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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