July 14th

Hola Familia. 
We were able to have a few good lessons with Less actives this week. We were once again able to enter the house of Hermano M__ T______ who was a reference from a less active a couple of months ago. We have passed by so many times to learn that he isn't there, doesn´t have time, etc etc. But we were able to teach him in his house this past Saturday. Our first visit with us, he was very set to his idea of our church being a church of Joseph Smith. Our fist visit was to first get to know him and our initial though was that we needed to teach him the Restoration. The problem is that he doesn't know how to read. We made a picture format of the restoration so that it would be easier to teach him- well, about a month ago, and it worked so well Saturday. We taught him and the wonderful thing about it is that he listened more intently when we started explaining who Joseph Smith was and as we recited the First vision and shared our testimonies. We also offered to teach him how to read. He and his family appear in the ward directory and were baptized about twenty years ago, but it has been incredible to once again teach him from the beginning.

Just a lot of visiting less actives.... not a lot more than that this past week. 

We also did a surprise FHE with an older convert in our ward named J____. It was so cute! all of the Valients sang, gave a lesson, we also had a game. We have a picture that I will have to send next week. 

We went to Cajón del Maipo a couple of weeks ago. We took a bunch of pictures, so I picked out a couple. 

We also went to a Dinosaur exhibit today, not anything super special but More photos to come.

There were so many forms of good news, I don't know where to start...

Dad`s news with LeBron? Martha Bale!!! Wow I am excited for her! Cambria and Hunter being closer to our house, Elder Clark, Elder Berthelson is now a chef... well I got the excitement reading real quick about what is going on. 

I am super grateful for the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This message is entirely about joy as it is applied in our lives. I feel like a better person inside and out as I look for ways to progress spiritually every day. And it is so special not only to live it but to share it as well. 

Les amo. thank you for letters and packages (got the package with some clothes and accessories from k this week) and love in general.

D&C 101:16

Hola Familia

I don´t really know where to start this week. Just a full week of work I guess. When I get to sitting down at the computer my mind goes completely blank as  to what has happened during these 7 days. To start with the news from the two new missionaries, I cant tell you how proud I am of both of them. The feelings of doubt or nervousness pass after a time and I can totally relate to Elder Hampton. Dinner just doesn't exist. Like I have said before, They usually gather once more in the late afternoon to eat (here it is called once) but yes they load the missionaries up during lunch. Hermana or Elder... it´s practically the same. 

 

This week has been a good week to say the least- Although we didnt celebrate the 4th of July with Fireworks...We have a new investigator named R______. He is about 30, a musician with a few health problems, but he is super receptive and lives right next to the church haha. 

We have also been able to teach Y____ and E____ again. With the situation of the two of them, we have been teaching the plan of salvation.

Yesterday we were teaching N______... The investigator that I took the photo with. A few weeks ago, we were able to teach Daniel, his older brother too, and well we asked if we could come back and teach him some more and so we came over yesterday to teach the both of them-D___ and N_____. Their Mom J_____ is super Evangelica. Yesterday when we came over she got upset when we told her that we were there to teach N_____ and D_____ (really we asked if we could teach the whole family). She had a moment where she went a little crazy telling us that Nacho was the one with the problem and that we were only there to teach N_____ and no one else. And after she stomped up the stairs upset. As we taught the Restoration to both D____ and N_____, we asked if we could show the movie The Restoration, and a good part way into the movie, J____ came down and started to watch from the bottom of the stairs. 

Really, it was such a powerful moment to share testimony with the three that were there. J_____´s face completely changed both Hermana Veron and I shared our testimonies of Joseph Smith and the Restored Gospel. 

I also got a phon ecall yesterday in the middle of 3rd hour at church. There was a boy that I mentioned in a couple of my emails to you guys named J_____. He pretty much came to church by himself for a while. He and his mom and older sister are all converts. And his dad wasn't a member. Hermana Salazar and I taught the whole family for a while, and well, I got the news yesterday from my mission president that his dad, P_____was baptized yesterday. N_____, J___'s sister, also told me that she is planning on serving a mission. The two kids kind of have a relation like Alex and I have. I am so happy for the whole family. That P_____ is now a member and that all are active in the church and I can bet that the next goal (for the family) is to be sealed eternally. The story is better in person, so you might have to wait a while. 

 

Eldr B. Pienso yo que nuestro barrio parece a veces como tuyo con 31 personas que lleguen dia domingo. La cosa que es lo más dificil para nosotros es para llevar nuestros investigadores/Ma a la capilla. A veces no sucede, pero todo es sobre la fe cierto? Te entiendo perfectamente cuan dificil es para encontrar nuevas personas para enseñar y que es muy necesario la idea de las referencias. Sabes que, no recibimos casi nada de referencias. Pero, aun que no es muy efectivo, he visto la necesidad tener fe y confianza en el Señor por trabajar por nuestros propio esfuerzos. No se frustre. De todos modos estás un gran ejemplo para mí.

(Eldr B. I think that our neighborhood sometimes seems like yours with 31 people arriving day Sunday. The thing that is the hardest thing for us is to bring our researchers / Ma to the chapel. Sometimes it happens, but it's all about the true faith? I completely understand how hard it is to find new people to teach and the idea is very necessary references. You know, we get almost no references. But even that is not very effective, I have seen the need to have faith and trust in the Lord to work for our own efforts. Do not get frustrated. Anyway you are a great example for me.)

So I am super grateful for this scripture. We invited everyone to church this Sunday, super frustrating when they don't come, sure. It's actually always like this with commitments, and invitations, etc etc. . But I have to learn time and time again to not get upset with myself if things don't happen like I plan and that the will of Heavenly Father is greater than my own. The agency of another is nothing that I can control, but I just have to have faith and do my part, and the Lord will work in His own time. 

Glad to know everyone is well. sounds like you had a good fourth of July with shrimp and everything!!!!! and fireworks and the sandlot. miss it. 

Lots of love,

June 30th

Hola Familia- yes just as was explained in your emails, it was a tough weekend for Chile. They came extremely close, millimeters away from scoring. I might be converted as a Futbol fan hahaha. It was intense,, but both teams played really well. 

It's been a pretty good week. After a long time of searching, a few of our contacts have become new investigators. We are teaching a gal named F_____. A single mother with a little boy who is super adorable. She lives with both parents, M___ and V_____ who were also two contacts that we made and all of them are receptive, asi que estamos enseñando una familia entera! The dad works in the minery so he is working more often that is at home. But all of them are receptive :) And such a sweet family. We also contacted their neighbors. A few houses down we contacted another gal, Y_____ who is 21, a few week ago who has two little boys and lives with her husband and grandma. We were finally able to teach her and her grandma this week. It turns out her grandma is a member of the church and after the passing of her husband and moving, she hasn't assisted in over fifteen years. But Y___ P_____ is very interested in learning about the church through her grandmother. She is also going through a lot of changes right now- Counseling and such. After studying and working for the past couple of years they recently found that she has cancer and so she has had to go through drastic changes within the last few months. It was a super emotional lesson that we had with her. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. 

 

To answer k´s question yes we have a cell phone but we are only able to call.. 

 

Elder B, FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS A TI! A Ti! A Ti! espero que te hayas tenido un buen cumpleaños. Que bacán que cumples un día antes de tu compañero! Me gustan las fotos de ti y el Elder Jonston- Que rica la torta! Suena que tienes una misión "internacional" con los miembros de países diferentes. Te gusta la comida italiana también, ya? No es real que ya tienes 20 años, en serio. Continúes trabajando arduamente Elder B! 

 

(Happy Birthday to you! A Ti! A Ti! I hope you had a good birthday. That bacán you meet a day before your partner! I like the pictures of you and the Elder Johnston-That rich cake! Sounds like you have an "international" mission with members from different countries. I like Italian food too, ya? It is real that you already have 20 years, seriously. Elder B keep working hard!)

 

 

Yes I will miss the fourth again this year.. Thanks dad for keeping traditions alive. If you go ahead and put a little Palta on the hot dog with some tomato, mayonesa and ketsup, you´ve made yourself a completo. and I will probably be eating that this week. They love their completos in Chile!!! hahaha. 

 

Hope all is well and that everyone has a great week! love you so much.

June 23rd

hey, Chile Lost today so I´m not really up for writing anything.......... 

No just kidding,... actually one of the hermanas I live with hit her head pretty hard on a cupboard and had to leave to go get stitches. a lot of blood, so we are writing late. Ironic because she is the mission nurse. 

In short, it was a pretty good week. We met an ex-monk, and got to teach her. It was a little difficult because she really doesnt want us to come back, but a pretty cool experience none-the-less.

And of course the World Cup. Yes, crazy because Chile beat Spain, world champs the last world cup. Holland was tough to beat though. 

Hope all are doing well. Happy Anniversary Dad and K!

 

 

John 21:17

_---Special Father´s Day email for Dad-----_Heyy!!! Special father´s day shout out to my favorite dad ;)) I LOVE that you are wearing the shirt. hahaha how awesome!! Well, you are absolutely right with the World Cup.. We had a conference the first day Chile played Australia and If i am not mistaken, Chile ganó 3-1 over Austrailia. 

 

Personally, the basketball statistics are a little more interesting for me. My comp is de argentina like I told you before, and she is just dying not being able to watch the World Cup this year. You should have seen the Metro station on friday. We were coming back from a zone conference. Mind you it is freezing cold, So I had my big jacket on and us missionaries are trying to get on the Metro and I´m trying not to lose my comp. I felt like one of those angelic expeciences happened to me where I could hardly breath with all of the people and my things and my coat, and right as the door was closing and I was on the other end of the metro door away from hermana Veron, I heard someone behind me yell "Como China!!" and I was pushed from behind with a BUNCH of Chilenos leaving work to watch the World Cup. But we were able to get back safely. 

 

JSYK I did send you a fathers day card and it is on its way if it hasnt gotten to you yet! I believe it might take a little while. because I only sent it last week. This father´s I worked hard for you, I thought a lot about you, and was able to see here that they celebrate Father´s day just like we do. 

 

We were able to teach a family yesterday. Four Generations- We visited a less active couple who were there with their sons and daughters, grandchildren, and a great grandchild. How cool, huh?? And we taught about the importance of being sealed as a family. As a bonus, the temple missionaries went with us (Elder and Hermana Rasmussen are from Virginia). All were members but one son-in-law who is married to their daughter who is also less active. Right before we were about to leave, they both told us that they would like for the missionaries to come by and teach them more. Their daughter wants to start coming to church again.

:)

I was also able to finish my goal of reading the Four Gospels to learn more about Christ and His life. I teared up a little bit thinking back to last year when Alex gave the talk by Elder Holland- "The First and Great Commandment". And before Christ ascended

back into heaven, he asked his disciples, His true followers, to be Fishers of Men and to Preach His Gospel. I am more than grateful to be doing this full-time right now. And as Karen is now doing it with family history work, and Alex and Dad. We are here to share this joy with others. Les amo muchisimo. Cuidense esta semana :)

 

 

bunch of photos. Me in the pouring rain, with a member`s rabbits. us on divisions with Hermana Wright (WOOHOO) and a few others. :)

June 9th

Hola!

Short and sweet this week- Not a lot going on around here, and I feel horrible because although I remembered all of the parts to send pictures this time, I forgot about charging my camera batteries. So hopefully by next week you will receive pictures. I did receive a package with small toys for little A____ & A_____- Thank you K!! and Dad. I think the blessing is that I continue to receieve things from my parents AND my brother because I received a letter from Elder Berthelson this week :) ........

 

The most freezing week ever with all of the rain here. Freezing Freezing Freezing. With rain- you would think that the 32 deg weather would hit,or 0 celcius but it continued to rain all weekend long. I have been using 2 pairs of leggings, two jackets, hat, mittens scarves,... I thought I could tough it out with the boots, but I think I am going to buy some new ones. The heels of my shoose have worn down from so much walking. I am walking and standing with a backward slant now, so I am thinking of buying some before preperation day is over. 

 

We were able to bring one of our investigators to Church which is always a struggle in Chile, especially with the rain this weekend. Her name is M____ M____, she is really receptive and we were also able to meet her husband. We hope to continue teaching the both of them because she really liked coming to church with us. 

As for my studies, I have been reading and am now finishing the 4 Gospels along with reading Jesus the Christ. 

It really is deep to understand the life of Christ and a blessing to maybe know a little bit more of Christ as a person. That as John explains- He grew Grace for Grace. Also, June is Caridad y Amor. looking for ways to have more charity and love

Espero que todo este bien esta semana. Hay mucho para hacer todavía. Muchas almas para salvar. Compartan el Evangelio con todos, porque, como les sepan, lo trae esperanza y felicidad :)

Con mucho amor, Hermana B 

June 2nd

Hola todos. 

Glad to hear that everyone is doing well! I was super excited to hear that Alex was able to have a conference with Elder Holland, was able to baptize J__ M___ , and met A___ M____! The news about Karen and Dad and Portland. I really liked the photos, although it looks like you guys went to San Diego, not Portland with Dad and all of his Chargers get-up. And a lot of commotion in the ward. More good news than anything. Shoot! A lot of marriage announcements. 

As for me- YES the weather is super cold right now. We have had quite a week of walking in the cold. We are trying to find new investigators, and the weather just doesn´t help... A few weeks ago we were door-to-door contacting and met a woman named M__ E___ M____ who had told us that she was very busy, and would attend to us when she had time. Most öf the time this means they don´t want to hear from us and kindly shut the door. But we gave her an image of Christ and left it at that. The other night we went to her door and as we were calling out to see if anybody was home and she appeared from around the street corner. She let us in and explained to us how much it meant to her that we had given her an image of Christ. How she really needed it at that moment and that she is struggling to support her family as a single mother with her two sons attending a university. And how she is really busy with her career and at the same time very lonely. We explained to her the importance of the love that our Heavenly Father has for us and the need to have Him in our lives. We are going to continue to teach her this week. 

 

We were also able to have a family home evening with the Bishop and his family on Monday. It was pretty crazy with him and his four sons. We also had a Convert and her family with us. It was supposed to be a NDH to get to know Bishop Pardos, and his wife and family, but it was pretty chaotic. We didn´t really get to talk much with the Bishop.

 

We were able to go out with Hermana Wright on Wednesday . I mentioned that you guys were planning on going to Portland. She and my Mission President are from Oregon. She told me that the water was contaminated, but obviously I wasnt able to tell you in time. I hope you didnt drink the ocean water lol. 

 

Not much else this Monday. Les amo mucho. Yo veo las bendiciones, aún pequeños, cada día. Estoy agradecida ser misionera acá en Chile.