The Lord watches over us

Cole asked us to tell Kendal to NOT put half her words in spanish in her emails...I want to be able to understand them! lol  Kendal's says she can't speak ANY language! Which is a good sign she has turned the corner with spanish;)

Okay.... so last Monday was a great PDAY. We went to Santa Lucia and wow it was beautiful! We had a ton of fun. There was a big hill that we climbed and at the top, you could see all of Santiago and the Andes Mountains. yeah, beautiful! Then we went to the feria (fair) and yeah i love Chile souveniers. We also helped a member paint her little shop she is opening to sell pañales...the day went by super fast. We were all getting ready to get in bed around 11:30 and Hermana Parks starts having a cough attack all of a sudden. She starts weezing and she literally sounded like a dog barking. Next thing we know she was on the ground and she couldn't breathe. Her face was like immovable...i don't know how to describe it. But holy cow it was so scary. We were trying to talk her through it and telling her to stay with us. I called our district leader to come give her a blessing... I wasn't even thinking so I spoke to him in english hahaha ooops. good thing he understands english! Hermana Selk and I ran to David's house, a member who lives behind us and has a car. We were on the phone with medico assistants and literally sprinted back to the house. the Elders had just arrived on their bikes, they seriously got there in like 1 minute and they do not live all that close. She got a blessing super quickly and David took us to the hospital. She still was struggling to breathe when we got there. They put her on oxygen and put in an iv. It took 3 rounds of oxygen before her breathing was finally back to normal. WOW. We got home about 2:30 in the morning. Apparently, she had an asthma attack, but she hasn't had asthma before. Talk about scary! Near death experience....not fun!! 

Many things have been happening here in Padre Hurtado. Satan is working really really hard on all of us, the ward included. He knows there are miracles about to happen here and knows that Chile is going to be a beaken for the world. It is in these moments when we need to put our strength and trust in the Lord and His Plan. He is all powerful!! I know Satan is real, but I also know God is real! Satan can tempt us, but it is up to us to choose whether or not to give in to temptation. We need to choose TODAY who we are going to follow. If you are not following the Savior, you are following Satan. I know it is a strong statement, but I know how true it is. The Plan is laid out for us so simply, we just need  to choose and then act!

Anyway, this week was pretty crazy due to our health drama haha. We spent most of martes (tuesday) resting, but we also went to pedro de valdivia for medico. hermana parks got 2 more inahlers and a whole bunch of medicine. It was nice to be in the ccm (mtc) for a little bit. 

Jueves tuvimos la conferencia de Hermanas (thursday we had sisters conference). Wow. It was so powerful. D&C 25:3,10 Eres una dama elegida a quien he llamado desecharás las cosas de este mundo buscarás a las de uno mejor. (google translation:You are a chosen lady to whom I have called aside the things of this world will seek the best one.) We as women have been called as mothers and sisters and daughters. We have been called by God. He has a plan for each and every one of us! As women we play such an important role in the family. We talked a lot about D&C 25, about Emma Smith. She was a women of such great strength!! Seguir adelante (go ahead), Do not give up! Be strong! Get on your knees and pray for strength when you are in pain, struggling, discouraged, sad... think of Emma Smith. Think about her trials. We watched a video of Emma Smith "an elect lady". wow. The spirit was so strong, I encourage you to watch it. I believe it is on lds.org. I also want to thank the worthy priesthood holders in my life..."Thank You" for honoring the great call of being a priesthood leader!!

We had a mission conference after the conference because they are changing the way we do missionary work here!! There are only 4 missions in the entire world doing this and we are one of them! We are focusing on Menos Activos (less actives). baptizer  mucho mas (baptize much), retener mucho mas (retain much), reactivar mucho mas (reactivate much). We are changing our weekly dates (data). We are giving menos actives asignaciones (less actives assignments). We are still going to baptize, but we are changing our vision a little bit. We have 1 thousand members in our ward and our sacramental asistencia averages (sacrament attendance average) is at 120...Elder Gonzalez, the Area President of South America came on saturday and spoke to us. Man, it's crazy! I am so excited to work really hard with our MA (less actives). I love conferencias because we get so much motivation to just "go" to work. 

So, now onto our investigators haha. We visited "G" y Sonia on Saturday night and we had a mac (not a computer...lost in translation). Thank goodness for Mac; power member! Sonia started off with how this wasn't a good time and she doesn't feel prepared or ready for this...scared of change. The spirit was so strong during the lesson that by the end she was in tears. She is so ready for this gospel, bam. I love how the spirit can touch the hearts of every person; I know that people can change for the better.

We also went and visited with Katy; wow, she is just awesome! It wasn't an actual lesson, just kind of a "get to know you". She has 2 children and they are the most obedient kids I know!! amazing! She is golden. She already started reading the book of mormon. She is so great and she loves us. haha She was like, "when you guys get back we need to be friends on Facebook" haha. She is adorable. Well, that is about it for this week. 

I love studying the gospel. I know this gospel is true. I know we are children of God. 

Work hard and trust in the Lord in ALL things.

Until next week :)

Hermana Thompson 

only picture for today...been a crazy week!

Mi Salvador

HOLA!

I know that Christ lives. I love my savior so much. I am so grateful for his atoning sacrifice. Last night y saturday night our mission had a musical presentation for la semana santa. tan bonita!!!  de verdad. there was a choir of 24 missionaries and they had videos of Christ durante tambien. talk about powerful.Saturday night it was in talgante and Marcela and Patricio came!!!!!!! milagro. let me back up a little though. Martes (tuesday) hermana Parks was sick so hermana selk and i went on citas. we visited marcela and taught leccion 3. super great. she has a solid understanding of repentance. then somehow fasting came into the conversation and she said she really wanted to fast because she believes it will help her recieve the answer she needs. The next day, we stopped by and she had fasted for 12 hours. (baby steps) Patricio was home and they gave us 'once' and he wanted to join in the fast. milagro. So on saturday we went by to start the fast. boom. They came to the Semana Santa and the spirit was so strong! simply amazing. Hopefully it softened the heart of Patricio, but we shall see. I know they are in God's hands. 

We had a lot of contacts this week because we literally invited everyone en los calles to la semana santa! We had an interesting recorrido...we were in the chapel talking about the santa cena and she just burst into a church song; she was grooving haha. it was really awkward and I felt so bad, but yeah it was interesting... 

I had my first experience with a "drunk". We were on the micro and I was sitting next to this man who was sleeping. Another guy gets on the micro with a guitar and stands in the aisle RIGHT BY me. He started playing the guitar and singing to me, he was literally STARING at me! He would not leave. He was so drunk I am amazed he could even play. I felt so awkward, my heart was in my stomach! I tried contacting him haha! I handed him a passalong card, he looked at it and then dropped it on the floor...I didn't care, I was just glad to get away from him! It is hilarious...now;) 

(She also had a little incident with a teenager who showed up to classes de ingles and was just a horny boy talking trash and even posted a picture along with their address on fb while they were teaching...her comment was that boys were dumb!)

We have 2 nuevos! Gaston y Sonia! El (He) was a referencia a couple weeks back but  wasn't home when we had a cita and then we called and he said now wasn't a good time. However, this week the office called us and gave us the referencia of Sonia. I think they are ready haha. That never happens! We went by and Gaston was home so we set up an appointment. We visited with them Friday night. They both have Fechas for the 18th of May :) They are super awesome! She has a smoking problem but I know we can help her. He is friends with a member in our ward and she says they are having marital problems, but it is the perfect time because the gospel blesses FAMILIES!!. I love how knit together families are in the gospel. And in the church we are ONE big family. We talked about that on Sunday and how we are at "home" in church and we should feel comfortable to share our thoughts and feelings. Share your testimonies people! I know my testimony was strengthened by the shared testimonies by members of my wards. Never be afraid to share what you know to be true! 

alma 57:21 obedience with exactness. Something I am really striving to work on right now. 

alma 32:40-43 have faith and diligence in seeking truth; and you will find it.

I love this quote. "If Satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future." The past is the past and because of Jesucristo we have the opportunity to repent and receive forgiveness and be able to change bad habits. We can change; our future is bright if we will accept the lord and let him help brighten the darkness in our life.  

This week we also talked a lot about having Christ-like love and how important it is. I just love the people here and I am trying to develop true charity and a love for everyone.

"Contention builds walls and puts up barriers. Love opens doors" Marvin J Ashton. 

LOVE

Hermana Thompson

 

best friends forever: N-K-C-E

 

Easter

 

transfer Reunion

Cecilia!! Mi tia de Alcantara

 

on the micro

housemates at Santa Lucia!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good spirits

well this was a good week! but sadly i forgot my notebook with all my notes... pucha! This week Hermana Parks and i rocked our contacts!! We have citas with new investigators. There is one street at the end of our sector and we have like 5 investigators and 3 less actives haha it's a great little barrio.

Oh Happy late Birthday Big Papa! 

There is a book i started reading when Hermana Parks was sick this week called "When times are tough" by John Bytheway. Super good scriptures and aplications to life. Read it. I took two Religion classes from him last year!

This was a good week. Our investigator "M" bore her testimony to us. Wow. talk about powerful. It was such a cool experience. She is such a rock. She knows God answers her prayers and she has such a strong testimony of the book of mormon...simply amazing. Her situation at home is really difficult though. Her paraje (husband) is what is keeping her from church which is so sad. He literally does not let her leave the house, she can't even go buy pan (bread) down the street. Patito is 7 and he always has to go buy food for them.  Drives me nuts. It is sad to see how drugs have torn this family apart. there is no trust and "M" is too scared to stand up to him. He has beaten her before...it's just such a bad situation but she is so prepared!! talk about frustrating and sad...

Yesterday we had fast Sunday. We called Monica and Hellen in the morning to wake them up and Hellen was still sleeping so we didn't think they would come to church. But at like 9:15 they walk in. AH! such a miracle. Monica was intently listening as each person bore their testimony. It was so awesome! After, she even asked about the pan y agua... they were late but she noticed that she didn't get to take the santa cena and was disappointed. They are awesome! During relief society a lady read dyc 62:3 and talked about "how when we bear our testimonies it is written down in heaven and it is like an override for a sin". TESTIFY!!! it was like bam, everyone went around the room in a circle and shared their testimony. it was such a cool experience. The spirit was so strong. I am so grateful for the opporunity i have to bear my testimony to people everyday. 

After our cita con "M", while Hermana Parks was on the phone with hna Luis (doctor in nuestra mission) a car pulls up and it is like ghetto...has like blue lights under haha and the car smells like weed. They say that we are in a bad area to be in at night and tell us to get in. I have no idea who these people are but Hermana Parks gets in, so i follow... weird. I'm kinda freaking out and hermana parks is still on the phone (what the heck!?!). I start talking to the girl sitting in the back with a 1 year old while the man drives. i was trying so hard to "not freak out" but they dropped us off near our house, and come to find out she is a less active member haha. Man. And we were almost past curfew! phew. Protection haha. hna Parks was laughing so hard afterward because she could see the panic on my face. Crazy! 

We went to clean the capilla en sabado con el obsipo and there was a group of jovens (youth) learning the Cueca (a chilean dance). Galena should do this dance!! I wanted to start dancing so badly, it was awesome.

I want to leave you with a thought... Who is Jesus Christ in your life? Who is he to YOU personally? 

I have really come to know my savior on my mission. I am so grateful for his atoning sacrifice. I love studying His life. I love being a representative of Him and wearing His name on my shirt everyday. Such a blessing. I love this gospel.

Much love,

Hermana Thompson

Spiritual High

I just wanted to start out by saying how inspiring conference was!! Words of God. Seriously have changed me. Everyone always says how great conference is for missionaries and it is true! Christmas. a lot of tv time and a lot of english lol. 

Okay crazy side note. I met Hermana Roshdahl here a couple weeks ago. She was in Danville stake! Her brother and sister were in showbiz when I was in it, I don't remember their names but crazy small world! Chile Santiago Oeste es la mejor!

So this week We were asked to teach seminary. We taught 1 Nephi:12-13. holy cow. I never realized the symbolism in chapter 13. Christopher Columbus, the Revolutionary War...todo! so cool.

We have a keyboard in our pension so I have started messing around to see if I remember anything from all those years ago. I wish I would have stuck with paino... but it is never too late to learn! Chris and Carsyn, learn the piano. Practice makes permanent. There is always room for improvement.

This week we had an experience with a less active I'd like to share. She was so so stressed and for 45 minutes she just talked and talked, 'going off' about life; She was so frustrated. We offered to sing a hymn with her and wow, what a difference that made. There is so much power in Hymns!! So much peace filled the room that it was kind of overwhelming. I love hymns! We sing many times throughout the day. I love it. 

I really really do not like Satan. This week we had a freak out with a family. Actually, the family  who was just baptized. So many miracles in their family, Satan is working hard to tear them down. I don't want to get into details but the wife said she didn't ever want to go back to church... um ugh. The son is having some psychological problems...it was a scary night. BUT the next day we got the son and mom to the temple!!! Oh what a wonderful thing that was for them. Satan is powerful, but we have the power to beat him! It is our choice to let him tear us down or to stand up to him and rely on God. It was so cool to see their faith in heavenly father grow throughout this time. Ether 12:6 

So now let's dive into Conference!!

Seriously all of the talks were flipping fantastic.

I love Elder Holland's talk about defending our faith. This is the most important thing we will do on earth; we need to protect it with all of our being. Instead of dying for this gospel, live for it! Let it show in everything we do. Let our faith shine through our works. I also absolutely loved the talk by Elder Andersen. We need to dig our roots deep into Christ, because when the winds come, which they will, we need to be grounded in Him so we are not picked up and moved to an unknown place. Sometimes the winds are just a breeze, but even a breeze can move us a little farther from Christ. When the winds do come, our roots deepen and we are strengthened. Trust in Christ. Rely on him in time of desperation. I also loved Elder Zwicks talk about speaking. I know this is something I really need to work on; thinking before I speak. Our words can have a lasting effect on people..for good or for worse. And of course Elder Ballard´s talk. I know at times I feel inadequate to be preaching this gospel. But I know the basics and I have a testimony. That is enough to share the gospel. We as missionaries need YOUR help! We cannot do the Lord's work without the help of members. Read preach my gospel, it is such a glorious tool we have been given. Don't be afraid to share what you believe. It doesn't have to be a huge missionary lesson, but open your mouth and share a little bit about our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Be proud. Send me your missionary experiences por favor :) we have a tarjeta we use with our members from Elder Ballard. "No les pedimos a todos que hagan todo. Pedimos que todos los miembros, sea joven o ancient, contacta a "una" sola persona cada trimester, millones sentiran el amor del Señor Jesucristo. Que regalo tan maravilloso para el Salvador al apresurar la obra de salvación."   

I loved Bednar's talk too. We all carry burdens, that is what keeps us going. 

His work is marvelous. I love this gospel. I love the personal revelation I receive through the holy ghost. I know Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. Like he said, it is important to love one another and show kindness in all that we do. We are ALL children of God, even strangers are loved by the same Heavenly Father that loves you. We are all His children. I love the knowledge I have of the gospel. I do not know everything, but I know enough to know that it is true. I love my Savior. 

Thank you for all of your support from home. I can feel your love and prayers. I love you!!

Hermana Thompson

Spiritual high

I just wanted to start out by saying how inspiring conference was!! Words of God. Seriously have changed me. Everyone always says how great conference is for missionaries and it is true! Christmas. a lot of tv time and a lot of english lol. 

Okay crazy side note. I met Hermana Roshdahl here a couple weeks ago. She was in Danville stake! Her brother and sister were in showbiz when I was in it, I don't remember their names but crazy small world! Chile Santiago Oeste es la mejor!

So this week We were asked to teach seminary. We taught 1 Nephi:12-13. holy cow. I never realized the symbolism in chapter 13. Christopher Columbus, the Revolutionary War...todo! so cool.

We have a keyboard in our pension so I have started messing around to see if I remember anything from all those years ago. I wish I would have stuck with paino... but it is never too late to learn! Chris and Carsyn, learn the paino. Practice makes permanent. There is always room for improvement.

This week we had an experience with a less active I'd like to share. She was so so stressed and for 45 minutes she just talked and talked, 'going off' about life; She was so frustrated. We offered to sing a hymn with her and wow, what a difference that made. There is so much power in Hymns!! So much peace filled the room that it was kind of overwhelming. I love hymns! We sing many times throughout the day. I love it. 

I really really do not like Satan. This week we had a freak out with a family. Actually, the family  who was just baptized. So many miracles in their family, Satan is working hard to tear them down. I don't want to get into details but the wife said she didn't ever want to go back to church... um ugh. The son is having some psychological problems...it was a scary night. BUT the next day we got the son and mom to the temple!!! Oh what a wonderful thing that was for them. Satan is powerful, but we have the power to beat him! It is our choice to let him tear us down or to stand up to him and rely on God. It was so cool to see their faith in heavenly father grow throughout this time. Ether 12:6 

So now let's dive into Conference!!

Seriously all of the talks were flipping fantastic.

I love Elder Holland's talk about defending our faith. This is the most important thing we will do on earth; we need to protect it with all of our being. Instead of dying for this gospel, live for it! Let it show in everything we do. Let our faith shine through our works. I also absolutely loved the talk by Elder Andersen. We need to dig our roots deep into Christ, because when the winds come, which they will, we need to be grounded in Him so we are not picked up and moved to an unknown place. Sometimes the winds are just a breeze, but even a breeze can move us a little farther from Christ. When the winds do come, our roots deepen and we are strengthened. Trust in Christ. Rely on him in time of desperation. I also loved Elder Zwicks talk about speaking. I know this is something I really need to work on; thinking before I speak. Our words can have a lasting effect on people..for good or for worse. And of course Elder Ballard´s talk. I know at times I feel inadequate to be preaching this gospel. But I know the basics and I have a testimony. That is enough to share the gospel. We as missionaries need YOUR help! We cannot do the Lord's work without the help of members. Read preach my gospel, it is such a glorious tool we have been given. Don't be afraid to share what you believe. It doesn't have to be a huge missionary lesson, but open your mouth and share a little bit about our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Be proud. Send me your missionary experiences por favor :) we have a tarjeta we use with our members from Elder Ballard. "No les pedimos a todos que hagan todo. We do not ask everyone to do everything. pedimos que todos los miembros, sea joven o ancient, we simply ask that all members, whether young or old contacta a "una" sola persona cada trimester, contact only one person each trimester, millones sentiran el amor del Señor Jesucristo. millions will feel the love of the Savior. que regalo tan maravilloso para el Salvador al apresurar la obra de salvación. what a marvelous gift of the Savior to offer the work of salvation." (dad please translate that :))    

I loved Bednar's talk too. We all carry burdens, that is what keeps us going. 

This work is marvelous. I love this gospel. I love the personal revelation I receive through the holy ghost. I know Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. Like he said, it is important to love one another and show kindness in all that we do. We are ALL children of God, even strangers are loved by the same Heavenly Father that loves you. We are all His children.. I love the knowledge I have of the gospel. I do not know everything, but I know enough to know that it is true. I love my Savior. 

Thank you for all of your support from home. I can feel your love and prayers. I love you!!

Hermana Thompson

comida de Argentina hoy

finding creative ways to do selfies

Plaza of Padre Hurtado