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
No comments:
Post a Comment