HAPPY HAPPY DAY!!!

HELLOOO!!!!

Oh my goodness I have been soooooo excited to write home this week!! I love my mission so much, and I love being able to be an instrument in the Lord's hands. His love for all of His children is so evident, and I get to see it up close and personal every single day. This is such an amazing and beautiful experience.

The reason why I'm so darn excited?! So..... PIA IS GETTING BAPTIZED ON SATURDAY!!!!! :D She's 13 years old, and we've been working with her for 3 weeks, and she's wanted to get baptized the whole time, but especially after she went to the baptism of Byron last week. She said the sooner the better, and we said GREAT!!!! :D It's kinda a crazy story. She lives with her grandma, because her mom had her when she was 13 and her mom travels to Santiago a lot for work. So her grandma told her she could get baptized, but when we were there last time, her grandma was in the other room and over heard us talking about baptism and told her that she couldn't be baptized yet because she didn't know enough... Which is valid, I mean we haven't met with her grandma and she's just trying to make sure she knows what she's doing... So that was Saturday night, and as we were leaving, she said she would talk to her tonight and let us know in the morning if the 3rd would work. So we got to church JUST as they finished the opening prayer (we had to pick up Lucia and Daniela, who live a long way from the chapel and we just ran out of time...anywho) Pia caught my attention and held up 3 fingers, had a HUGE smile, and mouthed "the 3rd!" DAH! I had the biggest chills ever and so we worked it out right there in sacrament and they announced it at the end. SO! This Saturday, August 3rd we have a baptism at 6 pm if anyone would like to come! :D It's been a great experience, and I honestly cannot describe my feelings. :) Pia hasn't had to make any major changes in her life, but she has so much more light now, from when I first met her. It's so incredible to see that inner change of heart.

So that is the HAPPY news, now for the sad.... Hermana Delgado is headed to Copiapo right now. :( We got transfer calls on Saturday night LATE, and we were sure we would all stay, because President Dalton (and I think this comes from the First Presidency...not 100% sure...) said that he would like us to stay 6ish months in one ward/sector. I'm really excited for that because I think we'll be able to work with the ward better this way, instead of new missionaries every 6 weeks... Anywho! We thought we would stay, but Hna Delgado has been called to Copiapo (20 HOURS FROM HERE HOLY COW) and she'll be a sister training leader there. She's super nervous, and the past couple days have been crazy cause she has so much energy and we were up really late last night while she was packing, and then she headed out at 8:30 am.

So right now I'm with Hnas LeFevre and Howell in Costanera, and we'll hang out for the day at El Morro and the mummy museum in Asapa. Tomorrow morning they'll go with me to the bus terminal to pick up Hna Matias! I'm SO excited to meet her!! She's in Copiapo right now! So they're switching places... :) I'm nervous though because I have to remember all the names of the members and where they live and our investigators and streets and EVERYTHING. Hna Delgado was here for a transfer before me. It'll be good though. :) And plan a baptism.... :P Good thing we have companions, cause this wouldn't work if I was solo... :P All I know about Hna Matias is that she is from Peru also, and that she doesn't speak English as well BUT I'm really excited for that because I feel like I've been learning so much faster with a Latin companion. And Peruvians are so amazing, so I'm really excited. :) I did talk to her for 2 seconds on the phone, but that's it. :) She has 2 more transfers than me, and she'll be finishing my training. It should be great! :)

Also, the story of Mamita joining the church! I keep forgetting to write that home... So sorry Dad!! Her mom was really sick, (this was 20 years ago in Santiago) and her sister was a member here in Arica. Her sister told her that she was going to contact the bishop there so they could give her mom a blessing, and Mamita said that after that blessing she knew this church was true. They moved up here to Arica, and she was baptized 2 months later. To this day, she and her 2 sisters are members, but she has 6 others that aren't members. Her son served in Buenos Aires and got back in January and now is married and living a few blocks away with his wife. Her other 2 daughters aren't members. It's an amazing story of the power of a Priesthood blessing, and such great faith.

I think that's about all for this week! We had a great week, but we're trying to find new investigators right now... I'll keep you posted about Maribel, Daniela, Lucia, Fabiola, and Julieta. :) I know this church is true. There is not a doubt in my mind, and I know that we have a loving Heavenly Father that knows our needs and gives answers to our prayers. What an amazing blessing it is to have this Gospel in our lives. We are so very blessed, and we need only open our mouths to share our testimonies for others to know of it as well. I hope all is well at home, and I love you all so much! Thank you for your prayers and support. The Lord's work is hastening, and we are a huge part of it. You are all in my prayers!!

All my love,
Hermana Tuft

Hello Family!!

It sounds like you all have kept busy this week! And LINDSAY YOUR NOSE!!! How are you doing?? I'm sorry...I did have a little chuckle when Mom and Dad said that you have two black eyes....so sorry (for laughing and for how painful that must be!!!) Send pictures por favor!! And of the family vacation last week too... :) How was camping with the Decker's Kyle and Jess?? And I hope Spencer has a great time at Timberline! That's so weird....I remember the first time Kyle went, and now this is the last time Spencer will go.... Crazy how time flies!! How are things up in Smithfield Megan & Tom?? Are you headed to Lake Powell in the next couple weeks? And is there a Tyler reunion this year... I haven't heard anything about that so I was just curious... I love you all SOOO much. I miss you like crazy, but there is no place I'd rather be right now. :D I hope all is well and know that I pray for you all every single day. Talk to you soon. :)

LOTS of love,
 Kristen

P.S. I'm just curious....but how long are my letters printed....? Just curious... :P And my camera is on it's way home with Elder Coats who lives near Fillmore and leaves today! So keep your eye out for that! Lots of love!