The miracle of the electric toothbrush

¨All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. . . therefore, hold on. ¨ - Doctrine and Covenants 122: 7,9.

I found this scripture this week- what a gem and how true it is! This week was full of experiences that I know are for my good, I am growing so much here in Valdivia! But I truly just have to hold on, trust and go with it!

I love Valdivia. This week was so hard.  Oh, so hard!  But so, so satisfying! I went from my sector in Franck where we had so many investigators progressing- where everyday we had to choose who to visit and who to wait on because we didn't have enough time. I have been here almost 2 weeks and we have only entered 1 house of an investigator, taught hardly any lessons and just street contacted and knocked doors for hours and hours in the rain and sleet. We are rocking the contacts- more than 150 this week (not counting knocking doors) but it was rough. 

However, I really relied on prayer and just ¨held on” and we are finally seeing the fruits of our work. The first miracle and first ¨fruit¨ was the one and only house we’ve entered. 

So, it was a man who we contacted in the street a couple days ago and he seemed really normal and a little interested. We were on our way to a meeting when the mission leader called and canceled on us. Well, it was raining and we were a little bummed because we had been in the streets all day and only 3 people hadn’t rejected us. So we were heading to a different part of the sector when we went pass this mans house and I was like "Hna want to try?" and she was a bit hesitant- I think she didn’t want another person to shut the door on us- but she was like “ok”, and I’m like "what’s to loose.  Right?”  Not sure if this attitude was the spirit but, we knock and it was his wife and they let us in! We were shocked, we honestly didn't know what to do for a minute. But then we were talking and they are very catholic so I was a little nervous and all but it was really nice and pleasant. And then she invited us to have “once” with them- (the night tea and bread)- so we accepted. Before this they really didn't seem to interested in our message- but I was hoping to change their minds. 

So I ask if we can offer a prayer of gratitude before we eat and I offer the prayer. The spirit was so strong and when I said “amen” she was crying (which we always love) and I had a couple tears. And she just explained how she felt so good with so much love and how we are dear “hijas” (daughters) doing God’s work and how sometimes she forgets to just be grateful. So I share a quote from President Monson about how God’s love is always here and never changes.  We taught a little more about prophets and just the church in general. It was so wonderful and so normal so not forced. And then I asked her for a referral- if she new anyone else who we can help or who would like this message- she not only gave us a name but we have an appointment to go with her to visit the "P's". This never happens. 

I learned a lot of lessons this week. How we may talk to hundred of hundreds of people, but Heavenly Father knows the one who is prepared. I am so grateful for this week. We have another appointment with them this week and I am excited to see what will come of it. 

Also, mom I saw all your questions about the new sector- next week I promise to have a real nice list of answers for you. Ok? xoxo

 

Our warm little hat's from Aunt Cinda

But something cool about this sector is, it’s the only part where we don’t have “mommasitas” (women who are paid to cook us lunch) but we eat with the members. Which is so cool! I love being with them every day. And it’s so amazing to me how some of these members truly not only give to us, but give their all to us.  It’s beautiful and very humbling. Or how one morning we were in a collectivio (a shared taxi) and the man wouldn’t allow us to pay because he was baptized a year ago and owes all he has to the missionaries of this church- even though he needs the money and his family needs it- the people here love the missionaries. 

Ok, two funny miracles of sorts. 

One, it rained a lot and all of our wood was soaking wet- our house is also very humid (I think that’s the word) but it’s where all off our stuff is wet. The walls, the tops of the blankets with little drops of water.  And we were struggling just a bit- nothing terrible- but it was just real cold because we didn't have fire. But we just prayed and prayed and we were able to make open fire (took 30 minutes) and we were able to dry the house and us and warm it up a little bit- but we had to leave, and it would be 5 hours before we could pass by the house for another log of wood.  So we just prayed and prayed and when we got back we still had fire- tears. I am so grateful for the little things Heavenly Father helps with. Now, the fire didn’t last the night and we still don’t have fire but the house is dried up a bit and the Elders gave us their dry wood (tan buenos) so today we hope to have fire. (Mom and gma don’t fret. I am dry and fine just a little miracle.) 

The second, ok don’t laugh. So sometimes I have a really bad taste in my mouth because the food is sometimes not so good.  And when I brush my teeth I think about how if I had an electric toothbrush it would help make everything more clean. I know its crazy. So I went to buy one- but they are really expensive so I was like “oh ok what ever” because it’s really just Chilean food. But then the next day I got a package from grandma simpkins and it had 2 electric toothbrushes and I actually had a little tear because I was so happy and my teeth are clean and so good. And just a funny little tender mercy. 

Also, we have contacted so many Mormons. Ha-ha they are terrible- pretend to be perfect investigators and with the perfect questions- oh boy these crazy Chileans! I love it- it always makes us laugh. The first was our first day here and he was perfect and I was totally eating it up then he started quoting the BOM (Book of Mormon) and I really thought he was an angel or something. So funny. 

Oh, and a dog ate the bottom of my skirt and pulled it all the way down (good thing I wear so many sweats and legging under my skirt.) No one was around but it was hilarious. 

And things are really, really, really good with my companion right now.

Also, we had a ward activity with the dear little primary- we have 11 kids, craaaazy!  So many!  I love the craziness.  

Oh, we had a special conference where we were able to meet the new mission president and his wife and they are gems. Both are return missionaries and so good. I am sooo excited to work with them. And because it was the conference we were able to receive mail. Wooohooo! So I got the package from gma simpkins and two postcards from Ireland. Best surprises. Please send more notes in the mail. I love them. Gma simpkins had a "who said it? Albus Dumbledore or Elder Uchtdorf" email.  And I wanted to die from laughing so hard. Gold.

Ok food experiences;

Well, I was food poisoned by uncooked eggs and I needed a bathroom and I needed one quick!  So we stopped by one members house I know and I just gave a quick little explanation and all is good. But she was using this little bender to chop and puree onions and garlic. And after, she is so dear, she had made me a puree banana to soothe my stomach.... only with the same blender as the onion. So I just sat like a good missionary and ate it and said "oh gracias” and “so yummy” and “thank you my stomach is muuuuch better." oh por favooor. 

Or, when we entered the kitchen to help with lunch and we see the talons, blood and head of the goose just chilling. 

Or, this was gold. It was a little gem for the week of America’s birthday.  We went to McDonalds’ and it’s one of the only 3 Mcd's here in the south and it was the first in almost 7 months. Who would have thought dear mickey d’s would give me so much joy. To eat a mcflurry and hamburger. Gold. Oh those golden arches are from the heavens. 

Oh, goggle "Montana magica hotel huilo." ok when you come to chile yes yea yea. One member showed us photos. And I bet it’s so expensive to stay in but to visit or the cabanas. No se. But its crazy cool. 

This week went by so fast with so many experiences, hard but so many to learn from and laugh about. 

I love being a missionary.  l love being an authorized representative of Heavenly Father in this sector- because I know if we don’t talk to the people, if we don’t share this joy and love no one else, authorized, will. I love this true opportunity to open this sector. Its crazy rocking and I looooove it. 

So much happiness on this end of the world. 

More to come next week.

Xoxoxo happy birthday 'Merica xxoxo

Hna Ball

Viva Valdivia!

Hola from Valdivia- my new sector! 

This week was crazy! First Mondays are my next p-day for the rest of my mission so every Sunday I expect a real nice loooong letter.

However, the story. 

So transfers were 2 weeks ago- but Tuesday night we got a call from the AP's (Assistants to the President) explaining we had one day to pack up and say goodbye because they needed us to open a new sector, here in Valdivia. Wooohoo! It is so cool. But it has been a crazy week.

It was rough to say my goodbyes- I sure love the familia Zapata, Roxana and José and Guissa. Really- truly, truly love them. Then it was hard because we have one investigator who is getting baptized this month and one we have been working for the next month- it's sad to not be there for the baptisms and to see the progress. 

But, tis the work. 

Then we also said goodbye to my mission president- Pres. Rappleye- who finished his mission this week- and then we packed off to the new sector. (Where it rains even more than my old sector). But this is such a crazy opportunity, because this rarely happens and usually if it happens, it’s for the Hermana’s who have more time in the mission field. 

But this sector is awesome- it's more of a city and a little bit crazy compared to Francke (where I have been). Where I am in the not so rich part. The Elders have the very nice and rich area. It's crazy one-minute we were in one house with out walls- only plywood. Cement floors, no fire, no food, and no windows. Then the next morning we were having lunch with a family who has a maid and a beautiful house. Also, its a bit sketchy at parts- no stress. The bishop and his wife helped us know where not go at night and our house is in a good part and we have a little gate, 3 doors, 3 locks and two dogs. So I think were good. 

It is so amazing to see Heavenly Father's hand in my life so specifically and plainly. I know I am here for a very specific purpose for a couple reasons. First, to have surprise cambios(transfers) 1 week into cambios, to open a new sector, and we had a little bit of an ugly experience with a man. I am ok, it was just very ugly. I was able to receive a blessing from my bishop and it explains very real and sacred blessing and promises for me in this sector.  

He also explained how the adversary is trying to stop me before I can work this sector- but like you said last week momma. I’m not going to let him win. :)

But it is crazy here. We literally have started with nothing. No lists of people, no addresses, we've just talked with ever person in the street (the first morning we have 30 contacts...) and knock all the doors. Its hard, but I love it. 

We also had our first ward activity and yesterday was our first Sunday in the ward. The women here are thriiiiled to have us. I love it- they explained how we are pioneers :) It's so cute. Oh, I love it. 

 

Valvidia

Oh update on the mail- two new things. 1. Yay I got mail this week. 2 packagesd.  1 from grandma ball and one from grandma simp. Woohoo for the best grandma's ever with the tastiest American gems- especially love the nutella and Swedish fish- living the American dream. Then 3 letters from gma ball.  

The second notice with mail- is there can be no more packages. It’s hard to get them to this sector so from here on out no more. (Booooooo.) But I will explain when we are good for new ones. xoxox also this just means lots and lots of love letters in the mail. ayyaya. 

My mind is so crazy right now. Man I can't even think, a mixture of 100,000 things happening this week and I’m all wet from the rain. 

Oh, but update on the mouth- I was shipped off to the specialist and I think all is well.  I am on 2 medicines and I have a lot less pain and the swelling is down and I am sleeping better. Woohoo. 

Oh futbol- how could I forget. First Chile vs. Hollandia with Hermana Ceron. Oh it was like watching a BYU game with Liza, Lesa Carter’s mom. Crazy. She was just screaming at the TV and pacing and decked out in all red and so darling. It was way crazier watching it with her than a whole house full of Chileans. 

Then Chile and brazil- what a crazy game. Please tell me you watched it. We watched the first part in the church (wooohoo) then we watched the other part in the house of a member because we had lunch and after the street were a little crazy and dangerous for us to be out. Ouch about Chile- now I can’t watch anymore but it’s was so much fun, such a little gem. 

A little gem Hna C made me.  It's Vargas (Chilean futbol player) as a missionary

Oh, so all the other sectors are used to sister missionaries but this is  a new sector so it’s a little bit too much for some of the men. Ha-ha, yesterday I was almost proposed to. No joke. He was 50 and not drunk (what?) but dead serious, but right as he was about to pop the question (he had already asked all the other, what are the religions rules about marriage, are we nuns, what one needs to do to marry a Mormon,  if I was married, how he is solo- has land and is lonely- etc.) but then my Hermana changed the subject.... auuucha. Ha-ah so close. I know if I can’t find someone at BYU I just have to walk the streets here and I have my pick. hahaha. 

Ok let me explain some of the photos- more to come next week of Valdivia but here are the rest of Francke. 

Found this gem graffiti for Jeremy. The whale. No say?- but reminds me of my favorite little man. 

Then saying goodbye to our beautiful house in Francke. It was real.

When we were saying goodbye to president Rappleye I got to sit with Hermana Spencer and catch up. (mom she got your postcard and loves it. You are the best). It was so good to catch up- I love this Hermana so much. We’ve got the plans for you all to meet for after the mission. 

Hna Spencer, my comp at the CCM

Then a couple of a sneak peak of Valdivia:

The streets are tiny and i love them. Also the graffiti here. Golden. 

xoxxo familia. I love you so much. Keep on keeping on. 

xoxo was almost bit my another dog, but the good thing is rain boots are real thick xxoxo

Finally a bit of Sunshine

Hola familia. 

What a week. We had a little sunshine, we had new investigators, we had transfers (no transfers for me and Hermana Rodriguez. woooohoooo) and we had a whole lot of the spirit. 

We are working a lot with the members and had some golden lessons this week. We also are working with a program called "el rescate" (the rescue) where it is completely focused on less actives. This mission has so many less actives’- just about everyone here is Mormon or has a brother or mom or sister in law or a dog who is Mormon- but isn’t active. It’s seriously crazy, and seriously sad. But we have seen some true miracles from these part active families. 

This week my two favorite random or other lessons were with first R, we had one over the phone that was so powerful- we were just in the street and she was in her house, but it was scriptures and prayers and so wonderful. I love serving with Hermana R because we really find new fun or new spiritual ways to serve- not just the same old same old knock doors or the simple lesson. And I love it.

One of these lessons was this week where we were with little chickas (young girls) and it was a ¨princess class¨ all about how these little gems are daughters of god and what that means and it was so cute. Oh I love the kids here- a lot of the times we will teach the lessons to the kids of our investigators- but with our investigators in mind (the parents) but when we teach it this way we are really able to keep it simple, keep it really easy to understand and keep it interesting. Then we will have the lesson with the parents more in-depth with the doctrine once they understand it.

This week was focused a lot on prayer. Lots and lots of prayers and lots and lots of answers. I'll get back to this in a minute. 

We had a little sunshine and were able to do some service (oh I looooove service.) We were able to get a little dirty in the mud and plant raspberry bushes, dad would be proud I pretty much re built the shovel with nails and a hammer and these big wooden things and it was sweet.

 Then the amount of times I find myself in a tree with a saw or axe- hacking away. I love it. Its sweet for us and missionaries because when there is sunshine there are people in the street and this week I was up in the tree and the little old lady is barking orders and I’m climbing higher and higher and all the people in the street are laughing or pointing at the gringa missionary in the tree with the axe. Ha-ha mom I can already hear you and the grandmas- no stress, it’s all good and safe. Ha-ha

But we were able to talk to a couple more people because they saw we were normal doing yard work and all- people have a lot of wrong ideas about us as missionaries and sometimes its real funny. 

Futbol- full swing and I love it. We were in the city after the game with Chile and Spain (crazy.) this is where the bars and the dance clubs and all and the city square are and it was craaaaaaaazy. We had an appointment and it was so fun- I loved walking through and seeing all these crazy Chileans. 

Oh dad, I love hearing about your calling as ward mission leader. So good. You’d be proud- I think all the party planning in high school was mission prep- we have some roooockin ward activities lined up. These kids aren’t going to know what hit them. 

Mail this week- a package from grandma ball. Woohoooo. yaya muffin mix and lots of little gems. For district meeting we switch off who cooks the treats and these are perfect. 

So I still have some little problems with my mouth- its a bit painful and all. I have an appointment this week with a throat specialist- really don’t stress- all is well and good we are just trying to figure out. I wouldn’t mention it at all but I could use a couple prayers this way so that we can figure it out. Xoxo

Also ha-ha the rain- my boots broke (I’ve only had them for 2.5 months but all day every day I think is a bit much.) they broke Sunday and we can only buy new ones on p day (today) but it was an interesting week with the transparent duct tape stuff and trash bags. 

Oh Spanish update: as of this week I am able to brush my teeth and chat with Hermana R and she can understand me. Wooohooooo. It’s a coming. Its hard and very simple but I am pretty much able to explain my thoughts or at least the idea of my thought and almost understand a good chunk maybe not the details but oh boy I love it- still the men with out teeth? Nope. 

Oh this weeks study. Gold. I don’t know I really kind of figured it out. Mom your quote book and scripture- love. One of the scriptures was John 21:15-17. 

The part where jesucristo asks ¨me amas? ¨ Then do you love me. Then again, me amas. Then the third time- me amas? Then feed my sheep and follow me.

I remembered a quote from elder Holland about this- its when elder Holland is paraphrasing jesucristo and explains something along the lines of ¨when I asked you to follow me it was forever. When I asked you to be a missionary- it was forever. ¨ He continues with how we can’t go back, how this right now, my life here is Chile, is real life. How if I go back to how it was I will literally break the heart of God himself.

Through these lessons I am learning, the person I am becoming here. The confidence I have, the amount of love I am learning to have for these beautiful people.

How all of this. How the days with the rain when it’s really hard and the days with the sun when it’s really joyful are real life. And I love it. I love being a missionary- I don’t know how I am so lucky to be so happy all the time. 

Elder Holland ends with ¨may God bless you on the greatest adventure of your life. ¨ and how true it is! 

I am on the greatest adventure- and I LOVE it. 

I love spending my days studying, testifying and living His way. I am so grateful for this gift, this gem of an adventure I am living. How talking to all types of people, old and young, very very poor and humbling poor or well off, evangelic, catholic, atheist or crazy Chileans, kind or crude, loving and door opening with hot tea when its raining, or crying with strangers in the street about the plan of salvation. - How this, this is real life. 

xoxo chi chi chi le le le Chile Chile xoxo

Hermana Ball

Hermana ball