February 24, 2014

It’s time to say goodbye
 ... da da da da da da da daaaa.....

Let's ditch this Popsicle stand. I'm going to San Martin. I'm excited for a change. I feel like I know a lot here in Pitrufquen which is sometimes great but sometimes it's good to go somewhere else as well. There are some things I'm going to miss though like having the kids on the streets run up to get hand sanitizer and having the people working at the taxi know who we are and saying "Balmaceda 791 para las Hermanas" before even asking a name. Then there's the great Rama. The members that do so much, the activities and spirit of the work. Yesterday we sang as missionaries the musical number that is only in Spanish but it's my favorite (pg 88 sav y rich) and almost started crying when we sang oh hermanos adios pues adios. But I didn't. ha-ha. I'm happy for the change to be true. My new companion will be Hermana Anderson another native Utahan.

This week I learned a lot about how the Lord really puts us where he needs us and how he puts the people that need us in our path. I went to Gorbea for a day to do an intercambio. I absolutely loved it because well one it's absolutely beautiful, and two because it was something that at first was hard for me to do because I had contradicting feelings of two things that were good. But I know that the Lord provides a way for everything. God works in mysterious ways to bring about what he wants. I know that it's important to follow the council of our leaders. That they are there for a reason and that God gives them the revelation that we need. And even if not we will be blessed for putting our faith in them. So always listen to the council of your leaders and do what they say even if it doesn't seem logical.

In Gorbea we made prayer rocks with a joven menos activo and found a great newbie and I had a great time working with Hermana Peck.

This week we did a lot of work in Pitrufquen as well and found great new investigators. Sandra is awesome. I know the gospel is going to help her so much and was very receptive to the spirit. I love it when they can realize the felicidad that it brings them in the moment. We also found Nory yesterday who was a little sad because she was mourning the death of her son. We were able to talk to her and it was an instant change from tears of sorrow to a widened eye, edge of her seat smile as we told her that just as Jesus Christ was resurrected we too all will have the chance to be resurrected and live as a family again.

I love the miracles I see every day. I am so happy and know that Christ lives. That he died so that we can live. I know that everything happens for a reason. I know that if we are living righteously the spirit will guide us. Sometimes I'm amazed at how we as missionaries can know exactly the needs or the words we should say before the people tell us. Some would say "oh I’m really good at reading people" but I know that it has nothing to do with any of our own talent as all of our talents come from and are strengthened in the Lord.

Sav and Richard! I can't believe you're in Mexico! I'm so excited to read all about it! That is going to be a great experience! Try not to get a Mexican accent... lol. I'm just kidding. It's probably better than a Chilean accent. (Personally I like the Chilean mumbles but... you might beg to differ)

Tate! Thanks for your letter! I'm dying to read it! The other day there was a song and I can't remember what it was or if it was Spanish or English but it made me think of you because I know it's one of those songs that you would sing along to with me. And I missed you there for a sec.

Brock. You won't believe what we found in my house. .... A little trap door. (You’ll know where to find me) it's like a cellar in the olden days where you lift up the ground and go down a ladder. It will be good use for the prophesied earth quake that's coming soon.... oh the way God works, always preparing the way.

I love you!

Hermana VandeMerwe

February 17, 2014

Guess who moved this week?  It’s big and cute and we have all learned from our experience.
 So this week has been interesting. I haven't worked much in my own sector. On Tuesday we had an intercambio with the sisters in our own home so I was with Hermana Leon and we worked here but visiting their people and with her as my companion. And we had one of the Asistentes with us. There's always something you can learn from everyone! And I learned that day a lot about the missionary I want to be and how to really lose yourself in the work.
Wednesday we took a trip down to Loncoche to do an attack de distrito. Lonchoche is the furthest sector south of our mission and they only have Elders there. We had fun working there, it’s similar to Pitrufquen and hopefully we found some good new prospects for the Elders. We tried to take pictures of Volcan Villarika but it didn't really show up in the camera.
Thursday we had an intercambio with all the sisters in the south. I went to Maquehue again and had a good time there. I taught an English class the peanut butter and jelly song and gave them the homework to try making a sandwich. Because no one here likes peanut butter but I think they just don’t' eat it right.
Friday we finished off our intercambios with a reunion in the morning and breakfast (eggs) and then we decided that we needed to move that day because we told the other renter that we would be out of the house. So all of a sudden we were moving and packing up. It took all day long. The elders came and helped us so there were 6 of us and I have no idea what we have but wow. It took forever. Like the whole afternoon. The new renters helped us move with their truck and by the end we were all very smelly but it was the birthday of Berta ... the little girl and you all got to know on Christmas. And she invited us all individually to her party. So we all got there just a little few hours late and very gross. I gave her a HLJ ring and put it in that cupcake that you sent to me for Christmas! She loved it! It was just a short time but I loved the family atmosphere as all of the missionaries gave her a present and we ate cake and I realized how much I have come accustom to Pitrufquen. I love everyone here and have passed so many experiences starting with 18 de septiembre, Christmas, New Year’s, birthdays, and needless to say. I LOVE PITRUFQUEN! So that is my standing shoutout as next week we will most likely see changes.
That night we just pushed our mattresses together and had a slumber party. The morning Saturday we started moving everything around  putting things where they should go and set up the beds and tables. Then we left for the day and witnessed 2 baptisms in the afternoon. One from the sisters and one from the Elders. I love watching my brothers come up out of the water perfectly clean and converted to the Lord. That night we all entered the house. Happily talking about the baptism and sat down on our couches and chairs that the renters were so kind to give us (this house is so great. a living, 3 bedrooms and a large kitchen- well room where the sink and wood stove are) and then all of a sudden we realized that we were covered in pulgas (fleas!)... Ew. Our house is a plague of pulgas. And seeing as that it's older and made of wood, the cracks make a great place for bugs to love. And so. Our day today is devoted to cleaning like crazy and probably fulmegando the entire house.
Mom! Thanks for all you do for me even from so far away! I miss you and will think of all of those Saturdays cleaning in the house as I   kill pulga after pulga today. It was all just a preparation.... signs of a good mom. That's right Chile! I came here prepared! Watch out pulgas!
 Tell Haley and Sierra Hi and I love them and that the Lord loves them to!
 Hermana VandeMerwe

February 10, 2014

 I Like to Look for Rainbows Whenever There is Rain
 I had the privilege of being here for the baptism of Alexis! He really took a lot of steps full of faith to be baptized and I am so happy that the lord was able to use me as an instrument in his hands to say exactly what he needed to Alexis. I know that this baptism had absolutely nothing to do with me and I learned so much as I heard things coming out of my mouth that I didn't even know before to help him conquer the world. I think I learned more than he did and that's exactly how it's supposed to be. When we follow the spirit all of us can be edified.
 I absolutely love teaching him and his twin brother, Bydon, who we are working and praying for. I can feel the trust that my Heavenly Father has in me as we do our best to teach them what they need and when they don't fulfil, we teach them again, and if they still don’t' listen the Lord always finds another way to teach them the lesson. Usually by slapping them in the face. lol. But I know that the Lord provides a way and prepares the hearts and minds of the people.
 The baptism went by smoothly... well for everyone there... lol. I had a lot of fun swimming in the baptism font beforehand to clean it and getting in trouble because we're not supposed to swim.. I’m just kidding... kind of. We sang I like to look for Rainbows acapella with my companion and Hermana Horan who was able to come down for the baptism! Thank heavens for her voice. I don't know what I would have done without her!
 Oh and I got the package!!!! I LOVE IT! BEST PACKAGE EVER! Thanks! I laughed so hard at the calendar and my comp laughed even harder so we had a good time with that. Also I love the skirt and scarf. I felt like I just went shopping and was taking the things from the bags. I'm so happy to have another scarf! So cute! I'm excited to go shopping there! And of course thanks to the family entero for the letters of love.
 The temple passport thing is ADORABLE!
 I love you  all and wish you a great week full of love. But not this love of the world. The pure love of Christ! I'll have him sent it your way!


Feliz Dia de Carino!
Hermana VandeMerwe

February 3, 2014

Yay! A great week. I hope you had a great birthday DAD!
Well we are now definitely in .. I don't know what. It’s not summer so it must be fall. I'm hoping to have time to buy rain boots today (again) they like to break. Too bad mine from home weigh like 20 lbs and I couldn't bring them because I like those ones a lot! Keep them safe.
We had interviews with President this week which is always fun... lol. No but really he's awesome because even though you already know the answer to all of your problems, he helps you know how you can apply it better. Wouldn't that be nice if we had someone like that for our whole life? Yay mission. Life gone easy.
Alexis is progressing just great and we are planning the baptism. His favorite song is families can be together forever because that is the first hymn he  heard so we will play that somehow... and I think his aunt and another joven will talk. We are super excited!
Okay questions from last week.. Sorry I didn't have time to read before
Our Church starts at 10:00... LOL! There’s only one rama that meets in our building.
The elders go to Concepcion on Friday so we'll see if the package is there.
There are lots of new missionaries in our zone. It’s funny because when I came we were pretty much all gringos. So much that we pretty much did our meetings in English and then it changed to all latinos and  now it's back to all gringos... I don't know if president does that on purpose or not.
We don't have an oven. Nor have I ever heard of a missionary home with an oven. However we are moving for sure soon! Okay nothing is for sure until it happens but hopefully. And our new home has a nice wood burning stove. Sweet. We cook sometimes as a zone in the church. Like today we made... I’m not sure. An elder from Argentina made some type of meat... and sometimes on other pdays we go to members houses and learn how to make bread, calzonos rotos, and pi de limon.
I read Emily’s letters every now and then. Ya she has it rough and is really killing it over there! Baptizing queen! She's kind of my role model. However over here in Chile we've got it easy. Plenty of cats to get the mice if you get what I’m saying. haha. The only thing that has been an actual problem is the fleas. They are not fun.
Keep up the family home evenings every week! There is nothing I love more than to do family home evenings here with the people... some missionaries say it's cause of the food at the end but for me there is an amazing feeling that comes as a family sings together in their cozy home by the riverside.
How is Aunt Judi? And the rest of the fam, Sierra and Annie? Keep me updated!

I love you all. Have a great great week!

Hermana VandeMerwe

January 27, 2014

I believe in almost miracles.  And Miracles too but those take a lot more time. Miracles aren't just spur of the moment magic, they're been in the making since the beginning and are a result of a lot of work and a lot of faith. So really every step that leads to a miracle is a miracle in and of itself.
We are preparing for a baptism miracle for this 8 de Febrero. We have worked super hard with Alexis. He is the nephew of Carolina and Reinaldo who lives with them but couldn't be baptized before because he didn't have permission from his dad and after that we had to work with him with other temptations and really trust in the spirit in every lesson. I really have loved helping him because I have been able to feel the spirit saying things that I never thought I would tell an investigator. I could really feel myself learning as I said things that I didn't even know to teach about the importance of our families, our purpose here on the earth and our potential to become like God. I've seen the Lord really cut him down to heart ache and to something that many wouldn't be able to bare but Alexis is strong and has a faith unbreakable and knows he needs to be baptized. The Lord really knows the needs of his children, he knows what they can handle and what they need to hear. I know that each one of us has a purpose here, and a potential so much greater than we could ever understand. I know that we are strong. Our spirits are strong. Our spirits lived with God before we were born here and that we have the power and strength to overcome the trials and temptations of the world and our bodies. Our spirits know what is right and have the desire to do nothing but that.
I know that we have families here to help us, to help us feel love, to help us learn how to love. I know that the family is the most important social unit here in this earth and for eternity. The home is a place where we can learn together and as I study about the importance of a family and the importance of learning together I can't stop thinking about the significance of the revelation that "the home is the new MTC". I want to extend the invitation for all of you to start more than ever to make our home a place where we can learn of the prophets, apply the words of the prophets, teach it to one another and to the rest of the world. I hope you can all study together the roles that you have in the home to learn how to share the gospel and to put it into action. Mom and Dad I hope you can do everything to help the boys learn and apply the importance of the gospel and missionary work now so that they can be prepared and worthy young men that can serve that Lord with all their heart, might, mind and strength. Tate and Brockton I invite you to prepare in the same way that you will serve, prepare with all your heart, might, mind and strength. Understand your potential as sons of God and the power of the priesthood that you have. Understand why missionary work is the greatest and grandest work you could ever do. As a family I hope you can live with the spirit at all moments, that our home can forever be a place where the spirit can dwell and give revelation and guidance. I hope you can share your testimonies with actions and words with everyone. The only way this gospel can bring us true happiness is if we share it with others.

Hermana VandeMerwe

January 20, 2014

Well we just had a great week of walking around the Christmas tree. They still light it up :) but really we are looking for new people to teach.  We've found some great people. The hardest thing is always getting them to the church on Sunday.

This week we have really put a focus on Alexis, the nephew of Carolina and Reinaldo so that he can be baptized. His twin brother is living with them now as well and soon both will be in their custody so we are putting a big focus on them so they can be baptized. They are so awesome. Well Bydon, his brother just needs to learn more and admit that he wants to be baptized. Alexis has a few trials to overcome but he has a desire to be baptized and he does everything. Comes to church on Sunday, goes to seminary, comes with us to visit people, goes to Family Home evenings, reads his scriptures, they recently started doing family prayer. sigh... I love that family!! So we are going to make them complete!

I am still loving my area! Sometimes it's a little stressful because you see so many changes good and bad and also you feel like you know everyone and every place that there’s much more you can do but I’m trying to realize how much I do know so we can apply what works and get rid of what doesn't. I'm still with Hermana Godinez as well! :) This is my second transfer with her. There are still 4 of us in our apartment. They are both the same too. No one left for transfers except some of the elders in our zone. And we got 2 new sisters in our zone! This zone used to be so small but we already have 2 new companionships. Growing so fast!
I'm not sure if we're moving soon. I’ll let you know if we do.
Thanks for the valentines! I think they do celebrate that here!
I would be happy to bring Grandma something. I'm living off of bread right now but as soon as I have money again at the beginning of the month I’ll be sure to think of her. I'm just kidding mom. Don’t worry. I have Nutella as well. We played soccer co-ed but seeing as that we're missionaries there wasn't much contact so no need to worry Grandpa!
The temperature is just kind of crazy. Changing from hot to rain to hot to rain but hot is like 90s not like Emily or Eliza in Brazil! so I’m not complaining.
I haven’t received a package yet from Jan and Martha but I do receive that letters from Janie! She is amazing! Seriously every week! I am never without mail when the mailman comes. Thank you thank you thank you Janie! Oh and I wrote her a letter today. But I’m going to send it next week.. Oh the process.
I love you!!
Hermana VandeMerwe

January 13, 2014

oh. oh here we go again.

I'm staying here in Pitrufquen! Why not stay 6 months? I'm down. I'm happy to be staying. I know there is still work to be done here and a lot more I can learn from Hermana Godinez. So it will be good. A lot of work. But good.

So we've had a change in the game plan for the mission. We will no longer be working so much with the less actives. Or "returning members" as I just found out is the new correct term in English...  I don't think they care as much in Spanish so we’ll just stick to inactive and less active. It's going to be good because we can focus more on our role as missionaries to find teach and baptize. We tried hard to do that through the less actives as well as include the members in helping us reactivate.
It's funny because when we first started plan Alma I was a little upset because I didn't understand why we were doing the work of the members. We’ve tried hard to help them help us but the fact of the matter is we reactivate. They come to church. But what they need is a friend and to be nourished by the good word of God. So the new plan is that we are going to work with 2 families only for each companionship. It stresses me out a little bit because I know how the members work and I have really grown a love for these people so it will be hard to just stop visiting them and hope that the members really understand the importance of this work. We'll try to do it gradually of course and the members really aren't that bad. I know they can do it if they make it a priority. I am putting my full faith in them as I hand over the list of people we are working with, who have progressed, and have so much potential and who I love. All into their hands. Praying that no one will slip through the cracks. But through all this I know I have experienced a miniscule part of the faith that God has in me as a missionary. For all the souls that I have in my hands who he has given me to help nourish and grow. Though I am far from perfect he has trusted me with his children who he loves and hopes that I can do for them what he would do.
This week i have learned how to love Jacob 5 as I take the pledge for this "ultimo vez" (last time?) New year and I'm half way through. Nope. I can't believe it. We didn't do much. But we took pictures with "pregnant bellies" for 9 months... Sister tradition apparently. I still have SO much to learn and to change and no. I am definitely not counting down.
My new camera is a sony cybershot. It’s pretty sweet. I'll send some pics soon!
I love genealogy! It's kind of something you have to have a reason to do it or be taught how to do it in order to love it. But once you understand how it's a lot of fun. I'm thankful that I had that calling before the mission to get me in the spirit of the temple and the importance of family. Keep it up!
I love you!
Hermana VandeMerwe
Oh ps. today we had our last activity as this zone because some people are leaving. It was fun. We played soccer and ate lunch and then... we found out that the elders had water balloons... oh geeze. So they gave us some of our own and we filled them up but our little hand grenades were nothing compared to their bowling ball sized bombs... needless to say we got wet..