10
November 2015
Dear
Family,
In
case you forgot, this is my last mission letter!
Today
we are going to a museum in Quinta Normal. Friday I will go to the temple
(maybe run into Leah if I'm lucky).
Last
week we watched "17 Miracles" with Yolanda. I had never seen it
before and was inspired by the pioneer stories as I remembered my own ancestors’
stories and the hardship people suffered through to learn, live, and share the
gospel. I have it easy, don't I? I've been reading my mission journals a little
bit and remembering all of the miracles I have experienced in the last 18
months.
In
June I arrived in the MTC and was blessed with a visit from Lauren. During a
really emotional time she made me feel like I wasn't so far away from home and
that a year and a half really isn't that long. Then I was blessed to have the
best trainer in the mission, Hermana Dodds. I know that President Essig received
revelation to assign her as my companion. She actually reminded me a lot of
Lauren and helped me adjust to the mission and Chile. I wasn't homesick but I
was really worried that I would be at some point and she assured me that if I
ever wanted to give up she would tie my red hair to the bunk bed.
In
July President and Hermana Videla arrived in the mission and introduced
themselves. I had my first interview with President Videla. They are both
miracles for me, converts who became faithful members and sacrificed so much to
serve together in this mission and do everything they can so that I and
hundreds of other missionaries can have successful, joyful, service.
I
have to mention the Cortes family. I will always remember them as a great part
of my experience in Calle Larga and in my first ward, Primer Crucero. In August
Macarena and Domingo biked to our house at 2:00 in the morning to bring our
cell phone because the other sisters in the ward had used it, forgotten to
return it, and the APs were calling us with information about transfers. What
kind of members are willing to bike in the middle of the night in the dead of
winter to do a favor for the missionaries. They are incredible.
The
miracle of September that changed my whole mission was when President trusted
me enough to give me an assignment that was too big for me so I could grow into
it. I finished my own training and started training Hermana Gomez. I had three
months in the mission and wasn't the most efficient missionary but Hermana
Gomez and I learned together and it was a real growth experience.
I
was still in this learning process and discouraged about our numbers and the
lack of success in October. We left district meeting one Wednesday feeling like
we had no idea what we were doing and I was comparing us with the other
companionships in the zone. That day we had a lesson with Miriam and Ayllen and
as we watched the Restoration video Miriam felt the Spirit. As she explained
what she felt I testified to her that the feeling she had was the Holy Ghost,
that our message was true, and that's why we are here in Chile. I was able to
recognize in that lesson that the Spirit testified through me and that Miriam
could feel something divine. It is a sensation I will never, ever forget and it
changed my perspective about the work we do as missionaries.
The
first Sunday in November was the day that Hermano Muro returned to church after
a long time away. Although he had been confused about the Book of Mormon before
and didn't even want us to talk about it, this day he went to the pulpit and
bore his testimony of the Book of Mormon. Hermana Nuñez called me recently to
tell me that Hermano Mura had passed away after battling cancer. I am grateful
that he was able to make changes and come closer to God during the last month
of his mortal life.
I
was transfered to Llay Llay in December. I love the members in the Llay Llay
branch and had experiences with them and received revelation even before I was
transferred that helped me to know that I needed to be there.
I
have to mention Hermana Clark. Even though we were not companions we had
several exchanges together. We traveled together to Chile, spent a day together
when our companions went to the temple as they finished their missions, had
P-day together the day before we both started training, had two exchanges doing
visa paperwork, and had our last exchange in her sector in Almendral in
January. We were in the same district and zone and had several activities and
P-days together. We're going to be roommates this coming January, about one
year after our last exchange.
Romina
was baptized in February. She progressed so quickly and was always so obedient
and optimistic about the commandments.
Even
though I was in another sector, I was excited to hear about Miriam's baptism in
March. We had taught her for six months, which is not common in our mission if
someone is not progressing by accepting a baptismal date and attending church.
I knew she was special and I'm grateful the Elders returned to visit her after
the sector was closed for a while. I was able to send a note of congratulations
to her with the Elders when we had a conference with Elder Oaks.
All
through May I was with Hermana Young in Los Mares. We worked hard to improve
our teaching skills, follow the Spirit, and teach to the needs of the people we
taught. We tried to get outside the cookie cutter lessons. We were together a
short time but it was a very memorable transfer.
Hermana
Fullmer and I survived the venomous spider infestation in June. What an
adventure.
July
was Christobal's baptism after he surprised us by showing up at church with a
humble desire to be baptized.
In
August Juan and Yolanda got married and were baptized. A wedding and a baptism!
It was a big miracle and they will be my friends for life!
There
was an earthquake in September but what left a greater impression on me was
Elder Vinas' talk. He is called of God and my questions were answered as I
listened to a servant of the Lord.
We
met Karina in October. I am sure that I knew her before this life and she will
also be my friend for life.
November
is still happening. I am excited to hug each of you in ONE WEEK!
If
I have learned anything in this year and a half it is that I know nothing. The
Spirit is everything. This is the Lord's work and He blesses us by letting us
participate and witness His miracles and His power. It's true. All of it.
Love,
Hermana
Eva VanCott
