Hitting the Stride

Hello everyone! It is certainly my pleasure to once again send you a letter from the beautiful city of Chiguayante! Life continues to improve, and the spiritual and temporal blessings of a mission are in full force. It is truly an incredible, life changing experience to be serving here in Chile, and I can't imagine any other place on the face of the Earth that I would rather be, and certainly can't imagine any other activity I would rather do.

The week had many, many great Spiritual experiences. Elder Montaña and I worked very hard amongst a veritable drought of lessons, and were able to find people to teach and had many great opportunities with the people we already know. We had many, many lessons with less active members and new converts this week, and to our great enjoyment many of them would show up to church this Sunday. The Lord's plan is one of happiness for eternity, but to truly take advantage of this glorious way, we must continue to carry on for the short time we have. We found much to be happy about as we bore our testimonies of this simple idea to many, many people during the week.

Though with the temporary drop in lessons, I don't have as many incredible experiences, but that certainly didn't stop us from having an incredible time. Two of our investigators are inches away from baptism, with dates and positive attitudes awaiting them. I was also super excited to find out that one of the Hermanas I was working with in Chillan was baptized. Woohoo Lorena! Here in Chiguayante, we have several other rising stars that are excited about the Gospel, and we are incredibly enthusiastic about them all.

A subject that has really been on our minds this last week was the idea of a positive attitude. The difference our attitude can make is absolutely astounding. Our reaction to the world around us has greater power than we can possibly realize. This is especially true during challenges, but is no less applicable during good times as well. The mindset we take with us when we're out in the world is more important than all the good fortune we could ever have. 

Our District Leader came over solely for the purpose of having a little combined study with us about this subject. It was a powerful time, and I felt inspired to take the Gospel to all the world. Something that I have grown to realize is that much of the time, when we realize that we need to change something about ourselves, we subconciously make the slightest excuses, declaring that things will be different when something else changes. When I get transferred, when my companion has more energy, when the investigators want to actually keep commitments... Many, many times in our lives, we repeat to ourselves these excuses like mantras, imagining a little about the incredible things we will be able to do when an influence outside changes.

But it doesn't really work that way, does it? Excuses are almost like McDonald's Fries: There are billions more out there. Should we have success in some areas, we will still be able to find things that could hold us back. Life never becomes the easy street we initially desire (And after seeing the incredible change that comes through overcoming challenges, I'm not sure I even want easy street anymore). The only thing that will make a real difference is our mindset. When we decide that now, not later, we will make change, and actually do it, that is when the miracle happens. That is when life takes on a different hue, and every minute is treasured, not counted down until the next good thing happens.

We are the only change that matters. Every outside influence in the world can not force you into a certain attitude, for good or for bad. The divinely inspired ability belongs to us, and us alone. Time to use it for the greatest of purposes! It is time to make a difference!

Elder Grammer: You're such a stud. We just don't know what we have until it is gone, and I certainly hope and pray we get the chance to have the cambio we were going to have in the future. When we're both assistants in the near future, right haha? I am also super psyched to find out that Lorena was baptized. That makes me so ridiculously happy that she made that huge change in her life. Did she get rid of her gambling machines yet, haha? By the way, what is her full name for my journal? Congratulations on the two baptisms, bro. Your hard work has brought and will continue to bring miracle after miracle. Sorry to hear about Carolina. I hope she gets the peace she wants soon. Keep putting your shoulder to the wheel and fortifying that tree keep. I can't wait to see the finished product. How do you feel about flying lightning cannons? P.S. I really would like my umbrella and green micro fiber towel back. My normal towel is starting to smell like a Navy locker room.

Hermana Clanton: Your letter was fantastic! It was a thrill to read and learn about your adventures in the Lord's vineyard. The great work that you are doing in your mission has eternal significance, and I know that you're changing lives. You're completely right, missions are very, very different from everything else that we have done in our lives, and I love it! The ups and the downs and everything in between are all a joy to experience, and I know that these two years or eighteen months are going to change you and I for ever! This is the best! Keep that positive spirit and keep working hard. You're the best!

Elder Layton: Your letter was absolutely inspiring, and completely true. All of the incredible things to learn and do in this world have very little significance when compared to the Gospel. We can't let our priorities become clouded haha. Your letter reminded me specifically of the many things I have learned and seen in my short four months on a mission, and for the I am grateful to you. Thank you so much for your example and the inspiring service that you give. I might just print your letter as a point of inspiration for me. Way to go on going strong for a year. I can only hope I have as strong as a testimony as you when I get that much time in. I know that you will continue being the best you can be. Thanks for all you do!

Zachary Layton: Once again, thank you for your excellent letter, my friend. I never feel that my tiny responses are at the same level, and for that I apologize. I hope you enjoy them regardless haha. I hope you're so excited for your mission. Never in your life will you have worked as hard and had such vibrant spiritual experiences. These two years, seemingly long before but flying by during will change your life forever. I am so excited for you! Never ever give in to the temptations of the adversary. He will always try and get you to doubt yourself and to doubt the convictions of your faith. Those were the two primary temptations he constantly threw in the way of the Savior, and he knows that if he can get us to falter, we're in for a world of hurt. When all is said and done, we will have an eternal reward waiting for us. Keep fortifying and edifying your spiritual side, and you will see blessings beyond count. I really enjoyed reading your experiences this week, especially the Butterfly place. Having a quiet peaceful time to ponder in nature has made a difference many times in my life and the lives of others. Just look at Joseph Smith and the Sacred Grove, or the Savior with many different places in the New Testament. Keep going at it and being so amazing. Have an amazing week!

Elder Elggren: I want you to know that I love your letters. Each and every single one is an example of your faith and your dedication to the Lord. Challenges are the huge part of our lives, but we can overcome them through the power of the Gospel message that we share. I know that you're been having many, many things that can just bring you down, but I also know that you're quite capable of handling them. You have been chosen for this time and this place, and Heavenly Father will consecrate your service. Thanks for all that you do! You're in my prayers!

Mom: Thank you again for the letter! It always warms my heart to think of home and hear these little stories and experiences.

To answer your questions: During a run to one of our lessons on the other side of Chiguayante, the outer part of the coat that Steven gave me had not been properly secured to my backpack, and it quietly fell out during the run. Despite prayers and hopes, it has not resurfaced. I still have the inner part, but it is mainly for warmth and not rain proof. My umbrella is currently in Chillan, after another Elder borrowed it and couldn't find it in time for my transfer. My shoes have held up magnificently. They started to smell pretty similarly to a garbage dump, but some handy powder from my companion fixed that problem. We don't usually use the smaller stores, since all they have is a little bit of food and knick knack sort of things. There are larger Walmart like stores, and even one (Lider) that is owned by Walmart and has Great Value products. There are pretty large European mall structures in the city, but those are off limits to us missionaries. Since money is usually pretty tight, around two hundred dollars for the month, we try not to buy anything but the necessities. I have gotten very good at making extravagent meals out of the strangest food combinations. Large packages of hot dogs, cheese, milk, apple flavored water, frosted flakes (Zucaritas down here), and Argentinian cookies called Toddy's are my normal weekly purchases. At times I'll stretch and but some German candy, bread, and peanut butter with Nutella. Other things will be bought of necessity, but those comprise most of my purchases.

It is super exciting that the members back home are getting excited about Missionary work. The members are everything to us, and the key to successful work. Without them, it is a whole lot harder to have a whole lot less success! And you're right, training is happening a lot quicker then normal. Several missionaries start training immediately after their own training sessions. The work is incredible, and it is certainly hastening.

It is great to hear about the family. Keep up the stories and pictures! They make my week every time haha. I am looking forward to the Halloween card!

I love you all so much, and keep you all in my prayers and thoughts. Thank you so much for the many great things that you do for me and others in this grand work of the Lord. You are all the best of the best!

With much love,

Elder Richardson

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Super Jared!

Boundless Enthusiasm

Dear Family, Friends, Loved Ones, Fellow Missionaries, and Various Other Individuals!

I would like to start this letter off with how much I love you all! You are all the greatest individuals I could have the pleasure of knowing. The experiences I have shared with all of you have prepared me fully for this time in my life, and have been the greatest blessings. I take so much strength from you all and from your prayers and love. You are all wonderful inspirations to me, and I count myself lucky to have had the time I have had with each of you. I look forward to many bright experiences with you all in the future.

This week was certainly a very interesting one! With consistent work and a driven determination to succeed, we were able have much more success this week generally than in the past. The Lord blessed us to find enough new investigators that we found it necessary to find a new place to write down the names on the board. We had several quality lessons with several individuals. One of our investigators had his interview (Successfully, thank goodness!) and enough has a baptismal date and came to church with his family. The work is growing here in leaps and bounds, and I am incredibly excited about what the future holds for us. The downsides seemed far less noticeable when we put our shoulders to the wheel and pushed. Even the day and a half of heavy rain (Which was hilariously made more stereotypically miserable by the hard wind and my lacking of a rainproof coat and an umbrella, both of which aren't in my possession any more) didn't seem to water down the burning desire we had to do this work.

I've noticed how essential it is to fully commit yourself to any action you want done correctly. The application of heart, might, mind, and strength makes incredible difference in all aspects of your life. Though certainly applicable to those not serving full time missionaries (And I challenge to you to do so. For some item that needs doing in this next week, give it 100% literally, and watch miraculous things happen), it has a special significance for those currently in the 24/7 work of the Lord. A missionary can work, even work hard for the full and allotted time, but it will be of no benefit for him or her. They can have incredible works, and change innumerable lives with their efforts, but it will certainly lack emphasis and lasting effect without the heart and mind being totally devoted. I have seen missionaries who work hard all day, do amazing things, and come back to their apartments tired, depressed, and even a bit resentful. So much more for the benefit of so many can be done if we but only take the further step of working with our hearts and minds in addition to our might and strength.

Shauntel: Over the course of the week, during conversation with my companion, your name came up. I described you, and he instantly declared that I must marry you immediately after my mission. Some time later, I showed him photos of my family from around the time of my farewell and he saw the picture that had you in it. He reversed his prior statement, and said that it would be him marrying you after mission time is over. If you have a small Latino man showing up in your life in around six, seven months, know that Elder Rodrigo Montaña is on the trail. I apologize sincerely. I hope you're still doing well, and that you're loving life!

Elder Layton: I am right there with you, buddy. The Mission is absolutely the biggest and one of the best experiences of my life so far, and I am quite a bit behind you in time. I just can't get enough of it. The example that the Savior set with His own life is something that we all certainly aspire to, and I too share Alma's wonderful desire. Oh, how great is our calling and our opportunity to serve! By the way, we tried picking up Libros de Mormon today, and you weren't there to get them for us. I hope you enjoyed your baptism!

That is a crazy experience. The Lord certainly works in mysterious and grand ways, be it angels, other people, or rats in the ovens. I wish you the best in the work, brother!

Zach: Wow, those photos are great! I certainly can remember all of the fun experiences with my family right before my mission. You'll be able to hold on to those great memories forever! I can't wait to read your letters and hear your experiences from your own mission. Those should certainly be very exciting. And don't worry, there are a whole lot of talents and skills you'll develop in the MTC and in the field. Sink or swim is a incredibly effective style of learning, haha! The study skills I've learned here are going to benefit me for life, and I know they'll do the same for you. Thanks for your thoughts, buddy! We all need a good mountain to climb every once in a while, even if we're not looking forward to it. Another benefit of mountains is the good physical exercise. My legs have never looked better in my life! Holy cow, Dorene got married? That is incredible news for her. It is also weird news for us. I need to start keeping a tally of high school friends married! Take care, buddy. Keep working hard!

Steven: Hey, chueco, its about time you sent me another letter! I have to find out from my mother that you have a girlfriend (From California, no less. Good job!). That is not bacan. Feel free to share your mother's email with mine, the more the merrier! There are certainly a ton of great phrases specific to Chile. I love the Spanish language that way! I did not get your package, but I'll certainly ask about it next time I'm in the office. I always try to remember all the great things you taught me before I came here. Thank you so much for your great influence and example. You're the best, brother! ¡Le amo, mi mejor amigo!

Mom: Hey Mother! I am so glad everything is still going on super great up there in Arizona! I can't tell you how much I appreciate you writing about the family and the many great people that live up there in the States. As I approach the four month mark, I am realize just how much I love you all and how grateful I am to have you all in my life. You, Dad (I'm glad he had a good and safe trip. My Chilean companion told me to tell Dad that he needs to visit better countries in the future. Keyboards are strange down here, but when they're all you have, you get used to them really fast!), Grandma and Grandpa, my wonderful siblings and their familys, everyone, all are inspirations for me and keep me focussed on how important my work here is.

Chiguayante is a wonderful place. The work is progressing, and we're working hard. I am trying to stay as positive as I can during the trials of the work, and it is surprisingly easy to do so when we're working hard. The Lord blesses His servants, truly. It takes a few weeks to get letters from Dad. The latest I have is September 20 something. Its usually pretty consistent, though I didn't get one this week. I hope we don't have another strike going on, since they're very common in Chile. I haven't been able to attend Stake Conference yet, though there is a special conference in November, and a visit from Jeffrey R Holland shortly after. I am super excited for both!

The weather report of the states is making me jealous, haha. It is definitely warming up here in Chiguayante. We now regularly wear short sleeve shirts, with maybe a sweater or jacket in the evening. Thank you again for everything in the package. I love it all so much! Included is a picture of the pajama pants!

I love you all so so so much. Your prayers, letters, and thoughts keep me going strong. I am incredibly thankful for you all and for this glorious opportunity I have to work hard here in Chile. The work is ever hastening, and I am so glad to be a part of it! The Gospel has blessed my life more then I could ever describe with words, and this is a beautiful time in my life trying to share those blessings with people prepared by the Lord. Keep going strong, and keep pushing on! You're the best!

With love,

Elder Richardson

Jared w Elder Stewart

Jared loves plants:-)

Elder Richardson

Jared's XL Pajama pants

MISSIONS: MIRACLES AND MIGRAINES

Hello beloved family, friends, and fellow missionaries!

It has been another crazy week in Chiguayante, full of incredible wonders and frustrating problems. We have had many fantastic lessons with many fantastic people. I've been blessed to see hearts change as the Gospel enters the lives of some of these wonderful children of Heavenly Father. I got a wondrous package from my loving family with bounties of treats and desired objects. We've strongly felt the Spirit as we taught and gave blessings of healings on several different occasions. I had the opportunity to visit another sector on a mini-cambio, and see how differently things can be. All of these were wonderful experiences, and I hope to have many more of a similar nature as I continue to serve the Lord in Chile.

Many problems befell us and particularly me this week as well. I struggled to conquer some kind of bug over the majority of the week, which racked me for a lot longer than I usually suffered from diseases. Some items in my possession don't work as they should be, and others have been lost from my personal inventory. Far worse than these other inconvieniences, many lessons fell through this week, and some people that were counted on didn't hold up.

But this letter should not be construed as one overly negative. Yes, there were problems. I would be very surprised as a missionary if I didn't have challenges, immense or otherwise, in my way. We constantly teach of the value of enduring to the end, but what worth would it be to us if we didn't have to struggle to live that particular challenge ourselves? We have been set apart to take this high road and walk it the whole way, even if there are hills and valleys that make us wish to give up along the way (Quite a bit literally in this case. Chiguayante has many, many steep hills and inclines that we must regularly travel.). But the nice thing about mountains to climb, is that after the struggles and the continuous pushing to the top, we are blessed with a pretty remarkable view afterwards. In our area, to visit one less active family, we have to climb a remarkably steep incline that continues to travel up into the mountains over a pretty lengthy strech of road. But after we make the ascent and visit with the family, we have been consistently blessed with the freshest wind, free of the sounds of the world as we take a few moments to gaze over the fantastic vista. What a lesson to be learned!

Life continues. We have managed to have many fantastic lessons with many people. Truly the blessings of heaven can be found for those who earnestly strive to live the Gospel of Christ. My mission has given me a very acute view of the problems that can face each and every single on of us in our lives, and how each has a solution in the true and everlasting doctrines of Jesus Christ. I've met some of the most astounding people in the world, from every extreme of blessing or hardship, and in each, the message that we bore from our hearts has touched them differently, in a unique and special manner.

I've seen that there are many ways to do this work. One can certainly just do the bare minimum, and the results will follow his or her efforts. A missionary can do all that is required of them, but doing so lacking the most effective reasons WHY in their hearts. Or, someone called of God, recognizing the divine authority of their calling, can work to the salvation of souls with love for them and love for Christ in their hearts, and they will do wondrous things. Miracles follow, and people are changed for time and all eternity. As I've had the special opportunity to see on my mission more and more, most miracles can only be seen by one looking for them, with eyes spiritually focused. But they are there, whether we realize them or not.

Elder Layton, it is certainly a joy to have you the honor of working with you in this hallowed work. The mission would certainly not be the same if it was lacking you! Every time I have the opportunity of returning to the Mission office in Concepcion, I always look forward to the chance of seeing you and partaking of your amazing spirit and boundless energy. Your letters reflect this enthusiasm for the work. The life of a missionary is one of barely ordered chaos. Things happen and are dealt with with lightning fast responses, and before long, more things show up! The Gospel certainly provides a safe shelter, and quiet harbor amidst the storm haha, and our studies are certainly the greatest escape from the things of the world I have ever experienced. I never truly appreciated studies before my mission, but I don't think I'll ever go a day without them again. Every day, I am loathe to put down my scriptures and study journal, thanks to the incredible things that can be learned and applied from a single hour of devoted searching and pondering. Thank you for that exquisite message, and for your continued service for the rest of the mission. And your tie is excellent. Thank you.

Zach Kircher, you are as always, a man among men. The Lord really does want us to be happy, so I'm sure glad that He put you into my life, pal. The messages from Conference were an absolute thrill to listen to, and you will appreciate them so much more (All of them, especially but not limited too the Missionary centric ones) as you enter the field prepared for you. The world is a big place, and unfortunately not quite as loving and family friendly as our own homes. But I know that you will be one of the brave Stripling Warriors holding alight the Standard of Truth as you preach the gospel of Peace in a place that needs your unique influence. I appreciate the love and concern, my friend. I am always glad to hear of your life, and the many fantastic situations that continue to occur there in. I haven't put to much thought into a post mission movie or video game or really anything list just quite yet, considering the incredible amount of time still left on the clock. I do have a page of things that distract me though, so I will be happy to add those movies to the list, haha. I look forward to the many adventures we will be able to have in roughly two years time.

Elder Elggren, it really is super exciting having a General Authority visit. The Spirit that they bring with them is phenomonal, truly an experience without equal. These men are special witnesses of Jesus Christ, and it shows when they stand and speak. When I read in the Bible about the original calling of the Seventy and their special calling as ministers to the world, I was thrilled. The power and authority of these men in these special positions can not be refuted. It is incredible to behold. And you bet, Family History is the coolest. I was super psyched about it ever since I was a child and found out that I have ancestors that were Viking Kings. There are some really cool things that can be found there.

I truly love all of you so very much. Thank you for your letters and prayers. Each cheers and strengthens me.

Matthew, to answer your questions: It is a lot of fun and a lot of hard work being a missionary. I do have a lot of good times here, and playing soccer with the people in Chile is a lot of fun. I haven't baptized anyone yet, but I am looking forward to doing that soon enough. Keep choosing the right and doing the best you can and listening to your parents, and you'll be a fantastic Missionary one day!

Andrew: Yes, I get it, and I love it every time. It is actually Spring down here! We have winter in June and July. Isn't that crazy?

Mom, I got your package! Thank you so much for everything that was in it. I got the hand decorated pillow, the gigantic ASU mug (Which has been put to good use already!), the many sweets (The rice crispies were especially loved by the other missionaries. The vast majority were eaten while I was in the other sector for the mini cambio. The Raffaellos were a good touch, and the sour warheads have provided tons of entertainment. My companion thought he could handle the yellow ones without a problem. He was hilariously wrong.), the Funyuns, the Gum, the four beautiful ties which I have vowed not to trade, the two cold sore and blister medications (Are the good for canker sores on the inside of the mouth too?), the vanilla wafers, the comfy and huge pajama pants (I comfortably fit into medium stuff now. These extra larges are gigantic on me haha!), the skittles, the letters from the family, the tie hangers, the fantastic and stylish goalie gloves, the two cds, and USB hub. Did I miss anything? I super appreciate everything that you send. I have been trying to use as much as possible.

Question for Kendra or Jared or Computer minded friends: My flash drive and MP3 player are both 8gb, but here they both say they are 3gb each. This has put quite a problem for me trying to stuff songs and pictures into them. Is there any way I can reclaim the 5 other gigabytes?

Dad, I think I have gotten all of your letters so far. I certainly have received all of your copies of previous ones, haha. There is not enough thanks in the world for the messages contained in those little sheets of paper. They are pearls of the priceless variety, and I am thrilled with each one I read. Thank you so so so so so much for them. Those stories strengthen me so I can do the Lord's work. I have even used one or two for the blessing of the investigators. I am so glad to have them, and am glad for the continous reception of them! I hope you enjoy your trip!

I love you all so so much, and pray for you all. May the Lord be with you in all of your endeavours, and that you will bless the lives of many throughout the week. Thank you again for the kind words of love I receive weekley, and I hope that you all may recieve the greatest of blessings as you face another wonderful week.

With love,

Elder Richardson

Conference

Dear family, friends, and loved ones throughout the four corners of the globe,

Wow, this week was certainly something special. Though the challenges of the area certainly didn't abate from our labors and our lives, we certainly didn't feel the burdens on our shoulders as we put our trust more and more in the Lord and worked ourselves to the bone. Many great lessons and many great days were had, and the Spirit was certainly felt throughout as we taught with power and authority to the people of Chiguayante. The divine nature of our calling was certainly reinforced as we shoved our shoulders against the wheel and sought to build up the kingdom of God.

The crown jewel of the week was certainly the ten hours of Conference that I had the fantastic opportunity to watch in English with the rest of the Gringos in our zone. If you have never beheld a group of missionaries watching Conference, it is truly something incredible to witness. Cheering when missionaries are mentioned or powerful statements are made, everyone diligently taking notes about whatever strikes them most important, and enough food and snacks to make most neighborhood stores green with envy. I am very very glad for the great people that I could watch with and for the powerful spirit in the conference itself.

Responses!

Mom: As promised, you get first dibs this week. In response to your letter from last Monday, I'm super glad that Kyla and her family had a great time in Arizona, and that they made it home safely after. Family is certainly something I appreciate more and more as my mission goes on, even more so when I look at the few photographs that I brought with me. It is a great feeling to remember that I have the beautiful opportunity to spend eternity with such a lovely group of loving people.

I am very, very excited for the box that is on its way. I can't wait to enjoy the fantastic treats and surprised awaiting me. And I talked to a fellow Elder here about it, and he said that the inherent danger of postage and the high price led him and his family to adopt the method of simply putting more money in the account of the missionary and telling him that he can only buy specified 'gifts' from the family with it. I really appreciate all that you do for me back home, and I don't want to over tax you guys. 

Elder Jory is in Concepcion Centro now, and a zone leader to boot. I tell people that I worked hard to train him for this exalted position. My second companion, Elder Grammer, will be staying in Chillan for the time being. The celebrations of Dieciocho were fantastic to behold, and the incredible outpouring of patriotism and brotherly love by the people has led me to be only more excited to be here in this magnificent country. The work in Chillan was very good. The members were delightful to work with, and they really made a tremendous difference in the quality and amount of work we put in. The night before I left I made many goodbye phonecalls to my favorite people in the ward, and wrote down their names on a special page in my notebook. I am well aware at my fantastic ability of forgetfulness haha.

As always, it is great to hear about the exploits and adventures of the family back home. Please give my love to each and every single one of them. Tell Kendra and her kids I expect a little concert when I get back, and David that I want some games with him afterwards when I know all the Chilean soccer teams a bit better. Thank you for the additions to the movie shelf! I'm going to have a whole lot of fun in 21 months time haha.

The city of Chiguayante is beautiful, and a bag of mixed surprises. Its a lot larger, so I've gotten used to walking a lot more and even riding the bus from time to time. The Ward is rock solid, and we hope to further motivate them in the work over the up and coming days and weeks. The people here are a bit more used to Missionaries here as well, and with the large number of menos activos as well, we've experienced a lot of disappointment. But the work carries on wonderfully. We have a constant flow of new things to do, and the labors are hard but we often feel satisfied at the end of the day. 

I did get to listen to conference in English, and really appreciate the many quotes. I ended up taking over sixteen pages of notes during the five sessions, and eagerly await the new Ensign coming out soon enough. I'll talk more about that incredible experience later.

I'll be sure to wave in Dad and David's general directions over the next little while. I wish them the best of luck. I've found that while incredible in almost every way, South America has a few nasty surprises in store for the unwary. A jacket is usually fine. I have taken to wearing a short sleeve and sweater vest and most days and nights have no problem. I can't believe my nephews are getting so big! Its wonderful to think about. 

My Spanish has certainly improved a lot over the last two weeks, all thanks to the marvelous gift of tongues the Spirit provides. When I practice and give my all with the language, I notice marvelous additions and magnifications to my meager abilities. I have had lessons where I prepared beforehand and understood every single word that was said (And even contributed a hefty share of my own), and I've had long lessons where I felt like a fish out of water the entire time. Sink or swim is a surprisingly good teaching method!

Thank you for everything, Mom! You are the very best mother in the whole wide world, and while I'm sure others can try to make similar claims, they don't even come close. You are the best!

Zach: Your letters are an absolute delight to read, a blast of fresh air. Good friends of the greatest sort are increasingly hard to come by in the world of today, so I am very glad to be able to call you one of the best. As for me, temple attendance is a no go, since the current temple ground is just rocks and grass and really cool crumbling buildings. I look forward to visiting the completed Mountain of the Lord one day in the future. Your testimony of the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is rock solid, and I am kind of jealous of it. Hold on to that iron rod, and you're going to see such amazing miracles on your mission and in your life that you have no idea. 

You're right! Chiguayante is a refiner's fire for me, and I can just tell that its going to be a completely different missionary leaving this area then arrived. My companion, Elder Montaña, is a hoot. I love listening to him talk. He is super hilarious, and has a wierd sense of humor, especially when using English words. The messages of conference were just what I needed to hear. The Lord works in incredible ways, and I am super happy to have been able to watch all the fantastic messages. Way to go with that investigator! Charity can make such a huge difference in many people's lives, and I'm sure your influence was just what he needed to have.

Also, I love hearing how you're enjoying every minute. Missionaries have to plan out every last drop of time to be the most effective, and I can certainly appreciate those who make sure to love every moment. Keep singing! Your companions will love you for it haha. Browncoats unite, my friend. We're certainly having a marathon of ourselves one day.

Keep doing all that you can to have the Spirit continuously in your life! You are such an inspiration to me and I know many many others. 

I love you all so much! You're the very best, first in my heart and prayers. Thank you for the inspiring lives that you live, and may God bless you all.

Elder Richardson

Transfer!

Dear friends, family, and beloved fellow workers in the Gospel! This has been a very exciting week for me, full of change and difficulties and surprises and miracles.

Elder Grammer and I started out like a racehorse in the Kentucky Derby or a Chileno driver in heavy traffic: Full speed ahead. We worked incredibly hard, and as such, we became fast friends and had fantastic success at the same time. It was incredible to behold the power that two empowered missionaries can have on an area, and we were finding new investigators and teaching solid lessons with incredible frequency. Then, part way through Tuesday, we received a terrifying phone call. As the letter header states, I was being transferred the next day to another Zone, and no one really knew why.

I have been in the city of Chiguyante, in the Chiguyante Ward, since Wednesday morning. This city is a big step from Chillàn. Essentially everything is bigger here. The houses, the Stake Center (It is huge. Bigger than any church building save the Institutes back in the States.), etc. They even have parks, actual green and grassy. I kept thinking about how rich and different everything was my first couple of days, but I quickly realized that things are a lot more similar than I first thought.

My new companion's name is Elder Montaña, from Santiago, Chile. He is a spiritual giant, a quiet and incredibly loving man with only a few more months in his mission. He has learned incredibly good english over the course of his mission, and we have a lot of interests alike. Though he is normally very quiet, get him talking or laughing and he becomes this incredible chatterbox. Though I don't understand everything that him and Elder Villarroel (Our other Latino Elder in the house. His companion is Elder Hancock, from Arizona! Second Factory, represent!) say, what I do catch is hilarious. These guys are clowns, and I love getting to know them and work with them.

My Spanish has certainly been very present in my thoughts and concerns this week. By necessity, I've been working incredibly hard to master this language, and my super patient companion has been amazingly helpful this whole time. I've felt very much like a fish out of water, but I've already seen much improvement, and people are continuously surprised that I've only been in Chile for six weeks. I'll go more into this a little bit farther in.

Spiritual Experiences seem to come hand in hand with challenges and perseverance, as I've discovered yet again this week. That has essentially been a theme that has come up again and again for me, as this area certainly has difficulties by the shovel full. Here's a few that I've been able to have in the last week.

Sunday was very, very interesting for me. Meetings were quite good, and I was able to meet many of the many able members here. But with all the continuous Spanish rapidly exchanged and the little necessary interaction on my part, it was a bit too easy to sit back and relax and let my mind wander. All of the sudden, we saw a Jeffrey R Holland talk segment ("Do You Love Him?") and it blew me away. I remembered why I am here in Chile, and the divine origin of my calling.

I was reinspired to recommit my all, and the remainder of the day was fantastic. We met with a crippled menos activo, Luciano, and had a great time. His passions with video games and music are very similar to mine, and we had surprising amounts of common ground that I could reach him with. We shared a powerful lesson with him, and I think we certainly improved his day. He definitely improved ours.

That evening, we had the terrifying aspect of Divisions. Without any sure knowledge of the area, I was supposed to lead a Joven around and teach investigators in my spanish? I realized that I had complacently been following Elder Montaña around, and letting him take the lead in discussions. It was a humbling experience, and I eventually ended up working with the Ward Mission Leader, an intense returned missionary. We had several tough experiences, and I was reminded of how little I know the area. But we followed the Spirit, and were eventually led to a beautiful family well off the beaten path and away from my plans. Pure luck, or miraculous intervention had led us to this family from Haiti, of all places, and we taught a powerful lesson and committed them to readings and future visits.

Another great experience was with a nuevo converso here. He has been actively going to church for twenty years now, but has never felt sure of himself and his own faults to join the church proper. His daughters have served honorable missions, and still he has never joined. But finally, in the last few months, something truly touched his heart and he was baptized. After a morning of service with him (Clearing and dragging trees away for lumber. We have done incredible amounts of stuff straight out of a movie about a farm in the 1800's in the last week. It is so much fun!) we sat down and talked. He told about his many personal problems, (See Nephi's Psalm) and told how the Gospel has been able to help with every single one of them. It was inspiring to behold. We left on good terms, with him joking about being called as the next Bishop and who he would call as his counsellors. 

Like I said, this has been a week of challenges. Doors are shut in our faces with frequent regularity, and we have been told more lies to get rid of us than the police. But we persevere. We keep going. We hold true to what we believe, and we see miracles. It would be incredibly easy to give up and head back to the house and relax and nurse our aching bodies (My mission has taught me that if I ever get the opportunity, I am personally cutting off my feet and attaching cybernetic versions. Seriously, its on my list of goals.). But we don't, and we won't. Because despite the many closed doors, there are people and families ready for us! Ready for the Gospel!

Responses!

Elder Elggren: Have I mentioned that I love your letters? They are absolutely fantastic examples of missionary work. They are inspiring to read. And I am right there with you, I have never been more tired in my life. I go to bed and barely get out the amen and I am out until the alarm rings in the morning.

It is so amazing that you've been able to see the hand of the Lord at work in your life. Missionaries have such a special access to divine aid, it is truly inspiring. I am becoming quite used to always having this special gift in my life, haha. It will be very hard to say goodbye to it after my mission! 

Don't get frustrated, amigo! This truly is a difficult labor, and Satan is throwing every single roadblock he can think of our way. But we're soldiers for the winning side. There is nothing we can't do, from moving mountains to learning languages! You've already experienced incredible blessings of healing that can come through the priesthood we hold. That takes a lot of faith. Don't ever lose that!

Elder Layton: I love that story. Chilenos have the craziest excuses all of the time! It is truly incredible what they will say in the attempt to get rid of us. You would think that we're there to rob them, not share a message of Jesus Christ, from how they try to disuade us from their houses. I have determined that Chile is the awkward kid in the classroom of South America. It is hilariously true. I'm glad your story had a happier ending then many of mine!

The Spirit works incredible wonders with these people. A little softening up can open the way for tremendous change in the lives of every single person we meet. I just can't stop thinking of how cool that is! Nice pics!

Zach Kircher: Your letter was fantastic, and of the perfect length, my friend. In response to your response to my response, I must say that you are one of my greatest friends as well. You certainly have done incredible things in my life, and have been a great inspiration to me. I truly appreciate the opportunities I have had to get to know you and be your pal. It is excellent hearing of your schoolwork (Star Wars was an inspired choice), your spiritual experiences (The Temple is so great. We drove by the Concepcion temple site today. Can't wait to come back one day to a shining Mountain of the Lord there), your lady friend (Way to go. Is she going to serve a mission as well? Her letters can be a great source of inspiration, but watch out for fake Dear Johns from your companions! Haha) .

Its an interesting thing, isn't it? How can we be expected to go out into the world and relate with completely different people in completely different cultures with completely different problems? Charity is definitely the answer. As with all questions, the answers can be found in the scriptures and the Gospel. Because of what He did for us, Christ can perfectly understand every single thing we have in our lives. He knows, because He went through the exact same pains, sicknesses, guilts, and shames. And He is willing to put out His hand to us, despite our mistakes. Following His example, how can we doing anything but reach our hands to our fellows.

I love hearing about your life. Your stories are excellent, and I can't wait to share more of them with you after the Missions! And way to go with the missionary work. I can't wait to hear about the miraculous things you do in your service!

Mom: I can't wait to get the package. I'm very very excited for it. I can't write answer all of your comments and questions today, but I promise I'll get to them next week. Sorry! Time slipped away from me!

I love you all so much! Thank you for your letters and words of support. You're the best!

Sincerely,

Elder Richardson