"The Spirit of God..."

Kristen "at la Laguna Zegers, it's kinda like the Great Salt Lake, but not gonna lie...the Great SL is a LOTTTT bigger and kinda a lot cooler."

 

Calama, Chile

Hnas Tuft and Albornoz on the bus heading to Tocapilla

Hnas Albornoz and Tuft watching World Cup Soccer - Chile vs The Netherlands

 Hna Kristen with her "love" of hot chocolate!

Heeellllloooo!!

It's been a great and busy week here in Calama!! We ended the week just thinking....where did all the time fly!! What's even crazier is that it's been a whole transfer here with Hna Albornoz... Crazy. Stuff. But I love the mission so very much. I love the people and the ward and my companion and studying the scriptures every day and sharing about my Savior 24/7. What a wonderful blessing it is. It doesn't matter the cold or the wind or the people that don't receive us very well, we always seem to be smiling and laughing and loving life, and that truly comes from living the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and sharing what we have with others. LOVE IT. :D

This week we headed to Tocopilla on Monday night and were there until Wednesday morning. It was great to be there, have a tiny break from the coldness, and get back to working in our sector that I missed lots. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. :) I love working with the hermanas there. :) They are all so happy and love life and love the work. That always makes it easier. They're in a trio there, so we split up into 3 companionships (one of the hermanas, Hermana Cluff, heads home in a week, so she went on splits with an hermana from the branch there). We had a great little trip.

As we got back, we headed over to Denice's house and she was there to receive us for a couple minutes! :) She is working like crazy.... She is continually in our prayers, and this week we should be having another family night with the Arce's. We are praying hard for that girl. This weekend we also had the oportunity to meet a few new people, so that was great and they seem very promising. One of them is a lady named Agueda, who stopped in the street to help us cause we looked pretty lost with the little map we had trying to find a direction. :) So she helped us find where we needed to go and invited us to come back. She lives alone, but has lots of older kids that live close. She doesn't believe in one religion, because she says they all "engaña a las personas". So we shared the Restoration with her, and she seemed very interested in learning more, so we are working hard with her. Unfortunately, everyone's been getting sick here because of the cold and such, so she was unable to join us for church yesterday... Next week. :) We also contacted Alicia's husband, Sebastian, and have a family night set up for tomorrow and they are great also. We found them in the Area Book, and Alicia told us straight up that she didn't want to get baptized because her church has less commitment....hmmmmm..... So we're gonna work with that little testimony of hers. :) We also got to meet again with Jaqueline (AFTER A MONTH OF NOT BEING ABLE TO. Dah.) and had a GREAT lesson with D&C 138. She is getting sooooooo close to accepting the baptismal challenge. Love and patience and a little helping hand. :)

This week has truly been incredible. I cannot describe in words the feelings of the Spirit I have had while being a missionary. This week was no exception. I have come to realize the importance of the Atonement in my life and in finding freedom of our sins, we can be blessed with a greater portion of the Spirit. I know that my Savior, Jesus Christ lives, and that God is our loving Heavenly Father. There is no doubt in my mind that Jesus is the Christ and that by and through Him we all will be saved by our faithful obedience to His gospel. In reading the Book of Mormon, I have come to have a deeper realization of the power that lies within us through Christ. "The Spirit of God like a fire is burning! The latter-day glory begins to come forth; The visions and blessings of old are returning, And angels are coming to visit the earth." We are living the Restoration, like President Uchtdorf taught during the last conference. Don't sleep through the Restoration. :) We all are called to the work, and how beautiful it is. I know the chruch is true and I know that Christ is at the head, leading and guiding his work into the day of His coming.

With LOTS of love from Calama,
Hermana Tuft

Hey Mom and Dad!

I'm glad that you all figured out the translation fiasco from last week. Phew. :) It truly has been a fantastic week. I have been praying with all my heart that my Heavenly Father can give me the love I need for this ward and for these people. I have never had a hard time in the mission loving the people, but it has been a struggle here in Calama, but I have learned sooo much and de a poco, we truly are seeing miracles and blessings. WE HAD OUR FIRST WARD COUNCIL YESTERDAYYYYYY. And Bishop said that he was working on our ward mission leader. So truly the work is going forth here in Central Norte. It's not been easy, but it's been worth it.

I've been thinking a lot about the temple lately, and how yes, baptism is the goal for us as missionaries, but actually it's not. It is the goal for us to help them gain a testimony and be baptized, but it's the ward's responsibility to get them to the temple, and that has been beautiful seeing the ward's excitement in helping the new converts get ready to go to the temple next June. We have been sharing the Parable of the Keys a LOT lately with members and less actives, and they have been getting a lot more excited for temple work, sharing with their friends the gospel, and we have a family night with the bishop tonight to share it with them and their family. So things are mas o menos great. :D I also was reading about Aunt Betsy and thinking a lot about our angels that watch out and protect us, and want and need our help. I know that Spencer will be able to feel of that love and support from the other side as well. There is also opposition in all things, but with our eyes single to the glory of God, we can do all things. :)

I also have been meditating lots about goals, like you said Dad. I don't know what goals to set, but it will be in my prayers. I have learned a lot about setting goals here in the mission, but I don't know what goals I would want to set for the next few months. Although, yes, I know that I do need them. :) I would love to hear thoughts and comments about what you both would think in that aspect...

I also wanted to just share that for some strange reason, we were in our weekly planning and I had the strongest feeling that I need to change my major....and do music.... It was one of the strongest promptings of the Spirit that I have ever felt... And it came so randomly! But I think that's what I need to do... So anywho. That will change a couple things and it will be something to chew on and pray lots about, but I think I'll just finish up with generals winter semester and work with tryouts for the music program....again.... Thought I would share... :)

I hope all goes FANTASTICLY tonight and tomorrow with last minute preparations. It's super emotional that my little bud's leaving. I'm so darn excited for him. ¡Qué EXTRAÑO! And a very happy birthday to my lovely sisters!!! So old, the both of them. :) I love you both lots and thank you for all your help and support and animo and everything. HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEK THE BOTH OF YOU. :D

Lovessss,
Kristen

P.S. Tell Lindsay to never stop singing and to not let those people keep her from sharing her talent. Not showing off, but not neglecting it either. :) AND yes, they do celebrate Father's day down here! :) And ps....we got permission from President to watch the Chile soccer game today that was at noon (and we lost :() but that's why in the picture's we're watching it....anywhooo. :D ALSO thanks for all the fun notes from the family. It was great to hear a little jot from them. :) Send my love to Grandma and Grandpa!! :D And be sure to send lots of pictures of this week (and also of my newly painted room! That'll be a good change. :)) LOVE YOU! Bye bye for reals this time. :P