Sent: Monday, September 23, 2013 9:29 AM
Subject: ¡Nuevo compañero, nuevo energìa!
Subject: ¡Nuevo compañero, nuevo energìa!
Hello beloved family, friends, and fellow workers in the work!
A lot has changed here in Chillàn, and yet, not much is very different. First and foremost, I have a delightful new companion, by the name of Elder Grammer. To sum him up in one word would be an injustice to just how amazing he is as a person, and as a missionary, but I'll certainly try with the word "Stud." This guy is just on fire! He came into the district on the heels of a very poor week, and his first action was to ask where we could work to change things. Things are a bit different with his goals, but I fully expect to see success. We've already had great success in the last few days with the finding efforts he has led. It has definitely been a time of the Lord helping those who help themselves, haha. Elder Jory reminded me of the phrase 'We are blessed according to our desires,' before he left, and I am seeing the truth in that statement every single day here.
I had a whole lot of fun recently with the national celebrations for the birth of Chile. The 18th and 19th specifically were fiestas with few comparisons here, but the whole week was essentially a time to relax, party, and enjoy life for the Chilean people. It was so much fun to experience the cultural dances, music, activities (Kite flying and soccer being the primary events), and the food. Oh, the food! It was glorious! Chileans already make a lot of food, and are very generous with what they make, but this last week kicked it into overdrive. From cultural foods like longanistas (Probably not spelled right, but it essentially a bratwurst that is red.) and sopipias (Delicious and fattening bread, made to go with essentially any topping), to normal things like chicken and pork steaks (That tasted so much like the best bacon I've ever had that I cried), the Chileans practically threw food at everyone who came by. The festivals, combined with the unexpected departure of the beloved Elder Jory, led to us having more food in one period of time then I have ever had before in my life. I still am kinda full, at this very moment, no exxageration. I have gained a lot of weight in the last few days as well.
The Spiritual Experiences that can come to those who work hard for them are incredibly consistent. Amazing how that works out, haha! I've seen and experienced incredible experiences when prepared missionaries encounter prepared people in the streets and in the houses. Finding experiences can really happen in every place imaginable. To paraphrase a World War 2 leader, "We shall find them in the streets! We shall find them in the houses and in the valleys and the mountains. We shall find them wherever we meet them, and we shall aquit ourselves like missionaries!" When we're putting the effort, great things happen. We met several individuals seeming to be ready for the Gospel in their lives over the past few days, and on three different occasions, references, some quite golden, have dropped out of the blue. Incredible!
I've seen some incredible examples of peace coming into people's lives because of the Gospel.
We visited this absolutely on fire member the other day. She has been an incredible aid to us in the work over the last few weeks, expecially in the work to convert her non member husband. But when we visited, she and her family were not as excited as normal. We probed a little bit and found that the stress of the week and caring for family had caused some tension in the home, and things just weren't very happy. We followed the promptings of the Spirit and shared a brief message on something that they needed to hear. I don't even remember the scripture we shared, but we gave service immediately after, and when we left, the family was happier then ever.
One day, a Hermana invited us over to her house to introduce us to her grand-daughter. Both were members, but the grandaughter, a little bit older then us, had recently attempted suicide because of the hardships in her life. She just didn't know where to go, and was really frail after her very recent visit to the hospital. We felt prompted to share scriptures about Christ and His Atonement, especially verses describing how He has felt everything that we will ever go through. It was an incredible testimony building experience, and seemed to give her strength in the lesson. We additionally gave her a Priesthood blessing, and talked a bit more before leaving. We saw her in Church this week, and she was much, much stronger and happier looking. Like, cracking bad jokes in Spanish happy. It was incredible to be a part of that.
Responses!
Elder Elggren: That story was excellent! Way to follow the promptings of the Spirit and be prepared to give just what that family needed to hear. Also, excellent on dealing with distractions and carrying on. That really makes a difference, doesn't it? There are a lot of mountains in our way as Missionaries, especially in areas labelled dead. But there are people in every part of the world that are ready to hear the Gospel. Don't you get even the slightest bit down on yourself! You keep working hard, and that veritable desert of an area will blossom like a rose! You're a fantastic missionary, and I can't wait to hear more of your stories.
Elder Layton: You're the best! That tie is a work of art, and as my companion told you over the phone, I totally wore it the next day. I can't wait to do some work with you in Concepcion next week! Your experiences are awesome, and after reading them, I am so much more grateful for the workload I have here in Chillàn, haha. I totally agree with the sink or swim approach to learning. Everyone should do teaching that way! It really works, and people can learn so much from application and teaching. Seize the day, mi amigo, and let us work together in this great and marvellous day and age.
Soon to be Elder Kircher: Your letters are fantastic. It is great to hear about your life and the many great things you're doing. Best of luck with the tests! Those only decide the future of your life, but no pressure, buddy. I am thrilled to hear of your Browncoat status. Every single person needs a Old West Duster, and I would be proud to wear one with you after the Mission. You've been through the Temple! That is so exciting! Oh, treasure these times and experiences. Make every single visit count. The Spirit is so incredibly strong in the beautiful building, oh how I miss it, haha. What a fantastic experience! Record that stuff, and the names you go through for, so that you never forget these memories. Congratulations with the baptisms, that is so much fun! And I'm happy for you on the subject of lady friends. She is quite the catch. Just remember the stuff that needs remembering. A mission is a very long time! You've been told all that before however, so I'll just say congratulations, and don't do anything I wouldn't do! Can't wait for your next letter, my friend.
Mom: Your letter sounds very fun filled! All those activities brought back lots of fun memories for me. I'm so very glad that you're enjoying these times with family to the max. Family is EVERYTHING! That's only the whole point of the message I share out here, haha. Families really can be eternal through this Gospel, and I've seen that single statement of truth change dozens of lives here in Chile. I can't wait to return to my own family in close to two years time. Actually, I can, and I will, because being a missionary is a whole lot of fun. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world! Tell all of the family that I love them so much, and that they're the best in the whole, wide world. By the way, we didn't have a Baptism this week, but we might have two next Sunday. I'll report more on my letter next week! Chile is such an amazing place. I am so lucky to be here.
By the way, I've been keeping my eye out for things I might need or want, and I've certainly come up with a few items. I hope they're not too much to ask for or inconvenient to acquire or send. Few, if any are seriously necessary at this juncture, but I would still appreciate them a whole ton. Goalie gloves would save me a lot of pain in Friday night soccer games, and are a bit expensive down here. They don't have to be particularly good, but any cushioning would be great. A silver sharpie or other marker that can write on fabric is apparently neccesary to write on many, many things, especially articles of clothing. Ties are always super appreciated, and possibly even a specially for ties hanger would be nice. I've broken a cheap hanger with all of my ties already. A pillow, pajama pants, a USB hub for multiple USBs, and a mug are all things that would make life a lot easier. That is really everything. Something apparently key to the process for most missionaries is that you have items that mark your personality. In my case, nerdy things (Superheroes or video games or that stuff) would be preferred. Number one would be How To Train Your Dragon, as the trailer for the sequel has been recently revealed to the missionaries, and items of the franchise are greatly desired by all. Again, not necessary, but greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for this, Mom. You are the best!
I love you all so much. Keep being absolutely awesome with all that you do! You are all such inspirations and blessings in my life, and I know in the lives of others. I am so blessed to be acquainted with some many remarkable individuals, and especially to be united with them in the Gospel of Christ, a doctrine of eternal families and peace and joy. I know it to be true, and I know of the blessings that can follow its precepts. Thank you all for all that you do!
With love,
Elder Richardson