Hello all!!
It's been such a great week here in Chañarcillo! I have learned so very much and everything is so new and different, but I love it. :) I'm excited for the time that I'll have to be here!
I'm going to try and explain the last week well, but it seems like there's so much, so we shall just see... :) Okay. :D So here in Chañarcillo, it's a ton different from Zapahuira, but in a good way obviously. :) It's kind of a newer sector from what I understand, because there are a lot of new houses and little developments here in our part of the ward. It's shocked me how different everything is from Arica... I can't really describe it, but it's just different. :) The ward is a lot smaller, and we're working really hard as a ward to get 100 people at church every week, or they'll have to close the ward. So that's the goal! The ward is really aware of that fact, and so I think that's been helping people do their visiting and home teaching, inviting people to church, and all around missionary work. We have lots to do, but we can do it! Yesterday we were feeling a little discouraged, Hna Severtson and I, but when we realized that we were getting down, we took a step back, looked at the blessings we did have, and that seemed to give us the energy needed to keep going forward with mucho ANIMO! :D (And animo in spanish just doesn't translate the same... Kinda like excitement and courage and a bunch of words mixed into one... :)) I am really excited to be here though. We have lots of work to do, but with God, all things are possible. :)
Okay. Now for more of the in's and out's of life here in Chañarcillo. :) Hermana Severtson is so great. We are getting along fabulously and learning so much from one another. She's 20 and from Arizona (no Mom, I had no idea that that's where Megan was born, but SUPER weird small world moment again. :P She lives 15ish minutes away from the base... :P). It's been interesting having a gringa companion, but it's been a lot of fun. :D We've been laughing at our spanglish we've been speaking while we're out and about. :) In the pension though, we do speak Spanish most of the time because Hna Delgado (YES we're living together again! :)) doesn't speak English, but she is learning. :) It's fun living with 4 hermanas. :) We do not have a "mamita" and I miss Mamita Tita madly, but I'm excited for her and Hna Matias in their new adventures. Hna Matias is training a sister from Brazil, so that should be fun for her! :) She was nervous, but I know she'll do so great. :)
Dad asked about how the travel was, so I'll skip back to that. :) We were in a bus like we had when we went back to New York on the BYU tour, or choir tour, that kind of bus. At about 2 in the morning we reached a customs stop so we all had to get off with our luggage and send it through a scanner, like at the airport. It was freezing cold, but we survived. :P Hahaha and no Dad, it wasn't like Romancing the Stone, although that would have been an awesome adventure... :D When we got here to the bus terminal, our companions were waiting, and Hna Delgado was waiting for Hna Brewster to arrive. We waited for a couple hours, went and did grocery shopping, unpacked, etc and got right to work. :)
Copiapó is a lot bigger, from what I can tell, than Arica. It's a big mining city, and little fun side fact, this is where those 33 miners a few years back were trapped. Just my little "Copiapó claim to fame" moment. :) So lots of people from other cities come here for work and such. It's interesting because the language here is the same, but not. Hahaha obviously they still speak Spanish, but it's more "Chileanized". It's faster and more slurred together. They've been telling me the farther south you get, the harder it is to understand, and that's been true as far as I can tell. :P (Just a little side note though, people keep saying that I can speak really well and clear for having only a few months! YAY!!! :D) Arica is so close to Perú and Bolivia that it has a lot of foreign influence in culture and language and such. It's a lot greener here!! I know, that's a shock. :) You'll all still see the pictures and think, "That is not green at all...." But trust me, for the mission, it's really green. So that's been happy! :D It does get hotter here actually. It's really cold and windy at night, but during the day it's super hot and dry. So I will be using more sunscreen. Yay for sunscreen. :P
We have been finding new investigators these days. Obviously as missionaries, we are always finding new investigators, but it's been a lot of knocking doors this week. We decided yesterday however, that knocking doors, as fun and effective as it is, will have to go. Preach My Gospel talks a lot about how we need to work with and through the members, because they know a lot more people than we do, and they are the key to helping us help other people, as well many apostles and President Monson emphasized in these past couple conferences. We have planned a few family nights with members, in the which we invited them to invite a family that's less active or not members to join us, so we're excited for that this week. :) We do have a couple great investigators, one of which has a baptism date for the middle of November! :) Benjamín is in his mid-fifties, and his girlfriend is a member, so he wanted to learn more. His second time he met with us, he accepted the invitation to be baptized and he just kept saying how much happier he has been this past week or so. It truly is amazing to see the change in people's lives when they accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I'd better get going, but I am so very grateful for your love and support. I'm glad to hear things are well at home and I love the letters and news that I get every week. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope and pray that you all will take a moment this week to ask our Heavenly Father who He has prepared to accept this gospel. I would love to hear thoughts and impressions you receive, and I hope you will act on those thoughts and impressions. You are vital in this work. It's not just for us missionaries. :) I love you all so very much and I know this church is true. I know that our Savior, Jesus Christ lives, and that he guides and directs this church through his living prophets.
Con todo mi amor y cariño,
Hermana Tuft
Hello Mom and Dad!
I love you both. I miss you both lots, but I am soooo very glad that I am here at this time. It is such a blessing to be here and I am more and more grateful for this opportunity every single day. Thank you both so very much. :) I was so glad to hear that everything went well this week! I loved hearing about Grandpa's birthday party and that almost all could join. :) And I'm glad he enjoyed getting that little note in Spanish! :) I wanted to do something. :) It's so crazy to me to be hearing about things getting cold there! It's so hot here, so it's weird to imagine Fall starting, and HALLOWEEN is this week..... That's a weird thought. :) Halloween was adopted here, and they even say Halloween... :P So that should be fun: "Trick or treat! We're missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints..." :P Hahaha :) And from what I've gathered Dad, I don't think they celebrate the Day of the Dead, but we shall see... :P I love hearing about the family and that all is well. :) I love that Spencer and Lindsay went to the stake dance together. :) I love hearing that they're getting closer and closer. :) I hope that Spencer can do a semester of school before he leaves though... I just keep thinking about how sad, but obviously excited, I would be if he wasn't there when I get home... :( It would be great for him, just selfishly I would love to see him. :) I would love if he and Lindsay would write me and tell me about their happenings. :) I know you can't force them, but I want to hear about their school lives, activities, friends, etc. If they get a chance this week... :) I'd better run, but give everyone a BIG hug from me, tell Kyle and Jess hello and I love them and that's crazy that Kyle's Elders quorum president and I'm excited for them :), tell the ward hello, and congrats to Mar and Rob this weekend! :D I love you both so much, my true Mamita and Papito. :D
To the sun, the moon, the stars, Chile and back,
Kristen :)
Monday, October 28, 2013
Monday, October 21, 2013
HELLO FROM COPIAPO'! - (Transfers! ...more to come!)
(I just got this note from Kristen this morning (Monday 10/21). It made me tear up just a tad because I know how hard it is for her to leave "her people." But she will bloom where she's planted" and love Copiapo too. AND...I just found out via a mom on Facebook I'm 'friends' with and her son is Chris James who has been in Arica with Kristen, and he is going to Copiapo today too. I'm sooo happy she won't be traveling alone!!!!) Phew!
MOMMMM!!!! I'm leaving Arica today. :( It's been a sad but very wonderful couple days. I'm headed to a city 20 hours away named Copiapó. I'm excited, but really sad too. So I'll write a little bit later, and I think tomorrow a little bit too. Sorry! This week's letter will be choppy I'm thinking... I love you so so very much. :D Talk to you in a couple hours if all works out as planned... :D LOVE YOU!!!
=====================
Hello All! (10/22)
I've been transferred! It's been quite a weekend, but I'm really excited to finally be here and get to work. :) We left yesterday at about 4:30 pm from Arica, and traveled through the night to get here in Copiapó this morning at 11am -ish. There were 4 of us that came together, so that was good. :) My new companion is Hermana Severtson and she is so great! (HOW did you know she was my new comp, Mom? A little bit creepy! :D MM's?) We've only known each other for a few hours, but I feel very good about this transfer and for the work that we will get to do together. I know there's lots to do and we're going to work our very hardest and rely on the Spirit to help us do the things the Lord needs. So it should be another great adventure! :)
Leaving Zapahuira was definitely a little struggle, but it's for the best and I felt very calm about it all. Usually change is really hard for me, but I felt super tranquilo. :) I loved the time that I had to work there. It was hard to leave our investigators, less actives, the members, los Papitos, and of course Hermana Matias. We shed a few tears, but así es la misión. :) There were so many special experiences that we had this week, but they're hard to explain because they're just personal happy moments. Let's just say that I feel like I left Arica with no regrets. I feel like we found, taught, and did all the things that we were meant to do together, and that I did the best that I could to help the work progress in Zapahuira. Hermana Matias will stay in Zapahuira training a new sister this transfer, so that should be a lot of fun and she will do so good! She is such a wonderful missionary and I have no worries for her. She was a little nervous, but all will be well. :)
I know this week is super short, there are just so many things swimming in my head that I can't seem to put them into words! :) I am so excited for this change and for the new opportunities that will come. I know this church is so very true. I know that Joseph Smith restored this gospel to the earth, and that it is led by our Savior, Jesus Christ. He loves us, and I know that He lives. I feel so much love and comfort as I rely on Him in my life and the many blessings that I receive as I follow Him.
I am sure there will be a LOAD of stuff to tell you all next week, but for this week this will just have to do! :) I love you all and thank you for your love, support, and constant prayers.
With all my love from Copiapó,
Hermana Tuft
==========================
Hello Mom & Dad!
I just have to say, both of your letters made me cry, because I had that feeling that I was leaving too, I just didn't want it to happen, so I was in denial the whole week, until Saturday night when leaving was a reality... I truly am excited to be here, but Zapahuira will always hold a special place in my heart. I was in the taxi going back to the house as I was reading your letters and I got to the part Dad, where you sent your "letter". Thank you, both of you, for your loving and comforting words. They truly did help me, and I am excited to learn and grow from this new experience. :) Thank you Mom for the pictures! That's CRAZY that Alex Knowlton is home, and Spencer looked so handsome for Homecoming. :) Thank you also for telling me about Kenna.... I will keep her in my prayers. That's really a scary thing!! How did she catch TB, and what exactly does it do?? I was thinking if that happened to me...how awful it would be to sit in the appartment for a month straight doing nothing.... I hope they can bring in laptops or something and do the mormon.org skype thing that they do at the MTC with people that can't go out tracting on a mission. That would be a great experience! And for all the news and stories. :)
I really enjoyed the thought about the letters. I loved the thought that the scriptures are our letters from our Heavenly Father, because it is so very true. I honestly can say that there has not been a day that goes by that I haven't not found something that has helped me personally throught the day, or in one of our lessons. I know that Heavenly Father speaks to us through His holy words. And the dream that Brother Wilcox shared was very special. I have found that the most powerful tool of conversion is through the Book of Mormon. There are so many experiences of less actives, and investigators, that I have experienced already, that when they start reading the Book of Mormon, and truly reading it's teachings, is when they truly change. It's the proof of the gospel, and it does change lives. It has definitely changed mine.
These past days have been really reflective and peaceful for me. Like I mentioned in the other letter, I feel like I finished all that Heavenly Father needed me to do in Zapahuira. I love that feeling. Every time I think about how far I've come from starting my mission 4 1/2 months ago to now, I am so humbled and the growth that He has aided me in and given me the opportunities to learn and grow. I wish I could just bring you both with me inside my head so you could see the things I am seeing and experiencing. One person at a time, we truly can change the world. Thank you Mom and Dad, for raising me in this gospel. Thank you for your love and support, and for helping me gain a testimony of my own. I love this gospel and I love my Savior. Every day I am so grateful that I can be His special witness to bring this happiness to the people here in Chile. I love you both so very much. I hope you have a wonderful week and I promise to send more details next week. :) Be safe as you head up to Brigham, and give the family a big hug from me! :)
All my love,
Kristen
=========
P.S. Mom, I honestly think that if you can send my package directly here today it would get here faster than if you sent it with Paulina and then she sent it to the mission offices. We only get packages once a month when the zone leaders go to their training meeting, so if it got here by the first of December I could get it... :) With the Virgin Mary stickers on it, I really think it'll get here faster, and less hectic for Paulina, and I think faster... Just my thoughts. :) THANK YOU! Lots of love. :D
MOMMMM!!!! I'm leaving Arica today. :( It's been a sad but very wonderful couple days. I'm headed to a city 20 hours away named Copiapó. I'm excited, but really sad too. So I'll write a little bit later, and I think tomorrow a little bit too. Sorry! This week's letter will be choppy I'm thinking... I love you so so very much. :D Talk to you in a couple hours if all works out as planned... :D LOVE YOU!!!
=====================
Hello All! (10/22)
I've been transferred! It's been quite a weekend, but I'm really excited to finally be here and get to work. :) We left yesterday at about 4:30 pm from Arica, and traveled through the night to get here in Copiapó this morning at 11am -ish. There were 4 of us that came together, so that was good. :) My new companion is Hermana Severtson and she is so great! (HOW did you know she was my new comp, Mom? A little bit creepy! :D MM's?) We've only known each other for a few hours, but I feel very good about this transfer and for the work that we will get to do together. I know there's lots to do and we're going to work our very hardest and rely on the Spirit to help us do the things the Lord needs. So it should be another great adventure! :)
Leaving Zapahuira was definitely a little struggle, but it's for the best and I felt very calm about it all. Usually change is really hard for me, but I felt super tranquilo. :) I loved the time that I had to work there. It was hard to leave our investigators, less actives, the members, los Papitos, and of course Hermana Matias. We shed a few tears, but así es la misión. :) There were so many special experiences that we had this week, but they're hard to explain because they're just personal happy moments. Let's just say that I feel like I left Arica with no regrets. I feel like we found, taught, and did all the things that we were meant to do together, and that I did the best that I could to help the work progress in Zapahuira. Hermana Matias will stay in Zapahuira training a new sister this transfer, so that should be a lot of fun and she will do so good! She is such a wonderful missionary and I have no worries for her. She was a little nervous, but all will be well. :)
I know this week is super short, there are just so many things swimming in my head that I can't seem to put them into words! :) I am so excited for this change and for the new opportunities that will come. I know this church is so very true. I know that Joseph Smith restored this gospel to the earth, and that it is led by our Savior, Jesus Christ. He loves us, and I know that He lives. I feel so much love and comfort as I rely on Him in my life and the many blessings that I receive as I follow Him.
I am sure there will be a LOAD of stuff to tell you all next week, but for this week this will just have to do! :) I love you all and thank you for your love, support, and constant prayers.
With all my love from Copiapó,
Hermana Tuft
==========================
Hello Mom & Dad!
I just have to say, both of your letters made me cry, because I had that feeling that I was leaving too, I just didn't want it to happen, so I was in denial the whole week, until Saturday night when leaving was a reality... I truly am excited to be here, but Zapahuira will always hold a special place in my heart. I was in the taxi going back to the house as I was reading your letters and I got to the part Dad, where you sent your "letter". Thank you, both of you, for your loving and comforting words. They truly did help me, and I am excited to learn and grow from this new experience. :) Thank you Mom for the pictures! That's CRAZY that Alex Knowlton is home, and Spencer looked so handsome for Homecoming. :) Thank you also for telling me about Kenna.... I will keep her in my prayers. That's really a scary thing!! How did she catch TB, and what exactly does it do?? I was thinking if that happened to me...how awful it would be to sit in the appartment for a month straight doing nothing.... I hope they can bring in laptops or something and do the mormon.org skype thing that they do at the MTC with people that can't go out tracting on a mission. That would be a great experience! And for all the news and stories. :)
I really enjoyed the thought about the letters. I loved the thought that the scriptures are our letters from our Heavenly Father, because it is so very true. I honestly can say that there has not been a day that goes by that I haven't not found something that has helped me personally throught the day, or in one of our lessons. I know that Heavenly Father speaks to us through His holy words. And the dream that Brother Wilcox shared was very special. I have found that the most powerful tool of conversion is through the Book of Mormon. There are so many experiences of less actives, and investigators, that I have experienced already, that when they start reading the Book of Mormon, and truly reading it's teachings, is when they truly change. It's the proof of the gospel, and it does change lives. It has definitely changed mine.
These past days have been really reflective and peaceful for me. Like I mentioned in the other letter, I feel like I finished all that Heavenly Father needed me to do in Zapahuira. I love that feeling. Every time I think about how far I've come from starting my mission 4 1/2 months ago to now, I am so humbled and the growth that He has aided me in and given me the opportunities to learn and grow. I wish I could just bring you both with me inside my head so you could see the things I am seeing and experiencing. One person at a time, we truly can change the world. Thank you Mom and Dad, for raising me in this gospel. Thank you for your love and support, and for helping me gain a testimony of my own. I love this gospel and I love my Savior. Every day I am so grateful that I can be His special witness to bring this happiness to the people here in Chile. I love you both so very much. I hope you have a wonderful week and I promise to send more details next week. :) Be safe as you head up to Brigham, and give the family a big hug from me! :)
All my love,
Kristen
=========
P.S. Mom, I honestly think that if you can send my package directly here today it would get here faster than if you sent it with Paulina and then she sent it to the mission offices. We only get packages once a month when the zone leaders go to their training meeting, so if it got here by the first of December I could get it... :) With the Virgin Mary stickers on it, I really think it'll get here faster, and less hectic for Paulina, and I think faster... Just my thoughts. :) THANK YOU! Lots of love. :D
Monday, October 14, 2013
The Missionary Life :)
It's been another fantastic here in Arica. I love this city so much, and especially Zapahuira. These people will always hold such a special place in my heart. :) We had a few changes with the ward yesterday, and it was so sad, but so happy at the same time. The wards split and we had a good chunk of our sector taken out, with many members and less active families that we've been working with, and Andres. :( I think our ward was one of those least affected though, because we probably had about 4 or 5 families that left from our ward, but the ward of our district leader had 50 ACTIVE families taken out, including the bishop and the family that they live with. So that was a big change... We knew it was coming, but just didn't know how soon or when it would be. And that is the missionary life. :) Because cambios have come yet again TAN RAPIDO. I can't believe it's been another 6 weeks. The time literally flies when you're having fun and working even harder. :) So we'll see what happens there, but we both think we'll stay once more. Who knows... Stay tuned.... :P
This week was pretty normal. We've been working a lot with the less active families, and families in general. I have loved being able to share talks from conference with people that didn't get a chance to go, and to talk about their insights and thoughts. A couple of these experiences were with the families Toledo, Tapia and Quezada. (Every time I say/write their name I think of my family Quezada across the street and little "Hermana Quezada". :)) Anywho, we had the impression to share the talk by President Uchtdorf with them from conference, and the experiences we had were wonderful. There truly is power in sharing the words of the prophets, and how incredible it is that we can do it almost anywhere!
This week I was also grateful that I speak English. There aren't too many times that it comes in handy here, but it did this week. :) We have a less active member that's 14 named Yeraldine. She never has let us into her house as we pass, it's just always through the window and we always ask if there's anything we can help her with, and the answer has always been no. We stopped by her house, and the same routine as usual, but as we were leaving she stopped us, got really quiet, and asked if I could help her with English. OF COURSE, I said. :) So that was our little "in". :D We went to her house, helped her with her English homework, and study for her test that's coming up, and then we had the opportunity to share with her family. She has a younger sister and her parents, and her parents aren't members. They are so grateful for the missionaries though, their only problem is time because they work a lot. It truly is amazing though the miracles that come from tiny acts of service. I don't know if her parents will get baptized in the time that I'm here, but it's just opening doors for other missionaries. I love this work so very much! It truly is incredible how our Heavenly Father's timing is so very perfect, all we are are instruments in bringing to pass His will.
The last experience from this week was with Jorge and Fabiola. We planned a Family Night with them and Mamita's son, Rodrigo and his wife. They just got married right before I got here, and we've been trying to help Jorge and Fabiola be more integrated into the ward and have friends, etc. So we had FHE on Saturday night and Rodrigo and Coté taught the lesson on the Plan of Salvation and the importance of an eternal marriage. Hna Matias and I have no experience in the marriage department, obviously, but it was incredible to learn from them and hear their personal experiences of the importance of a temple marriage and the different reaction Jorge and Fabiola had to their experiences, rather than us just telling them. It is so important for the missionaries and members to work together, because neither group can do this work alone. They're slowly but surely getting things rolling for their wedding in January, and baptism shortly thereafter. It's been so incredible to see their testimonies grow and their lives change. Fabiola's mom lives in our ward too, but in the sector of the Elders, so we passed the direction along and hopefully they'll get a chance to stop by there this week. :)
AND a quick HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DAD. I love you Dad and I hope you have a fantastic day on Thursday! LOVE YOU!!! >D
Sé que este Evangelio es verdadero. Sé que mi Señor, Jesucristo vive y él nos ama muchisimo. Necesitamos recordar Su sacrificio y la Expiación siempre en nuestras vidas. Este es la obra del Señor y estoy agradisimo por este oportunidad ser misionera en este tiempo. Les quiero mucho!!
This week was pretty normal. We've been working a lot with the less active families, and families in general. I have loved being able to share talks from conference with people that didn't get a chance to go, and to talk about their insights and thoughts. A couple of these experiences were with the families Toledo, Tapia and Quezada. (Every time I say/write their name I think of my family Quezada across the street and little "Hermana Quezada". :)) Anywho, we had the impression to share the talk by President Uchtdorf with them from conference, and the experiences we had were wonderful. There truly is power in sharing the words of the prophets, and how incredible it is that we can do it almost anywhere!
This week I was also grateful that I speak English. There aren't too many times that it comes in handy here, but it did this week. :) We have a less active member that's 14 named Yeraldine. She never has let us into her house as we pass, it's just always through the window and we always ask if there's anything we can help her with, and the answer has always been no. We stopped by her house, and the same routine as usual, but as we were leaving she stopped us, got really quiet, and asked if I could help her with English. OF COURSE, I said. :) So that was our little "in". :D We went to her house, helped her with her English homework, and study for her test that's coming up, and then we had the opportunity to share with her family. She has a younger sister and her parents, and her parents aren't members. They are so grateful for the missionaries though, their only problem is time because they work a lot. It truly is amazing though the miracles that come from tiny acts of service. I don't know if her parents will get baptized in the time that I'm here, but it's just opening doors for other missionaries. I love this work so very much! It truly is incredible how our Heavenly Father's timing is so very perfect, all we are are instruments in bringing to pass His will.
The last experience from this week was with Jorge and Fabiola. We planned a Family Night with them and Mamita's son, Rodrigo and his wife. They just got married right before I got here, and we've been trying to help Jorge and Fabiola be more integrated into the ward and have friends, etc. So we had FHE on Saturday night and Rodrigo and Coté taught the lesson on the Plan of Salvation and the importance of an eternal marriage. Hna Matias and I have no experience in the marriage department, obviously, but it was incredible to learn from them and hear their personal experiences of the importance of a temple marriage and the different reaction Jorge and Fabiola had to their experiences, rather than us just telling them. It is so important for the missionaries and members to work together, because neither group can do this work alone. They're slowly but surely getting things rolling for their wedding in January, and baptism shortly thereafter. It's been so incredible to see their testimonies grow and their lives change. Fabiola's mom lives in our ward too, but in the sector of the Elders, so we passed the direction along and hopefully they'll get a chance to stop by there this week. :)
AND a quick HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DAD. I love you Dad and I hope you have a fantastic day on Thursday! LOVE YOU!!! >D
Sé que este Evangelio es verdadero. Sé que mi Señor, Jesucristo vive y él nos ama muchisimo. Necesitamos recordar Su sacrificio y la Expiación siempre en nuestras vidas. Este es la obra del Señor y estoy agradisimo por este oportunidad ser misionera en este tiempo. Les quiero mucho!!
Pam did a little Google Translate and this is what I got: (I know this gospel is true. I know my Lord, Jesus Christ lives and He loves us very much. We need to remember His sacrifice and Atonement in our lives forever. This is the Lord's work and am agradisimo for this opportunity to be a missionary at this time. I love them!)
Con mucho amor,
Hermana Tuft
===================
Hello Fam!!
Just a couple last things. The computer's doing really strange things, so if the grammar, etc is off.... That is why. Not because my grammar really is that bad... And I can't do smiley faces... Nor frowny faces... Anywho. :) I'm so glad your letters finally got there!!! :D Just for Lindsay, CONGRATS for reading the Book of Mormon so fast! I don't know if you're quite finished, but if not, just keep going. :D It truly is an incredible book and I love it so very much. :) I hope all is well at home and that school and work is going well for everyone! I pray for you all every day and I love you so very much. Until next week! :D
Love,
Hermana Tuft
===================
Hello Mom and Dad!
I always say it's going to be a quicky but it ends up being long, so I just won't say that and see what happens... :P For a couple questions and answers. First off, when is Mar's wedding again? And Mom - I loved the picture of Justina with the bikes. :) So sad about that missionary that died though.... And the sharing time pictures were so wonderful too! I couldn't see it in detail, but it looked so great. :) I am definitely wearing sunscreen every day, and taking it with me. :) That's a must. Hna Matias makes fun of me and thinks I LOVE putting on sunscreen because I use it so much, but I just told her with my skin and my history with the sun, it's definitely a must. So yes it's a very frequent routine of mine, and I have everything that I need, and haven't needed much else, so we did great packing wise. :)
I am envying all that rain and fun weather you're having! But I am very glad that I don't have to deal with walking through the rain and snow, so that truly is a blessing. :) I wish I would've talked to you both last week about this, cause you just went to the temple this week, but I was just wondering if you both could put our investigators on the prayer roll... I don't know if that would be possible, but I would really appreciate that if you could... :) And just a little random moment Dad! So this week Elder Pizarro got TONS of Books of Mormon in different languages, not quite sure why he just said he wanted them... But he remembered that I mentioned you spoke French and I thought it would be fun to learn someday, so the next day he brought me the French Book of Mormon that he got! And then you were just talking about keeping up with your French and Grandpa asking you about it and such this week... So I have a French Book of Mormon, that I'm not quite sure what to do with....cause I'll not be learning French in the next year or so.... Maybe it'll come in handy... :P It was fun to open it though and read and be able to understand more or less because of the similarities with Spanish! And speaking of Grandpa, did he and Grandma get my email a couple weeks back...? Wasn't sure...
I was reading through the last couple paragraphs of your letter and thinking about the book I've been reading, Our Heritage. I love that book! I'm not sure if I would have read it had I not gone on a mission, but since it's in the missionary library I thought I'd give it a shot. I was thinking about the obedience, willing hearts, and love for family history that the early saints had, and then I couldn't help but think with all this Peter Shirts stuff going on as well if you, or with the family as well, could read the Book of Mormon with that topic in mind... Elder Bednar talked about reading the Book of Mormon with a topic every time, and I know you do that, so just a little thought... :)
I also wanted to thank you both for your love and encouragement every week. I love reading your letters and I'm so glad you got the letters this week! I was thinking about 3 months ago and how I was a little lost and growing leaps and bounds, but thought that my letters might have sounded a little trunky, but I also was thinking about how after that my mindset was more 'forget yourself and get to work', and that's what I've been doing. It's truly incredible what fervent prayer and service can do to one's mindset. :) I love you both so much. Thank you for your love and support always! Happy Birthday once again Dad!! ;D
Love,
Hermana Tuft
===================
Hello Fam!!
Just a couple last things. The computer's doing really strange things, so if the grammar, etc is off.... That is why. Not because my grammar really is that bad... And I can't do smiley faces... Nor frowny faces... Anywho. :) I'm so glad your letters finally got there!!! :D Just for Lindsay, CONGRATS for reading the Book of Mormon so fast! I don't know if you're quite finished, but if not, just keep going. :D It truly is an incredible book and I love it so very much. :) I hope all is well at home and that school and work is going well for everyone! I pray for you all every day and I love you so very much. Until next week! :D
Love,
Hermana Tuft
===================
Hello Mom and Dad!
I always say it's going to be a quicky but it ends up being long, so I just won't say that and see what happens... :P For a couple questions and answers. First off, when is Mar's wedding again? And Mom - I loved the picture of Justina with the bikes. :) So sad about that missionary that died though.... And the sharing time pictures were so wonderful too! I couldn't see it in detail, but it looked so great. :) I am definitely wearing sunscreen every day, and taking it with me. :) That's a must. Hna Matias makes fun of me and thinks I LOVE putting on sunscreen because I use it so much, but I just told her with my skin and my history with the sun, it's definitely a must. So yes it's a very frequent routine of mine, and I have everything that I need, and haven't needed much else, so we did great packing wise. :)
I am envying all that rain and fun weather you're having! But I am very glad that I don't have to deal with walking through the rain and snow, so that truly is a blessing. :) I wish I would've talked to you both last week about this, cause you just went to the temple this week, but I was just wondering if you both could put our investigators on the prayer roll... I don't know if that would be possible, but I would really appreciate that if you could... :) And just a little random moment Dad! So this week Elder Pizarro got TONS of Books of Mormon in different languages, not quite sure why he just said he wanted them... But he remembered that I mentioned you spoke French and I thought it would be fun to learn someday, so the next day he brought me the French Book of Mormon that he got! And then you were just talking about keeping up with your French and Grandpa asking you about it and such this week... So I have a French Book of Mormon, that I'm not quite sure what to do with....cause I'll not be learning French in the next year or so.... Maybe it'll come in handy... :P It was fun to open it though and read and be able to understand more or less because of the similarities with Spanish! And speaking of Grandpa, did he and Grandma get my email a couple weeks back...? Wasn't sure...
I was reading through the last couple paragraphs of your letter and thinking about the book I've been reading, Our Heritage. I love that book! I'm not sure if I would have read it had I not gone on a mission, but since it's in the missionary library I thought I'd give it a shot. I was thinking about the obedience, willing hearts, and love for family history that the early saints had, and then I couldn't help but think with all this Peter Shirts stuff going on as well if you, or with the family as well, could read the Book of Mormon with that topic in mind... Elder Bednar talked about reading the Book of Mormon with a topic every time, and I know you do that, so just a little thought... :)
I also wanted to thank you both for your love and encouragement every week. I love reading your letters and I'm so glad you got the letters this week! I was thinking about 3 months ago and how I was a little lost and growing leaps and bounds, but thought that my letters might have sounded a little trunky, but I also was thinking about how after that my mindset was more 'forget yourself and get to work', and that's what I've been doing. It's truly incredible what fervent prayer and service can do to one's mindset. :) I love you both so much. Thank you for your love and support always! Happy Birthday once again Dad!! ;D
Love,
Kristen
Monday, October 7, 2013
Catch the Wave (Again... :))
Hello
Dad!
I wrote a quick note to Mom and answered her questions, so I
thought I'd just write you a quick note apart from the other as well. :)
Thank you so much for your love and support and the thoughts you share
each week. I really enjoy them and somehow there is a way that they
fit into my week just perfectly. Thank you! :) Christ really is the
only one that knows the full strength of temptation; He truly knows how
to combat the enemy, and we must rely on Him to aid us in the battle,
let Him fight for us, not just along side us, because in reality, He
already won the fight. I liked that thought, thank you. :) The ward
members work on their own names on the internet, like we do there, yes.
:) They are all working again to prepare for February. It truly is
incredible to see the Spirit of Elijah work in their lives. And yes, I
have been singing very frequently in Spanish, and I love this language
Dad. It is so hard to learn, sometimes my brain doesn't want to hold it
all in I think, but I love learning it. It's become so much easier as
I've asked every day to have the words I need placed in my mouth. My
Heavenly Father has given me the words I need, and that's all I can ask
for. I've been working a lot with grammar, because I can understand and
explain myself well enough, but the grammar needs some work. So that's
been language study for the past little while, and probably for the
rest of the mission... :) I love you Dad. I was watching The Other
Side of Heaven for an FHE the other week, and they talked about the
Hurrah for Israel moment. I couldn't help but get a little teary eyed,
because every week you say that to me, and every week I think of that
movie and the meaning of that sentence. Hurrah for Israel! We are so
truly blessed. Thank you for every, Dad. I love you. :)
Your little Chilean missionary,
Kristen :)
For Spencer and Lindsay to see please... :)
SPENCER
AND LINDSAY. TAKE CARE OF BELLA. That's all I have to say. TAKE CARE
OF HER FOR MEEEE. If you don't love her, TAKE CARE OF HER FOR ME.
That's all. Love you both LOTS. :D And write me. That's all I have to say. :) I love you both!! :D
I wrote a quick note to Mom and answered her questions, so I
thought I'd just write you a quick note apart from the other as well. :)
Thank you so much for your love and support and the thoughts you share
each week. I really enjoy them and somehow there is a way that they
fit into my week just perfectly. Thank you! :) Christ really is the
only one that knows the full strength of temptation; He truly knows how
to combat the enemy, and we must rely on Him to aid us in the battle,
let Him fight for us, not just along side us, because in reality, He
already won the fight. I liked that thought, thank you. :) The ward
members work on their own names on the internet, like we do there, yes.
:) They are all working again to prepare for February. It truly is
incredible to see the Spirit of Elijah work in their lives. And yes, I
have been singing very frequently in Spanish, and I love this language
Dad. It is so hard to learn, sometimes my brain doesn't want to hold it
all in I think, but I love learning it. It's become so much easier as
I've asked every day to have the words I need placed in my mouth. My
Heavenly Father has given me the words I need, and that's all I can ask
for. I've been working a lot with grammar, because I can understand and
explain myself well enough, but the grammar needs some work. So that's
been language study for the past little while, and probably for the
rest of the mission... :) I love you Dad. I was watching The Other
Side of Heaven for an FHE the other week, and they talked about the
Hurrah for Israel moment. I couldn't help but get a little teary eyed,
because every week you say that to me, and every week I think of that
movie and the meaning of that sentence. Hurrah for Israel! We are so
truly blessed. Thank you for every, Dad. I love you. :)
Your little Chilean missionary,
Kristen :)
For Spencer and Lindsay to see please... :)
SPENCER
AND LINDSAY. TAKE CARE OF BELLA. That's all I have to say. TAKE CARE
OF HER FOR MEEEE. If you don't love her, TAKE CARE OF HER FOR ME.
That's all. Love you both LOTS. :D And write me. That's all I have to say. :) I love you both!! :D
Kristen and Hermana Matias trying to do piggy-back on the beach.
So glad they laugh! 7 October 2013
Kristen with other hermanas in her zone on beach in Arica 7 October 2013
Kristen with other hermanas in her zone on beach in Arica 7 October 2013
Kristen with Hma Matias 7 October 2013
| ||||
That line (Catch the wave...AGAIN! From Conference...) meant a lot more to me, as I see people reject this message, and it hurts to see that happen. It is so horrible to me to see people reject this message that comes from our Savior, Jesus Christ. This is literally His church, and when they reject this message they are literally rejecting Him and His gospel. It is so very important that we help people every single day to see the happiness that this gospel brings. It is so vital that we share this message with our brothers and sisters. They, of course,
have the agency to choose to accept or reject it, but we must share it so that we can stand blameless before the judgement seat of Christ.
Which leads me to my other thought. :) I loved in the April conference how Elder Nelson talked about catching the wave. We have all been called once again to share this gospel. Catch this wave. :) I loved the challenge from Elder Ballard to share the gospel with one friend or family member before Christmas. He said that is the greatest gift we can give to our Savior. I was just thinking to myself... If we ALL shared the gospel with only one person before Christmas, the membership in the church could literally double. We have 15,000,000 members of the church. We could literally have 30,000,000 members of the church if we all opened our mouths and shared the gospel with one person. And image if we all shared it with 2. :) We have all been called to be the means of bringing our brothers and sisters back to the fold of Christ, so that we can all live with them forever. One thing Elder Maynes said is that we must become the rock that the river cannot wash away. :)
A couple last thoughts from the week. One funny, one just thoughts. :) So Mom mentioned that Spencer was dying in the kitchen because Lindsay challenged him to eat a jalepeño. Hahaha I had to laugh, one because Lindsay finally got revenge on Spencer (sorry Bud... :P) and two because I had the exact same experience at lunch on Thursday. :P We were all sitting at the table eating lunch and Papito handed me a little yellow pepper, because he knows I like spicy things. So I took it and he told me to be careful, because it's really really spicy. So I took a tiny little bite and it wasn't spicy at all! So I took another bite and just started eating it like a bell pepper, because that's what it tasted like, and I just thought it was a mini bell pepper. Wrong. (The Elders had the same thoughts I did, and they just chowed down on theirs too. Hna Matias was smarter than us all and didn't quite do the same....) So 2 minutes later, the three of us had tears running down our cheeks. They weren't bell peppers, just for the record. Some pepper that I have never seen and it is quite spicy. Needless to say I didn't taste lunch on Thursday. :P
The last one is short. :) So today we went to a beach called Playa Corazones. It is so beautiful, and I've been seeing pictures and such for the 4 months I've been here, and never gone... So today we finally went. :) It's about an 30 minutes out of Arica, so we were driving out in a taxi. I just kept thinking as we were driving how beautiful it was, and every couple minutes I thought we should just stop there, because it was pretty enough and we didn't really need to go the full way. We drove out there, and the playa is long, so we walked the rest of the way when the road ended. The farther and farther we drove, the prettier it got. The farther and farther we walked, the prettier it was. (The pictures I'm sending definitely don't do it justice...) As we were driving back, it was still beautiful, but I couldn't stop thinking about how that trip is a little like life. The farther and farther we walk, the more beautiful it gets. Of course we'll still have the occasional rocks and bumps in the road, but when you reach the end, it will all be worth it. The beauty at the end will be greater than what you had at the beginning. Elder Holland said in a talk that we need to just keep walking. Don't ever give up; there is help up ahead.
(I, Pam, commented on her blonde hair in the picture.) MY HAIR IS BLONDE!!! I like my dark, non sunbleached hair... Oh welll... I like the long part though. :) The picture is of all the Hnas in our zone at the conference on Saturday. :) Hahaha my mom.... all technologically advanced face-timing and all.... Hahahaha. :) (I asked her who's pouch mail she got cause it's been so long I'd forgotten) YOU sent me pouch in August, the tigger thing. :) AND I GOT BRIT'S LETTER and beautiful earrings from Africa!! I'd love her email if you could ask her for it... :) THANKS!! And Miranda's! I really want to write both of them. :)
This week was so wonderful, and I'm looking forward to the week to come. Do some good this week! I love you all so much and I'm glad to hear all is well at home! :D I know this church is absolutely true.
Love,
Hermana Tuft
======================
Hello Hello!
Here's the thing you asked for a couple weeks back really fast... :) I don't know how long it will take to write, so maybe just put it on my blog and the rest of what I'll have time for to follow... I trust you, so no worries. :) Thank you for all the pictures!! I love them all so much! It looks so weird across the street holy cow!! AND I was absolutely DYING reading that story about Kyle and Spencer, in New Mexico in the hotel room. BAHAHAHAHA. I have a story similar to Spencer and the jalepeño so...more to come... :P (It's above.)
Also, I will have to get you Mamita's address for next week, because if they do actually leave within the next couple months I'll give you her other address. They probably won't leave this month, so we're not sure when or if they will actually go... We'll continue to live in their house if they do leave, just without Mamita and Papito... :( AND I keep meaning to tell you... Their last name isn't "Tito". :) It's Mamita Tita, because her name is Robertina. Tita's a nickname for Robertina... :P Papito's name is Omar. :) Just so we can clear that up... :P AND I GOT YOUR LITTLE POUCH NOTE!!!! :D Yep. :) That one only took 2 months. :) And I got a letter from Britney that she sent in July, so I have hope still that I'll get the package with the camera in it one day, and Megan's letter that she sent forever ago... :) Thanks so much Mom! I love you loads! :)
Also, I will have to get you Mamita's address for next week, because if they do actually leave within the next couple months I'll give you her other address. They probably won't leave this month, so we're not sure when or if they will actually go... We'll continue to live in their house if they do leave, just without Mamita and Papito... :( AND I keep meaning to tell you... Their last name isn't "Tito". :) It's Mamita Tita, because her name is Robertina. Tita's a nickname for Robertina... :P Papito's name is Omar. :) Just so we can clear that up... :P AND I GOT YOUR LITTLE POUCH NOTE!!!! :D Yep. :) That one only took 2 months. :) And I got a letter from Britney that she sent in July, so I have hope still that I'll get the package with the camera in it one day, and Megan's letter that she sent forever ago... :) Thanks so much Mom! I love you loads! :)
Here goes :) (for her friends serving missions too)
======================
Hermana Kristen Diane Tuft
Chile Antofagasta Mission, Spanish Speaking
May 8, 2013 to November 4, 2014
My mission is the best thing I've ever experienced in my life. It's hard, I'm not going to lie, but oh is it ever so worth it! The best thing that has happened as a result of me serving a mission is the testimony that I've gained of the power of the Atonement of my Savior, Jesus Christ. It is the meaningful prayers and the relationship I've gained with my Heavenly Father. It is the change I can see in people's lives every day as I see them accept this Gospel. It is the people I've met, and this language I'm learning. Words cannot fully describe the gratitude I have for this opportunity to serve this mission. I have learned the love of the Savior is unconditional and infinite, we need only accept Him into our lives and allow Him to change us. The only thing we can give the Lord in our lives is our heart and mind. We can work with all our strength and might, but if we don't have a loving heart and a mind open to the promptings of the Spirit, that might and strength won't do us any good.
The best experience I've had is working with Jorge and Fabiola. I feel their testimonies grow each time we get to teach them, and I know that the Spirit has a huge affect in their lives, and every day their testimonies grow. The power of prayer and reading the Book of Mormon has changed one, who all but didn't believe in God, to knowing that this church is true and was restored by a loving Heavenly Father through a latter-day prophet.
The strangest thing I've eaten: Peacock...
Difficult to adjust to: The culture was so hard for me at first, and when I would think about how far away from home I was... That was hard. But the past few months have absolutely flown by, and I have gotten lost in this work. I don't think about how far away from home I am, because it doesn't matter. I have been called here by my Heavenly Father, and He knows what is best for me and He has given me the strength to become who I am becoming.
The funniest experience I've had: My first companion in the field was Hna Delgado. She and I were talking one day, and somehow the fact that I sang in the Provo Tabernacle got mixed in translation, and she thought for 3 weeks that I sang in MoTab. Bahahaha and she told the whole ward. I still have people come up to me and say something about how I'm in MoTab, and I just laugh and have to explain that my Spanish speaking skills aren't great, and that I'm actually not in MoTab, just sang in the Provo Tabernacle... :P
My advice: Prepare, prepare, prepare. Read the Book of Mormon and study it every day. Read Preach My Gospel diligently and STUDY it. I read it before my mission, but I never really studied it. And most importantly, gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon, of the Restoration, and build a strong relationship with your Heavenly Father. Have faith to trust in His timing and the trials He places in your life with help you become who He needs you to be. Be an instrument in His Almighty hands.
======================
Hermana Kristen Diane Tuft
Chile Antofagasta Mission, Spanish Speaking
May 8, 2013 to November 4, 2014
My mission is the best thing I've ever experienced in my life. It's hard, I'm not going to lie, but oh is it ever so worth it! The best thing that has happened as a result of me serving a mission is the testimony that I've gained of the power of the Atonement of my Savior, Jesus Christ. It is the meaningful prayers and the relationship I've gained with my Heavenly Father. It is the change I can see in people's lives every day as I see them accept this Gospel. It is the people I've met, and this language I'm learning. Words cannot fully describe the gratitude I have for this opportunity to serve this mission. I have learned the love of the Savior is unconditional and infinite, we need only accept Him into our lives and allow Him to change us. The only thing we can give the Lord in our lives is our heart and mind. We can work with all our strength and might, but if we don't have a loving heart and a mind open to the promptings of the Spirit, that might and strength won't do us any good.
The best experience I've had is working with Jorge and Fabiola. I feel their testimonies grow each time we get to teach them, and I know that the Spirit has a huge affect in their lives, and every day their testimonies grow. The power of prayer and reading the Book of Mormon has changed one, who all but didn't believe in God, to knowing that this church is true and was restored by a loving Heavenly Father through a latter-day prophet.
The strangest thing I've eaten: Peacock...
Difficult to adjust to: The culture was so hard for me at first, and when I would think about how far away from home I was... That was hard. But the past few months have absolutely flown by, and I have gotten lost in this work. I don't think about how far away from home I am, because it doesn't matter. I have been called here by my Heavenly Father, and He knows what is best for me and He has given me the strength to become who I am becoming.
The funniest experience I've had: My first companion in the field was Hna Delgado. She and I were talking one day, and somehow the fact that I sang in the Provo Tabernacle got mixed in translation, and she thought for 3 weeks that I sang in MoTab. Bahahaha and she told the whole ward. I still have people come up to me and say something about how I'm in MoTab, and I just laugh and have to explain that my Spanish speaking skills aren't great, and that I'm actually not in MoTab, just sang in the Provo Tabernacle... :P
My advice: Prepare, prepare, prepare. Read the Book of Mormon and study it every day. Read Preach My Gospel diligently and STUDY it. I read it before my mission, but I never really studied it. And most importantly, gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon, of the Restoration, and build a strong relationship with your Heavenly Father. Have faith to trust in His timing and the trials He places in your life with help you become who He needs you to be. Be an instrument in His Almighty hands.
Much LOVE!
Hermana Tuft
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