Hey everyone!

Hope youre all doing good and have had a wonderful week. Hows the weather in the States? Cuz here its pretty bipolar, thats for sure. There have been days where its incredibly hot and days where I need my winter coat. Notttt a big fan, thats for sure. 

This week has been pretty great. BUT I have to say that I am pretty heartbroken that Hermana Garcia is leaving me. I can truly say that she has not only been like a mother to me (which is her job as a trainer haha) but she has also been a true friend. We have been through SO much together in just these three short months. I know that when my mission president put us together as companions, that it was an inspired decision because I dont know if I would have had the strength to make it this far without her. Seriously! She has the most incredible testimony and I truly look up to her in every way!! The cool thing is, she is planning on going to school in the states, so after our missions, I will be able to see her a lot and that makes me so happy. Im so thankful for this girl!!

A miracle happened this week and we found two new investigators. One of them, Sebastian, was through a reference from another missionary and the other, Carina, was through the reference of a ward member. These wonderful people were huge answers to prayers. This goes to show HOW important ward members are in the role of missionary work. Being a missionary doesnt necessarily mean that you have to be wearing a name tag. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, we are ALL representatives of Christ, and people notice through our examples. Its truly incredible! This Friday we have a ward activity where there will be a dinner and a DANCE, so it will be fun to be a part of that, and ALSO have our investigators come and have a fun time too (PRAY THAT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO COME). ¨

 Me and Hermana Garcia with Hermana Ponce de Leon.
We have lunch with her every Thursday and
she makes the BEST almuerzos EVER

My wonderful comp and my BEAUTIFUL ARGENTINAS

I am really grateful for the opportunity to serve in this ward. Though its hard for me to communicate sometimes, I know that theres a reason that I am here and that there are so many people here that are changing MY life for the better and Im so thankful for that!! 

I CANT believe that I only have 2 more Sundays until Mothers Day when I get to see and talk to my beautiful famliy over SKYPE! Its going to be the best day ever, full of tears tears and more tears. I cant wait!!! I hope everyone has had a fantastic week, and I want everyone to go to HeLives.Mormon.org to see a fantastic video about our Savior Jesus Christ. I love you all!

xoxo,
Hermana Randall

My dear family and friends...how are you guys!!!!

 

GAH I miss you all so much. Surprise surpise, right? 

In 4 days I hit my 4 month mark. Can you believe it? Time flies SO fast on the mission...I never believed it until I actually experienced it. When Ive had long days, its reassuring in a way. But most of the time, it scares me. I feel like 18 months is NOT enough time!

I got my packages from you, Mom, from Aunt Sherre, AND from Nana!!! They were the best surprises ever. I cant thank you guys enough. I loved every single thing in them,...and needed them so dearly. Thank you all SO much! Getting letters and packages are seriously my favorite thing in the entire world and they make me feel so much closer to home. One thing that has seriously struck me since Ive been out here is the amazing amount of support and love I have from my family and friends. Could I be any more blessed with you guys? The answer is no. I am forever thankful for the strength that you guys provide me!!!

The weather has finally cooled off and it is pretty darn cold, Im not going to lie. Its hilarious though, because once it gets to 60 degrees, everyone pops out there down coats and scarves. Haha I love it!

Here's some pictures from the Center of Santiago! Reminds me of Europe SO MUCH! Isnt it beautiful?? 

I can't believe the history here!!!!

This week we had the opportunity to go to the Center of Santiago to do a bunch of paperwork for Hermana Garcia's Visa stuff. Honestly, it was a pretty long and painful process, but a blessing to see such a different part of Santiago that I had never seen before. When we got off of the Metro at the Plaza de Armas and walked up the stairs I LITERALLY almost cried because I thought I was in Europe for a split second. It was absolutely beautiful, and definitely made me reminisce on the Randall Family days in Europe. The diversity and culture here is amazing, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to live here and have these kind of experiences.

Me and Hermana Garcia. I LOVE HER TO DEATH.

                                                      There happened to be a ferria little art festival thing 

                                                   going on the day we passed through, pretty lucky huh??

We had to say goodbye to our beloved Ward Mission Leader, Hermano Mario this week. He actually just got a calling in the Stake, which is AWESOME but we will seriously miss him so much. He was always so positive and so willing to help (and gave us multiple blessings for our sicknesses). Such a good man! 

 

Ward mission leader....Hermano Mario
Love him SO MUCH!

Well, Hermana Garcia has 2 weeks left. Crazy, right? Its scaring me to death, but in a good way. This week I have tried to be much more of a leader...leading lessons, calling our district leader, leading weekly and daily planning, and Ive noticed a growth in my self confidence that is really nice. Though I am going to miss Hermana Garcia like crazy because she truly is a sister to me, Im excited to have the challenge of her leaving (and I will probably regret saying that in 2 weeks). Haha. I love you all so much! Thank you for you letters and your continued support! Dont know what I would do without you.

Kade, Koy, Eli, Mom and Dad...

I just want you guys to know how much I love and miss you. I think about you guys and pray for you every day! Im so so so lucky to call you mine!!!!!!! I hope you guys have a great week, and I am so excited to see you in THREE WEEKS!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? Its going to be the best day ever for me!!! I love you all to the moon and back and will have letters ready to send you through email!!! 

Lots of love,
Hermana Randall

Hello All,

I miss and love you so much, I hope you all know that. Your emails made me smile so big today! I cant thank you guys enough for always writing me and making me feel so loved. Yall are the best!

Well, this week has been pretty good. I actually had a really really cool experience that I want to share! So, for some reason, this week has been really hard for me language wise. I think its because Im slowly realizing that in 2 weeks I will be ending my training and my companion will be leaving and then there is a BIG possibility that I might train. Even if I dont, I will be the leading companion cuz I am the only one who knows the sector! Not going to lie, I have been freaking out a little bit. Haha. The usual! Ive definitely been questioning my ability to learn the language, and I have DEFINITELY been lacking in the confidence and patience areas. But I have realized that...why the heck am I scared or nervous or terrified? Because I am never truly going to be on my own. The Lord is always with me, and if He knows I can do it, then I need to believe in myself as well! 

Kenz didn't send any pics this week...so I chose this one! :)

We were in a lesson with one of our investigators Jimena this week. She has a complicated situation...married but separated from her husband, but dating and living with a man who is less active. Shes been through many different pairs of missionaries and has never committed to being baptized because of how complicated everything is. Well, in this lesson, the Spirit was so strong and I could understand almost everything she was saying...and thats saying something because her speech is very mushy and slurry and hard to understand haha. Scriptures that I had been studying throughout the week were coming to mind, that fit together PERFECTLY with what I wanted to say and what she needed to hear! And then, I felt this crazy impression to ask her to be baptized, even though Hermana Garcia had never told me to, and actually said that we shouldnt because of the situation and needing to work things out. WELL I just flat out asked her, because it just felt right. Next thing I know, shes looking at me, shaking her head yes with tears in her eyes. She was like "Yes, I want to get baptized! Yes yes yes." It was such a testimony building experience to me, to not only recognize a prompting from the Spirit, but to act on it. I realize that our Heavenly Father knows everyone, He knows what everyone needs to hear. Thats why its so important to listen to the Spirit, because that is how our Heavenly Father testifies of His truths. Im so grateful for this experience!

I love you guys so much, and I hope this week is great!!

AND this one! :)

Koy, I miss you like craaaaaazy dude. Im so glad that basketball and school is going well. You deserve the best! AND DUDE. I will read the BOM with you! 65? Lets do it!!! I promise you, the Book of Mormon has changed my life! Its such a blessing and such a strength! I will start over tomorrow!!!

Eli...bud you always crack me up!! I cant believe he brought back KINDER EGGS!!! THOSE ARE MY FAV. They have kinder chocolate bars here, but not actual eggs. How BORING is that?? Im so glad to hear youre doing such a great job in basketball, ya freaking beast. I love you tons!

Kade!! First of all, Im so excited about your trip with Alec to go to prom with Maddy! Thats going to be a freaking BLAST... something that you will remember for the rest of your life! Haha Im glad youwere about to make some money from Sis Almond! That sounds like an awesome hookup. AAAAHHHH dude you have got to keep me updated with alecs mission call okay?? I love you!

Dad! Im seriously so glad to hear that your trip went well. Is it okay to say that IM SO JEALOUS you were in Europe. I miss the Germany days so much. AND I miss the Alaska days. we were so fortunate to live in such amazing places. Hearing that story of Ivan Bily was inspriing. Youre right, it makes me feel so fortunate to be an American. I love Chile, I really do...but it has made me appreciate where i come from, where home is, so i definitely know what you mean. I love you so much, dad! You have no idea! Im sending a letter to you this week, so be on the look out for one!!! 

email convo: Koy wants to know how coke tastes there?

Kenz: hahahaha honestly I havent tasted a difference in the Coke but people LOVE it here. Still not a fan. Oh, so yall know how much I don't like cilantro...Well, the other day I had a soup with literally TEN POUNDS of cilantro in it and i was praying the entire time that I would be able to swallow it and not PUKE!!!!

Love you all,

Hermana Randall

Hey my wonderful family!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend, and I hope that you were able to watch General Conference! I just have to say... I am SO grateful for the knowledge of a living Prophet and Apostles. Those men are inspired, and are so in tune with the counsel of our Father in Heaven. We are SO LUCKY to have the opportunity to listen to their messages!!! I learned so so so much from them, and my testimony grew in so many ways. I know President Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God, and he truly is a good, good man!

letter Kenz wrote during conference

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Brother Cottam, my Dads TRAINER on his mission. CRAZY, right? It was the coolest experience...and I pretty much cried the whole time! (Tears of joy, always.) We were able to talk about their companionship, their mission, my dad as a missionary, and it was really incredible. I never ever dreamed I would have this experience, but I am so thankful for it. Daddy,  I cant even tell you how AMAZING it was to meet Brother Cottam and to hear him talk about you and your experiences together. It was really comforting to talk to him honestly, and made me feel close to you distance wise, for a brief moment! Im so thankful for that experience of meeting him, and am so grateful that I might be able to see him again soon! He gave me his business card and said if there was anything I needed, anything at all, to call him WHENEVER and he would help me. Im so grateful for him dad!

Brother Cottam and I! This man is truly amazing,
and I am so thankful for his kindness!!

Dad, I know you are headed to Slovakia right now, and that is SO COOL! Please take pictures and send them next week!!! Thats going to be such a cool adventure, even if its really really quick. I have been thinking about doing a study abroad when I get back...like in Europe or even Jerusalem or somewhere! Other cultures just fascinate me!!!!

Dad, I thought conference was soooo good. Its really special, being a missionary. This calling is so sacred, and comes with very special and sacred responsibilities and oppotunities and I feel like my spiritual mind is so much broader. That I am able to think of things in more of an eternal perspective and it has given me so much strength. Watching conference just blew my mind because I felt like I just soaked everything up! Im so glad you guys had the opportunity to watch it too!! Crazy that we were basically watching it together. I really really was drawn to Elder Nielsens talk too...lets just say it made me very emotional. It just shows me that those men really are inspired, and so are their messages!! I love you so much, dad. I hope you know that! I cant wait to talk to you in a month. ITS GOING TO BE SO GREAT!!!! I hope you have a great week, and cant wait to hear about it!!!! Love you!!!!

Me and Hermana Garcia (with my brand new
 awesome bag)  in Cordillera!

Well, this week I learned something very important. It was something I always knew, actually. But now, its engrained in my head because I have actually experienced it. If we want to know the Savior, if we want to have a relationship with him, we need to have faith and search for it. We cant just sit around, waiting for it to come! Ha, sounds pretty obvious right? I just have to say that I have searched and searched and YEARNED for this relationship and I know that through simple Gospel principles, like studying the scriptures, praying with real intent, and acting on faith, we CAN have this relationship with the Savior...we just need to demonstrate our loyalty to him. Nurturing your testimony a little bit every day will make the biggest difference, I promise! 

This cute little sign in Cordillera....
 I think I take too many pictures.

The language is continuing to come, sometimes I forget how to say prayers in English, so thats a good sign, right? My companion is amazing, and Im really sad that shes going home in 4 weeks, especially since I will be left with more responsibility and that makes me nervous. But I know that it is through the Lord that I can do all things, and I have complete faith in Him. I love you guys so much!!! So Im on antibiotics.... Hermana Wright and Dr Johnson, our mission doctor, I guess had talked with some other doctors and decided that there were too many missionaries in our mission that had ulcers for it to be a coincidence, so they thought it was a bacteria....A doctor hasnt checked up on me since Dr Johnson a month ago.

I hope you all have a fantastic week!!! LOVE YOU

xoxo,

Hermana Randall

Had intercambios in Florida this past week,
 and it was the most beautiful day

Today I hit my 90 day mark! I remember my dear Aunt Cammi telling me that Landon's mission president had said that it was around the 90 day mark when the balance started evening out again...when things starting FLOWING easier. Lets hope that happens soon! Haha

This week has been really good, other than my health! Ive been taking the medicine that you sent me mom (THANKYOU SO MUCH BY THE WAY, I CANT THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR THAT AMAZING PACKAGE) but for some reason my stomach just hasnt improved much. I frustrated to say the least. Ive decided that Im going to call my mission doctor again this week and let him know that I need to do something about this PRONTO! I dont know what to do about it anymore. Im eating healthy, avoiding foods that wouldnt be good for my stomach, and nothing is changing. Oh well.....

Intercambios with Hermana Clawson in Sotero del Rio
...shes from California and is super sweet! Loved it.

I just have to say that I have the most AMAZING ward. The ward members are so loving and so thoughtful. Every time I go over to a members house, they give me a tea that they have bought for me, or certain herbs to put in my food.....anything to try and help me! They are precious. I love them so so much! Sundays are the best days because I get to see all of them, try and talk to them in my broken Spanish. Sometimes I get teary eyed because of how concerned they are for their missionaries and how MUCH they love us! Man, were so lucky!

Kenzie's Zone

This week I have been studying a LOT about the life of Christ, the example that He lead for us. As I have been studying the scriptures and reading MANY Liahona talks, Ive gained a much greater appreciation for my Savior and his sacrifice for us. Later on this week, I was listening to an EFY CD and this song came on...I cant remember what it is called, but it said, "I dont have the words His truth deserves." That hit me STRAIGHT in the heart, because that is literally how I feel all of the time. I have this great desire to share, this great love that makes my heart want to burst, but its almost like when I try to express my joy and my admiration, it doesnt come out in a way that can truly express the peace and the happiness that the Lord and his Gospel brings me. I love being a missionary, I cant say it enough. I love my Savior, and I love the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Serving a mission was the best decision I ever made. 

About a month until I get to see you guys!!!!

xoxo,
Hermana Randall

Hey family!!! 

I miss you guys like CRAZY! For real.....I am sorry, but can you use this for my blog...its all the time I have.

Zone Conference!!!

MOM: I miss you so much!!! How was this week? I can only imagine how wonderful it was!! Im seriously so jealous to hear about all of the family time you guys had! First of all, thank you SOOOOOO SO much mom! For sending the package, for getting the family names done....everything! Youre seriously the best and I cant thank you enough!!!! I LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!! My stomach has been much better this week....Ive seen a lot of improvement which is what I have been looking for. Still cant eat anything too crazy hahaha. But Ive tried beef and fresh veggies and it hasnt made me TOO sick. Im just sticking to basic carbs...trying to plump up for the winter, you know? ;) hahaha  

Pirque is seriously so beautiful....its considered
campo because its so far out in the country!
I hope I get the chance to serve there! 

Theres miles and miles of vineyards....we happened to be walking by when
 a bunch of guys were picking off all of the bunches
of grapes and gave us some!!! I love Pirque.

Today we started our next change! So in 6 weeks from today, Hermana Garcia will be leaving and its freaking me out! AHHHH. Freaks me out because Ill most likely be taking over this sector. Wow. I love Hermana Garcia so much....she truly is a great missionary with a really big heart and I look up to her a ton. We are teaching lots of people just not seeing much progression. Remember Samuel?? This week weve visited him twice....both times I wasnt there...I was on intercambios (splits)...and hes struggling. At first he said he didnt want to pray, now its that he feels like he hasnt received any answers. BUT I have confidence and faith that he will. Mom, I just cant believe how close to the Savior I feel out here. I love my calling. I love the opportunity I have to bring people the good news of the Gospel. ITS THE BEST.

When we moved out of our old pension...took FOREVER 

to clean and forever to get all of our junk together!

Lunch with GREAT PEOPLE!!!

Yes!!! We were switching houses last week and Hermana Jimenez was sick....turns out she had a bad sinus infection! But her comp didnt know how to get to the CCM/temple, so Hermana Garcia asked me to take her!! As you can imagine, that made me feel like a million bucks because I actually felt SMART!!! hahaha. Fortunately, we ran into Hermana Saavedra and Hermano Antileo and were so excited to see them. That was really great! I always love seeing them....its almost like a "recharge" if that makes sense. haha. YOU THINK I LOOK THIN??? ARE YOU SERIOUS??? First of all, best compliment ever because I always feel like a potato out here. haha. Thank you for updating me on all of those missionaries mom! I can't believe so many friends are getting their calls! IM SO EXCITED FOR THEM!!!!! Mom I love you so much and miss you like crazy!!!

KOY: Koy!!! Oh my gosh dude, Im so happy to hear that you had such a great time with Blaze and his awesome family!!!! hahaha dude that story made me laugh cuz I could honestly just picture your guys faces with SHEER TERROR when you realized you were going down a black! That kills me! What a freaking fun trip!!! Was colorado beautiful??? Ive heard so many amazing things about it. Did the mountains remind you of Alaska? Why the poo didnt you take pictures and if you did why didnt you send me any???? hahaha. Lately, Ive been missing AK a lot. Im not sure why....it just has a really special place in my heart. Was it good seeing nana and papa??? And being together with all of the cousins? Im super jealous you guys were all together, but so happy you all had that time!!! I love you so much Koy. I hope you know that! Cant wait until mothers day! ONLY LIKE 7 MORE WEEKS!!!!

Eli: Eli boy! Whats up dude!! How was Spring break?? Was it so good to see nana and papa? CRAZY!! I hear its starting to warm up there! It is still so hot here! THank you so much for praying for my tummy....my stomach needs your prayers. BIG TIME! Are you so excited to get started back with school?? woooohoooo that sounds so fun! hahaha I bet youre excited to see all of your friends, right?? I miss you so much bud. Dont you ever forget it. I love you tons and tons and am so proud of you!

REALLY cool wall here near the Plaza of Puente Alto....
we pass it all the time and every time I go crazy
 over how much I love it!! hahaha

Kade: Kadeeee!!! Dude Im so glad to hear about the Rice Trip! Oh my gosh I can only imagine how beautiful it was....did you see any cute girls? no? good. hahaha. Thats really awesome that you were able to do that though. Even if you dont think its the school for you, NOW you know what you want and youve narrowed down some of your choices right? Dang thats priceless! Im so excited to hear about your whole JOURNEY looking for schools and majors and stuff. Im so glad to hear that Alec and you are becoming so close. That makes me happy! I love that kid. Tell him that his hair cut is SWEET. Was is good to see Nana and Papa? I bet Nana just loved being with you guys. You especially are just so loving to her and I know she really appreciates that. I miss you so much Kade! I know you guys have started up school again, but Im happy you get to see friends and get back into a routine!!!! I miss you and love you tons!!!

Dad: Daddy!!! How in the world are you???? I miss you like crazy! First of all, I was able to go to Pirque this week and it was flipping awesome. It honestly reminded me a lot of Alaska in a way....and then of course it made me start thinking of Alaska and of how much I miss it and of how much I want to go back. Seriously...I consider it such a priveledge to have lived there and experienced the ALaskan life! Haha. But Pirque was amazing...the people are so humble and receptive there as well. The mountains of course arent comparable to AK when theyre covered in smog, but they were still something to behold. The trees were so green, the vineyards so lush. Ive decided that Im going to start praying to be sent there for my second area!!! hahaha I feel like I would absolutely love it there! Craziest thing....Hermana Wright told me that a man had come up to her and asked about a Hermana Randall...turns out it was Brother Cottam!! He wants to come surprise me in my ward one sunday, I dont think im supposed to know that. THEN a sweet man in my ward came and told me the same thing!! THEN I saw Hermano Antileo, one of my MTC teachers, and he said he knows Brother Cottam as well!! ITs crazy how small of a world it is....especially in the church, and especially in Chile! I really look forward to meeting him!

Had a Relief society Visiting teaching activity yesterday
 and it was awesome! Im getting to know these women
 so well and feeling so much closer to them!!! 

I have some good news about the language. Im starting to see progression, Dad! Its the best feeling ever. Not a whole ton, but these last several days Ive started noticing that I can understand much more and respond faster, instead of having to think it out in my mind. I flipping love this language and I cant wait till I can communicate the way I want to. Do you have any study tips for me?? Like for what in particular helped you during your language study? Ive hear that reading the Book of Mormon and Liahonas outloud to work on your accent is good....what else?? Ill take anything you got, dad!!! Im so glad to hear that Spring break was so pleasant for you! That makes me so happy. Im really glad you were able to see Nana and Papa too, AND Tony! Was that a total surpirse??? Were you able to use your Spanish a lot with him?? I know what you mean about family gatherings and interactions bringing you joy....a lot of times I just like to observe the way our cousins and my uncles and aunts interact. Im sooooo grateful for your and moms decision to raise us in a way that we actually know who our family is, we have real and meaningful relationships with them that will last our entire lives and Im SO THANKFUL for that. Youll never know! I love you so much Dad, and miss you like crazy!! I hope work and everything goes well this week! And remember... if you have some time, sit down, clear your head, and read the Book of Mormon. Ive found that in this crazy mission like, it brings me so much peace. I love you!!!

Love always,

Hermana Randall

HOLA FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!!!! I hope youve all had a wonderful week...Im getting on the computer late because the computers were all full at the place that we normally go to, so we had to RUN across town to another place! I love you guys so much though. I hope you know that. Im going to try and send some pictures too!!

The grapes are delicious here!

First of all...Eli boy!! Ive been thinking about you a lot this week, especially yesterday! AH Im so glad that you did such a great job at passing the sacrament! I wish I couldve been there!! FOR REAL! Mom and Dad both said that you looked so confident, like you had been doing it for years! Thats awesome, bud. Eli, the priesthood is going to be such a blessing in your life! These past couple of weeks, Ive needed blessings because Ive been so sick, and its AMAZING how much comfort they give! Holding the Aaronic Priesthood is the first BIG step and Im so so SO proud of you!!! So is our Heavenly Father. 

Kade, I heard all about how great Eli´s ordination went, and I just want to say how PROUD of you I am. Being a worthy priesthood holder is such an honor and a priveledge. Seriously. Being on my mission, I have already seen so many miracles take place through the laying on of hands. Always remember how SPECIAL and PRECIOUS the power of the priesthood is. AH I wish so badly that I couldve been there. For real. SO BADLY. Btw, thank you soooooo so so so much for you card, Kade. I loved it. It made me cry, as always.

Koy, I hope you're having fun skiing right now. I loved getting a separate email from you all the way from Colorado! Thanks for thinking of me bud! Don't break anything okay, and have fun with Blaze and his family. They seem like such good people! Mothers Day isnt too far, right?

My PICTURE WALL....this gets me through the rough days!

Mom, WOW where do I even begin??? I miss you soooooooo flipping much its not funny!! Haha like really, youre the best, mom. First of all, I read your email today while we were out and about and I promise Ill try and do better about giving details about my life!!! I keep forgetting to do that because I wanna know how YALL are doing! My week has been a little better than last week, but not a whole lot. When I dont eat, I feel fine! But when I eat things that upset me...still trying to figure those things out...I feel so sick. Its really frustrating. I only eat rice, oatmeal, boiled chicken, noodles, bread, and the occasional fruit like apples and bananas. but some members dont really understand that other stuff makes me sick. UGH! Im still trying to figure it out. 

 We havent moved yet...we have to be out of our house this Wednesday, and we didnt end up getting the house that we needed, so we have to go live with some other Hermanas for a while until we can find a new one!! 

Today we went to visit some other Hermanas....had a blast!

All of my chocolate melted on the way here!!! hahaha

A typical day in the life of Hermana Randall goes like this: We wake up at 7:30 here, because Chileans get started much later in the day! We have 30 minutes of exercise in the morning and then an hour to get ready for the day!! During this time, its really nice to just take my time preparing, clean up some things, listen to music while getting ready...stuff like that. At 9, we begin personal study for an hour WHICH IS MY FAVORITE THING EVER. After that, we have companion study for 2 hours because Im training, and then at 12, we have language study! One thing I love about our mission, well the Chile missions, is that they put a big emphasis on language study for EVERYONE, including Latinos. The church has an English program with books and lessons, so during lang study, Latinos study and practice English! Its wayyyy cool. Normally we have lunch around 1:30 with a member of our ward. Lunch is the main meal of the day here, so when we eat, it usually keeps me full for most of the day!! For the rest of the day, we have appointments with members, less actives, recent converts, and investigators. Around 9:30 PM we head back to the house to be back by 10 or 10:30 at the latest. Thats when we start daily planning, which is VERY important!! Then were in bed by 11:30. I honestly love the missionary schedule, because Im never too tired, but never TOO rested to where Im totally out of it. Hahaha never thought Id say that!!!

Hermana Garcias converts from her last sector, ñuñoa, came to visit her on Sunday!!!! Theyre amazing!

Dang, I was so happy to hear about this past Sunday. It sounded like a REALLY great one!! From what Ive heard, Carina sounds so awesome! If shes anything like Brittan, she must be really great! I cant wait to meet her, and Im sooo happy the boys were able to go to that fireside.

Wow, this past week has been crazy for me, in a wonderful way. My testimony has grown so much, mom. I have had SO many prayers answered....directly. Ive noticed that it wasnt something that happened suddenly, byut very gradually. I just have to do my part. I want you guys to know that I love this Gospel more than anything. My Savior is my best friend. Every time I read the Book of Mormon, I feel this incredible joy that I cant even begin to describe. Its nothing like Ive ever felt before. Im so beyond grateful for this opportunity to be a missionary. As dificult as it is, I woundlt trade it for anything. 

I miss you so much mom! I got the package last week and loved it SO much. Thank you for sending it! I dont think theres anything else I need........I want to say candy and junk food, but my tummy cant take that!!!!!! I hope I get yours and dads letters tomorrow! I miss you so much!

Really cool wall in Cordillera! Love what it says!

ONE DIRECTION FOREVER!!!!

Dad: Dad!! How in the world are you?? I miss you I miss you I miss you like CRAZY!!! I hope you know that!! I cant wait to hear about your trip to Houston! Tell the Brechters that I say hi, okay?? Thank you so much for taking care of the missionaries like that....now that I AM one, I realize how important ward members are!!! They are such a HUGE support to us and I honestly had no idea. Theres this one family in our ward....theyre converts of two years, Hermano Mario and Hermana Sara. They have to kids and hes the ward mission leader. Theyre AMAZING and so loving and so kind and so enthusiatic!! We have lunch with them every Friday.... not only does she cook like an angel, but theyre always willing to do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to help us, even if its inconvenient for them! Granted, half of the time I cant understand what theyre saying, but that doesnt matter! I still feel their love and thats what counts right now!!! 

My Spanish is.... progressing. Little by little. Honestly, Im pretty frustrated with it. Sometimes I feel like Ive plateaued SO hard. It doesnt help that sometimes I feel like poor Hermana Garcia gets frustrated with me asking her to help me or translate for me all the time. DANG DAD!

Metro this morning

YES everyone has cellphones here, Dad. Its crazy! Even if their house is tiny and they dont have many things, they ALWAYS have a cell phone and a TV!!!! Its the craziest thing ever! We ride the micros and the metros all the time!!!! Hahahaha every time Im on the micro, I feel like Im going to die. The drivers are insane. CRAZY I tell ya!!!! The Metro is really nice though....but when you go early in the morning during TACO TIME when everyone is going to school and work, its like sardines. I had my first experience like that this past week and it was crazy. For an entire 20 minutes I was squished so hard between two people that I thought I was going to pass out or throw up. Hahahaha I was thinking of you the whole time!!

 

OH, tell this to mom too...but our roommates had a baptism this past Sunday and I played the piano for a musical number and then at Zone Conference, Hermana and President Wright asked me to put a musical number together with our pension!!! Its way cool! I love playing the piano so much, Dad. Its such a comfort and a stress reliever for me! 

I love you so much!!!! And miss you like crazy! 

Hermana Jimenez and Hermana Mayor...their investigator Nelly was baptized this Sunday! It was so beautiful! Hermano Mario, our ward mission leader, baptized her.

Me and my roommates

Well, I pray you all have a great week and I can't wait to talk to you hear from you again next week! I miss you all soo

much!

Hermana Randall