A Week of Craziness . . . :D)

Hello all!

It's been a crazy week, but great! We've had a great last week together as companions, Hermana Severtson and I. We had cambios on Saturday and she's headed to Arica and opening a sector AND training, and I will be training. So we're both headed up to Antofa together tomorrow at midnight, and then we'll be there for most of the day Wednesday and come back here to Copiapó and get here Thursday morning at about midnight. So it'll be quite the couple days! We're both nervous, but it will be a great experience. A whole bunch of different emotions are running through my head, so if this is a little scatter-brained....that would be why. :)

Okay. So Monday and Tuesday were pretty normal. Lots of walking, talking with people, alto calor, and a few great lessons. :) Wednesday was about the same as well. :) So, we get around to Thursday and we had a fantastic lesson with Roxana. Her "assignment" was to read the testimonies of the Book of Mormon witnesses, and the testimony of Joseph Smith. We got there, started talking about it, and she got shy and embarrassed. We asked her what was wrong, and she said that she had actually read it a couple times because she loved it so much. She then went through and told us exactly what had happened, and how she felt about it, everything. It was incredible. The spirit was so strong! We asked her if she herself had a testimony of the Book of Mormon. She said she thought she did, because it just made sense and she felt something every time she read it. She guards it away from her little daughter so no one will touch it, etc. It truly is amazing. We were so happy! And then, we were just talking and HER HUSBAND CAME HOME AND WE MET HIM!!! That is definitely a HUGE miracle, because we have never ever met him, and she always says that he doesn't want to meet us, but we just happened to be there... So we might just "happen to be there" a lot more often. :) So pretty much, Roxana has a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon, we met her husband, and all they need to do now is go to church. Thank you ALL for your prayers, because she needs them, and so do we so that we can help them accept this gospel. By small and simple means. :)

Then, we did our transferly cleaning on Friday morning. (We clean every week, just for the record, but just a deeper cleaning. :)) We cleaned our house super good, got rid of spiders (with a little bit of screaming and LOTS of bug spray) and then we went to shower and get ready to leave for the day. Background information also, we are changing houses and living with Isabel in 2 more weeks. That being said, we were showering in our 2 bathrooms (Hna Severtson upstairs and I was downstairs) and Hna Severtson knocked on the door and said, "Ummm, Hermana... I think that the upstairs bathroom is flooding..." My reaction: "WHAT?!?! And what do you mean you think it's flooding....?" "Well I don't have my contacts in so I can't see for sure!" Bahahaha. My reaction in my head: "Seriously this cannot be happening again. 2nd flood in the 2nd apartment in 2 years." Something must be wrong. Anywho. "Okay. Hurry and call Elder DeGraw (District Leader) and I'll be right out!" So I hurry and rinse off, and she comes back about 30 seconds later... "Ummm...I think it's dripping from the bathroom into the kitchen!" Threw my towel on and ran out and yes, it was indeed dripping through the ceiling. So I run upstairs and it's about 2 inches deep of water in the bathroom and it was all leaking through the floor downstairs.... :)

Needless to say, we called Elder DeGraw, we got things taken care of for now (the main drain is plugged and the water's been dripping for a while), we are not using the upstairs bathroom, and we are moving out in 2 weeks and I could not be more excited. :D Bahahaha but we definitely had a great laugh. :) Lesson I learned the 2nd time around: Just laugh and life will work out. Life's too short to not have fun. :)

Saturday we had a great lesson with Isabel and Obispo. We talked about the 13th Article of Faith :) and Isabel is literally amazing. She just couldn't stop saying how grateful she is that we were sent to her at this moment in her life. She needs the Gospel so badly, and we are so grateful for the miracle that it is to share it with her. She went again to church on Sunday, and we're headed back tonight. She loves reading the Book of Mormon, and is just an absolute golden investigator. I love her lots. :) We are all very excited for her baptism here in a couple weeks.

Right after we left Isabel's, we got our transfer calls and it's just been craziness getting everything ready after that. But life is great and we are super happy little missionaries. :D On Sunday we all 4 missionaries spoke on faith, hope, charity, and love. It was a great meeting! Hermana Severtson played a beautiful Joseph Smith Medley, and it was just great. Lots of people are out of town for summer vacation, so we've started going down in attendance, but bishop just says that's normal for summer, and things will be back to normal in March. We just keep working though and the work goes on!

Also last little thing!! (Sorry this has been so informationalish today!) We were talking about hope as we were walking to a lesson the other day, because that was Hna Severtson's topic to speak on, and she was saying how when she thought of hope she thought of the pioneers. She said how she wanted to share a story about her ancestors, but she couldn't think of one. I asked her who she could share something about and she said, "Well, I know lots of stories of my Webb line, and they came from Nauvoo, so maybe I'll do something with them." I have a Webb line from Nauvoo!! So I got really excited and asked if it was the blacksmith shop Webb and she said yes and long story short, we are cousins. :D No wonder why we get along so well. :) So that is fun! Can't you see the resemblance?? :P

Anywho, I'd better be off, but I love you all so very much. Thank you for your prayers, love and constant support! I know without a doubt that this church is true, that we are lead by a prophet of God, and that Christ lives. We are so blessed! How wonderful it is to live in such a marvelous time. :)

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

I have lots of thoughts on conference talks and the Articles of Faith that I am looking forward to sharing next week, but for this week I have got to run! I am so sorry! But I was so excited to hear that you are all starting to memorize and study the Articles of Faith again! I have memorized 1 through 4 in spanish this week...but need to keep reviewing them. I even used them in lessons, which was cool and definitely a testimony builder that as we study, the words will be given to us in the precise moment that we need them. :)

I am not sure the significance of Cerro la Cruz, but maybe I should ask... Most northern Chilean cities have them, but I think it's a protection/Catholic tradition.... That's my pure guess. :) It was just like climbing to the Y, but it was a fun, short little hike. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I miss hiking... :P It was fun! :) I would teleport to the top if it were possible too, Dad. :)

Working with less actives is going ok, and we seem to find many more every day. I think most of Chile is inactive. :) It seems like they are all pretty stubborn, and we have tried everything up our sleeves to get them back to church, but with little progress to show for it... If you have any suggestions they would be GREATLY appreciated. :) If you get a second too Dad, I would love it if you could share a couple mission stories. :) I just thought of that, and how I would love to hear. :) How are the ward missionaries doing? What are their names? And do you go out on visits with them ever? I know we LOVE that when members just go with us for a couple hours. :) Just a thought. :)

I loved the thought as well about the Provo Tabernacle/Temple. I cannot wait for that. I get chills every time I reread that story. It is a miracle, and shows us definitely that everything is on the Lord's time table and in His design. Thank you for sharing that thought!

I didn't know about Shannon falling, and WITH TWINS!! I loved that little song though. :) Tell her I'm thinking about her and praying for her. I love her lots. :) I sent a little note for her in the family letter I sent a couple weeks ago. :) Poor girl.... I am glad a little cute family moved in across the street!! How old are their kids?? Love it. :) And I am SO happy you all went to the temple this weekend!! I miss it so very very very much. Words cannot express. :) We are truly SO blessed to have SO many SO close. I am glad you all got to go together. :) Also, you mentioned the Shurtz names you did, and speaking of which, how is the Peter Shirts work going? Any new updates lately? I've been thinking about Elder Davies and wondering how he's been! Send my love!

Kay!! I've got to run!! Next week should be full of stories and pictures of the little hijita. :) I love you both so very much! I feel like I'm forgetting something, but I guess I can ask next week! :)

All my love,
Kristen

P.S. OH! Mom can you send the homemade oreo recipe (I found devil's food cake mix!!) :P

Vale la Pena :)

Kristen with a jackhammer (facebook link)

Hermana Tuft brushing her teeth atop Cerra la Cruz 6 Jan 2014. She and her Dad climb to the top of the highest mountain and brush their teeth.

Hermana Tuft with her District on top of Cerra la Cruz

Hermana Kami Severtson and Hermana Kristen Tuft

Hello all!!

It's been an absolutely great week to start off the new year! Things have FLOWN by is all, but life is great and we're still alive in this awful heat. Por lo menos. :P But I am also super happy to hear you're all alive and surviving the freezing cold! Everyone here has been talking about how awful it's been in los Estados cold-wise the past week or so... Wish I could say the same honestly. :) But we are so happy! Because guess whaattt!

We found an absolutely amazing investigator this past week and she is getting baptized in a couple weeks! Her name is Isabel (she's the lady that we will be renting our house from) and she is just fantastic. She has had a really, really hard life, especially the past year or so with lots of family trials. She lives alone, and as we went over last Monday to do our contract stuff for the new pension, she asked us what we did and what we taught. It kind of took us a little off guard, because we were planning on having a quick lesson with her after, but she asked us as we were filling out the papers. We taught the first lesson and she started to cry. She was just so happy and felt that peace and love that she has been looking for. She accepted the baptism invitation and was just beaming. She came to church yesterday, loved it, and come to find out she knows quite a few ward members already from just living here in Copiapó her whole life. It was just such a beautiful miracle that we were blessed with this past week. I have been so excited (haha since last Monday night... :P) to share her story. Obviously it's only just begun, but we felt so very blessed to be a part of that beginning.

In other news, we have been working a LOT this past week with less actives and their families. It's been incredible to see the change that the less actives have made to make it possible for their families as well to receive this gospel. We still have a long way to go, but families truly are forever, and that's what we are here for, as missionaries, to help others become families for time and all eternity. I feel so deeply blessed to be sealed to my family and that I can live with them forever. How incredible it is that we live in this, the fulness of times, with the fulness of the gospel here upon the earth.

For New Year's Eve, we ate with a family here in the ward, the 4 of us missionaries. They are a great family! Hermana Maria Lydia and her husband, Claudio, have been on a mission and are getting ready to go again soon. They are such wonderful helps to us as missionaries, and are wonderful examples as well to the ward. We ate dinner with them, and then headed back to the pension. Hermana Severtson and I were up until just a few minutes after midnight in order to see the fun fireworks. New Year's day was just a normal day. :) We did change our district meeting again for this last week to Wednesday, so that was helpful, knowing that everyone was sleeping. :) (Our neighbors even went to bed, so we did actually get a great night's sleep! :P)

I'd better be running this week, but I just wanted to share my testimony that I know that this church is absolutely true. There is no doubt in my mind, and the gospel has brought such light and happiness into my life, and the life of those that I have had the oportunity to share it with. Sometimes the road might seem hard, but His yoke is easy and His burden is light, all we need to do is put our trust and faith in Him. He suffered for us all, but He also knows the things that bring us happiness and joy, and is just waiting for us to accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Christ lives and loves us. I know that to be absolutely true.

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

Crazy stuff!! I think my "blizzard package" might be here! I'll get it tomorrow if it is and then I'll let you know next week... :P We have transfers again on Saturday! Crazy!!! (Kristen and I went back and forth on email talking a bit this morning so I added in a few of the things we talked about. I told her I had a hunch Hna Severtson may be going because she's been there longer but that I thought there would be changes in their lives coming soon.) We've been thinking that too, ESPECIALLY because we just found out eight hermanas will be coming.... Our daily guess changes, but today it's that we're both training and that I'll stay and she'll train and open a sector.... So we shall see!  Our guess changes daily... :P  I've LOVED having these 3 months with her though.  She is WONDERFUL. :)  Hahaha tell Lindsay to hang in there with all that catching up on homework before the end of the term.  We've all done it. :P  BUT I love her enthusiasm. :)

Thank you for your letters and spiritual thoughts this week! I loved reading through that beautiful primary song and reading the couple thoughts from the Priesthood session of conference. I remember singing that song in Primary, and reading back through it brought back some of those memories and also had more meaning these days. I couldn't help but tie the 2 thoughts together, about Dad saying Christ is always there to help us get back up, with his hand outstretched and saying, "You can do it now!" Our invitation every day is to "Live like His Son," and we can only do that as we accept His loving hand to help us get back up. The Atonement of Jesus Christ continues to bring more and more meaning into my life. Although I will never fully comprehend it, I can learn so much and apply His sacrifice daily. So thank you for your thoughts!! Every week they help me more and more. :)

I'm so happy to hear that all went well with the New Year, that you stayed up late and had a great time with the family. :) That's what it's all about, right? :) Little Audrey is just growing up so very fast!! Tell Lindsay and Spencer too, to just relax a little, and enjoy the ride. Not to get lazy, but just to be happy DURING, not just AFTER the work is done. :) Any new news with the mission papers, Spencer?? I'd better run cause I want to get a few pictures sent too, but I love you both so very much. Thank you for all the love, support, and patience with your little Chilena. :) You are both the very best. Pero enserio. :) 

Thank you for all the pictures!  I loved them lotttsss. :)  It's also great to have an update of the friends :D  I am SO excited for Megan Marchbanks!! FUN!!!  Both the Megans are in Washington....hahaha :)

To the sun, the moon, the stars, and back,
Kristen

P.S. I just thought we could both keep a little check up on each other, as you all are memorizing the Articles of Faith, I'll keep asking you if you'll keep asking me... Just a little bit of motivation for the both of us... :) I'm hoping to do at least 1 through 3 memorized this week... :) LOVE YOU!!!

¡Feliz año nuevo!

Hello all!!

¡Feliz año nuevo! It's so absolutely INSANE to me that it's going to be 2014 in 2 days.... Where did 2013 fly?? But I can honestly say it's been one of the most insane and best years ever, and I look even more forward to the adventures of 2014. I hope you all do too! :) I've been thinking about new years resolutions, but as of today.... I don't have any.... One more day! :)

New Year's will be a lot like the Christmas celebration around here, but this time it will involve a lot more fireworks and dance parties. So that will be interesting! We're excited. Hahaha not really...we might not be getting much sleep tomorrow night.... :) Christmas though is more family involved, and New Year's is more friends/partyish. Much like it is back there at home. (Have fun at the neon dance Spencer and Lindsay!!) :)

The week ended absolutely fantastic. It has been SO much hotter the past couple weeks, but we're loving the work and we are seeing lots of progress. By small and simple things great things truly are brought to pass. One thing that we actually have set as a New Year's resolution is to memorize the Articles of Faith in Spanish. We have been studying them a lot lately, and sharing their simple but profound teachings with a lot of members, and less actives as well. I actually had an Article of Faith pass-along card the other day and someone asked what we believed, so we shared with her, and then I gave that card to her. The Articles of Faith truly are powerful teaching tools, so that has been a testimony for me that yes, all Primary kids should definitely learn them and then keep studying them as well. I don't think I've actually studied them since Primary, as bad as that sounds.... So that's the weekly challenge for you all! :) Just take a few minutes to go back through and read and study the Articles of Faith. :) I know there will be things learned and greater understanding gained.

Something fun I wanted to share was from a lesson we had last night with our ward mission leader, his wife, and their cute little primary kid. We talked about the story in Luke 10:38-42 (I'm pretty sure that's the reference....) with Mary and Martha, and how we must choose the better part, as Christ explains. It is a great reminder that sometimes we overlook the most important things and say, "Oh, I can read my scriptures later," or "I'll just go to that one hour of church," and we justify. Martha was cleaning her house, probably just because she knew that was what she needed to get done that day, but she didn't stop when the Savior stopped by to teach them. It made me just wonder if we stop to do those little things every day. Do we allow Christ to teach us, to heal us, to make us better than we were the day before? Do we choose "the better part" on a daily basis?

We finished up the lesson, and as we were about to sing a closing song, we asked if there was anything we could help them with. Their 9 year old son, Benjamin, jumped out of his chair, got really excited, and then 2 seconds later, sat down embarrassed. We asked him what is was we could do for him. (It seriously was just the cutest little moment of excitement, and then pure shyness. :)) He had his head down, and shyly said, "Well, I was just wondering if you guys could write the prophet and ask him to send me a Book of Mormon for my friend...." It was just the sweetest little experience. :) So, we told him we could definitely set things up for him to get a Book of Mormon to his friend. :)

It's truly been another great week here in Chañarcillo. :) This work is absolutely incredible and I am so very grateful for this chance I have to be here on the Lord's errand, to be here with my wonderful companion, and to be learning and growing so very much every day. The work continues to go forth, and He truly is hastening this work. I know this church is true, and that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most important thing in our lives.

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

Can I just say it was a lot of fun to chat with you all for a few minutes last week?? :) That was a fun little Christmas present for me. :) I also am SO very grateful for the package and all the goodies and beautiful clothes you sent. Thank you SO much. :) Hermana Severtson and I were feeling like very spoiled little missionaries on Christmas morning... Thank you. :)

I am also so very grateful for the chance that I had to talk to Grandpa and Grandma for a little bit. I will forever remember that experience, and it is well written in my journal. :) I want to write them and ask them if they could both write and then email/or even mail... their testimonies to me... I would love and cherish that forever. They both look like they are doing well and are happy. I hope and pray that all continues to go well for their health, and most of all that Grandpa will stay happy and alert, and not be in pain. Cancer is something I loathe so very much, and I wish someone could find a cure, but until that day I will just have to sit back and be patient, and know that above all else, God is in control, and He truly is our loving and merciful Heavenly Father. Thank you once again for running up there for the afternoon and getting things set up so that we could talk for a little bit. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! :)

Also, I sent a letter this morning...hahaha for Christmas.... Just a little late, but keep a look out for that. :) We also talked to Elba this week, so she wrote a quick note for her missionaries that I put in there... :) Those names don't sound familiar, although there are a million Villarroel's here in Chile, so I will watch and look around for those 3 people. :) Aaand my carnet is just a few papers, my visa, and a picture, and no it's just a temporary thing.... But still. It gives me a Chilean ID number....so I FEEL Chilean... :D Maybe it's just to make us feel good... :) So no, I could not stay the rest of my life, sadly enough.... ALTHOUGH. Apparently the governments are changing that rule, so you'll not have to have a huge fee between Chile and the US when you fly in and are from one of the 2... Fun stuff. That means I'll be able to come back as much as I want!!! Hahaha just kidding. :P

Hey really quick.... Please tell Kaisa and her husband congrats for me and take pictures. :) I love her lots! And any news about MMarchy and her mission calll.....? Alsooo crazy that Chaz gets back this month!! Aaand how are Ash, Jenn, and Kajsia doing?? Maybe you could do a little fb stalk for me.... Weird how I have more contact with friends in the mission than with those at home... :) I love you both so very much! Thank you for your love and support and for everything you do, your thoughts you share with me, prayers, concern, etc. :) I love you both LOTS!!

Con mucho amor,
Kristen

¡¡FELIZ NAVIDAD!!

Hello hello!

It's been an awesome week and we are very excited for the week to come! Everyone is just full of happy Christmas cheer. :) We have had a week LLENO of Christmas activities, and more this week. But I absolutely love it. We go home every night just absolutely exhausted, so I just wrote for the first time all week about it in my journal.... (I used to do so good writing every night, but these past few days has been not the best....) So I decided to just do a run through kinda like I did in my journal... :)

Okie dokie. So Tuesday morning we had our district meeting and we practiced a little bit as a zone for Thursday's singing at the hospital. We were having a great lesson at about 9ish that night, and the lights turned off!! Haha so turns out that Copiapó had a black out from all the Christmas lights so the electricity just went off... There are a lot of lights... :) We were having a lesson with a girl named Tamara. She's up here for school, but is from Rancagua. So we've been teaching her and she actually leaves tomorrow for summer break... :( She won't come back until Marchish, BUT I am going to ask for her address and send it to Kenna. How cool would that be if Kenna was in her ward... :) Anywho. She is great and progressing great. We are leaving her with a Book of Mormon tonight, so we hope she'll read it this summer and get her in touch with the missionaries down there. :)

Thursday we went to get my carnet! I will officially be Chilean soon. :) That afternoon we went to the hospital with the zone and sang to the little kids, and sang a couple songs on every floor of the hospital. That was fun to bring a little Christmas cheer to those people in the hospital at this time. :) We had a lesson that night with Andrea, and she is progressing slowly but surely. She knows there is something different about the church and we explained that feeling she always feels with us is the Spirit, and that she can have it with her all the time. She wants to know if it's true, but she just needs to pray... So we're planning on doing an activity with their family to do prayer rocks this week. Keep her in your prayers please. :)

On Friday, we did service in the morning for a new investigator and her daughter. She has Parkinson's so it's hard for her to get around much, and her daughter is in a wheelchair. She was so very grateful, and we were grateful to help. We have been excited to meet and start working with them. :) Then we had intercambios with our sister training leaders that afternoon until Saturday morning. We had a great time! I was with Hna Brewster (from Salt Lake) and Hna Severtson went to their sector to be with Hna Delgado. We went to visit a couple who have been investigating for about a year or more. Missionaries stop by every once and a while, but not consistently. When we planned on Thursday night, Hna Severtson and I both felt like we should visit them. So we did and Hna Brewster and I stopped by. It was a missionary moment that I will never forget. The Spirit was so strong and I just felt such peace as we retaught the first lesson. They normally have TONS of questions, but after we finished, they just both sat there and stared at us... I kinda thought for a second they hadn't understood a single word that we had just said, but they did and they just smiled. They said they have never understood Joseph Smith or the Book of Mormon very well until then, but the time was right and the Spirit was able to work through us. It was a very special experience!

Sunday we sang again in the plaza, and with both zones here in Copiapó this time, so that was another fun thing and then we did contacts until it was time to go to the rebroadcast of the Christmas First Presidency Devotional. That was a great meeting. I loved how someone talked about how Christ could have come in a manger of gold, but he came in a humble pesebre, showing us that it's the things that don't necessarily have much worth, in means of money and riches, that have the most worth in our lives.

Another thought that I loved was that we can all go on our own spiritual journey to Bethlehem. It is so incredible that the wise men could follow a star in order to find the newly born Son of God. We have the same "star" in our lives. It's also the same fruit that Lehi partook of in his dream, and it is the same star that Nefi saw when he asked of the significance of the fruit. The love of God is His Son, Jesus Christ. I hope that all get the chance to read the Christmas story in the Bible, and in the Book of Mormon as well. How beautiful is this time of the year!

Sé que esta iglesia es verdadera y que Jesuscristo vive. Este tiempo del año es lo más precioso, y me encanta que yo esté aqui en Chile. Estoy super agradecida que tenga la oportunidad a compartir estas nuevas de gran gozo con todos. Espero que todos puedan hacer lo mismo, especialmente en eses tiempos de la Navidad. Les quiero MUCHO y que tengan un Navidad super felices. :)

(I know this church is true and that Jesus Christ lives. This time of year is the most precious, and I love that I am here in Chile. I'm super grateful to have the opportunity to share these tidings of great joy to all. I hope everyone can do the same, especially in times such as Christmas. I love you A LOT and hope you have a super happy Christmas. :))

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

I was so sad to hear about Sister Elaine Staheli.... I hope their family is doing okay. She had a hard go these past few years though. I am very happy to know that she is no longer in pain. It sounds like you've all had a very busy and fun week! I'm glad to hear about Lindsay's arm doing a little better and that Spencer's concert went well. :) I also am very excited to talk to you all on Wednesday! I hope that 1 your time will be okay! I haven't gotten anything back from Mom yet.... My excitement though will not get in the way of the work though, I promise. There's too much to do and too little time. :) Thank you for talking to Elders Manning y Fenn Mom! We'll be awaiting his letter. :) I loved that story too Dad, of that missionary story in the Ensign. That is just what I needed to read. There are discouraging moments, but when I keep stories like that in mind, I feel like my efforts might be farther reaching than I realize. :) YAY also that all that Uncle Mark stuff is dealt with!! :) Merry Christmas Mom! :) Also, your story Dad, reminded me of going to the hospital to sing to the kids this week! That would be so fun to read to them! Unfortunately, the hospital is in another sector... :( Maybe one day. :) We have not moved into our new house, just random side note. :P Someday... :) We also had a GREAT less active and brownie giving experience... :) I might have to share that on Wednesday if you remind me. :) I will definitely want to see the snow too! So save a little for me... :P I love you both so very much! Talk to you soon!! :)

All my love,
Kristen

P.S. Freaked me out that picture of Kaisa in a wedding dress.....whattttt? So happy for her though!! :) And Jaden and Carolina! Fun stuff. :) Thanks for the pic!!

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 :)