Go Hard in The Paint

Hello hello my dear family, friends, and loved ones through out the world!

I am quite happy to be writing this letter to all of you, and I hope that you are all well. You are all in my prayers, and I continue to take inspiration from your many inspiring stories and experiences. It is amazing to me how past experiences that we have had can prepare us for the time in the mission field, and I am incredibly thankful for the memories I have with so many of you. It is my fondest wish that you all continue to have incredible blessings in your lives and that all of your wildest dreams will come true.

It is currently a lovely Spring day in Chiguayante, and I am thrilled to send this short little memoir of my experiences here to you all, wherever you may be in the grand green Earth (Or white, if you happen to be living in the Norther Hemisphere right now). I'm going to change from my normal letter system today, with but a brief spiritual thought and some experiences, followed by some of my observations of my daily life for those yet to serve a mission. I hope you enjoy!

My thoughts this week were focused on the ideal of commitment. As it has been the first week of transfers, there is a nagging temptation to relax and not take the time as seriously as we had been doing with the sword of upcoming cambios hanging over our heads, Luckily for us and the work in general, Missionaries never allow that creeping temptation to take control! In the Liahona of July 2011, I was able to read several stories and quotes that focused on the idea of committing to the work and continuing to persevere in spite of challenges.

''Commitment is a little like diving into the water. Either you're committed, or you're not. Either you're moving forward, or you're not. There is no halfway. We all face moments of decision that change our lives.

Those who are only sort of committed may expect to only sort of receive the blessings of testimony, joy, and peace. The windows of heaven may only sort of open to them.

There is a difference between intention and action. Those who intend to commit may find excuses at every turn. Those who truly commit face their challenges squarely and say to themselves, ''Yes, that would be a very good reason to delay, but I made covenants so I will do what I have committed to do.'' -President Dieter F Uchtdorf ''Brother I'm Committed.''

After cutting a narrow hole in the rock descending 2000 feet into the Colorado River Gorge, the pioneer company slowly, but with great ingenuity, took every wagon down the treacherous precipice. All but one, the wagon of the Joseph Stanford Smith family, was across when the others in the company seemingly forgot about them. Determined to continue, Arabelle Smith hitched herself and a third horse behind the wagon and started over the edge. Despite several falls and a grievous injury, she managed what had taken ten or more men and brake locked wheels to achieve for the other wagons. When talking with men who later had come to help the stranded family, Joseph said, ''Forget it fellows. We managed fine. Belle here is all the help a fellow needs to make this journey.'' -Paraphrase of Jeffrey R Holland ''Faith to Answer The Call''

This week for us, we had several experiences with commitment. One of our most solid investigators, David, had told us last week through his member son that he did not want us to come back for lessons. Though heartily disappointed, we came back to the house later that week for a pre-arranged service project. David was surprised to see us, and even more surprised when we worked our very hardest shoveling and transporting dirt and several other manual labors. We left him happily, but without much progress. Later on, the son and his family had asked the bishop to bless their home, and we were invited to attend. So were David and his wife, but only the wife could make it. After the powerful prayer that the Bishop gave for the home and family, David's wife, wiping tears away, said to us ''During that prayer, I felt God come into the room. I felt something very powerful and I know that that was heaven sent.'' She committed to church the following Sunday, and when we later saw David again, he told us he was committed as well. They both attended and we have a lesson with them this Tuesday.

We have consistently been trying to contact and have lessons with a family of less actives near our house for the entire seven weeks I have been in Chiguayante. Each time, they are unavailable, or they have visitors, or a myriad of other things interferes with us talking with them. Undaunted, we have continued to try and try, and while we haven't had great success with them, we were able to visit one of their neighbors after a failed attempt. This neighbor was very enthusiastic about our message, but the commitment was a little lacklustre and we didn't put the house in the top of our priorities. Still, several days ago we tried to visit the less active family again, and after being turned back yet again, felt prompted to visit this neighbor. We talked her husband, having a simple and powerful lesson with him and he too was very enthusiastic. The commitment was much stronger this time, and we were very happy to set a return appointment with this new family of investigators.

Mom: Hi Mom! I don't think you realize just how happy your letters make me. Every Monday when I come to a little Cyber, I am thrilled to see one of your emails waiting for me. Thank you so much for that!

For your letter last week: I was very happy to read the experiences of the family for Halloween. I absolutely loved the costumes of the children, and the great stories as well. Tell everyone that they did fantastic jobs. My Halloween was very exciting as well, and I even had a costume too! I was Elder Montaña, and he was me! We switched name tags and had a lot of fun confusing people by saying where ''we'' were from. It was great hearing about the powerful testimony meeting and missionary fireside. It is really cool to hear about the new Mission Presidency. While we only have a President (No counselers), we all love him and his wife very much and treasure every opportunity to talk with them.

My experiences in Chile continue to be great. I haven't really done a whole lot of cooking here, unfortunately (Or maybe fortunately, to be honest.), as the members are incredibly nice and handle lunch, the largest meal, for us. Breakfast and dinner don't really exist outside of a small helping in the morning and right before bed at eleven thirty. As for Elder Montaña, I don't think he knows any Chilean recipes. Cooking for Chilenos is considered a thing for woman, and outside of grilling meat for festivals, the men don't really participate a whole lot. I am trying to learn as much as I can though! I have already learned many missionary meals (Lots and lots of cheese and ketchup required) and several Chileno dishes.

My Spanish has come along much quicker with the necessity of my Latino companion. While he knows a great deal of English from other missionaries and from what I have been helping him learn during my time here, he still doesn't have enough of a grasp for full conversations. I have learned a whole lot more than what I did in Chillàn, and the Spanish I do know is much more comfortable for me now. I taught two classes of English for Chilenos now, and I can readily say most of what I want to. It's far from perfect, but the gift of tongues has certainly been an incredible blessing for me here.

As for this week, I won't know if my virus problems are fixed until next week. One of the other Elders is very adept with computers and he has had some success with the memory cards of other Elders with the same problem. I left my card in his very able hands and will get it back next week with news good or ill. I am definitely able to purchase more here in Chile when the time comes, but since this one has a ton of memory unused, I hope to be able to use this until it is stuffed. I honestly have no idea what I would want for Christmas. As with before, except more so now, I am quite satisfied with the worldly possesions in my possession. More ties are always welcome, and I could definitely use more socks, seeing how other Elders have more of my socks than I do now. I'll try to rack my brain this week and see what I need and I'll get you the results next week. I haven't gotten any of your other letters as of yet, but I'm hopeful.

I'll continue in a bit.

Generally: Life in Chile is a wonderful experience. As a Missionary, I have grown to love scripture study and hate dogs. A meal of Hot dogs, a slice of bread, and cheese is a filling dinner. Mugs have a variety of uses, and are a Missionary's best friend. Music is a divine gift to all those that are blessed to listen to it. Peace and quiet don't really exist. Procrastination should be counted as one of the most horrific sins. Snacks are great tasting, but not very fillings, and this applies to life as well. Take care of what you have, and it will take care of you. Buses are a horrible and wonderful idea at the same time. A tall Chileno is something amazing, and something people tell their children about. Never sacrifice quality for a slightly lower price if you can afford it.

Mom: It truly was wonderful taking the family to church. We have very high hopes for them, and are delighted every time we talk to these lovely people. Unfortunately, due to medical circumstances, they were not able to come to Church this last week, but that problem has been officially solved and things are looking up for next week.

Thank you for your many spiritual thoughts. I lack the time to respond to each individually like I would like to, but I appreciate them none the less. Keep them coming, Mom!

Church Videos are a definite must for us. Elder Montaña keeps about forty or so Mormon Messages on his flash drive, which we can plug into the tvs direct and play at our convenience. Surprisingly, most Chilenos have nicer tv's than we do in the States! Bluray players and a dvd player for every tv are quite common as well. Thanks so much for everything Mom! I love you so much! By the way, in my first real soccer game with a bunch of Elders, the goalie gloves were absolutely invaluable. Thank you so much for them.

Elder Layton: Your message is inspiring, and so so neccessary for all of us. The struggles and the scars truly are worth the pain and the effort that they took when we look back at it all. I too, would not change a thing about my two years up to this point. Our missions are but a short, intense experience, and I am so happy to be here in mine with you. By the way, your defensive skills in that soccer game were kind of frustrating. Keep doing awesome, brother!

Elder Elggren: Hey, Brosef! I am so glad you are having a fresh and awakening experience with your new companion. I can certainly understand where you're coming from with Elder Cassiano, as my companion has been here for close to the max time for our mission. He is still coming up with names and places I have never heard of or seen in the books of maps. I wish you the best of luck in your efforts with Adolfo! You rock, my friend!

Elder Enright: Your letter was great, and very inspiring to me. We all have tremendous struggles of every type in our lives, especially as missionaries, but looking on the positive and focusing on the good things in life is what really matters in the end. Those miracles never stop coming when we are on the look out for them! Keep it up, Elder!

Zach Kircher: Hey, I am so glad that life is going swell for you now. Enjoy the peace and quiet, because during the mission, a breathe of fresh air is as valuable as gold! Your experiences are fantastic to hear about, and I am pleased that you're still working hard in every aspect of your life. You're exactly correct with the Lord providing a way for us to do what He asks, just like in 1 Nefi 3:7. It certainly sounds like you're enjoying life and getting ready for the best two years of your life, and I can't wait to hear more from you. Tell hi to all of our wonderful mutual friends, and keep being a light for me and for so many others! By the way, that is a wierd and enjoyable picture and we are definitely seeing Episode 7 immediately after you get back.

Well, that about does it for this week! I love you all so much, and know that you will all continue to be the very best that you can be. Keep being committed to the things that bring the most happiness!

With love, 
Elder Richardson

Things are changing and staying the same...

Hello, my beloved family, friends, and fellow workers in the Vineyard!

Today was the day for transfers, and the results were quite shocking for many people. My dear companion, who has been in Chiguayante for over four and a half months, was very surprised to find that he and I would in fact be staying here together for at least another cambio. He had already been saying his goodbyes to his favorite people in the area, and the news of no transfer hit him a little hard.

My whole zone is actually recieving very little change as it is. A few Elders and Sisters, with only one person training, are really the only changes for the entire zone of Chiguayante. Other zones, as I'm hearing, are being rocked around, but we're sticking together for the time being.

These last few days, as cambios neared and we began contemplating the future, I was thinking about the past, especially the things that I am grateful for. In this seemingly short time, but a month and a half, I have seen miracles in my life that I certainly did not expect, and challenges that I certainly didn't ask for. But each, in their own unique ways, has helped me to grow and be closer to the Savior, and for each I am grateful.

As I look back over the last few days and the time a bit farther from that, I express tremendous thanks to my Father in Heaven to the many people in my life that are miracles for me. Thank you all so, so much.

Some experiences from this past week:

We had finally managed to bring a certain family to church. After much time and prayers and fasting, the entire family was committed happily and we were in a celebratory mood. But when the day arrived and church was about to start, they did not show up. Thinking that possibly they had tried the back door (Which was closer to their house, but unfortunately quite locked permanently for reasons unbeknownst to us), we made a very quick walk over to their home as the Bishop began opening announcements. We arrived at the house to find Esteffy, the daughter, quite ready to go. The wife and her two children would be able to attend, but the father unfortunately was quite ill. We managed to get to the church just in time for sacrament, but had to wait in the halls outside, where we quietly had a mini lesson about the ordinance.

Finally, we entered the Chapel proper, but noticed to our dismay that nearly every bench was full. Like a bright ray of sunlight piercing through the rain clouds, several people parted and we were able to sit the family with several strong members, and we sat at different locations in the chapel. During the powerful testimony meeting, these wonderful members, with a small family of their own, introduced our investigators to the basics of what was going on. Completely without us, they informed the family of the joys of Primary and the other meetings after Sacrament, helping them to be enthusiastic about attending for more that what they had originally been able to. Not content with information only, they took the mother and her children by the hands, introduced them to the teachers and other members around them afterwards, and were genuinely interested in their well being.

By the end of the day, this small family of investigators had many many new and supportive friends, enjoyed good classes, felt the spirit strongly during testimony meeting, and even been invited to two different family home evenings. They were convinced of the joy that comes with Sunday attendance, and are very excited to come (And bring the father!) next week. Oh, how grateful I am for members who acted with Christlike compassion and welcoming to this little band. Their love and charitable actions are what will make the difference for this wonderful family of investigators.

One of our most solid investigators, him having a baptismal date and the loving support of his son's family (All recently baptized), without warning told us that he would no longer want lessons from us. Though we were disappointed, we tried visiting the family to try and see what was going on. The son and his family were incredibly disheartened, and they just didn't know how to react. My companion looked a little silent as well, and the right words that would fix everything seemed just out of reach. All of the sudden, ideas just started coming to me, things to say and scriptures to share. Most of all, after a question of self doubt from the sweet Hermana, a long forgotten story came to my mind. The beautiful tale of ''The Master's Hands'', the story about the old violin that no one thinks is worth buying. Suddenly, a man comes out of the audience, and with his skilled hands and that old violin, he makes beautiful music. As he quietly leaves, the audience eagerly shouts bids for the instrument.

So we are with the Savior. We, of ourselves with all of our mistakes and all to human imperfections, are really not all that attractive of a purchase. But through His experienced hands, through the sacrifice that He has already made, we can be instruments in creating the most beautiful of songs. The Spirit burned in that little house as I finished telling the story, and there was more than one pair of misty eyes. Though the circumstances weren't overly desirable, and we still have not been able to have another lesson with our former investigator, the strength we all received that afternoon makes me incredibly grateful. Especially in adversity, we can partake of the blessings of heaven.

Gratitude is a very underappreciated thing in the world today. It certainly feels incredibly difficult to be grateful during our many times of challenges and trials, but even those can be incredible experiences of education and growth. I can grudgingly say that I have learned at least as much, if not much more, from my difficulties than my times of prosperity. A new spirit can enter our lives, an enthusiasm for all things as we work to be grateful for all the things that we have. It is my challenge to all of you this week as we go about our daily lives, to find a little bit more to be grateful for. It will change your life, just as it has changed mine.

Sam: It is very good to hear from you again! I too miss our once daily correspondance, but I am quite glad to take whatever I can get in this time haha. Don't you worry if your busy life doesn't allow for long and flowery letters every single day of the week. Your support in the past has been quite helpful in the present. Thank you so much! I certainly hope that all of your plans and goals are going succesfully. College can be so much fun! I hope you're having the time of your life. I'm sorry to hear about any trouble on the romantic front, but I know the best things are yet to come. Keep being awesome!

Elder Layton: Your letters are a weekly source of inspiration. Truly, time in a mission doesn't quite follow the laws of physics. It feels quite impossible for me to have the time in the mission that I do, and the amount of experiences that I have been a part of. You are exactly correct on the way that attitude can effect everything. Our perspective changes reality in all honesty. I can't think of any other way to improve our lives then simply surrendering ourselves to the Lord's will. When we make that final change, a whole new purpose can fill our souls with enlightenment. Thanks for your excellent comments!

Elder Elggren: The similarity of experiences is a bit shocking, considering the many many miles between us. The drunkards, the strange books that are quickly thrown away when there contents are considered, and the continous faith and hope in the work are all bringing smiles of remembrance to my face. I look forward to hearing many great stories about your taking charge in your area. There is a special joy in our work that just can't be found outside of it. Keep working hard and receiving the incredible blessings of the Gospel!

Zach Kircher: Another excellent letter and group of great pictures, mi amigo. It was great to hear about your teaching a lesson in church. You'll find that that will be a regular occurance during your mission, haha. I've helped to teach two already, and that was only in Gospel Principles! If you have the chance to read the Liahona/Ensigns/New Eras, I recently read an article about the small things having great results in our life if we choose to neglect them. It was very powerful, and I'll have the name for you next week. Additionally, Dieter F Uchtdorf's talk on Just a Few Degrees is super vacan tambien. Just so you know, I always laugh to read the mini movie reviews in your letters. And of course I recognize the Scout! I myself always preferred Spy, but you rock that look, my friend. Keep doing great things out there!

Mom: Hey, we spent a lot of time trying to fix my electronic stuff because the computer place gave all the missionaries' flash drives and cameras viruses. I might have lost all my pictures and music on everything, but we'll only know next week. Wish me luck! I apologize that all of that took of email time. I'll make up for it next week.

I love you all so much. Keep being amazing and doing such amazing things in the world.