Being Aware of Miracles all Around Us!

Oh family and everyone! HELLOO to you all. Can't tell you enough how I appreciate all the news from home!!

(Or maybe I should start off like E. Child): HOLY COW! This week was super super crazy! Hna. Sieverts and I were literally running from appointment to appointment yesterday, and it just seems like the Lord is preparing SO many miracles for us. We keep saying that Consti baptizes itself - because really, if we're putting in all we've got the Lord just pops up with another miracle in a different way. It's FANTASTIC. For example, we try and get certain people to church all week, and then on Sunday, certain things happen that they aren't able to come, but the Lord gives a little extra push to other people and they are there at church instead. I think that's something really wonderful and unique about a mission. Because you're so invested and involved in the Lord's work, that you're depending on Him. You realize that all of your efforts, while showing your desires, really aren't enough to keep this work rolling. It's only through God and His plan that He has for each of us that He keeps it going. He's the one that has got it all under control; and it's pretty ridiculous to fight against it. I'm constantly thinking to myself, How in the world did that happen? There's no way it did, except for a little help from above.

Maybe I can just take a few minutes and talk about how much I love Chile. First of all...my name "Hermana Child" has turned into an adventure (it's probably the same with Mitch) I've started to sometimes introduce myself as Hermana Cheeel...Sometimes people even turn it into Chile. It's kinda flattering. haha I'll consider myself blessed, since the new Hermana that just got here is named Hermana Steinmetz. Let's just try and have someone figure that one out! it's a hoot.
The people here love to talk. A lot. They love to believe in God and read the Bible day and night, and they have this saying that they must teach in school, because it seems like everyone knows it: God is only one, and it doesn't matter which road you take, they all lead to Him. Hmmm...Good thing we're here to help them know the truth of the matter. For the most part everyone's Catholic, "in their own way" and most all people here in Conti have seen, shared with or spoken to a missionary before, and quite a few have been baptized.
They are people who have a knack for just having a really good time. They can throw a huge party together within 5 minutes...with a few invites, peanuts, potato chips and a cake they're good to go.
They have incredibly big hearts and want to share and recognize everyone. When you walk into a room or a meeting you don't just wave hello to everyone, you personally greet everyone (for us it's a handshake with the men and a kiss on the cheek for a woman). And when you leave, it's round two for personally recognizing everyone. It's so so great! (Let's just say we have to be careful with some of the old men in the ward...Daniel el Famoso always tries to sneak in a little smooch) haha

Anyway, we're still working with Nicolas...he wasn't too dedicated in his reading the Book of Mormon, but he did start to pray!! WA-hooo...and I told him to add my brothers on facebook. (Let's just say Curt he was really happy that you accepted. You should definitely practice your Spanish with him, and give him a little nudge about how great the Book of Mormon is) :) We're hoping he gets a little pinch of excitement and has the faith to take the first step to helping his family be eternal.

Things are going really well! Like Elder Child said, since you're trying so hard to get so many things accomplished, it's tempting to focus on the things that DON'T happen. But, how much happier, and more successful we are when we focus on the blessings and good things that happen.
We had a mission conference this week with the north part of the mission (they call it the outside...the parts around Conce are on the inside)...we watched the talk Elder Holland gave while I was in the MTC that was incredible. It really made me refocus myself on why I really wanted to share this message for other people, and what the message that we have to share really is. It should always be the love of our Savior, and our desire to show Him that we love Him back, and our desire for others to feel of this same love. It really is the sweetest, most incredible feeling to have someone so grand, so all-powerful, and so incredible, know you by name. And not only know your name, but know exactly how you feel, and know exactly how you can be happy and healthy and strong and hopeful. The Savior knows us. He knows us and He wants to help us. He's already plowed the way through the forest for us to reach the other brighter, greener side, we just have to follow Him. He already knows what we have to do to reach Him and His promises, we just have to desire to do it, and when that desire is strong enough, it leads us to actually taking the steps necessary to reach Him.

This gospel truly is the gospel of Jesus Christ. I have no doubt that all of the teachings of Him are found within this Church and in the Book of Mormon. He loves us so much!

I owe so much to you all for every prayer and example and letter and teaching. You all have added a drop to my testimony! Thank you! Love ya, 'preciate ya! Can't tell ya enough!!

Hermana Child