Books and Love and Books and Love

Today we went to the library. I love the library! Its one of the best places ever! Today it was even better because they were having a giant book sale. They were practically giving away classics...so we bought most of the books (pretty much free!!) and added another shelf to our library.

And I started thinking....how lucky we are to have books! Most of us here have the wonderful blessing of learning how to read. And so often this blessing and gift is put to waste. Books are the foundation to all of civilization!

There is nothing sadder to see kids wasting hours in front the TV when they could be exploring new and old worlds...and becoming better educated by reading!

Plus...does anything smell better than the inside of an old book?

So here is a list of some of my favorites....in no particular order.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hasseini

Kind of a depressing book with lots of violence BUT very interesting and calls to awareness. Its about a girl who lives in the modern middle east. Good story of triumph and overall inspiring--if you can get over the blood.

The Robe and Magnificent Obsession- both by Lloyd C. Douglas

I love Lloyd Douglas! He is a wonderful writer and has so many hidden messages in his books. The Robe is a great story of Christ’s ministry and forgivness. It ultimately follows one of the roman soldiers that crucified Christ and his attempt to clear what he had done. Its very inspiring and places you back into Christ’s life and miracles. Magnificent Obsession is one of my favorites. It follows a boy who tries to justify his life after accidently taking the life of another man. It is AMAZING! I especially love that it kind of talks about brain surgery (which i have a fascination for). Its a great reminder of what any one person can do and the power of forgivness and potential. Both of the storylines are very similar you will find- but each wonderful!

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand is such a thought provoking writer. She can see into the future so well- its almost frightening! If you get a chance to watch or read some of her interviews- do it! She is extremely intelligent, at least in a political sense. Its been awhile since I last read Atlas Shrugged, but from what I can remember from it it shows a dystopian United States. After the leading citizens refuse to run buissnesses where they are exploited by increasing taxes and rules---they all just leave. And pretty much leave America in ruin. It explores the failure of government coercion. Its a twisty book and fascinating! The first 500 or so pages are kind of slow- but you will reach a part where it just kabooms. There are some dirty parts however. But you wont look at our government or country the same. It’s kind of long...but dont let that scare you!! And the best part is by the end you will know the answer to the question--who is john galt?

Wild Swans by Jung Chang

Scary book about China’s fall into communism. Very informative and one you cant put down! Its fascinating to watch a whole country turn to complete apathy.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie is the best mystery writer in the world. You should read all her books, but this one is the best. You just go along reading it like any normal murder mystery--but the ending will take your breath away! Don’t cheat and look ahead!! Also golden by Agatha Christie is And Then There Were None.

Mere Christianity and the Screwtape Letters- both by C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis is a mastermind. Mere Christianity explains christianity in unique and thought provoking ways. Screwtape Letters is fairy comical and follows the devil training one of his minions through letters. Its also an interesting view on things.

Anna Karenina and War and Peace- Leo Tolstoy

Its hard to be brief about these two book. Basically Tolstoy is AMAZING and incredible and just the best! The depth he develops his characters into is just….so amazing. Anna Karenina shows the downfall of a great woman- its sad and a tragedy. But inspiring at the same time. War and Peace follows the war of 1812. The characters will be your best friends forever. The symbolism and story will be engrained in your soul forever and you will finally understand my love for Russia! I could say more...but I wont. Tolstoy is amazing though! Did you know that when he died thousands of peasants lined the streets and cried for him? He had such a GOOD huge impact in the lives of so many! Truly a devoted, amazingly intelligent and kind man.

My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult

I reccommend this one with a few reservations. It can be quite dirty if I remember right. But the storyline is pretty intense and does make you think about the value of life and what we really owe to one another. I was able to personally connect to the story and maybe thats why I liked it so much...but either way its a least an entertaining read. House Rules is a good one too- I actually like that one better.

Little Britches and Fields of Home by Ralph Moody

Any book by Ralph Moody is great. Most of them are about his farm life childhood and they are just warm and fuzzy books! They have some great subtle lessons too. These books made me want to move to a farm.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Another book that makes you think. Short and easy.

The Chosen by Chaim Potok

I love this book so much but I’m not really sure why. I think I just love the simplicity of the life this jewish boy and his dad live and their dedication. Its a great story of friendship and growing up. I also really love the sequel...I think that ones called “The Promise”. That one is especially good because it studies a bit of psychology and mental illness in it. Super fascinating!

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

This book makes me want to go run through some mud and eat weeds. Let me know if you have the same feelings after reading it. Obviously its a great book too.

The Illiad and Odyssey by Homer

Both books everyone should read. They are kind of hard to get through but you will understand where every other book get their roots from!

The Scarlett Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy

An extremely entertaining book that will also educate you on the history of Paris during the reign of terror. Its a classic and I love it!

Don Quixote by Miguel D Cervantes

This book continually gets voted as being the most influential and best novel ever written! Hopefully I can read it in spanish soon This book has it all- it is hilarious and a romance, symbolic, educational, inspiring and just wonderful! You will love it and hold it in your heart forever. Also you will see little signs of this book in tv shows, books, talks and everywhere you go! Its like a whole new world opens up!

Papa Married a Mormon by John D Fitzgerald

This one might be hard to find. The copy we have of it looks a hundred years old and is in pieces. Such a cute little book! Its about this rugged man who marries a sweet mormon girl in the early Utah days. Its funny and cute and has a decent message if I remember correctly.

Yearning for the Living God by F. Enzio Busche

A incredible book by an incredible man! You wont look at the world the same after this one. You could read it a million times too. So many great inspirations in this book.

The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner

Of course Faulkner is an amazing author but this one really takes the cake. Its insanely hard to read (ha- thats an understatement) but try and get through it! He uses a unique technique called “stream of concious” through the book. Basically it follows the thoughts of the characters minds. You are not sure whose thoughts you are reading. The hard part is our thoughts are not always in the present. We can see something in the present and our mind will jump back to a previous time long ago or any other random incident. The challenge is to try and make some sense of the book! But its worth it--spark notes is very helpful throughout.

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

10000000x better than the movie! 1,600 pages looks like a lot! But it goes by fast! You just really have to read all of it to truly know the characters. And trust me...the characters are worth truly knowing. Even just the frist 50 pages where it only talks about the bishop...ahhh! so amazing! Victor Hugo is so incredible.

Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriett Beecher Stowe

The book that got the Civil War underway. It will make you cry but you will finish it inspired and enlightened. I couldnt say enough good about this book. Absolutely incredible.

Alas Babylon by Pat Frank

A scary/fascinating book about what would happen if an atomic bomb went off in America. I think its pretty accurate and shows how good it is to be prepared! Also shows how some people react to crisis and the right way to act when everything blows up! A good message and a wonderful book!!

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This book has my heart all tied up forever. If only I could be like Atticus.

Austenland by Shannon Hale

This one is just fun

Farenheight 451 by Ray Bradbury

Bradbury is another of my favorites. Such an excellent writer!! This one is especially good. Even if you’ve read it before-- read it again!! Something Wicked This Way Comes is another good one. It’s scary--but something about it is just so enticing!

The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

Oh I love this book so so much!! Its sad but so inspiring!! You will love the family in a depressed sort of way. Somehow I related to this book. I just love it!! Read it!! and then look up Jeanette afterwards--she is doing great!

The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall

This might be the one rare exception where the movie is better than the book. So watch the movie or read the book- they’ll take you about the same time. Either way you’ll get the inspiring message.

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

A wonderful book until the end when it will rip your heart up! But its a great heartwarming book all the same that will inspire you to love and know how to behave when life gets rough. Its great.

Others by Blaine Yorgason

A book with a different heartwarming random story in each chapter.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

Oh my goodness...this book is really the best. So inspiring, so enlightening, so awesome. Its about this girl who grows up really poor in Brooklyn and has a bit of a tough family situation. But she pulls herself up by the bootstraps and makes a great life for herself. I especially love her love of books!

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

I dont care what you have heard about this book...it is great. I could read it a million times. Read it just to get to know Melanie (why does no one ever talk about her? She is the best!) So much about this book is wonderful.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

A classic book about love and dedication. You will be inspired and fall in love! It also has some twists in it to keep things interesting

And There Was Light by Jacques Lusseyran

An enlightening book about a man who goes blind but is led by a “light”. I think you will especially like this one. Its quite remarkable.

The Fishers of Men Series by Gerald N Lund

Elder Lund is a phenominal writer. I especially this series because you feel like you really understand Christ’s life through it. These are books you just want to hug! I promise you will adore them

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

This book is just good. Its a classic and is a bit shocking I think. Stick with it--its worth it!!

The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

This book reminds you of the importance of hard work and the value of this land we are given. Its hard to get through at times but you will like it by the end. The culture in it is a bit shocking.

Fire of the Covenant by Gerald N Lund

The story of the Willie and Martin handcart company told in a masterful way! You will cry...a lot. But its worth it!

Oh Pioneers and My Antonia by Willa Cather

Willa Cather is one of my favorites. Oh Pioneer is a bit on the depressing side by My Antonia is all good! I dont know why I love these books so much...but they are classics!

One Thousand Gifts by Ann “something”

A good reminder to be thankful and find joy everyday! A true inspiration all the way through

Blue Willow by Doris Gates

A child book but I adore it! It reminds you to be grateful.

The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Spear

A touching book about a man during Christ’s time. The history through it is great and the ending is magnificent! I read it for the first time when I was 8 and it has stayed one of my favorites since then.

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

I saved the best for last!! This book is amazing on all levels! It is the best and one everyone should read at least a thousand times. I have read it every three months (for the exception of my misson time) for the past 9 years and I still cry and laugh and love it more every time! A story about the Holocaust and concentration camps and all that...but written in such an inspiring and uplifting way! You will come away just singing of love for everyone and with such a strong desire to just be better! It should be added in at the back of the Bible or something. Corrie Ten Boom is one of the first people I want to meet in Heaven. I could talk about this book for days. It is wonderful. Everyone who hasnt read it yet should cry and be ashamed. Buy this book. It is worth having.

I love eqyptian and roman history and Beyond the Desert Gate by Mary Ray and God King by Joanne Williamson are great! Also inspiring tales of service!

If you feel like some more heavy reading--The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon, Plato’s The Republic and The Spirit of the Laws by Montesquieu are good ones to explore! (or fall asleep to) ;)

Other authors to explore when you are finished with the above…

Louisa Marie Alcott- love this author! Someone you can count on for a wondeful story. She writes more for children but her stories are timeless and can be read whenever! Some of my favorites from her-- Little Woman, Old Fashioned Girl, Eight Cousins, Rose in Bloom and Under the Lilacs.

Gene Stratton Porter- this author makes you want to live outside or something. Some of my favorites-- Girl of the Limberlost and the sequels to that

Go read all the Harry Potter Books

Jane Austen never lets you down

Charles Dickens is great as well--but you have to be in the right mood for him.

Thats all for now...but I have more!! Let me know when you have finished!

Happy Reading!

Unihue Moments

I woke up this morning dreaming of Chile. Thats not unusual...normally I still wake up thinking I’m in that little mountain town. Sometimes its not so pleasent...like when I wake up thinking men have entered my room (my sister does not appreciate that I sleep with the light on)...or a dogs barking wakes me up and I want to go outside and shoo it from the hanging trash bags.

But today it was good. One of my last weeks we visited this tiny little town (well it didnt have enough streets to be called a town). We got up at 5 am to take a rickety old train that was so stuffed of people we stood squeezed by the doors. Eventually they all left and we went winding along and in between the green mountains. Every once in awhile I would wake up and see the huge Bio bio river twisting along with us. When it seemed like we had reached the edge of the earth we got off and saw our three streets of “Unihue”. It was 9 in the morning and everyone was sleeping but we saw the cutest little grandpa walking and he invited us in for breakfast. He took our coats and had us sit near the fire as his adorable wife gave us hot bread and tea. We taught them a lesson and sang some hymns with them. They said a prayer blessing us, gave us huge hugs and kisses and sent us into the sunshine. And that was how the day went. Wandering around little paths...looking for humans, eating apples and everything being so quiet.

Not a creepy or scary quiet. But a peaceful sunshiney quiet. Like nothing could ever really be that bad...because the trees are so pretty and the sky so bright and blue! And if everything else falls apart...we will always have the sky!

And I miss that. I have been home a month now and have found that kind of quiet almost nonexsistent here. It is so easy to get sucked into all the stuff that we have here. It is so easy to worry. Worry about college and clothes and money and callings and problems and problems and problems and problems.

And I went to bed last night just worried about a bunch of stuff that really doesnt matter much. So God reminded me of Unihue. Of a little town where people make bread and feed chickens and talk to their neighbors all day. And thats kind of how it should be. There is way too much stuff in this world. And we really need to focus on what matters most. On what our actual needs are...not wants...but needs.

Today there was a beautiful sunset. But I was so focused on trying to instantly decide what major to study at BYU...and where I was going to work...and how to pay for everything..and how many parasites I maybe still have...and how I am going to meet my goal of getting married next month (haha just kidding!)..and and and!

So its my own fault that I didnt stop to enjoy the sunset or that I hardly even acknoweldged its exsistence.

And it’s my fault that I only nodded, said “mmhmm” and kept reading when my little brother was trying to show me his newest wound.

God gives me...and all of us...plenty of blessings everyday. He gives us plenty of reasons to stop and look around and wake up a bit. He gives us plenty of opportunites to help others and develop those qualities that we say we want.

It’s just kind of hard to see it all with all the other stuff.

But God loves us. And He always wants to bless us and help us get away from all our distractions and little (or big) worries. He wants us all to have quiet and happy moments in “Unihue” and remember that we are here for a great and wonderful purpose! And life is Beautiful!

So we just need to stop and look up at the beautiful sky and enjoy it!

and bake bread

and go on a nature walk

and eat chocolate (why not?!)

Final Letter

I can´t remember a time when I didnt´want to serve a mission.  Getting my mission call was just about the most exciting thing ever. When I learned that I was going to Chile I was surprised at the love I instantly felt for a bunch of people that I didnt know. Its strange how the love came before the faces, names and stories. 

 

The moment I got set apart...that President Murphy said I was a real missionary..I felt a peace and happiness envelope me like I have never felt before.That peace carried me through the goodbyes and getting on the plane alone and has carried me through every moment here in Chile. Its been like I can almost see the army of angels surrounding me. 

 

All of Mexico and the CCM was like a dream. I was always so fascinated by all the colors and constant fireworks. Walking around the cobble stoned streets with Hermana Page and our new badges...I felt like I was walking in heaven! Well at least the first couple of days. After that reality set in and I really just wanted a nap all day long. But the CCM felt like walking inside the Temple all day. The speed at which we learned everything was incredible. Watching all the teenage boys turn into elders was incredible too. In the CCM it was like having my mind expand by 100 every day. I loved everything about Mexico and the CCM. I think what i loved most though was the food. Oh my!

 

In the words of Elder Haws ¨"I eat it and I just cry. I sob because why does food taste so good?" Everything was like a dream. And I felt so ready to come to Chile and just continue my mission with the same level of fun that I had in the CCM. I was fully prepared to come with my almost perfect spanish and just baptize everyone. 

 

Well I had quite the shock when I landed in the Santiago airport and didnt understand a word anyone said for about 4 months. Coming to Chile was like slipping into a black hole that took a long time to climb out of. Not being able to communicate with anyone for months is really lonely.

 

And Chile was strange. Strangers kissed me face...that was weird. Members gave the hugest portions of food and got mad when I didnt eat it al and ask for seconds and thirds. Toilets didnt flush. Packs of dogs followed us around in the streets and shared all their fleas. People didnt stand in line to be baptized or let us inside even when it was pouring rain. People called me fat and thought it was nice. Fleas and lice and bugs just lived on us. We had to start a fire to heat up water. We had to bring matches inside the bathroom to have light and see. Drunk men chased us in the streets and threw shoes and food at us. People didnt think my lack of spanish skills was adorable. I wasnt the Chile or mission I expected.

 

And I was completely miserable. And I dreamed of home. And clean beds and food with mayonnaise and being able to actually understand people. And I learned to be humble. To be patient. To pray. Because even though no one else understood my english...God did. 

 

We started teaching sweet Maria and even though I couldnt understand what she said I understood what she felt. And I learned to trust in the spirit a little bit more. And I realized I didnt need to be able to talk to have others feel my love....or for me to feel their love. And I realized that it didnt really matter that I had a vocabulary of about 20 words...that wasnt important. The important thing was the love I felt for others. 

 

Hermana Phelps taught me how to easily love others. It was always so easy for her to love everyone. She taught me that I shouldnt be so stiff and proper..but that I needed to throw my hands up a bit more and just enjoy things. And do I did. And I think it has changed everything. 

 

And I learned to see the drunk men on the street crying-and everyone we met as Children of God. And it kind of shifted me whole world. To really understand the love God has for each person and the potential each person carries. 

 

Chillancito..such a dirty little city but filled with people so full of love. Like the Gonzalez family who always took such good care of us. Making me scarfs and rain jackets when I showed up so unprepared for the chilean storms. Making me favorite manjar cake and always so patient with me and my 10 min sentences. They gave everything they had in a second..never thinking about how little they actually had to give. 

 

And Hector who risked everything to be baptized. And the Chavez family..so good...so full of love and ready to sacrifice everything for anyone. And sweet Maria who could hardly walk but walked to church every sunday and held my hand all throught it. And Raul! The sweetest little old man in the world! He lived all alone in a little shack and hardly ever had money for bread. He couldnt read or write but tried so hard to read from the Book of Mormon and faithfully did everything that was asked of him.

 

In Chillancito I learned how much I love chilean food and how fast I can gain weight. Bread, empanadas, pie de limon, sopa pillas and endless manjar! We walked along the cobble stoned streets in a cloud of baking bread..with all the colors and all the dogs and all the love. 

 

And Hermana De Leon..so obediant and diligent and always tried so hard to be good. I cried the first couple of nights with her because we couldnt communicate at all...but I grew to love her so much! And her endless singing of bachata and love of aji and salt. 

 

And the youth following us along the streets skipping and singing. I didnt miss my family or anyone anymore because I was in love with Chile and my new family. 

 

My emergency transfer to Linares was a slap in the face. Saying goodbye to so much love was so hard. To go and train hermana Arndt when I felt like I still couldnt speak spanish...I cried the whole 4 hour bus trip to the little town in the mountains. It looked so calm and peaceful but Libnares turned out to be the nightmare after my dream in Chillancito. 

 

I was so stressed trainign hermana Ardnt. I felt like I didnt know anything and that I needed to know everything.Hermana Ardnt was so innocent and full of love and hope. And for awhile no one understood anything we said we walked around completely lost. But we learned to just laugh at all our mistakes...we laughed a lot. And realized that it is the spirit that teaches people and works through us...that changes people. 

 

And so many miracles happened. Finding so many amazing people..not freezing in the rain and snow and being physically protected from so much bad. Like the time the man tried to put us in his truck and we ran away and he ran following us...up and down empty streets so dark. And in the middle of nothing finding the little bakery shop..hiding inside til the elders came to rescue us. So many men following us in the streets all the time. So many close calls but always being okay. And the time when we saw someone get shot then then dragged away by his neck...like a dog. We never wanted to leave the house again....but somehoe we knew that we would be okay. And we were. Even though members got excummunicated for killing each other...and almost the whole branch went inactive over evil spirits in their houses....we were always okay. 

 

But Linares was just full of problems like that. It was always freezing cold and no one ever wanted to feed us. The good thing was that I lost weight. But there was so much work to do with the members...so many problems in all directions. And it was so hard because everything was just so bitter. It didnt help much that I couldnt walk much and pretty much cried all the time while walking from the pain in my leg. But I was okay because I had hermana Arndt. 

 

Then I got Hermana Urteaga. At first I cried everyday and experienced a hard that I have never known. But she taught me the importance of unconditional love and seeing the potential in everyone. It doesnt matter what road someone has walked..they can change and be good! But we have to give them the opportunity tp do it..we have to expect it. I was amazed at the amount of love I had for this hermana in such short time. I knew it was God´s pure love that I felt. God really loves each of His children so perfectly. And when she decided to go home it just about broke my heart. 

 

She left me alone for a month and I was companionless. In the midst of so many problems I had to work alone. Teach alone, find alone, try and deal with the members alone. And all the members and everyone just started quitting...and I kind of wanted to quit too. We were only moving backwards. It took me awhile to remember that this is God´s work-not ours. And it will never fail..even though it may seem impossible at times.There are a ton of amazing people in Linares. But there was so much fighting and blame. We just had to teach them to work together in love. And little by little..we saw miracles. 

 

There were so few members that had to be so strong and stand alone in so much opposition. Like Euphemia..who with an unlimited energy went about doing the work of 50- happily! And Yolanda who was always so strong and tried so hard so alone. Carolina who didnt always know what to do but was so full of love and patience with everyone. And Hermana Sonya-always the example of patience in all her trials and constant problems. 

 

Then Hermana Jennings came and I wasnt so alone anymore. But sometimes I wished I was still alone....She taught me patience and was a wonderful example of diligence. Then Martin came along all ready to marry me. When I did not accept the marriage proposal things got a little ugly. Thanks to his following me in the streets and never ending yelling and anger I said goodbye to all chances of sleep for awhile. 

 

Hermana Lorea was my angel during this time. God sends us difficulites but always along with the help we need to get through them. 

 

In all the rain and snow and ice my leg leg took a turn for the worse and walking got to be nearly impossible. I felt really bad about that. But God loves me even though I´m not perfect. I cant do a lot but I can do the I can...and that is enough. 

 

The time came to leave my little town in the mountains. I was sad. But coming to Haulqui was like waking up from a long nightmare. And Hermana Villanueva was so fun! So full of love for everyone and ready to teach me to dance bachata and make tortillas. And all the members were so wonderful and so willing to help. Then one night a couple of men decided to break in and do some damage. Once again I lost my ability to sleep and it was really awful. But I learned to trust in God more. And more people tried breaking in...poor elders. Running to our house at 3 in the morning every other day. No one got much sleep. We thought about going to a safer place but decided that there really arent places that are safer than others. There are no ïfs¨in God´s world. The center of His will is our only safety. 

 

One night I was really struggling. I hadnt been able to sleep in a long time and was just really exhausted. But every sound on the roof and drunk scream outside had me wide awake and reaching for the iron rod I slept with. And I started praying. Just begging for God to protect us..to protect our house...to take every bad thing out and take away all my fear. And it was like the room was filled with angels. I couldnt see them but I knew they were there. I knew that they were always there..the whole time. And eventually we were all able to sleep in our own beds again and without all the lights on. 

 

I think one of the biggest miracles I saw were with Patricio and Manual. Both huge drug dealers with destroyed lives that changed everything and became two excellent members of the church. There were so many doubts from so many people...but in the end God knows His children and He knows what they can become. We struggle a bit more at seeing the potential in people. 

 

And hermana Piriz came..such a wonderful daughter. So new and innocent and unsure but blossomed into one ofthe happiest people ever! Just bursting with energy and singing down the streets. She helped me be patient too with my never ending leg problems and constant not knowing what to do. Will my leg fall off? Will my hernia explode? How many pain drugs and steriods can I take before I ruin my brain?

 

It was all very difficult and I didnt really understand what I was supposed to learn from so much pain. But I learned to be humble and to patiently wait for answers. 

 

Our wise Father in heaven knows when we are going to need things. We cant run ahead of Him. When the time comes that we have to learn a difficult lesson..we will look into our hearts and find the strength we need-just in time. 

 

Hermana Monroy...the best companion in the world! With more patience and love and goodness and fun believeable in such a tiny body. She has helped me in everything. Helped me with my meltdowns over going home..helped me be able to sleep at night...helped me to resist eating manjar for breakfast...and everything in between. 

 

There really are so many amazing people here. Like Isnelia..the most giving person and always so incredibly HAPPY! And Maria who endures everything with so much hope! and Solange! Who like Aracely solo will leave for her mission only a year after her baptism. And Violanda..the funniest little grandma with the energy of a 3 year old boy. And hermana Cecilia and her food straight from heaven!

 

And my Chely..sometimes I think that my whole purpose in coming to Haulqui was to be her friend and help her and have her help me. Her whole story is a miracle in itself. I never guesed I had such best friends in a tiny hidden town at the end of the world. 

 

Oh Hulqui and its rose covered hills. So many colors and dogs so many streets that lead no where and so much love. I want to keep my badge on forever. I want to feel this love that God has for His children always. My heart begs to stay. I dont feel like I am going home..but that I am leaving home. I love Chile so much. I love all the people. I love the food. I love being a missionary.

 

The mission was not easy..but it was the best. I could never even begin to explain how much I love everything about it and every moment. Sometimes I wondered why everything had to be so hard. But we shouldnt ever want to change the story..we dont know what a different ending could hold. There is a reason we are not writing the story and God is. He knows how it all works out, where is all leads, what it all means. We don´t. 

 

But I have felt His angels protecting me and I do know that this was the best thing I ever could have done. There is so much work to do. Its kind of overwhelming. 

 

Shall we not go on in so great a cause?

2 Weeks Left

My mind spins when I think that I will be home in two weeks. 
That is so weird. I always thought I would be a missionary forever.


Anyways, last week I didnt have time to write because I was helping Chely pack her bags and finish everything up. Then we went to her setting apart and it was so special! 
To look at little Chely and see her as a missionary was so amazing! It reminded me of my setting apart. 
I remember when President Murphy said that I was set apart to be a missionary in my blessing....and just feeling a happiness like I have never known. And after that just feeling...different...being able to see clearer or be more peaceful...or I dont know. But I still remember that moment. And everything that came after has been so beautiful. Really the best ever. 
Being a missionary is the absolute BEST! I dont ever want to take off my badge. Or leave Chile. 

Tuesday we went to the airport with Chely. And sent her off. Half the ward came too and her whole family. It was really great. And she was really happy. I on the other hand was not too happy. I started crying during her farewell sunday and didnt stop til this morning. It was a hard goodbye. Mixed with feelings of jealousy...I want to go on another mission! Why is my mission ending!? I dont understand!! I´m not ready!!

Anyways, this week we visited a grandma that is 106 years old but still talks and walks and sings and everything. I hope I am that awesome at 106. 

What else to say....

I love Chile and I never want to leave. 
I love everyone here so much. 
This last year and a half has not been easy...but it has been the best!

Okay I´m out of time....see you soon!

Love you all!