Letter 17: Power of Prayer

Dear Mom and family,

Glad to hear that the New York trip went well! I can imagine you and Trevor just had  blast. The weather here is fine! Its humid though so it always feels a lot hotter. It's perfect for beach days! Walking around in a tie and pants all day...not so much ;) hahah but after about 6 o clock is hits a good temperature. Could be worse im sure. We don't have any problem setting commitments for baptism, that's really the easy part, the hard part is that the people never want to keep their commitments to  attend church, read, and pray. The three simple things that they NEED to do in order to gain a testimony and be baptized. They are always "too busy" with work or the beach, things like that, or they just prefer to sleep in on Sundays. So at times, its a little frustrating, but all the same, we are teaching people and we're having success. We've been reactivating a lot of less active and inactive families which I love. The area is pretty great, although we have changes not this week but next! So who knows what will happen then. Yes I did get the ring! although..I have to buy glue because the black band was half way off when I opened it. But once its fixed ill be wearing it. I haven't every really had a CTR ring but I'm excited to wear it. Little reminders like that make all the difference. Oh and yes I like my zone leaders, one of them is still Elder Faught, and the other Elder Bessey.

I go in on Thursday to complete my tooth, or at least the root canal. And then I might have one more visit after that for the crown. Who knows, dentists here are weird. But hopefully all goes well and it will be taken care of soon!

I feel like I've been able to feel the spirit more in my day to day life. Actually I had a few little, but interesting experiences this past week. We were down at our church after our coordination meeting and had about 20 minutes to make it home as we were waiting for a taxi. Time kept passing and we were getting closer to 10 o clock. I said I pray and about 10 seconds later a guy pulls up who is a member and offers us a ride. He drove us all the way to our house and we made it. And then yesterday we were yet again waiting the taxi with 2 other members to go to church. Again we were getting pretty behind and so I said a prayer again so that all four of us could get there in time and as I looked up there came pulling in a taxi with all 4 seats open. The driver asked where we were going, gave us a discount, AND drove us all the way to the church (we usually have to walk up this giant hill). Small things like this are testimonies that God really is looking after us as his children, and that when we pray with faith, even for the small and simple things, we will be answered. Something that I have learned with prayer, is that in reality we are praying in the name of Jesus Christ. A lot of times our prayers go unanswered because we are praying for things that aren't entirely righteous. But we have sincere desires for good and are willing to act on the answer we get, then He will answer us. I always thought that having the spirit would just automatically come as a missionary. Its doesn't work like that, we have to build and strengthen our relationship daily with the spirit. Its hard sometimes, but it will be worth it. That's a really neat experience about the church you two visited. Its crazy how sometimes you can just feel the spirit so strong. You should watch on Youtube, there is a segment Modelos de luz, by David a Bednar, you will have to translate that. it means patterns of light, i think. Haha. But it talks about how and when we receive revelation.

Alright well, this week was really good. Here are your funny stories for this one.

There were a few cars that slowed way down just so they could stare...I now truly know how it feels to be a foreigner haha. There was a car that kept driving by yesterday yelling "que rico". As we were walking I got told "super lindo" haha and then got Justin Beiber a few more times. We taught this family for the first time and their daughter who is like 11 or so asked for a picture because I looked like someone from big time rush. And stuff like this is starting to become normal. My comp just laughs haha. Its pretty funny, I'm getting a haircut today though.

Also we were eating at an investigators house and they came out with salad and a whole pile of tomatoes for us to eat...I was about to die, so I said that I couldn't eat tomatoes because they make me sick (which is true!) and they piled them all onto my companions plate hahahah, I about died laughing at the table but I barely held it in. Oh geez..his face was just like (...what....) haha. We are getting along a lot better now, so that's good!

Anyway I love you guys and hope you have a great week!!

Letter 16: Hopeful investigators

Dearest mother and family,

My tooth feels much better! However..the dentists work a little differently here, originally I was supposed to go in for 3 visits with JUST the root canal, and then later the crown. But the dentist was awesome and spoke some English. He got most of it done and my next visit will finish the root canal. I don't go in until the 23rd because he went on vacation (of course) but there is a temporary filling on it right now and it doesn't hurt. So all is well. I paid the first like 300 dollars or so, the rest will be next time. But yeah, all is well on the dental front! We have to travel to La Serena Integra Medica each time. Its about a 30 minute drive. 

Yes I finally got the package! And let me just say thank you so much! Those sweaters will be great for when it starts to cool down and the shirts/sweats are awesome! I think what I liked the best though was the letters from everyone. It was so good to read them all and just feel so loved. Oh and side note, what the heck?? When did Brock get such good handwriting?? haha. Also the treats were delicious, and yes...they're already gone. I couldn't help it. 

This year our mission reached 931 baptisms! A little short of our goal, so no, I don't think we will be going to the temple. Our new goal this year is 1200 baptisms as a mission. That's a lot, but I'm sure its reachable as well. Things are going well with my companion as well. Just have to adapt some and learn to deal with some things. But overall he's good and we get along. I now just wear my earplugs in the morning while I study too. Not only because of that but we live right by a construction zone and its really loud. So I just put them in and study. 

Yes we actually found 10 new investigators this week! The statistic is for about every 18 investigators we get a baptism. But we found 2 families and we're excited to be working with them. Last night we had once (mini dinner) with our investigator Ernesto and his girlfriend Victoria and their son Benjamin. Benjamin in 3 years old and Ernesto is 32, not sure about her. But they're so great! Ernesto makes me laugh, hes just a funny guy. They're both really interested and Ernesto said he wants to be baptized. The obstacle will be to get him to stop smoking and to come to church..haha. It was funny because a week ago we taught him for the first time and he leans back in his chair, thinks, and then says yeah...I think Ill be ready to be baptized next week. Hahaha it was great but there are some things he needs to stop doing first and again, he needs to attend church at least 3 times. So our goal is for the 2nd of February and we are hoping his girlfriend will as well! The area we are in is a good one, the people are friendly and we find new people without too much difficulty! 

Juan is good! He didn't come to church though and he hasn't been reading, so we are working with him to get him excited and animated. No he hasn't rapped for us yet, but soon! He has a great heart, its just hard for him to read and hes a little lazy haha. Nothing he cant overcome!

Hahah no worries mom, ill be sure to tell him. Yeah we go a buy little things for home, but we are hardly ever home so we don't buy a ton. I usually buy cereal and stuff for quesadillas..stuff like that (: We live right by a store called Santa Isabel, and its like a Walmart more or less. Or sometimes if im hungry at night ill buy an empanada or something like that. So all is well in the food area. That pasta you made sounds HEAVENLY, I cant wait to have your cooking again! Seriously, we ate subway today because we had to go to La Serana so Elder Holmes could change his address in his passport/carnet and we ate their. Oh my gosh, I got the meatball marinara and it just tasted like America. It was such a blissful experience, you don't even know! Haha every day we eat pasta, or chicken. The majority of the time its food like that. And so simple things like Subway are just fantastic. 

Yeah send them as soon as possible! If you want to send treats go for it! (I'm never opposed to that) haha, but if its too expensive the letters are just fine!

Well I'm super glad to hear you're all doing well and happy! That's exciting about your trip this week! Take lots of pictures! Ill send some right now as well. I love you so much!! Thank you for your prayers and thoughts, I feel the strength from them. I have the best family in the world!

Have a great week! Be safe!

Letter 15: Missing Crown

Dear Mom and Family,

It is finally the New Year! We spent it with a dinner with some members and then back to the pension. Really calm, it was good! But I agree with you completely, I'm hoping for no accidents as well and that every stays healthy!

Well as for accidents that one already kinda failed..with my tooth and all. But from here on out! 

No my companion does not really laugh and my jokes, but hey, not much I can do. Actually, when I found out my tooth was going to cost so much he literally laughed. Ahhh, sometimes I just cant help but shake my head at him. I feel like this anger build up inside towards him sometimes, and I really have to put it away or think about something else. Well anger is a strong word...but annoyance. He got mad at me because I rolled up my sleeves on my shirt because it was really hot (which isn't against the rules) and told me I should call the zone leaders and ask. I told him yeah, I will tonight then. He then handed me the phone and I just looked at him..then called to save us an argument. No one answered. Its just little things like that that bug me. But hey, he's a really good guy and is out here doing what the Lord wants.

Wait..you ate my treats?!?! hahah No just kidding, that's okay! I'm excited to read the letters from Daniel, and the YW. That's super thoughtful of them to do that. Probably it will get here at the beginning of February. And I think I will be getting my package from you this Wednesday, here's to hoping!

This week has been good! We have been meeting all the members, teaching inactives and less actives and finding new people to teach! There is a ton of dust in this area too, our pants always are dirty at the end of the day. But we were teaching this less active member names Rosa (who is super awesome!) and her non member dad the other day. The lesson went really well and she is going to attend church again. The dad and I talked a ton about Columbia and mexico and the drug trade between them and the states...not sure how we got on that topic. But we tied it in with the lesson!

Then Rosa told me I looked like James Dean...haha, oh and that rapper Juan, said Justin Beiber again..ridiculous. 

Its crazy how much American music they play here! We always here it in the collectivos (taxis) and in every store. Its pretty funny. For example the other day we heard Beat it, and jitterbug, both from Zoolander. It made me laugh. 

Well I'm out of time guys! Ill write more next week I promise. I love you all so stinkin much! I'm glad to hear you're doing so well and I pray for you all every single day. Enjoy your week!

Letter 14: First Baptism!

Hello! How are things??

Yes talking with you guys was probably the best thing ever! It makes me want to be able to talk with you even more is the only bad thing haha. Seeing all of your faces and hearing your voices was just amazing. Geez, I should have recorded it on my camera or something. Geez I miss you guys like crazy! We are going to be moving to our new are today at around 3 o clock more or less, the address is (3500 Zions #95, San Juan, Coquimbo) And if that doesn't work, replace San Juan with La Cantera. But you'll be able to see our apt. and all. Yes transfers for me are a mixed emotion thing. First of all yes, I hate change, just hate it, at least till its over and I realize wow, this isn't so bad. But at the start I just always dread it. Elder Holmes is good though, he doesn't really laugh at my jokes though, for example the other day a care drove by that had wax all over it and I said "Haha, looks like someone didn't learn to wax off" obviously referencing Karate Kid and he didn't even laugh? Whatever, I thought it was funny. But overall he's a good guy. I will send a picture. No I haven't gotten my package yet and wont until the zone leaders bring it up from Vina Del Mar, so another week or two. Hahah that was so funny that they wouldn't let you tell! How lame..but I'm excited to see! I know ill like it, I had the best people picking stuff out, especially Trevor, he knows how to get the good stuff haha. Hopefully it all arrives in one piece!. I cried a little a bit, especially after that prayer, geez, but everything just felt really good after that. 

New York sounds so exiting! I've thought about mine and Trevor's trip to there several times as I've been out here, that was an amazing time. I'm sure you two will have a blast! Hopefully dad has fun in his conferences as well...haha. And yes be sure to take photos!~I like your goals, I definitely miss the temple. If we reached our baptism goal of 1000 for the year we will go to the temple as a mission...so...we find out pretty soon. I hope so!.  I haven't set any goals on paper for this year. I need to do that, i have ideas in my head but nothing really set in stone. Ill do it though! Hey if one of your goals is to read and study that what ill be doing too. We as a mission are going to read it 4 times this year and mark different key topics. Should be good!  Let me know how it goes. 

But yesterday we had the baptism of Mattias Narveaz! And it was sooo good! He asked me to baptize him and i was a little nervous doing it in Spanish. Also, something really funny. Please imagine this in your heads right now...so we go into the water and I say the prayer (keep in mind i explained the process before hand, the whole bending the knees and plugging nose things) and I go and put him in the water and then all of a sudden he is almost jumping out of the water! and then makes this like "ahhh" sound. And me being completely surprised stood there thinking "what the..???" Haha. But the baptism worked we didn't have to do it again. And after he just said he was surprised or something? I have no idea but every time I think about it I laugh. We went and visited him afterwords and watched a video about John Tanner. It was a good lesson in how our sacrifices can help others. And how really, our worldly things shouldn't be our main priority.

Also during lunch we watched this church video I think called Lighthouse. But it was really good as well, it teaches about how the littlest of actions can make such big differences. Its about this guy who dies and writes in his will to about 6 people in different ways they unknowingly have changed his life.

Anyway this week has been a good one. And hopefully another will follow

I love you all so much! Have an great week! (ps. i also cant wait for May!) Haha. I miss you all tons. I Hope that you're all doing well and that you're happy.

Letter 13: I'm Dreaming of a Warm Christmas!

This week has been good. I'm now with a new companion and his name is Elder Holmes, and no his first name is not Sherlock. Although that would be pretty awesome if you ask me. Then I would get a friend named Watson just so I could say, "its elementary my dear Watson". But sadly, he has no friends named Watson, well, I'm assuming, I haven't actually asked. 

Other than that my Spanish is coming along really well, or so I think, Elder Holmes and the new Zone Leader Elder Bessey were telling me how my Spanish was really good and how when they were at where I'm at right now they weren't speaking like I am now. If that makes sense..haha, no but I still feel like Spanish will take a while to master, especially the way Chileans speak it. Oh yeah, also we are going to be changing areas within the zone of Coquimbo. Elder Holmes and I are switching to the Talinai (spelled something like that) but its in an area close to where I'm at now, like 10 minutes by car. Its also called La Cantera. But the zone leaders are going to work in our area because its so much closer to the chapel and I guess that's where president wants them. So on the 30th of December we are going to be making the switch. I don't really know how I feel about it, I love the view from our apartment and everything, and ive finally made connections with the people in the ward and everything. But I hear that that area is also good, but ill let you guys know.

We are working with this Less active Jose, and his wife Valedia, she wants to be baptized but she cant until they get married. At first they were going to wait 4 years!! Can you believe that?? But after we taught them more and found out more about the law (the reason they were going to wait so long is because he is in so much debt and if they get married the debt people can take all of their stuff and not just his) but we found out you can get married with separation of assets. So they are going to get married in January and then she will be baptized! Not that i will be here...haha, but still. Its exciting to see people progress and everything. They attended church yesterday and said they really liked it. 

Last night we were able to watch the Christmas devotional broadcast, seeing the conference center and ACTUAL snow made me miss home a bit, but it was a really good message. It really is hard for me sometimes to be away from the strong base of members we have where we live. But the families here and the people here are really great, they have a lot of potential and love. 

Well other than that is just our information for Christmas, we are going to be calling Wednesday at 8 o clock at night. I'm not sure what time that would be where you are? Around 5 or 4 I think. I'm excited to talk to you guys! I hope you pick up -_- hahah. We will be using Skype, I don't know your username..so maybe I will have to call first or something. But yeah! Then on Tuesday we will be eating dinner with the Kong family that we are currently reactivating. Should be a good week!

I love you guys, I hope you have an amazing Christmas and that its a great time! I cant wait to hear your voices and see you all! Definitely going to be the highlight of my Christmas. I miss you all, be safe and have a good week!

Letter 12: Fleas, warm weather, and pictures!

Hello to the BEST mom in the world!

Well, almost Christmas! And absolutely doesn't feel like it with this weather. Its really tripping me out to be honest. It feels like mid June. Or just like San Diego, ill attach some photos. But to answer a few of your questions, changes are this Wednesday and I'm 90% sure I'm changing areas..it may not be very far though, I might stay in the Coquimbo zone. I know all this because of the Zone leaders (who I happen to be super tight with because of my District leader comp haha). I think the zone leaders are going to change to the area I'm currently in and i might be headed to theirs or somewhere else. If I went to theirs it would be in La Cantera, Coquimbo. We will see though! I'm also almost 100 % sure ill be getting a new comp. Which is pretty lame because Elder Hale and I get along really well. As for Christmas, with the changes being so close I have zero idea what I'm going to be doing, or where ill be, but from what I've heard, we spend it with a family and hopefully they have Skype, I'm pretty sure they will. I don't know exactly what time we will be calling but next Monday ill have a better idea of everything. Pres. Kahnlein wants us to spend our Christmas day with a less active family. So we'll try and make that happen.

That's awesome Christian finally called! I didn't give him any money, but maybe I can give it to his parents that are taking care of his house? They mentioned something about getting one of those little wood willow statues but with a father and son. (you know the type that we have? Like the little wooden people. I think its called willow tree). So maybe we could send them one of those or something? They have one heck of a story as well. There son was born without an immune system and almost died when he was born. He has had a ton of surgeries and they go back to the states every year to check up on him and get medication. They're really happy and loving people though, I remember meeting them for the first time and Christian made me laugh a bunch, partly because of his accent and partly because he made of my accent. He is really good at English though. But they're doing really well now and that's why they're in the states at the moment.

Ah! A trip to New York?? That brings back a ton of memories with me and Trevor! You two should go visit some of the same areas we did and take pictures! I can just imagine you two right now, buying some delicious dinner and doing the whole "indulgence"thing...be sure to take video! But whats the conference for exactly? For brokers? I just realized its gonna be freezing there..This whole weather thing is really throwing me off. But anyway, I'm also very happy for the New Year, A nice fresh start is always a good thing. You'll have to share with me some of your goals.

Also how did family night with the missionaries go??

Awesome, I look forward to that package and all! (: tell Lucia Thank you very much! That's awesome she is going to be in Chile. 

But anyway, I hope that you all are having a great Christmas time. And the same to you, I especially hope you're all feeling the Spirit and enjoying what this time is really about. Its hard to be away from you guys sometimes, its hard not being able to go home each day and have that strength immediately around me BUT I know you all are praying for me as I am for you. I know that everything is okay, and will be okay. Ultimately, I know that being here is a blessing. Thank you for supporting and loving me. I love you all so much! Have an awesome week!

OH YEAH! This week has been full of funny experiences. FOR EXAMPLE. We went to this house to teach 2 ladies and a man. And they had a 3 year old kid and we began to teach and then I look up and what do you know, there's the mom's boob hanging out right in the open and the 3 year old kid is just going to town drinking. This continued for about 7 minutes while we taught and I just had to keep eye contact the whole time or look away. So awkward. Oh and then this guy in the street came up and was just super high and he hugs Elder Hale for a solid 30 seconds and just strokes his head mumbling blessings, bless you. etc...it was funny until he let go of Elder Hale and came for me. Also here they do the whole shake hand and kiss things which we aren't allowed to do, but people just lean in and do, we cant really push them away. So that happens almost daily.

Okay, one last thing!

Can you do some research for me on fleas. Like..how to get rid, how to prevent etc. the best ways.

And if fleas collars actually sterilize you or not...like if that's a myth. Hahaha that would be awesome!

Letter 11: Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Hey Mom!

Well first of all Happy Birthday tomorrow!!! 30 years young wooo!!! And you only look 25, geez, no wonder I look so young and no wonder all of the Latinos call me Cara de Nino haha. (young face) But seriously I hope that your birthday is great and that the family gives you a great time! I'm sure that they will. Also I just want to let you know how grateful I am that you're my mom. Seriously I wouldn't want anyone else in the entire world to be my mom. I miss you so much some days, but I'm so happy to have your example and your love, it makes everything a lot easier. Mom, you're amazing, from everything you done for me and the family, to all the things you do for others and just the great example of truly caring and loving for people. I love how we can always just laugh and I feel so happy anytime I'm around you. I love you Mom! Don't ever forget it!

Man!! Snow?? That"s so hard for me to believe, today is actually pretty hot here, feels like a perfect beach day! (that I'm not going to have haha). We have to do that sled thing again when I come home, that was my favorite! I bet Bridger had a blast, I know I would have. The coldness sounds terrible though, seriously, I remember some days walking outside and its hard to even breathe because its so cold. But don't worry, ill keep things nice and warm down here. (; 

Hey its funny you mention that little family night idea with the missionaries, I've been thinking about the times we were good about doing family night and the times we weren't. You all should start doing family night again, for real. Its such a blessing to have that spiritual message outside of church once a week. I know that it will be a huge help to the family if you all make time to do it. (not to mention the prophets have told us to do it (;' ) I know life is busy and you may not even have to do it on Monday, but I think it would be great if you all found a time you could do it, including Trevor (since hes moved out and all). But hey, just a suggestion, its been on my mind this past week or two. Those missionaries sound awesome though. (: Oh and in response to your other question, no we almost never have dinner in general. Everyday we eat lunch, which is their big meal, its like our dinner, with members. And then they have a mini meal called once between 6 and 8 but we are usually teaching and stuff, so it just depends, some days we get it, some days we don't! But don't worry I eat when we get to the pension around 930 to 1000.