La Pequeña Locomotora que Pudo.

Kristen Tuft on her balcony overlooking the OCEAN she loves!

Kristen Tuft and Hna Arenas at a baptism in Antofagasta.

Kristen with Hna Arenas as they first met as companions. August 2014

Self-explanatory, eh? She is happy to eat at McDonald's. Only time. Ever.

Helllooo!

The week flew by, once again. :) It was full of so many wonderful things, that I feel like I will not be able to share them all, but here goes. :)

So we went to work on Tuesday morning, with very little success.... We stopped by so many houses, and nobody was home. Ya okay so we were thinking, "There has to be SOMETHING that we can do before we go to our district meeting." When we suddenly decided to turn down a little pasaje that we've never been down before, in a way to get to the chapel super extraña, but we went with it and there were lots of Testigos de Jehová doing some door knocking... I thought, "Well, qué fome that we walked down this street that these people have recently talked to and are probably not wanting anything more to do with religion right now...." When all of a sudden a lady that was walking out her front door started walking down the street with us. And started talking to us. :D So we talked back to her, (obvio... :)) and her name is Ermelinda. She said that she was going to el centro, but she would love for us to stop by in the afternoon. :D

We went to our district meeting walking on cloud nine and were super excited to go back that afternoon. It turns out that I ended up going out of our sector on an exchange and Hermana Arenas and Hermana Salinas went to visit Ermelinda and had a fantastic first lesson, where they were all crying by the end. So we have met, started teaching and gotten to know Ermelinda, who has a baptismal date for September 20th. WAHOO! :D She is fantastic. She has been having lots of problems with her grown kids, and doesn't know what to do, but in talking last night she said that she wants to show them by her example what they should do, so that they don't follow her bad example from past mistakes. She is a great lady.

We also got to meet with an old investigator again named Carlina. She had a baptismal date for August 9th, but she was never in her house... So we talked to her FINALLY last night and she was super excited, and also has a date for the 20th now. So September 20th is going to be a big day. Keep them in your prayers. :)

We see so many miracles every single day and I feel so blessed and grateful. Thursday afternoon, we were headed to yet another meeting (haha I just realized that all our super great moments this week happened while in camino to meetings.... :P) and we were running about an half hour late... The elders and counselor in the bishopbric were waiting for us, but as we were walking and talking and laughing, we passed by a little family with a dad and a mom and a little baby in a stroller. We were about a block away when I finally decided to stop fighting the prompting I was receiving to talk to them, and we went back. So awkward when we have to go back, but it is what it is. :) Anywho, we started talking to Joana and Manuel, who had just moved here from Santiago a week ago. We asked if we could stop by sometime, and Manuel said, "Sure, next week on Tuesday I start getting home from work at about 6:30, so you guys can stop by then. I think it'll be interesting!" So they both seemed pretty interested and we were SOOO excited because we are on the family search here. And they are a family. :D

Yesterday at church, the stake presidency secretary came to talk to our ward, and started out by talking about the story of the Little Engine that Could. :) I love that story, and had forgotten completely about it... :) There was a circus that needed to get to a little town, because the town was waiting for it. But there was no way for it to get there. One of the big trains said, "No, I've got bigger and better things to do." There was an old train that said, "I'm old and tired, and can't take it all." There was also a modern train that was fancy and new, and all up to date, but he said he couldn't take the circus either. There was just one little train left in the train yard, and it was a little train that didn't have a lot of experience, but said that he would try. There was a hill that one had to climb before reaching the little town, and the little engine was scared that he wouldn't make it. But as he started to climb the hill, one could hear him saying, "I think I can. I think I can. I think I can." As he reached the top of the hill, the town cheered as they saw him coming, and you could just hear him say, "I knew I could. I knew I could. I knew I could!"

I loved that he shared that little reminder story! Right before him, a recent convert named Marcos gave his first talk, and spoke about faith. He talked about the grain of mustard, and how if we have faith even that small, nothing is impossible. That was just a good little reminder for me. Believing that I can is knowing that it is possible. And as we put all our faith in our Savior, He can make those big hills that seem impossible, possible. I think it was an apostle that recently said, "Nothing is impossible. The word itself says 'I'm possible.'"

Entonces! Si la pequeña locomotora pudo hacerlo, aún más nosotros podemos hacer todas las cosas en Cristo. Sé que ésta es la obra del Señor. Soy un instrumento en Sus maravillosas manos, y estoy tan feliz a poder tener la oportunidad a estar aqui en Angamos. Amo a la misión y ser misionera. Sé que Cristo vive y que ésta es Su iglesia. Les quiero mucho y espero que tengan una semana maravillosa. Requérdate: Eres la pequeña locomotora que pudo. :)

Translation for the Espanol Impaired: (SO - If the little engine could do even more we can do all things in Christ. I know this is the Lord's work. I am an instrument in His wonderful hands, and I'm so happy to have the opportunity to be here in Angamos. I love the mission and being a missionary. I know that Christ lives and that this is His church. I love them and hope you have a wonderful week. Requérdate: You're the little engine that could. :) )

Con cariño,
Hermana Tuft
===========================
Hey Mom and Dad,

I put pictures on today! And I put lotsss on. I finished up the ones I had left from Calama, so there's a couple in there as well. Katty is the one that is in a plaid shirt in front of the church with us. She's got a little darker skin. I haven't heard anything from Hna Albornoz, so if I hear anything about her baptism I will let you know. :) It should be this weekend.... :)

I loved hearing about the week and that all started well with school and such. :) It's still so crazy to me that little Lindsay is in high school. Tell her I'd love to be scheduled in there somewhere to hear how all is going... :) I know that she's a busy woman, between dreaded chemistry (that actually was one of my favorite classes, but MOSTTT stressful, more than college I feel almost...) taking lots of pictures, and volleyball, I know she's a busy little girl. But tell her I love her and that I think about her lots. :)

I know that it's been such a long time, but just like you said Dad, you get excited to write me, I feel the same thing Monday mornings when I can print off your letters. Always brings a smile to my face and a spring to my little step. :) Hermana Arenas is from a split family. Her mom lives here in Iquique (I don't know how that one happened....) and her dad lives in Lima still. They both don't know how to use the computer very well, so they never write.... Her 2 brothers do every once and a while, but that would be very, very hard.

I love that song (He Sent His Son)! That is one of my favorite primary songs. :) Mom and Dad. I am stinkin scared, cause I seriously cannot speak English. I still write well (I think) cause I write in my journal in English, but when it comes to reading and speaking, we have problems. :) I have seen it in a couple things this week. One was when I read that primary song... I read it first in Spanish and then in English. The second was when I was reading my patriarchal blessing and I was translating it in my head. The third was when I was talking to an hermana that just got here with her husband from St. George. They're the Brunson's, and her husband is the boss of one of the mines here, so she just got back and I met her yesterday. I seriously couldn't hold a decent conversation.... Me está preoccupando. :) Nooo importa. :) Anyway, Hno Thomas asked us to see if there was a musical number that we could put together, so I might suggest that song... :) Thank you! :)

We were actually on exchanges for Hna Arenas' 9 month celebration, but I did a little card for her, but yes I believe we will have to have a pancake breakfast here soon.... :D Today, we borrowed a couple bikes and went on an oceanside bike ride, so that was fun. :) We are about 10 minutes walking distance from the ocean, and I love it lots. :) I do remember reading that book with you Dad. I would like to read it again, cause I don't remember it very well, but it's so true. I read a quote from President Benson today that said something like we will be surprised as to how much we know our Savior and Heavenly Father when we can return to see them again someday. The "Endure to the End" part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is sometimes the hardest part, but in the actual "end" it will be the most rewarding as well.

And I did some more studying of Alma 5 por fin. :D I wrote down all the questions that Alma asks in that chapter, and then went over and over them again and again... I decided to rewrite a few of them, that I would like to share:

Have I been born spiritually of God? Have I received His image in my countenance? Have I experienced a mighty change of heart? Do I exercise faith in the redemption of Christ? Do I look forward with an eye of faith to be judged according to my works? Can I imagine the voice of the Lord? Can I look at God in that great day with a pure heart and clean hands? Do I have God's image in my being? Do I have a place to sit with the holy prophets in the kingdom of God? Do I feel the desire to sing the song of redeeming love? Have I been sufficiently humble? Have my robes been washed and purified by the blood of Christ? Do I know that with a certainty? How?

As I reflected these questions in a more personal way, it made me think about the things I am doing well, and what I could do better... I can't wait to hear the voice of the Lord in the last day. I think that will be a wonderful and priceless moment. Meanwhile, I can try to do all that is possible to keep the promptings of the Holy Ghost close and follow in His footsteps. :)

And Mom, how has Jenn been doing?? I will have to write her here soon. :) Thanks for her email! Is she there at the MTC in Provo? Where is Matt Niu going again?? And I can't believe that Nate Oldroyd is HOME!! :) Justina was just saying that she started her last transfer last week and about gave me a little heart attack. Time. Flies. Hey, and if you see Ms. Meacham again PLEASE give her a big squeeze from me. :)

I tried my visa again today in a machine that said visa and it didn't work still.... I don't know what happened, but would it work to try my old card? I don't want to have to have a THIRD card in the mission. Fome. I'll mention something to President Dalton... I don't know Hna King, but I hear she's still in Arica...?

I loved your thoughts from education week! It is so true, because these people are so darn confused about what is the truth and what is not. If they understand the Bible, they would believe in the Book of Mormon, and if they believe that the Book of Mormon is true, as we know, there will be so many blessings unfolded to them. What an incredible blessing that is. I love bearing testimony of the Book of Mormon, and of my Savior, and of the living prophets, because it is something that people don't hear everyday, and I have the privelege of sharing it every single day. :D I know it is true. I can hardly write this without tearing up knowing all the blessings that have come understanding and knowing that it is all true.

I love you both so very much. :) Thank you for being my parents. :D Send everyone my love, and especially Grandma and Grandpa. I hope that they truly are doing alright and know that they are in every single prayer. :)

Love,
Kristen

A Week in Antofa.

Hello All! :D

It has been a GREAT week here in Angamos. I have loved literally every single second. :) I seriously am not used to living in a city, and Antofagasta is a CITY. It's huge and loud and noisy and fulllll of people and apartments and the OCEAN. But I love it. I love it lots. :) I have loved waking up each morning and looking out the window to watch the beautiful sea. :) Love it. :) We have climbed LOTS of stairs this past week, cause a huge part of our area is apartment buildings, and lots that don't have acensores, but it has been a great workout. :P

Something that made the week even BETTER is that we had a BAPTISM on Saturday!! :D Catalina is her name, and she met the missionaries a while ago. She lives with her aunt and family, and her cousin is on a mission in Argentina, but she was never baptized. She had told the missionaries for a LONG time that she wanted to go to church, but they never really paid much attention to her, cause she's 12 and didn't think she was too serious.... But she was. :) So three weeks ago in her interview, Hermana Arenas asked President about her situation and being 12, and living with her active aunt if she could be baptized, and he said yes, of COURSE, so she was baptized this past week, and I had the blessing of being here. :) The young women of the ward have been friendshipping her very, very well and she was so so SO excited to be baptized. (I'm going to try to upload pictures, but the computer's being strange.... Crossing the fingers!) ​

A little bit about Hermana Arenas! She is fantastic. :D I have loved being with her this past week, and truly look forward to our time together. She is from Lima, Peru (the East mission) and has lived there most of her life. The TRULY intriguing thing about Hna Arenas is that her mom actually lives in our mission... She put that on her mission papers and everything, and called President beforehand telling him that, but she came here anyway. :) Her mom lives in Iquique (near Arica) and her dad lives in Lima. She's the youngest of three and her family are converts. She was 8 when they all got baptized. :D She's 20 also, and she's coming up on nine months in the mission this week. :) We're going to celebrate. :)

Something truly interesting from the week, speaking about age, is that we were looking for old investigators from our area book, and came across an address that we wanted to check out. So we headed over there, and while we were waiting at the door, a cute little old man walked up the stairs. We started talking to him and he said, "What are two cute little girls like you doing here?" We started explaining, and he said, "You girls are young! How old are you? About 40?" Okay. I about died. He was a darling old man, but I am defffinnnniiitttttelllllllyyyyyy not 40 stinkin years old. We died laughing at that one, and are going to stop by again to see if we can meet his daughter that lives there with him. :) So, I hope that his vision is failing him, or else I am aging a looot faster than hoped. :P

I love the ward here! It's so great. It's HUGE, but great. :) The Bishop and his councilors are very supportive and we have been working lots with them. We also have been in touch with the Young Women's President and Relief Society too, so that has been great. Everrrryyoonne has references for us, so that has been a wonderful blessing! We're working on actually getting in contact with them... Most people here are working or studying (the university is in our area also) so their schedules are a little weird. But it's great to have so much support and help from the ward! Love it. :)

Yesterday in church, we were in Sunday School, and the teacher was talking about Proverbs and the subject of wisdom, and brotherly kindness. You all might have had the same (or will have) class....? I found in so interesting a comment made by the bishop. We were talking about gossip and how we can watch ourselves better to only speak good, and uplifting things. Bishop Gonzalez said, "Well, if no one wanted to buy bread, the bread stores would be closed. If nobody wants to listen to gossip, no one will speak it." That is so true, and I loved that comment. (I sure hope that my rough translation makes senseee.....) I realized that I do need to watch what comes out of my mouth more. And not just my mouth, but the negative thoughts that enter my head. If nobody wants to hear it, if we don't tolerate it, there will be nothing to be said. :)

I know that this church is true, and I love being a member of it. I love knowing that we can and will return to the presence of the Father, all we have to do is follow in the footsteps of his Son, Jesus Christ. :) I love my Savior and I love being His disciple.

Have a fantastic week!

Con mucho amor,
Hermana Tuft
=======================
Hey Mom and Dad!

To answer/comment on your little bullet points Mom, my card works only when I can scan it in Lider or something... But it doesn't work to take money out in cash... So I don't know what to do when it comes to buying souvenirs, etc.... I still am trying to figure it all out.... :( It expires in the spring, so I don't know what's up, but I really do need to take cash out... :(  AND KATHERINE'S GETTING MARRIED!!! Send her my best. That is SO great. :D I'll bring some Milo back. It's good, but it's not that good. :) I heard from Hna Severtson and Hna Smith today, so that was fun. :) I told Hna Smith that you were looking for her, so she might just add me. Her name is Cassi Ann and she's from Rexburg. Love those 3, them and Hna Brewster. I can't believe they're actually GONE.

It truly was super duper hard to leave Calama. I felt like there was still so much to do, but the Lord has other things in store for me here, and the people that I love so much there. :) I think you're right, Dad. The harder it is, the more I feel like I worked and worried and prayed and tried to do what was right. It's when the people made the most difference on me. :) I'm not quite sure how many were elders and how many were hermanas, but there was only one latino, and the rest from "gringolandia" as they call the states. :P I also was surprised at what President said when he told me my transfer. He said that Hna Arenas, as a new sister training leader, needs a good example and someone to really show her what it means to be a sister training leader, so he gave me this assignment. I am sure that we will see lots of other reasons as to why the Lord sent me here as time goes on, but I was super duper worried to get here and find things in shambles.... But it's not. :) The old companion of Hna Arenas just wasn't the best example and kinda did things her own way, and it truly reminds me of the story that Grandma shared last week with us. She didn't really take into account what Hna Arenas had to say, so she just kinda followed.... But she has told me so many times this week that she feels so HAPPY and is grateful to be my companion. And I can say that I couldn't agree more. :)

We don't have Mamita of anything. :) So we're cooking and washing our clothes and we have a DRYING MACHINEEE! :D WAHOOOO!!!! It's about the third dryer I've seen here. From what it sounds like, Spencer will not be seeing one of those for a loooong time - poor kid. He will love every second though. :) I also just started my study of Alma 5 a couple days ago, so next week I'll share my thoughts and such. :) Also, Hermana Arenas laughed when I told her what you asked, Dad, about her musical talents. :) She said, "Tell you dad that I LOVE the piano and guitar, but I don't know how to play either one." :P I also loved the thoughts from President Fischer, and also Elders Bednar and Scott. We do try to do that while tracting, actually. :) We don't knock on doors very often, but when we do I think that would be great. We mostly just talk to people in the street, but I think it would be applicable in those types of situations as well. :) And we will ask the members and less actives this week about their conversions stories! Thank you for the ideas and thoughts. :) It is so true about it being a drip irrigation conversion. When it all comes on at once, and we learn learn learn, but don't internalize, that is when we aren't leaving room for wisdom to come in, which wisdom comes directly from God. Which also leads into Satan not being able to have ANY power over us. We have much more power over HIM. Which is an incredible thing. :)

I love you both so very much! I have to run, and didn't get the picture thing figured out. :( But I will send pictures of the baptism & Hna Arenas next week. :D I love you both so very much! Have a fantastic week! Send my love to Grandma and Grandpa!! Any luck with Aunt Karen's email, Dad?

All my love,
Hermana Tuft

Cambioooosssss.

Hello All!

Okay so let's just first say that I absolutely love the mission. And I love every single aspect of it. Some things a little bit more than others.... One of the things that I LOVE are transfers, but they always seem to come when least expected..... And cambios came!! So I'm here writing from Antofagasta, my new place of residence for the next few months. :) And I'm super excited! I am super duuuperrr sad to leave Calama, but I am excited to watch the miracles from afar...3 hours away to be exact. :)

It has been QUITE the adventurous week. We're actually just here in the bus terminal waiting for the bus of an hermana that's leaving, sooo things are a little bit shaken up in the boat but quickly to be back to normal again. :) I'm excited to get to know a new ward and a new sector with all the investigators and people that I will meet and help and in return learn from all of them. DID I SAY I JUST LOVE THE MISSION?! :D My new ward is called Angamos and it's the southern part of Antofa. My companion is Hna Arenas, and I just told her, "Well, I'm going to be writing my family about you and the only thing I know from the past 10 minutes is that you have 9 months in the mission and you're from Peru." So that's literally all I know. Details to comeee. :)

Okay starting from Monday. We spent the day with Hnas Smith and Wisrock for Hna Smith's last P Day! (We just dropped her off at the bus this morning in fact.) I'm sure going to miss that girl. And we got right to work. Tuesday we had our zone training and did intercambios/exchanges that afternoon. I loved Tuesday. It was a very spiritual filled day as we visited Yobannely, Jaqueline and family, and Yalile. Wednesday was similar, and I truly loved every second. One thing that we really have been focusing on as a companionship, and as a mission in general, is the Book of Mormon, and our investigators and less actives are really learning to love the Book of Mormon and are developing their own testimonies.

Tuesday evening, we got a call from Katty saying that she was headed out of Calama on Friday, cause she hadn't found work. And I just about died. We started praying like crazy. So we went on Thursday morning with the intention of saying goodbye (cause Thursday night we were headed to Tocopilla), and she said she wasn't sure if she was actually leaving.... So we did say our goodbyes JUST IN CASE, and headed out to a conference with President that evening. He was in town, and said he'd love to meet with us, so for the next couple hours we talked about gospel questions and it was such a neat experience!! I sure learned a lot, and it was great to be with him and Hermana Dalton for a bit.

We were all pretty anxious for transfers, and as we were getting ready to leave, President said, "Well, I do have a couple minutes before my meeting; would you like to know your transfers?" Ummm. YES PLEASE. So he had us come into a room as companionships and President himself gave us our transfers and explained a little bit as to why. So I'm pretty sure that doesn't happen very often and so that was cool. :)

And from there we were headed to Tocopilla, which was quite the visit. :) One thing super cool is that I met a returned missionary, Marcelo Zuñiga, that served with Tom in Concepción! So that was a verrrry small little world moment. (And from what Dad said he had sent the picture that we took... :P) I love Tocopilla, but seriously there are just some super funny things that happen every single time we're there. :) This time, Hna Fontenot and I were walking down the street, and a lady walked up behind us and was sniffling. Or we thought she was, and Hna Fontenot asked if she was alright. Well, we started talking to her, and her name was Gina, and she was a gypsy. And she was pretttty drunk. But she did talk to us for a bit, and we gave her an I'm a Mormon card, and she said she was going to go to church on Sunday. HOPEFULLY she did. :) Oh Gina. :)

The hermanas from Tocopilla ended up coming back to Calama with us and will be there for the week, but in the bus ride we had quite the "terror movie moment". But luckily in the end it wasn't anything. :) We were about an hour out of Calama and all of a sudden a BUNCH of people from the back of the bus started coming forward and a couple went downstairs, and two seconds later a Tur Bus guy came up, so Hna Albornoz and I turned around and sure enough. There was SMOKE coming out of the bathroom. And lots of it. So that was the first red flag. Then two seconds later the bus guy yelled, "CUIDADOOOO!" And superrr hot water flooded the bus, so we all scrambled down and there we were in the middle of the desert. :) Bueno, moral of the story is that Tur Bus is just fantastic and the bathroom pipes overheated and we had a good smelly ride back to Calama. :) Bahahaha oh la misión. :)

And then we got back to Calama and started working lots and it was a SUPER great Saturday, incluso. Katty accepted a baptismal date and is reading the Book of Mormon!!! :D She is getting baptized on August 29th. :D She was a super duper hard one to leave. We've known each other for just 3 weeks, but it has been a fantastic 3 weeks and I feel like I've known her my whole life.

So it has been such a crazy but awesome week. I am so excited for this next transfer. I know we will see so many miracles. I seriously cannot describe the joy I feel in knowing that I am a missionary and disciple of Jesus Christ. I know He lives and I am so very grateful to be His representative at this time in Chile. I'm not perfect, and I learn SOOO much every day. Something that I need to work on that I've noticed this week is listening and acting instantly on the promptings of the Holy Ghost. I do listen and act, but I'm sometimes a doubter and don't act in the exact moment of receiving the prompting. I read this quote from President Monson that I wanted to share. "The sweetest experience that I know in life is to feel a prompting and act upon it and later find out that it was the fulfillment of someone's prayer or need. And I always want the Lord to know that if He needs an errand run, Tom Monson will run that errand for Him."

It made me reflect a lot, and it was perfect with the story that Grandma shared (via Dad. THANK YOU GRANDMA!). We must always act according to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Of course we don't know better than He does, but lots of times we think we do, at least in the moment.

I love you all!! I hope you have a fantastic week! I hope Spencer's had a great first week in Honduras! Can't wait to hear all of your adventures, bud! I hope everything goes super great with Lindsay and that she's feeling better for her volleyball try-outs! I would love to see pictures from the baby blessing of little Milo yesterday. What a doll he is. :) Aaand I hope that Megan and Tom and little (bueno no tan chica ahora) Audrey are doing super great. I love you all lots. I hope you never ever forget that! :D

Love,
Hermana Tuft
=====================
Hey Mom and Dad!

I love you both first off. Thank you for your love and support. :D As I was packing, I was looking at a few notes I have from you both from the MTC and I was reading through those thinking how much everything has changgeeedd. I don't feel like the scared little girl anymore from the MTC. And I like that feeling. I like feeling that the Lord has trusted me enough to help me grow, and you both are a little part of the help of that growth with all your love and support. :)

Okay so no, Hermana Albornoz goes home at the end of this transfer that's starting. :) She goes home with Hna Matias and Hna Rindlisbacher in September. :) There are 23 new missionaries that are arriving tomorrow, so we're seeing lotttsss of changes as we make room for the little army of missionaries to get here. :) One of the new hermanas will be here in Antofa, so we'll get to know her. :) Hermana Arenas and I are the sister training leaders here in Antofa and have a few more hermanas to look out for. But it should be great. :)

And also! Hahaha Mom, that bus accident wasn't the one where all those people died, etc. There were 2 that died, and I don't know about any injuries.... So anywho, just so that doesn't freak you out toooo much. :) And no, I haven't used the doggie stun gun.... There have been 2 times that I have wanted to, but the dogs freak out so fast that there isn't time anyway. But we're safe from harm and bite free. :P

Dad, I was also thinking about how AWESOME that would be to go back to Arica, in a different area, but to be able to see my first ward there in Zapahuira. :) The Lord needs me here in Antofa though, and I know we will see many miracles. It would have been AWESOME, but I guess Arica will just have to wait until I come back and visit....algun dia.... :)

We actually just barely received new instructions from the Twelve and the First Presidency that we will be teaching all 5 lessons before baptism, and then again after. And the missionaries will take the initiative with that, so that's an interesting but cool new change. :) Funny that you should ask JUSTO this week. :) I also was curious if you would be getting the chance to speak this coming Sunday... I'm glad that things went well, but it's a shame that you got things all ready and couldn't... For the next time.... :)

I loved your principle 6. I love rereading those, and applying them to the current circumstances. :) I think learning to accept God's will is one of the most important and powerful tools that we can develop in our lives. I also am going to study Alma 5 this week! I love that chapter, but I've never thought about writing down the questions... :) Thanks!

I'd better run! The bus will be here for the other hermana pretty soon. :) I love you so very much! Have a fantastic week and we shall we talking soon! :)

Love,
Kristen

P.S. Hey Mom, lots of people sent me requests on facebook this week....could you send me a list of who and I'll tell you who yes and who no for now....? THANKS!! :)

Creando Buenos Recuerdos. (Creating Good Memories)

I posted this a few weeks ago. Kristen knew the baby's name would be Milo so that's why she took this picture for us. :)

HELLO ALL!! :D

It has been a fantastic week. I'm getting over the first stomach flu that I've ever had in the mission, but I am feeling better and loving life. :) We had a great week, which included (obviously) teaching, finding, BAPTISMS!!, and our consejo in Antofagasta. So all in all it's been a very busy but great week. :)

We did visits with a returned missionary that is visiting her sister from Peru this week. Her name is Janet, and it was absolutely fantastic teaching with her. She said everything PERFECTLY to our investigators and we were just tickled pink with happiness. :) Katty continues progressing GREAT, along with Agustina. We're working with LOTS of other families, but the two that are progressing LOTS are those two. :)

We had our consejo with President Dalton this week, and it was just what I needed. There were so many answered prayers that came in many different ways. It was super strange to be saying goodbye too, to Hermana Severtson and Hermana Rodriguez that go home next week.... Seems like yesterday that Hermana Severtson and I were in Copiapó together. :)

Something that President shared really hit me hard. He started out by saying that we, as spirit children of our Heavenly Father, have existed for at LEAST 6,000 years (being the existence of the earth). Try for just a second to wrap your head around 6,000 years. Learning, preparing, and being SOOO excited to come here to earth to get a body. And then we got here, and we will live here for just a SLIVER of time, and then be resurrected here in the not too far future. And then we go on LIVING in these wonderful (but then perfected) bodies, having the rest of 6,000 years and millions more, thinking about what we did here on earth. His question for us was are we creating good memories? Are the things we are doing right now what we will want to remember for an eternity? And the beauty of it is, is that if they are not the things we want to remember, we can rely on our Savior, Jesus Christ, and forget those bad things we have done, and just be left with the good. So, my goal this week has been to create the BEST memories possible, because I sure want to look back at this time, time that we will never get back, with a smile on my face. :)

Then came Saturday. And what a MIRACLE that was. :D Camila has been waiting to be baptized for almost 3 whole months. AND SHE GOT BAPTIZED ON SATURDAY. :D The super strange thing was that, because she moved just a few weeks ago, we weren't in charge of her baptism. It was like having a baptism without all the drama that comes with the interview and filling the font and getting the program ready, etc. BUT not that I'm complaining, just saying it was a very peaceful day. :) We did a musical number and it was a beautiful service. She was so happy. :)

We invited Katty and she said that she was going to go, but didn't arrive, and we were anxiously waiting and waiting and waiting, when she called us saying that she was almost there, and so we went to wait outside. And she literally got there for the closing prayer.....whoopss.... BUT the Lord truly works in mysterious ways and there was another baptism of the Hermanas de Caspana that was starting in about 10 minutes so we asked an hermano to take us over there and made it just in time for the opening song. :) There was a family that was being baptized: a dad, a mom, and their 8-year-old. They have 2 other little kids, so it was beautiful seeing them all there together and super happy. After the baptism, while we were waiting for them to change their clothes, Katty started asking us when we were baptized, and how we could choose when we were 8, but yet we still didn't know everything, etc. So then the family got back, and I hadn't told her what I was going to, so I thought I'd just wait for after. We finished the service, and Hermana Albornoz went to congratulate them, and I turned to Katty and told her although I didn't know all that I do now about the church and that my testimony isn't the same, I knew that I needed to follow the example of my Savior and the good things my parents had taught me. And I have never, ever regretted that decision. We both started to cry and she expressed her desire to follow Christ, but was scared and needed help. :) So we talked for a bit and then she went and talked to Nicole, the mom that got baptized, and asked her why she did it. So they were talking for a bit as well and everything turned out super super good. Katty went to church yesterday, and is trying to find work, so we are PRAYING that she does so that she can stay here in Calama. Cause if not, she's headed out to a different city to find work at the end of the week.... :( But the ward has been helping and looking, so our hopes are high. :)

I know that this church is true and that Jesus Christ lives! I love being here making great memories and hope that you all have a great week doing the same. Make the most of it. :D

Love,
Hermana Tuft
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Hey Mom and Dad!

Can I just say that I have never missed you two more than I did this weekend when I was super duper duuuupppper sick throwing up Saturday night? It was awful. I ate something that made me get sick and literally threw up all night. Blegh. I haven't thrown up in about 10 years I figured. So that makes me even more of a pansie when it comes to that kinda thing. BUT. I'm up and living and alive today. :) And even made it to church yesterday thinking I'd be okay, but ended up looking like a ghost, which was a bit of a shock to the members that say my skin is already ghostly white. :P Needless to say, I did sleep all afternoon yesterday and we're headed for round two of naptime as soon as we're done here. :)

Hermana Albornoz obviously helped and was great with me, but the thing that gave me the most comfort is thinking about your words saying that in moments when you two were far away, I could always remember those feelings of being taken cared of and of love. And as I was laying in bed waiting for the next wave of nastiness, I could just imagine Grandma and Grandpa Tyler there taking care of me, rubbing my feet and giving me 7-Up and saltine crackers. And that truly helped me the most, as ridiculous as that sounds. :)

I was very sad to hear that Grandpa Tuft has been declining a little bit more every day... I wrote them a quick note last week, but I bet Grandma's just been super busy and I don't know if Grandma would even be able to read the letter to Grandpa... I had my hopes so high that he would be there in a couple months more, but if he's so miserable and not able to do anything, it would be best if he could rest and not be in any more pain... All in the Lord's timing. Maybe he was just waiting for little Milo to make it. :) Please express to them my love and concern, and that they truly are in every prayer.

I am glad that the family reunion went well!! :) I was actually just reading my journal on Saturday from last year, cause Pia got baptized exactly a year ago. :) And I had written about the family reunion and how sad I was that I couldn't go, but then it was interesting because I didn't even know if it was this past weekend or not this time around... :) Funny how much I feel like I've changed. :) And OBVIOUSLY the family is important, and I'll be there next year, but I was super glad this time around that I was here. :) I can't wait to see the Ogden Temple. I bet it's incredible. It looks a TOOOON different. How's the Provo Temple coming along?? I am so darn excited for that temple. They're all special. But I love that one already. :)

Pablo & Claudia are doing well, but they're super busy bodies and we haven't been able to have that family night that we were planning.... Wednesday. :) Denice and Andres are in a similar situation and hopefully they'll be available today... Alicia and Sebastian have been super extraños.... So we'll see what's up there... And we were supposed to go to Yobannely's last night....but I was not able to..... So there all here still....de a poquiiiitttoo.

I also LOVED that story from Mark Christiansen. That is incredible truly. What a miracle it is that he could go back and JUST in time. The Lord's timing is truly something incredible. We have transfers this weekend, and IF I don't stay, I would loovvveee to go back to Arica. I've had it in my prayers, BUT I'll go where he wants me to go very happily. And maybe that means staying here. WHO KNOWS. :) President shared with us this past week how we does transfers, and it truly is an incredible process. A three-day process, but an incredible one. So what I'm saying is that yes, President does know what's happening with me at this moment in time. :) But what's more important is that the Lord knows and it's all in His hands. :)

Mom, Amalia did not go to church, again. :( :( :( We'll see what's up. Maybe it's just not her time...? But we're not giving up on her just yet. President and Sister Dalton were up there last week for interviews, and were with us about a week and a half ago... :) And no I was not on that bus LUCKILY. Cause in our bus we were sitting up front, right where the bus crashed.......... And Elder Funaro jokingly said, "Be sure to buckle up!" right before we left at 5 in the morning, and I didn't do it.... I know you are shaking your head, but just so you know, on the way back I WAS with my seatbelt. :) Hermana Rindlisbacher was super good, just said that she hit her head on the seat in front of her and woke up... AND I didn't know that she goes to USU as well!!! So that will be fun. I'm sure we'll be great friends. :) Plus, Justina asked me today if we were still on to room together in the spring, and I had talked to Megan about living with her for a bit, and I would love to, but I would also love to have a campus life (NOT like Davis Hall again. Never again.) BUT I would also love to live with my sister. But I think that I'll plan on living on campus at least for spring, and maybe stay up there and live with Megan for the summer....? We shall see where the wind blows me. Truly I'm not ready to be thinking about these things right now. WHERE IS THE TIME FLYING MAKE IT STOPPPPP. Anywho. :)

I love you both so very much. I am so glad that you both taught me to love the Gospel, and to love my Savior. I'm SO excited for Spencer to be headed out into the field this week, and know he will do great and be protected. Angels will truly be round about him, as they have been with me. And if he needs to take my angels for a little bit, that's okay, cause I think I'm in a little bit safer place... :) :D

HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEK. I hope you can both go to the temple before little Lindsay gets back. :) LOVES!!