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¡Feliz año nuevo! It's so absolutely INSANE to me that it's going to be 2014 in 2 days.... Where did 2013 fly?? But I can honestly say it's been one of the most insane and best years ever, and I look even more forward to the adventures of 2014. I hope you all do too! :) I've been thinking about new years resolutions, but as of today.... I don't have any.... One more day! :)
New Year's will be a lot like the Christmas celebration around here, but this time it will involve a lot more fireworks and dance parties. So that will be interesting! We're excited. Hahaha not really...we might not be getting much sleep tomorrow night.... :) Christmas though is more family involved, and New Year's is more friends/partyish. Much like it is back there at home. (Have fun at the neon dance Spencer and Lindsay!!) :)
The week ended absolutely fantastic. It has been SO much hotter the past couple weeks, but we're loving the work and we are seeing lots of progress. By small and simple things great things truly are brought to pass. One thing that we actually have set as a New Year's resolution is to memorize the Articles of Faith in Spanish. We have been studying them a lot lately, and sharing their simple but profound teachings with a lot of members, and less actives as well. I actually had an Article of Faith pass-along card the other day and someone asked what we believed, so we shared with her, and then I gave that card to her. The Articles of Faith truly are powerful teaching tools, so that has been a testimony for me that yes, all Primary kids should definitely learn them and then keep studying them as well. I don't think I've actually studied them since Primary, as bad as that sounds.... So that's the weekly challenge for you all! :) Just take a few minutes to go back through and read and study the Articles of Faith. :) I know there will be things learned and greater understanding gained.
Something fun I wanted to share was from a lesson we had last night with our ward mission leader, his wife, and their cute little primary kid. We talked about the story in Luke 10:38-42 (I'm pretty sure that's the reference....) with Mary and Martha, and how we must choose the better part, as Christ explains. It is a great reminder that sometimes we overlook the most important things and say, "Oh, I can read my scriptures later," or "I'll just go to that one hour of church," and we justify. Martha was cleaning her house, probably just because she knew that was what she needed to get done that day, but she didn't stop when the Savior stopped by to teach them. It made me just wonder if we stop to do those little things every day. Do we allow Christ to teach us, to heal us, to make us better than we were the day before? Do we choose "the better part" on a daily basis?
We finished up the lesson, and as we were about to sing a closing song, we asked if there was anything we could help them with. Their 9 year old son, Benjamin, jumped out of his chair, got really excited, and then 2 seconds later, sat down embarrassed. We asked him what is was we could do for him. (It seriously was just the cutest little moment of excitement, and then pure shyness. :)) He had his head down, and shyly said, "Well, I was just wondering if you guys could write the prophet and ask him to send me a Book of Mormon for my friend...." It was just the sweetest little experience. :) So, we told him we could definitely set things up for him to get a Book of Mormon to his friend. :)
It's truly been another great week here in Chañarcillo. :) This work is absolutely incredible and I am so very grateful for this chance I have to be here on the Lord's errand, to be here with my wonderful companion, and to be learning and growing so very much every day. The work continues to go forth, and He truly is hastening this work. I know this church is true, and that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most important thing in our lives.
All my love,
Hermana Tuft
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Hello Mom and Dad!! :)
Can I just say it was a lot of fun to chat with you all for a few minutes last week?? :) That was a fun little Christmas present for me. :) I also am SO very grateful for the package and all the goodies and beautiful clothes you sent. Thank you SO much. :) Hermana Severtson and I were feeling like very spoiled little missionaries on Christmas morning... Thank you. :)
I am also so very grateful for the chance that I had to talk to Grandpa and Grandma for a little bit. I will forever remember that experience, and it is well written in my journal. :) I want to write them and ask them if they could both write and then email/or even mail... their testimonies to me... I would love and cherish that forever. They both look like they are doing well and are happy. I hope and pray that all continues to go well for their health, and most of all that Grandpa will stay happy and alert, and not be in pain. Cancer is something I loathe so very much, and I wish someone could find a cure, but until that day I will just have to sit back and be patient, and know that above all else, God is in control, and He truly is our loving and merciful Heavenly Father. Thank you once again for running up there for the afternoon and getting things set up so that we could talk for a little bit. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! :)
Also, I sent a letter this morning...hahaha for Christmas.... Just a little late, but keep a look out for that. :) We also talked to Elba this week, so she wrote a quick note for her missionaries that I put in there... :) Those names don't sound familiar, although there are a million Villarroel's here in Chile, so I will watch and look around for those 3 people. :) Aaand my carnet is just a few papers, my visa, and a picture, and no it's just a temporary thing.... But still. It gives me a Chilean ID number....so I FEEL Chilean... :D Maybe it's just to make us feel good... :) So no, I could not stay the rest of my life, sadly enough.... ALTHOUGH. Apparently the governments are changing that rule, so you'll not have to have a huge fee between Chile and the US when you fly in and are from one of the 2... Fun stuff. That means I'll be able to come back as much as I want!!! Hahaha just kidding. :P
Hey really quick.... Please tell Kaisa and her husband congrats for me and take pictures. :) I love her lots! And any news about MMarchy and her mission calll.....? Alsooo crazy that Chaz gets back this month!! Aaand how are Ash, Jenn, and Kajsia doing?? Maybe you could do a little fb stalk for me.... Weird how I have more contact with friends in the mission than with those at home... :) I love you both so very much! Thank you for your love and support and for everything you do, your thoughts you share with me, prayers, concern, etc. :) I love you both LOTS!!
Con mucho amor,
Kristen
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