Beef and Nails and Wood

The TRAIN!

2011-10-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

My daily alarm clock.

The case of the Invisible Squirrel

2011-10-09T08:56:00.000-07:00

Chapter 1

Late one Friday night, Emily had been watching x-files with some of her friends at the apartment down the street. The episodes were especially fresh in her mind as she started riding her bike home. In the parking lot outside her apartment, she noticed someone walking slowly across the lot, smoking a cigarette. Upon reaching her door, Emily whipped out the key, unlocked the deadbolt and then started recalling all of the lurking characters from the x-files that were probably close by-maybe even in alliance with the smoking man in the parking lot. She struggled with the door knob lock until she was able to burst in. Katie, her roommate had gone out of town for the weekend and wasn't going to be there to ease the mental situation. Emily threw her bike inside, slammed the door and locked both bolt and knob. That's when she heard it for the first time . . .

Chapter 2

CHIRP! What was that high-pitched squeak? It sounded just like a yellow-bellied marmot from Capitol Reef. Yes, she recognized the call. But, marmots don't live in California! What noise to squirrels make?

Chapter 3

There it is again! It's on the roof! No, it's IN the roof! After about 30 seconds, there it is again, this time in the bathroom. The door is closed and the light is off. What if I open the door and the squirrel jumps on me and claws me on the way out? She thought, panicked. The front door isn't open, it won't have a way to escape--and I'm not leaving the front door ajar. She had to stall for a minute, so she sent a text message to the other x-files fans saying, "I know this is prolly going to sound silly, but I think there is a squirrel in my air ducts." Emily gathered her courage and softball bat and nudged the door open. Nothing. CHIRP! There! The ceiling vent in the bathroom, it could definitely squeeze out through that much of an opening. Hey, you squirrel! She says back to the vent hoping to scare the animal away.

Chapter 4

CHIIIP! Emily whistled back at the vent. After another half minute, CHIRP! She heard the sound coming from Katie's room this time. She turned off the light and closed the bathroom door tight so that if the squirrel did come down the vent it would have to stay in there for the night and not be able to attack her face in her sleep. CHIIIP! Emily whistled again. Nothing . . . she waited. CHIRP! Oh no! It's in the ceiling right over my room. Quickly, Emily closed Katie's door and approached her own door. Bat in hand, she searched for any opening in her ceiling to the air ducts (there aren't any, they have a swamp cooler). There is also a moth on her wall. All that noise can't possibly come from a moth, right? Emily nudges the moth with the end of her Cyclone and it flutters around the ceiling fan lights. CHIRP! It's so loud this time! Moths don't chirp. Do they? No. They might!

Chapter 5

Emily turned the light on in the living room and turned off the light in her bedroom to lure the pesky moth out. It worked! Next, she tried to herd the frightening flutter-er out the front door, using the porch light. CHIRP! It didn't leave. But this time, a little less frightened, Emily detected the noise coming from her room, and the moth was in the main living area. She stood in the doorway and looked up.

Chapter 6

Oh! Of course! She couldn't believe how irrational she had been! It was only a smoke detector. She stood still and waited to make sure she was right. She waited another 30 seconds and sure enough, CHIRP!

Relief Society Cupcakes

2011-10-08T17:46:00.001-07:00

A couple weeks ago was the General Relief Society Broadcast and all the women of the Chico stake got together to have dinner and watch it. The ladies who put the dinner together asked a bunch of us to make cupcakes to share, so I whipped up a batch of rainbow chip with cream cheese frosting. Nothing too fancy, just some plain, ol' delicious cupcakes, right?

Well, when I got to the church and put my plate of cute cupcakes down, they became the most revolting looking things compared to all the others. There were intricate frosting designs, different toppings, some wrapped in individual little baskets, others filled with cremes, etc. So, I set down my plate and ran away.

Shay and I sat down at a table with some women in the stake. There were 8 of us. I will use numbers to tell this story.

We all chit chat about where we are from, how good the taco salad is, how beautiful all the desserts are, etc. when I confessed that I felt that mine were pretty plain and even ugly compared to the others. The ladies all laughed and continued eating.

Eventually Lady 1 asks her daughter (lady 2) to go get her a cupcake. Lady 3 tells Lady 1 (after her daughter gets up and leaves) that she will have to be grateful for whatever cupcake her daughter brings her, and not to make a fuss if she picks one that she doesn't like.

Before Lady 2 gets back to the table, Lady 1 notices what she is bringing her and tells the rest of us, "I'll act pleased, but I want you all to know that I'm not excited about the one she is bringing me". She politely receives the cupcake and the other ladies (4-6) look at the plain frosting and look at me. They ask if it's mine, I nod and laugh and then they tell lady 1 that it's mine. So, we laugh and I get over my embarrassment and go get myself a cupcake.

Later, Lady 3 starts unwrapping her cupcake and takes a little piece from the bottom (not-frosted) and says "wow! this is like cornbread!" and passes it to Lady 2 who proceeds to take a bite and passes it on to Lady 1 (and around the whole table). I took a bite out of the frosting and actually thought it was delicious. (I also have low standards of taste)

At this moment, there is a lull in the conversation and Lady 1 starts unwrapping her cupcake (mine) and says "Oh! I think this one is a little dry too!" She had forgotten that it was mine, I think. Ladies 4-6 look at me, appalled by Lady 1 and say, "this is Sister [whatever], she offends people."

I think it's a good thing I've been in the church for long enough to know that people say silly things and not to put any stock into it. I also felt vindicated that during Pres. Uchtdorf's talk he spoke about making wise sacrifices. I didn't lose any sleep over those cupcakes.

Some Chico Adventures

2011-10-08T16:46:00.000-07:00

I've meant to post more often, but I've been out gallivanting so much that it's hard to sit down and write about it. This picture is of Salmon Hole in Upper Bidwell Park. The Chico Creek comes down from the mountains and there are a ton of natural swimming holes to play in. There are places to cliff dive, underwater caves to swim through and salmon to swim with. This is one of my favorite places in Chico. I've gathered different groups of people to hike and swim with me up there, basically, every week.

As part of the National Student Exchange Program, a group of 12 of us went down to San Francisco one weekend to see all the tourist sites. This is a redwood that I wanted to embrace in Muir Woods. We did a nice, easy hike around the forest. I got some poison oak on my leg and wrist, but tried to ignore it.
We took a boat to visit Alcatraz. That was a neat tour. Everyone gets headphones and some of the old workers give you a look into what it was like to be on the rock. While we were there, there was an ex-prisoner, who had written a book about his experience in prison and had a book signing deal in the gift shop. He beat the system, it would seem.
My friend Rahma and I have started taking pictures of us doing handstands at different places we visit. We have some on the beach of San Francisco, on the Golden Gate Bridge, etc. This is on the dock of the afterbay of Lake Oroville. She is a yoga master and has been encouraging me to learn more. I like the idea of yoga .. . actually doing it is a different matter.
We went to Lake Oroville to learn to do stand-up paddle boarding. These are the girls I've been spending the majority of my time with. Cami Meyer, Katie Morrill, Bekah Beachley, me and Rahma Collins. We basically love each other. (Rahma and I did headstands on our paddleboards, haha)

A road trip tribute

2011-08-21T11:07:00.001-07:00

I only remember driving west on I-80 once in my life when we went to Elko to visit Aunt Tammy and Uncle Brad when I was 10 or so. Who knew that there was so much to see between Provo and Chico?! I'm grateful mom came to help me drive across the desert. She didn't think twice about helping me get to California. She is always eager to make her kids' lives easier.

The tree of life statue of which you aren't supposed to pull over to take pictures. It disrupts traffic.

Will Wendover! There are actually quite a few places to pull over and take pictures of this guy. Or, like the truck behind us, just stop in the middle of the road. There isn't much traffic to disrupt.

My sweet mom. We got checked into the hotel in Reno and went down to eat at the restaurant. Picture this: 10 oz steak, fresh sauteed squash and zucchini, baja rice (mmmm!) a salad, rolls and three different flavors of lemonade (mango, strawberry and pomegranate). The waitress kept complimenting us for looking so much alike and for liking our steaks cooked the same way. What can I say? My mom has good taste. I can't argue with that.

I balanced the camera on a banister and ran down to meet my mom at this sign because we thought it was funny. You can't count on the balance of a staircase full of drunk, depressed, gamblers. The hotel had to post it twice.

Neither of us gambled. We beat the system. My mom is wise and frugal.
Instead of throwing away our quarters and nickles, we went to the Reno temple. The grounds were beautiful and we were pleasantly surprised when we found a group of bunnies hopping around on the grass. Cute little guys! We went back the next morning to attend a session and on the drive up we found a lot of roadkill bunny marks. That was sad. But I'm glad my mom wanted to go to the temple. She's the best example of diligent temple attendance I know.

This was at a scenic pull-out. Look how scenic! I don't know if I've ever seen the Sierra Nevadas before, but this drive over the mountain was beautiful. It was especially nice after having driven across so much desert.
We got to stop for a little while at Lake Tahoe to skip some stones and get our feet wet. Mom had printed out directions to get to each place we wanted to visit so navigating our way to these new places was really easy. She's great at making plans and preparations.

A town with 9 exits! My new town. We were excited to finally reach our destination and figure out where my new apartment is. Victory!

Here it is! Our spacious kitchen and living area, my room is the door on the right. We have a great air conditioner (my favorite feature). Mom helped me get settled in and bought me everything I need to make myself comfortable. I think the majority of moms are thoughtful, but my mom made this whole move so easy for me. Thank you so much mom. I love you!

Summer Summary

2011-08-21T10:52:00.000-07:00

I might be among the most blessed people on earth. This summer internship was an amazing learning experience and a really fun adventure. Most of my time was spent here: the Ripple Rock Nature Center.

This was my first day there by myself. It was also the day that Loa Elementary brought 30-something kindergarteners to visit. It is also where I gave my Jr. Geology program everyday. I hadn't ever witnessed a flash flood before coming to the park. Smelly suckers!

There is a great, big relief map in the Visitor Center where I had to give geology talks to visitors once in a while. The sponge in my hands is supposed to represent uplift.
And then I left my internship for 10 days to go hiking in Hawaii. This is the Na'pali coast, one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

Some hiking buddies/people with passions. Chloe, on the left taught me a lot about Astronomy and Allie, on the right, helped me become interested in botany.

Strike Two

2011-07-13T15:21:00.001-07:00

There is a region of the park called Cathedral Valley that I have attempted to see twice now. The first time was during training, but cut short because it was muddy after a rainstorm. We didn't make it too far.
This time, I went on a patrol with Kyle. I'll let these pictures speak for themselves:

Flood Watch

2011-07-13T07:18:00.000-07:00

We have had sweet rainstorms all week. I guess I am fascinated with the power of the earth and its different elements because watching the Fremont River flash flood, ephemeral waterfalls pouring off the sides of cliffs and mudslides that cover the highway really mesmerize me.
Unfortunately, the rain and wind has knocked tons of our apricots to the ground only to be trampled upon by high sighted pickers. Watching them go to waste is disheartening, but I can't eat them all. I'd get cobbledeewobbles!

Slacklining

2011-07-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

I have been very neglectful of updating my technological spaces. Apologies.
Yesterday, my new roommate Chelsea pulled out her slackline and we enjoyed the cool evening air, the brilliant western tanangers, our grassy, deer-frequented backyard and a hot cup of noodles.
Balance, I suppose, is what I'm supposed to be learning here. Keeping your eyes fixed on the goal keeps your feet moving in the right direction. Flexing your muscles and feeling strange tension from muscles you never knew existed. Fighting ourselves until we work in unity. Progress being measured by small steps and learning to turn around when there is nothing left for me in one direction. Learning to be flexible when I want to be strong and firm. Cheering on the success of a new friend.
This is how I imagined this summer would be.

Capitol Reef Beginnings

2011-05-18T17:34:00.000-07:00

I'm really grateful I thought to pack some things:
Sheets
A Blanket
Soap

Toilet paper
Guitar
Plastic cup and spoon
Not knowing what the housing situation would be like (and thinking it would be more supplied than it actually is) I wish I would have brought:
Sheets that fit a queen bed
Another blanket/found the thermostat before 3am
A towel
Other kitchen supplies
A pillow

Luckily I'll be up in civilization tomorrow and I can pick those little details up.

My bed in Loa

Well, yesterday Andrea came to Kelly Anderson's home to pick me up for my first day of training. Word slowly spread to all the employees about my car trouble and everyone was really kind to me. (It's nice to start with plenty of pity) Andrea took me back to Loa at 5:30, after our training and Robert had my car all fixed :) He said just to watch the gauge better and to not drive without fluids - Ever. I accepted. It drives fine.

Interestingly, it cost exactly the same amount to repair as the reimbursement I got from my online classes yesterday.
Then I went to the Loa grocery store. It's quaint.

On my way to my new residence I decided to stop and do a couple of quick hikes on the West end of the park.

Gnarly!

Goosenecks Hike

When I finally got back to the park/my new house I walked in the unlocked front door to find my keys and a GIANT house all to myself. It even has a coin operated washer and drier.

My two-refrigerator kitchen

Usually there are 6 seasonal workers here, but so far, it's just me. It was kind of scary to be in this new place all alone last night, so I stayed up playing guitar for a while, it's a nice distraction.
Because no one has been living in this house for a while the thermostat was set at 55 degrees. I fixed it.. . eventually.

Not as cushy as Loa

(sorry its sideways BenGaines)

No one gets cell phone reception down here. And when my phone doesn't have service it doesn't even show what time it is. Luckily the sun has gotten me up on time thus far. There is also no internet in the housing, like I'd thought. So, I may or may not be connected to someone's unsecured network right now. I hope that will be here all summer.
Training has been fun. The days are packed with presentations from park service people from every division. We went on a historic tour today to start learning the basics of the buildings and the orchards which was really fun and really interesting. The families that settled Fruita had such a tough life. It really is remarkable that this little town lasted as long as it did.
I keep getting the impression that learning to live a self-sufficient life is going to be key for our generation and it's something that is definitely not appreciated enough.
Maybe the simplicity of life I learned in Africa will combine with a new self-sufficient lifestyle and I will be able to survive the robot-zombie apocalypse that is sure to come.

Good Samaritan: Jan Anderson

2011-05-18T17:28:00.003-07:00

I could only persuade the car to go about 45 mph up the mountains before Loa. The last big climb was a struggle that turned into major overheating and the spewing of much white smoke from under the hood. Luckily, there was a shoulder there at the top of the climb where I pulled off, regained acceleration when I pushed on the gas, and then decided to park and see what had happened. Grateful for the safe location I popped the hood, saw that the green antifreeze had splattered everywhere and that the radiator cap was missing. It was pretty hot, to say the least.
I hadn't noticed that the hot-gauge had been put high on the "H" while I'd been driving.
So, I took a little walk, thinking maybe I'd find the cap and be able to put things back together. I'd already drunk my water bottle and didn't have anything to put in the radiator to help it cool off. So, I left the hood up and let the wind (7,500ft elevation) cool it down a little bit while I tried to think. My phone doesn't have any service out here. I knew I wasn't too far from Loa. But I wasn't sure anything would be open at 730pm.
I went back to the car, it looked a lot cooler, and decided to start it up --see what would happen. It started, but it was still hot on my gauge. I decided to keep my hazard lights flashing a go on a little ways to see how it would do. I got to the next shoulder when a pickup truck came down the road behind me. I waved him down and told him what I was looking at. He didn't have any water, but told me he would take a look at it. (Nice man, about 70, I imagine). He told me the road was all downhill from there to Loa and that I could probably coast it in without overworking the engine. He followed me into town where we stopped at a Texaco. The mechanics had all gone home for the night, but the lady at the counter pulled out the phone book looking up AAA assistance. My escort started spouting off names of mechanics in the area and asked the lady if they would still be around or open this late. She agreed that we should go down the street to Robert Brian's Napa store. Mr. Robert lives right next door to his business, so Jan Anderson (my guide), had me follow him in his truck (I mostly coasted) to Robert's house where he showed up about a minute after we had. He opened up the store and looked up radiator caps in his computer. He had one. So, we went out to the car, he loaded a couple of liters of antifreeze into the radiator until it started smoking again. He said it was too hot to do anything with tonight and that I'd have to come back for it tomorrow. Jan said that was no problem, he had me get a few things out of my suitcase and took me to his brother's house down the street.
He had planned on putting in some sprinklers on his acre lot down here today (sorry!) so I offered to help him put that together since I didn't have to rush off anywhere. He seemed excited to have a helper. But he had to pick up something from his brother's house first.
We walked into his brother's house to find his sister-in-law Sherri shampooing the carpet in one of the guest bedrooms. Jan scared her and then introduced me and hinted that I'd need a place to stay for the night. She said that wouldn't be any problem at all. I met Kerry, Jan's brother, out in the garage working on his 4-wheeler. He was surprised to see me, but offered me a room for the night as soon as he heard what the story was. Kerry and Sherri live across the street from Joann, a park ranger at Capitol Reef, who just so happens to drive the park van around every morning to pick people up to take them to the park. So Jan and I went over to introduce ourselves to her and see if we could carpool in the morning to my training. Joann and her husband are fantastic. She welcomed us right in, listened to the dilemma and offered to take me into the park at 6:45am. I was fine with the offer, but the van leaves the park at 4:30 and I would be stranded yet again. She made a couple of phone calls and got in touch with a girl named Andrea who worked at the visitor's center last summer and who will be doing it again this year. Andrea will pick me up tomorrow morning at 7:15 to take me to the training and will bring me back to Loa (she lives here) at 5pm so I can pick up the car.
By this time it is dark and cold, so we didn't get to the sprinklers. But, Sherri made a nice, big pot of soup and showed me to one of the guest rooms where I will be staying tonight. I'm actually sitting on the bed right now writing this to you. They are such nice people. It's just been a series of tender mercies tonight.
I feel pretty dumb for not noticing the Hot gauge and I'm nervous about getting back to the scholarship dinner on Thursday, but Robert will tell me the situation tomorrow. Ironically, I feel empowered by all of this. It's been a great experience and I'm accepting the fact that I'm not in charge of everything going on in my life right now. I feel calm and patient and well taken care of. These people are so kind.
Anyway, I love you both very much. I will only have internet from here on out, I assume, so write me whenever you find a minute. But know that I'm safe, even though I haven't reached my destination yet.
Em

The Fourth Missionary

2011-05-14T17:33:00.000-07:00

"The Fourth Missionary"

By Lawrence E. Corbridge

June 22, 2002

Objective: Show missionaries who they can become and why?

This is a talk that President Lawrence E. Corbridge gave as a mission president in 2002. It was a document emphasized and studied in my mission in Chile where Corbridge was recently called as the area president. I wanted to put it up here because I told Thad I would bring home a copy of it. On the copies we received in Spanish there is a lot of bolding and underlining, but I'll let you mark your own.

It's got a great message, but I find it quite restrictive and narrow when I think of missionaries I've known in my life.

Be the Fourth Missionary

Missionary	#1	#2	#3	#4
Characteristics	-Disobedient -He does what he wants to do -Goes home early	-Disobedient -He does what he wants to do -Serves entire mission	-Obedient and worthy. -Does his duty. -Serves faithfully, but withholds his heart. -He does what the Lord wants, but he wants to do what he wants to do. -Sacrifices his will for the Lord’s will. -May strive to be the best. -Measures success by comparison.	-Obedient and worthy. -Total surrender. -Consecrates himself. -Charity. -Disciple of Christ. -Measure of success from within. -His predominant desire is to do what the Lord wants him to do.
Consequences	-Either sent home or returns home. -The good that he would have otherwise done goes undone (fruit) -Forgoes development. -Shame and misery. -Impairment of faith. -Hard to fit in. -Inactivity or unproductive activity in the church. -Is not changed by mission.	-The good that he would have otherwise done goes undone (fruit). -Forgoes development. -Regret. -Impairment of faith. -Misery. -Is not changed by mission.	-Does great good (fruit). -Enjoys the Spirit. -Has faith. -Conforms his behavior. -Frustration and discontent. -Gains little or no knowledge. -Is not changed by mission	-Does great good (fruit). -Enjoys the Spirit. -Has faith. -Nature changed. -Content and happy. -Benefits immensely from and is changed by mission. -Gains great knowledge. -Redeemed.

1.Introduction

Occasionally we learn something that has a profound influence in our lives. This can be one of those times. If you understand and become the Fourth Missionary, it will change your life. What I have to say to you is not hard to do, but it will change your life, if you apply it. I promise you that.

The characteristics of the Fourth Missionary are among the most important things you will learn while on your mission. If you acquire these characteristics you will be happy, you will have peace of mind, and your knowledge, capacities and talents will expand. If you acquire the characteristics of the Fourth Missionary godly virtues will become a part of you, and the service that you render will change you.

If you don't understand what I have to say, or if you don't apply it, you may live a righteous life, you may do much good, and yet live in quiet frustration and discontent. The good that you do, and the service that you render, will do you little good. The virtues of godliness will not be incorporated into your soul.
What I have to say is based on the doctrines of faith, charity and consecration. As we talk about the four kinds of missionaries, please understand that I mean no disrespect to the sisters by

generally using the masculine pronoun, rather than the awkward form of "he or she". These principles, of course, apply to all missionaries regardless of gender.

2.Vision

You have a choice. You can decide what kind of missionary you will be. More importantly, you can choose what kind of person you will become. Do you think about that? Do you think about and plan for who you want to become? Your life's greatest work is you!

As you entered the mission field you concluded one phase of life and began another. To this point many of you have had the protection and close support of family and church leaders and teachers. Now you have moved into a new phase of life on your own. You are essentially on your own. From this point on, you are wholly responsible for what you do and most importantly for who you become. For the most part, your life is yet ahead of you. What will you do with it? What will be your greatest work? What will be your most important creation?

I will tell you. Your greatest work: your most important creation is and will ever be you. What kind of person will you become? By this I do not mean what role in life will you take. I don't mean will you be a cowboy, lawyer, surfer, homemaker, engineer, computer programmer, accountant or the like. I do not refer to what kind of car you will drive; what kind of clothes you will wear; what kind of house you will live in; what kind of spouse you will marry or what kind of family will you raise. I mean, when all of that is removed and there you stand alone, who will you be? I mean, you.

What personality will you have; what strengths; what knowledge; what character; what emotional state; what presence; what qualities; what virtues? What will you look like? What will you sound like? What will it be like to be around you? Who will you be?

Envision and plan for your greatest work.

We plan many things in life. We each live in a house that was built from a plan. Someone first envisioned the house in his mind and a plan was then put to paper. One of my sons had a poster picture of a Porsche Carrera on his bedroom wall. It is a beautiful creation. The lines
and symmetry of its design make it a work of art in the opinion of some. That car began somewhere, sometime ago in someone's head. First, someone saw it in his mind and then put it to paper. Someone envisioned it; then plans were prepared, the work was done, and a beautiful car was created.

Some of you have carefully planned your education. You carefully planned your course

selections over these past several years with a view toward college admissions and intended occupations. All of you at some point made a plan to serve a mission, you followed that plan and here you are. Now, hopefully all of you plan the appointments, activities and goals of each day and week.

We plan many things in life. But, have you planned your greatest work? Have you envisioned who you will become? Do you plan for what kind of person you want to become? Can you see in your mind who you want to be? Do you know?

The choices
As you consider what kind of person you want to become, what choices do you have? The choices are more limited than what you might think. Here are most of the choices, but overall they are a choice between the qualities of light or the qualities of darkness:
Do you want to be powerful or weak?
Certain and confident, or afraid and insecure?
Comfortable with your self or arrogant and abrasive?
Do you want to be filled with light or darkness?
Do you want to have peace or conflict within?
Selfish or generous?
Influential or inconsequential?
Do you want to be free or be a slave?
Happy or miserable?
Do you want to be kind and loving, or mean and cruel?
Honest or dishonest?
Do you want to be forgiving or hard and unforgiving?
Knowledgeable or ignorant?
Do you want to be a person of faith or doubt and fear?
Trustworthy or unreliable?
Hardworking or lazy?
Do you want to be cheerful or despondent?
The first of each of these choices is an attribute of light. They are incorporated into your character
as you choose to follow Christ.

Dynamic process; always changing

As you consider the question of what kind of person you will become, you must understand the dynamic process of life. You not only can change but you do change all of the time. Sometimes people do not believe this. They excuse their failures and weaknesses by saying: "That's just the way I am." "I am just short tempered, impatient person." I can't get up in the morning. That's just the way I am." "That's my nature." Or, "I'm just shy. That's all. That's just who I am." "I am not really a spiritual person."

To believe that weaknesses and deficiencies in your character are unchangeable is to reject the central truth of the plan of salvation. You are not cast in stone. You not only can change but you do change all of the time. You are a dynamic, changing, evolving being. You are always changing. You never stay the same. You cannot stand still.

You are right now the sum total of what you have thought, said, seen, heard and done. What you think, say, do, hear and see, cause you to change; to change for good or evil; to become either stronger or weaker; to either internalize the qualities of light or the qualities of darkness. You are responsible for who you are and you are responsible for who you will become. Do you know what kind of person you want to become? Do you see in your mind who you want to be? Do you know?

What manner of men ought ye to be?

Jesus asked a similar question. He said: "What manner of men ought ye to be?" On this particular occasion he was speaking to his Nephite disciples and so he spoke in the male gender, but the question applies to us all, and so, He asks of you: "What manner of men and women ought ye to be?" Then answering His own question he said, "Even as I am." Jesus Christ not only came to atone for our sins; He also came to show us the way. He is the Way. You not only may become like Him; everything is stacked in your favor to become like Him.

Think of this life as a path on which you never stand still. As you move forward, you incorporate into your being the characteristics and qualities of God. As you move backward you assimilate the qualities of Satan.

Every challenge you face, every hard thing you confront, every bad thing that happens to you, every unfairness, every conflict, every sadness, tragedy, every disappointment and heartache, every temptation and every opposition happens for one purpose only: to give you opportunity to respond by applying in your life the teachings of Jesus. As you do so you are changed to become more like Him.

If you were never presented with some advantage to be gained by dishonesty, such as
recognition, or money, or a better grade on a test or avoidance of punishment or embarrassment, you could never develop integrity. If no one ever offended you, you could never learn to forgive or internalize mercy. Were you never wearied by the annoying behavior of another or the repeated failures of someone else you could never become patient. Were you never subjected to the appetites and passions of the physical body for food, for water and for sexual fulfillment you could not develop self mastery. Without opposition the plan would be frustrated, you could not progress and the purpose of life would be unachievable.

In short when you choose to follow Christ you move forward and assimilate attributes of light; when you do not, you move backward and acquire attributes of darkness. Can you see, have you seen, who you want to be? What will happen if you don't plan. What will happen if you have no vision of who you want to become?

There are two ways of evolving: deliberately and accidentally. You can either decide who you want to become and deliberately work toward that end, or you can just go with the flow and become whatever life makes of you. In that event, you will become whatever the fickle circumstances and forces of life and society will make of you; whatever is currently considered to be popular or in; whatever is easiest. But, whatever you become accidentally it will not be nearly the full measure of our potential. You will become just someone, somewhere in the middle.

There are four kinds of missionaries. The way of the Fourth Missionary is the only way to
become more like Jesus Christ. The way of the Fourth Missionary is the only way to light, intelligence, strength, capacity, peace, contentment, grace, knowledge, power, happiness, mercy, joy and every other good thing.

3. The First missionary
a. Characteristics

Disobedient

The First Missionary is disobedient. He does not keep the commandments of God, much less the
mission rules. He does what he wants to do.

He generally does what he wants to do. He likes the idea that he is independent and does things his own way. He thinks that the obedient missionaries are weak. He sees himself as a bit of a rebel, a free thinker and he likes the idea that he is not like them.

b. Consequences

Sent home or returns home at his own insistence.

The First Missionary does not complete his mission. He fails. He either is sent home because of
his disobedience, or he returns home at his own insistence.
The good he would have otherwise done, goes undone.

The good that this missionary could have done, goes undone, at least by him. The fruit of his service is not harvested, at least by him. Those who would have been changed by his service, go
unchanged, at least by him.

Forgoes the personal development that he otherwise would have experienced.

Remember that I said to think of this life as a path on which you never stand still. As you move forward, you incorporate into your being the characteristics and qualities of God. As you move backward you assimilate the qualities of Satan. The first missionary goes backward. He moves in the wrong direction. He forgoes the light, knowledge, strength, intelligence and virtues that would otherwise have been his, and instead develops the qualities of darkness.

Shame

He may think that the good life awaits his return, but when he returns there is only shame to greet
him.

Impairment of faith

The First Missionary cannot have faith. Joseph Smith taught in the Lectures on Faith that three things are necessary in order for a person to draw down into his life this power that we call faith. "First, the idea that (God) actually exists. Secondly, a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes. Thirdly, an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to his will."

The First Missionary cannot have faith because although he may correctly believe in God. he cannot believe in himself. He cannot know "that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to God's will" because it isn't. As a result he cannot exercise faith anymore than Laman and Lemuel could.

That is why, when Nephi asked Laman and Lemuel if they had inquired of the Lord, they
responded: "We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us." (2 Nephi l5:8-9). You
know what? They were right. Not that the Lord refused them; rather, they could not have faith sufficient to get an answer because they did not know and could not know that the course they were pursuing was pleasing to God, because it wasn't. They were going in the wrong direction.

Do you understand that if you are not doing what the Lord would have you do, you cannot
believe in yourself; you cannot believe that you are worthy to receive God's help and guidance in your life? You cannot have faith to pull down the blessings of heaven into your life.

The First Missionary cannot have faith. Not because he does not believe in God; rather, because he cannot believe in himself.

Does not fit in. Inactivity or diminished activity in Church.

After this missionary returns home he feels like he does not fit in. It is hard for him to remain active in the Church. Every sacrament meeting that involves a missionary farewell or report, he is reminded of and haunted by his failure. He feels like he does not measure up and that he never will. He typically becomes inactive, or is relatively unproductive in his involvement in the Church because of his lack of faith; because he does not believe in himself.

4.The Second Missionary.
a.Characteristics.

Disobedient

Like the First, the Second Missionary is also disobedient. He does not keep the commandments of God, or the mission rules.

He does what he wants to do.

He also does what he wants to do.

Serves the entire term of his mission.

Although the Second Missionary is disobedient, he makes it to the end of his mission without being sent home, or without going home at his own insistence.

b.Consequences.

The good he would have otherwise done, goes undone.

This missionary is ineffective; in fact, he is counterproductive. The good that this missionary could otherwise have done, goes undone, because he is not worthy of the Spirit of the Holy Ghost, and without the Spirit he can do no good. The fruit of his service is not harvested, at least by him. Those who would have been changed by his service, go unchanged, at least by him.

Forgoes the personal development that he otherwise would have experienced.

Like the First, the Second Missionary goes backward. He moves foolishly in the wrong direction. He foolishly forgoes the light, knowledge, strength, intelligence and virtues that otherwise would have been his, and instead he assimilates the qualities of darkness.

Regret

Although the Second Missionary completes his mission, he fails as well. True, he does not have the public shame that the First Missionary has, but he is ashamed in his heart. He looks back on two years of service with regret. The legacy of his mission is regret. He gives two years of his life in exchange for which he gets regret. What a bad bargain!

Impairment of faith

The Second Missionary cannot have faith anymore than the First. He cannot know "that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to God's will" because it isn't. If you are not doing what the Lord would have you do, you cannot believe in yourself; you cannot believe that you are worthy to receive God's help and guidance in your life. You cannot have faith to pull down the blessings of heaven into your life. The Second Missionary cannot have faith. Not because he does not believe in God; rather, because he does not believe in himself.

Misery

The Second Missionary is miserable. As Alma taught his son Corianton, "...wickedness never was happiness." Not now, not ever. It cannot be. The Second Missionary is miserable and will always be so, until he chooses to turn around and move in the opposite direction.

Does not benefit personally from mission.

This missionary does little good and does not benefit from his mission even though he makes it to the end. He drags down his companions and other missionaries around him. He wastes his time and the time of those who have to tend him. The First and Second Missionaries require most of the time and attention of the mission president and mission leaders, and yet benefit the least from it.

5. The Third Missionary.
a.Characteristics

Obedient and worthy

The Third Missionary is obedient and faithful. He is worthy.

Does his duty; serves faithfully, but withholds in his heart.

Among those who are obedient, there are two ways to live the gospel, or to serve in the Church: the hard way and the easy way. These two ways are represented by the Third and Fourth Missionaries. The way of the Fourth Missionary is actually, in the end, easier.

The hard way, is the way of the Third Missionary. He lives the gospel, and serves in the Church, with what I call the "bite-the-bullet" approach, the "grin-and-bear-it" or "gut-it-out" approach. He is obedient and he does what he is supposed to do. He does his duty. He gets through it and then. at long last. he gets about doing what he wants to do. That is the Third Missionary.

The Lord has admonished: "Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day." D & C 4:2. The Third Missionary serves only with his might and strength, but he withholds his heart and mind.

He does what the Lord wants him to do, but he wants to do what he wants to do.

The Third Missionary does what he is supposed to do, but he doesn't like it, because he wants to get through with what he is supposed to do, so he can get about doing what he wants to do. He does what the Lord wants him to do, but in his heart he remains focused on what he wants to do. In his head and in his heart, he withholds. In his head and in his heart he is not true. He is conflicted. He is frustrated that the gospel and the Church are forever calling on him to do things that he does not want to do. There is a constant tension, a constant conflict internally, between what he wants to do and what the Lord wants him to do. There is a constant struggle between the natural man and his divine nature. He gives his time, energy and talents to the work well enough, but
he does not give himself He does not give his head, or his heart.

Sacrifices his will for the Lord's will.

The Third Missionary admirably sacrifices his will for the Lord's will.

Measures his success by comparison to others.

This missionary generally measures his success by recognition and comparisons of his performance in relation to others. He may even strive to be the best missionary in the mission, better than everyone else, but he wonders why people don't acknowledge and reward his service and sacrifice more.

b.Consequences. What are the consequences that flow from the Third Missionary's service?

Does great good. Fruitful missionary.

The Third Missionary is a successful missionary as measured by the transformation that occurs in the lives of other people. By his service and sacrifice the Lord accomplishes His purposes and many lives are changed. Many people are baptized as a result of his labors.

Enjoys the Spirit of the Lord.

He is blessed with the Spirit of the Holy Ghost that others may be blessed. He receives the Spirit to find and teach with convincing power those who are prepared to accept the gospel. But although he is given power to bless others, that same Spirit does not in turn prove to have much effect upon him personally.

Changes his behavior.

While the Third Missionary changes his behavior, his character or nature does not change. He adapts his behavior to conform to the rules of the mission and to the commandments of God. His nature or character, however, is not changed to become more like the Lord.

Frustration. Discontent.

Although the Third Missionary is obedient, he is frustrated, discontented and at times resentful, because of the internal conflict between what he wants to do and what he is supposed to do.

He is like a person described by the Christian author C.S. Lewis, who is honest and dutifully pays his taxes hoping that there will be enough money left over for him to live on and to use as he wants, afterward. "As long as we are thinking that way, one or other of two results is likely to follow. Either we give up trying to be good, or else we become very unhappy indeed. For, make no mistake: if you are really going to try to meet all the demands made on the natural self, it will not have enough left over to live on. The more you obey your conscience, the more your conscience will demand of you. And your natural self, which is thus being starved and hampered and worried at every turn, will get angrier and angrier. In the end you will either give up trying to be good, or else become one of those people who, as they say, 'live for others' but always in a discontented,
grumbling way-always wondering why the others do not notice it more and always making a martyr of yourself."(Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis, p. 167).

Contentment, peace of mind and happiness are always just out of reach, ahead of him. All the while he labors he thinks and wishes that things could be the way they used to be, snow boarding or wake boarding, or with his friends, or girl friend, or driving his car back home, instead of tracting along a hot and dusty street 3:00 o'clock in the afternoon. Little does he know that things can't be, and will never be, the way they used to be. Life is always changing; it never stays the same. All the while he labors he thinks that he will be happy and content when he is transferred, or when he gets a new companion, or when P-day comes, or when he is made a senior companion, or district leader, or particularly when he completes his mission and returns home. He thinks that he
will be happy when he can get done with what he is supposed to do and finally do what he wants to do. Little does he know that actually he is choosing to never be happy at all.

Does not benefit personally from mission.

Here is the heart of this talk. Here is what you must understand. Although the Third Missionary does great good, the good that he does, does not benefit him personally. How can this be? This curious phenomenon of not benefiting personally from one's service and sacrifice, is described in some of the most beautiful and profound passages of scripture. Turn to 1 Corinthians 13.

1. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

These beautiful passages of scripture seem to say that even if one has great capacities, gifts and talents, such as the gift of eloquence, the gift of prophesy, the gifts of knowledge and faith, and yet if his heart is not right, if he does not have charity, he is nothing.

Moses saw God face to face, experienced His presence, saw the workmanship of God's hands, felt and witnessed His greatness and glory, and when it was all over, he said: "Now; for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed." (Moses 1:10). Could it be that in comparison to the greatness and glory of God, Moses saw that man in his weakness is nothing?

Mormon described this same condition of spirit when he described many of the Nephite people living at the time of Christ's birth: "Behold, they do not desire that the Lord their God, who hath created them, should rule and reign over them; notwithstanding his great goodness and his mercy towards them, and they do set at naught his counsels, and they will not that he should be their guide. O how great is the nothingness of the children of men..." (Hel. 12:6-7).

Ammon said: "... I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things..." (Alma 26: 12).

The Lord also revealed to Joseph Smith, that without faith, hope and charity we can do nothing. "And if you have not faith, hope, and charity, you can do nothing." (DC 18:19).

More importantly, these verses in Corinthians that speak of "charity" say that even if you give all of your goods to feed the poor, even if you give your body to be burned, lay down your life for the truth, if your heart is not right, you will not profit by it. Good will be done, the poor will be fed, and the truth defended, but the good that you do, will do you no good, unless your heart is right. Unless you have charity..

Probably no one has taught this sobering truth more clearly than Moroni. He said: For behold, God hath said a man being evil (heart) cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift

(two years of service), or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him
nothing. For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness. For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God. And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such. (Moroni 7:6-9). (See also Moroni 10:4.)

This is kind of discouraging news! How can this be? Surely this can't really be true. Aren't we to be judged by our works, and if our works are good, will there not be blessings poured out upon us? Isn't that a basic tenet of the gospel?

The answers to these questions, are to be found in understanding what it means to "profit" from our good works and what is the central blessing of mortality.

The purpose and central blessing of life is change. It is to be changed to become more like Jesus Christ. It is to incorporate into your character, the qualities of His character. It is to move from one degree of intelligence and capacity to the next, and from there to the next, until you see God face to face and know Him as He knows you.

(Holding up the scriptures)...none of this makes much difference unless it gets inside of you. All of this is only marks on pieces of paper bound together in leather; it has no intrinsic value, unless it becomes you. The purpose and essential blessing of life is to be changed to become more like the Lord, to realize the full measure of your divine potential.

This process of change, this process of evolving, becoming, is the object of the gospel. Change is the design of faith in Christ, repentance and baptism. Redemptive change happens by the power of the Holy Ghost. But it happens only if and when your heart is right. It happens only if you do not fight against God. It happens only if you unconditionally surrender your will to the Lord.

Maybe more than anyone, Alma had much to say about the relationship between the heart, good works and prosperity. Alma explained to his son Corianton what he called "the law of restoration". He said that if your works are good and the desires of your hearts are good, you will be "restored to that which is good", or in other words you will "profit" as Paul said, or benefit from the good that you do. (Alma 41 :3-6)

3. And it is requisite with the justice of God that men should be judged according to their works; and if their works were good in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at the last day, be restored unto that which is good.
4. And if their works are evil they shall be restored unto them for evil. Therefore, all things shall be
restored to their proper order, every thing to its natural frame- mortality raised to immortality, corruption to incorruption-raised to endless happiness to inherit the kingdom of God, or to endless misery to inherit the kingdom of the devil, the one on one hand, the other on the other-
5. The one raised to happiness according to his desires of happiness, or good according to his desires of good; and the other to evil according to his desires of evil; for as he has desired to do evil all the day long even so shall he have his reward of evil when the night cometh.
6. And so it is on the other hand. If he hath repented of his sins, and desired righteousness until the end of his days, even so he shall be rewarded unto righteousness.
Again, Alma said:
"...for I know that he (God) granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction...he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience." (Alma 29:4-5).

In these verses Alma essentially says that you will get what you want. If you want a "mess of pottage"then that is all you will get. If you want light, intelligence, strength, capacity, peace, contentment, grace, knowledge, power, happiness, mercy, joy and every other good thing, then you may have those too. It is up to you. Whatever you want. You cannot be spiritually changed against your will. It is contrary to agency. It is also contrary to the nature of things. It just can't happen.
Alma also said to Corianton:
11. And now my son, all men that are in a state of nature, or I would say in a carnal state...they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness.

12. And now behold, is the meaning of the word restoration to take a thing of a natural state and place it in an unnatural state, or to place it in a state opposite to its nature?

Don't misunderstand Alma's language. Don't misunderstand his use of the word "nature". Don't think that "nature" means the way you are forevermore. That is a vicious and false doctrine. It is contrary to the true doctrine of hope. The truth is that our nature can change. That is what this is all about. You may permit the Lord to change your nature if you give yourself to Him and to His work. He cannot work on what he does not have, and He cannot have you, unless you give yourself to Him.

As Alma says, happiness is the product of righteous works and righteous desires, desiring to do what the Lord would have you do. If your secret, heartfelt desires are rather to do what you want to do, rather than what the Lord wants for you, you will not be happy, and you will not profit from even your good works, because you will be in a state that is "contrary to the nature of happiness". You can't be in a condition or state that is opposite to your nature. You can't be in a state of happiness, whether now or in the eternities, if you don't want to do the things that lead to happiness, even if you do those very things. Do you hear this? You can't be happy if you don't want to do the things that lead to happiness, even if you do those very things.

Mormon recorded that the more humble part of the people in the day of Helaman and his sons, Nephi and Lehi:

...did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God. (Helaman 3:35)

Do you see. how important the desires of your heart are? You can do the very things that should produce happiness. but if you are all the time fighting them within. if you are all the time wishing. and hoping and wanting to do your own thing, you will not be happy, because your state, your frame of mind, will not be conducive to happiness. Your frame of mind will be contrary to the nature of happiness, and it will be for you as though you never did those good things at all.

Your world is in your head. Get your head right and your heart will follow, and you will be right. Another example of this same principle is found in Section 58 of the Doctrine and Covenants,

verse 29:
But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful
heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned.

Again, one might think this a bit odd. Here is one who does what he is commanded to do. He is after all, obedient, and yet he is damned. Why? Primarily, because his heart is not right. He thinks his way is better, and so he has a doubtful heart, and he is damned. Does "damned" mean condemned to hell? No, it means that he does not progress. He is not changed to become more like the Lord because his heart is not right. As Paul said his good works "...profit him nothing."

In a similar vein Paul also taught in 2 Corinthians 9:6:

6. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity:
for God loveth a cheerful giver.

I remember when I first came across this scripture. It must have been a bad day, or worse yet maybe my heart was in a bad way. I remember thinking, "Oh man! It isn't enough that I give and give and give, but now I have to smile when I do it, or it's not any good? What's next? Life blood?" That is how Missionary Number 3 thinks. Resentment.

Why does God love and want us to become cheerful givers? Is it that He doesn't want any grumps in His house? No, it isn't that He wants a house full of happy campers. Rather it is that you can't be changed to become like him against your will.

It comes as no surprise that the disobedient missionaries, the First and Second Missionaries, are not changed. It is not surprising that they do not incorporate into their character, the qualities of godliness. But it may be surprising and even disturbing that the Third Missionary does not change either. After all he is faithful and obedient. The Third Missionary is valiant and he does much good. But do you see that in his head and in his heart he fights God, just like the First and Second Missionaries do?

It isn't that God withholds this great blessing of change from the First, Second and Third Missionaries. Rather it is that they refuse to accept it. They cannot be spiritually changed against their will. It is contrary to the law of agency, free choice.

Alma also said to Corianton, that we may partake of the waters of life freely and be satisfied, if we choose to, but if we don't want it we will not be compelled to drink. "Therefore, O my son, whosoever will come may come and partake of the waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come the same is not compelled to come..." (Alma 42:27) .

It is up to you. You cannot be changed to become more like God, if within your heart you fight against God; if within your heart you resist, resent and hold fast to what you rather would do.

Gains little or no knowledge.

Alma also said that those who "harden their hearts" learn very little.

And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know
nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell. (Alma 12:11)

Although the Third Missionary does the Lord's will, his heart is hardened against it. As a result he learns little. It is not that God necessarily withholds knowledge from the Third Missionary; rather it is that so long as he fights against the Lord in his heart, he is not in a condition to receive it.

6. The Fourth Missionary.
a. Characteristics.

As we begin to talk about the differences between the Fourth Missionary and the others it is important that you not put him on a high pedestal. It is important that you not think of him as nearly perfect, just short of exaltation. It is important that you not think the characteristics of this missionary are beyond your reach. It is absolutely critical that you know, that each one of you knows, that you can be the Fourth Missionary. In fact, the way of the Fourth Missionary is in the end, easier.

He is not perfect. He has weaknesses. He struggles and may have his times of sorrow, disappointment and discouragement. He is a lot like the Third Missionary. There really is only one small difference between the two. But although the difference is slight, the consequences are enormous.

What are the characteristics of the Fourth Missionary?

Obedient and worthy

Like the Third Missionary, he is obedient and worthy.

Total and unconditional surrender

Unlike the Third Missionary, the way of the Fourth Missionary is what I call "unconditional surrender". In addition to giving his time, talents and energy to the Lord, the Fourth Missionary gives himself. He gives his will to the Lord. He surrenders all of his desires, his dreams, his wishes to the Lord. In his heart and in his head he lets go of what he wants to do. His wants to do the Lord's will.

Paraphrasing C.S. Lewis the Lord says to us: "Give me all. I don't want so much of your time, so much of your talents and money, and so much of your work: I want You. All of you. I have not come to torment or frustrate the natural man. but to kill it. No half-measures will do. I don't want to only prune a branch here and another there; rather, I want the whole tree out. Hand it all over to me, the whole outfit, all of your desires, all of your wants and wishes and dreams. Turn them all over to me, give yourself to me and I will make of you a new self in my image. Give me yourself and in exchange I will give you Myself. My will, shall become your will. My heart, shall become your heart." (Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis, p. 167)

Let me be clear that I am not talking just about giving up evil desires, but rather all of your desires, all of your wants and wishes and dreams, whether good or evil. All of it together. For example, I desire to provide for my family; I want to be with my sons when they get married; I would like to be with my parents in their last years; I enjoy rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering; I want to climb Mount Rainier; I like snow skiing and water skiing; I enjoy being with my family; I like being the teacher's quorum advisor; but I am called to serve a mission. These are all good desires. You have other desires equally good or better. The Third Missionary gives
up doing those things. The Fourth Missionary gives them up in his heart as well. They are overcome and swallowed up by his predominant desire to serve the Lord.

This doesn't mean that the Fourth Missionary abandons his dreams altogether. It doesn't mean that the only course for him to follow is to serve a mission and then teach seminary all his life, although that is a noble profession. He may still go to college and then to medical school; he may still perfect a back flip on a snow board; he may still play on a college athletic team; he may still return and marry his girl friend, but not now. He boxes up all of those plans, wishes, wants and desires and puts them on a shelf in his closet at home with all of his clothes and other things. When he returns he will unpack all of the boxes. He will find that some of the clothes he doesn't want anymore, and he will give them away. When he unpacks the box of his wants, wishes, dreams and desires he may find that there are also some of those he doesn't want anymore either.

As in all good things, Jesus showed the way of the Fourth Missionary. (Matt. 26:39)
39. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, 0 my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (John 4:34)
34. Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
(John 5:30)
30. I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not
mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. (John 6:38)
38. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
(3 Ne. 27:13)
13. Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you-
that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.

This way, the Lord's way, is in the end, easier. It is easier to give yourself to Him, to surrender your will to His, than it is to fight the fight within. It is easier to give yourself to Him, than it is to wrestle in your heart and soul between what you want and what the Lord wants, between the natural man and your divine nature.

Now don't freak out about this. Don't think that I am teaching you some grand, higher law that only the most elect of the most elect can live. If you believe that you believe a false doctrine. The doctrine of Christ is the doctrine of faith and hope. You can do this. You can shift from the Third Missionary to the Fourth Missionary. It is as easy as changing your mind, because that is where it's at.

If you're not happy, if you are frustrated or resentful, look inside. It is within you. Jesus said: "The kingdom of God is within you." It is in your head and in your heart. It starts in your head and then your heart follows. You only need say to the Lord in your head, "I give up. I surrender. I won't fight anymore. Here it is. Here are my desires. Here is my will. I want only to do what you want me to do. That's enough for me. That's all I want, because it is the only intelligent thing to do."

The truth is that it doesn't take eons of time to do this. Our nature, our hearts, our desires can be changed almost immediately upon the attainment of knowledge. Our nature can change almost immediately as we come to understand true doctrine. In this instance, as you come to understand that the only way to light, intelligence, strength, capacity, peace, contentment, grace, knowledge, power, happiness, mercy, joy and every other good thing, is to follow Christ, then you will want to follow Him because it is the only intelligent thing to do. Not because you are a saint, not because you are better than others; rather, because you are more intelligent than others. It is the only intelligent thing to do. When you understand that, then you will forget about yourself, and your will. and your only desire will be to do the Lord's will.

Consecrates himself.

The Fourth Missionary lives the law of consecration. Th are are those who give of their means, their time and talents, and then there are others who give themselves. Sacrifice, it seems to me, is the first - consecration, less common, is the second. ,

Sacrifice implies doing one thing at the expense of another thing that has equal, or maybe greater, appeal. One bites the bullet and sacrifices his time and talents, his girlfriend, concerts, friends, cars, education, tv, movies, music, and even gum for two years.

The Fourth Missionary understands that, as King Benjamin taught, the Lord is never in our debt. He knows that God always blesses us many times more than the measure of what we give. Jesus said, a hundred times more. "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit eternal life." (Matt. 19:29).

For the missionary who understands the benefit of this bargain, there is nothing of equal or greater appeal than to do the Lord's will. Everything pales by comparison. There is for him, therefore, really no sacrifice, no choice, only free will, intelligent giving, only consecration. One who consecrates, gives himself. In addition to giving his time, means and abilities, he gives himself, his heart, his mind, his will. He gives himself.

The voice of Christ said to the Nephite people:

O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart. (3 Ne 10:6).

In the end, your heart and your will is all that you have to give that the Lord does not already have. If you give your time, two years, and your strength, you give only that which He grants to you with each beat of your heart and each breath that you draw. If you dedicate your gifts and talents, you only return to Him what He already has given to you. If you pay tithing you only return to Him a tenth of what he has already given to you. Everything that you have to give to the Lord, has its origin in Him, except one thing: your will. He does not have your heart, nor your mind, unless you give them to Him. It is the only gift you have to offer that He does not already have. And so when you give yourself, you truly give everything to Him.

Jesus spoke of this matter of giving or consecrating yourself in different words. He spoke of losing yourself. He said:

25. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matt. 16:25, 26)

The Fourth Missionary is the only one who can lose himself in the work, because he forgets his own concerns, he lets go of what he wants. When he lets go he then is free to think of others. He is the only one who does not count the cost. He doesn't itemize and total all that he has left behind to serve a mission. He does not count the cost. He forgets about it. He forgets himself. He loses himself.

On one occasion after I received the call to be your mission president I was thinking about the consequences of the call. I started to think about the financial consequences, leaving my sons behind, my mother and father in poor health, the impact on my law practice, the consequences regarding our family and our home, and the prospect of leaving behind rock climbing and skiing and other passions, and the impression came to me, actually the words came to me, "don't count the cost." The Fourth Missionary doesn't count the cost.

Charity

Another way to say this is that the Fourth Missionary has charity. Don't think that charity means money that we pay to help the poor. The quality of charity is described at times as "unconditional love" or "the love of Christ". Let's return to 1 Corinthians 13 to better understand what charity is.

4. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself: is not puffed up,

5. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

The Fourth Missionary, the one who has charity, "seeketh not (his) own". He does not seek to do his own will (thing). He doesn't envy. That means that he is content with what he has and what he is doing. He does not envy or wish to be somewhere else, doing some other thing.

6. Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11. When I was a child, I spake as a child (probably selfishly), I understood as a child, I thought as a child (thinking only about my own selfish interests): but when I became a man, I put away childish
things.
12. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Seek for this gift and quality of charity. Work for it. Pray for it. Moroni said:

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy heart, that ye may be filled
with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; (changed) that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we
shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure.

Disciple of Christ

Jesus said that this single quality of charity is the hallmark of a disciple of Christ. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35) As part of the restoration the Lord revealed the calling and mission of the Twelve. He charged Oliver

Cowdery and David Whitmer to find these twelve disciples and said: "And by their desires and their works you shall know them." (D&C 18) The Third Missionary is a faithful laborer in Christ's work. The Fourth Missionary is a disciple of Christ.

His measure of success comes from within.

This missionary strives to be a faithful representative of Jesus Christ. He measures his success by the peace that comes into his heart from time to time when he can honestly say," I am doing my best. I have a lot of weaknesses and a lot to learn. But I am withholding nothing from the Lord. I am serving with all of my might, mind, heart and strength. I am faithful and giving it all I have to give." At the end of his service this missionary wants to look back over his two years, and be able to say to himself and to the Lord, "I have no regrets; I did my best".

The Fourth Missionary does not so aspire to become a "great" missionary; rather he aspires to be a "servant". He knows that "greatness" implies his performance in relation to others. He knows that the critical measure is his conduct in relation to his own abilities and in comparison to his past performance. While he fully understands and does not resent the need for statistics, numbers and measurements, he is not motivated by the praise or recognition of men. He is motivated by his desire to give himself and all that he is and has, to the Lord and to his work, however, that may compare with others. He knows that Jesus taught his disciples who at times
aspired to the honors of men, that "whosoever will be great among you...shall be servant of all." He said: "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (Mark 10:43-44).

His dominant desire is to do what the Lord wants him to do.

The Fourth Missionary's dominant desire is to do what the Lord wants him to do. But don't think that this one is always filled with the Spirit and ready to rush headlong into what the Lord would have him do. Don't think that he is always whistling a happy tune, skipping down the road, looking for another door to be slammed in his face. There are times when he doesn't like it either; there are times when he doesn't want to go either. He gets tired and discouraged too. The sun and the rain beat down upon him just like the other three. Don't think that just because you may become discouraged or because you may not want to go either, that you are, therefore, not the Fourth Missionary.

Lehi said: "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things." (2 Ne 2:11.) Life is hard at times, and missions are hard, for the Fourth Missionary as well as for the first three.

Elder Holland teaches that a great swimmer once said when asked his secret of success: "1 kick when I don't want to kick, and I stroke when I don't want to stroke." Like the First, Second and Third Missionaries there are times when the Fourth Missionary doesn't want to kick and doesn't want to stroke either. The difference between the Third and Fourth Missionary is that the Third Missionary will kick and stroke because it is his duty, because that is what is expected of him and he will hate and resent it, while the Fourth Missionary will kick and stroke because he knows that it is the only intelligent thing to do.

Even Jesus, the One Perfect One, prayed: "Father let this cup pass from me..." There were things that He too did not want to do. Those desires that He "...even God, the greatest of all...might not drink the bitter cup and shrink..." (D&C 19:18) did not diminish Him; in fact, they made Him greater.

b.Consequences

Does great good. Fruitful missionary.

Like the Third Missionary the Fourth Missionary is a successful missionary as measured by the transformation that occurs in the lives of other people. Like the Third, many people are baptized as a result of his labors, new members are nourished, and other members become more actively involved.

Enjoys the Spirit of the Lord.

Like the Third Missionary, the Fourth Missionary is blessed with the Spirit of the Holy Ghost, to find and teach with convincing power those who are prepared to accept the gospel.

His nature is changed.

Like the Third Missionary, the Fourth Missionary adapts his behavior to conform to the rules of the mission and to the commandments of God. But, unlike the Third Missionary, the Fourth

Missionary's nature, his character, is changed.

Contentment and happiness

Unlike the Third Missionary, the Fourth Missionary is content, happy, and from time to time, experiences profound joy. He is at peace with who he is and what he is doing. As in Psalms 40:8 he says:

"I delight to do thy will. O my God: yea. thy law is within my heart."

Benefits immensely from mission.

Unlike the Third Missionary, the Fourth Missionary profits immeasurably from his mission. Unlike the Third, the good that the Fourth Missionary does benefits him greatly. Unlike the Third, he is changed.

The qualities of godliness are incorporated into his character. The virtues of mercy, integrity, spirituality, humility, kindness, virtue, diligence, patience and love become more than principles; they become attributes of his own character.

Do you see that only in losing yourself, may you find yourself; only by enriching others, may you be enriched; only by giving, may you receive; only in surrendering, may you become free?

This may be what King Benjamin was referring to when he said that without exception when you keep God commandments you are immediately blessed.
"...all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if you would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you. he doth require that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and therefore he hath paid you. And ye are still indebted unto him..." Mos. 2:22, 24.

Similarly Amulek said:

...if you will repent and harden not your hearts,i mmediately shall the great plan of redemption be
brought about unto you. (Alma 34:31).

How is it that we are immediately blessed for our obedience? Generally we think that blessings are realized only over time. For example, the prophet Ether said: "...ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." (Ether 12:6). Another example of how time, diligence and patience play a role in realizing the fruit of our labors is found in the teachings of Alma about the seed (Alma 32). Here Alma compared the gospel to a seed and said that we can realize the fruit or benefit of that seed only after a season of caring and nourishing the seed. (Alma 32) Moses said that the people of Enoch were exalted "in process of time" (Moses7:21). How then are you blessed immediately for your obedience?

“The answer is that there are blessings and then there are blessings. Some blessings you wait for; others are immediate and invariable. One way that you are immediately blessed is that you are changed, and change maybe the greatest blessing of all. You are the sum total of all that you have thought, done, said, seen, heard and felt in this life and before. You change immediately with each good thought, each good act, every good word changes you for the better. When you willingly obey the principles of the gospel, you are changed by the Spirit of God to become incrementally more like Him. The degree of change with each small act of obedience may be small, but it is real and immediate. The full, cumulative and perfect realization of this process of change or sanctification
happens only over time, but make no mistake that you are always changing, and that the effects of your obedience are immediate, whether for better or for worse, depending upon the voice you chose to follow.

The United States Army says "Be all that you can be". But neither the Army nor you know all that you can be. The Lord says: "Let me make of you all that you can be." As measured by men's standards Army Rangers are impressive, but when compared with what the Lord can make of you, compared to the realization of your divine potential they truly are nothing. The realization of your amazing, astounding, and true potential happens only in the hands of the Lord. But you and only you can place yourselves in those masterful, loving hands.

Just give it up. Surrender your will to Him. Unconditionally. Withhold nothing. Turn it all over to Him; all of your desires, wishes, dreams and hopes. Be true and faithful in your head and in your heart, not just in your behavior. Trust in Him. Trust Him who knows all things. Trust Him who has all power. Trust Him whose love for you is perfect. Trust Him, who alone suffered, paid and atoned for your sins, and for your weaknesses as well. Trust Him that He will make of you, immeasurably more, than what you will ever, ever, in all eternity, make of yourself. He will create of you a masterpiece. You will create of you only a smudge. You will create an ordinary man. He will create a God.

I think that President David O. McKay once said something like this: "The greatest battles you will ever fight will be within the silent chambers of your heart" That is the battleground between what you want and what the Lord wants. If you surrender, if the Lord wins, you win also. If you win, if your will prevails, you and the Lord both lose. The only way to win is to lose. Lose yourself in the Lord's work, and you will win beyond your wildest imaginations, for "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." (I Cor 2:9).

Gains great knowledge.

Unlike the Third Missionary, profound knowledge is given to the Fourth Missionary. Alma said: "...and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full." (Alma 12:10).

This missionary is redeemed.

In Alma 12:34-36, Alma teaches that if you repent and if your heart is right you will be redeemed through the atonement of Christ.

34. Therefore, whosoever repenteth,and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins; and these shall enter into my rest.
35. And whosoever will harden his heart and will do iniquity, behold, I swear in my wrath that he shall not enter into my rest.
36. And now, my brethren, behold I say unto you, that if ye will harden your hearts ye shall not enter
into the rest of the Lord...

Moroni said:

Wherefore, there must be faith; and if there must be faith there must also be hope; and if there must be hope there must also be charity. And except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God; neither can ye be saved in the kingdom of God if ye have not faith; neither can ye if ye have no hope. And if ye have no hope ye must needs be in despair; and despair cometh of iniquity. And Christ truly said unto our fathers: If ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me. (Moroni 10:20-23).

Amaleki lived in bridge of time between Enos and King Benjamin. He recorded only 8 verses which are recorded in the Book of Omni. He said:

And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved. (Omni 1:26).

As I said before, The Lord admonished: "Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day." D&C 4:2. (Also D&C 6, 11, 12, and 14). The Third Missionary serves only with his might and strength, but he withholds his heart and mind. The Fourth Missionary serves with all his heart and mind in addition to his might and strength. As a result he is forgiven of his sins through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Nephi said: "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved."

7.Conclusion

I am guessing that generally speaking, out of 100 missionaries 5 will be the First Missionary, 20 will be the Second, 70 will be the Third Missionary and 5 will be the Fourth Missionary. You can all be the Fourth Missionary. Decide now to be the Fourth Missionary.

Don't think that you can't do this. Often we are deceived to think that the gospel is harder than what it is. Life is hard, not the gospel. You can do what I have explained to you today. Do you hear that? You can. lf you don't, it will only be because you choose not to, not because-you can't, not because it is too hard. The way of the Fourth Missionary is actually the easiest way. This way is free of frustration. It opens the heart to the Lord, and His power then flows freely without compulsion or constraint.

There is no aspect of the gospel of Christ that is beyond your capacity. Not nearly. There is nothing about what I have said that you cannot do. You not only can be changed to become more like Christ, the whole of the plan of salvation is designed in favor of your success. The plan of salvation is not a level playing field. It favors you. It favors not only your success but the success of each and every one of God's children. Everything has been organized to maximize your opportunity to succeed.

If you think you cannot be the Fourth Missionary you do not understand the doctrine.

Alma was absolutely right when he said: "...it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass (Liahona), which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land...O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way...see that ye look to God and live..." (Alma 37:45-47.)

Jesus said: "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matt. 11 :28-30. It is easier to walk with the Lord than it is to labor against Him.

Speaking of the righteous Lamanites living at the time of Christ Mormon says: "And thus we see that the Lord began to pour out his Spirit upon the Lamanites, because of their easiness and willingness to believe in his words."

Now. a word of caution. The Fourth Missionary is not a fanatic. He does not try to be truer than true. He does not think himself to be better than others. He does not view himself as an elite member of the Lord's army. On the contrary he becomes increasing aware of his many weaknesses, he becomes increasing humble, while at the same time he grows in faith and stature before God. He experiences what the Lord said: "And if men come unto me I will show them their weakness." (Ether 12:27). Just stay on the path. Give yourself to the Lord and lose yourself in His work. You will do great good, and the good that you do, will bless and benefit you, forevermore.

Now. I have this last question for you. The Second, Third and Fourth Missionaries, all give two years of their lives. They all give equally their time, and energy. They all eat the same food. They all face the same challenges and encounter the same fears. They all sleep in the same quarters. They all walk the same dusty roads in the heat of the afternoon. They all leave behind girl friends, and sports, and school and everything that was or could have been for these two years. They all conclude their missions. They all go back and speak in sacrament meeting and go on with their lives. My question is this: Why do all of that and not benefit personally by it? Why?

Do you see that I am not talking: about obedience: rather I am talking to you about intelligence. I am telling you that there is only one intelligent way to serve a mission; the way that will bless. and benefit. and change, and uplift. and empower. and ennoble you; your life, your spirit, your character, you. That is the way of the Fourth Missionary. It is the only intelligent way to go.

Now you know. Now you can choose. It is up to you. Serving as the First or Second Missionaries is not acceptable. I expect you to be at least Number Three. If you are smart you will chose to be Number Four.

If I have an army of #3 Missionaries I will look like a successful mission president. I will go home to a ticker tape parade along South Temple Street. Throngs of people will line the streets and chant my name in praise and wonder, but in truth, in my heart I will know that I failed. I do not just want you to look the part of a disciple of Christ; I want you to be a disciple of Christ. My primary mission is you. My focus is you. My concern is your happiness, and I know that neither the First. Second or Third Missionary is happy and content, nor can he be. You need to be the Fourth Missionary, not for me, but for you. It is the only intelligent thing to do. It is up to you.

Progress

2010-12-26T11:01:00.000-08:00

Remember this?
I've accomplished about half of my plans so far. Just to keep the record straight.

Reunited

2010-12-23T14:55:00.000-08:00

I have officially been home from Chile for 3 weeks. Three fantastic weeks filled with many reunions.

Reunited with my family
Reunited with flavor and varietyReunited with some lionsReunited with the old Nokia

This is just a small sampling. I've also been reunited with my four-mattress bed, my private bathroom, personal space, down time and a few good friends.

The Final Countdown

2010-11-29T12:49:00.000-08:00

Things I loved about this, my last week:
1. Seeing Rodrigo, Isabel, Paolo e Ignacio in Machalí. It just happened to be exactly a year after Rodrigo and Isabel's baptisms when I saw them again. I just love those people.
2. Eating waffles with President and Hermana MacArthur in the mission home on Thanksgiving. It's not often you get invited to breakfast with the president. They had their Christmas tree set up and wreaths and lights and everything. Unfortunately it is about 90 degrees outside.
3. The bishop's wife just had a baby, so we went to see how they were doing. We found Luz again and she told us that she is more and more comfortable reading the Book of Mormon. She didn't end up coming to church on Sunday, but she came to our English class again. She'll make it.
4. Our English class is a success again! Because there were 4 gringas we were able to teach something basic and then split the class into groups of 3 or 4 people to practice. It was great. We had a few inactive members come with their kids and some of them will be baptized.
5. We burned the sweat-stained shirts that have accompanied me the last 18 months.
6. Rojas and I had to accompany Hermana Finch to Santiago so she could go to the doctor. It was fun to go up there one last time. We found a Subway sandwich restaurant and I might have bought a 30 centimeter sandwich to celebrate the discovery.
7. Rojas and I had our last interview with President on Friday before lunch. He is such a good man. I really felt the love he has for the missionaries as he told me "thank you, Hermana, for your diligence". He told me I have to go to the single's ward and that I have to keep working on my education. Good advice. He is a psychologist after all.
8. Rojas and I were a bit stressed with our packing and letter-writing and organizing and working. On Friday night we were just sitting at our desks crying and crying and sipping mate. Now I understand the struggle my trainer faced and I regret not having been a better support for her. It's just a lot of good memories and a lot of heartache thinking about the good people I've been privileged to meet and whom I may never see again.
9. We were "9 miracles" (as presidente put it) in the last dinner. 6 hermanas and 3 elders. It was the perfect group. He had us each share a memory of the mission (not a testimony) that had impacted us and then he and Hermana MacArthur shared stories of their missions. It is an elating feeling to be around such spiritual giants. I felt like I learned a lot about missionary work Sunday night . .. . right when I leave.
10. Rojas, Maradiaga and Bellizi have already left the mission and are with their families. Black, Jackson and I are leaving for the airport in about 5 minutes. I'm not sure what to expect or how to react the the changes that are to come, but I am grateful to be coming home to a family where I belong.

I've mentioned various miracles the last year and a half, but I think the best one is one that happened yesterday. My cousin Clint had the opportunity to be baptized a member of the church of Jesus Christ and that his girlfriend will also make that covenant tomorrow. I'm so grateful for their courage and desire to know for themselves what the gospel has to offer them. The gospel blesses families. I know that better now than ever. Miracles are real.

Hermana Emily Gillespie

Mariposas Technicolor

2010-11-22T13:56:00.001-08:00

Here are ten things that happened this week:

1. I got to go to lunch at Marianela's house for lunch. She is Coni and Cata's mom from Villa Teniente. I thought they were inactive, but they aren't! That was happy news. She does her genealogy and has about 85 names ready to go to the temple. She has plans to get there on December 8th. So happy.
2. The Cabeza's family invited us to lunch on Wednesday. They are also from Villa Teniente. I still just look at the people here and think, "why? Why are you so nice? You hardly know me . . . " It was delicious. Members here know everything about the missionaries. It's a little bit odd.
3. We got invited to the mission home for lunch on Friday. We five hermanas ate with the assistants and Presidente and Hermana MacArthur. They are so sweet. It was a good lunch. I told President that Clint is getting baptized and he said, "I got baptized when I was 17 and it completely changed my future." He always says that he didn't really understand anything about the church. Just that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that the Book of Mormon made him feel good. He says that he learned the rest along the way.
4. Hermana Finch is the newest in our companionship. She is from Alaska, but now her family lives in South Provo near KT Fallon's family and Nicole Nielson's family. She laughs. A lot. It's funny and sometimes turns into cough attacks. She had one of those during a lesson with Roberto. He felt awkward and tried to pat her on the back to make it stop.
5. I've asked around for a lot of the people I've been able to teach here. I'm very sad to know that some simply don't go to church anymore. Marisol and Alejandra come if we go by and pick them up. The family Cabrera from Machali doesn't go very often. I even heard that Felipe hasn't gone in the last 4 months. Rodrigo and Isabel go, but aren't as enthusiastic as before. Joan from Buin smokes again and Mary got offended and didn't go at all last month. AND I haven't seen Francisca, here from Manzanal, in 3 weeks. It's just a little disheartening. But that's why I don't mind visiting the inactive members and trying to convince them to come to church.
6. And then one of the inactive families DID come to church! It was a good miracle. The son, Fabian, would tell us, "no, I don't get along with Raul and the other young men" and then when he showed up, they were abrazando and chatting it up and he ended up staying in the Sunday School class. I think that happens a lot. We think that things are worse than they are when we haven't been in the situation for a while. Then when we get there, we sort of like it.
7. We haven't been able to get a hold of our two investigators with fecha. It was a lousy week in that regard.
8. We found a new family of very Christian people. They are active church members in the Community of Christ church, but they always let us in and read what we leave them. So we keep putting new appointments.
9. We had 7 investigators and 3 inactive members come to Sacrament meeting yesterday. Luckily there are 5 of us, because the members weren't as aware as to what was going on. So no one got up to sit with the people as they came in. We passed around hymn books and tried to sit with as many as we could, but still . . .
10. We trained our new ward missionaries! They are good guys. Ready to work. I appreciate that. Maybe they will help us train the rest of the members.

I keep feeling butterflies in my stomach. I have been told that this is my last week and that I have a final interview, I have to give my final testimony at zone conference tomorrow, I have to pack and they gave me my flight plans and everything, but I don't feel like it's a different week than any of the last 70-something. Maybe I'll feel it next week? In any case, the work of the Lord moves forward. The new Hermanas are much more diligent and prepared than I was. I know it's all left in good hands. I'm not going to write anything nostalgic right now. Maybe next time.

Hermana Gillespie

"Not to get you too trunky, but. . ."

2010-11-15T23:30:00.000-08:00

I think you all coordinated how you were going to work that phrase into your emails the last couple of weeks. Very funny.

Nah, Rojas and I are working hard. We have some really great progressing investigators and I have terribly high hopes for the 28th. There is so much more work to do. I'm so happy to be a missionary and to work here in Manzanal. It really has been a big blessing to have stayed in the same sector these past 3 changes. Almost all the other hermanas that are leaving with me have had to move right at the end. I count my blessings.

Rather than being changed, we are seeing changes come to us. This morning at 9:30am the assistants called and let us know that Hermana Finch would be accompanying us for the rest of our missions. We are now going to live 5 hermanas in our apartment. I'm not claustrophobic. Don't worry.

Here are some top stories:
1. We had to go to the emergency room again this week because Hermana Rojas' eyes were not clearing up. She seems to be fine now. The light bugs her and there is an inordinate amount of pollen in this place. But, she is valient.
2. Emma, Diego and Dani's mom, told us that she is not interested anymore in participating with us. She went to mass instead of Sacrament Meeting. We are bummed. But, Diego and Dani continue with zeal.
3. We had a couple of inactive members make their way to church yesterday. That's always a huge highlight. Alejandra came with her little sister Noemi and an hermana named Gloria Vasquez came for the first time in my 4 months here. That was a nice moment.
4. Hermana Rojas and I got to teach primary! It was about missionary work. The three 10 year olds mostly stayed on topic. We only talked about guns and bombs for a minute and then went back to "thrust in his sickle with all his might". Funny how those topics relate in the young mind.
5. Remember Gina and Cinthia and Cesar? We couldn't find them for a while. They were visiting family and working and lots of other things. Turns out Gina is going to Spain on Wednesday. But that leaves Cinthia and Cesar less occupied and with even more desires to learn. Cinthia finally accepted a goal for her baptism date. She's sure she needs the baptism, but she is still a little nervous because she knows it's a committment for forever. I'm excited for her. More to come on Cesar.
6. Diego memorized the sacrament prayers and recited them for us during a lesson. He didn't show up early enough on Sunday to bless the sacrament, but he is excited to keep learning.
7. Also, Claudio Philips sister Solange has accepted the goal for the end of the month. She came to church for the first time yesterday. She's cool. High, high hopes.
8. It's been really difficult to concentrate on my studies the last few days. You know when the house is dirty or disorganized and you can't focus? It's like that, but on an emotional level. Like I've hit a mental wall.
9. I have, however, dominated in night-time Uno. Except last night. Brook beat us all.
10. Hermana Rojas went to cosmetology school before going to the University. she is helping me with my style. One of the members let us borrow her Esika magazine and Rojas did my make-up to look like one of the models. It was funny. Maybe I'll learn beauty skills before I come home!

Well, that is the basic run-down. I wish there were more exciting news. We are just trying to keep working at a good, quick pace. The mission is the best. I'm so grateful for the examples in my life of good people who decided to serve the Lord. I know that this is His message, His gospel. I'm grateful that He trusts me enough to teach His other children.

Until next week!

Hermana Galaxia

Mille, The gospel totally blesses families. Your family is going to get stronger and stronger the more you work together. I'm so glad you got to go to California. I hope you are feeling much better and that you continue to see the good in life. There is so much good.

KT, a screen play! That's a great idea. I'm glad you are happy and that you are doing well with work and with Addison. Thanks for the updates. I am excited to see you in a little bit!

Santiago and Sickness

2010-11-08T20:37:00.000-08:00

This week has FLOWN by. I really can't even explain to you what happened to the time, but here is what we were able to see:

1. Hermana Rojas has had an annoying case of almost pink eye. She keeps wiping gunk out of her eye. The light hurts her, reading makes her tired, the wind and dust and pollen attacks her. It's just pretty terrible. We had to go to the emergency room one morning and then to an ophthalmologist the next morning. They gave her some eye-drops. She is skeptical about their effectiveness.
2. It came time to renew my Chilean ID card. I had to go back up to Santiago. But, to save time, Rojas and I went up to Buin the night before to be a little bit closer. It was so great! I got to see Joan and his family (his grandpa and uncle have both been baptized since i left) and Mary and her family. She had some bad health problems, so hadn't been to church in over a month. She got really discouraged because no one came to see her. Thanks Buin town.
3. We had a ward costume party too! It's sort of taboo to say that you celebrate Halloween in a church in Chile. People judge you. So we had a costume party, with games and prizes and a dance and pizza. It was hoppin'.
4. Rojas was Jack Sparrow, I was a backpacker-hippie, Brook was Snow white and Cohen was an American football player.
5. Bishop put us in charge of the games and decorations. So, that ate up quite a bit of our work time. But, it was cool, because we had quite a few new people come and see the church for the first time.
6. It rained a LOT on Sunday. When it rains on Sunday, usually not as many people show up to church. But not in Manzanal. It was a pretty average attendance! Hooray for testimonies.
7. I started to get a sore throat in Buin and Santiago. When the cold came and the rain hit, I was toast. I've only been sick twice in the last few years. Of course once of the times it's the last month of my mission. Thanks Satan.
8. Diego was ordained a priest yesterday. He's a star. We had a combined third hour at church because one of the counselors in the stake presidency came to talk about Permaneced. He handed out assignments of people to visit. Diego volunteered to go visit one of them. He's going with his buddy Raul. So cool.
9. I read a really cool talk this morning. It's about making your calling and election made sure. I invite you to take a look at it. Bruce R. McConkie "Making our Calling and Election Sure" 25 March 1969
10. It talks about the progress that we need to continually be making. He talks about how baptism is the first step. It opens the door to the kingdom of God. But, after baptism we have to keep moving forward. He then talks about temple marriage. that is the next covenant we have to make to secure ourselves a place with God. After we do those two things, we need to continue to strive and be valiant to be able to know for certain that our obedience is acceptable in the sight of the Lord. He says that it is a doctrine of Christ's church to be able to know, even before Judgment Day, that we have lived in an acceptable way and that our offering is acceptable. I really like that. I like that there is always more progress. I don't think there are other religions in the world that require so much progress and responsibility. But, Father wouldn't command us to do something He knows we are incapable of. Obviously we will need help and guidance in all of these steps, but He knows we can do it. So we have to do it.

I love the gospel.

Camille, I'm glad you at least know what it could be. Both of those medical terms sound terrible. Be good about taking your vitamins. What ward are you going to? Are you still in the apartments by Carriage Cove? Tell your mom hey when you see her.

Scott, that's a much better letter. Hope you are doing well and that your senior-itis calms down a bit. You only have a couple more weeks!

Paige Gines, You wrote me! I'm glad you found the blog. You are always welcome to read it. We can tomar once in a month or so, deal? Are you going to be at UVU?

Clint, you're the man.

Tract or treat!

2010-11-01T22:29:00.000-07:00

Did everyone see my nieces and nephews on Halloween? Please visit my family's blogs. They are so cute.

Anyway, here in manzanal, we are seeing lots of neat changes. To name a few:
1. Our bishop called ward missionaries! They are three young men who are also preparing to serve full-time missions. They are going to be great in helping us teach the inactive members and the new converts. Hopefully they will be able to keep the new converts from becoming inactive members. That's always the goal in my mind.
2. Francisca got married and Hermana Black and I got invited (and given permission) to go to the wedding! I've never been to a real world wedding before. They just did the civil ceremony, but they held it in the middle of this huge vineyard. It was really pretty. I'd put up a picture of it, but I'm not sure where I left my camera cable. Anyway, there was so much wine. Like, so much. Tables and tables covered in enormous glasses and bottles and cheese. Hermana Black and I stuck with the cheese.
3. We thought it was just going to be a couple of hours, but, being hermanas in Chile, we were at the mercy of those with cars. So we had to wait, and wait and wait before someone else was going home. The lunch was nice, but we didn't really fit in. And I realized that I've lost my social skills. I'm doomed.
4. Daniela and Diego went to a stake mutual Halloween party and ended up winning the prize for best costumes. What is the prize? A brand new bible, triple, hymnal, CD and pictures of Christ. Could that be any better? I don't think so. They are so excited about being members of the church and for having a new group of good friends and for all the things they are learning. They always volunteer to read at church and to give the prayers and everything. They are just great.
5. Their enthusiasm has had a huge impact on their mom. Ema is a widow of 15 years. She has raised her three kids alone and has been able to keep them very united. She is progressing a ton. On Sunday, she got to church early, brought her mom, had her Book of Mormon open on her lap during the classes and even started answering questions and stuff during Gospel Principles class. She is amazing. She has stopped smoking this week and broke up with her boyfriend/lover and told us that she is in the process of repentance. I don't think any missionary could ask for more than that.
6. Knocking doors on Halloween is the worst. People don't want to listen to you and you aren't a 5 year old princess so they don't give you candy either. That makes two Halloweens in Chile, knocking doors with the children. Good planning, sister.
7. Hermana Rojas has been practicing her English this week. She knows how to say "that's clash" and "that's plain" as we get ready for the day. Most of my clothes are clash. She also knows how to say "my companion belongs to me" I didn't teach her that. She came up with it on her own. And she asked President if he wants a knuckle sandwich. He laughed and laughed and laughed.
8. We had a really fun sisters training on Friday. We did a panel discussion of things we wish we would have known at the beginning of the mission. There are 6 of us hermanas leaving this change, and 5 new hermanas, so Hermana MacArthur wanted us to share our wisdom. It was really neat. I really enjoyed listening to the other hermana's bits of gold and seeing the new hermanas with all their enthusiasm to work. It was a good day. Then we ate lunch together and took lots of fun pictures. Weird that I might not see some of them ever again.
9. We taught a couple of graffiti artists this weekend. One of them had the longest, thickest dred locks I have ever seen. He tied them in a knot to keep them out of his face. They weren't at their return appointment, but it was still a nice little experience. Hermana Rojas is really good at relating to people. She doesn't get uncomfortable teaching in weird locations, like with graffiti guys.
10. Finally, President gave us a HUGE new challenge. He's all about challenging us. He wants us to focus everything we do on getting people to the church. There is a special spirit in the church that helps people want to keep learning and keep progressing. That's the focus for our mission for the next two months. I'm excited to see the results.

Apart from those ten things, I'd like to turn your attention to 3 Nephi 27. It's prolly the most beautiful chapter of the Book of Mormon. There is so much hope. There is so much Father wants to give us. All He asks is that we keep the commandments and follow His son. There is so much we can improve. Everything revolves around repentance and baptism. If we can just constantly be motivated to do better and to start over and to progress, He will be right with us to help guide us. That's the promise He has given. We all have our own weaknesses, but He knows that. We just have to work past them.

Love you all, thanks for your letters,
Hermana Gillespie

Mille, TMI! We are square. haha. That letter had your name written all over it. I like the parts where it poked out of the tape. haha. Be careful at work. Sounds sort of sketchy. Hermana Cohen, the new sister here, is a lot like you. We are going to hang out with her in a year and a half when she gets home. She's seriously funny. Jon's a good guy. I hope I get a letter from him before I don't live here anymore.

Scott, Nice. I'm glad you could drop me a line.

Shazaam! Hey girl! I didn't know you read these silly letters. I hope you are doing well and that you really like Spaghetti-os. haha. Just kidding. Thanks for reading and writing. It's a good boost to hear from your friends. Happy birthday, also. I thought of you on the 28th.

Living in Four

2010-10-25T22:29:00.000-07:00

Dearest family and other readers,
It's been an emotionally draining week. Lots of ups and downs and a lot of remembering the hardships of the beginning of the mission. I don't think there is anything harder than the beginning. The good news is that it gets better. Here are 10 ups. (like extra lives)
1. Hermana Cohen is from Heber City. She's awesome. We did divisions this week and she has no fear. She just talks to everyone and if she doesn't know how to say something she tries anyway. It's awesome.
2. Hermana Rojas is learning more useful English phrases. She has perfected "do you want a knuckle sandwich?" and is now working more closely with the mission materials for learning English. She and I practice some dialogues in the street as we contact. "Good morning Bishop, how are you?" . . . it's funny.
3. We got to go to the mission home a couple of times this week. It's in our sector, so it's not really that big of a deal. Hermana Macarthur invited us over for soup and snacks last night. It was just like going to Grumma's house.
4. Having a bishop is such a nice feeling. There is someone to work with. Someone who can make decisions and not have to ask permission from anyone else. It helps the work move forward faster.
5. With four of us in the sector, our route to visit inactive members has been shortened. I still would like to be in contact with everyone, but it's really nice to be able to share that load.
6. I've been studying pretty well this week. I've been trying to dig through 2 Nephi and I have been able to have some really testimony strengthening thoughts. Having a prophet is the best gift for our physical-limited understanding. Someone real, in front of us, who tells us what is black and what is white is such a huge blessing. I really like how Lehi talks with his sons. He might have offended them, but he told them the truth. We all need that. And we don't need to be offended.
7. We had a really neat lesson at lunch on Tuesday. Hermana Mercedes thought all four of us would be there, but Hermana Brook and Cohen were eating in the mission home. But then Mercedes' sister called and said she wanted to come eat. She is not a member and hadn't ever really heard about the Book of Mormon. We shared what it means and where it came from and then Mercedes gave a really powerful testimony about how God answers our prayers as we read. Carmen (the sister) started to tear up and began reading even before we left. She got up early on Sunday morning and came to church too. It was really beautiful. We are meeting with her again this week.
8. I also have been learning how great the Bible is this week. Hermana Rojas is a Bible scholar, basically, and when people start to quote it, she is right their with them. When we talked to a Jehova's Witness about the Resurrection and he started to say that the people who died with sins will not be resurrected, she whipped out 1 Peter 3:16-19. He also told us that Christ was resurrected but then left his body again to go to Heaven. I think he missed the idea. The Bible is definitely here to help us understand the truth. But, we've got to read it.
9. English class this week was pretty weak. We only had one student, but Hermana Cohen became friends with him right away because he sings American rock music. It was cool to see her comfortable, speaking Spanish on a topic she really likes. After English, we had a party for Francisca because she is getting married on Saturday. Hooray! She is so sweet. The Relief Society really helped her feel comfortable in the church. It's great.
10. Remember Diego and Dani? They got baptized! It was such a beautiful baptism. Their mom and older sister came and Diego's girlfriend and buddy, and half the ward. They were so happy. When they came out of the font they both said that they felt so free, so clean. That is the blessing of following Christ's example. That is what we have to look forward to every time we take the sacrament. I hope we do so with as much preparation as we did for our baptisms.

The service went really well. At first, the water in the font was really cold, but we filled in up with boiled water from the kitchen. Also, I had to play the piano. We had chosen songs that I don't know (on accident) so I tried to record the songs before hand. It was going to work perfectly in my mind. But, then when it was time for the closing song, I played the introduction and then turned on the recording. It was SO MUCH faster than they were singing. So I had to cut the recording when we got to the chorus and plunk out the notes as well as I could. It was so bad. Not the way you want to end a meeting where lots of people are there for the first time. Oops.

Also, President and Hermana Macarthur were there. Embarazoso.

All in all, it's been a good week. The lows are overshadowed by the ups. This week is going to be even better.

Keep studying the scriptures and doing your visits.
Hermana Galaxia

Mille, I'm glad you are feeling better. My email is the egillespie one. And my flight plans say that I will be home November 30. Weird. I've got a little over a month left. The best month yet. I'll tell you all about it soon. I'm glad your health is improving and that your job is so cool. I wrote Jon today. Hermana Rojas let me borrow her pretty Hello Kitty notebook paper. I hope he'll enjoy that. haha.

Cambio Confusiòn

2010-10-18T14:15:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's been a rollercoaster of a weekend. Here's the scoop.
1. I have only had companions that have lasted one change 3 times. All of the rest have been with me two changes. In my mind, the odds were really good that Hermana Ventura and I would stay together and that she would send me home.
2. Not only did we get separated, but SHE was the one moved. I'm still here in Manzanal! Hooray for me! But she is in Buin Zone now, so that's neat.
3. I never thought that I would have to change again, but I'm really surprised that she did.
4. So the elders who told us the changes confused me by doing that. But then surprized me again by telling me that my new companion would be . . . . . Hermana Rojas ("Do you want a knuckle sandwich?!") Hooray for me!
5. But. . . that's odd, because we both go home in one change. That would leave Manzanal without missionaries, right?
6. Wrong. Because now another set of hermanas will be coming to live with us. None other than. . . Hermana Brook!!! My Buin companion. AND she is going to train! So her new gringa will be arriving tomorrow.
7. I'm excited for this last change. I love that Rojas and I will be able to work and work and then give all of our best investigators over to Hermana Brook at the end. It's going to be a great time.
8. However, I've found that I'm sort of a hermit when it comes to living conditions. I LOVE living with just my companion. LOVE it. But, if the mission teaches you anything it is to accept discomfort and make the most of it. That's the plan.
9. Tonight we have a great FHE set up with Diego and Dani with another family from the ward. The kids all go to the same school, so they sort of know each other anyway. Diego and Dani both are very excited to be baptized. We just have to strengthen their testimonies and help them reach their goal.
10. Another highlight of the week is that we had 7 investigators come to sacrament meeting. It was really great to see their desires to learn and to come closer to their baptismal goals. Manzanal really is a great place. And now, with 4 hermanas, the work is going to EXPLODE!

Well, I hope you are all reading your scriptures everyday. If you need an assignment I'm getting pretty good at handing those out. Take a look at the story of King Lamoni and his father. Heavenly Father definitely wants to answer our prayers. Of that, I'm sure.

Sorry this is so short. I hope it's not disappointing. But, after so many top 10 lists, I imagine you aren't expecting too much.
Love you all
Hermana Gillespie

Mille, your letters make me so happy. I'm so glad you are starting to feel better and that you love your job so much. Take good care of your health please. I got a letter from Jon today. He drew me a picture and rubbed in the fact that he can eat as much american food as he wants. He sounds good. Hard worker. Elder LA. haha Love you Mille

Apostasy and Restoration

2010-10-11T18:12:00.001-07:00

We have seen some really great progress this week. Here is the top ten:

1. We got a bishop!!! Felipe Riquelme. He used to be in the Stake, but they pulled him out so our ward could have a leader. Hooray!
2. Diego and Dani came to family night with us and the Riquelmes, had a blast. Talked about prophets. While we were eating cake Diego turned the conversation to Bob Marley the prophet.
3. Gina, Cinthia and Cesar are plugging along. They didn't make it to church, but we have a lesson planned for tonight.
4. Solange and Bernardita are also doing well, they are starting to understand why the Book of Mormon is important and are excited to read. We made them a little calendar of topics to study and they were happy about the idea.
5. We had sort of a rough lesson with Rosa and Sergio. Rosa is very Catholic, but also understands Mormon doctrine really well. We talked to them again about the apostasy and restoration, but the conversation went sort of like this:
6. "So, Rosa, can you explain what you remember about the church Christ formed, the Apostasy and the story of Joseph Smith?"
7. "Christ formed one church, but when the 12 apostles were killed the church was destroyed. Lots of people started forming their own churches, but they aren't the same as Christ's because they don't have the authority to baptize. When Joseph Smith came he was called to restore the authority of the church."
8. "Wow! Great. Perfect. Now, what does that mean for you? What impact does that have on your life?"
9. "Well, Joseph Smith was a prophet. A guide. Called by God"
10. "Right. Why is that important for us? How does that impact our lives?"
11. "Well, he was a prophet. A guide."
12. " And that authority? What does that authority have to do with us receiving baptism?"
13. "We've already been baptized."
14. "But what about Joseph Smith?"
15. "He was a prophet."

That was one of the most frustrating conversations. She understands it in theory, but doesn't see that it affects her at all. They are a really great family.

We also had a really great contact with a guy named Franco. He wasn't drunk "just happy". We don't salute males with a kiss on the cheek, but they all do it, so they always try, because it's normal for them. Anyway, he tried to kiss Hermana Ventura when we finished, but she backed up and ducked to avoid him. He wouldn't have any of that. Swallowed her up in a big bear hug and then took her and and said "Fraternity." It was so funny.

So, the work continues. We are very excited to have a Bishop. That's really the big news.

Hope all is well. Thanks for the letters.

Got to run.

Hermana Gillespie

Prophets and Apostles

2010-10-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

I loved listening to conference. I can't believe how quickly the sessions passed by. I think my attention span is enlarging! Listening to conference in English is the best. Usually the stake sets up a gringo room for the missionaries so we can understand what the general authorities are trying to tell us. I've only had to listen in Spanish at the Relief Society or Young Women's meetings, but this time we actually got investigators to come! Hooray! So, I got to sit with them and understand some of what was said Sunday morning. The translators have a hard time with the starts of Pres. Monson's talks because he just improvises and jokes at first. I missed the jokes. . .

Here are some things I really liked/ things I remember without looking at my notebook.

1. Elder Hollands last few talks have been like "Don't look at pornography! Wham!!!" and "The Book of Mormon is true! Wham!!!" so I was expecting something similar. I guess in a way it was. "Ingratitude is a sin of omission! Wham!!!" But also, it was such a sweet few minutes to reflect on the goodness of my primary teachers, my young women advisers, my relief society sisters, my companions and mission leaders, and especially the goodness of my mom and my dad. Elder Holland said that his mission means more to him than any missionary's mission has or ever will mean to them, but I feel tremendously blessed and humbled to be able to serve a mission for the Savior for this short year and a half.
2. Elder Scott's talk about being faithful and developing a good character was really interesting. I like that he spoke about that after having spoken about not going to the movie on dates at the CES fireside. We have to make good decisions with our time and be obedient in order to be the people we want to become.
3. Sister Cook's talk about holding onto the iron rod with both hands was cool for two reasons: 1. Hermana Ventura's aunt did the translation and 2. Hermana Ventura and I had just been talking about holding on with both hands during companionship study. Her words just made it so obvious that if you hold onto the world with one hand and the gospel with the other you are going to confuse people who look up to you.
4. I know that the speakers never receive topics, but I liked how two used the 14 fundamentals for following the prophet. Must be important. I'm going to study that talk this week.
5. Gina came to the Sunday morning session and was impressed that Elder Oaks mentioned Chile! She looked over at me and said, "Wow! Chile!" haha. His talk was great. Obviously the brethren are concerned about our progression, that's why he emphasized the fact that we have to work for our own testimony AND be obedient to what our leaders counsel us.
6. Elder Packer's talk was a great review for Diego and Dani, our newest, truest investigators. They are brother and sister. We were talking about the ten commandments Saturday night and they kept bringing up adultery, which is interesting, and then Elder Packer just laid it down, as clear as can be. Diego and Dani both really liked it. Which is so interesting.
7. President Monson's talk was so sweet. I loved it. Gratitude is so important and it's something so easily forgotten. If we are ungrateful it is because of pride. It's such a universal sin. And if we just look outside ourselves a little bit we can realize all the blessings we have been given. Honestly, it was in Spanish, and his lips didn't match his voice, so I lost my focus sometimes watching his face move and his shoulder shrugs and missed the important stuff. Can't wait for the Liahona!
8. Another thing I really liked was how a lot of the talks were sort of general "follow the prophet" themes until Sunday when it was like "Beware of drug addictions!" and "Don't watch pornography!" and "video games aren't all that important!" I hope we can use the preparatory themes to make the changes in our lives to follow the direct commandments.
9. I was really sad (as I have been in every conference) at the low turn-out. Saturday morning saw more missionaries than members and we were in our own room. Only Sunday morning filled up the chapel and the cultural hall. I just don't understand why members wouldn't go and watch the prophet speak. Maybe they watched from their computers. That's the thought I like to hold on to.
10. I have a new niece!!! She and I share a middle name. It's a great middle name. I'm so excited to meet her and the two other new nieces that I have gained during the last year and a bit. Hooray! Hooray for Toni and Jan and Robyn! (that's reverse chronological order)

A fantastic end to a great week. I'm excited to read them next month and to keep studying the words of the living prophet. He is worth more than a dead prophet after all.

Mille, I got your note just in time. Thanks for offering to help my mom. Please do whatever the doctor tells you to do. And that's cool that Terry brought you treats! Yum.

Jethro, you are the superhero. And I think of you even when no one says your name in General Conference. Obvio!

Robyn, my mouth just watered and watered thinking about that cookie. I will gladly taste test in the future. Thanks for the pictures. I love that. Happy tub time!

Jan, I'm glad you guys made it without any trouble. Fire Ants!!! haha

Ben Francisco, Philadelphia, eh? That's a great adventure. Thanks for the letter and the perspective.

BenGaines and Toni, Happy parenthood!!! I'm so happy for you both. What a good name. You are very good parents.

Thad, refer to other email.

Matto, keep up the optimism. I'm so happy for you and the good you are doing. Be a leader and an example for the younger missionaries.

Hygiene and False Doctrine

2010-09-27T16:20:00.001-07:00

Dearest family and friends,

Wow, I can't believe how time is passing me by. It seems like just yesterday that I was trying to come up with a good top-ten list. Now we are here again and I can't really remember what happened this week. Here's a run-down of what I can remember. All good things.

1. Francisca went to visit Gina and Cynthia with us. It was really great. They talked up a storm. But that made the lesson really long. But Francisca got to share her testimony and how she got through certain doubts and conflicts. I think it was helpful for Gina. She likes when we visit and share the gospel, but there`s a line we have to be careful not to cross between being friends (foreigners) or of being messengers of truth. We really like this family though.
2. Zone Conference happened this week. President splits us up into small groups so that we can have better training. It's really cool. I like it a lot. President talked to us about a study the missionary department did with investigators that were baptized and investigators that were not baptized to see what they understood or didn't. That has helped us simplify the lessons a little more. Apparently most people don't understand that prayer is two-way communication, or the Joseph Smith didn't write the Book of Mormon. Plus, I think it showed me that people are scared to learn about this stuff. It has to be simple, friendly and useful for them for them to want to go to church. Never underestimate the importance of being a friend.
3. They are also putting a lot of emphasis on diagraming, or outlining the lessons while with our investigators on a piece of notebook paper to explain better what we are trying to say. I think that's great! I don't like being stuck to only words. But, my drawings are a bit abstract.
4. While we were running one day, I looked around and told Hermana Ventura that I would like to knock there one day. So, when we planned that night, she brought it up and said, "we need to knock that one street". It's just a normal passage, there are a few signs pointing out a barber shop (usually I like to avoid public places where people will get annoyed of us coming to contact) but we kept going and ended up knocking the barber shop (maybe it's a salon) and a muchacho came out and told us that he is very interested in religion, he used to date a Mormon and wants us to come and teach him. Cool!
5. The next time we went back his mom came out (the hairdresser) and told us that he was doing his homework and that she was very busy (obviously) but hermana Ventura was like, "but we made an appointment with him!" and so she went and told him and he came and listened to us some more. Awesome.
6. The next time we went, his little sister told us that he was still at school and wouldn't be home until late. Then his mom saw us and said, "no, he likes them! He'll be right out" funny. So we watched the Restoration DVD with him and his little sister. Dani, turns out really has been looking for a way to strengthen her faith too. They were both excited to go to church! Only Diego ended up coming, but that is a great step in the right direction.
7. Gina and Cynthia AND Cesar were in a lesson together this week! Hooray for progress. They were also very excited to go to church. The coolest part is that Cesar and Diego are childhood friends! So they palled around in the classes. That's a good miracle. Plus, Geronimo helped them want to stay for the classes. Since Diego said yes, Cesar said yes, and because of that, Gina and Cynthia stayed too. That's the best.
8. We also found a really cool, well, not that cool, but this nice old man named Enrique. He drinks tequila and never changes his clothes. His whole house smells like urine. We aren't sure how to help him yet.
9. There is a young couple in the ward, both served missions, that invited their neighbor Luz to lunch with us. We got to talking, gave her a Book of Mormon, taught her again, she likes it, comes to English lessons, everything. last night we had a really cool stake activity about how to start your family history. They had a few different rooms where they showed powerpoints of how to get started and little video clips about geneology. She was really interested and wants to keep learning. We like her, too.
10. Our gospel principles teacher is a member from 12 years ago. She has almost always been active and is really nice. Unfortunately, she sometimes makes up doctrine. Like yesterday, when she told our class that before doing temple work for someone you have to receive spiritual revelation that they have accepted the gospel. Not true. We need to do the work for our ancestors because they can't do it for themselves. Then they can decide to accept or reject the ordinances. We explained that to the class two or three times because they all got so confused. Oh dear.

I'm low on time, friends. I hope this top-ten was to your liking. I am so grateful to be a missionary and to be able to just focus on doing this. I know that this is the restored church of Christ. It isn't different than He made it. I love the Book of Mormon and the simplicity of the teachings. Also, I'm really excited for General Conference this weekend. Hope you all watch it and receive the personal revelation Father wants to give you.

Loves.
Hermana Gillespie

Mille, I need you to help me, big time. Can you help my mom register me for my classes in the Spring? I think registration opens next week. You're a pro at it. My mom has all the info. I just sent you a pretty funny letter. You'll like it. Or you'll hate it, but either way, you'll know I prepared it with lots of love.

Gemelo, long time no write! Holy smokes. I thought you'd been run over by a tank in China or something. I'm glad you are doing well and that school is keeping you busy. Vamos a practicar español todos los dias y te voy a enseñar hablar chileno. Cachai? No te preocupeì. Espero escuchar mas de tì acerca de la conferencia. Okay please.

Anticuchos and Drunkards

2010-09-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

Happy 200th anniversary Chile!

We have had a very entertaining weekend with extra P-Days and time with other missionaries. I like that. I didn't used to, but now I realize how much chatting with other missionaries pumps you up for the work. It's good. I changed my mind.

Here are some independence day miracles for your enjoyment:

1. Chilean congress passed a _______ that says that this weekend is 4 days of vacation. But, vacations here mean that no one is out in the street. No one. We prolly saw 15 or 20 walking around each day. They have like the rodeo grounds packed with activities and things, but that's not in our sector. Maybe everyone is over there. Also, everything is closed. It took us a good long time to find an internet cafe today.
2. With no work, drinking has become the #1 activity. So many drunk people. We have been avoiding taking public transportation for the same reason. You never know.
3. Thursday we had a good day, getting everything ready for Francisca's baptism. It was fantastic. I was worried that no one would come and support her, because it was on a Thursday, but the members came through for us. We also had a few investigators come and everything went really smoothly. She was happy. That's really what matters.
4. Carlos, her fiancee, did the ordinance. He jokes a lot with us about his mission and the sometimes strange baptisms they had. I'm glad that I haven't had anything weird happen. Haven't had to fill the font with a fire hose or make the person kneel down to be able to get under the water. Everything normal.
5. On Saturday we had a great activity with Rancagua, Tupahue and Buin zones. Jan, this is for you. Rancagua and Tupahue zones are both in Rancagua city. They split the city and surrounding towns about in half. Villa Teniente is part of Tupahue stake, but shares a border with Manzanal and Machali (which are both in Rancagua stake). Buin is about 45 minutes North of here in a different stake and no one from up there comes to Rancagua, they go up to Santiago if they go out of town usually. But, all the missionaries from these three zones got together to eat a barbeque and play ultimate frisbee and volleyball. It was great!
6. On Sunday, our Sacrament meeting attendence reached an all-time low. We had 26 people show up. Mostly it's because of the holiday, but, really, we shouldn't be a ward. We should be a branch. And we should have a branch president. But, the important thing is that Francisca got confirmed and continues to be very happy. She is going to come do visits with us this evening! Hooray.
7. Sunday lunch was incredible. Imagine a 50 gallon barrel cut in half and turned into a barbeque grill. Now imagine enough meat to completely cover that grill. Now imagine overly generous ward mission leader and wife constantly shoving more meat onto your plate. I've never eaten so much delicious pork shish-cabobs (anticuchos) in my life. I tried to balance it out with salad, but ran out of stomach room. haha. Ivan and Pilar are so great to us. I think it's been a weird transition for them because they've always had elders and now, they don't! But, they just love us and try to make us feel loved and welcome.
8. Today, we got together with a couple of the other hermanas for lunch. Remember how Hermana Ventura likes to cook? She made SO MUCH cafe rio sweet pork salad. Once again, I ate too much. But I don't regret any of it. mmmm.
9. In our quest to make lots of missionary contacts with the folks, we have had a lot of run-ins with drunks who, as we converse, I imagine them throwing-up on me. I wonder how much of our message gets remembered.
10. Last of all, we ran a 5k. No, for real! I really ran a 5k. Of course, that was before all the food and festivities. We are going to have to work up to doing it again. I might have gained 5 Kilos. oops. Just kidding.

As I've been studying the last two conference ensigns I've been really struck by the importance of remembering that we are loved children of Heavenly Father. I think that is one of the first things we forget when we get stressed or discouraged or tired. Obviously Satan doesn't want us to remember who we are or that we are important. The Barbara Thompson talk during the relief society session talks about minding the gaps between what we say we know and what we do with that knowledge. She talks about a gap between knowing we are children of God and acting like we are children of God. The gap between having a testimony and being valient. Last night we went looking for inactive members of the church and went to a house I had already visited. The lady that came out was annoyed that we came back. She told me last time that none of her family lives with her and that she doesn't have any desire to listen to us or to go back to church because something or someone offended her while she was at the church. So she stopped. She put a halt on being valient and in so doing lost much of her testimony.
We also spoke with an hermano who was baptized last year who said that a family of members didn't shake his hand one day at church and didn't notice him one day in the supermarket. So he hasn't gone to church for the last 10 months. He did promise us that he would go this week. We shall see. But, if we give the first step, we close the gap. If I say, 'even though I got my feelings hurt, I know that I go to church to renew my covenants with my Heavenly Father, so I will go this week' then the gap between my testimony and being valient closes up a little bit. That's the goal, I suppose.

Anyway, may we all do the things that close the gaps we have between what we know and what we do.

Love love

Hermana Gillespie

Mille, Cool date! Sounds fun. I didn't have time to read the whole letter, just the good parts . . .haha. How's Jon doing? How's the new job?

Some photos

2010-09-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!

Today we are really short on time. They gave us a half P-Day because on Saturday we get a full P.Day for independence day. So, we just have the morning to get all of our errands run and get to work by 3pm. Saturday we won't be able to write, but next Monday we should. It is also a holiday, but I'm sure we'll find a place to write home.

These are pictures about our adventure in San Joaquin de los Mayos this week. It's such a pretty place. It's what I thought Chile would be like. Dusty, fields, houses far apart. It's not really like that at all. Just on this one street. At least, in Rancagua. In the south there are tons of these kinds of roads. We were working up in a little street and then had to get to lunch. We decided to take a road we'd never been on that we knew went the right way, but we didn't know if it actually met up with where we needed to be. We got stuck. So we had to cut through this really big field, jump a few canals and duck some barbed-wire fences. We worked up our appetite so it was all for the work.

My new companion is really cool. I'll write about her as my top ten.

1. Hermana Rebecca Ventura is from Georgia, but her parents live in Tooele now.
2. Her mom owns a childrens book store called the Purple Cow. I immediately thought of Toni when I heard that. Purple cow with glasses!
3. She makes delicious cinnamon rolls and has attempted the impossible. Teach me to use yeast. Something I have never been able to do.
4. She's very diligent. Gets up early to study the language (she's in her 4th transfer now) even though she speaks perfectly and everyone thinks she is Chilean. She also helps me to be diligent. We go running every morning. Hooray!
5. Her mom is from Mexico and her dad is half Spaniard.
6. She laughs at my humor and I wheeze at her jokes.
7. We both enjoy springtime. It's finally time to get rid of the knee socks and go back to the nylon style. Exciting! Actually, they changed the rules about hermanas wearing nylons in our mission (at least). We don't have to! But, I do. Because my feet get sweaty. And smelly. So I found some of those nylons that just go around your toes and your heel. The kind you don't see when you wear shoes. So far so good.
8. We also received an exciting bit of instructions from President. Something I've been looking forward to. He upped the mission expectations. Now, we are supposed to make 30 daily contacts with new people, teach 15 lessons with member and 15 others and find 15 new people every week! That`s going to make the mission grow! I'm so excited that I get to be here during these changes.
9. Francisca is all set for her baptism. For the independence day celebrations, it's going to be on Thursday night (weird) and then she'll get confirmed on Sunday! Pray for her. She's amazing.
10. Last night we were out contacting in the Granja. We went by Grace's house, but she wasn't there. But her dog was. His name is Von Schopper. Not sure why. Anyway. It had been raining and he was soaking wet. He ran up to us and pounced on me in all his muddy glory. This dog is super playful, so it just kept jumping up on me and trying to nip at my hands etc. It took a good 15 minutes to get him to leave us alone. He left me with smelly, wet gloves and my mission coat (sorry Jan) really wet. It'll wash out.

Let's see. It is also the season for kite flying. They sell volantines out on the road with these huge spools of string called carretes. They are cool. Volantines fly SO MUCH higher than kites. They even have volantin wars where the kids fly near each other and then try to get the string of the kite to cut the other kid's strings. Some kids even put glass on their strings. Dangerous.

In our efforts to make our 30 daily contacts we saw a lot of cool things. I was really surprised at how many people started to come up to us and ask us about who we are. I guess we attracted more attention than usual. Also, we're in Chile, right, so we met a LOT of people who were former investigators and-or members of the church. I really like when that happens. It helps me realize that all of these people, at one point, at least, were very interested in what the missionaries were teaching. They felt the need to listen and to go to church at one point and now, maybe, is a second opportunity. We got to help a lot of people with questions about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon too. There are so many bad understandings of the prophet and the Book of Mormon. It makes me sad that people really believe anything they hear about us. But it also makes me very happy to think that we could help clear some of that up this week.

It's also been sort of fun to just start normal conversations (as normal as a couple of gringas in skirts in Rancagua chatting with anyone who walks within a 30 foot radius of them can be) and getting into the real concerns and struggles the people are having before blasting them with another worn-out contact approach. I like that. I feel more like an instrument. The gospel applies to everyone. Maybe now is the time to share your testimony with that neighbor or friend you've thought about sharing with. It doesn't have to be a big deal, just listen to what they are struggling with and tell them about how this scripture, or this talk, or listening to general conference has helped you. Then they will see that you just want to help them human to human, not preach to them missionary to human. haha.

Love you all. Thanks for writing. happy Chilean independence to you!!! Celebrate the 18th with a nice completo or empanada. haha I know I will.

Mille, you are a language prodigy!!! We are going to hablar español while you enseñarme guitar. Okay? Done.
Ruth Flake, No sè si usted sabe de mi blog, pero, gracias por su email. La quiero muchisimo.
Paige Gines, Tambien.

Laboring

2010-09-06T16:38:00.000-07:00

Dearest letter reader,

We have had a phenomenal week. Here ARE some highlights:

1. We found an incredible family. Gina, the mom, and we know her two kids, Cynthia and Cesar. They are friends and neighbors of a recent convert Claudio and have always seen the elders and us walk by. And apparently we always say hi to her when we pass by. Good habit.
2. Gina is a hairstylist and works in her house. She's evangelical because she likes the music, but never goes to church. Cynthia is a cosmetologist who is studying criminal science (cool) and is finishing her thesis this semester. Cesar studies in Viña, so he is only around every other weekend, but was so enthused with our first visit that he said he wanted to come to church the next day. But, he had always seen his friend Claudio go to church in a suit, and he doesn't have his suit here, so he didn't come.
3. But this Sunday (yesterday) Gina and Cynthia came and even invited their neighbor, which is the coolest. And they LOVED it. They knew a couple of members and were excited to be there.
4. Marisol and Alejandra also (finally) came and brought the grandma too. Maria used to not like to listen to us when we would visit in Villa Teniente, but now she wants to come to church and everything. Cool. Alejandra even helped us friendship Gina's neighbor's daughter and they went to Young Women together. Yes!
5. We have also been visiting an inactive young man named Felipe. He lives with his dad and grandma and 6 cats and 2 street dogs with fleas. I have 3 flea bites so far. Hopefully I got rid of them from my clothes. Ick. But he went inactive right after being confirmed and doesn't have the priesthood yet, so we are working on the word of wisdom with him so he can come back and be a contributer.
6. Hermana Black got pretty sick starting last, last Friday, but is just a nose to the grindstone type of a girl, so we kept working until she lost her voice and had to rest for a while. She is all better now. We got some good medicines and she drank a lot of honey and lemon or avacado water. yumm
7. We were so excited for all of the progress and good things going on in the sector and we started to talk about next change, because obviously we were going to stay together, right? Wrong. We got the call and it was like a punch to the throat. She had to go to Tupahue this morning.
8. But, I'm overcoming the mourning because my new companion Hermana Ventura is awesome! She's from Georgia, but her family lives in Tooele now. She was trained by Hermana Black, so I've already heard all the good things about her. She's an expert cook, turns out. So that is going to be fun.
9. Francisca sort of avoided us all week. I'm not sure it was on purpose, but her fiance couldn't get authorization still from his old stake president, so she didn't get baptized this week. But also, she wants to wait for Carlos' mom to be in town (for the 18th of September independance day stuff) so it may be pushed back yet another week. She's got to make it though. She's amazing. During the Principles class yesterday we watched Together Forever and she talked about how she knows that she and Carlos will make it to the temple and that theír family can be eternal. She knows that it's true and they are going to be able to achieve it together! So excited!
10. I found a copy of "The Pursuit of Excellence" program that the relief society is doing (I think). It's sort of like Personal Progress from Young Women, but it's divided up into a couple of challenges (spiritual, intellectual, physical, character) and it's got a bunch of goals. So you can look at something you want to improve, make a goal and keep track of your progress. It's really cool and I'm looking forward to putting it into practice this change.

I'm all about making goals these days. But just when I think I'm on my way I start to forget my goals. I have them in lists and lists in my journal (ovbiously I like lists) and on post-its on the wall, but I'm also very good at ignoring things. If we make progress we are acting, but if we plateau, we get acted upon.

This promises to be an exciting week. I think I've got the sector down. It's not too big, we have great investigators and I've already double booked us for Tomorrow, so that should be fun. Also, the 11th is a national holiday. It's called the young combateer day, or something. It's dangerous, so we go in the house early. Last year, some youths threw some sort of bomb into the light system of the apartment buildings in Villa Cordiellera and we lost power at about 7pm until about 4pm the next day. We were safe. But on the 12th, it was interesting because there were just a bunch of piles of ashes in the streets. I guess they make little fires and blow stuff up to celebrate. Silly jovenes.

Well, I love you all. Be good and read your scriptures.

Hermana

Camille, sorry about the skin and potito desciptions. I sent Jon a letter this morning. Hopefully he'll get it in 8-10 days. haha. I drew a picture of me drinking mate. I'll send you one to your new address asap. Hermana Ventura likes to spend P-Days writing letters, so I might be able to put more letters in the post. Love you so much. Good luck with the new job and callings!!

A nice sunset.

Hermana Georgina Rey's grandson with a volantin, the best kites around.

Me and a field in San Joaquin de los Mayos

Grace, Bernarda, Emilia and Grandma Rosa. She's at least 93.

Hermana Liliana made us these sweet earwarmer headbands. Her husband greets us by saying "Flashdance" whenever he sees us wearing them.

The toilet seat the elders left hanging on the wall in the bathroom of our apartment. Classy elders.

Sandwiches and Potitos

2010-08-30T19:59:00.000-07:00

Hello dearest family and friends,

This week started out pretty slow, but we ended up teaching a lot of people . . . just not very many that live in our sector or who want to learn more. But, we did our part.

1. I have finally eaten something that I can tell people was strange and disgusting in the mission. Up until this week, everything has been pretty normal. We eat a lot of rice and chicken or spaghetti or potatoes with oil and salt. But this week, we ate Sanguachito de Potito, or in English, "little butt sandwich."
2. It's made by taking a big piece of french bread, soaking it with Mayo and stuffing it with little squares of cow stomach and bell peppers. Not for humans. Apparently these are the sandwiches they sell at soccer games and stuff. Can you just imagine the vendor who walks up and down the bleachers passing out this kind of sandwich wrapped in a plastic bag for a buck a piece? yum.
3. I only ate a little bit and then gave up. Just to say I had tried it. Hermana Black was wise and took only one bite.
4. There is a photo on here that shows a few dogs behind a fence. I couldn't get all the dogs in the picture, but there are definitely 9. Javiera, a little 9 year-old decided she didn't want to give any of the dogs of a litter away. She wants to be a vet. 9 dogs? ick.
5. We had another disheartening Sunday. We went to go pick Alejandra (from Villa Teniente) up, but when we got there she was still in her PJs and told us she couldn't leave her mom (she had a headache). We coaxed for a minute and then her mom started to tell her to come with us and finally she did. She liked it once we got there, but left right after Sacrament meeting. Our only other faithful church-goer is Francisca. She is excited for her up and coming baptism this weekend. So are we.
6. As a mission, starting today (because the assistants just sent us all an email), we have a goal to find a golden family this week. Obviously that's a great goal. But, hasn't that always been the goal?
7. We had a really fun family home evening as a ward on Friday. I loved it. Although it took away our English students. We learned about how to have better communication in the family (different segments given by each of the Young Men), I have really reflected on that. I think that's what magnifying your calling means. The Young Men's president set up the activity and gave opportunities to each of those in his class to participate. Then they got the Young Women involved and they each got to explain a game. It was really neat.
8. We played a funny game where every three or four people were put into groups and had a type of dance they had to dance regardless of the music that was playing. Francisca and Carlos did the twist while Geronimo and his mom tango-ed and other people were cha-cha-ing, etc to a cumbia song. haha
9. Then we ate tons of sopaipillas. So many. The activities committee said we needed 250. Only about 60 people came (more than came to sacrament meeting on Sunday), but they all went home with a pile of scones.
10. Hermana Black and I are trying to work with the new convert families who have people who haven't yet gone to church or gotten to know the gospel. We have high hopes for a few families, but we keep running into an all-too-common problem: The majority of couples we teach are married to other people and don't want to go through the divorce process, so they just live together. It's so frustrating sometimes. Especially when one or the other is an inactive member of the church.

We did divisions this week. I got to go with Hermana Magalei, she is from Provo-ish. Played basketball with Mallary at Mountain View. It was really great for me to see all of her love and great spirit as we talked with everyone we came in contact with. I think that after Buin, I lost a lot of the love in my everyday encounters. It was really nice to have that reminder. To focus on the people and really take interest in them. That way, the message can be important to them. Really, any problem or difficulty we go through can be resolved by the gospel of Jesus Christ. He can heal our hurts and gives us hope. I'm so grateful that I know that. Life would be terrible without understanding His love.

I'm not sure what else I can tell you. We made delicious fruit smoothies for breakfast this morning. I scraped off the callouses on my heals. It's been a relaxing morning.

Cheers.
Hermana Gillespie

Mille, I'm so happy for your job, and for your happiness and for your apartment and for everything. It really sounds like you have a grown-up life. I'm glad I get to go back to college for another year before trying to figure stuff like health insurance out. Yikes! It sounds like you are working hard on the house too. It will pay off. In a way, it will always be your house. I'm glad you got to chat with Jon for a minute too. When I called from the airport the phone card didn't work so I just used a payphone. Lasted about 5 minutes and used about $4. good thing I didn't really have anything to say. haha. Do you have his address yet? Send it to me.

KT, whoa! sounds like you found a winner! I'm excited for your new perspective. Finding a good friend makes so many of our sadnesses seem farther away. That's a real blessing. Keep trying to progress in whatever aspect you think is most important. You are doing good things, Kates. Loveyou

Hanging out and ½ a brain

2010-08-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

This week has been really, really great. We have had a lot of fun miracles and a lot of good inspirational moments. Let's start with those:

1. I kept telling Hermana Black that I want our investigators to tell us that they want to be baptized instead of us always trying to get them to accept a baptism date. I would practice the script I wanted as we walked the streets and she would tell me, "yeah, that would be great!" and then you know what happened? We went to Fracisca's on Tuesday with the grandma of a girl that just got baptized last week. We chatted about her baptism (Francisca attended) and then she said, "yeah, I want to be baptized too. And then we are going to get sealed in the temple in a year." So I asked her when and she told us on the 5th of September. Done.
2. Grace keeps promising us that she will go to church and then keeps not coming. We had a couple of hard visits with her last week. She is studying and is a mom and is trying to help rebuild their house because it fell down in the earthquake. So she's been really tired. But we visited anyway and I think she couldn't concentrate because she was so tired. Hopefully this week will be better. But some of the elders in our zone said they saw her in a bus in their sector and that she told them that she is preparing for her baptism and that she likes that she is learning and making changes in her life. So that was nice to hear.
3. We had a fun district meeting. We made a rule that in every district meeting we have to have a treat and a game. That's been really fun to get to know the other missionaries as fun people and not just as coworkers. I like this zone. I like being in Rancagua again!
4. There was a rumor going around last P-Day that there would be a special conference with Elder Richard G. Scott. It was real! He came on Saturday and the whole Rancagua and the whole Santiago West missions got to get together and see him. It was really interesting. Here's the play by play:
5. He starts out his talk (in Spanish, he's so smart) asking what passage in the Book of Mormon we should use to invite the people to know it's true. A few elders shouted out some scriptures until someone said "the last two paragraphs of the introduction". Elder Scott agreed. Then he gave us all 7 minutes to prepare a lesson on the book of Mormon to do practices. Hermana Black and I put our little lesson together and waited for everyone else. Elder Scott asked for volunteers (phew!) to come up and give their lessons. So some elders from Rancagua went up first and then a pair from Santiago went up to give it a shot. The great thing is that after a practice, everyone gives you feedback. They tell you the good things you did and that they liked it, etc. But then they give you feedback on what could have been done better. I felt bad for those two companionships. Doing a practice in front of an Apostle, a Seventy, two mission presidents and about 400 missionaries isn't the easiest thing to do. But then, the missionaries that give feedback are very critical. So that's fun.
6. Hermana Black and I sat on the front row because we got there early. All of the hermanas got to sit up front, actually, but we were on the front, front row. Elder Scott asked President MacArthur to pick a companionship of Hermanas to come and do a practice. He scanned the benches, scanned and scanned and then picked on us. Of course he picked on us.
7. We gave a nice little lesson, using the tools we know, teaching to the needs of the people, etc. When we finished, Elder Scott said, "Elders, if you want to know how to do something right, you just have to watch the Hermanas". That was pretty cool. He asked the missionaries for positive feedback and then told us that he wouldn't ask for criticism because it was so well done. I never imagined anything like that ever happening in my life. It was a really neat moment. When he shook our hands I felt confident and so, so grateful for that opportunity.
8. Before starting his real talk he told us that he was going to talk about our future lives, meaning dating and marriage. He started out by asking the Elders what they thought were good dating ideas. Some poor elder told him that it's important to see how the girl acts in a group setting to see what she is really like. Elder Scott smashed his response. He said that it sounded like his idea of dating was hanging out and that hanging out is "idleness in flocks" . Rejected, elder. Someone else said that it's nice to go to a movie. Smashed again. Elder Scott said that dates to movies are dates planned by people with half a brain. He's awesome. Then he asked the Hermanas what we thought would be good ways to get to know our future spouses. After each comment he would back it up saying, that is advice without price. Or that counsel would cost hundreds of dollars if you hired a professional counselor.
9. Finally, he gave his talk. I thought that that was really important. Like what we had to say to each other was important enough to use his time to talk about. He did something that I can't get out of my head, though. He told us, "I'm going to stop being Richard G. Scott for just a minute. I'm just going to speak to you as an Apostle of the Lord with all the keys and authority He has given to His servants." Wow. Just that, huh? He spoke about his wife. She passed away 15 years ago. But he stressed and re-stressed the importance of being married in the temple to be sealed forever. He said that he has never felt a single day in 15 years like she has not been supporting him and directing him and giving him strength to keep doing the right things. It can't be until "death do they part" that just doesn't make any sense. I hope my husband talks about me like that someday.
10. He talked about the love our Heavenly Father has for His son Jesus Christ. He talked about the moment on the cross when Christ asks why He was forsaken. Elder Scott said that in that moment, perfection entered the plan of Salvation. God's only beloved son, who created worlds and galaxies before being born, was the only perfect human being who could put the plan of God into action. And that He was able to do it in that moment, when He was all alone. He told us that, obviously, that would have been immensely painful for a Father to do. Then he told us that he knows that Christ lives. That He has a way of communicating His love that is sublime. But then he said something interesting, he said that he takes responsibility for having testified of Christ. It made me think of Elder Holland's Book of Mormon talk a couple of conferences ago. I wonder what that means. I love Apostolic testimonies.

Anyway, I hope you can see what I mean when I say that it was a week of miracles and of inspiration. I love this week.

Other highlights, as seen in the photos, are that Hermana Black and I built a fort out of extra mattresses and blankets.

That I got to go back to Machali for a Zone activity. We hiked Cerrito San Juan. It's so beautiful. I loved it. We found a bridge. We aren't sure why it was there. Just on the top of the hill. Whatever. Now we are going home to shower and get back to work.

Thanks so much for your emails and letters. I can't really express my gratitude. But I love you each very much.

Love,
Hermana Gillespie

Camille, it's funny that Elder Scott came because you had just written me about that great talk you watched of his. Don't be jealous. haha. I got your letter today too. It wasn't a useless letter. It's nice that you could help me with my being happy where you are thoughts. Thanks for being such a diligent, thoughtful friend. I love you so much.

Deep Sleepers and Discursos

2010-08-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

Hermana Black's really cool hairdo I did for her last night.

Beauty shots of the hair accessories a girl in Machali made for me.

Javiera and her grandparents Ivan and Pilar. She got baptized yesterday. They are converts from a year ago.

Francisca and Carlos. Francisca is the one who loves the Virgen and Carlos went inactive after his mission 10 years ago and is just now coming back, thanks to Francisca´s desire to know what the Mormons are all about.

A salad someone made for us. It's tomatoes and cheese chunks and OIL. I hope you can see that the juice there is all just oil. Way funny. Way to go Chile.

1. We had to give talks this week. I'm slowly getting more comfortable at speaking in front of lots of people. I used to have panic attacks if there were more than 5 people listening to me. Luckily this ward is full of babies and screaming children, so no one really had to pay attention to me.
2. I spoke about how we can recognize the Spirit and used Vicki Matsumori's and Elder Packer's talks from the October 2009 conference. She talks about how it feels like sunshine, which I like. And she told the story of a sister who taught the lesson in primary about the Spirit and wrapped each child in a blanket to show them how the Comforter feels. Elder Packer talks about a WW2 soldier who was being bounced along the railroad tracks in China and how his mom, half a world away, knew he was in trouble so she prayed for him. I like that one a lot. The Spirit has a real power. It's not limited to peace and calm, it's much bigger than that.
3. We've been teaching a lot of really great people here in Manzanal. Families that are progressing together and individuals who are really looking for and finding answers. Unfortunately, Sunday is sleep in day, and even though we went by their houses looking for them in the morning, we didn't get any of them to church.
4. Hermana Black is the coolest. We have a great time. Last night I did her hair in funny braids. She's a good sport though.
5. We had Hermana Finch over for a couple of days this week. She is Hermana Bellizzi's companion, but the mission is starting to change things, so, since Hermana Bellizzi is training, she got to go to a special capacitation meeting with the district leaders and zone leaders. They are doing this instead of having Zone conferences every change. Now we will only have zone conferences 4 times each year. Weird, right?
6. But, Hermana Finch was really cool to work with. It's crazy how the Spirit helps us speak. She has only been here a few weeks and it was so amazing to see how much more clearly the Spirit comes through our battered Spanish when we really feel inspired to say something. I think that after you get a good handle on the language you forget to rely on the Spirit as much. It was a good reminder.
7. The hermanas in our ward have been really great about going on visits with us. I really appreciate that. For anyone who has the opportunity to go out with the missionaries, do it. It helps the work move forward.
8. My mom sent the question "How does service help my testimony grow?" I really like this because this is my first sector where we have really been doing more service. One day we paint, one day we knock down cement fences, one day we beat the rug of an elderly inactive hermana. I think that as we look for an opportunity to serve we see how Christ would serve other people. We put them first and we get to feel the love Heavenly Father has for them too.
9. I really like the conversations that come during the service too. People will ask about the gospel and want to know why we are willing to help, and then you can teach them a principle of the gospel. Sharing our testimonies helps them grow. It helps us build and develop our talents and it helps us feel the Spirit. Service is key. And it's way more fun than knocking doors. haha.
10. Another good question that just came in is "How do you de-stress?" Obviously the gospel answers of prayer and scripture study help. But sometimes, you need something different, right? I really like to snack. That is not a healthy de-stresser, but they have this really great cereal here called pillows. They are just chocolatey things with manjar inside. That is a good snack. Chatting with a good friend helps me... sometimes a nice giggle-fit (in the privacy of our own apartment, of course). Listening to EFY songs does not help. It makes you feel evangelical. I usually just get really excited to sleep. That helps me turn my mind off. Stress free 2010.

Well, sorry if you read all that. It's been a pretty normal week, nothing too out of the ordinary. We are just working our tails off and waiting for the miracles to come. They have to come . . . !

MIlle, thanks so much for your email. I'm anxiously awaiting your other letter. haha. We can send Jon packages and things for Christmas. That will be fun. Enjoy Lost . . .hahaha :) Glad your health is improving. Enjoy your new apartment!

KT, oh dearest, I do love you. Yes, yes. I'm glad you are feeling better and that you can see the difference in your life now. I hate that. It's like, you're in the middle of something you think is good, and then you leave it and you realize just how silly it was. bah.

Chi-Chi-Chi! Le-le-le!

2010-08-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the letters and updates, everyone. I'm glad to here you are all doing so well.

Here are the week's happenings:
1. One of our investigators, Grace, decided to read the Book of Mormon wherever she opened. Of course she opened to Jacob 5. She got some good things out of it that she applied to herself while we were chatting. that's the important part.
2. One of our other investigators, Francisca, started crying in the middle of the lesson because she was sad that we never mentioned the role Maria plays in the gospel. She loves the virgin. She prays to her all the time. But, she came to stake conference yesterday and Elder Ceballos spoke with his wife. His wife went to the same Catholic school as Francisca, so they got to chat for a little while and afterward, Francisca told us she wanted us to come by on Tuesday (tomorrow) so hopefully she found some answers to her doubts in talking to her. Cool how Heavenly Father puts people in certain places at certain times. He is so wise.
3. We are also working with a lot of the new converts/inactive people in the ward. Unfortunately many of the new converts are also in the inactive category. But we have a lot of really receptive families that are learning more about the gospel and remembering the things they already knew.
4. Because we are new, we are also constantly offering to do whatever service we can to meet people and gain trust with the members. So far we've sledgehammered a wall, painted a house, beat carpets and washed some dishes. It's fun.
5. At stake conference I got to see lots of Machali folks. Felipe came. He's going to be called as a ward missionary to help the elders. I'm so excited for him.
6. Paolo and Ignacio came too. But, apparently Evelyn left them. She isn't there anymore. And leo is living with his girlfriend. It's hard. Paolo told me, sorry we never listened to you. We never did our family prayers or read together and now my wife is gone. ugh. Satan.
7. The members in Machali are just so loving. They just make you feel like you belong and that you are doing good work. It was a definite boost. Not that anything bad is going on in Manzanal, just, it's good to feel that.
8. We are very hopeful that we will have a bishop on Sunday. It's so interesting here. We had lunch yesterday with the Arredondo family. He just got called as the second counselor in the Stake Presidency. He's prolly like 35 or 40 and has been bishop twice, district president once and branch president twice. there is a lot of work to be done in the mission field. Think of all the experience, all the work . . . wow.
9. Thad asked about an experience of a time when investigators wouldn't turn off the TV. Here, there are a ton of 'game shows' where there are like 20 beautiful people in very little clothing doing weird competitions as a lot of loud music plays in the back and they just sort of dance around. It's ALWAYS on. And I guess their culture includes always having the TV on during meals, so . . . lots of that show. Annoying.
10. But that is one thing I'm really grateful for. I feel so much more offended by that kind of stuff. Like the difference between listening to the spirit and listening to the world is a lot starker than I have ever experienced before. I hope that doesn't wear off anytime soon. I like that protection.

I'm out of time.
Camille, I love you so much. You are a real champ. If you need a place to chill at I think my parents are around at the house. Write me a letter when you get bored. Also, do you live in Sean Llewellyn's apartment complex? I think that's where he lived when I left. Also, have you seen Carrie Jensen? I think she's due to come home soon too.
Be good.

Manzanal Mania

2010-08-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

One week of Manzanal! It was a really great week. Flew by, really.

1. Hermana Black is the bomb. It's just so easy to work with her and to meet our goals and to find solutions to people's doubts in the scriptures and with good testimony. I love it.
2. We studied the map the first few days for companionship study. I think we've basically got the sector down. It keeps getting smaller as we walk around. Not to mention Hermana Black walks like a speeding bullet. That's been a little adjustment I've had to make.
3. It rained twice this week. My shoes just can't take any more. I have cracks in the soles and even put cardboard in their in an attempt to not have to go shopping. But, it didn't work that way. I bought some new ones. They are pretty. And pretty cool.
4. We found Marisol and Alejandra. Ale came to English class with us and promised to come to church on Sunday, but they didn't show. boo. She misses Villa Teniente. Can't blame her, really. She did go to girl's camp with Manzanal though, so she has friends. Just misses the old branch.
5. Our ward gave us a really nice little welcome in Sacrament meeting yesterday. They had us introduce ourselves as part of testimony meeting and then several members got up to say that they are grateful to have sisters again. They used to have sisters here a couple years ago. Everyone talks about Sister Wilson who played the violin. Not sure who that is, but she is very popular in Manzanal.
6. This is the first ward I've been in that actually gives us ten names from the inactive list to go visit and that has a meeting to talk about those ten each week. I'm so excited. We contacted about 20 people this week, so that was fun. I like Permaneced.
7. Ben, to answer your question, I think that having so many people who know something about the church is a real blessing, but it actually makes the work harder I think. There are so many people who have had some sort of contact with the church that they already draw conclusions about who we are and what we talk about. Or they have had a family member who was a member and was offended, so they think that the church is just like any other church. Which it's NOT. So, yeah, harder to reactivate than to teach fresh.
8. Jethro had a good question for me last week. This is an exxerpt from his letter for you all:
"He said whenever someone tells him 'hey did you hear that there's a new Chilean restaurant?' His response is 'Why?' He said that the only condiment or spice that they use is mayonnaise, and that they boil steaks in oil, then use said oil as gravy for the potatoes, and then add more mayo to the steak. Beetle, is this true?"
9. It couldn't have been said better. I've even had hot dogs fried in oil and then had that oil put on top of my 1.5lbs of mashed potatoes. Didn't I tell you about the lady who told us so proudly that she had cut their monthly oil intake in half? She and her husband and 5 year old son only use 4 liters of oil a month instead of the 8 they used to go through. The Mayo here is different than in the states too. It's got more of a flavor, not so white. No refrigerator is complete without a big bag of easy squeeze mayo. I've even had mayo on eggs. I actually kind of like it on rice.
As far as spices go, they use oregano in everything. Oregano and salt is as far as their kitchens have gotten. Sometimes cilantro. Grumma Spencer doesn't like cilantro. Or the zoo.
10. So, turns out Manzanal is a pretty cool little sector. We have a mission leader. The elders left us some really great investigators. The house is a lot cleaner than it was. The only real difficulty right now is that we don't have a bishop in our sector. The ¨acting bishop¨ is the first counselor of the stake presidency. But, stake conference is this week, so hopefully we will be able to fix that little problemita.

In other news, I got to see Hermana Craner today! That was a fun reunion. She is just the sweetest human that has prolly ever lived. And she lived in a house with three other latinas for a couple of transfers and is now more than fluent in her Spanish. It's so fun to see her so comfortable speaking. She's so cool.

I'm not sure what else is cool. Thanks to Robyn I'm going to go buy some ice cream today and make some Arroz con leche in the morning. That's pretty cool.

I have been studying faith this week. Turns out faith is hard. I think that as members of the church we automatically think that we have faith because we do things like go to church and pay tithing. Faith is bigger. Your assignment is to read the bible dictionary entry for Faith and tell me what you learned.

Love you all.

Hermana Galespii

Robyn, You are a dear, my dear, sweet sister in law. And the journal is beautiful. Thank you. I just hope I fill it up before I get home. There is so much I don't write down. . . I'm so ready for tacos. mmmm. I love Elder Bednar's talk. I like how organized he speaks. It keeps us focused. I don't have any advice on how to teach the lesson. You are a mom, you know what to do.

Jethro, I thought you were just kidding about putting a different quote from Raising Arizona on each email. There are a lot of funny quotes, turns out. Good job. I like that you go to Payson lakes a lot. I've never gone. Put it on my agenda. Also, I only have one banana in the house. Your concert report sounds . . . dramatic?

BenGaines, your top tens are awesome. How did you remember the date of Lisa Simpson's future wedding? Nerd. Have a great time traveling the states. Holy smokes. You have a cool job. Free stuff is the best.

Mille, I couldn't have loved your picture more. That is truly the most inspirational and beautiful piece of art I have seen in ages. Wow, time goes by pretty quick. Tell Jon he'll do great for me. I'll send him a letter for Christmas.

Jan, your blog is awesome. I'm glad no one got hurt. You guys are tough as beef and nails and wood. Praying for you. and Congratulations on a new gua-gua. (baby in Chilean)

Dad, the priesthood and the power of the priesthood is a big topic down here. Elder Holland said that he had never seen a place so full of priesthood holders with such little power. Kind of a blow, right? But it's true. There is a difference between having the authority of God and knowing how to use it. Thanks for the scriptural insights. You are so wise.

Back with Black

2010-07-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

This has been a week of some real sweet and some sorta bitter experiences. I'll give you a little taste with this week's top ten.

1. Sweet. Hermana David and I were able to have some really great lessons with Joan and Juan Pablo (Gonzalo's brother). Both of them had to make some changes to live the Word of Wisdom, but by the end of the week they both said that they don't even think about cigarettes or coffee anymore. We saw that they have gained some good friendships and were very content in the priesthood and young men's respectively.
2. Sweet. They both passed their interviews with flying colors. They were both very prepared and very excited.
3. Sweet. Our ward mission leader Sergio helped us a ton with the minute and getting everyone invited to the baptism. His idea of a great baptismal service included singing ¨A Poor Wayfaring Man¨ and ¨Be Thou Humble¨. He's really funny.
4. Bitter. We got a call on Saturday afternoon (baptism at 7:30pm) from our branch president saying that he had just found out about the baptisms and that he wouldn't be able to be there. He might have been a little annoyed, but we had talked about everything with his wife on Wednesday. She was supposed to tell him about what was going on. bleh.
5. Bitter. It seems like our ward members couldn't care less about working with us until there is a baptism. Then, all of a sudden everyone else knows how the service should be done and begin to criticize everything that had been planned. All of a sudden the leaders come out of the woodwork and try to manage everything. Where is all that concern when we bring people to church for the first time?
6. Sweet. Joan's and Juan Pablo's families loved the service. To them, everything went really well and everyone was very grateful and were able to feel the Spìrit. We even received some new referrals and people to teach. Really, it was very beautiful.
7. Sweet. They were both confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday morning. They were the first two to arrive at the church. Love that. Daniel also came. Mary goes and visits him (because they are neighbors). They are just such good people.
8. Bitter. After the meetings the branch president called us into the office to have a little talking-to. Obviously he felt out of the loop, but the branch presidency and much of the branch, is just unorganized. Not good communication. No weekly meetings. Left the church with a bad taste in my mouth.
9. Sweet. This transfer is really exciting. I'm out of Buin and back in Rancagua with my dear, old, MTC companion Hermana Black. We are whitewashing a sector where the Elders used to be. Basically, we know where the church is, this internet place and our apartment. It's going to be exciting!!! It's fun to be in Rancagua again.
10. Bitter. Once again we are moving into an Elders house. It is dirty. They don't even have cleaning supplies. But, whatever. Welcome to Manzanal!!!

Manzanal is right on the border with Villa Teniente AND Machalì, so that's going to be really fun. I'm hoping that I get to see the Machalì folks at General Conference in October! Hooray! AND Marisol and Alejandra from my first change in Chile now live in Manzanal, so I'll get to see them too! Also the mission home is in our sector, so maybe Hermana MacArthur will come do divisions with us. You know, show us how it's done.

Just some fun things. I'm really happy about this new opportunity. I feel like it's where we are supposed to be, so we are just going to do our best and watch for the blessings.

What else is new? I've had a pretty nice cough and sore throat for the last week. Lots of soups and lemon and honey water. I'm sure I'll get over it soon.

I haven't read what you have written me yet, so I can't really respond to any of you. But thanks for your support and prayers. Being a missionary can be a real rollercoaster, but I know that the prayers help us find our balance. Study chapter 4 of Preach my Gospel and tell me what you learn next week.

Happy birthdays in-laws. I love you guys.

Hermana Galespii

Piniones and Sushi

2010-07-19T19:39:00.000-07:00

Hello dearest reader,

I hope this top-ten list will be to your liking. I would like to mention first that I received quite a few top ten lists this week and really appreciated them. Thanks for the letters and support. It means a lot.

1. I'm sure that in Southern Utah there are pinion pine nuts, but here, they have piniones that are the size of your pinky finger. They are huge! And Hermana Dominguez made us eat a hole plate each. That was a lot of calories in one sitting.
2. Joan continues to progress and basically spent the whole weekend at the church with Sergio. They cleaned the church together, they even pruned the trees. He hasn't smoked in about a week and is really excited to be learning and changing. He told us yesterday that he rejected a party invitation from an old buddy last week because he knew it wouldn't be a good atmosphere. Thank you Holy Ghost.
3. We have been more demanding of the members and were able to have about 15 lessons with a member present this week. That's a huge change for Buin. Most of it is because of Hermana David. She's a good persuader. Hopefully the spirit of missionary work will seep into the members and not bounce off of them.
4. We found a sushi restaurant. It was delicious.
5. Mary performed at our talent show this week. She rented a princess Belle dress and she and her son Alejandro danced the waltz. It was so cute, I am so happy for her. She's our best member these days, she is always inviting her family to things and setting us up with references and lunches. It just feels so good when someone shares their testimony so sincerely with the people she loves the most. I really admire her example.
6. The talent show was a good time. Sergio demanded that we do something, so Hermana Rojas and I were Goliath and Hermana Powell and Hermana David were David. We acted out the story as the elders read from the Bible. It wasn't super funny, but it was a good time. I just realize that my displayable talents are very limited. I'm good at being legs.
7. We had interviews with President MacArthur this week. It was nice. I was expecting more of a psychiatrist session, but it was pretty relaxed. Someone robbed the gas tanks (propane?) from the church the week before so we were just huddled together in the chapel waiting for our turn with president. He had a heater in the office, but once we left . . . ugh. Cold.
8. The sisters huddled with the sisters. Don't misunderstand.
9. We did some good yard work at the house last week. We weeded and put up a little chicken wire on the inside of our fence so that the dogs and cats won't come in and poop on our weeds anymore. It was sort of fun to do a project. I like when you can see visible results of labor.
10. Also, I watched Saturday's Warrior for the first time at a zone activity. And I decided while watching it, that the Gillespie Family should have a song. Like a fight song we can sing at FHE or family reunions in the future. Any opposed?

BenGaines asked me an interesting question that I will use the remainder of my time trying to explain. He stated the fact that there are a lot of inactive members of the church here and that the LDS church is prolly better known here than in other countries. Then he asked if that makes the work here harder than I expected or easier. At first, I was really excited to be working with Permaneced, the looking for inactives to reactivate them program, but, after meeting with many of these people and seeing that they don't really care to repent and keep their baptismal covenants it's hard to keep being excited about meeting with them. Of course we have seen some really great things happen with that program and we will continue to work with it. It is interesting, though, when we are out contacting people in the street and they tell us, ¨oh yeah, I know that church¨ And then we ask if they were baptized and some say yes as if they had a good experience there, others say no at first and then tell us yes after asking again. Others tell us yes and that they have no desire ever to go back. Contacts are sort of interesting here because of the vast population of members. Even if they were baptized and went to church for a year or two, odds are they don't remember anything except that they used to have great family home evenings with the missionaries or that they played soccer on the church courts.

I've been really impressed by that, actually, there are so many people here that were strong in the church, in Buin there are several old branch presidents that are now inactive that we have visited. When we visit they pull out their scriptures from wherever they have been stored for the last x amount of years and try to convince us that they haven't forgotten anything. Then we ask them about the meaning of the Holy Ghost or what is the Sacrament and even such basic principles have been taken away from their understanding. Usually they remember the Word of Wisdom and Joseph Smith's first vision, but anything farther than that is like it has been wiped from their memories. I think it talks about that in the Book of Mormon. That which was received, if not cared for, will be taken away. Something like that.

Anyway, the work here is tricky in that respect, but it is also really great to be warmly welcomed into the house of inactive members who love the missionaries. I have always loved thinking that being a missionary is just helping people remember what they already knew once. If they haven't learned about the gospel here, they learned it before they were born, it's just a matter of getting their spirit to remember the Spirit so they can remember the truth. Some people just don't want to listen again, but Father will give them another chance later too. That's what love is. May we all be filled with that love and share our testimonies with our loved ones.

Hermana Gillespie

Mille, I loved the letter. You need to be taking really good care of yourself these days, okay? Send Jon off with a big kiss on the cheek for me.
Jan, your dreams are messed up. Does that come from being preggies?
BenGaines, Anna sounds like a scamp. But she speaks! I'm so excited to hear that. We will be doing some good Winter vacation work-outs. You me and Jethro, right, Jethro? We got to be fit!
B.Webby, thanks for the insights. I don't know if you actually read this, but thanks for the wisdom and encouragement. You're a real pal.
Thad, I'm sorry that your car is sick.
Matto, keep the elders in line.

Dog food or Hardware

2010-07-12T15:01:00.000-07:00

Buin fans, we have some good news. Here are ten bits of good news for Buin Fans all over the world.

1. Most of the time, I try to be reserved about the great things that happen until I feel like they will be realized. Like, last week, Sergio, our mission leader, brought his friend to an activity, we chatted a little, is pretty shy, named Joan (like Johann because he's a boy).
2. All the active youth that were there chatted with him, invited him to our English and piano class and then to institute.
3. He came to English class, piano and then we gave him a Book of Mormon and explained a little bit about where it comes from and gave him a homework to read.
4. We found out later that he also went to institute and loved it.
5. Then, he showed up to church on Sunday, loved the principles class and asked us afterward when he can get baptized. Wow. Great. But because there are two wards that meet in the building and he had to go to his uncle's house right after church we couldn't talk to him very well. He was going to come to Mary's baptism, but couldn't make it for some reason.
6. It rained during the time we had set up on Monday to visit, so he didn't come to the church. We passed by his house a few times during the week, but wasn't ever there. Then, on Wednesday, we met up in the church with Sergio and taught him about the plan of salvation and the importance of taking care of our bodies. We committed him to live the word of wisdom and quit smoking.
7. He handed over his new pack of cigarettes and his lighter and said he'd do it.
8. Then we met up again at the church, came to English and piano, institute and to church yesterday. He's well on his way to being welcomed into the celestial kingdom. I'm so excited for him.
9. And we found out at lunch yesterday that Joan told Hector that he really wants to be baptized, but after the first day at church, and Hector told him there is like a process and repentance and stuff, so he asked, "next week then?"
10. It's so interesting because Hermana David and I have been working our tails off every day with very little progress from our investigators and then all of a sudden, at the end of this change, this perfect young man comes and lands in our ward. God always answers our prayers, but in his own time and in his own way. We just have to earn His trust and He will help us find the people He has prepared.

It's been a week of real miracles. I'm so excited to be able to be a part of this work out here in Chile. There isn't anything I'd rather be doing right now.

Also, we have been working as a companionship trying to learn how to have faith and love and charity and stuff. I've been really impressed at how much Heavenly Father wants to help us if we just pray and make some goals to improve our characters. Just an idea.

In other news, As we've walked around and back and forth and all across Buin I've noticed an abundance of pet stores and hardware shops here. I just think it's a weird combination, but, they are certainly everywhere.

Fourth of Julio Miracles

2010-07-05T18:22:00.000-07:00

Hello's from Buin-town,

Here's a top-ten in photos for your visual delight.

1. Chile lost their game in the world cup. There was still an awful lot of partying going on for having lost 0-3. Lots of pride for their country here. It's cool to see. But also, I'm really glad Chile is out.

2. We have the house nice and organized now. This was the first day of the moving extravaganza. I can't believe how much stuff I've accumulated in one year. It's not okay.

3. Me and Hermana David. She's the coolest. I love being her companion. We are hoping for one more change together. Maybe the new president will look over the fact that we've been together two changes and let us keep working miracles in Buin.

4. President Resek, Hermana David, Me, Hermana Powell, Hermana Rojas and Hermana Resek at the farewell conference. It was a good time. I've never seen Presidente so relaxed and mingle-y. I really appreciate this family and I've definitely learned a lot from their examples.

5. When we went to the Buin Zoo I found Nemo and wanted to tell Anna about it. This is for you Anna.

6. Hermana David and I have been teaching this really funny lady and her really shy daughter. This week she proudly showed us into her backyard-deck-outside kitchen thing and started to take blankets and pillows off a wash basin until she pulled out an eagle. It had gotten caught on an electric fence and died in perfect condition. She pulled it out and kept saying "it's an eagle, it's an eagle!" It's prolly illegal, but she said she would turn it over to the zoo.

7. This is us and Gloria's family. That's Gonzalo in front. He is the one that got baptized a couple months ago. We have had some real ups and downs with this family, but we really just love each other. Half the family is inactive, but Gloria just keeps coming to church. She tells us all the time that she loves to go and that she knows it's the right path. Hopefully she keeps fighting for her family and that they follow her example.

8. The biggest miracle of the week is that Mary got baptized. She showed up for her interview on Friday and told us that her family, all of a sudden, was very against the idea and didn't want her to go through with it. She said that they weren't willing to support her and that if she did get baptized that they would come and make problems for her. Not sure how much of that was true, but she was pretty rattled. I think her brother started telling her a bunch of lies about the church, tithing and Joseph Smith issues mostly. So she got spooked and told us that she couldn't do it. But, she had her interview anyway and it was a good moment for her to talk to one of the elders about her doubts. Then, we had a branch family night planned so we went in together and she started talking to everyone about her problem and asking for advice and things. The members really pulled together for her and our new mission leader showed her a bunch of scriptures to help put her doubts behind her and she left saying that yes, she would be baptized.

9. Mary, Sergio, Hermana David, Aracelly and me. It was Sergio's (mission leader's) first time performing a baptism. They were both pretty nervous. Mary is terrified of water (and she wanted to be baptized in a river) and didn't do much bending. So Sergio had to repeat the prayer and try and get her all the way under the water a few times. Finally, the fourth time, it worked like it was supposed to. I love the symbolism of the baptism. As a representation of the death of our sinner-selves and the resurrection of our perfect-selves it has to be done by completely immersing yourself in the water. I love the simplicity of Christ's example. Hard to believe how it has been complicated and changed by so many other churches.

10. Me, Jessenia Mancilla and Hermana David. She is our best returned missionary helper. Mostly because she's the only hermana RM. She helps us go to lessons and teaches us the things that worked for them in Osorno. Also she's mastering English, so it's fun it chat.

So, our little branch has it's newest adult member for the first time in many months. It seems that here in Buin a lot of children get baptized without too much support from their parents. This was a nice change and an answer to many prayers. She's a great lady and she will be a great help for the future missionaries here.

In other news, a really great hermano in our branch sewed my shoes back together. I have been walking around with the whole back of one shoe unattached from the sole for about 4 months. Maybe more. He fixed and polished them. I feel like a million bucks in them now. I also stole the inserts of Hermana David's old Sketchers and put them in my shoes because they are flat and silly and hurt my sciatic. This week has been better in that regard.

I've been reading a lot in Isaiah and Daniel this week and have some questions for your scriptorians out there. Several times, in Daniel, it says that so-and-so was "astonied." Is that supposed to be astonished? Because it's in there like 4 times. Also, what, exactly, is the stone cut out of the mountain without hands? And is our age the age of clay and iron toes? Is that right now?

Also, expecting mothers, maybe you could think a while about the name Belteshazzar. You could call her Belle or Tesh if it's a girl or Zzar if it's a boy. Win-win.

Anyway, the church is true and I love the gospel. Keep doing the things you are commanded to do, like honor your baptismal covenants, do your home teaching and genealogy so that you can live with God again.

Love,
Hermana Gisper.

Jethro, Happy renaissance. I'm so happy for you. You're really gonna have a deck! That's cool. Will you sketch me something and take a picture of it and then send that picture to me on the next email? And tell me what you're reading these days.

Robyn, thanks for the updates and the photos. Holidays most be rough on the kids. I never really thought about that before. Good luck on the potty training. You're a brave soul. One month until you get a snow-cone machine for your birthday!!!

BenGaines, I think this is the first week of my whole mission that I haven't heard from you. Totally understandable. My mom told me about the router. But, I hope you guys are soaking in the good Nauvoo humidity and taking lots of pictures so I never have to go there in July.

Jan, I loved the blog. Holy smokes, she's a scamp. And she's big. Silly, growing Eva. Did you do anything fun for 4th of July? Tell Ben and the kids hola. Looking forward to Spanish only days.

Mille, wow, I can't believe the house is really on the market. And don't worry. You won't be alone in Utah for long. I'll be back before you can blink. Time is really flying by out here. It is a little bit scary to think that I will prolly only have a couple more companions and be on the plane. I laughed so hard about your story about your dream. Amanda would tell me a joke about a hamster. She's a scamp too. Are lots of people married? I haven't thought about that possibility for a while. Tell Jon thanks for his email too. August 4th is just around the corner. Wow. 'member when he kissed me on the cheek. haha. Lil' Jon.

World Cup and Discursos

2010-06-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

Hey World cup watchers! We can all celebrate that Chile lost so that our work can go on. Maybe that will humble them and they will listen to us. I believe.

1. We went to the zoo today as a zone. I saw the racoxons and porcupines, and a big mechanical elephant. It was a pretty funny zoo. The monkeys and tigers and bear were pretty active, so that was fun. It was interesting to see the South American variety of animals and to see what they think are interesting North American rodents.
2. Our new house was filthy. We spent all week cleaning up the mess the elders had left for us. The sticky kitchen and the dog-poop covered patio have been the real highlights. It's basically organized now, but we threw out no less than 20 grocery bags of old missionary's belongings. yuck.
3. In our cleaning activities we found a bag of guarana flavored mate. I have never been so nervous in my whole life. We are giving mate a rest for now. haha
4. Let me tell you a little about Hermana David. She loves panda bears. Her favorite pre-mission band is Led Zeppelin, she's a legit Navajo (four clans) and only buys purple clothing. We laugh so much everyday.
5. The world cup debilitated Daniel. It's just too big of a temptation to invite your buddies over and drink when Chile plays. We passed by a couple of times, but he wasn't in conditions to listen. Sadly, we learned through his nephew that he doesn't want us to visit him anymore.
6. His nephew, Sergio, is a convert of a little more than a year. He is preparing his mission papers and was called to be the new branch mission leader yesterday. We are so excited!
7. Mary told us that she would have to wait until next Sunday because she wants to make her own baptism dress. She is a sweetheart and never lets us leave her house without giving us a big, heavy bag of avacados and bread. She's so sweet.
8. We have learned some interesting things about the people in the acampamento. Turns out they steal electricity, don't have running water and most of the people steal grapes or other fruits from nearby orchards and vineyards to sell. 5 stars. Happily, they have cable and cell phones.
9. Our members have been really great this week about going on divisions with us. Something that hasn't happened here for a while. We are really pleased with the small changes we are seeing.
10. The other Hermanas had a baptism last night. Their ward always has a little reception thing afterward. But, everyone was just enjoying themselves without really chatting with the lady who got baptized. Sometimes we miss the purpose of social activities for the Cheetos.

Our farewell conference was nice. It was sort of different because presidente talked a lot about how our post-mission lfe will be if we are obedient now. I liked the reminder. We meet our new presidente on Friday.

Other than all that, we are just working and studying.

I'm out of time. Thanks for writing, family. I love you more than you know. And thank you for your pictures. Take lots while you are in Nauvoo.

Em

It's like camping in your Sunday clothes

2010-06-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

VAMOS CHILE!!!

1. The world cup (Mundial) is taking Chile by storm. Luckily the two games they have played have been at 7:30 in the morning and the other, today, on P-Day, so no one yells at us for knocking doors during the Chile games. Basically, the whole country is paralyzed as every business and school is constantly watching the games. Funny how easily we get distracted, isn't it?
2. Presidente Resek told us that no one is allowed to watch the World Cup and that if a family we visit is watching, we are just supposed to share a quick scripture and go.
3. He also drinks mate and the mission rule is that missionaries can drink mate while they are in the house, not at member's houses. I support my presidente.
4. The title of this comes from Hermana Powell from Bountiful. She knows Aunt Robyn and Laurie. Something about a music store or something. Anyway, she is very cold intolerant and has to sleep in mountain gear pants and jacket plus her 5 blankets. Poor thing. But she has that positive, right-out-of-the-MTC-attitude and smiled as she said, "It's like camping in your Sunday clothes." She's awesome.
5. It rained quite a bit this week. I broke my umbrella. My irrigation boots saved the day, though. I walked right through the puddles and it didn't even matter. I'm not sick, but all the other hermanas have sore throats.
6. Our house is . . . not very cold-proof. It's all ceramic tile and with the rain and earthquake, the wall near the bathroom comes away from the floor so you can see the mud outside. We also have a lot of windows and the cold air just comes right through. So, every night we turn on the electric heater for an hour or so and go to bed. By 7am the house is so cold again we are just frozen and hide from the mean air under our nice blankets.
7. Having made new goals for the change helps keep me doing some sort of exercise in the morning, even if for only a few minutes.
8. So, Hermana Rojas explained our situation to the office elders when she went to pick up Hermana Powell and now we get to move into a new house! We have spent all morning cleaning and organizing. I can't believe how much stuff I've accumulated in a year. I think I came with 5 skirts, now I have 11. I don't think I have ever owned 11 skirts in my life. They are pretty though.
9. Mary is progressing right along. She is sharing her testimony with her mom and sons and husband and sister and everyone. She has been drinking lemon peel water for two weeks and is ready for her baptism.
10. Daniel has been MIA this week. Back on the bottle. We haven't seen him. Oh, Satan.

It's been really interesting to see how Daniel has reacted to his decisions since I met him about two months ago. When we met, he was doing well. He hadn't really been drinking, but he wasn't very sure about what he wanted to do with his life. Whenever he gets a job (he's a carpenter) he does really well and then starts drinking and loses his job. He doesn't just drink a little, though. He drinks and throws-up until he has to go to the hospital to be rehydrated. So, after about a week of meeting with him, we see that he is making good progress, but then, he disappears and goes drinking with his buddies until he runs out of money and realizes that he has a problem. Then he treats his buddies like enemies and locks himself in his house for a while. He remembers really well all the pain and the problems that drinking brings. He remembers his debts and his family and his need to work and he starts to get anxious. He wants the solutions right away. He starts getting bored and begins to work with the same guys that make him go back to the bad habit. Within a month he is back where he was before, puking over the toilet and crying in despair.

We are all the same. We all put ourselves on high alert right after we do something wrong that we don't want to do again. We put all the defenses up. But then we get bored and anxious and fall right back into it again. Satan is so clever. He really has ¨enduring to the end¨ figured out. His perseverance is his only admirable trait. We have to hold fast to the iron rod, we can't cling to it and then fall away, cling to it again, and fall away. That's not what God's plan is about, it is about diligence and obedience, even in the face of adversity. We all have a lot to fix. I've been thinking this one through all week. Sorry it's sort of a downer. But, it's a good example of our weakness. We are all pretty weak.

So, it's moving day! We aren't at the end of a transfer (we just started last week) but Hermana Rojas talked with the office elders last week about getting us a house where we can live a little more comfortably. We are switching with the elders. They will move in to the Cortes' house and we will move into the two-story house where the walls and floor connect the way they should. Hooray! We have spent the morning sweeping our hairy carpet and mopping the moldy bathroom ceiling. A full day and it isn't even 4pm. Hopefully my companions won't have this sore throat thing anymore. I'm sure the elders will be fine. haha.

This week we have a special, farewell conference with Pres. Resek. It's weird that he is leaving. He's always been here, as far as I'm concerned. I'm sure he'll have some excellent things to say, so I'll take good notes for you.

As always, I love you each very much. Please look for miracles and do your home/visiting teaching.

Hermana Gillespie

Mille, ulcers? That's no good. Make sure the know-it-all nurse knows. I'm very interested to see how your camping experience goes. Take it easy with your thesis. Just do what you can do and let the Lord do the rest.

Lucy, you are on the brink of achieving something that has never been achieved. Well done. I salute you.

Jethrad, I laughed so hard reading your joint email. Thad, your hair can't be any shorter than I used to cut it for you. You look great with your short, see-through hair. Jethro, your face shape changes a LOT with different amounts of beard. I will prolly want to go to USU, but not until I graduate from UVU next winter. Then we can be bunk-mates.

Robyn, sorry to hear you were sicky. I can't imagine being sick and having children. Glad you are feeling better. The only thing I could ever ask for in an envelope from you are pictures and your deep thoughts. And maybe a new book? I've been trying to be more diligent in my journaling.

BenGaines, everyone here is obsessed with Toy Story 3. It is on my list of movies to watch later. Thanks for the review. haha. I like that you can be more relaxed and do fun things now that you are a master and manager. 5 stars.

Toni, how did achievement days go this week? Is it every week?

Mate and Completos

2010-06-15T09:13:00.000-07:00

These photos are the family night we had. Mary is the one with dark, black hair. Daniel is the one in the yellow sweater, by me in the big group photo. The other one is completos. Yum!

First, I want to let you all know that I've made some good progress in my quest to become Chilean. It has been a week of traditional foods and drinks. Here's the run-down:

1. Lunch with Mili and Hector. Both returned missionaries. The made us completos for lunch (hot dogs with tomato, avocado, relish, sauerkraut, mayo, ketchup and mustard (I don't put mustard). They are delicious. And huge. And really hard to eat without making a mess. Mili made us each eat three.
2. Lunch with Presidente Martinez (branch president). We ate chacureros. Basically a huge roast beef sandwich (with green beans). Hermana Martinez made us each eat two. Then she gave us sopaipillas pasadas. Prolly the most delicious food ever. I've got the recipe, don't even worry. It's basically scones soaked in syrup, but not gross, delicious.
3. Mate (pronounced maw-te) is very important to Latino culture here. At first it's like sucking on a stick or drinking watery sawdust, but then after a while, it starts to be delicious.
4. We were able to do divisions with a couple members this week. It was nice to be able to learn some new skills from returned missionaries. We visited two couples that always come to our English class. Both are very Catholic, but listened to us and accepted a copy of the Book of Mormon. Turns out the one of the is a Catechism teacher.
5. We are still working on using the Book of Mormon right from the beginning. I like the progress we've been seeing and pray it will continue. There really is something special about the Book of Mormon, the Spirit is so much stronger when it is presented right at first. I love that.
6. Hermana David and I planned a great missionary themed family home evening for the branch last Friday. We gave out assignments to several members and had the returned missionaries from the branch teach the lesson by sharing their mission experiences. It was really neat. We made little name tags for everyone who came and gave them each a ¨calling¨ as a member missionary.
7. Mary is doing great. She was the first one to the activity and she brought refreshments without even being asked. She was talking to Daniel about how she has been preparing for her baptism and that she had gone 3 days without drinking tea. She was so proud of herself and really helped encourage Daniel to work toward baptism.
8. Daniel, Mary and Janet each told us on different occasions that they have felt "happy anguish" as they have been learning more about the gospel. I think that's a great discription for the Holy Ghost. Mary has been telling everyone how she is feeling. It's been great for the ward members to catch the spirit of missionary work.
9. Janet is amazing. She has come to church the last two weeks with her in-laws and has lots of desire to be baptized and do things the way the Lord wants. She isn't married, yet, but now she understands the order of operations and she and her husband are setting some goals. I'm so excited for her.
10. In the poor villa where we have been working we have made a lot of interesting contacts. My favorite was with a very obviously drunk man who was disgusted when I suggested he might have had too much to drink. He told us, very seriously, "I'm not drunk. If I were drunk could I do this?" and picked his foot up in his hands and tried to put his leg behind his head. Eventually he gave up, or forgot what he was doing and we said our good-byes.

I'm finally starting to feel like Buìn is making progress. I'm glad that we didn't have changes and that I can dig in a little more around here. Our ward mission leader was released last week and we are anxiously awaiting his replacement. I'm learning a lot about how to demand the things we need. Hermana David is a great help in that regard. She is a fantastic companion and missionary, I learn a lot from her everyday.

The greatest thing about the start of a new cambio is that you get really excited about making goals and changing habits. Even little habits like carrying around an extra copy of the Book of Mormon, or big goals like writing in your journal everyday. I'm really excited to start this change and to see some real progress in our sector. We are teaching good people and great families. Keep praying for Buìn town please. And take this opportunity to make some plans for the next few weeks, set some goals, pray for miracles and watch for Father's hand in your life. He's pretty close when we ask Him to be.

Love you all.

Hermana Gillespie

Testimony Meetings and Cultural Activities

2010-06-07T16:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome to this week's edition of the top ten miracles in Buin.
1. We had lunch with an hermana that I had never met this week. It took us about an hour to figure out where she lived (Chilean addresses are not always numbered in order). Turns out her address is an camp. It's a long dirt road with little hut houses squished together. I didn't know it existed. Hooray! New people to visit!
2. The people in the camp are awesome. They don't shut the door on you while you talk or make up silly excuses for why they can't come talk to us (I'm ironing, I'm in the shower, I just put clothes in the washing machine). We found some people with real questions and real desires to learn.
3. Our district held a huge celebration for the 200th birthday of Chile. They had each branch represent a region of Chile with a dance or slideshow and traditional food. It was really entertaining and Mary, our star pupil, even danced with the hermanas from the Relief Society.
4. Mary's kids and mom and nephews also came to the activity. They liked it. It's a good time. Mormon's definitely know how to have a good time.
5. Sunday's Testimony meeting was a little . . . disheartening. We had two people investigating, soaking in the testimonies of the other members, when our sweet mission leader gets up and says that everyone in the ward has ostracized him because he (technically) doesn't live in the ward boundaries and should be going to the other branch. He started to cry and said that he would keep coming to this branch, not because he feels welcomed, but because he is strong.
6. The miracle is that neither of our investigators were too shaken by what he said. Hopefully they weren't listening.
7. Afterward, our branch presidente reminded him, from the pulpit, that obedience is the first law of heaven. Awkward.
8. Mary has made a lot of progress this week. She has always had the idea of being baptized in a river, like Jesus, but it's winter. She's would get sick. Our Branch Presidente stepped in again and helped her understand that it doesn't matter if it's in a river or a lake or a swimming pool, the important thing is the authority. So she agreed to be baptized in the church font in two weeks. That's a big miracle.
9. Gloria, Gonzalo's mom, has had a rough couple of weeks and hasn't been coming to church and asked us not to visit her house because she doesn't want us to see Pedro and be saddened. But our Relief Society presidenta went and visited with her and chatted a bunch and told us that she is a lot better than she was before. There are several miracles in these few sentences.
10. The Book of Mormon Challenge was a great success in spite of a few barriers. The Book of Mormon factory in Argentina had problems getting their trucks into the other countries in south America, so we had to be somewhat frugal about our book giving activites. But we saw some great success. Lots of people really got curious about our message when they saw this other testament of Jesus Christ. It also helped us clear up a lot of the doubts that many people have. I've never heard so many people call it Joseph Smith's Bible. He didn't write it. It's good to clear up some confusion.

The first contact we did with just the book of mormon was really exciting. The man told us that he knew that there had to be other books because the Bible is only one little part of the world. He accepted a copy of the book, but didn't let us fix a return appointment.

Actually, a lot of people did that this week. More than usual. We would have great lessons about the Restoration and then, no, no thanks, we like how our lives are. Boo. There are so many blessings to be had!

But, that was effective in that we know who is ready and willing to listen and learn and who won't.

We are working on having more activities with our branch to help them learn to love each other. So far it's slow, but I have tons of hope. I'm learning how to demand things in a polite way. Hermana David and I want to work on being bold and also humble. I think the key is using doctrine. If you have a scripture to back you up, you can say whatever you need to say.

I guess I'll end this with a joke. What did one roof say to the other? I miss you.

It doesn't really translate in English.

Hermana Gillespie

Thad, the Roosevelt game sounds like a winner. It's so weird that you are in summer already. It's so cold. The success of a ward or stake depends on it's mission plan. Ask L. Tom Perry. It's nice when people demand stuff, right? Makes you want to act! Keep being a missionary. You're a good example for the folks in Logan town.

Matto, I like that you use top ten lists too. It's so much easier to say the things you want to say without having to try to weave themes carefully through paragraphs. good work on the party. those are good times. But you didn't send pictures of you.

Mille, Oh Jelly fish. Those blue bubbles are buggers. And your softball game sounds epic! That's so fun. I'm glad you're still playing. Your knee? That's so fun that you saw my Mom at the temple!!! She wrote me about it too! Happy birthday soon!!!

Elder LaFollette, my guesses are Texas or Argentina. Congratulations, bud. Holy smokes, you're going to be a missionary!!! And a good one at that.

BenGaines, Anna really speaks in sentences? or something? haha. nuts. And Toby's right, Paprika is the best name. Guacolda?

Toni, a painting class!!! I love that idea. you little Crafty McCrafterson. I loved the picture too. A pool party for two sounds lovely. Sorry about achievement days. haha. Keep writing to me, your humor comes right through your letters.

Jethro, you're the bomb. I'm glad you are feeling better and that you have several little projects this summer. You could get in at a rest home on the graveyard shift. They'd prolly even hire you without training. That's what they did for me. It's prolly not the best option, but, you know. OR you could paint for an old folks home. They always have awful art. You could fix that.

Robyn, sorry about your garden. haha. The pictures are fantastic. Thanks so much. I can't believe they are so grown up. I don't like it. They speak in sentences! Keep up the good work and enjoy the sun and the summer air. I can't believe you haven't been to Payson lakes until just recently.

Drunk people and puddles

2010-05-31T18:36:00.000-07:00

Okay friends, here are some happenings for the week:

1. Gonzalo's dad went out drinking with his friend and hasn't come back to the house in a couple of days. Gloria is really sad that this is happening, but when it happened before, she would get discouraged and stop going to church. Now she says she knows more than ever that the gospel is the thing that will help her be strong and keep going. I know the gospel blesses families. We just have to keep being diligent and we will see the strength that comes from the Lord. Maybe not everything will be resolved right away, but we will have the peace that we need to keep pushing through.
2. Daniel has been "sick" all this week because he, too, has been on a drinking spree. I know that we will always see opposition. As soon as we start doing things to make our lives better and more in line with what we know is right, we will feel the pressure of Satan trying to break us apart. He doesn't start with something like "go drink for 6 days" he starts with something like, "you've been working really hard, maybe a little break with the boys. . . just one beer . . ."
3. If we have a goal, it changes things. If there is a goal of strengthening our spirituality, receiving peace or overcoming a harmful habit we can start to recognize the importance of small decisions. Every decision either moves us toward freedom or toward captivity. Not just when it comes to alcohol or drugs, but even things like gossip, sarcasm or sincere prayers. The little things often make us more free or more captive.
4. Caty came to sacrament meeting yesterday. That was the best miracle of the week. We have committed her to come to church for weeks and weeks. Isabella looked so happy with her sister by her side. I'm so happy for them. We are still hopeful.
5. We went to Santiago on Tuesday to get Hermana David's Carnet (ID card). It was so fun. I love going to Santiago. We met up with two other Elders, Reyes and Hamilton. Reyes was in the office while I was in Villa Teniente, so we got to know each other a little bit. He goes home in two weeks. It was fun to pick his brain, things he had learned, what he liked and didn't like, etc. Anyway, we found a taco bell, took some fun pictures in the plaza de Armas and went to see the temple. We can't go through the temple because it isn't part of our mission, but we walked by. It's pretty.
6. We also had divisions this week. I went to Graneros, where the Nestle factory is. The air smells of chocolate and coffee. I got to be with Hermana Flake. She trained hermana David and then took my spot in Machali with hermana Craner. She told me all sorts of good news. Mostly, that Marcelo got baptized!!!! Remember that guy with long, pretty hair? Him. And now his granddaughter is preparing for her baptism too. But, now there are elders in Machali. There aren't enough single ladies putting in their mission papers, so they have to close sectors and put elders in them. That's sad.
7. Being with Hermana Flake helped me realize a lot of things, mostly that we have to be golden missionaries. I feel like it was so much easier to get up on time and have good studies when there were just two of us. Now, with four, it's hard. I'm not sure why. But that's our goal. We want to be fourth missionaries.
8. This was a busy week, we also had interviews with President. The last ones until Presidente MacArthur comes in the end of June. President is so wise. He knows that this branch is not very stable, but he gave me a few ideas that might help us. But then he said that the new president will know what to do better than he does. Poor Buin branch. . .
9. But, we did have a great activity this week. We did a family night as a branch. It was just presided by us, we brought our investigators and set up some chairs. The priesthood quorum had to prepare the lesson, the relief society did the game and the primary brought the treats. It turned out really well. And it was WAY less stressful than the Talent Show. I'm glad. And we had a great attendance. Maybe Buin isn't totally in ruins.
10. This week we are doing a mission challenge to only use the Book of Mormon in all our contacts and lessons. We aren't supposed to carry anything else with us, just copies of the Libro de Mormon. I'm excited to see how it works out. We've already been practicing and have had a couple cool experiences with people who look at the book and say, "yeah, I knew there had to be more than the Bible." I love how the gospel is common sense. Love it.

Well, there are some good things going on around here. I hope you are all doing well too. The church is really important. It really changes things. Somehow, the Spirit can guide us better if we are willing to be obedient and renew our covenants. Funny how that works. I know that the gospel blesses families. I get to see it every day.

Hermana Gillespie

Mille, I'm so happy for you and your triathalon! That's a killer workout. I'll do one with you someday. As soon as I stop eating spaghetti by the kilo. That's cool that UVU won the thing! Go our team! I hope David is doing well. They could change the title to Dancing with the Moon. That Hawaii trip was one of the best weeks ever. Jelly fish, bridges, hitchiking with . . . what was that guys name? He wanted to take us to the pineapple factory. Is Sam on the mission? Do you hear from him? Anyway, let me know how your last block of school goes. That's crazy that you get to be done with college. Love you so much.

Don't order the pineapple chicken

2010-05-24T23:12:00.000-07:00

Buin fans? I can't hear you! Do the wave or something.

Here's the week in 10 nutshells:

1. It was a very sick week. We had our first rain last week and got pretty wet. Then Hermana David got a sore throat and a bad cough and lots of stuffy nose.
2. So did Hermana Rojas. So Hermana Rohr and I went out to work in both of our sectors. It was not very effective, but it was good to see my investigators through an outsider's eyes. It clears up what we need to do sometimes.
3. One day we were finishing up our weekly planning and no one was feeling very well except me, so I started to de-ice the freezer. I put a pan of boiling water in there and chipped a little out with a butter knife. But that took a really long time. So I got out a different knife. And then I stabbed the freezer and strange gasses started to spray out into my face.
4. Lesson learned.
5. Then I didn't feel very well. Genius.
6. We got it taken care of and nobody died of CFCs. That's a miracle. Who knows what is inside of a Chilean refrigerating system? The elders that came to pick up the murdered fridge told me that it was actually really common, that he had broken a freezer and that two or three other elders had too. And the brother of the family we live with broke one on his mission too. Missionaries are expensive. Sorry, Lord.
7. Today we woke up bright and early to the freezer-box that is our house. Up until about 10am you can see your breath as you talk. Hermana Rohr and I were chatting the other morning. She had just poured herself another hot mug of water, and I asked her if she was as cold as I was. She said, I'm a little chilly, but I'm wearing two layers of thermals, a hoodie, a coat and tennis shoes.
8. That's while we are IN the house. Just kidding, outside is exactly the same temperature, we wear lots of clothes. It's only rained twice, but it is a COLD rain.
9. Sorry this isn't very spiritual, we didn't get out much. But we have high hopes for this week. We are going to have tons of miracles.
10. This morning we went to play basketball again with the elders. It is so fun. Why don't Chileans know about basketball? Soccer is old news. Then we went to eat at a Chinese place. There wasn't any orange chicken on the menu so I ordered the pineapple chicken. It was a vibrant pink. Not sure why. I bet it was like eating a flamingo. Not the best.

In other news, I did have quite a bit of time to study this week, which was great. I really wanted to come up with a game plan of how to fix this branch, how to make them be friends and work together. The trouble is that it isn't really my responsibility and that I can't do much with just me and my companion. But, we organized a branch Family Home Evening and just delegated all the responsibilities to the members. We are just going to invite the families we are teaching and the ward has to do their part. I have high hopes. When President Navarrete announced the activity yesterday he said that it is "presided over by the missionaries" haha.

I've also had some time to study the Abrahamic Covenant, which is something I've been meaning to look into. Weird? Maybe. I guess I thought it was more of a puzzle than it is. Basically it is just what the gospel is all about. Making and keeping covenants, being worthy and sharing our testimonies with everyone we know. That doesn't mean we have to force everyone to believe what we believe, but everyone we know should know what we believe.

And genealogy. We have lots of work to do, family. Let's not just make mom do it all anymore. I'll help when I get back, promise.

Also, Hermana David and I have been talking a lot about Charity. Moroni says that we have to pray with all the energy of our hearts to be able to achieve charity. It is really common to hear people say that they remember to pray when their lives start to become really difficult or trying. All of a sudden we start praying with more purpose, intensity and sincerity. Then our trials pass and we ease up our praying until the next wave hits. I think that if we realize that not having charity is the biggest trial we are facing and if we pray and pray with that intensity, like he explains, we will be able to come a little bit closer. That is the trick, I guess, to recognize our lack of charity and treat it as the great obstacle we face. All the energy of our hearts is asking that we put a serious, concentrated effort into changing. Let's make a goal to be more prepared to pray and to pray with this purpose. Elder Bednar says in his talk Pray Always that we need to do as the Savior did and pray for even those who mistreat us. He says that if the people we pray for can't feel that we are praying for them that we need to repent. It's time to have meaningful prayers and taste a bit of charity.

Hermana Gillespie

ToniBen, I'm so glad you made it home. Also, that's really funny to me that you went to a movie during a layover. I guess I've never had that possibility. I'm glad you didn't get kidnapped or killed and that you can now enjoy your new swingset. Lucy is a sweet name. Maybe Bjork can be her middle name?

JethRobyn, don't eat the starfish, they're just for show. That's one of our mottos in the house. Hermana Rojas thinks we're crazy. Happy first year of life to Sophia. Robyn, you're a professional mom these days! I don't know how you can keep up with it all. How did the fortune cookies turn out? Jethro, are you out for the summer yet?

JandBen, Sometimes I think about how weird it would be to be a normal person again. I really like being a missionary now, doing something else seems weird. Pres Resek told us a couple of weeks ago that we will never be so tired again in our lives, but that we will also never have so much spiritual boueying-up as we do here. Is that true? Are you more tired with two and a half kids than you were at the end of Ulan Ude? I imagine that life after the mission is more tiring. I'm pretty tired, though.

Thad, You are so lucky you get to go to Nauvoo. Take lots ó pictures. That's o with an accent to put more emphasis on it. How's work? Do you have a calling in your ward?

Matto, I sent you a letter, you should get it this week. Or, if you check your email on Monday next week, you should have already received your letter. That makes this notice void. But I still want you to have it.

Mille, Please be careful with your triathalon. Don't over-do-it. That's so cool about your guitar class. I want you to teach me when I get home. I've been making a lot of goals of things I want to learn. Guitar is one. Mountain Biking might be another one. We will have to wait and see. The UVU dancers outfits make them look . . .

African Friends, do you have Tori's Philipean address?

Butterfly Circus

2010-05-18T15:11:00.001-07:00

Dear family, friends, countrymen:

Here are the miracles of the week.

1. We had an amazing zone conference on Tuesday. I have been waiting all week to tell you about it. President Resek showed us a YouTube video called the Butterfly Circus. It was definitely one of the three the most impactful movies I've seen in the last year. (beside the Restauracion y Juntos para Siempre). I encourage you all to watch it and to pay special attention to the circus master. Ringmaster?
2. My companion is prolly the sweetest, most spontaneous and fun person I have had the pleasure to live with in Chile. She is from Arizona and lives on the reservation near Flagstaff. She's a full Navajo. I'm learning all sorts of cool stuff about her culture and a little bit of the language. She helps me make goals to improve myself everyday and we work better and better everyday as a companionship.
3. Also as part of Zone Conference, President gave us a talk by Elder Corbridge called the fourth missionary. He says there are four types of missionaries, the first type is disobedient, isn't on the mission because he wants to be, and ends up going home dishonorably. The second is also disobedient and doesn't want to work, but makes it through the 18 months or 2 years without doing much good or becoming much better.
4. The third missionary is a good missionary and wants to serve and do good things, but uses just his might and strength in the work. The fourth missionary is the one who consecrates himself to the work, giving not only his might and strength, but also his heart and mind. He is the missionary who puts his personal things away until he gets home and just focuses on the work.
5. Elder Corbridge stresses several times that becoming the fourth missionary is not only possible, but that it is the only intelligent thing to do. I wish I would have gotten a hold of this talk months ago. I feel like I've wasted a good portion of my time here without understanding how much I can really give/get out of it. But, it's all for some reason.
6. It's not just for the mission life, but it needs to be applied after the mission as well. I bet it's a lot harder to consecrate oneself with other responsibilities, but if Elder Corbridge is right, that's the only intelligent way to live. Obviously, my logical side of my brain screams that there cannot only be 4 types of missionaries and that there are many,many different challenges and difficulties that each missionary faces, but it has a nice message.
7. We had kind of a rough start last week, but we ended up being able to challenge Gonzalo's brother and Isabella's sister to baptism. They are good youth, they just need some goals and some responsibility.
8. We continue to work with the branch . . . they are hard to convince to change. No one is friends and our investigators feel lost. The new members are easily lost and everyone expects us (hermana David y yo) to find and fellowship them all. That doesn't work.
9. Just as an interesting cultural note. . . Chileans are funny. They sweep the plaza with giant palm branches, wash their cars with brooms and are constantly watering their sidewalks and dirt-patches.
10. Also, they call people cabras or cabros (goats) as in girls or guys. And cabros chicos (little goats) are kids. Ha!

I've been studying chapter 13 of Preach my Gospel this week. Getting the ward involved is the key to success, but it is seriously slow going. I'm so glad that I haven't had to live/grow up in a ward like this one. But I'm learning a lot about how to be a responsible church member for the future. such little things. . . going to your meetings, doing your assignments, not blaming other organizations. . . it shouldn't be so hard to work together. But, the mission is certainly good practice. I'm gonna be the best visiting teacher when I get home.

Other than that, we are just pounding the pavement and trying to get people to see why this message is so important to them. I know miracles exist, but they come after the trial of our faith. Patience and diligence. that's the name of the game.

I love being a missionary. The church is directed by Christ and He doesn't make mistakes. I know that this is His gospel and that we just have to follow His example.
Hermana Gillespie

Jethrobyn, congrats on the art show and the new dirt! 1,000 fortune cookies?! That's a lot of good luck. the tire swing sounds great. It might take me a few years to get back on the fast-pitch track. . . it's been a while. Although, I did kick some major Elder trash in basketball today.

Jan and ben, freakin' out! I hope you are taking lots of pictures. Robyn sent me one of Anna . . . I didn't know she had so much hair. I still picture her as the little imp from last year. Ben, just one more change in your rotation!!! That's awesome.

Toni and Ben, stay out of the red-light district . . . haha. What do they do to keep volcanic ash from poisoning the population? Population tire

Mille, congrats on the band banquet! That's so cool. You are such a professional. Tell David good luck if you see him. That's cool. Is Heather with you guys in Utah? Love you so much Mille, thanks for being such a diligent friend and for always sending in your report. Maybe try half a pill?

Lucy!!! Good to hear from you! I hear all about you from Camille, but it's nice to read your words, direct from your fingers. Keep holding on. May as a senior is a rough month. But, you can do it.

ASH! Jerica Newitt! She is prolly my idol from life. So good to hear from you too. For real. How is school going and work and temple trips? We better go together again soon! haha Love you.

Mom, I got your package and we have been eating pancakes everyday this week. The house is pretty happy. Also, thanks for the treats and shirts. Best mom ever. Also, I'm glad you got my CDs. I thought about it after I sent them, that if that got lost, I wouldn't have any pictures. . . I should have made a copy. but, it came through. That's a relief.

El Dia de la Madre

2010-05-11T09:39:00.000-07:00

This might be a little nostalgic, but:

1. One year ago, I gave my last talk in my home ward. All of my family was there, we had delicious tacos and tons of other foods. We talked about what it's like to be a missionary and I tried to absorb all the ideas and counsel of my family members. I think about that day quite a bit. We were all together and no one was on a lap-top or a cell phone, we were all engaged in the conversation. I loved that.

2. Two years ago, I got to Uganda with a group of people who would soon become some of my favorite friends.

3. Three sectors into my mission, I am finally feeling like a missionary. Villa Teniente taught me to speak, Machali taught me to sweat, and Buin teaches me that there is a lot to learn still.

4. Four seasons in Chile. I have felt the rain and the sun. I choose the rain. The Lord knew what He was doing when He called me to serve during two winters here.

5. Five locations joined in one as the Gillespie Family General Conference Phone Call took place on Mother's Day.

6. Six companions into my mission and I couldn't have chosen six people who I needed more. I know that the mission president receives revelation and I'm so glad I've been able to live with each of them. Sometimes it isn't the best thing in your life, but it is certainly the best thing for your life.

7. Seven short, little months to learn all the things my hard-head isn't learning. Very little time to become the person I want to become.

8. Eight hours of sleep every night. Somehow it is never enough.

9. Nine hours out in the street everyday. Nor sun, nor sleet, nor hail .. . .

10. Perfect ten, listening to my Mom's voice last night.

This last year has been a time of much growing, much pain and also very much joy. It's interesting how a whole week of rejections can be recompensed by one good lesson, or even a kind contact. I have no doubt that miracles exist, but I am very certain that we have blinded ourselves to them.

I'm so grateful for this time that I've been given to study and focus on things that really matter and to leave the distractions behind. I can't remember a lot of things that I used to think were really important. That is perhaps, the best blessing Heavenly Father could give me.

Even though we only study a few books during the mission, I feel like there is never enough time to study everything I want and need to study. The basics are everything. That's why we are studying the gospel principles manual this year. We need to focus on our footings.

We have a firm foundation. Mom and Dad have given us everything we need. Even when the storms come and the earthquakes shake, we don't need to fear. Just keep putting your shoulder to the wheel. We are on a solid foundation and we cannot fall.

Please be obedient. Magnify your callings. Let us become instruments in His hands. I love this work.

Hermana Gillespie

Clean sheets and cheap palta

2010-05-03T15:22:00.000-07:00

We are seeing a few miracles in Buin! A marvelous work is about to come forth. Buin is being prepared. . . for companionship Gillespie-David!!! Wooo!!

1. Transfers were this morning. Hermana Brook got the boot and is now in Tupahue Stake. That's where I started.
2. My new companion is Hermana David. She's from Arizona. Lives on the reservation. Somehow she has been able to maintain her beauty in the mission and doesn't look anything like a pilgrim.
3. Today we did something that I thought I would be ashamed of. We went to McDonald's with the Elders. I thought, I don't really like McDonald's and we live in Chile, we should be enjoying some giant corn or empanadas. But then we got inside. Everything was so American. I miss fast food. And I'm not sorry.
4. Yesterday we had a great testimony meeting. We had a few inactive members show up (including one named Achilles). It was really great. Gonzalo and his mom showed up just in time for his confirmation, so that was a blessing. They are not very punctual people.
5. Gonzalo's brother Juan Pablo keeps coming to church. He says he likes it, but he doesn't want us to teach him. Whatever. He tells his dad to tell us he's not home, but then we see him down the hall. He's cool, he just needs to pray.
6. I'm not sure how it happened this week, but we had more than 15 lessons lined up with members to accompany us and meet up with us and help fellowship and everything and only 6 of them happened. I feel like we wasted a lot of time waiting for people who never showed up in the end. That's frustrating.
7. One of our Zone Leaders, Elder Cadena, went home this week. And it was his birthday on district meeting day. So we went out to lunch as a zone to celebrate. He's a great elder. I feel like new elders are SO young and then all of a sudden, the 21-year-olds are WAY grown up. I almost wrote mature, but lets not get carried away . . .
8. We finally got to meet Isabella's dad. He's an army officer that was stationed in Curico to help with earthquake clean up. His whole family was baptized when he was younger but he didn't want to do it. He is interesting. Has a lot of problems with religions and rules. Everyone and their dog thinks that drinking wine is a good idea. So annoying. Obviously alcohol is NOT good for you. not even a little. Not even if you say its an antioxidant. Still wrong. Sorry.
9. Hermana Rohr and I are prolly destined to be companions. She is definitely the funniest missionary I've met. But it's the good kind of humor. The kind that smart people have. I pretend to be one of them. Also, very random. She kept giving me clothes and stuff today and then I went into our bedroom to grab something and I opened the door too fast and ran into her. She looked at me and said, "I give and give and then you hit me. The wedding's off!" I almost died laughing.
10. Isabella had a great baptismal service last night. She was all dressed up like a princess. The family liked it. Quite a few members stayed to support. I call it a success.

Well. I wish I had learned something amazing or profound this week, but nothing is coming to mind. I'll do better in my studies. Oh, I got the flu vaccine. I'm invincible! But it prolly hit my body really hard. I had a couple of long, awful days with tired muscles and head-aches. Now I'm better. Good story Hansel.

The really big news is that Mother's day is coming soon to a telephone near you. Can't wait to chat with you, familia mia. It's been a long time!!! Like 6 months or something. Also, this is my last phone call. The mission goes by pretty fast, don't it?

Do good things and please magnify your callings. Even if you only have one person to visit teach, do it. Even if you have 10, do it. A lot of our branch members have 3 or 4 callings. Do your part to build Zion. Love yous.

Hermana Gillespie

Camille, does USC mean you are talking about California, South Carolina or Summit County? The most important thing is to know where you are going to be in December. I'm so happy for you. BYU and the U didn't even know what they were doing. Top-10 school. check. Sorry about the bike. you don't like mountain biking anyway, it's way too dangerous. Camping is a good goal. I support you. Are you going to be working as well as doing your practicum? Or do you get paid at Applegate too? Miss you tons. Tell Lucy that it's not weird to write to missionaries.

Jethrobyn, thanks for your letters. You guys rock. I'm excited for your ceramics class and the growing kids. Don't let them grow too much. Talk to you soon!

Grumma, I hope you are part of the phone call.

Uncle Todd, you have a dead person tendon in your bicep. That's rad.

Yankee hats and fanny packs

2010-04-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

Buin fans (Bween fahnz),

Here's your weekly top ten

1. Huge talent show Friday night! We were thinking, cool, we can sing or tell some jokes or something, but then we got to the chapel to set up a few things and everyone started asking us for guitar amps and microphones and lights. Ummm . . . remember how we are missionaries and we don't have time to organize something like that alone? Well, it turned out awesome. We had a skit by the priesthood, a dance by the young women (including Isabella), Hermana Brook and I did a little show (when you draw eyes on your chin and put a shirt over your head and lay upside-down) We sang Osito Gominola which is prolly mission appropriate. Also, an awesome guitar show and a piano song. We had about 10 investigators, so with or without amps and mics it was a success.
2. The guy who played the guitar in the talent show told us to go visit his uncle Daniel. He's golden. I love teaching people the Plan of Salvation. I love being the first one to explain to them that their spirit existed before they were born and that they knew God and that God knew them.
3. He was pretty relieved to know that after we die it is not just heaven or hell. That wouldn't be just, nor merciful. I'm so grateful that God is perfect.
4. We haven't been able to find Alejandra again. . . she's illusive. Now you see her, now you don't. But she's a sweetie. Her husband sells Skittles, so we still go by to buy things.
5. We ate a lot of cazuela this week. It's like their traditional "it's cold outside" lunch. Lots o' oil. It's better than the four spaghetti lunches we had a couple weeks ago.
6. There are two mission stories that I remember vividly from reading Jethro and Jan's letters. One is when Jethro sent a chunk of ear wax home (or traced it on the letter). I had been having such a hard time understanding some of the things that Hermana Craner was saying at the end of our time together, and even worse with Hermana Brook. I had to buy some cotton-sticks. What are those called? But, I'm clean as a whistle now.
7. The other one was something Jan said about sitting half-way on her companion in a crowded bus because it was either sit half-way on her, or half-way on the drunk guy next to her. Hermana Brook is very patient in crowded buses. I tell her it is to help keep her warm.
8. Bus drivers in Buin are dangerous. They haul themselves around at about 50 mph in the city and then come to screeching halts whenever anyone flags them down. Ugh, Camille would die of motion sick.
9. The fleas are gone. There is much rejoicing. I can't decide if it's worse to have pulgas when it's blazing hot, or when it's freezing cold. But, someone told us that they don't like Vitamin B, so I pulled my multivitamins out of my luggage (ya, ya, I know) and I've been Pulga free for four days and counting!
10. Gonzalo Tranamil got baptized!!! He's the son of inactive parents we have been working with. It was a great little service, but, as always, tons of things went wrong. The water heater wasn't working and our branch president had to run home to take a part off of his water heater to fix it. Then we ended up waiting for 35 minutes for Gonzalo's sisters (also inactive) to show up. But, everyone who needed to be there showed up, so I can't complain.

Gonzalo is great. We are also trying to get his older brother Juan Pablo to make his decision. He goes to church and likes the gospel, he just isn't committed. We keep working.

I got word this morning of two incredibly important things. First, Juan Pablo Mora, from Villa Teniente is in the Provo MTC. I urge all fans of Chile to write him a dear elder or drop him off a box of something delicious. He'll only be there for another week or so. Tell him I said Holis. The other great news is that his dad, if you remember Milton, accepted a baptism date for May 15th. That's huge. I don't think I've ever been happier for anyone. I love that family.

We have a couple of good investigators, but they are progressing very slowly. We did have Daniel (the uncle of the guitar hero) and Mari and her daughter who have been listening to us for the past month. It was the perfect Sunday for her to come. The only thing is that she wants to be baptized in a river and it's getting chilly. I know there are hot springs in Rancagua, but that will be tricky. More news on them to come.

Mostly, we are working with a ton of inactives and I feel like that is really important, but we are also not really finding new people. I want new people. But, poco a poco, as I like to say.

I wish I could think of a really inspiring story or something to share. I know that we always have cool things happen, but . . . nothing is coming to my fingers. The church of Jesus Christ is His church. He is in charge of it. I trust that.

Hermana Gillespie

Jethro, congrats on getting out of school (part one). That most be a cool feeling. How is Fenimore? He needs oil regularly. Are you pulling your softball glove out? It's that time!!!
Robyn, I love the pictures. Thanks so much for those. The picture of Sophie teeth looks just like Lincoln mouth. They must be related. I would help you lay sod if I was there. Promise.
BenGaines, leaving Anna now is the best time to do it. If you wait longer you'll never be able to go. She'll get over it. Just like how she got over falling down the stairs and when you laughed at her for demanding to watch Happy Monster Band. She's a little one. She'll be in good hands. Looking forward to the phone call. 9pm for me is perfect.
Toni, how is your health? What are you reading?
Thad, night shift sounds like death. Are you still going to be living in Logan when I graduate from UVU? Are you dating? I'm now committing you to 3 dates this week. Get going. Lunch dates are easy. Lunch and batting cages are a perfect activity.
Jan, I wish I was more diligent in writing in my journal. I'm not. I don't know how missionaries can find time-energy to do that. Because I don't. I'm lucky if I can remember what month we are in. I'd love to hear some advice on that. How did you do it?
Camille, I met a white mini poodle named Clifford. No joke. GRADUATING?!? That's the weirdest. I'm so happy for you. Except now you have to enter the world of grown-ups. Are you in Glenwood? co-ed softball. You are so lucky. I have had the worst softball cravings the past couple weeks. I'm all out of shape. Bleh.
Scott, I died laughing. You are the most random human that exists. Happy Uncle-ing! That's great news! Zoe is a cute name. Reminds me of the Muppets. Or Sesame Street? not a dog name. I'm down for Thailand. We can apply to be country directors with Help-International in November-ish. But, if we do that, we will have to be in country for 4 months and not let anyone die. I don't know if we should have that responsibility. You can decide what projects you want to do in whichever country. Hospital, clinics, etc. Check out their website and let me know what you think. China . . . spoiled. Hooray for the end of the semester! That's so weird. I'm not in school.

Some photos for the blog

2010-04-19T21:31:00.000-07:00

It was Hermana Rojas' birthday, so we celebrated all week with different varieties of delicious tortas and powderpuff girl party hats and masks.

She's a beautician. She helps me not look like a pilgrim anymore. This is the work she did this morning.

Me in the Plaza de Buin