My Zone Before Transfers

February 8, 2010
We went to Hermana Ardanedas house to watch the Prophet of the Restoration. The only TV she has was in her room, so we three watched it sitting on their bed. He knows it´s true and told me he wants to be baptized but just needs that witness from the Holy Ghost. We left him with that challenge this past week, but he went on vacation for the next three weeks.
Vanesa, her mom and little sister all went with us yesterday to a musical fireside put on by one of the zones here in Puente Alto. It was really good. They really liked it I think. We challenged her to baptism this last week and she expressed how scarred she was to make this commitment because she knows she will sin again after. I shared with her Mosiah 18:8-10 and bore my testimony to her that Heavenly Father wants her to have his Spirit so that she can progress. He knows we will make mistakes, but now He can better help us. We’ll see how it goes this next week.
Gina and Maria Jose are on vacation also. We would usually meet with them tonight but...not today. Their Grandma went back home, but I’m not sure where she lives. We didn´t go to Jimena and Karla this past week, but I forgot to tell you that two Saturdays ago, she asked me if I wanted Spaghetti after the meal that we had already eaten. I told her "por su puesto" because I thought she said, "have you tried Spaghetti". She brought out a big plate just for me and I said " I don´t know if I can eat all of that" She was insistent and I ended up trying just one bite. I told her it was good. After we left I told Elder Val Verde how odd that was that she made me a plate of spaghetti out of nowhere. He explained to me what really happened and I felt so bad. Thankfully she is like a Mom and would understand. I need to apologize this next week when we see and teach her.
We taught Alvaero , Benja, and Mirian this last week the Family Proclamation. They really enjoyed it because there are problems in the family that just came to the surface this past week. I guess the Dad is really hard on the kids and yells at them a lot. The Mom just wants the best for her kids but doesn’t know what to do. The kids went out of town this week so we are going to have to keep in contact and help her. Keep praying for the father. We are going to try to swing by their in the next week to see if we can catch him and win his trust.
We didn´t play ball the past two weeks. It kind of died down, As much as I love it here, I´m not sure if you would. I was just thinking today, wow . . . I’m really in Chile. It reminds me of Mexico. I know you would love the people. They are so nice and loving. Jimena would love to meet you. I told her that I left a girlfriend at home a couple weeks ago when I whipped out my picture and showed her my mom. She has loved loved us ever since. She thinks we are kings, hearing and seeing how much we love each other...I don´t doubt her.
I´m sure excited for all that is going on. I´m so excited for Rach. Now, we are both living the dream. I feel very comfortable and confident with her choice. Let me know when and if the note gets to Brother Joe. I haven´t read through any of the letters, but saw the pictures and loved them. Jayce is looking strong and fit as ever, Preston is getting the d-slides going. How fun is that. I´m so excited for everything and love being here.
At the transfer meeting this morning, President Laycock told us about two missionaries in Romania who were killed in the night by a gas leak in the caliphone. One of them was His neighbor. He was very emotional as he told us the story. At the end, we all kneeled down as President pleaded with the Lord for the well being of the family. It felt like we were the sons of Helaman...all on bended knee with our father pleading to our Heavenly Father for the blessing and prosperity of their family and us warriors. The Spirit was very strong. He talked about us as missionaries. Are we ready to meet our maker? Are we doing our all to reach the "Proximo Nivel" (next level)? Would we be ready if we were called home like these wonderful missionaries? If not, Repent. I sure love President. He is so...something. I´m not sure how to say it, but I really look up to him. I´m not sure why, but I got the third part of my interview with him that I didn´t know I had. The topic again was obedience. He expressed how today is the day to be obedient. Not tomorrow or in the next change but now. He promised me two specific blessings this time. He said if you are obedient with exactness, you will be more happy and have more energy. He expressed how he needs me to be an example now. I know there is power in obedience. I always felt that the discipline gained in exact obedience is where there is power. In Preach My Gospel, it says something about the discipline contained in clean living...etc...builds a protection around you as you go through life. I really like that quote and have re-focused my goals. I have a set a goal for each category from the Scripture Luke 2:53. I believe about how the Savior grew. … I know that as long as I´m doing my part, I will see all these things come to pass. I love being here. I´m learning so much.