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
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