Taking a Page Out of Noah's Book.

Panoramic view of Antofagasta, Chile October 2014

Hellloooo!

First off, I would just like to wish my Dad HAPPY BIRTHDAY on Friday. I love you Dad! No worries, I won't say how many years old you'll be turning.... :P Thank you for everything, and thanks to you and Mom, I am who I am. I could not have asked for better parents; thank you both so very much. :)

It's been a fantastic week everyone. :) Honestly I have loved this week. We had lots of desafios, but things have work out great, and the most important part is that ERMELINDA GOT BAPTIZED ON SATURDAY. So that's the most important thing, and that she is doing sooo great. She is loving life. More details en un ratito...

So, this week I learned (yet again) what it means to be "flooded". I never thought I would have so many water issues being in a desert. But needless to say, we were flooded this week in our apartment. And life was just peachy. :)

Here's what happened:

So once upon a time our apartment had problems with draining in the shower. The drain was clogged. So for a year, the sister missionaries have just lived with it and life goes on. But it also gets more clogged.... And one day, (last Monday) we talked to the office elders to help us get it fixed (because other quick short story is that we are renting from a missionary couple that's on their mission in Ecuador, and they're coming home in November so things have to be ready for them and we have to find a new apartment....) Bueno so the elders in the office were on top of things, a couple hermanos came to fix it, but instead of fixing it.....things got more complicated..... So they took out the shower, and our whole bathroom was in the living room. We had to stop for the night, and the next morning we went to the sisters apartment in the other sector to shower, came home, studied, left to do visits in the morning, aaand when we got home.....dun dun duuun there was water ALLL OVER THE APARTMENT. Plop. Soooo we called the son of the couple (who's in the ward and has been in this whole process) and anywho long story short the whole flooding thing happened a few different times, but there was nothing they could do about it because we live on the bottom floor, so all the used water from the apartments above come down to ours, etc. Yep. So we have been taking a page out of Noah's book this week. And can I just say I hope that I never have a flood in my house/apartment ever, ever, eeevvvverrrrrr againnnnnn. :D

Two weeks before the above mentioned flood! EWWWW!

The GREAT news is that last night, a ward member called us and said that they have a small apartment that they would like to rent to us, so after 2 months of steadily looking and calling and checking up on apartments, we think we have finally found the winner. The thing is just to approve it all with President, and hopefully next week we will be in a different apartment and they'll be able to get things fixed accordingly in the one we're in(ish) right now. The other part of the story is that we have been sleeping for the past week in the other sector of sisters (Origenes) and the little air mattresses deflated every night. Slowly but surely. :) How wonderful is all of this. But we've learned lots and we're happy little campers. :D

Ermelinda had a great baptism on Saturday. It was SO great, because everything seemed to go so smoothly and perfectly, so that is definitely a blessing. Thank you all so much for your prayers. She is doing so great. She is so excited to be a member of the Church and to have finally found the right path. She just kept saying thank you all night long and all day on Sunday. :) On Sunday, we were able to talk more a fondo about family history work, and she loved it. While we were waiting for her baptism to start, we were watching videos of the temple, and she was asking questions and listening to Hermana Arenas explain everything about being able to do the work for our families. And she just got so excited, saying that it didn't make much sense all of this coming to the earth in families, if we were all just going to die and not see each other again. I think the whole Plan of Salvation kinda clicked for her a little bit more in that moment. :) Line upon line. :)

I've been reading in the Book of Mormon this week in 3 Nephi when Christ comes to the Americas. This part has always, and I believe will forever be, my favorite part. I remember when I was 12 when I would go to the temple, I would always read 3 Nephi 8-11. The change that takes place in just a matter of chapters is incredible. The majority of these people are wicked and evil people, but they are humbled by all this destruction, and then comes the 3rd day, when the darkness ceases, and they rejoice.

9 And it came to pass that thus did the three days pass away. And it was in the morning, and the darkness dispersed from off the face of the land, and the earth did cease to tremble, and the rocks did cease to rend, and the dreadful groanings did cease, and all the tumultuous noises did pass away.

10 And the earth did cleave together again, that it stood; and the mourning, and the weeping, and the wailing of the people who were spared alive did cease; and their mourning was turned into joy, and their lamentations into the praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ, their Redeemer.

I couldn't help but be filled with joy as I read this. Here we are, watching Ermelinda, and many other investigators, make changes in their lives, and we got to see her take great steps in order to follow Christ, and literally she has changed inside and out; her whole countenance has changed! I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ changes lives. Even though we cannot touch the prints in his hands and feet physically, right now, we can accept the sacrifice that He paid for us and follow Him.

14 Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

15 And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.

16 And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying:

17 Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him.

I know that He lives and that He loves each and every one of us, no matter what we have done or where we have walked in the path of life, but that we can do better, and return to Him. I love Him. This is His church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

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

Dad, I tried checking that website, but it doesn't work.... :( I also tried searching it in the search bar, and the videos didn't come up.... I did like the principles that he shared though. I couldn't help but smile as you said to think about who currently needs help in experiencing the Spirit of Elijah and what we were able to experience with Ermelinda yesterday. :) There are many other people that came to mind, and most of them are recent converts, so we really need to get on that one and help keep them active and helping out with their family history work so that they can feel the power and importance of temples and what their ancestors are waiting for them to do. :) Thank you for sharing that! I can't remember if you shared that with me a while back, or if we reviewed it in our mission council, but I had seen those before....not sure where. But they are a great reminder. Also, thank you so much for that thought from Elder Scott. I want to translate that and share it with Hermana Arenas and Liset.... Thanks for the idea. :) Women of the world are a lot different than women of the church. It is incredible, but also incredible to know that every single one of us once knew, and will know again, of our divine importance. I think that invitation to "let us help them as much as we can" can apply to all of us, men and women, as we help others who don't quite see the full picture...

I didn't mention in the main letter our other investigators from this week, but we are working with a great family of a single mother and four kids, and hope to have more time to share about them next week a little bit. Her name is Virginia and she is great. More to comeee. :) Sad story about Katiuska.... :( She moved to Peru just like that.... She went for vacation and decided to stay... She's from Peru and her whole family is there, but she was working here and just up and left.... :( So that's the scoop with her. BUT she sent me a request on Facebook, so I can send her address to the missionaries there in Peru.... :D

As far as housing and such goes, I think it would be good to put the deposit down.... I don't know much about it, but I did get Justina to send me a couple pictures and things looked good. I never really thought about having to look for housing mid-semester. It's close to campus so that's nice, and anywho. I think it would be good. If it's not good, everything happens for a reason and I'll learn lots. And spend lots of time at Megan's house. :P Not quite sure what's in store, but things will work out. So yes, it's a yes for the apartment..........

I laughed about Bella and Floppy...... Silly bunnies. I'm sad to hear about Grandma's sister passing away. I don't remember too much about meeting them on the way to Nauvoo.... I do remember something, but I thought that was Marvin and Dee Schultz...? I get them all mixed up. :) Are you going to the funeral this week? And I also had to chuckle about your little KRASH BOOM BAAAAHHHHH, cause it seems to run in the family between you, me, and Lindsay dear. :P Hermana Arenas fell in the shower this morning..... We heard a big krash booommmm and when she came out she was cut up and bleeding on her arm and has a good goose egg on the side of her head. She would also kill me if she knew I was telling you this. Two good things: She will never read this, and she doesn't read English anyways..... :P We're just fallin right and left here now aren't we? :)

Thank you for your letters and all the time you put into them. :) I love them and they always make me smile. I had better run, but I love you both and hope you both have a fantastic week. :) Enjoy Fall Break and tell everyone I said hello and send my love. Nos estamos hablandddooo. :)

Love,
Kristen

¡Feliz Martes! :P

Kristen with Hna Millaquipai (who used to be her companion a couple areas ago.)

Self explanatory for her sister, Megan Schmidt. :)

Training meeting in Antofagasta Oct 2014

Hello Everyone!

Well, as you now know, we're having P-day today instead of yesterday. :)  Surprise! :P  We had interviews with President Dalton yesterday, so our district leader called this week and said that P-day would be Tuesday instead.  So Mom, you will have two happy days with Spencer's letter yesterday and mine today.... :P

It has been an absolutely crazy, but fantastic week. :)  As usual. :)  As I have said before, things would just be easier if you all could just be here and live the week as Hermana Arenas and I have. :P  But as that is not possible, I'll try to share a few things that have happened. :)

This week has been full of conferences!  We had our consejo de liderazgo on Thursday, and that was a great meeting.  I loved it because we were able to talk together about our own scripture studies on a topic that we all studied mutually, and were able to learn from one another in how we can act more in the faith that we have and have faith sufficient enough to be blessed with the miracles that we pray for.  (The lame thing is that I forgot my notebook where I wrote everything down from this conference, and General Conference.....whoops....) We were also invited (6 of us that are finishing our missions) to share our testimonies, and that was quite the special experience for me.  I stood up, and felt and knew that I am a very changed daughter of God than who I was 17 months ago.  I love being a missionary, and I know that this is His work and that truly He has restored the only true gospel here on the earth once again.  Oh how He loves us!

I also loved General Conference. :D  It ended all too quickly, but it was beautiful to be instructed by the prophets and apostles, as well as our other church leaders.  There were two main themes that Hna Arenas and I talked about that was mentioned in just about every talk.  In almost every talk (if not in every talk), the Prophet Joseph Smith was mentioned.  In one of my favorites, was by President Eyring, he talked about the Prophet and how he, being so young, was blessed by the Lord with such wonderful revelation that would change the world.  We probably will not recieve revelation such as Joseph Smith did, but we can receive our own personal revelation.  I know that this is true!  I know that prophets are here upon the earth once again, and that President Thomas S. Monson, lovingly, leads and guides us today.  The other subject that caught our attention was the Sacrament.  I cannot think of those who spoke about the Sacrament off the top of my head, but a lo mejor, para la pròxima..... :P  I'll be sure to share more thoughts next week. :)  One of my favorite quotes was from President Uchtdorf in the Women's session when he was talking about keeping the commandments and said, "I think God knows something that we don't."  So true. :D

Things are all lined up and doing great for Ermelinda's baptism!  PLEASE KEEP HER IN YOUR PRAYERS.  The week before baptisms is when Satan seems to work his hardest to persuade the person to NOT get baptized, and we are praying very hard for her.  She is great and I know that she will be okay and that Saturday will be very beautiful. :)  Liset is now reading the Book of Mormon and is doing very well. :)  We also had an interesting little experience yesterday when a member called us and said that there were a few high school age kids that needed to do a report in their religion class on what we believe, so we met with the four of them yesterday and actually had a great lesson with them. :)  One of them lives in our sector, and invited us over to her house, and they all said they would love to go to church on Sunday (let's hope they feel the same way on Sunday morning at 9 am :)).  So we are excited to get to know Consuelo and her family this week... :)  

Just one scripture that I wanted to share from my study of the Book of Mormon this week.  A little food for thought, and hopefully you can read all of Helaman 3, but here's verses 29 and 30:

29Yea, we see that whosoever will lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked-

30And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out. 

I love you all lots and hope that you have fantastic weeks. :D  This is the true church of our Lord, Jesus Christ!

Con mucho cariño,

Hermana Tuft

=================

Hey Mom and Dad!

First off, I love you both lots.  And secondly, life is fantastic and we are so greatly blessed. :) Thank you for your letters and love and concern every week. :)  I AM SO HAPPY YOU GOT TO MEET THE TAPIA QUEVEDOS!!! :D  They are wonderful people. :)  I am sooooo sad about Isabel.....  That one got me... :(  But I know that they will keep trying with her.  She has a veryyy hard life, but I know that she knows it is easier if she is walking along side the Lord.  I hope my good ol Chañarcillo will not forget about her and help her along this path.... They are great people.  Hno Patricio is in the bishopbric right now and it is a great ward.

I love you both so much and feel of your love always.  Thank you for everything and for keeping me and Spencer in your prayers always.  Tell everyone hello and keep Lindsay in good spirits. She'll get through this all okay. :)

Love you lotsss!

Kristen

PS - Mom, that cute MaryAnn Nelson sent me a package. :)  I just got it this past week, and was so tickled that she would do that.  If you get a chance this week, please stop by at the CornWagon and thank her for me. :)  Or maybe a note on Facebook, but something. :)  I wore the yellow scarf she sent to our consejo, so there's a picture of that on skydrive, and the little "lost sheep" she sent is sitting in our apartment as a reminder. :)  THANKS!!!!

PSS

 I DIDN'T KNOW MARGENE PASSED AWAYYYYY! :(

Te Damos, Señor, Nuestras Gracias

Hello All!!

It has been a FANTASTIC week that has absolutely flooowwwwn by. But we have loved ever single second. :) First of all, FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS A MI MAMI!!! I love you so very much and I am so grateful for everything that you and Dad do for me, and all of us. You are an example to many, and especially to me. :)

And second of all, ERMELINDA'S GOOD AND READY FOR HER BAPTISM ON THE 11th! :D We had her baptismal interview on Saturday and she was just so happy and Elder Pakar said that she answered everything perfectly, as if she was already a member.... She truly is a miracle. And miracles happen every single day here in the field, but she is a miracle bigger than big. :) They also announced her baptism yesterday at church, and had her stand up, etc, and everyone came up afterward and was congratulating her on her decision, etc. And it was absolutely fantastic. She is amazing.

This week has been a week where I have just felt every single day such gratitude and love for everyone and everything. Honestly, I feel like if someone slammed a thousand doors in our face I would just have said, "Well, at least they opened and we got to say hello!" Luckily....that didn't happen. But I have just been so happy and full of gratitude to my Father in Heaven, who loves me, and you, and every single person down here living in Chile so very much. So that, my friends, is the reason that I have had the song, "Te Damos, Señor, Nuestras Gracias" stuck in my head. :) And I want to include the words in Spanish and good ol' English. :)

1. Te damos, Señor, nuestras gracias
que mandas de nuevo venir
profetas con tu Evangelio,
guiándonos cómo vivir.
Y gracias por todos los dones
vertidos por tu gran amor.
Tenemos placer en servirte
a ti, nuestro gran Bienhechor.

2. Al sobrevenirnos peligros
que amenazan quitarnos la paz,
tenemos en Dios gran confianza;
vencido será Satanás.
De Dios no dudamos en nada;
probamos ya bien Su bondad.
Los que a Sión se opongan,
al fin sentirán su maldad.

3. De Dios cantaremos la gracia,
bondad, compasión y amor.
Gozamos de Su Evangelio,
alegres de ver su fulgor.
Así, a la dicha eterna,
los justos y fieles irán,
mas los que el mensaje rechacen,
tal gozo con Él no tendrá.

1. We thank thee, O God, for a prophet
To guide us in these latter days.
We thank thee for sending the gospel
To lighten our minds with its rays.
We thank thee for every blessing
Bestowed by thy bounteous hand.
We feel it a pleasure to serve thee
And love to obey thy command.

2. When dark clouds of trouble hang o'er us
And threaten our peace to destroy,
There is hope smiling brightly before us,
And we know that deliv'rance is nigh.
We doubt not the Lord nor his goodness.
We've proved him in days that are past.
The wicked who fight against Zion
Will surely be smitten at last.

3. We'll sing of his goodness and mercy.
We'll praise him by day and by night,
Rejoice in his glorious gospel,
And bask in its life-giving light.
Thus on to eternal perfection
The honest and faithful will go,
While they who reject this glad message
Shall never such happiness know.

Dad, you asked me what song I would sing, and this is it. :D We'll see if we can't sing it tonight.... I LOVE the message that this hymn holds! I realized what most people don't have in their lives is gratitude for the things they do have. So, just as a little food for thought, make a list of all the things you're grateful for, and when you're having a hard time and don't think that things will work out or you feel like complaining just look at your list of blessings, and things seem to work out a little bit better. :)

We had a great experience this week. We were making copies of our progress record for our ward mission leader, and we've made copies there before, but we usually are just there in passing and are running here and there, but we had a little humbling moment as the lady that works there asked us who we were... We had just given her the money to pay for the copies, and she asked us where we were from. We told her "Peru y los Estados Unidos," (we thought that's what she was referring to, because she, too, is a foreigner here from Colombia) and she said, "No, like where are you from? The paper you copied and your badges have the same symbol/name. Where are you from?" A little embarrassed we responded that we were from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and we were here as missionaries to share a message of happiness with everyone, and we would love to share it with her. It was a strange little moment. We finished saying that, and in walked a friend and his son, and we also talked to them and they invited us over, and two seconds later in walks her pololo, so we met everyone in just a matter of seconds. :) Come to find out, Liset (the girl that works there) is 4 months pregnant with her first, and it was great to talk to her and hear that she is wanting something sturdy in her life so that her baby has two good parents and a good life. We watched an "I'm a Mormon" video with her, and talked about the plan that our Father has for us, and it turned out to be a great little mini-lesson. The Lord truly does prepare the hearts of many, and there are so many people around us, even as missionaries, that we don't realize sometimes that they're just looking for a bit of sunshine and truth in their lives. More to come with Liset! We're excited about her and Santos (her boyfriend). :D

GENERAL CONFERENCE IS THIS WEEKEND! How fantastic. I hope that you all get to watch it! Can't wait to hear all your thoughts from what will be said and taught. :) I know this church is true and that we truly are led by a living prophet, President Monson. I know that Jesus Christ lives and He is our Savior. I love you all so much! Thanks for your prayers and support always. :)

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

Thank you so much for those pictures Dad! I got those sent off to Hno Thomas, and I'm sure he'll be very grateful. :D

It was great to hear that all is well there in good ol' Springville! If you could just send some of that moisture this way please.....? Or just keep it all there so there will be LOADS of snow this winter. I think that might make up for things alright. :) Don't let me complain about the cold weather, ya? :) It has been more "Springish" here in Antofa. In Calama, it's a freezer at night and an oven during the day, so we didn't get much of one thing, rather we had to carry around all of our winter clothing, and here it's gradually getting warmer and warmer, with more sun and longer days, so that's fun. :) More sunscreen that's for sure.... :) My freckles are REALLY noticeable, and they were fading. Plop....

I couldn't believe that Cesar's headed out so soon!! Actually, that poor kid's been waiting forever, so I guess that's great that he finally gets to go. :) And JUSTINA. She'll be home tomoorrrrrroooowwwww. PLEASE GIVE HER A HUGE HUG FOR ME. :D She was "complaining" in her letter that she wishes that she wasn't the first one going home cause she said she's going to be all alone and her friends will all be on missions....or married. :P But I'm pretty sure she'll be great company to that mom of hers that's missed her lots. :) Fun stuff. I'm glad to hear that things went well with the talks and what not. Do you have a copy to send me, Dad? I'd love to read it. I was also VERY happy to hear about the Sargent's doing family mission plans, and yes I would love to be part of that. :)

It's interesting that you would mention that account of Heavenly Father and Adam, cause Elder Bednar also addressed that. However, when you worded it, "Brian, where art thou, what desirest thou?" made me think instantly in how I would respond to that, and I've been pondering it all day. Thank you! Also, thank you both for the talks that you sent last week. I enjoyed reading those throughout the week and studying them.

Mom, would you tell Hna Delgado that I said hello! I don't have her new email I'm thinking, so I haven't been able to write her and hear things here and there on how she is, but just let her know that I'm thinking about her and love her lots. :) Thank you also for that note from Facebook from President Bruce. :) Even though he was my president for a short time...2 weeks.... :) I feel like he was it for longer cause it was from January until July technically that he was my president, even though I didn't get to work much as a missionary with him here. :P

PLEASE TELL THE TAPIA QUEVEDOS HELLO AND THAT I LOVE THEM LOTS!! They are just two very special people, along with their whole family. When do they head back here? I guess I could just email her....but I would love to see them. :) Chile is very, very up to date with technology, so yes mostly everyone has phones and iPads and laptops and SmartTv's, etc.

I put new pictures up on Skydrive, so you can go look at those.... :) We made a special video today, so I hope you get to watch that one super duper soon, like today. :) ENJOY OLIVE GARDEN. :P

Lots of love,
Kristen

P.S. President gave me my money this week, so he took out $250. Did you get that sent off okay to his mom? And I got the suitcase today, so that should be there as well....thank you!!!

El 18 de Septiembre...Round 2. :)

Hello All!

Okay....it's been a fantastic weekkk - Chilean Independence Day is 18 September. :D BUT it has been soooo full of empanadas, completos, MUCHO carne, mote con huesillo, carne, empanadas, a little bit of salad, a little bit more carne, and MORE mote con huesillo. Oh and sopaipillas. Or let's just say, LOTS of food. Thanksgiving times a million, and that's what we've eaten this week. :) So here I am writing you all, with about 10 pounds more than what I was last Monday. :P But it was a great fiestas patrias, all in all. :)

This week we had zone conferences and that was great. We started out by singing "The Army of Helaman" and that just about killed me. There were probably 80 missionaries(ish) and all of us singing that... It was incredible. I love being a missionary. :) We also got to share our testimonies about our Savior, Jesus Christ, as we finished up reading the Book of Mormon as a mission in the past month or so from the invitation of Elder Spannaus. I know that my Savior lives and loves me, and we are on His errand, His time, and we are instruments in His wonderful and powerful hands.

We also talked a lot about helping the members know how to share the gospel with their friends. President said that every family in the church should have a family mission plan, and I loved that idea! I had never thought of that... So our job as missionaries is to help the families of the ward find their own plan, something that will work for them, and not something that we throw on their shoulders that never results. :) For example, all we want is that they can get their friends and us in the same place at the same time, and we can do the rest. :) We become their friends/acquaintances and with that, we can share our testimonies and they will know what we are saying is the truth. Unto every man is given the light of Christ, and they will know. Something SUPER awesome happened this morning. We went to send a couple letters, and as we were leaving, a member of the ward and her daughter walked out of one of the rooms, and they we were with a friend. So we went and said hi, started talking, and the hermana said, "I've been trying to get her to listen to the missionaries for yearsss and she never says yes!" Well...she said that in front of her face...whoops. But it worked out okay. :) We started talking about how the lady is always going to the mission office to drop off packages, and then she asked if we had the recipe to cookies that Sister Garrison (the Garrison's are the missionary couple in the mission, from Idaho) and we said that we did not but that we could get it and have a family night and share them with her. :D Bwahhahaha. :) So she said yes and we have a family night set up with her, and the member family for next week. :D It's just that easy. :)

Thursday was Chile's Independence Day, and it was pretty awesome. :) We had weekly planning in the morning and went to the stake center at 1 pm for the stake party. It was a huge barbeque (asado) and there was a great turn out. The rest of the afternoon we enjoyed watching all the dancing and fun games that were going on, and were very happy that a few of our investigators could attend. :D Ermelinda was going to go, and it turned out that her son ended up coming and she couldn't go... :( But needless to say, it was a great day.

This week we had something happen that has never happened in either one of our missions! We have been teaching Ermelinda all of the commandments (she's getting baptized on the 11 of October, by the way...) and we taught her the law of chastity on Tuesday. I don't know if this is a normal thing for all missionaries, but anyone who has seen the missionaries in The District teach it, it gets a little awkward sometimes. Not that awkward how they do it on The District, but something like that. :P So we went to teach the Law of Chastity, and it was one of the most spiritual lessons I have ever had in the mission... She fully understood that her temple is a temple of God, and that we need to respect and care for it, and we started talking about families and how the world has lost that respect and importance for marriage, etc. She expressed the desire that she has to share the Gospel with her kids, cause they're not doing the things that they should be, and she councils them, but they don't really listen much... It was an incredible lesson. The Lord truly prepares His children, and Ermelinda has been prepared her whole life to receive this Gospel, and she is doing great.

I know that the church is true! I know that Christ is at the head of this church and that he leads and guides us through His living prophets and apostles. I hope we can all be preparing for General Conference, so that we can listen to the prophet, President Monson, and learn what the Lord needs us to hear and apply in our lives!

With lots of love,
Hermana Tuft
====================
Hey Mom and Dad!

Thank you so much for all your spiritual thoughts that you both shared this week, they were just what I needed. :) I'm excited to be able to go back and study them a little bit more this week. It's incredible that the things I learn from what you both say always helps out throughout the week in what we are doing. :) So thank you! I love you both so much. :)

I'm glad to hear that the Ogden Temple Dedication went well yesterday. I love being part of those. I remember that my first one was the Nauvoo Temple, and that was also the first temple that I went to to do baptisms. I love the temple so very much. :) That's also fun that Kyle and fam and the Allison's were able to join you all. Do the Allison's these days include Miranda....? Or is she still struggling? Did she ever get my birthday note I sent her....? She never responded if she did. :( She's in my prayers.

As well as little Lindsay! Poor girl! If it's not one thing it has to be the other. :( I showed Hna Arenas that picture of her on the couch with the crutch straight up on her head, sleeping...and she died laughing. She too, Mom, wants to meet the family one day. She says we must be very funny people. :P Bahaha little does she know.... :P I think she must look at me sometimes and just think, "Where do you come from....?" :P Send Lindsay my best, and tell her I love her, and that I would LOVE to hear from her, ESPECIALLY right now with all the great things she's saying. :D Bahaha. I'm pretty sure that is not Dad's profession, and I don't know WHERE in the world she would get that one......... :P What does she think I'm doing....? :)

Also Dad, I thought that was interesting the comments from Elder Bednar. I was listening to a talk from him the other day, and he invited the congregation, I'm assuming, to read 1 Nephi 11 through 13 and to really focus on the invitations that the angel makes to him. He asks, "What desirest thou?" Knowing that he wanted to see what his father saw, but the angel gave him the chance to learn spiritually that way, and I thought of that when he talks of the first important steps in acting in faith. So I did that, and loved what I learned. I would love to know your thoughts! I will also tell Hno Thomas that the pictures will be coming next week if all goes well. :) He's been on vacation with his family and they get back on Wednesday, so I doubt he's thought much about it in the last couple weeks anyway. :) I'll also be sure to keep you both updated with Sol and Carolina, but they were out of town this past week with las fiestas... Keep them in your prayers. :)

I cannot believe that Kim Stratford and the Shaw boys are getting married!! I mean....I guess that's what happens when your friends get old and back from their missions and are at college, but I had no idea. :) Who's NOT going to be married by the time I get home? :P Just kidding (kinda). :P BUT please send Kim my best. I love that girl, and she has been such an example to me throughout my whole life. :)





And I had a small world moment last night with a returned missionary that got back from Puebla, Mexico. Ha Ha he knows Elder Alex Knowlton! I asked him if he knew him and he said yes, and pulled out pictures! That was strange. But tell him HEY from Elder Gerhardt Schmeltzer here in Chile. :P

Thank you for being my goodly parents. Part of the reason I cried so much during the Army of Helaman is because the first part says that we have been born of goodly parents, and I truly have, and I love you both so very much. THANK YOU. :D

Love,
Kristen
====================
Hey Spencer!!

I love you lots and I know that you are doing what the Lord needs you to be doing. :) And I know you know that. :) Hey, I wanted to ask you if you have the talk "The Fourth Missionary" by Elder Corbridge? If not I'm going to send it to you in the little package I'm putting together. :) Cause you need that one. :) It's helped me SOOO much throughout my mission. I can send it in Spanish and English if you'd like.... LOVES from your favoritest older sister in Chile,

Kristen :)

Rain down in Antofagasta...

Heeey there everybody!

It's been a fantastic week. It has flown by and here we are approaching the end of the cambio! Hermana Arenas is worried that she'll be transferred, but I don't think so. But we shall see where next Monday finds us! I hope we'll get to stay together; she is a great companion and we have had great times together. :)

Anywho! We've had good success with Ermelinda and Katiuska! They are doing very well. We also have been working with an hermano named Hector, that is here visiting family from the southern part of Chile. His wife is the mom of an hermana here in the ward, and so we are helping in reactivating Hna Maria Teresa and her son, Gabriel at the same time. But they are doing great, and went to church yesterday as a family!! Whoot whoot! :D Hna Maria Teresa went to the temple years ago and was sealed to her parents, so I hope we can help her remember some of those feelings, and forget about all the bad experiences that have happened that are impeding her. They're doing better though and it looks like they'll be staying with us for a while. :D

We had intercambios this week, so I haven't seen Ermelinda too much, but Hna Arenas said that the lesson went very well, and that she is excited to be baptized. She didn't make it to church yesterday, I don't know if they were excuses or real reasons, but we're thinking positive and we have faith that she'll make it next week. :) Katiuska as well, but she truly was sick and couldn't make it. Aaand she's headed to Peru this week for vacations, so we shall see when her baptism will be.... October a lo mejorrr. And Ermelinda should be getting baptized next weekend, the 27th, if all goes well. Keep them in your prayers please!

This week we met a lady named Carolina. She has been inactive for yearrsss and married and had 2 kids, none of which are members. She was telling us how she believes in a lot of stuff that isn't in line with the beliefs of the church, and that she also does not believe that this church is the only true one. Long story short, I was feeling kinda sad as I sat there listening to her....but then I looked down in my hands, and there was the Book of Mormon! And I got excited again, knowing that if she gains a testimony of that book, she will know it is all true, and that yes, this church contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So as we sat there, the Holy Ghost was whispering to Hermana Arenas and I to focus more on her 9-year-old daughter, Sol. We started talking to Sol and asking her questions about Christ and who God is and such. And Sol had no idea.... That kinda called her mom's attention. We sang, "I am a child of God," and asked Sol if she knew that she was a child of God, and she said, "No, I didn't know that!" and that Jesus is our brother and that he loves us, and she responded the same. Her mom got quite and just kinda looked a little lost, and we said a prayer, and started sharing our testimonies about the restored church of Jesus Christ, and that Sol could know by reading the Book of Mormon. She said that she loves to read, and she and her mom both promised to read it together. :D We're excited to go back this week to see how it went. :)

As we left their house, I was thinking about all that had happened, and President Uchtdorf's talk, "Come, Join with Us," came to my head. I want to share a couple bits of what he said:

"Some struggle with unanswered questions about things that have been done or said in the past. We openly acknowledge that in nearly 200 years of Church history—along with an uninterrupted line of inspired, honorable, and divine events—there have been some things said and done that could cause people to question.

"Sometimes questions arise because we simply don’t have all the information and we just need a bit more patience. When the entire truth is eventually known, things that didn’t make sense to us before will be resolved to our satisfaction.

"Sometimes there is a difference of opinion as to what the “facts” really mean. A question that creates doubt in some can, after careful investigation, build faith in others...

"Some might ask, “But what about my doubts?”

"It’s natural to have questions—the acorn of honest inquiry has often sprouted and matured into a great oak of understanding. There are few members of the Church who, at one time or another, have not wrestled with serious or sensitive questions. One of the purposes of the Church is to nurture and cultivate the seed of faith—even in the sometimes sandy soil of doubt and uncertainty. Faith is to hope for things which are not seen but which are true.

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters—my dear friends—please, first doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner and keep us from the divine love, peace, and gifts that come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ."

So as we talked to Carolina, that phrase came to my mind: "First doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith." We must "nurture and cultivate the seed of faith-- even in the sometimes sandy soil of doubt and uncertainty." I know that this church is completely true. There is no doubt in my mind about that. Yes, sometimes I have "doubts" but I know they are temporary things that will make sense in some perfect, future day when we are with the Lord and will learn from Him face to face. What a miracle and a blessing that is!!

On Saturday, we had a great little surprise! We woke up and it was RAINING. I don't think you all understand to the full extent the miracle that that is. And the happiness that it gave us. There wasn't any sun, but that brightened up our day lots. :D We were headed to a multi-stake service project and so I was in my TOMS and jeans, and was pretty much skipping down the stairs when I totally biffed it and fell prettyyy hard headed down the stairs.... Whoops. :) Needless to say, there is a pretty great bruise on my backside. :) But yes, we were indeed very happy that there was moisture falling from the sky. :)

I would send pictures of that....but the computer's not working too great, so next week there will be pictures. :) It was a fun service project and it was great to have some time like that with the ward members. :) They said that it was a worldwide church service project day, so I don't know if they did that back there at home or what....? I know that Saturday was full of different things for the family, but did the wards do a service project thing?

Okie dokie. I had better get running, but I love you all lots and am glad to know that you are doing well. I know that this church is TRUE!

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

Can I first just say again, that I love you both so very much? And I thank you for thinking of Spencer and I and sending pictures and details of everything that goes on. :) I am so very glad to hear that things went well for the funeral. I have been super great this week. I had just a second on Saturday where I thought it was about the time of the funeral that was a little moment of silence, and said a little prayer, but other than that things have been great, and I'm glad to know that Grandpa has joined us in this great missionary cause on the other side of the veil. I got the chance to read better about the "fine old high priests," and that brought a smile to my face and a little tear to my eye. But Grandpa truly was a fine old high priest. I couldn't help but thinking that my dad also fits in that category (although he might alsooo cut out the "old" part. :P I know that birthday of yours is coming uppp. :P) JUSTO, I was reading the next morning in Alma 13, and verses 3 and 9 caught my attention in that regard:

3 And this is the manner after which they were ordained—being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy calling which was prepared with, and according to, a preparatory redemption for such.

9 Thus they become high priests forever, after the order of the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, who is without beginning of days or end of years, who is full of grace, equity, and truth. And thus it is. Amen.

I thought that was very fitting. :) I'm going to have to read your talk, Dad, and Aunt Di's tonight cause I didn't get a good chance to sit down and read it all. But thank you for sending that, and also to Mom for the pictures. Brother and Sister Clement are so sweet; they wrote us both last week and also this week, saying that we are in their prayers, and Sister Clement included pictures of the program as well. That's so sweet of them to have gone. They are very neat people and I am so grateful that they are our home teachers. :)

As for things in the ward, they are going good! Our ward mission leader is the bomb, for lack of a better phrase. But truly he is amazing. He gave a talk yesterday that called the Spirit very strongly, and pretty much called the ward to repentance, and said that we all need to look and follow through with all the missionary experiences that we are loosing every single day. He is fantastic. :D They are calling ward mission leader assistants this week, so our ward mission program is coming along well. Now just to put in practice the ward mission plan. Wahhooo. :D

I will let Hno Thomas know about the office pictures for next week. :) Actually, they are out of town for Chile's Independence Day (WAHOO. :D) so they'll be getting back next week anyway. Would you both be able to share with me more thoughts from Stake Conference? I can't wait for General Conference sooo soooonnn. :D Thank you for sharing that thought about "angel children," Dad. I think there have to be many times where you both just roll your eyes and shake your head, with the word "angel" far from might at some of the things we do as kids, but I love being one of your children, and I love having my other four angel children siblings. And my angel parents of course. :)

And Mom, Hna Arenas gets letters every week from friends, and occasionally from her two brothers, but her parents "don't know how" to use the computer.....? I talked to President about that, and he's going to get on that with the bishop from her mom's ward in Iquique... Hopefully she can finish out the second half of her mission with a little bit more support. We have had some great talks this week, the two of us... She has been pretty well bullied all her life, from friends and even mission companions, so sometimes she gets into a little bit of a depression state and doesn't talk, but I think we have been making progress with that, and I hope she just feels of my love for her, and what's more of our Heavenly Father's love for her, never ever wanting her to be down on herself... It's been good. :)

Send pictures of your new "braceless face" Mom! :D That's fun. :) And make sure Lindsay sends pictures of the bridals. I was super happy to hear about Duke and family. I'm glad that he's doing so well. And WAHOOO about the three baptisms in the ward!! That is fantastic. :D I also had to laugh because you are one of three people that told me today about Hna Howell and Elder Hughes.....bahahahaha. :D So yep, it's going around the mission like wildfire.... Weirrrdddd. :)

Okie dokie I have got to run. I love you both so very much! Please send my very best to Grandma, and tell her that I love her so very much. I don't know if her eyes are bad so she can't write or read, but I haven't heard from her in a while, and don't know if they had gotten my last letter that I sent or what....? But I hope that she knows that I love her and that you are all in my prayers.

Con muchísmo amor y cariño,
Kristen

All is well.

Hello Family, Friends, Todos! :)

This week has been super busy and full of lots to do, but we have felt the strength of the Lord and the Spirit has been very strong and present in our lives. I love being Hna Arenas' companion. It's just like a happy little “marriage” with ups and downs and frustrating moments and others where we are laughing so dang hard that we're crying. :) And this week she has been such a huge support to me, in moments of sadness and happiness. :) This week with Grandpa passing away, I have felt a peace and support that I haven't felt before. I know where he is and what he is doing, and that is all thanks to this great Plan of Happiness that our Heavenly Father has given us through His prophets here on earth. What a great and beautiful plan that it is!

On Friday morning, I woke up a lot during the night... I couldn't sleep, and then when I finally got to sleep, I felt like I was waking up two seconds later. As I woke up, I just had a sadness hit me, and I felt like I couldn't get up... I started talking to Hna Arenas, and started crying. I never have cried so early in the morning.... I told her that I had had a dream and felt like my grandpa had passed away, and that I would just wait to see what happened during the day to see if President Dalton would call with any news. So I got up and got ready and didn't really dwell on the subject.

By Saturday I had forgotten all about waking up feeling so sad, and it was just a normal day. We had a great meeting with our new ward mission leader, Hno Becerra. HE IS FANTASTIC!!! He and his wife have been married for 3 years (I believe) and he served a mission in Santiago in 2007ish. He is so ready to work and help out, and yesterday at church he bore his testimony, asking the whole ward pretty much for help in the work and their cooperation (is that how you spell that....?). So we are super excited to work with him and have more contact with the ward members and more through him. It will be great. :)

Then, we headed to the chapel because the young men and women were doing a fundraising project to go to the temple in February and they made lunch. So we went and ate at the church, and we sat and talked with Bishop Gonzalez. He is a great guy, too. :) He was talking to us about how this is a gospel for families, and how we can receive SO many blessings by being able to be apart of this with our families, here on earth or not. So we talked for about an hour, and got up to clean and get back to our apartment for a few minutes. As we were cleaning up, Hna Arenas got a phone call from President, and as she looked and me and said who it was.  I already knew why he was calling... She handed me the phone and I headed outside and President and I were able to talk for a few minutes. I was sad, but I couldn't help but feel such a wonderful peace.

We headed back to the pension and I got home and got right on my knees to pray, and I haven't had a conversation like that with Heavenly Father before. Mom and Dad, I felt like I could almost see Grandpa with Christ. I feel like I might have gotten to see just a glimpse of that reunion, and that was the biggest testimony builder that I have had, knowing that someone I love so very much now knows our Savior. Knowing that Grandpa Tuft knows Jesus Christ, whose name Spencer and I carry and who we represent every single day, was a moment that I will never forget. I have felt closer to my Savior the past couple days than ever before. I know that this feeling with stay with me for a long time, but especially over the next couple months.

Yesterday at church, we had 2 investigators there!! :D Ermelinda went, and one of our new investigators name Hector. Ermelinda LOVED it and said that she has never been in a church before where she feels more at home. She loved it. :) I have been super composed and the only time that I had cried was Saturday in the apartment, and then Sunday I kinda started bawling during the closing song in Relief Society. We sang "Come, Come Ye Saints" and in Spanish the title would be "All is Well". Through all this, every time I heard from Grandpa, he would say, "It's all going to be all right. It will all work out. Keep smiling!" So as we sang that, it made me think of him, and all of our ancestors that have worked and lived and died for this cause, knowing that there is a place prepared for them on the other side. I thought of two scriptures through all of this: one is D&C 98:18 and the other is Enos 1:27.

“Let not your hearts be troubled; for in my Father’s house are many mansions, and I have prepared a place for you; and where my Father and I am, there ye shall be also.”

“And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions.”

I know that this is a great plan of happiness, and that we will be with our loved ones again, and we must not be troubled, knowing that our Father in Heaven has a place for us, where we may live forever with Him, and our Savior, and our families. I know that this Plan of Salvation is true, and that we can and will be with our families forever. I love this work, and I love being able to share these truths with the people here in Chile!

Con mucho amor,
Hermana Tuft

I couldn't print the emails off this morning, so I don't know if there are questions and such that I didn't answer....? I tried to read them all, but I may have missed something... (The bikes were borrowed, Mom. :D) Thank you for all your thoughts and experiences that you both shared, I will be able to read them more in detail a little bit later.... The dentist that helped Hna Albornoz out a couple months ago, Hno Thomas, is in our ward, Dad, and he was asking me a few weeks ago to ask you for pictures of the office so he can do his office here soon, and is wanting ideas of how he wants to do it. He asked me again, and I told him I would check with you to see if you could send some pictures.... :) I know that it might not be this week with all that's going on, but one of these days in the next little bit... :) THANKS!

Okay, so I wanted to share those thoughts with mainly just the family and Grandma... I don't know if I want it all going on the blog, maybe not this week....? Or not published on Facebook maybe... It has been a very special week, and I truly am doing great. I am so grateful for the time that I had with Grandpa, and for the memories. :) I love you both so much, and please let Grandma know of my love for her, as well as Aunt Jan, Aunt Di, and Aunt Karen. All is well. :) Hurrah por Israel! XOXOXOXO

P.S.....So I know that we aren't going to Honduras....but I don't know if it would be possible to make a little trip down here the 4 of us for Christmas or something....? I would LOVE to be able to introduce you all to these people that I love so much and spend a little bit of time here as a small little family..... I know that that is a LOOOT to ask, so if it is not possible that is definitely fine.....but I thought it might not hurt to ask.... Loves. :)

Come unto Christ...

Add caption

Kristen with Hna Arenas doing a ward Family Home Evening in Angamos, Antofagasta.

Helloooo!

It's been another pretty great week here in Angamos. :) I truly am loving it here. I love my companion, the members, our investigators (even if they are a little bit stubborn... :)); it's just all in all a great area. :D

This past week we have experienced some pretty great things. I'm sad to report that we still haven't been able to contact Manuel and Joana yet, because they were traveling, but let's keep the fingers crossed for the next couple days. :) We got a reference yesterday from a ward member of a young couple, so we should be getting in contact with them in the next couple days. I love being a missionary. :D

This week we had our monthly leadership meeting with President, and it was very, very special meeting. We watched a talk that President Uchtdorf gave this June at the new mission president's meeting at the MTC, and that was an incredible growing experience. Basically I learned that we have the chance to share the gospel with everyone, or fear man and not share it. When we don't open our mouths we are basically denying God's power and ability to do this work, because it is His. I loved how he started it out; it was like an Easter talk, as he started talking about the last few days of Christ's life, but then changed his focus to the Sacrament and how it is our weekly opportunity to become closer to Christ. We should look forward to that opportunity, and our investigators should, as well. That is truly when we will know that they have had a "mighty change of heart". :) There were LOTS of other things that he talked about, but it was a very powerful moment/experience. And it just made Hna Arenas and I even that more excited for conference in a month... :) WOOT WOOT. :)

It has been interesting as we have been reflecting on the needs of our investigators, and the testimonies that they are lacking. Last night, we had a ward family night, where we organized it to be for the new converts, but everyone was invited. At the end, we were all in a circle and started sharing our testimonies of what we remembered of our baptisms or of the temple. It was a great meeting, and one of our investigators named Katiuska (I don't know if I've mentioned her....) came with her mom that got baptized a year ago. All the converts that have been great, strong members for years shared their testimony about the Atonement, and that when they finally understood the Atonement is when they decided to be baptized and when they got the answer about the truthfulness of the church.

*Quick little side note: Katiuska has been an investigator for about 4 years, or a little bit more.... She's 23, and just hasn't gotten baptized. She keeps listening to the missionaries, goes to church here and there, goes to the activities with her mom and the members that they rent from, but whenever we (as missionaries in general) have talked about baptism, she says, "Nooo." So we were on exchanges with Hnas Maldonado (Santiago) and Richardson (Orange County, CA) and before we got to her house, I didn't tell Hna Richardson anything about Katiuska, just to see kinda what would happen... And we were there with the Muñoz family (the members that they rent from/live with) and KATIUSKA DIDN'T REJECT THE BAPTISMAL INVITATION. :D She was smiling when we invited her, but wouldn't look at us... I asked her, "Katiuska, can we set a goal for the end of September for your baptism?" So we did, and so we're working towards the 27th of September. The great thing about her is, that if she doesn't want to do it/doesn't get her answer, she won't... Lots of people would for "peer pressure," but Katiuska is a special girl. :) Anywho. We were pretty ECSTATIC.*

So the fact that Katiuska could hear those testimonies last night was great. We need to work more on that with her, about gaining her own testimony, as well as with our other investigators, as well. Ermelinda and Carlina are doing well, also. Just the "mighty change of heart" thing again...

It made me think this morning as I was listening to the EFY theme song from this year... It's called "Come Unto Christ," and I just wanted to share what it says really quick:

Come unto Christ. Come unto Him,
and by His grace be made holy again.
He's calling your name. He's waiting
for you with arms open wide. Come
unto Christ.

Anywho, that's just been running through my head all day, and wanted to share that. He truly is waiting with His arms open wide, all the day long. And truly by and through Him, "we will find eternal life." I know He lives and He loves us. He calls each and every one of us, and hopes that we can hear that call and serve and love Him until the end. I love my Savior.

Con mucho amor y cariño,
Hermanita Tuft
========================
Hey Mom and Dad!

I saw Hna Albornoz this week at the leadership conference, and she said that Katty is having a little bit of a problem with living the word of wisdom, cause she still goes out for a little drink with her friends.... So they're going to push it back a week or two, but said that she'll keep me updated. I also talked to her companion, Hna Castro from Honduras. Hna Castro's from my group and we were talking about Spencer, so I'm going to send a couple things with her to send to Spencer when she gets back. She's headed to Utah in December, and I said we might be headed to Honduras at the end of November (Kristen doesn't realize it MIGHT be 2015 but was never going to be 2014. Nothing is solid with a trip there for humanitarian purposes yet.), and she said to let her know, because she always goes to help with translation with the dentists! So that was a cool little thing... She speaks English VERY well. Anywho, so she said to check to see what our plans were and let her know.... So I'm just wondering if there are any "set plans"....

Thank you both for your thoughts on Alma 5. I'll have to go back and read D&C 121, Dad. I loved both of your thoughts, and it's interesting, Mom, how your study had a lot to do with some of the thoughts that I have been having this past week. It's interesting how that happens, huh? :)

We haven't had too many cold temperatures here. It sometimes gets windy here in the mornings and at night, but for the most part it's been nice and sunny. When there are big and threatening clouds, Hna Arenas and I get excited that it will rain, cause clouds like that means rain in our houses....but not in Antofa.... :P So I'm glad that you guys have been enjoying a little bit of that moisture. :) We are noticing the leaves and flowers coming up on the few trees and plants here. But suprisingly, there is a lotttt more foliage here in Antofa. :P But nothing like you're probably thinking... :)

Grandma and Grandpa are in my prayers always... I cannot imagine how hard it must be for the both of them, and the whole family. I have had the thought cross my mind that maybe subconciously Grandpa has been holding on for so long to see me come home, but if he is doing so poorly I don't want him to.... I was talking to Sister Brunson (the hermana from St George) and her mom just recently passed away in July, and she shared a story of a kid from her parents' ward in Delta about a grandfather that had cancer and they gave him a few months to live, very similar to Grandpa's, and he said he just wanted to wait until his grandson got home, and he did get home just a couple weeks ago and could see his grandpa. I try not to get my hopes up that that might still be a possibility, but I know like, as you said, Dad, that there is "a time appointed for every man, according as his works shall be." Please let them both know that I am very happy, and doing well, and that if possible to let Grandpa know that I'll be okay if he's not there in a couple months. Let them know that I love them so very much, and I miss them, and I know that I'll see Grandpa again sometime soon... :) Please send my condolences to Grandma about Aunt Janie. Aunt Janie is younger than Grandma, right...?

I also asked President about my card, and he said to talk to the mission financer, so I will get in contact with him today about that to see if he has a solution, but if not, President said that he could take it out of his account, and you could write a check to send to his mom to deposit. I'll check more on that if Elder Adams doesn't have a quick solution... I'll let you know next week for sure! That's so fun that the DeGraw's and Rindlisbacher's will be down in October. :D I was so excited to see Hna Rindlisbacher on Thursday, not knowing that she wasn't a sister training leader for her last transfer! I'll just have to see her up at school. :) It's crazy how we've formed a friendship through you two being friends, and we hardly even know each other.... :P

I did also send Miranda an email last Monday, but don't know if she got it.... I'll send it to you to send it from Facebook then... I worry about that girl.... I want to see her again, or hear from her at least..... :( I did hear from little Britney though... :D)))

Poor little Audrey's eye!!! I hope she's doing better. I have to write Megan today.... I haven't heard from her in a while! Send my love. :) Bahaha and I laughed at that one.... Milo and Myla.... :P

I love you both so very much. I hope you know that and that I'm so grateful for all you do and the blessings that I feel daily by being part of an eternal family. :) KNOWING that we'll all be together for a looong time to come. :)

Until next weeeek (oh how the weeks are flying........),
Kristen
====================
Hey Spencer!!

I love you sooooo much Bud! Hang in there, and know that by keeping the rules you're doing the right. Your companion will see and follow your example. :) This is a great and marvelous work! Te quiero hermanito. Espero que tengas una semana geniallll! Jajajaja lo chistoso de escribir eso en español es que nuestros papas no tienen ni idea lo que estamos diciendo, a menos que hacen trampa y usen google...... :P Jajaja te quiero Elder Tuft. :)
I love you brother. Hope you have a greattt week! Hahaha What's funny to write that in Spanish is that our parents have no idea what we're saying, unless they cheat and use google ......: P Hahaha I love Elder Tuft. :)