Backpacking through Patagonia

 

Familia!

What a week! Seriously crazy! Today we have had a couple crazy things so I’m just going to give you a couple classic points of the week. 

We ended the year right with an awesome new investigator! She is golden. We had one lesson with her and found out she had invited us in kind of secret because her husband isn’t really a fan of Mormons. 

So that made me a little nervous- so we just prayed and prayed because she is really, really receptivo. (receptive) Well we went back for our next lesson, I was ready to mention that we can´t meet with her if her husband isn´t down with it, when she explained that she talked to him about us, and that he is completely ok with us meeting with her! Wooohoo. 

Then we taught lesson one and it was so powerful. When we explained the first vision the spirit was so strong, we asked her how she felt to know this wonderful truth and she said that she felt something she has never felt before, that she has a weird feeling that feels good and that she just wants to hear more, she asked us to please tell her more. Right then we explained that it was the spirit and I asked her to be baptized at the end of this month- to which she said yes! 

I am so grateful for this experience because Heavenly Father literally just placed us in her path. She is so wonderful! Please pray for her, especially that her husband (or boyfriend- we still have to figure out the legal stuff...) heart will continue to be softened. 

The bus we ride

After this, we took the good ole crazy bus ride back to Coyhaique for intercambios. We were out of the sector for 5 days. Which is hard with our investigators and ward- but is so worth it. I love being a Hermana Lider (sister trainer) so much. 

New Years celebration

While in Coyhaique we celebrated New Years Eve with a familia of members from my companion’s old area. They are awesome-- as a service to the mission they feed us everyday we are in town-, which you have seen we travel a lot. But I am really growing to love them.  But we cheered the New Years in with good ole family home evening and toasting apple juice, and eating potato chips; cheese puffs with an avocado dip. 

We then had to be in the house of 2 of our hermanas early because of all the crazy parties are at 9 so we were in the house and playing Uno. :)  Ha-ha it sure was a crazy new years eve, Mormon messages, Uno and in bed by 11. 

But the next morning started immediately with a big Chilean tradition. When you see someone for the first time after the New Year you greet him or her with a huge hug, wish him or her a happy new year and give him or her a word of two of love and support. I love it. The only problem is we have been dodging men all week. Ha-ha our poor ward members keep forgetting. 

Aaaaalmost hugged my branch president. Oh the sin it would be. :)

But then new years day was normal- except lunch. It was a good ole ball family affair. We went to the countryside and sat down at the table and they proceeded to feed us for the next 2.5 hours straight. It was terrible! Terribly delicious, but oh boy this is the hardest part about being a missionary in Chile- They LOVE us. They feed us so much.  This is embarrassing to say, ha-ha, but I literally had to unzip my skirt a little. I have now eaten 4 lamb bbq's. And oh my, dear Chile. 

After that we worked as usual. No one was really up to listening to our message after a long night- but it was a good satisfying feeling to just keep working the whole day and to finish the first day of 2015 so tired from lots of walking and trying. 

Then intercambios were awesome. Seriously it rocks. We had a jammed awesome week. I was focused in on and had exchanges with two of our girls. One is 26 years old and the other is 32- both of whom are training. It was very interesting to be their ¨leader¨. It’s almost not fair to them because I was the one doing all the learning. It was very humbling and wonderful to be with these hermanas. 

We worked like crazy. For example in one day, really just under 6 hours we had 21 contacts- where we had taught a principle and all. And 9 solid lessons. I love being with new missionaries because there is an animo (encouragement) like none other. 

Yeah it’s the coolest spiritual experience to be a Hermana lider. But get this- its also just plain fun. I literally get to do ¨missionary camping¨.  I'm just backpacking my way through Patagonia with my little sleeping bag, testifying of this happy gospel, and crashing on the Hermana’s floors at night. 

Patagonia's Golden Gate Bridge

This week I got to know Aysen- Google it. It’s like Utah Mountains. (But not really at all.) And the golden gate bridge (again not really at all.) but it was a beaut and with really happy, happy people to teach! 

We have been busing around a lot. By the end of this cambio I’ll have been in just under 40 hours of buses. Which is cool- I really and seeing and living the Patagonia dream- (literally. do you like our buses name!) but its hard to be in the bus because its a lot of time wasted not teaching and its impossible to read and study because its so jerky. 

So I have started memorizing my patriarchal blessing. What a way to start the New Year off. I´m a good chunk thought and it’s amazing to really understand it word for word. And I have found myself finding things that connect to it in my scripture study or other ways in my day which I hadn´t realized before. 

Our cute little villiage

Oh I got to run- we´ve got a lesson with O in a couple because guess what- we have a baptism to plan! Woohhooo my next email will be filled with happy pictures of O's cute ill face and in all white! 

I love you family. Hope this New Year is the beeeeeest.

xoxo Hna ball

One year down....

¨The Book of Mormon was written for us today. God is the author of the book. It is a record of a fallen people, compiled by inspired men for our blessing today. Those people never had the book. It was meant for us. ¨ -Ezra Taft Benson

I love the book of Mormon so much. I know sí o sí (more or less) that is was meant for the members here, for O, and for me. 

Let me just give you a quick little update on this week. It was awesome! I wrote you last week from Coyhaique (capitol of Patagonia) and oh boy was it fun. We had interviews with president, who I love dearly. Then we had our activity. I told you a bit about it on Christmas (beeeeest) but it was really cool. One of the Elders read parts of the Bible while we also had little parts of singing the hymns and music from the Bible videos. It turned out real nice. 

Then we all wrote our testimonies in a Book of Mormon and took it to the city square wrapped with a bow and wearing Santa hats. We each found a family or someone to give it to as a Christmas gift. The lady we talked to was so darling. We had passed her and as she was walking away we stopped her to ask how she was doing. We started talking there in the square and she explained about her grandmother passing away just days before and how hard it was with Christmas. 

 

Pres and Hna Obeso

We talked about how families can be forever and about how the Book of Mormon would not only answer questions she has, but would help her feel Gods love and a peace for her family. We bore testimony and I gave her my Book of Mormon. She cried as she explained that her grandmother had taught her about God and how she would love this book. Right there in the square, we said a little prayer and got her address for the Elders to visit. That is the magic of the Book of Mormon- it truly is written for us today and it truly brings peace. 

After our time in the square we had a big huge Christmas dinner with President and Hermana Obeso and the zone. It was a fun night. Then that night we had 6 girls sleeping in one little house- so fun! It was like a sleepover, but we were in bed by 11 and mostly studying the scriptures. Ha-ha but we bought this sweet cream bread and had a fun little breakfast.

Dad we did what you said and went out for a little fun. We had the time for lunch and usually we just buy completos (Chilean hot dogs) when visiting the Hermana’s because they are cheap. But we went to Chinese food. Ooooooh so good. It was truly Christmas Eve. We were crazy spoiled because there is only 1 Chinese restaurant because it’s not common at all. And for that reason it was really, really fun. 

After we stuffed ourselves with wantons we took the crazy pretty 4-hour bus ride out of town (its the best. every single part of it is like a little postcard picture) and we went straight to our branch president house for dinner. We feasted and laughed for hours. I love this family so much because they are so, so down to earth and real. We talked about kayaking the whole night. Then they open presents at night not in the morning so we were with the family to do the Santa opening- their son got a nerf gun and I thought the classic Ball family nerf wars (then we went home and opened presents and found neft guns. beeeest!)

But after presents we watched "He is the Gift" and testified. I loved this Christmas. 

We headed home and rebelled and were up a little later than normal opening presents and dying laughing. Mom and dad, grandma's and aunt steph- Hermana Segura looooved Christmas. I wish you could have been there. 

Especially the stocking was a big hit because they don’t do that here- so we took it one gift at a time, stopping to eat treats, then having a silly string war, turning lights off to see the Christmas lights shine. Everything. When we finished the night Hna S was seriously just smiling and so happy talking again and again how magic this Christmas was. And how true. It was the best Christmas Eve I have ever had in my life. Soo happy and simple and happy and crazy and loving. 

The next morning we studied about Christ’s birth and quotes from the apostles. This is what I love about this Christmas. It was so magical and truly filled with Christ’s spirit of love. 

We had breakfast with Hermana T- one of our members. And then we went home and decorated the nativity cookie set grandma Simpkins sent. 

We had a huge lunch- roasted lamb and everything, with our papitos (branch members) and president's family. And we took the cookies to share. They were all very impressed- ha-ha then they found out they were from a box. But still it was fun to see them so excited. We also played grandmas Uno with the kids. Oh the fun. 

Then finally we got to chat with you. I loooove your faces so much. Seriously. 

This week we also had piano lessons- they are going really well. I love it. It’s crazy how much help I’m getting because I haven’t played forever. 

But also this week was a week of torrential rain. It was crazy. We have had days and nights straight. I sent a picture of the churches bathroom- everywhere we got we have 100 layers. I have never seen anything like this. It’s like a crazy, crazy. The rain cleared a little last night and the clouds cleared and the mountain by our house (seriously right next to it) now has 9 new waterfalls from all the rain. It’s way cool. 

We also had the annual Puerto Cisnes end of year fiesta. And oh boy was it a fiesta. I sent a picture of us cooking sopiapillas with Hna t. We cooked up 90. 

Then went over and took turn turning the lamb over the fire. It was cool because it was during the day and night rain - but we were under a protection so it was the smell and freshness of rain but then the warmth of the fire and we are all sitting chatting and eating sopiapillas with sausage listening to the classic traditional south of Chile music. DREAMY. I love living in the Patagonia. It’s such a chill way of life. 

Then yesterday I gave the talk in church, there are so few of us only two people talk each week. But it was cool because I followed a bit of the outline dad gave for his talk a bit back from Elder Uchtdorf about being grateful in any circumstance. I loved hearing dads words and insights then applying it to mine. It was fun and I sure love you dad. 

But it’s so cool in our ward. Because for example, yesterday we had 22 people assist (attend) church and only 9 are not from one family. It’s an abuelita (grandma) and her 3 daughters who are married families. (Our branch pres., our papita/mision lider (ward mission leader) and the primary pres.) Whose family we had lunch with Christmas day. I looove this branch. 

Then get this- we taught O and have everything ready for the baptism. Everyone is way excited!  We all went to look for the clothes and planned everything. The interview is this week so hopefully everything goes well. The branch is way excited because as I showed it’s like 1 family so to get some new blood in here and it's the first baptism for 2 years so it’s fun and happy. 

Well family I got to run. I need to buy a new umbrella because it rained so much this week mine literally broke. Ha-ha. 

I love you! Happy New Year (which means happy one year in the mission to me.) 

xoxo Hna Ball

The most wonderful time of the year: hiking!

I say this every single week- but this week was the craziest week. Let me tell you!

First of all, I am so stinking pumped for Christmas- yeah, it will be cool to talk to you.  But more so, we are having 100 crazy parties. Seriously, we are doing it Ball family style. 

Christmas Eve- with our branch pres. family- who is the coolest cats ever. Christmas day with our papitos- we´re going to be roasting lambs. Seriously, like "my big fat Greek weeding" but "my stinking awesome Chilean Christmas." 

Then we have a branch party- yes, roasting more lambs. Tomorrow we have a big Christmas dinner with president and the zone.  Oh my gosh, I can't wait to talk to you and tell you everything about my happiest life ever. 

Anyways why this week was the craziest. 

Monday- we had an awesome FHE (family home evening) with S and M. We played "telephone" and then explained how it is like prayer. There are different way to try and communicate with God. But a lot of time the ways are different, etc. (because they have been struggling with the whole form of prayer) then we explained that God has revealed how we can talk with Him so the whole message gets to him. And they got it. That’s what I love about being a missionary. When they get it. 

Then get this.

So super long story short- my companion had a problem with her foot- she got a cut or something and then it got infected with a fungus or something. So now I am all "Lyle Ball" freaking out with Clorox. Ha-ha.   But we ended up in the hospital for 3 days and 2 nights. 

Now it is all good and well. The foot is fixed. But oh, it was so crazy. It was the first time she has been hospitalized so she was really scared- so I pulled a "Lyle Ball" and convinced the hospital to let me sleep over night- something that they never allow. 

Well they let me and I had a hospital chair or cement tile bed. But it was worth it. It really was an awesome growing experience for my comp and me. 

Also, it was funny.  We contacted everyone in the hospital and had a couple cool lessons. We had a roommate- L. Who is 24- she was there alone so we got to know her really well. We talked a lot about who is God and all. It was really interesting. We had a power moment with her- they were trying to put the needle in her arm and couldn’t get it and tried and tried and she was getting really stressed and scared. So the nurses left the room and it was just us- so we taught her about prayer and asked if we could say a pray to help her feel peace and to help the nurse find the vein in her arm. 

We then said a prayer and right as we finished the nurses came in- and immediately found the vein. I was sitting there holding her hand and she when they got it she just looked up at me. I can't really explain it. But it was really, really powerful. 

She also is a number one fan of the churches magazine "the Liahona" and efy music. haha. 

It was definitely an interesting experience- exhausting and terrible and so long. But cool thing, I ended up reading 50 something chapters of the missionary and war chapters of Alma in Spanish. So cool- to be able to read it straight like a book. It was like "Hunger Games" all over again- seriously there was a time where my companion was trying to talk to me and I was all "a-huh, yeah, ok mhhh¨ and she’s like "you aren’t even listening".  But it was to crazy I just couldn’t stop.

But when we got out of the hospital we were on house arrest. We could only leave for the two ward activities we had. They were awesome. 

First, we had a Book of Mormon thing- so cool. I love my little branch. Then we all watched the Christmas devotional. We were all on the look out for you all (Hna ball's white gringo family hahaha) but no luck. Then we had a second activity were we had a Christmas party with the relief society. 

Then we got to leave to for our first appointment- ooooh boy. We were so happy- it was with O. Who has been so well prepared- but get this. She´s going to be baptized The 10th of January! Wooohoooo. We love her. Oh boy. What I love about O is she had a very strong testimony of the priesthood. She received a blessing for health and immediately felt something- and she knew it was Heavenly Father's love. Also, she loves the santa cena (sacrament)- and that is what I love.

Now I am writing you all from Coyhaiue. This morning we woke up at 4:30 and took the 4-hour bus ride into town to have a sweet day with 2 of our girls. We went to a national park here- mom and dad your going to LOVE Chile. Seriously. 

We are going to be here in Coyhaique for a couple days then head back for Christmas eve night and Christmas at home in good ole Puerto Cisnes. 

I love this season so much. This has been such a fun Christmas and the crazy hasn´t even started.

I love being a representative of Jesucristo all the days. But especially this month it has been really, really cool. I know that He lives. sí o sí. I love this Christmas. 

I love you. nos vemos prontoooooo. (see you soon)

xoxo Hna ball

Photos. 

Last week’s p-day adventuring old wrecked boats.

A couple gems of our sector- I really am living in paradise- yeah it rained the most part of the week- But I love it.

Good ole Simpkins family nature tree. Ha-ha, my companion thinks we Americans are crazy- I’ve tried explaining it’s just my family, but ha-ha. 

Also, the little Santa thing is our city center square. That’s about as crazy as Chile gets. Bishop Ostler's house alone has more than all of Puerto Cisnes. (Oh, that Ostler's sinking Christmas tree.)

Then today’s gems. We just got back- I still got the smell of lake of pines and all things happy to me :) 

Did I mention how much I love teaching people about this message? Because really. 

xoxo teaching my companion Elvis Christmas songs in his tone of voice xoxo Hna ball