Monday, May 31, 2010


"This was a really rough, rough weekend for me. I've had a challenging past 2 days. I want to share with you my weekend, beginning with Friday. This is about Olivia, our investigator who is just wonderful! Well, we went to her house to prepare her for her baptismal interview questions. Everything was great. Her friend was there, accompanying her for the weekend. It was rough. She was contentuous. We tried to keep the Spirit and things focused on Olivia. Olivia answered all the questions great. She is prepared. Then, we get a call that night. I answered and she said, "no me voy a bautizar." (I'm not getting baptized). My heart sank. I asked her why. She said that she earns little money to pay tithing! Olivia has never, ever had a problem about tithing until her friend showed up...and she said that her son didn't want her to get baptised either. That's not a problem; she is the mom, she runs the house and does what she wants. So, the next day, Saturday, we went over there with a member and his daughter. His daughter is 8 and recently got baptized; she has talked to Olivia before and has shared her testimony with her, so we thought she would be good to bring over.
Well, we got there and the friend of Olivia was there! We talked to Olivia to try to help her, to see what the problem really was. She changed her reasons again for not getting baptized. And her friend...kept interjecting! Olivia was totally sad and passive during this time. I was praying, praying for the Spirit and my companion was trying to keep things loving and peaceful. Well, then the member, the dad of the daughter, starts fighting back a little at the friend....there goes the Spirit. It was just not a good experience...we tried our best, doing everything we knew how to do.
Oh my gosh. This sector these past two changes, I have never, ever felt or seen such strong opposition with the people we are teaching! It is crazy! Satan is SO strong right now. I feel like we did everything we could. We are going to go when her friend is working, so we can really talk to Olivia. This was my weekend, and I had some rough challenges."
(pictured is La Hermanita with the other sister missionaries in her mission, and a Chilean street)

Monday, May 24, 2010

"This is my companion, Hermana Aranda, and I. Like our aprons? We did a noche de hogar (you meet with a family and share a spiritual message) and made tacos for a family. It was fun.
We didn't have a baptism this week, but the Elders did. That is one every week for our area in the month of May. And we are planning on 2 next weekend, one on our side, one with the Elders.
Chile is getting cold. It was a fast week. We are having conference this weekend and they called me today to ask to lead music. I don't lead. That puts me way out of my comfort zone..but what do I do? I had to say yes. But my comp is teaching me. I am going to be so nervous Wednesday.
Last night was good. We worked to the death, running to the last house because we had like 4 more mintues left (before we were supposed to be home). It was great. I love working hard. This is peoples' salvation!"
By the way, happy birthday, little sis!

Monday, May 10, 2010

"We had a baptism yesterday. It was like pulling teeth to get it. I swear that is why there are missionaries. Satan works so hard on people who are going to get baptized. I think only people who focus on nothing but baptism have the patience to fight the fight. It is exhausting and stressful, but so worth it. It was a 10 year old boy. He is very cute, but very devious. God seriously did miracles to get this kid baptised. Literally did miracles.
Can you pray for our potential baptisms? We are hoping for 2 this weekend. Rosa- pray that she will have the desire to get baptized May 16th and that she will be consistent in reading the scriptures and praying for that date. Paulina-pray that she will be happy to get baptised, even if her boyfriend doesn't do it and that she will get baptized May 16th without any problems.....That would help me and these people and the Lord so much! Please pray for them!
I think there are between 16-20 Hermanas (sister missionaries). I tried to count, but that is my guesstimate. There are an odd amount right now. I am sure more will come next change.
I am feeling really good with Spanish. I am speaking and understanding and feel good about it. Clearly, there are still things that I can't say or don't understand, but I am feeling confident and very grateful to our Heavenly Father."