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
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