An Attitude of Gratitude and a touch of "frio".

Kristen's pretty happy about those Dunkin' Donuts. She's never had them at home!

Kristen with other Hermanas after Chile had a World Cup win. They got permission to watch.

la Laguna Zegers (similar to Great Salt Lake but not so great - salt water and desert.)

Hellloooo!

It's been a pretty fantastic week here in Calama. When I say a touch of frio, I mean a BLAST of freezing cold wind every night that makes us both scream pretty much until we reach the pension. Hope we're not waking too many people up... :P Haha but yes. It's a little bit freezing. Calama's rivaling Logan in coldness these days. :)

This week I have learned so very much. I say that every week. But every week I learn so very much MORE. I love it. The Lord has taught me a lot of things here in Calama, and he truly has taught me to be so very grateful in everything. I read the talk by President Uchtdorf this past week "Grateful in Any Circumstance," and it truly reminded me again that it doesn't matter what is going on in our lives, we must be grateful. There are a couple of paragraphs that I wanted to share:

We can choose to be like the Prophet Joseph Smith, who, while a prisoner in miserable conditions in Liberty Jail, penned these inspired words:

“Dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.”

"We can choose to be grateful, no matter what."

This type of gratitude transcends whatever is happening around us. It surpasses disappointment, discouragement, and despair. It blooms just as beautifully in the icy landscape of winter as it does in the pleasant warmth of summer.

When we are grateful to God in our circumstances, we can experience gentle peace in the midst of tribulation. In grief, we can still lift up our hearts in praise. In pain, we can glory in Christ’s Atonement. In the cold of bitter sorrow, we can experience the closeness and warmth of heaven’s embrace.

We sometimes think that being grateful is what we do after our problems are solved, but how terribly shortsighted that is. How much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain?"

I loved that thought, that many times we just look forward to the rainbow, but we forget the blessing that it was to have the rain. :) I have made a new goal to write in my journal the blessings that I am grateful for throughout the day, and in doing that this week I have learned so much about the mercy and goodness of our loving Heavenly Father. How He longs for us to notice the blessings and miracles that surround us every day. :)

A couple of those miracles have been finding new families and talking to many people in the street this week. We met the 15 year old daughter of Alicia and Sebastian on Tuesday and had a great family night with them. Sebastian took the Book of Mormon in his hands while we were talking about it, and we asked if they had any questions or thoughts. He told us that he believes the Book of Mormon is true, now to just help him to know how to act. :) But little by little! They are doing great.

We also have been working with Denice, a new family named the Carvajals, Luz and Esteban, Jazmin, Yalile, and de a poquitiiittttooo. They're coming along. :) I don't know if you all remember Camila? She's the daughter of a convert from last year, that moved into our ward and we started working with her, she was supposed to get baptized last weekend, and they ended up having to go to Peru super quickly, and they moved so they were in a different ward.... So we were SUPER confused about them, but they got back last Monday, and on Thursday we got permission to go visit them in the other sector. Camila's getting baptized on July 12th! :D So the other elders are working with them and we're very excited to see that little miracle. :) (Camila, Linda and her little boy are the ones in the picture with the 5 of us. :))

Last little thing. :) Members trulyyy make the difference and on Saturday we had the chance to see that in action. The Valencia Family are converts from Peru that moved here a couple months ago, and were baptized recently in December. Hermana Giovanna has been quite the little missionary around her neighborhood, and we went to a little almacen on Saturday with her and her daughter, Alejandra (the one in the pictures with the Barbie's). We were going to contact a reference of hers, named Maria. Maria wasn't working there, but her granddaughter Lis told us that we could try back another day. Us missionaries, not thinking too well, decided, "Ya okay, we'll come back another day." So we walked out, and started walking. Hermana Valencia asked us, "Well, what if we share something quickly with Lis. She looks like she needs this message." That was a "Duh!" moment for Hermana Albornoz and I. Why didn't we think of that...? But the Lord is merciful and sends us those little reminders sometimes when they're most needed. :) So we headed back and had a FANTASTIC lesson with Lis, in and out of customers. We taught about the Plan of Salvation and gave her a Book of Mormon, and she said she would love to come to church with us. So YAY! I truly was grateful for Hermana Giovanna reminding us about our purpose, and that is to invite EVERYONE to come unto Christ. :)

Okie dokie. I had better get going. But I know that this church is true and it is perfect. Christ is at the head of this church, and is leading us in the way that HE knows is best. We must trust Him and continually pray that we won't fall into Satan's traps. We are the Saints of the Latter-Days. What a blessing that is. We will help the world prepare for the day when He comes again. I love Him and I know He lives. Soy un discípulo de Jesucristo.

Con mucho amor, frio, y FELICIDAD,
Hermana Tuft
P.S. We had transfers on Saturday and Hermana Albornoz and I are stayyinnnggg. :D Chaoito. :D
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Hey Mom and Dad!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!! :) I just want to tell you both how much I love and admire you both and thank you again for everything. A BIG HUG FROM ME TO BOTH OF YOU. :D I pulled up the picture you sent, Mom, of you and Dad on your wedding day and Hermana Albornoz said, " SON IGUALES!!!" She says we are exactly the same. :) Made me smilleeee. :P

I am very glad that the little Spencer boy got off well. I just realized that I'm sending this to him too....so if you don't want to read this Spencer, you don't have to. :) BTW I was going to tell you, if it's possible, I would print off your letters in the morning of P day (in the field at least) and respond in the afternoon, if at all possible. Because it's a lot to read, and then respond to in such a short time. :) Just a pointer. :) I hope that his first week has gone very well and can't wait to hear about it next week. :) What's the time difference in Honduras/Guatemala?

Thank you for the thoughts and news. It's always great to hear about what's going on. I was sooo saddened to hear about that lady that's leading the hearts of many away (Katie Kelly). I've been reading about Zeezrom lately, and that reminded me a lot of him... :(

I have been thinking a LOT this week about goals, and praying even more. I want to finalize them a little bit this week, write them down, and I'll share my thoughts next week. :) Thank you for your thoughts and encouragement. Gratitude truly has been a LOT on my mind, so that was interesting that you mentioned that Dad. Thank you. :)

That's fun that you're going to lunch tomorrow. :) I'll FINALLY GET TO MEET HNA RINDLISBACHER ON THURSDAY. :D That's awesome. :) After a year of writing her pouch about our old sectors (she was in Zapahuira and I was in her sector, Chañarcillo :)). Thank you for the dumpling recipe, and for the notes Lindsay. :) Please take care of my clothes.... And my bunny. :) But I hope that Floppy can become part of the "family". :P He/she truly is adorable. :)

Sending ALLL MY LOVEEEE and smiles,
Kristen :D