Christmas Preparations in Chile

Today's PICK picture - Kristen with BIG EYES holding a live starfish! HA! Kristen and Hna Kami Severtson doing their Christmas countdown. I hope this is an old picture! Elders ?, James, Hnas Severtson, Tuft eating at a member's house on P-day. Doing Yoga on the beach with Hna Brewster today. Hermans Brewster, Delgado, ?, Severtson and Tuft in the City Center. Hna Kami Severston on beach with Kristen today. There IS greenery on the beaches of northern Chile!!! Elba Virginia Rosales Marqez with Hnas Tuft and Severtson.

Hello All!

It's been a fun but crazy busy week. :) It seems like December all over the whole world is just a little bit busier and everyone is a little bit happier. :) We had our Christmas Devotional/Zone Conference with President and Sister Dalton, did LOTS of singing, and been working and finding new people and a house and all at the same time dying of heat. But we seem to keep a spring in our step and a smile on our face, so that's the great thing. :D

This week has literally flown by. On Wednesday we did service for a family in the ward painting their house, and then we went early Friday morning to the stake center to get ready for the Christmas Devotional/Zone Conference. Hermana Severtson, Hermana Richardson and I did a musical number, so we ran through that a few times and then President came. We got things ready for lunch afterward, and then we had our zone conference which was great. We talked a lot about Isaiah and his prophesies about the latter-days. I don't know exactly what it is in English, but something to the effect of how beautiful upon the mountaintops are the feet of those that preach the peace, algo así... :) Anywho, it was a great meeting and the assistants spoke too; we learned lots and are excited to just put it all into practice now. :) After that, we went in and had chicken tacos (YAY for tacos!! I miss those things... :)) and afterwards we had a mini "FHE". Hermana Dalton was in charge of the lesson and we read the Christmas story and sang songs, and the spirit was really strong. It is so vitally important that we remember the significance and miracles that had to occur to allow the birth of our Savior and His coming into the world. The most significant part of the story is His sacrifice for our sins and the resurrection, because it is only in and through that miraculous event that we can we cleansed of our sins and live with Him, the Father, and our families forever. It truly is a miracle.

Sunday we had the privelege of President coming to our ward! He spoke more about the tree of life, and how the fruit filled all that tasted of it with such incredible joy and peace. That joy and peace is only found through following the true and only church of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It talks about the only thing he desired was for his family to taste of it as well. That is the process that happens as we are truly converted; we have the desire to open our mouths and invite our families to come and partake as well. Some might not come; Lehi's two sons didn't even come, but all we can do is try, and others have their agency to accept or reject it. We cannot be afraid to share this gospel! I am still learning that little by little every day as we walk up to people we've never met before on the road and invite them to partake of the fruit. Sometimes I do get scared or nervous, but if the Lord is in charge, if we follow the Spirit, all things are possible. :)

We are going to go caroling at the hospital and the plaza this week, so we're all really excited as a zone. :) They do have traditional Christmas songs, that are just fun ones, but I don't know any of them as of right now... That will be my homework for the next weekish. :) We do love going to Lider though (it's the same as Walmart) and listening to the Christmas music playing.... That's been fun the past couple weeks. :) There are a few fun traditions I'll share next week, so stay tuned... :)

We're trying these days a lot harder to work with the ward and to get them to come out and work with us for a couple hours or so, so that's been in the process, but in the long run it will definitely be for the best. :) We are still working a lot with Andrea and Roxana, but things are slow and their schedules are busy, so please keep them in your prayers. :) This week we have splits planned with the Sister Training Leaders, so that will be fun. We do that once a transfer. The changes in our district have been good, but it seems like they're all still just figuring everything out and working hard. We've had to call each other a lot lately to figure things out, but they are working out well!

I'd better run, but I know that this church is true. I am so grateful to all of you for your love and support and prayers. I hope Christmas preparations, festivities and celebrations go well this week! May we always remember the true meaning of Christmas and how blessed we are to have the knowledge of the gospel in our lives.

All my love,
Hermana Tuft
=================
Hello Mom and Dad!

Just another quicky. :) Sounds like you all had such a crazy week this past week! I'm glad to hear that Lindsay's surgery went well, and I hope Spencer's ACT went well too! I was heartbroken to hear about Kyle's friend, Josh. I will keep them in my prayers. How special though that he got the chance to hold his son for a couple hours. What peace that must have brought him. We have no need to fear because he has lived a righteous life. It is sad for us on this side, but it is happy to know that there will be a beautiful reunion on the other side. I know that the reunion between Josh and his son will be a beautiful one, as well. Although he didn't get to see him grow up here, he will be there every step of the way.

My health has been great!  I did get my teeth and retainer thing worked out. I just switch off every other night with the 2 different sets. It's been working out great! :) And all other personal hygiene stuff hasn't been a problem at all either. :) (Mom asked about deodorant and other supplies!)

My camera has been working great! I loved the pictures that were on there too! That was fun. ALSO please tell Jennie thank you for the note, the beautiful necklace and the "camera". She'll hopefully understand... :P Sorry I haven't said anything before now!!!! I love it all! :) (I did zoom in and notice little Lindsay was wearing my bracelet, so I hope that that doesn't mean that she has more or is even using the little that she might have found.... I wouldn't like that very much... :)) I also wanted to mention that the Hodgkinsons write me and I write a quick note back whenever they do, just so you wouldn't worry. I love them lots and hope they're health will be good for them... Aaand I didn't get my "blizzard package".... But I will keep looking for it! It'll likely come when they go to Antofa in January...

I'd better be running, but I love you both so very much. I loved reading about how far I've come from only October. It'll be fun to go back and read all my letters one day. :) And also Dad, I would LOVE to go on another hike. I feel a lot more sporty and outdoorsy these days.... I even like playing soccer.... Hahaha the Chileans are rubbing off on me... :)

Tu hijita Chilenita,
Kristen :)

Crazy Hot Here in Copiapo

Hello All!!

It's been such a fantastic week. We are truly seeing wonderful and marvelous miracles this Christmas Season here in Chile. We are teaching and meeting so many new people and just planting tons of seeds everywhere we go. :) I love my mission. It is the best decision I've ever made and I love working here in the Lord's vineyard. These truly are los Últimos Días and the Lord is hastening His work.

It has been the HOTTEST week so far here in Copiapó. I hate the hot and the sun, but I'm happy to know that at least some people in the world get to enjoy the snow. :) ¡Disfrútenlo! :D At least for me.... :) It's been so weird getting ready for Christmas (2 weeks away, where did the time FLY?) and starting summer. Not something that I'm sure I'll ever be used to, but it has been so fun seeing the excitement and the decorations and everyone just a little bit happier and willing to help one another out. It's also been crazy because all the schools are getting out for the summer too, so everyone is busy and getting ready to travel for the summer. So we will see how that all goes. :) We had a Christmas Devotional last night for the whole stake, and it was so GREAT!! I haven't heard a choir sing in such a long time, and they were so great. I think it'll be the only choir I'll see this Christmas season, but I have heard rumor that the missionaries do carols in the plaza, so I'm crossing my fingers! It'd be fun. :)

Speaking of yesterday, we had our Primary Program and it was just the cutest littlest thing I've ever seen. :) Hermana Severtson was asked to play the piano, so we got to go practice with them and see it come together a little bit. I love seeing their energy and their sweet testimonies. It was focused a lot on how we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father, and how He has a plan for each and everyone of us. They talked also a lot about missionary work and so many of the little girls were saying how excited they were to serve as well, along with all the young boys. I love the primary kids. :)

Wednesday was the day we moved Hermana Delgado and Hermana Brewster out. That was quite the ordeal, but it all solved itself and they are happy and living in their new sector. :) So for now Hermana Severtson and I are in our house alone, but we're looking for something cheaper for the two of us. Something will hopefully come up this week. Just waiting to hear back... :) It's been fun helping the Elders figure everything out with their new sector and how excited the ward was to receive them! We're excited to work with them.

We didn't get the chance this week to meet with Andrea and Angelo, but we have a lesson planned for this week. She works a lot, and Angelo works "turno" so he's working 7 days and home 7, so that does complicate things a bit too with their work schedules and school getting out, etc. We found and met some amazing people this week, so we're excited to start working with them and see how they progress and grow. :)

Hermana Severtson and I are trying really hard to read the Book of Mormon all the way through this month, and as I was in Alma, I just decided to keep reading and read to the end of Alma by the end of December...or at least by the end of the transfer... (It's totally doable, but in Spanish it has 100 more pages.... :P) Anywho, I was reading today in 3 Nephi about all the destruction and wickedness of the people, and then after the 3 days of darkness, a voice of peace and comfort spoke to them. I was trying to imagine what peace and hope that would give me, if I had been sitting there those 3 days in complete darkness, just to hear that calming, sweet voice.

It just made me think that that's kind of what we're doing here on the earth. We have moments of that "penetrating darkness" where we think it will never end and all hope is lost, but it's not. We have this beautiful gospel of happiness and joy and power and peace in our lives, all we have to do is look up, and accept the Savior, as the Nephites looked up, and accepted the Savior of the world. May we all remember this beautiful Christmas season that all hope is not lost, because Christ atoned for all of our sins and pains and sicknesses. He knows our needs and will heal and protect us in times of trouble. We just need to look up and accept Him.

I love you all so very much and hope you are all well and happy! I love things down here and everything is going so great! Have a fantastic week! I love you all so much and pray for you every day. :) I know this church is true!!

Con todo cariño,
Hermana Tuft
=================
Hello Mom and Dad!

Hahaha I had to laugh Dad that you pictured us out on in the streets without a house... Haha I've had that thought before too... But never fear!! That won't happen... :P I LOVE hearing about all the snow! Send lots of pictures if you can. :) I love it. :) Everyone here tells us they wish they had white Christmas', like they see in the movies... :) So fun. :) We also got invited by a ward member to dinner on Christmas Eve, so we're pretty excited for that too. :)

I'm so glad to hear that Grandpa is home and doing better. I pray for him and Grandma every day, and also all of you that you can help out and uplift them in anyway possible. We can't loose hope. Things will work out, but we have to be happy THROUGH the trials, because there are still miracles. Keep me posted please. :) Remember that too, Mom through all you're doing with Uncle Mark stuff!

We didn't get a chance to watch the Christmas Devotional last night, but they're doing a rebroadcast on the 22nd, so we'll watch it then. :) Sounds like you all have been crazy busy with make it with wool and ACT and homework stuff, along with choir, surgery for Lindsay, the Christmas Dance, etc. Oh how busy things still are, even with just 2... :)

The ward is slowly but surely rising in numbers. It rises, and then goes back down, just in a little cycle thing... We're working on it. :) By small and simple things... :) And I haven't gotten my blizzard package yet, but they're bringing stuff from Antofa on Friday for our Christmas zone conference. I don't quite understand the blizzard part of the package, but I'm excited to find out! AND CRAZY THAT KAISA'S GETTIN' HITCHED in 3 weeks!!!! WHAT?! So crazy. Please send pictures. :) I'm so excited for her and for Sammi & Zach and Jaden & Carolina too. :) So fun for them! :)

I'd better be running, but I love you both so much and thank you for your support and love and encouragement always. I truly am doing so very well. I love the mission. I love my sector and my companion and everything!! Have a fantastic week! :D Tell all hello for me, and give the two little siblings hugs for me. :)

ALL my love from Copiapó,
Kristen

P.S. Can you send me my Skype password, etc in the next couple weeks please so I can just use that and call you? Just to keep that in mind... :) THANKS!!

P.P.S. Our summer and winter schedule changes everything just a half hour, so in the MTC I woke up at 6:30, when I got here it was 7, and now for summer it's 7:30. Just depending on culture the mission president changes it, and this culture is used to sleeping in more... So is this girl, so I'm good with getting up at 7:30 and going to bed at 11:30.... :P

The Object and Design

Hello all!

What a week it's been! Cambios, Thanksgiving, and lots, lots more. :) It's been a great week though. :) Cambios were crazy, but Hermana Severtson and I are staying here in Chañarcillo together! Wahoo! :) They were crazy because just about all of Copiapó changed, just sectors. The wards that had just hermanas are all split up so we have wards with a companionship of hermanas and one of elders. Elder James is coming to our ward with his new companion, Elder Oribe and the other hermanas are headed to their old ward. So a little swap. :) And that's about how it was for all of Copiapó! We still haven't found a new pension, but we're on the lookout. :) For now, we'll just stay how we are and slowly but surely find pensions in our own sectors I think. That's how it's looking for now. :) Oh the pensions. :)

A couple quick weird week moments! This morning we were walking through the plaza and a guy heard us speaking in English, and stopped us. Yep. We did our first contact in English today. It was the weirdest thing! I couldn't think of the words, and poor Hermana Severtson was so shocked and couldn't think at all in English, so she just stood there shocked. :P He was from Canada, so that was a fun little weird moment! Aaand we had a conversation in the middle of the night in Spanish... That was weird, especially cause it's harder normally to speak when I'm tired, but nope. We just had a conversation in Spanish at 3 in the morning... No biggy. :P I love that it's just coming SO much easier these days. :)

This week we went back to have another lesson with the member references we received last week. Her name is Andrea, and she and her husband have 2 kids. They are the cutest little kids, and we're really excited to work with them! It is so incredible how much people are prepared. I loved how one of our members (the member that we got the reference from for Andrea and Angelo) told us that when we have friends and family that we would like to share the gospel with, but we tell ourselves they're not ready or not going to accept the gospel, that maybe it's actually us that aren't ready to accept them. I loved that thought! We have to prepare ourselves to help them and to be there for them. Anyway, we are really excited to work with Andrea and Angelo. :)

This past week has been a very reflective week as well. Hermana Severtson and I have been studying the Plan of Salvation and it seems like we've been teaching it a lot more this past week or so, and I feel so blessed. We have the knowledge that the plan that our Father in Heaven has for us is a plan of happiness and joy. Hermana Brewster shared this quote from Joseph Smith with us this past week: "Happiness is the object and design of our existence, and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all of the commandments of God." I loved that thought! The object and design of our existence is happiness. And how beautiful to think that we are only truly happy as we follow our Savior and use the beautiful gift of the Atonement in our lives. It is personal to everyone of us. It is love freely given.

I know this gospel is true. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His church restored once again upon the earth. How blessed we are! I love you all so very much. I hope all is well and that you all have a wonderful first week of December! Don't forget Elder Ballard's challenge to share the gospel with at least one person before Christmas.... :D

Con todo cariño,
Hermana Tuft
=================
Hello Mom and Dad!

Just a little quicky to say how much I love you and how great it was to hear from you this past week. It's been a great couple days, and a few tears here and there, but in the end I know everything will work out for the best. I know I'm here right now for a reason. :)

I am glad to hear that things went well at home this past week. Also to hear that Grandpa is recuperating and hopefully headed home in the next couple days. Please just keep me posted with everything you find out in his regard. If he gets worse in the next little while I would like to call sooner than Christmas, but I think he will be fine and feeling a little better by then so we'll just plan to talk on the 26th. :) Please just keep me posted.

I love you both. Things will work out. That's why I'm here, to share this gospel and message of happiness so that others can be with their loved ones again forever.

ALL my love from your little missionary,

Kristen :)

A day in the life as a missionary...

 Hermano Brett Judd is from Arizona (actually about a half hour from Hna Severtson's house!) and he brought us back candyyy. :D Sour Patch Watermelons and Almond Joy is what we asked for... Thank you Brother Judd!!! :D  [Brother Judd works in Copiapo apparently and travels back and forth some.]

Hermanas Brewster, Delgado, Tuft and Severtson Nov 2013 with special order candy from Brother Brett Judd

Hello Family!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! :) It's been a fantastic week, although it has been SO fast!! I feel like I was just here writing... :) We have had a lot of things to do this week, so it was SUPER busy, but everything turned out very well, we're just a couple of sleepy sisters over here... :) I LOVE Copiapó. I love Chañarcillo, and I love my sector. :D Transfers are next week (ALREADY!!) but we both think that we'll probably stay. But obviously we won't know until Saturday night... Pucha... But I guess we'll just have to make the most of this week and hope we'll have 6 more super great weeks to follow. :D

Speaking of cambios, things will be mixed up we're thinking! We know that a companionship of elders is coming to Chañarcillo, and the other companionship of hermanas is leaving (our sector will stay hermanas). So we will likely be switching houses this weekend and that'll definitely be an adventure! So. We shall keep you posted on how things work out... We're sad we won't be living 4 hermanas anymore, but it will be great to have a set of elders in the ward.

Aaand as you all know we got to sing yesterday in church, and that was a lot of fun. :) I love singing. :D It was such a neat experience to be a part of and see because truly music invites a special spirit. It was also great to be able to do it together as a companionship. Hermana Severtson is so fantastic! I love her lots. We have learned so much together and she is a great missionary. This week we got to go get her Chilean ID card, so she will officially be Chilean in about another week! :) Temporarily at least... Now just to wait for mine. :) But we're already Chilean at heart anyway, so I guess an ID card doesn't matter in that sense... :)

Okay so a little news on investigators that I haven't shared much about the past couple weeks! (So sorry...) But I am going to do it in a different way, because my Dad requested to have a day in my shoes from when I woke up to when I went to bed, so here goes. :)

This was this past Friday. It was a fantastic day! We got up at 7:30 (very tiredly because Thursday was the day we woke up at 6ish to get Hna Severtson's id stuff done) but we got up. :) We said our personal and companionship prayers, and then I headed downstairs to do yoga with Hna Brewster. Then showered, ate breakfast, and got ready to study at 9. From 9 to 10 we studied personally and then at 10 we all sang a Christmas hymn and split to do companionship studies. At 11:15 we went to do service for an hermana in the ward named Irene. She's older and can't clean or do much that way, so we helped her wash her windows for a couple hours, and then we ate lunch with her and her daughter. Her daughter isn't a member and lives more downtown, but she stopped by to visit. We had a nice lunch of chicken and rice, and then shared the first lesson with her and her daughter. We passed on the reference for her daughter to the other elders in our district (the ones that will likely be coming to our ward and the other hermanas will likely go to their sector...but that's just speculation... :P). Then we went back to have language study, and left to work for the afternoon.

We first had a lesson with an investigator named Roxana. She has been progressing very well, but is still hestitant because she is Catholic and is hestitant to change... But we had a very powerful lesson with her. She's been reading the Book of Mormon, and this past time we left her Moroni 10. She read and prayed before and after she read it, and said she knows that the Book of Mormon happened (in her words). Now just to know that it's a divine and inspired book from God. :) So we talked about the Restoration again, and the priesthood. Lots of people don't understand that without the Priesthood, we wouldn't have prophets, or apostles, or revelation to help them guide the Church of Jesus Christ in the way He needs and wants. The Spirit was really strong.

We walked around to a couple of visits that fell through and also had a lessson with a less active member named Ingrid, and then we headed over to meet the Bishop and his wife at the church to head over to Benjamin's new house. We have been working with Benjamin, and this week he moved to another sector in Copiapó. :( We were really sad to see him go, but he had to go for a reason, and there is something he needs to do or learn from the other ward. Everything happens for a reason. :) He is SO ready to get baptized, he just has to wait for some divorce papers to come back and then he'll be ready. He's dating a member of the church, and they are already preparing to be sealed. He is so great. So we talked about the set up of the church, and that we're still in the same stake, so he can see the members of Chañarcillo at stake activities and whatnot, but he understands that he'll go to the other ward and such. He came to church yesterday for the last time with us, and then we passed him off to the other hermanas in his ward. :)

That ended the night and we planned for the next day, got ready for bed, and chatted a little bit with the other hermanas. :)

So! That was Friday in my shoes. :) We also found a couple new families this week that we started teaching that were member references and they are golden. :) I shall definitely keep you posted, but we're really excited. :D

I love you all so very much and I'm so grateful for your support and love. If I was there and had my little piece of candy corn this year (which by the way, THANK YOU to Hna Severtson's parents that sent candy corn back with Brother Judd... :)) I would say how grateful I am for the gospel in my life and for this opportunity that I have to be here on a mission. It is the best decision I have made in my life, and I know it will bless me for years and years to come. I will never forget the love and gratitude I have for these people here in Chile. I am learning so much and the time is flying by so very fast, so I want to make the most of it. :) That is what I am grateful for this year, and also for all of you and that through this gospel, I can be with my family forever. I am here to help people partake of those blessings as well.

Con todo amor y gracias,
Hermana Tuft
====================
Hello Mom and Dad!!

Kay. I hope that's a better letter for the week. :) I liked doing that day in the life thing... I think I'll do it every once and a while... :) I don't have much time left (we have to go grocery shopping still :)) but just to say hello. :) I couldn't open the videos, I don't know why! I was sad about that, but I think they might just be too big of files... So maybe next week try again with just a couple of them...? I'd love to hear! :D Also, something random that I thought about this week, but Dad could you check my laptop to see if it's still all charged? It's been about 6 months. :) And with my teeth, I've just been wearing my clear ones cause those seem tighter... The other ones were adjusted at the same time I got the new clear ones, but they seem to be loose... So I wasn't quite sure what to do with that... I do NOT want braces back on. So if I can do anything to help that I definitely will.... :) Please keep me posted on the baptism this weekend! HOW EXCITING!!! :D That doesn't happen too often there... :) And I forgot to mention in the letter, for Thanksgiving, we're just making mashed potatoes, having chicken, and green beans and cheesecake. :) So that should be exciting. :D I feel like that's all the questions.... If I missed anything...just put them in one place if they're really important next week in your letters and I will answer them I promise... :) I love you both so very much. Thank you for everything, and your love and support, todo. :)

¡¡Les quiero TANTO!! :D

La Fe, la Esperanza, y la Caridad

Hello all!                                                                                                                   

I know I say this just about every email, but....  It's been another great week here in Copiapó!  :P  It's so crazy how much I feel like I learn every single week, and I wish I could share it with you all, but I just can't.  You'll all just have to go on missions I guess to find out. :)  I love the mission.  I just can't say that enough.  Some days are hard, some days are just fantastic, and some are full of both!  BUT every day I learn something new and look forward to the next day to learn all the more.  I love the mission. :D

So I had another "first" this week!  I thought I was about done with firsts, until the bishop called and asked Hna Brewster and I to give talks in Sacrament Meeting.  So that one scared me, I'm just not/never have been a talk in big groups type of person.  But that didn't seem to matter too much, because yes I did give a talk in church in SPANISH yesterday.  You know those moments of pure joy that you realize you actually can do something??  Yep, that was definitely one of those moments. :D 13 minutes baby. :)

On the more serious side though, it truly was a great experience!  I learned so much and wish I could share all those thoughts with you.  I decided to speak on faith, hope, and charity.  In reading the Book of Mormon during the mission, I have come to realize how much it talks about all three in just about every page.  I love Ether 12, and how much it talks about all three.  If we have faith, we have to have hope, and without faith and hope we can't have charity, which without charity we are nothing.  Charity is truly the pure love of Christ.  When I was studying for my talk and whatnot, I got caught on that thought that charity is the pure love of Christ.  The Savior came to this earth to save us from the fall of Adam.  He atoned for our sins in the most painful way imaginable, and even then we can't even imagine it.  He laid down his life for his friends, for you and for me.  So that was just interesting, that without charity we are nothing, and the greatest act of charity the world has or ever will see was the Atonement of our Savior.  So this is a sum up of my talk: it is necessary to have faith in Christ to have the hope of the Atonement work in our lives, and without charity, without the pure love of Christ (or in other words, without the Atonement working in our lives) we are nothing.  It's something that has been on my mind for quite sometime (as Mom and Dad know) and I found such great peace as I studied and prepared to share those thoughts with the people here in Chañarcillo.

We continue to find and work with the members and talk to everyone about the message of this restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I love this sector, and I am so very grateful for the opportunity that I have to work here with Hermana Severtson!  She is so great. :D  I am so very grateful for all your prayers and love and support.  I pray for you all in return.  I know this church is true!  Pray for your own missionary experience this week! :)

Con mucho cariño,
Hermana Tuft
=======================
Hello Mom and Dad!

I feel like my letters are getting shorter and shorter.... Lo siento!  I loved hearing about your weeks and reading your thoughts and experiences from the week.  The fact that Michael Buble is singing yet again and I can't go was lamepants, but he'll just have to come again. :)  And I loved the last little thought Dad, that you mentioned you had gone to the temple just made my day.  I love hearing about anything temple related.  I get so happy inside it's crazy.  :)  I love the temple so much, and the members here do too.  This ward is very temple oriented.  They love going and planning for every trip.  The goal for our mission here is to work towards getting a temple announced in the next 3 years.  We're working our hearts off. :)  Miracles happen if we have the faith to believe and the actions to work towards it.  I know it's going to happen!  I just hope I can be here when it does.  If not...I'll just have to come back I guess when it's dedicated I guess... :D

I had to laugh Dad about the water situation that Rob shared with you.  I wouldn't be surprised... I feel like it's gotten a tad bit better from when he was here... :)  Let's hope!!!  I'm also glad to hear that the play and recital went well, and I can't wait for the videos next week of their voice recital.  :) Aaand I am VERY jealous of the cold weather season/snow...  I do like the heat though... I can't believe I'm saying that, but I do.  I do miss the snow like crazy though. :)  Disfrútenlo for me. :D  BUT we drink the gallons of water bottled and use the tap water for only cooking, brushing teeth, showering... :P  Also, I did love your "battle plan" district lesson!  We seem to have similar ones every Tuesday for our district meetings. :)  The elders do love the battle plan idea, and it does seem to get us more animated. :D  Thank you both for your thoughts and impressions about service, charity, and I loved the thought this week Dad from Elder Ballard.  I truly feel that support and the words just seem to flow.  That's not me, I cannot take that credit.  Through small and simple means though, great things are brought to pass.

Speaking of animation!  (Animo in Spanish seems to make more sense, and the word isn't coming to me...so I hope I make sense.... The English is getting worse and worse.... :P)  Mom!  That SONG GUESS WHAT?!  We sang that for the FIRST TIME ever from the hands of Janice Kapp Perry in the MTC.  She came to speak to us and we sang that song.  We were the first ones. :D  There was not a dry eye in the whole MTC sister missionary Relief Society.  Ask Sister Caywood if she remembers that. :)  Thank you for the words!  They brought back great memories. :)

We are planning to do 'something' for Thanksgiving but we shall see what... :P  Haha and guess what?! We bought a tiny little Christmas tree today. :) Stay tuned for pictures in the future......:) And thanks Mamita for resending those pictures of my roommates, me and Justina and my friends going on missions. The Christmas package is already here in Copiapo! Crazy how that works....guess I'll just have to wait with it staring at me in the face for the next month...  Haha guess it's about the same at home... :P The quilt for Mamita Tita was beautiful! She will love that and your little note.  :)

I will keep Sister Staheli in my prayers.  Poor lady has had such a rough go with her cancer.  I hope all will be for the best this time around. I also will pray that things with Uncle Mark will work out.  It makes me so very sad to hear that there are more problems in that regard.  :(  I love you both so much!!!  Tell everyone hello for me and I love them lots!

Until next week,
Your little Chilean missionary happy middle child,
Hermana Kristen :D

Ward Conference & A Great Week. :D

Kristen getting her package from home sent July 29 - November 4th or 5th - so over 3 months, and a postal strike!

			L-R: ?, Hna Delgado, Hna Severtson, Hna Tuft 11 November 2013 at Caldera Beach playing frisbee Earlier today to Mom: Hello Mom!  I'm here in Caldera right now (like an hour from Copiapó) with my district so we're just waiting for the bus and I'm printing, but I don't know if I'll have too much time to write today... BUT I love all the videos and pictures and Spencer is so amazingly wonderful at singing!! I want a duet with him and Lindsay. :D  I was shocked!! That's so awesome, good for my little buddy. :) And SHANNY AND SEAN ARE HAVING A BOY AND GIRL - THE SAME (family configuration) AS US.  That's so exciting and little Ashlynn's not so little!  She's beautiful! :D Also, I GOT MY PACKAGE AND HAVE MY CAMERA AND AM SO HAPPY IT CAME!!! :*) Thank you SO much!!!  I love you Mom!  Talk to you in an hourish... :) Love,  Me :D Hello All!! I feel the need to apologize in advance, cause today will be kinda short I feel like, but it has been a fantastic week here in Copiapó. :D I love it here, and I love Chañarcillo. We had Ward Conference yesterday, and it was so great. We have been inviting and visiting so many people this week, and we had a great turn out! Last week (it was a long weekend for holidays, but still...) we had 63 people come to church, and yesterday....we had 117!! :D We were so so sooo happy. :) I love being an instrument in His hands, and that is something I work at every day. It feels good to do good. :) The conference was wonderful. We had the privilege of singing in a small choir as a ward. Hna Severtson played the piano, and we sung Abide With Me, Tis´ Eventide. It was very beautiful. :) I love singing, because it truly brings a special spirit to every meeting, in church or even in lessons when we sing. Music is a very powerful tool when used in the right way. :) We heard from our bishop and the stake presidency, and they talked a lot about being the helping hands of the Savior to bring souls back to the fold. It was a wonderful meeting to top off a great week. :) A fun experience we had on Saturday was a Relief Society fair that they set up in the city plaza. The missionaries were invited to do contacts while they were all set up and such, so we got to do contacts for a few hours! I was so amazed at the acceptance of people as they saw real members and the work/projects they had and then they were a lot more open to talk to us. We got a lot of references for people in different cities, because a lot of people come to Copiapó to work, but they were great people and I hope that those contacts will help other missionaries here in Chile. It was a really fun thing! I have struggled just stopping people to talk in the street, but Saturday helped me a lot to come out of that shell and just talk. :) Overcoming my shyness... :) I got exciting news from Arica! Hermana Matias wrote me this past week and told me that Jazmin and her brother Nacho are getting baptized at the end of this month!! :D That was very exciting for me to hear, so I thought I'd share. :) And that's about it for the week!! We had a great time today as we went as a district to a city about an hour away and we played a little bit of beach frisbee, so that was fun. I'll send a couple pictures hopefully BECAUSE I GOT MY CAMERA!!! :D That was a happy thing. :) Sé que este iglesia es verdadera y me encanta este oportunidad que tengo a compartir esta paz y alegria con todas las personas acá en Copiapó, o sea en la misión. :) Sé que Jesucristo vive y nos ama tanto, y tenemos que compartamos este mensaje con todas. Les amo MUCHO y espero que ustedes estén bien. :D  (I know this church is true and I love the opportunity I have to share this peace and joy to all the people here in Copiapo, and in the mission. :) I know that Jesus Christ lives and loves us, and we to share this message with all. I love you A LOT and I hope you are well. : D)  Thank Heavens for Google Translate! Con mucho amor, Hermana Tuft P.S. And Happy Birthday to my beautiful little Audrey!! I can't believe she's 1 year old tomorrow, and can't wait to see how much she grows this next year. Dah. What a doll. :D Happy Birthday!! :) ======================== Hello Mom and Dad!! Thank you for your wonderful letters and thoughts this week! I loved reading all your thoughts and impressions. I wish I could share all my thoughts on charity as well, but time is short and there is so much I wish I could share and just study with you both. :) I loved how you both talked a lot about service. I know that being here as a missionary is service in itself, but I feel like those little acts of kindness that we can do will make a big difference. I was thinking about how Mom was talking about making cookies and such, how we could just make a pan of brownies and take them with us to people during the day. Just something that would show them we really truly do care. So I hope that will be something we can do this week. :) Service and love have a lot to do with it. We've been studying a lot in Moroni 7 about charity, so if you get a chance, that's where a lot of my thoughts and impressions have come from. I do want to thank you both though so much for being such wonderful examples of charity to me in my life. I have learned and continue to learn so much from your examples. It made me so happy also to just see Spencer and Lindsay loving each other, and serving others. Spencer said something about helping and reaching out to others this year, and I just love seeing how much they both are growing and learning. I didn't see too many questions, but what I did see I'll try to answer. :) The water here for one is terribleeee. That's part of the reason why my hair is changing colors, because the chemicals in the water, and the sun mixture. Down south they all have natural water and everyone says it's sooo good, but up here in the desert....we have nothing.... :P Then our district is 8 of us, 2 elder companionships, and us sisters. I'm honestly not sure about our zone because we don't meet together every week so I haven't even met the whole zone yet, but I know we have 3 zones here in Copiapó... So yep! :) I love you both and I've got to run, but thank you for all and I'm glad to hear you had a great week and hope you have another great coming week!! :D All my love, Kristen

Lots of Learning...

Hermana Kami Severtson and I dressed up for "Halloween."

I had just barely arrived in Copiapo and met Hna Severtson October 2013

We had a district activity this morning and played football....I guess I was more into it than I thought.... :P

The District football team.

The Projected WINNERS of the District football team.

Eating PEACHES!!! (Kristen's favorite thing, almost!)

We matched! And we didn't even plan to.

Hello All!

It's been a great week here in Copiapó! We've learned so much and grown a lot this week. :) I love how the little things it seems make the most impact. This week has been a hard week, but we learned a lot and things are looking up. A change of heart and a smile can go a long way. :)

To answer a couple of questions! So we live in a house, and we pretty much have the whole upstairs and the other hermanas have downstairs. It's 2 bathrooms so that helps with getting ready in the morning. :) There are 4 of us missionaries in our sector here in Chañarcillo. We only work in one ward, but it's pretty big! It takes about a half hour or 45 minutes for the other hermanas to walk to their sector... We live in our sector though, so I am very grateful for that. :) I love our ward though!! They are all so wonderful, and I love our bishop. He has a daughter on a mission in southern Chile, so he loves working with the missionaries, and he is just so supportive and helpful all the time. We got the chance to eat lunch yesterday at his house with his family, and they are just so wonderful. He told us about a million times if there is ever anything we need to just be sure to tell him and he will help out in any way possible. The ward is great. :D Small, but it's just those small things that seem to make a huge impact. :)

Okay so now for a couple experiences for the week. :) It seemed like this week we just had a lot of opposition and it was just starting to get us down and a little bit sad. We came home one night and just had a good long talk about all our investigators and less actives, because it seems like they are all just standing there on the fence, ready to make the decision to completely jump in and accept the gospel, or to jump the other way and completely reject it. It is so crazy to me the effect the adversary has on the hearts of people. The adversary is always there tempting and just waiting to get us at every opportunity, but we must not fall. If you're standing on that fence waiting to make the choice of which way to jump, jump towards the Light and Life of the world. Every single day, we must make the choice to follow Him.

Benjamin is doing well, and he wants to get baptized, but has a few things to straighten up first. He is so strong and so prepared to receive this gospel, and he truly was placed in our path. The Lord always places the prepared in the paths of those who are willing to share, so share with anyone and everyone that you can. :) We are also working with a little girl named Muriel. We are really working with her family and trying to get her parents to come to church with her as well. They know that religion is important, so we will continue to pray for them and visit them, and hope that they can make it to church next week. :)

Hermana Severtson and I were really excited to have Fast Sunday this weekend, and it gave us a lot of peace and comfort. We are just trying everything we can to find, find, find. That was a topic of our fast, and that afternoon we had an awesome experience that I'll share quickly! We found a lady named Karen my first week here, and we stopped back by her house almost every day last week. She never answered the door, so we wondered if she just didn't want to meet with us anymore so she just didn't answer the door, OR she was traveling. So we were diligent and stuck with the "she was traveling" option. :) Yesterday we stopped by her house again, and she wasn't there... I just felt like we should leave her a little note, so we did, and then we left. We started walking down the street behind hers, and this little girl starts running after us yelling, "¡¿Pueden venir mañana?!" over and over and over. So we started walking back towards her thinking, Well yeah of course we'll come by tomorrow, but not having any idea who this little girl is... AND come to find out, her mom was walking out of a house, and it was KAREN!! :D She was laughing and told us she was at her mom's house and she saw us walking by and told her little girl to chase us, so we found her again and she seemed very excited to hear more! We were really excited and hope all goes well. :) Miracles truly happen. :)

It's been a great week and I truly have learned so very much. It made me think of my plaque scripture in Alma 26. With the strength of the Lord, we can do all things. :) I know that as we show our Heavenly Father our broken hearts and contrite spirits, he will guide and lead us. He loves us so very much, and I love having the happiness and joy of this gospel in my life. Even in the times of trials, as we look to him with gratitude, he will help us learn and we will become better and happier people. Be an example of the believers. :) I love this gospel, and I know it is true. I know that my Savior, Jesus Christ lives and suffered for us all. I love being a missionary and special witness of Him!!

With all my love,
Hermana Tuft
===============
Hello Mom and Dad!

I dream in half and half Mom. Hahaha that made me laugh because the other day I was having a dream that I was still here in the mission, but the whole family was here, along with all my MTC teachers too. Talk about random, but I would talk in Spanish to all of them, and English to all of you. :) So half and half. Funny you asked and I literally just had that dream the other night... I don't dream too much... :P I loved hearing about Halloween and all the festivities! Halloween is an adopted holiday here, so we had a few trick or treaters, but not too many... I would love to see pictures of all the costumes you all wore! And Spencer for his dance. :) That's so odd, we had Senior Ball in January.... Fun though!! Crazy he's a Senior.... And I laughed really hard about Lindsay and Lauren Walker dressing up as Brother Caron... Hahaha. So funny. Little Audrey looked ADORABLE. She is just growing up so fast. :) I was also glad to hear that all went well for Rob and Maralee. :D So funnn for them. :D

A couple things. :) Mom, could you send me a picture of the roommates?? :) And also maybe a couple fun and easy recipes...? :) And the lettuce wrap recipe please... :) Also! If either of you see President Caywood, tell him that Hna Severtson was in his branch in the MTC as well! We realized that the other day, so that's kinda fun. :)

I just want to thank you both again for your love and support. I did realize that today was the day in a year I'd be home, and that was such a scary thought to me. Not scary to be home, just scary that the time has been passing by so quickly, and there is so much still to do. It gives me a pit in my stomach because I love this work, and although I obviously will be happy to see you all, I don't want to come home. I hope that makes sense to you both... :) I love my mission. I love this work, and I know with all my heart that it is true. This is the best thing that I've ever done, and I am already looking forward to when I can go again in about 40 years. :) This gospel is so true. I love you both so very much, and I love my Savior. I love the thoughts that you shared Dad, thank you. The Atonement is something we will never fully understand, all we need to know is that He did suffer for us, for our sins and pains and all. He knows our trials and also our moments of happiness, and we learn and grow only when we trust in Him.

I've been studying a lot about Charity, and I would love it if for next week you could both share your thoughts with me on Charity... :) LOTS OF LOVE from here in Copiapó. :D

I love you so much!
Kristen

PS...I talked to an elder that lives with our zone leaders this morning and he said we have a couple letters and packages in their apartment, SO I think it's FINALLY here!!! If not... I don't know if it'll ever come... :) LOVE YOU MOMMY! :D (She sent this in a separate email that we got to talk back and for, for a few minutes, but I'm so happy to put it in with the rest of the email cause there's HOPE that the package arrived-after 4 months!)