half days. On Friday we helped Bruce put up a new fence [cercado] and to construct the roof of his house. We did not finish but the rest he can easily finish himself. We also dismantled his old home he had used for three and a half years.

Right now I am at rehearsal.

To anticipate the changes you mentioned in the administration of the Peruvian Missions must be very emotional. More than anything, it has to be marvelous the fact that the local members [brothers] are taking on the responsibilities there instead of depending on foreign members. You will have to engage yourself in your office as historian, and if you come to be accountant [Prophetic?], you will have to have more fingers.

I don’t have a literature lesson for you. Are you disappointed?

Your cousin Bob Davis was here for the Thanksgiving Days. He came with his roommate Mark Norton, but only Carrie saw him. It seems that while he was here he had use of a new Chevy arranged by Gene [Davis, his father].

The church presented a program on National television about the family, which we watched last Thursday while we were at Bruce’s.

Brother and Sister [Grant and Beth] Anderson gave the word [talks] this evening in Sacrament meeting. They said that Grant was very happy and that it seemed that the time was going by very quickly. They spoke on the Sabbath and how to keep it.

Well, I need to say goodbye, now. With the season we hope [you have] much success, and that you can enjoy some days of happiness and joy. [ET] Cariño, Dad

December 3, 1976, [Friday], Dear Kenny,

Here it is Friday again, another week another dollar well spent. How are you? We have received some nice mail from you, which makes us very happy.

Mark Colo received his call yesterday. He will be leaving for Scotland, but I don’t know when. We will let you know later. I was really surprised since I hadn’t heard he had forward[ed] his papers yet. I guess after Rod Leach left he got with it. I am happy for him I hope that’s where he wanted to go.

The big news of the week was a shower for Melodee [Melanie] Rush (Mark Petersen[’s] girlfriend.) I guess that their plans are to be married in Ohio on the 27 or 28th of the month. Then they will return home and have an open house at the Petersen[‘]s new years eve. They look happy so I guess they are. I didn’t attend the shower but I did forward a gift, and I expect to get a nice one for the wedding from all of us.

Ted heard last night that his Eagle papers have cleared National. His court of Honor will be the 26th of Dec. He is excited about it, and I think relieved. I will be relieved when its all over, you know I have never been one for big shows. We hope that the family can come for the big event. Ted wants Dell Clawson to speak, but we will have to see after all he’s a busy man. I guess Grant A. is the last one the ward had had.

Carrie[‘]s thing is decorating for Christmas this year. I hope she enjoys herself at that. I haven’t been able to get her interested in attending APYW. She needs a boost now and then from her older brothers. Does she ever write you?

Two more weeks, left of school. The little boys have all kinds of home work. I can’t believe these teachers. Well honey since we can’t send you anything we sent you another extra $10.00 for Christmas. Buy something you’d like. I would love to send goodies but your goodies coming from here turn into gold. We pray for your sucess [sic] and happiness as you serve the Lord. May you find the peace and enjoyment that only can come from serving the Lord and your fellowmen. May God bless you always. We love you! Let us know if you get the picture Mother.

El 6 de diciembre 1976 [Monday] Muy estimado Ken;

[T] I didn’t write my accustomed lines to you yesterday because your Uncle Gene and Aunt June Davis from Wisconsin were with us yesterday, and I didn’t have the time necessary to compose them.

Here we are next to the fire, with firewood, I’m waiting the precise moment for the commencement of family hour, in the meantime I’m trying to write this letter.

I read an article in the newspaper Church News about your companion, Elder Bradford Larney who received [ ] from the mayor of Callao [port suburb of greater Lima]. There are very few politicians who will honor a religious person, especially those who are not Catholic.

The other day I casually came across [tropece], in the newspaper, the name of the family of my student, Miss Melendez, that lives in Whittier with the family Juan and Adolfina Trigoso. Which is to say that I had sent you the name of Jose Corsia No 190 Vista Alegre, Surco, Lima, Peru, and I don’t remember having received from you verification of your having looked for that family. I have also sent various names to Argentina without receiving any response.

For family night we are going to listen to the tape that you sent to Mark, who had sent it to us to listen too. I had the opportunity to listen to the tape two times. The first time we all listened to it together, playing the tape in the portable tape recorder. We almost couldn’t understand it – only about half of what you said. Later I put it in the tape player of the Ambassador and I heard it much better. There were many parts of interest that I needed to listen to it with pen [boligrapho] and paper to write them in a list. Of major interest must be your testimony and expression of love and respect for Mark.

Later, also of great interest had to be the new Stakes, and the development of the members. To have more that 100 converts each month seems fantastic to me. In all the country of Argentina, we almost never reached 100 baptisms per year.

You already know that Rosalind Russell and Godfrey Cambridge died last week.

I am envious of you and your opportunity to personally meet so many leaders of the church. While I was in Puerto Rico I sent historical reports etc., to Elder Bruce R. McConkie. Of course, he didn’t know anything of me.

The Church News speaks of the Peru Lima North Mission and Peru Lima South Mission. It mentioned Iquitos, a city that will always have an emotional place in my soul. A trip to the Amazon would be very interesting and the temptation of doing such a trip would be great – and maybe it would be and [sic] a very costly trip too.

We have commented here that we would like to send you a tape, but because of the laws, regardless of our intentions, we mustn’t send you one.

Ted is going to have his Eagle Court [of Honor] the twenty-sixth of the month, if we can get it organized. Well, it is late, and I am tired as I finish this letter, so I need to bring it to an end, but before, one piece of news: Mark Colo is going to serve his mission among the Scots [escoceses] of Great Britain, and will leave within a month. [ET] Cariño Dad

December 9, 1976, [Thursday], Dear Kenny,

Just a few lines at this Christmas season, to wish you the best of everything.

I know that you will have a nice holiday, as you can find someone to make happy. The message you have for them is the only thing that can make them happy and bring a lasting joy.

How happy and proud we are of you at this time. I only wish that we could receive a tape and hear your voice. It’s been a long time!

Well God will bless you Kenny, as you serve him in many ways.

May your soul be filled with the joy you should have for now and always.

We love you!

Love Mother.

December 9, 1976, [Thursday] [smiley face] Keep Smiling its contagious, Dear Kenny,

Well here it is Thursday again – Time is flying faster than I can keep up with it. Before I know it I will be over the hill for sure. We received a wonderful letter from you this week. Everything seems to be going along fine. I know that the Lord blesses you when you serve him, so I know you will be helped in all the things that are good.

Kenny, I think I mentioned to you that we sent you an extra $10 twice, for you to use to buy you a Christmas present. Please buy something special from us. Do you think there is any chance that anything might get through now that you are in the office? How does the President get anything in or does he?

Well last night and tonight there is a shower for Linda Green. She is due to have her baby anytime now. I don’t think Larry is to[o] happy about the situation, but for sure he’s had 9 months to prepare. It does seem hard to believe that they are expecting at this stage of life. I think it will [be] nice for them.

Tomorrow night is the ward Christmas party. John is in it, and his report is, it is dumb. Well we will go see it, and visit Jolly Old St. Nicholas. In January John will go into Blazer B and his last year, also he will graduate from Cub Scouts. I can’t believe it, but it sounds great. No more Cub scouts.

We are preparing for Ted’s Court of honor these days. I’m not sure when we[‘]re going to have it. It was planned for the 26th of Dec but we may have to wait longer since the committee hasn’t gotten together yet. No one seems to know much, but we know [sic] do have a book to follow. I can’t believe it this is the first Eagle since Grant, you’d think they’d be happy to help, and anxious.

I wonder how many people will get diamonds for Christmas. Seems like every year a lot of them bite the dust. We just got an invitation from Harold Mower, (from Arizona) that he is getting married. You remember him don’t you Kenny.[?] He was in the same mission as David. His mother Emily and that guy she took off with got divorced. Oh yes Mark Colo got his call to Scotland. I think I mentioned it last letter, but just in case. Dolan Anderson is also in Scotland, but a different place than Mark. Rumors have it Scott Richards is next. Well honey, I’ll close for now hoping you are well and happy. We love you and appreciate you so. Love Mother.

El 19 de diciembre 1976, [Sunday], Muy estimado Ken:

[T] By the time you receive this letter you will not remember the events of last Christmas, while I am writing almost a week before. Yesterday, Saturday, very early in the morning, David and Diane arrived home. We got up at three thirty to welcome them and talk a little. Later, we slept, I, getting up at seven to change the oil and make other repairs to the cars. At nine we went to choir practice, until midday. In the afternoon, several went shopping. With a fire in the fireplace, everyone but Carrie watched several programs. We also watched the rugby [American] football game between B.Y. U. and Oklahoma State in the Tangerine Bowl. Today, with special programs in Sunday School and also in Sacrament Meeting, we are almost convinced that Christmas is going to come. I had to accompany the choir with the organ. It seems like it went pretty well.

I’m going to tell you that maybe we will be tempted to prepare a tape next week, given that one gift is going to be a stereo tape recorder, with two microphones and the equipment to connect it to the radio, the television, or whatever. So after the rite of opening the gifts, we will try to make a tape to send you. Your mother wanted to call you by phone, but the First Presidency tells us not too!

I think I will write some things about the culture. I have always been very much impressed by arauco. For that reason these interesting lines: <> - Alonso de Ercilla y Zuniga [See note].

[T] We hope you have success with the investigators you have found. In all parts there must be sincere people who want to listen to the divine message of the holy gospel. It is strange how there could be people in the world who are yet ignorant of the light of the Lord Jesus Christ, but until all know enough to accept or reject the foundation of the message, many young people like you will have to endure until the end. In the meeting of the saved in the heavens, many missionaries will find familiar souls – some of which they will not know, but will be blessed. Faith and affection [ET] DAD

Born in Madrid August 7, 1533 – died November 30, 1594 in Madrid. Spanish nobleman, soldier and poet, in 1548, became page to the heir, afterwards Philip II. He joined an adventurer to subdue the Araucanians of Chile. He returned to Spain in 1562, visited and in 1570 married Maria de Bathn; in 1571 he was made knight of the Order of Santiago, and in 1578 he was employed by Philip II on a mission to Saragossa.

He complained of living in poverty but left a modest fortune. His principal work is La Araucana, a poem based on the events of the wars in which he had been engaged. It consists of three parts, of which the first, composed in Chile and published in 1569, is a versified narrative adhering strictly to historic fact; the second, published in 1578, is encumbered with visions and other romantic machinery; and the third, which appeared in 1589-1590, contains, in addition to the subject proper, a variety of episodes mostly irrelevant. Many scholars consider it the most successful Renaissance epic in the Classical mode written in Spanish.

December 21, 1976, [Tuesday – Postmarked Dec 22nd], Dear Kenny –

Here it is 2 days later since I first started to write to you. I guess we[‘]re all alike – running to & fro. We received your nice weekly letter yesterday. How happy we are of you and to hear you are well and happy. I am sending a picture of Ted and Carrie this time – hope that you receive these. Let me know when you do.

The holiday season is fast upon us. The 1976 year will soon be just a memory. The years are passing far to[o] quickly for my liking. Seems only yesterday we celebrated the begining [sic] of the Bi-Centeninal [sic]. And [In] just over a week we will be on to another new year. I hate to see 1976 leave – with all the special programs that have been held and everything. Most everything has been a little extra special with the mention of the birth of the nation. Very few will see the next Centennal [sic] come. I’m glad Ted made Eagle in this glorious year, as it will be a good time to always remember it. His court of honor is Sunday after church. I will be glad when its all over, and we are back to the usual swing.

The plans for Christmas are coming along slow but sure with the family. Grandmother has had the flu for a few days so she is behind. I went over and stayed with her, so I got a little behind too.

Sounds like its kinda [sic] nice in the mission home to work. Sounds as you do quite a bit with the Bishop family. I’m sure there are disadvantages and advantages. Are you still wearing your suits? How are they holding up if you’ve put on weight?

Here it is eight O’clock AM and I am the only one up. David & Diane are home for the holidays. For the last 3 days David has been going to work about 6:30 so I try and get breakfast for him before he leaves. He has been working until eleven o’clock at night, so you can see he really feels he needs the money. All the kids from school or [are] home. It seems empty with so many missionaries gone though. Mark Colo has his farewell on the 26th of this month, and leaves on the eight[h] of January. They will have 2 out on missions for about 14 months. Its nice to see these converts go, as it is all the boys. We’re proud of you, and we love you.

Love Mother.