Saturday and Sunday before conference we spent trying to invite and get people to attend the conference, which was broadcast in the afternoon at the Church by satellite. Our ward put an extra TV in the church so that we could watch Conference with the other Hermanas in English (nope, no legos or friendship bracelets this year:). So I understood every word! Before we went to watch it, we went to the home of Janett, made sure she was going and taught her about prophets, and the importance of keeping the commandments with exactness. (Thank you red food coloring for helping us understand that even little sins still stain a glass of pure water). Then, an hour before Conference we left her so she could get showered and change Juanitos dirty diaper that was defnitely full. In the end, someone was sick and she was busy and something else, I don't quite remember, so she wasn't able to attend any session. Kinda breaks your heart when you realize that the talks about faith, the talks about a loving marriage, and the takes about revelation would be perfect for someone to hear, and they just don't take advantage of the huge blessings that they could have by taking part in something so incredible as the gospel. We have her to be baptized this next Sunday, so we need all the prayers we can get for her and her family to be able to press forward and really be gung-ho about the gospel!!
So tomorrow marks the end of my first cambio (transfer), and I can hardly believe it! Hna. Hardy's last cambio, and she is more determined than ever to press forward and go out sprinting--so that's what we're going to do! We got word this morning that we're going to actually be a trio this next transfer, so tomorrow we pick up the other Hna. It'll be interesting how things work out, but I feel pretty experienced in the area of trios, but who knows, it could be completely different here in CHILE! Our plan is just to make us three-times as more effective, being able to do splits more easy to get more done!
My companion never ceases to amaze me, and I'm so grateful to have her! Hermana Alyssa Hardy has become the missionary she is by truly changing herself - her thoughts, heart and actions - through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. She has dedicated her whole self to the work, and has been blessed with a love, an excitement, for it, and so many talents and skills to make it happen. There are so many things that I admire about her as she works with the people here and brings them to an understanding of this gospel; she knows how to express her love to the people, she cares for and works with all the members, she preaches nothing save repentance and baptism, she remembers peoples names and stories and addresses, she is direct and bold in the way she teaches and it is always directed by the Spirit. There is a fire in missionary work, and she is burning very BRIGHT! As I have one more cambio with her, I am very excited to be working even harder than we ever have, and being more committed to my duty and privilege to be here.
MIRACLE OF THE WEEK:
We went looking for several less actives (menos activos) this week, (we're talking LISTS in all the different areas of town). Of about 1100 people that are baptized in this area, there are about 130 people that are going to church each week. Raise your hand if you think this is crazy! But the search gets even more interesting...Turns out that the tsunami and the earthquake took a toll on a lot of the homes, and many just don't exist anymore. So, even though we have a current list of all the ¨"members" in our ward in Conti, there have been a lot of changes. We go looking down a street and sometimes only the front door/gate still exists - a lot of fun knocking on those doors! :) But! Sometimes the people still DO live there, and sometimes, they let us in, and sometimes they tell us why they don't go to church anymore. AND sometimes they have family members that aren't baptized. We found this happened a few times this week, and we are hoping to return and really remind these people of the promises they made with the Lord, and remind them of the spirit and blessings and truth that they found in the gospel. Any suggestions as to how to approach a non-active family? I think we could use all the help we can get!
This Church truly is amazing! I love being a part of it! I love telling people I'm a missionary! I love knowing that the message that I'm bringing them can change their lives! I'm slowly understanding more and more that LOVEloveLOVE is key to be able to invite people to change, since love is the language of the Spirit. Thank you family and friends for teaching me this langauge! You are all such amazing examples to me!
Curt- I'm glad they showed the clip of the MTC! Get geared up for the best years of your life! How's the Book of Mormon reading/inspirational scriptures around your wrists during the games?? haha seems to be working! Way to go with the games! Mitch- Congrats on the baptism! and good luck in getting the others prepared!!! I got your letter! Thanks sso much! You should be getting a response in a little while! Go get 'em sucker! My comp is wanting to do the 6 weeks to sexy and she was sore all day yesterday - so here we go! :) Jed- don't make Amanda hold your sick cast. How's the thumbs up? That's something that Chileans don't do, but I'm constantly doing, I think they're a little confused...haha. Clint & Rach- ummm...please just have a marriage as sweet as Elder Scott's okay? so cute. Mom- I'm excited for the package! We made banana bread this week, and it was pretty dang good for not having measuring cups..you'd be proud. I'm excited for Spring to come for you and for you to be able to work out in the yard - sweeping the driveway and all. As for the full length photo, I need to be caught on a good day - sorry to say not all days are good days :) but next week you'll have one if you don't already have one that will work..I really don't care. Dad- you are looking very bright and cheery! Keep up the positive attitude sport!
I love you all. So glad I have you all forever...no empty seats!
With all my love: Hermana Child
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