A White Christmas

Our most special gift was a Skype call from Dallon on Christmas day!  It was great to see his face and hear his voice.  He called from a member's computer and we were able to meet the family and talk to his companion, Elder Izelo.  Dallon looked healthy and happy and completely content serving as a missionary.  He said that he doesn't think about home much, but he thinks about the family daily.  Chile has become his home and that is how it should be.  He has grown and matured so much and we are all so very proud of him.  The best part was that his p-day was the very next day and we were able to hear from him again!

"We had the baptism and it went really well.  It was basically a ward baptism.  It was cool that Elder Izelo was able to do the baptism.  I think it made him really happy."

"My favorite part of Christmas this year was hearing about the families from my past sectors and having some of them visit me.  I also loved receiving their Christmas cards."

"The mission Christmas activity was fun.  I was in the video of the mission a lot of times.  It was cool.  Elder Gomez came and found me and took me aside to just thank and thank me.  He said he was really grateful for me and just wanted to hang with me.  He kept talking about how I had taught him so much and that he never realized how much I put up with him. haha  His other companions have not been as patient, I guess.  All of my "greenies" and I usually got along pretty well, however, we really become the best of friends after they stop being my companion.  It's hard to explain.  It's like they don't know how other companions are, so they look at all your flaws and think that the next person will be so much better.  They usually don't find that because no one is perfect and everyone has flaws.  My favorite missionary friends are the ones that are just funny and confident, like Elder Tognetti.  When he introduces himself, he says, "Hello, I am Elder Tognetti and I'm a nerd."  He knows who he is and likes himself.  I've made a lot of really great friends and it is always fun getting together."

"I feel really comfortable with the language now.  It's interesting.  I have a strong gringo accent but I understand everything and can communicate really well.  The members say that I have 98% perfect spanish.  I love being able to talk because I get to know everyone so much better.  I am so glad that I have been able to reach the level that I am at, but I want to keep progressing and one day be completely fluent, like it says in my patriarchal blessing."

"It was a good Christmas for Elders Gonzales and Sauceda.  We bought Elder Gonzales a camera and I am sure he is so happy.  I know that he will never forget that.  It makes me feel good inside.  I love my district so much.  He is companions with Elder Birch in Barrancas right now!  He says that Guillermo and Norka never stop talking about me and have a picture of me on their wall.  He also told me that their pension got robbed!  The person that did it was was one of their investigators.  He took everything of Elder Birch's because Elder Gonzales didn't have very much.  Elder Birch lost more than $1000 worth of stuff all the way down to his sheets!  It is crazy because that sector is so peaceful.  I am counting my blessings that it didn't happen to me."

"Today for p-day we had a really fun activity with water balloons.  We played all the games that we use to play as a family.  I bet you will like these pictures.  We had a lot of fun.  One pic is of the primary program.  They did The Nutcracker! haha  It was cool.  This week will probably fly by with people feeding us too much food.  We also have two more kids that we are teaching, Fabian and Jose.  They will be our next baptisms and I am hoping that we can get back to work."

"I miss you all so much.  It's weird to think that I'll be with you soon.  It feels like I've been gone for so long and yet for so little.  I hope you know how much I love you.  I truly am happy and enjoying all of the opportunities to know these wonderful people.  I am loving this time in my mission.   Everything has been going really great.  Anyways I love you and I'll keep you always close in my heart.  Thanks for everything.   Have a great week and a feliz ano nuevo." 

Elder Dallon Smith

Elder Izelo, Diego and Elder Smith

Diego's baptism on Christmas

Leontina's family visits Elder Smith

District waterballoon p-day

Elder Smith looks confident...POP!

Watch out!

Elder Smith on the attack!

The Nutcracker primary program

Feliz Navidad from Elders Smith and Izelo

HO HO HO...

The holidays have always been a special time for our family.  Christmas is Dallon's favorite holiday and he is having the time of his life.  We are so grateful for all the people in his life that help make it memorable.  We are grateful for their love and service to him.  Their care is a gift of comfort for us.

"Feliz Navidad...Feliz Navidad...Feliz Navidad, Prospero ano, y felicidad!  That song means so much more to me now that I actually understand everything that it is saying! haha  I have been singing it all week.  I love Christmastime.  It is definitely the best part of the year.  I have been immersing Elder Izelo in Josh Groban's Christmas cd. haha  It's like the only Christmas music I have and I think I have it completely memorized.  I'm glad that Elder Izelo puts up with me...as well as, our neighbors. haha  I guess we have the spirit of Christmas with us.  Every moment we are in the pension, we are listening to Christmas music.  I feel like it comes and goes way too fast."

"Great news is that we were able to place a baptismal date with Fabian.  I can't believe how easy it has been.  We put a baptismal date with him in the first lesson and his family has been really supportive.  It was fun because he is so excited to be baptized and he is awesome.  We were teaching him about the restoration and we get to the part about Joseph Smith and the first vision.  Fabian is like, oh yeah, I memorized this and goes off.  He had learned it for the primary program.  It was sooooo cool!  I am praying that the Lord helps everything to work out.  Ana and Patricio were confirmed and are loving the primary.  Diego had his baptismal interview and will be baptized on Christmas day!  Pres. and Hma King said we truly are going to have a white Christmas! haha  It will be really special."

"We had interviews with President on Tuesday.  It was good like always.  President told me that he would probably keep me here in Rinconada another change.  I was not expecting that, but I am glad.  I love it here.  It is the best!  I really feel like there are a lot of people here who love me.  It has been such a blessing.  The members are taking care of us and are giving me my fill of cola de mono.  I love that stuff!  We have had a lot of hermanas fighting over where we go to eat and the calendar fills up fast.  I love this ward so much.  The Bishop's wife has been helping me out a ton.  She is so awesome.  She runs and does errands for us and always tries to help us out.  The Alarcon family bought us a happy meal the other day and we had a blast.  We are given so much stuff, it's embarrassing.  I feel bad that we get so much."

"This week there were a lot of Christmas activities in the Stake.  It was a little stressful because of communication problems between the Stake and Wards, but I realized that I am pretty good at staying calm and making things run smoothly.  There was an activity every day.  They had dances, a costume nativity party, a nativity display that was AWESOME!, and the whole primary participated in the Nutcracker show.  It was so fun.  Two of my converts participated and it was really cool."

"Veronica Escobar, the mom of the familia Barrueto, came to my ward yesterday!  She came and sat next to me and just talked, talked, talked. haha  She said that she really feels like my mom and that she finally gets to be with her son when she comes to my ward.  She told me about a lot of stuff back in Diagonal.  They are moving and they wanted to reassure me that their testimonies are still firm.  The whole family couldn't come because at least one of them had to be at church so that they can keep their goal to be sealed in the temple.  They are going to talk to President King this week to ask if I can go to their sealing on the 6th of January.  They want me to be one of the witnesses.  She told me that she would seal me to her family if she could. haha  It was such a happy visit.  I am happy for them and love them so much.  They bought me a really cool plaque made of copper with the Santiago Temple engraved on it.  It is so hard to take when I know they sacrifice so much to make me feel special.  I don't know if I deserve it.  I am so lucky to have a relationship with them.  Veronica told me that everyone from the ward are trying to come visit me, but they aren't letting them because they would lose the whole ward! haha  Anyways, I felt very special and my heart was filled with gratitude and love."

"That was my week, full of experiences that I'll never forget.  I am excited for Skype this week.  I always feel like there is so much to say, but when I am finally right there, all I want to know is about you guys.  I don't want to talk about me. haha  I'll try to go half and half.  I will be calling you at 7:00, so over there it should be around 3:00.  I haven't received your Christmas package, but I bet I will tomorrow...or if not, Friday at the Christmas devotional.  It is going to be really fun.  My white elephant gift is a pineapple. haha  It is so random, but I think it's cool.  We don't have a Christmas tree, but we have been helping the members out.  They all think that I am a professional tree decorator. haha  I know how to make them look ggguuuhhh oooooood!"

"Oh a funny thing you should know.  President and Hma King went to a conference with all the mission presidents and their wives, along with the area presidency last week.  They told me in my interview that they shared my poem with everyone! haha  It's embarrassing, but it was kinda cool too."

"That is awesome that you are going to Elder Doyle's family temple session.  You can put these names on the prayer list: Rosa, Fabian, Guillermo, Norka, familia Barrueto, familia Morales, Andrea, Gustavo, and Elder Izelo.  I love you all very much and hope that you have a very merry Christmas!  I'll be home for Christmas...if only in my dreams! haha  HO HO HO MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!  ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho...ok, I'm done.  See ya on Sunday!!!

Elder Dallon Smith

Wonderful Time of Year

Dallon is always talking about being so busy and the work is paying off.  He had another baptism this week and it looks like there are more to follow.  He loves being a missionary and being a part of people's lives.  He has never been happier.

"Hey, I think that you're right.  I was studying the Book of Mormon this week and came across some scriptures in Alma that said...something like...haha I don't know how to translate it back to English, but it is something like, "Oh if I could cry repentance to all people and bring them to a knowledge of the Savior...however I do sin in my wish for I should be content with the blessings that the Lord has allotted me.  I guess I should be more content with every opportunity I have to share the gospel.  It is just sometimes, I get so excited and I want to have all these incredible experiences and I forget that every experience is special in its own way.  I need to just trust more in the Lord and enjoy the time and people that I have around me.  I am so grateful to be a missionary."

"We were able to have a baptism!  Woot Woot!  I was happy for the kid.  He is such a hoot.  We filled up the font and were really preoccupied about getting it to a good temperature...however, it got really hot...too hot...it was literally boiling! haha  The Bishop went and grabbed the emergency fire hose and starting filling the boiling font with cold water.  It wasn't really necessary because we had time to use the faucet to put cold water in, but I think that all the men have been secretly wanting to use the fire hose! haha  It made for a good show.  When Patricio got into the font, it was like a big hot tub and he started to play around in it.  Bishop had to tell him to stop and he had to be dunked twice because his foot came out of the water.  His Dad got to do the baptism.  He is a recent convert and recently received the melquezidek priesthood.  It was really cool for the family and the ward.  When Patricio came out of the water the second time, he asked if they could stay in a little longer.  It was funny.  It was one of the easiest and less stressful baptisms that I have had.  Patricio gave a good testimony and I was proud of him.  Elder Holton and Elder Sauceda brought an investigator to our baptism which I think is awesome!  I hope that they will also have success."

"Yesterday we were able to go to a Christmas program at the temple!  We took Scarlett and Diego (investigators that will be baptized on Christmas).  There was a choir singing in front of the temple and a cool exhibit all about Christ with a ton of nativities in it.  They gave our investigators some magazines about Christ and the spirit was so strong.  There were a ton of people there.  We had fun.  Scarlett and Diego are cousins.  Scarlett is 16 and Diego is 9.  After teaching Scarlett one time, we asked her to read the Book of Mormon.  She read 2nd Nephi chapter 31 and said that she said a prayer and fell asleep.  In her dream, she was in a lake and I was baptizing her.  When she came out of the water, everything was more beautiful.  She said it was an answer to her prayer and that she really wanted to be baptized.  They are both excited to be baptized, so they are the next two that we are focusing on."

"I received a letter from Belen.  She was one of my investigators from Diagonal.  She got baptized and sent me a letter of gratitude.  I can hardly tell you how happy I felt reading that letter.  It is great to see how the Lord's work progresses.  It is incredible how the Lord let's me participate in the conversion process and see the changes that the gospel brings to people.  I wish I could have seen her be baptized.  The missionaries said that she is one of the strongest converts that they have seen.  She already has a calling as the second counselor in the primary.  The mission is so awesome!"

"I was studying one morning and all of a sudden the name Fabian kept sneaking into my thoughts.  I went and looked for a letter that a little boy had given me some time ago when I first arrived in Rinconada.  He wrote that his parents wouldn't let him get baptized, but that when they would let him, he wanted me to teach him.  He drew a picture of us together.  I talked to the primary president and she said that his Dad was catholic and would never support it.  I went and talked to him anyways.  He wasn't too friendly, but I just kept talking and eventually he said that he would always support his son and that if we wanted to teach him, it was ok.  Fabian has been going to church for more than a year and I feel like his letter was a call for help and that the Lord is providing a way for us to help him.  I am praying for a miracle here."

"I'm glad that you are all having fun and staying busy.  I bet you are running all around.  That's great!  I'm excited to talk to you on the 25th!  Whoo hooo!  The mission is letting us use member computers, so we should be good to go.  They also cut down our time to 45 minutes...sad right?  I love you very much.

Elder Dallon Smith

Elder Izelo, Patricio, & Elder Smith

Patricio's family

A Christmas temple trip with Scarlett and Diego

December Baptisms

Dallon had a full week of baptisms.  These are the moments that the missionaries work so hard for.  He is always learning new things, taking on more responsibilities, and having great experiences.  In this letter, he also talks about a prank that was played on him.

"Finally we had our baptisms!  This is the first week that I have had two separate baptismal services in the same week.  It was a lot of work but worth it!  On Monday, Miguel had his interview and he passed with flying colors.  He was excited to be baptized.  Elder Silva had me fill out the paperwork because his handwriting is so bad.  He knows almost all of my converts because he has been my leader for a long time.  I was laughing with Miguel because his family names were so hard to spell.  He is also hard at hearing and I am hard of understanding him. haha  Miguel and I have become really close in a short period of time.  He told me that if his son-in-law couldn't baptize him, that he would have chosen me to do it.  I always call him "tata", which is kind of like grandpa.  He had his baptismal service on Friday.  It was a private baptism with us and his family.  The service was one of the most emotional that I have experienced so far.  His daughter gave a talk and began crying because she was the pioneer in the family that became a member 23 years ago.  She said that all these years she had prayed and put her Dad's name in the temple and her prayers have been answered.  Then Juan Carlos, who baptized him, also got a little emotional because he thought Miguel might never make the decision to be baptized.  Then the granddaughters sang, "Families can be together forever".  It was really cool.  Afterwards, we had Chinese food, which was delicious!  I didn't think that Miguel would want to take any pictures because he is so shy, but then he comes out in his whites and asks, "Why aren't we taking pictures yet? haha  It was great.  He kept patting me on the head.  The whole baptism was such a beautiful experience that I will never forget."

"We also were finally able to baptize Ana.  She asked me to baptize her and it was a great experience.  However, we weren't very good at preparing the baptismal font temperature. haha  It was freezing!  It is definitely something that she will never forget. haha  Let's just say it was a refreshing experience.  Ana gave a really great testimony after and was really emotional.  Her mom was really grateful and it was so cool.  We were so busy yesterday, which is why I think the font was so cold.  We had another baptismal interview because next week we are going to baptize Patrico.  This should be a great month!"

"I also did my first baptismal interview for my district.  The sisters are going to baptize a little girl named Isabel.  The interview went really well and I actually like doing it.  It's cool to be able to fortify their testimony and to know just how far they have come.  It's like you get to come in at the end, but still be a part of the conversion process.  Isabel is way smart.  She lives with her Dad and brother because her Mom left when she was very young.  She has a testimony of the Savior and faith in what she is choosing to do.  I enjoyed talking to her."

"I am praying that Rosa will be able to be baptized on Christmas day.  We also have a 16 year old girl that we are teaching named Scarlette.  We are hoping to place a baptismal date with her for December 25th, as well.  We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I am hoping for the best and have some Christmas miracles."

"I also had divisions with Elder Incze in his sector.  Elder Rios and Elder Roco played a prank on me.  They set up hidden cameras and everything!  They had me sit on the floor and told me they were going to do a weird magic trick.  They made me hold broom sticks and put a bowl with water in between the broomsticks and the ceiling.  I knew they were up to something, but didn't think that they would actually do it.  I am propting the bowls of water up with broomsticks and I can't leave or the water will fall on me.  Then they all left me and didn't come back, so all the water drenched me!  It was funny, but I didn't have a change of clothes because I was on divisions.  I couldn't believe they actually did it.  I've gotta find a way to get them back!"

"Last week I was asked to give another iniciativa in zone conference.  Elder Silva always asks me to give the classes.  I have been asked to do it for the last two changes.  I had everyone sit on the floor and read the Christmas story from the Book of Mormon.  I tried to be a little creative and it went pretty good.  Some Elders might think that was weird, but I like lessons that are a little different."

"Sounds like the Christmas season is picking up.  It's so weird when we are on opposite sides of the world.  It is so hot here!  I am dying!  I can't even imagine doing winter things. haha  I'm glad that you are all busy and having fun.  I know that I need to enjoy the specks of gold, but along the way I would like to find some nuggets. haha"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIMBER!!!   I hope you have a good birthday.  What are you...12 now?  That is flippin crazy! haha  I'll be sending you my love in brainwaves on your birthday.  I love you very much!  I actually talked a lot about you in my first baptismal interview and showed her all of your pictures.  It helped me to gain her confidence and she thought it was really cool that you are a cheer leader. haha  You are pretty cool, Kimmie.  Tenga un feliz cumpleanos y acuerdese que su hermano te quiere mucho!  Te deseo un feliz cumpleanos porque tu lo mereces.  FELIZ CUMPLEANOS!!!"

"Have fun this Christmas season and make sure to find time to enjoy it!  Thanks for everything!  Les Amo!"

Elder Dallon Smith

Elder Izelo, Miguel, and Elder Smith

Miguel's family

Elder Izelo, Ana, and Elder Smith

Ana's family

Reflection

It was a short letter this week.  Dallon seemed to have a lot on his mind.  He feels that his time is becoming short and there is so much more that he would like to do.  He is going through a spiritual growth and the work has taken over.  What an amazing experience to witness.  Our only regret is, where are the pictures?!

"I had a wonderful miracle this week.  There are a lot of stubborn husbands here that have investigated the church for years, but have never been baptized.  One is a grandpa named Miguel.  He studied with the missionaries more than 20 years back, but never got baptized.  His daughters however did.  The missionary that baptized one of his daughters, came back after his mission and married her.  They have been working on Miguel for years.  The other week, I was thinking about him and thought that we needed the Bishop to go with us to visit.  I felt that I was guided by the spirit.  We made an appointment for Tuesday.  Miguel's wife was actually baptized about 5 months ago.  She had an experience where she almost died and was only saved by the mercy of God.  It softened her heart and now she is a wonderful member of the church.  At our visit, there were just the five of us.  Miguel, his wife, the Bishop, and us.  The Bishop started talking about baptism and how we can't have eternal happiness if we don't get baptized.  The spirit was really strong and then right in the middle of the lesson, the whole entire family came home.  It was all his children and grandchildren and everyone.  Miguel is such a private person that I thought that there was no way now to commit him to baptism in front of his whole family.  I was able to bring the lesson back and taught the whole family while focusing mainly on Miguel.  Then the Bishop asked, "So what is it going to be, Miguel?"  Miguel was like, "You know what..?  I'll do it!"  So the whole family got emotional and were so happy and we planned the date for next Friday!  It was really cool because Juan, the missionary that taught him years ago, was there and was really happy.  Afterwards Juan came and thanked me for providing the spirit which did the work.  The Bishop said that I had received revelation to invite him.  It is one of the miracles that I have been praying for."

"Recently, I have been feeling unsatisfied with my mission.  I love it and love that I am learning and progressing, but at the same time, there is so much more that I want to accomplish.  I've always heard stories about missionaries, and the incredible experiences they had, where they were able to baptize these wonderful families and how cool little miracles happened.  I feel like, in my mission, I've had a lot of wonderful converts, but I am still missing something.  I want to help a family enter the gospel because I know those are the fruits that never end. haha  I guess that is kind of what every missionary wants, but now that time seems to be winding down so fast, I'm afraid that I won't be able to accomplish it.  I'm praying for miracles not because I need them to fortify my testimony or faith, but because I know that I have the faith for them to happen.  I want them because I know that it will bless the lives of many people.  I am trying to prepare myself to be a better vessel for the spirit.  I don't want time to go by so fast that I'm not able to help these wonderful people.  I really hope that I will be able to do a lot more in the mission before the end gets closer.  I know I will never have this time again or enjoy these types of relationships again.  I really need some miracles this year.  I think that is the Christmas present that I want most."

"I love you all very much.  Pray for my investigators, please!  Ana, Patrico, Miguel, Rosa, Leticia, Gustavo y Andrea, and Alejandro.  What day do you want me to call on?  I think Christmas day would be better for me, depending on if cafes are open.  A lot of places close on Sundays.  I'll start asking around this week for what we can do.  Welp, have a great week!  Chao!

Elder Dallon Smith

I'm Grateful For...

We were out of town the week of Thanksgiving, so we weren't able to post Dallon's letter.  His letter was more personal to our family and was full of expressions of gratitude.  We loved it and will hold it against him the rest of his life!

"I got your Thanksgiving package just this last week. haha  It was funny because I totally forgot all about Thanksgiving.  The Tim Tam Slams were a hit!  Oh man, those things are so delicious!  I had divisions with Elder Mackie this week and we had Tim Tam Slams on his birthday.  The next day I had them with Elder Izelo.  They are amateurs, but I consider myself a Tim Tam Slam pro! haha"

"This week went by fast, just like all my weeks now, so I guess I better get use to that.  We weren't able to have Ana's baptism because she wanted her padrinos there and they weren't able to go until next Sunday.  They are really excited though, so that's cool.  We are teaching a little kid named Patrico and he is going to be baptized on the 11th of December.  He is really cool.  I always thought that he was a member, but it turned out that he was never baptized.  His dad is a recent convert.  That means we should have two baptisms to start off December, so we are excited!"

"Elder Izelo and I didn't have changes!  I love it here and this ward is going to take really good care of us during the Christmas season.  Seriously, there is no place where I would rather be.  Elder Izelo is still progressing and we are good friends.  I'm grateful that we get another change together.  I'm also grateful that almost my whole district stayed the same.  Elder Gonzales had changes and Elder Mackie will be training now.  Our district is really unified and we have some fun activities planned for December.  We are going to go sing hymns at the outdoor markets and pass out Christmas pass alongs.  I also thought of another idea that I think will be hard, but it will also be so awesome.  A couple elders in our district are from Honduras and their families are super poor.  They never hear from or receive anything from home.  It is so sad and I admire them so much.  One Elder didn't have socks for a long time.  Elder Mackie gave him a suit and some other items that he could use.  I love all these elders so much.  I wish I could buy them everything they needed.  Our district has decided to to have our own sub-for-santa and are all going to pitch in to buy these elders a camera.  They don't have one and need to be able to remember their missions.  This is what I would like for Christmas.  Don't send me a package.  I'd rather have some extra money to help these elders with what they need.  I don't need or want anything.  I have already been spoiled enough to last a lifetime."

"I have so much to be grateful for and it makes me emotional just thinking about all that I have already been given.  First and foremost, I am grateful for my Father in Heaven.  He has always taken care of me, even when I felt I didn't deserve it.  He has given me what is best for me and understands me completely.  He is the only one that will always be there.  He lets me be a part of blessing the lives of others and accepts me for me.  I am also grateful for Jesus Christ and his atonement.  It is only through him that we will have eternal families and that we can be clean from sin.  He is the only way that we can be happy and he asks so little from us.  He suffered not only for our sins, but for our pains and griefs.  He knows us perfectly and wants what is best for us.  I love them so much.  My testimony of them is growing and it is something I am soooo grateful for.  There are so many people who say that they don't need to hear us because they already know God, but the sad truth is, they don't.  They don't know the relationship that they can have with him.  If they did, they would be so much happier.  I truly know that God and Jesus Christ live and that this is their church.  I am thankful that the Lord considered me worthy to be a Saint in the last days and to have the fullness of the gospel."

"Secondly, I am grateful for exceptional parents.  I too, like Nephi, feel like if I had to write a book of scripture, I would start out...I Elder Smith, being born of goodly parents...haha, but really, I hope you know just how grateful I am for you.  Dad has always been a faithful example to me.  He taught me to have strong values and to always do as the Lord commands.  He is an example of patience, discernment, leadership, obedience, love, and humility.  I always knew that he loved me and loved his family.  His values have always been centered in Christ.  The things that he has taught me will always stay with me.  After being in Chile for awhile and seeing how the real world is, I found out what being a good father really is.  It's you, Dad.  You are the best Dad anyone could ask for.  I am proud to be your son and I love you."

"Mom...haha  You already know how grateful I am for you because I have to tell you every week!  I think about you everyday.  When I say, "I'm me because of you", it's because it's true.  You are the only person who understands me and makes me want to be better everyday.  You are an example of strength, encouragement, love, confidence, humility, and I could probably go on forever.  I can't imagine not having you around me, Mom.  I love you soooo much.  You truly are my hero.  I don't know where I'd be without you.  I hope that one day, I'll be able to have half the talents that you have.  I don't know why the Lord let me have such a wonderful Mother.  I truly feel like I have a stripling warrior Mother.  "I do not doubt because my Mother knew it."  I hope you take that to heart Mom.  I love you!"

"I am grateful for my brother and sisters.  Each one has something so special.  I miss your personalities and all of the fun moments we've had together.  Before you know it, I'll be back home and we will be fighting about which restaurant to eat at! haha  I hope you know that I am grateful for each one of you.  I love you all and thank my Heavenly Father every day for such an amazing family.  I am lucky to have such awesome siblings.  I know that you will all do incredible things in this world.  I'll always be proud to say that I am your brother...and that I taught you everything you know! haha  Thanks for being good examples and for being you.  I love you."

"I'm grateful for...my family, the gospel, a good home, my country, a good ward, good companions, great investigators and converts, the Holy Ghost, good members, not having to worry about food or water, being young, prayer, examples, the scriptures, health, charity of others, good deeds, clothing, a bed, a house, technology, chocolate...haha  The list goes on and on and I am grateful to be alive and to see the miracles of God."

"Well, this was a pretty average week.  We had a fun noche de hogar with the familia Huenchur.  President and Hermana King came to my district meeting.  I thought I would be nervous, but I wasn't and it turned out really great.  I also had divisions with Elder Mackie and Elder Gonzales.  Anyways, that's about it.  Send everyone my love.  I'll talk to you next week."

Elder Dallon Smith

I'm Me Because of You

Dallon seemed really happy this week.  He said that this week was, "not too interesting...full of work...and for that reason...full of happiness."  He is completely lost in the work and loving it.  Next week will be changes again.

"This week was definitely not a slow one.  It went by faster than I can even wrap my head around.  I am happy about how things are going and we have had a lot of success.  It's weird to think about having a slow day back home.  That seems like such a different world to me.  The day when I have nothing to do will be the death of me.  The mission is definitely where I am suppose to be right now.  The mission makes me feel a lot different.  I know that we are protected and that I won't feel the same after the mission.  This time is going by too fast."

"A lot of people around here are getting sick too.  I luckily am feeling better and we've been well.  A funny story is I've been teasing a member that she is the one that got me sick because she gave us yogurt and cereal the night before.  She was mad at me for saying that, but it was fun to tease her.  Now her glands have swollen up and she is the sickest she's ever been! haha  It's horrible, but kinda funny.  I told her that the Lord always protects his missionaries or at least gets back at the person who got them sick! haha"

"It's been hot but nothing more than I can handle.  Lots of people give me Coca Cola every day. haha  It's a good thing I'm here because the members take really good care of us.  I am starting to tan a bit and get my raccoon eyes.  This ward is so attentive to me.  I'm serious, any little thing I have going on is a subject for these people.  This last week was over my elbows being too dry. haha  They bought me some lotion and made me exfoliate them with lemon and sugar...it actually worked, but at the same time, I hate having to worry about how I look.  I also started combing my hair to the side and parting it. haha  I like it because it makes me feel like such a goody goody missionary.  It's great and I've inspired a lot of missionaries to change theirs too. haha"

"My week went by really well.  I went on divisions with Elder Sauceda and we contacted a lot.  Elder Sauceda is really funny.  He made me laugh so hard.  We yelled "alo" at a house and a little boy came to the window.  We waved at him, but then Elder Sauceda got all dramatic and began waving like a crazy and blowing kisses and stuff.  It was so funny and I didn't expect it from him.  He is a really cool missionary.  He grew up without a dad.  They are a family of five and he had to drop out of school to take care of his siblings while his mom worked.  They have always had strong testimonies and he was able to come serve a mission!  I love the incredible people that I get to meet.  It makes me grateful for all the blessings in my life.  Some of these missionaries have gone through hell to be here.  I love them a lot."

"This week we taught Ana.  She was ready for her baptism interview and passed with flying colors.  She is so excited for next week!  Rosa is doing wonderful and I love her family.  Yesterday, I called her in the morning for church and she said that she was on the way, but almost the whole meeting she didn't show up.  I was nervous because I was worried that something had happened.  I was praying and thinking of her the whole meeting.  At the last three minutes, I looked back and saw her sitting at the very back row.  She smiled and looked at me.  Afterwards, she told me that she tried her best but only made it for the end.  The members really helped us to help her feel comfortable.  I don't ever want to leave this ward.  I want all my converts to live here because I know that they will be taken cared of.  We have a family home evening tonight with a family that is also progressing.  It is with our new leader missional, Hermano Huenchur.  He is a stud!  He and his wife are young and returned missionaries.  I love getting to work with them."

"Today we had a district activity where we made pizza for Elder Mackie and Elder Gonzales's birthdays.  It was fun.  I also gave a class in zone meeting.  I am getting better at giving classes.  I spoke about obedience and just drove it in. haha  It makes me feel good when people like my classes.  I also felt good when my district met their goal of 70 contacts this week.  I'm so proud of them and glad that they are all doing their part to have success.  It was a really good week!"

"Go enjoy everything during these holidays.  Make it special for me by looking for opportunities to serve.   I'm everything I am because of you.  I want you to know that whatever happens, that I love you with all my heart and am grateful for you every day.  I am proud to be a part of our family and think about it every time I put on my nametag.  I'm me because of you.  Have a great week family!"

Elder Dallon Smith

P-day at the Zoo

We didn't receive Dallon's letter until Tuesday afternoon.  The Maipu Zone got permission to go to the zoo for p-day.  The zoo is closed on Mondays, so they changed p-day to Tuesday.  He said that they all had a great time, but were exhausted after all the fun.  It is getting really hot in Chile and the missionaries have been informed to make sure to wear sunblock.

"It is good to finally have time to write to you.  Our p-day was switched because we went to the zoo for a zone activity and it is closed on Mondays.  It was so much fun and I am exhausted, but I will still try to send a good letter home."

"This week went by really fast.  I can hardly believe that it is already over.  It was a good week.  We went to work and everything just kinda worked out.  I am excited because we have a lot of people that are progressing and that are really close to a baptismal date.  I fasted for them this last Sunday.  The Lord works in mysterious ways.  It is interesting because we started to teach another one of Paula's friends.  She came to church last Sunday and the Alarcon family already asked for permission for her to be baptized.  So we are starting to teach her.  Her name is Veronica and she is 11 years old."

"We also are teaching a man named Felipe.  He is progressing but it has been an interesting challenge.  We are doing our best to help him stop smoking.  I have been studying a lot about addictions and how the gospel can help us to be free from them.  He loves having us over.  He feels he has no hope without us.  I am praying that he will pull through."

"Elder Izelo and I teach really well together.  He lets me lead and always adds something special.  I like teaching with him because the spirit is always so strong.  We have been having a ton of success."

"I got sick this week.  We went to a members house whose kid had the stomach flu or something and I got it.  It was HORRIBLE!!  Francisco went with me to visit them and he got sick too.  I didn't stay in the pension, but worked through 3 days of doom! haha  Elder Izelo and I had to go to Independencia this week and we always take the metro.  It is about an hour ride.  Elder Izelo fell asleep and at first I was sitting next to him, but then I gave up my seat to a lady.  I had to stand behind Elder Izelo's seat and my stomach was not happy with me.  I started reading the Book of Mormon and all of a sudden everything starts turning black and I got a cold sweat.  I was trying to keep my knees bent and everything but it wasn't working.  I had to sit right then or I knew that I would pass out.  By the way, it is illegal to sit on the floor of the metro.  Everyone is looking at me like a crazy person and all I could think about was not throwing up.  I had a mini panic attack at that thought and eventually was able to gain my composure.  I sat for a long time and Elder Izelo finally woke up.  I was down behind his seat so he didn't see me.  He thought I had ditched him and he had a mini panic attack.  Again the people around were looking at him like a big crazy. haha   He finally found me on the floor and it was actually a funny experience, but at the time, it wasn't really.  We finally made it to our stop and got off.  My legs were asleep and I was walking like a drunk. haha  I was not the best representative of Christ in that moment.  On the way back, I ended up sitting on the floor again.  It was not a fun day, but a fun memory. haha"

"A really cool spiritual experience happened yesterday.  There is a woman that I found earlier with Elder Wilcox my first day in Rinconada.  Her name is Rosa and she is a tough lady, but really cool and funny.  She always loved us from the beginning and calls us her elders.  We were able to teach her and invite her to church.  She said she would go and she did!  I was excited to see her there.  Well yesterday, we had a couple unplanned hours so we decided to pass by her house.  By some miracle, she was with her husband, so we were able to teach her.  We started talking about the church because she had some questions about fast and testimony meeting.  We shared more about the Book of Mormon because that was what everyone was talking about.  Then we started teaching purely by the spirit and talked about faith and repentance.  The spirit was so strong.  Rosa started to cry at one point.  In the end, I was able to invite her to be baptized and she said yes!  She said that she wanted to change her life and that she wanted to do it now.  We placed a date with her for December 3rd.  It's been cool to see the change in her already.  She told me that I am a special elder with something special.  She and I have become good friends.  She also has a gangsta son that has become one of my pals.  I call him Flaco, which means skinny. haha  Rosa will bring a lot of people to the truth and I am excited for her."

"We also had a huge mission conference with Elder Snow from the Seventy.  I loved that he spoke about being good missionaries and he was truly inspiring and fun to listen to.  I also got to see all my friends again.  It was so packed that we were dying because the bench we were sitting on was so full that not all of us could sit back at the same time.  We had to take turns going forwards and backwards. haha  It was hot too.  The missionaries from the Chile MTC were there too.  We had a good time though and we all got to greet Elder Snow.  I got to see Elder Gomez and he's doing great.  I found out that three of the people that I had taught have baptismal dates!  That is great news and I am so happy for them!"

"Anyways, all is good.  It's all up hill from here!  I am excited and I like working.  We've been getting a lot done and I love how fast the weeks fly by.  I can't believe that the end of another change is already coming.  It goes by far too fast.  Oh, one last miracle.  We are teaching a really cool family that is reading the Book of Mormon together.  The other day we went to teach them and the mom said that she received an answer that she needs to listen to us.  She had prayed about it and then in the morning when she turned on the tv, a lady was talking about how being a mormon had blessed her.  We have a cita with them tonight and I am hoping for the best!  Please pray for my investigators.  They all need miracles.  I hope you like the zoo pics!"

Elder Dallon Smith

The Maipu Zone at the Zoo

A Zoo attraction!

Elder Smith and Elder Mackie

The District just monkeying around

Elder Smith and Elder Izelo

"Do not feed the animals!"

Dulce O Truco!

The mission had a visit from President and Sister Zaballos this week.  Dallon was asked to conduct the choir of Elders from Maipu for this event.  He shared some funny moments he had with us.  In our last letter to him, we talked about some missionaries from the MTC that came and did a presentation at our ward combined meeting last Sunday.  They are serving online missions.  They were a group of exceptional missionaries and all had some kind of handicap that prevented them from serving a regular proselyting mission.  We were so touched and impressed by them.  Dallon responds about them at the end of his letter." 

"Happy Halloween!  Time is going by so fast.  Elder Zaballos from the Presiencia area de Chile came to do a mission tour and I guess it was a big deal.  Our zone was asked to form a choir and Elder Silva asked me to sing a solo.  I sang "Divina Luz" or "Lead Kindly Light".  I sang the first part, then Elder Holton joined in and made it a duet.  The Hermanas sang the next part and then we all sang the last verse.  It sounded pretty good for having only one day to practice.  That happened at zone meeting and then Elder Holton and I had divisions.  We were able to teach Sujey, the little girl that wanted me to baptize her.  The lesson was really good and the mom listened and was so excited to go to church and support Sujey.  After that we went to comfort a hermana who's sister had just passed away.  We gave her a comfort blessing and she has been calling to thank us ever since."

"The assistants called me to direct all the music at zone conference for President Zaballos.  I was happy to do it, but it was a little nerve racking.  I was suppose to have the choir begin to sing right when President Zaballos walked in.  It worked out pretty well.  I was the first Elder to greet the President and we have this thing where when we are asked where we are from, we are suppose to say, "Santiago Mission Best!"  It's something that keeps us united instead of dividing us by where we are from.  So I am there and it was a little awkward because Hermana Zaballos started telling me that her daughter went to Jordan High School on an exchange program and I was like, "oh really, that's great when?"  She said, "A looooong time ago". haha  Then I greeted President Zaballos and he asks me where I am from, and I get all nervous because President King is right next to him.  My thoughts are flying and I'm thinking what do I say, Mission Best or Sandy, Utah?  Now this was like the third conference that they've been to and they were getting tired of all the missionaries saying Mission Best and really wanted to know where we were from.  I had a mini panic attack and said, "Santiago Mission Besteee".  I don't know why I threw in the "e".  It was so weird. haha  I started laughing and President Zaballos said, "Are you happy to be here?"  I said, "Ya", and he responded, "I can tell". haha  Then President King told me thanks and made fun of me for my own version of Mission Best.  I think it was because we usually say, "oeste", so I said, "beste".  It was so embarrassing!"

"It actually gets even better.  We go through the whole morning and I'm thinking that at some point we are going to sing, but the hours pass and then we go to lunch.  I hate eating before I sing.  Then right after, President King says, "And now we will hear from the Maipu Choir!"  I get up there and everything is rearranged so that we are on the side without the microphone.  Everyone is still talking and Elder Silva tells me to goooo!  I start singing half flabbergasted and luckily I didn't mess up, but it wasn't my best.  Then Elder Holton comes in and he messes up! haha  The rest of the choir did alright, but overall, it wasn't very good.  I did a good job leading the music though.  I've come a long way since Seminary graduation. haha"

"Today we threw a really cool birthday party as a district for Hermana Moya.  We got together and made german pancakes, french toast, coffee cake, and a weird fried banana thing that tastes like french fries.  We decorated a room and had a really good time.  Hermana Moya loved it and I could tell that she was really grateful.  We have such an awesome district with a lot of unity.  While we were there, the office was having a little lunch party, so we grabbed a picture with President King and his family in their Halloween costumes. haha  It was a fun morning."

"This week we made brownies for a family, got locked out of our pension and had to climb through a balcony to get our keys, had an investigator find a whole bunch of anti-mormon literature and tried to prove that the Book of Mormon was not true, laid some pavement for service, made tacos with a family for a noche de hogar, reactivated a family, set a baptismal date with Ana for November 13th, and went to Santiago.  Halloween is celebrated here but it is not a huge holiday."

"Those handicapped missionaries...I know some of them!  I met them in the MTC.  One night they did a special musical number.  It was really cool.  I actually talked about them the other night because an investigator was looking at the church's website.  They are all really cool and I love that they are still able to serve missions.  Technology is great!  They are an inspiration to us all."

"Anyways, I love you all!  I will be thinking of you tonight trick-o-treatin.  I hope you have a great Halloween!  Enjoy your chili! haha  I hope you made chili Mom.  It's a tradition!  Have a great week!"

Elder Dallon Smith

Halloween with President King's family

The District cooking up a storm!

Happy Birthday Hermana Moya!

Maipu Zone Conference with President Zaballos

Back to Work

The fun is over and it is back to work for the missionaries.  It is amazing how Dallon is growing and learning so much.  Fear cannot exist when faith abounds!  His letters are a testimony of this.

"This week was one that didn't have a whole lot of action in it.  We just got to work...so we worked...and then we worked...and then worked some more!  It was quite enjoyable. haha  I think the highlights include that I officially navigated my way downtown Santiago by myself!  I am so horrible with directions, but by some luck, I was able to find everything like a pro.  Elder Izelo and I had to go to the MTC.  It was a really interesting experience.  We spoke with the mission psychiatrist.  Her name is Hermana Memmott and she speaks only English, so I had to translate everything for her.  It was a little difficult, but I think I did a pretty good job."

"Another highlight is that I went to a leadership meeting.  It was really fun because almost all of my friends are leaders in the mission.  I was with Elder Tialavea almost the whole day.  He only has about two changes left before he goes home.  The mission won't be the same without him.  Elder Fuhriman and I were pizza buddies! haha  He always talks to me about my sector.  He misses it so much.  Elder Fuhriman is a good friend.  We learned a lot about the order in the mission and how we are suppose to go about doing things.  It was good but really long.  It went from 9:30am to 4:00pm.  It made for a good day."

"We were asked to give talks in sacrament meeting legit 10 minutes before the meeting started.  It was crazy! haha  I think we did a pretty good job.  Elder Izelo talked about the obra missional and I spoke on how we show our love to the Lord.  I told the story of Pedro and Christ asking him if he loved him.  I then related it to the obra missional.  It was good and surprisingly took up the whole meeting.  My Spanish is getting better, but I need to work on my accent because I guess it is really gringo.  Maybe my comp will help me to get a Mexican accent.  The people here love people from Mexico.  Elder Izelo has been well accepted and we are having fun.  We have like 4 family home evenings planned to purely make tacos! haha  I'm good with that!  We had 6 investigators go to church yesterday, so that was exciting!  We found a family that are really cool and are reading the Book of Mormon as a family.  I am excited for them and praying that they will receive an answer that the Book of Mormon is true.  I would really like to bring a family to the gospel.  This is a young family and I know that the gospel would help them so much to find love and joy just by living it."

"There is a little girl named Sujey that loves me and goes to church with a friend.  Yesterday she told me that she wanted to be baptized and wanted me to do it, but was afraid to ask her mom.  I got up and we left to talk to her mom to ask for her permission to teach her.  The mom said yes and that she would also participate in the lessons!  I'm excited for them too.  Sujey is 11 and is always in the house of some members, so we've gotten to know her really well."

"I have really been learning how to be more powerful and strong with what I say.  I know how to help people realize that they are sinning and to say it with clarity.  I never would have been able to do that, but I have learned a lot this past year.  My classes for district meetings are getting better.  I'm learning how to teach and focus my lessons on what the district needs.  I like that I know what I am doing now and it makes it easier to accomplish what we need to do.  I think I've finally got my "sea legs". haha  I don't want to leave this sector next change because there is a lot of people with potential here and I know that we will have a lot of success."

"This week we had two consechones.  It was fun and we practiced doing contacts with the Book of Mormon.  Elder Izelo and I were really successful.  We found a new investigator in one and then were able to teach a lesson to a menos activo in the other.  We are a pretty good team.  We teach well together.  We can do great things together if the Lord helps us and the spirit testifies strongly.  We are working a lot and are having some really great lessons with investigators.  I am getting close to the members and we are having a lot of fun together.  I really like this ward."

"Some fun things coming up are divisions with my district, another trip to Santiago, and also a special meeting with Elder Zaballos, a general authority.  I actually talked to him once before but didn't know who he was.  It was so embarrassing, but made Hermana Dorius, one of the grandma missionaries, love me. haha"

"Today I got my district together and we are going to eat in the house of a sister.  She always wants to give the missionaries lunch and she is such a sweet little grandma.  I love her a lot.  Other than that, we will probably just hang out and relax a little.  I actually might have time to write some letters back."

"Ok choa mi querida familia.  Les amo tanto y solo quiero servir lo mejor que puedo para que el senor pueda bendicirnos y para que en el fin podamos tener una familia eterna.  Se que esta iglesia es verdadera y que estamos en la verdad.  Seamos fuertes y fieles.  Gracis por todo.  Siempre voy a guardarles adentro mi corazon.  Soy Smith!"

Con mucho amor, Elder Dallon Smith

50 Years Celebration!

Chile Mission's 50 Years Celebration was the highlight of this week.  We were fortunate to be able to watch it live via the internet on Saturday.  It was a beautiful program and lasted over two hours.  Dallon had a wonderful time meeting up with old friends and MTC buddies in neighboring missions.  What a great time to be a missionary!

"This week was so busy and we were able to enjoy a lot of great times.  We have some great missionaries training this change.  We all went to the temple and I was with Elder Fuhriman almost the whole day.  It was a lot of fun and yet I had a lot on my mind.  I was glad to be able to just go to the temple to recenter and refocus myself.  I did really well in the Spanish session and soaked up every minute that I had.  I stayed in the celestial room for a long time and it was a really great experience.  I just prayed and listened."

"Anyways, changes came and my new companion is Elder Izelo from Puebla, Mexico.  He is the middle child, likes soccer, likes classic rock, Dad was a bishop, and has a cute older sister. haha  He is cool."

"On Saturday, we got to go to the Celebration!  I was so excited because I wanted to see all the missionaries and sing and it was something that I had been looking forward to.  I was responsible for getting my district there.  We all met up at the metro and eventually made it down to the tunnels.  We all pulled together and made the journey.  It was quite the adventure and I am grateful for my district.  I love them so much!  We made it to the stadium and I got to see all my old friends!!  Elder Petersen, Mace, Barlow, etc. and of course, Elder Tialavea and his brother.  We all took a lot of pictures together and I had such a good time.  I was so happy to see them all.  We were in the section closest to the stage about 12 rows up.  After the event a lot of the members went looking for their missionaries.  The ward from Diagonal all came and found me!  It was funny when all the young women saw me they screamed and everyone was like, "Whoa that Elder better watch out!" haha  They were all girls from Diagonal and 2 of my converts.  They all participated and it was really good to see them.  The Barruetos waited and looked for me and cried again when they saw me. haha  It was soooo good to see them.  Then by a miracle, a member was able to drive my companion and I home and we arrived about midnight.  However, I had to stay up until around 1:00 am to make sure that all my district made it home safe.  It was such a great experience.  I loved every second of it and it turned out so well.  The spirit was strong.  Elder Tialavea found me and introduced me to his brother.  We took a picture together and I am so grateful for his friendship.  His brother was just like, "He talks about you all the time, man." haha  They are both so cool.  I am lucky to know them."

"We will probably baptize Ana on the 29th.  We had to move it back because she has had a busy schedule and it has been hard to find her.  We are looking for new investigators and I am praying that the Lord will bless us as we move forward with faith.  I hope that we keep up our animo and patience and that we can pull through and do the Lord's work.  Pray for me!!  I love you all.  Stay you and take care."

Elder Dallon Smith

Welcome Elder Izelo from Puebla, Mexico

 Great Trainers this change

MTC Elders Cummock, Smith, Petersen, Mace, Birch, & Mason

Elder Smith with the Tialavea Brothers

Elder Smith's sons, Elders Izelo and Gomez

Fun times at the celebration

The Diagonal Young Women with Elder Smith

The loving Barrueto family and old companions

Farewell Elder Opazo

Changes are happening.  Elder Wilcox is leaving and Dallon will be training again.  He will be joined by a new Latino companion and will have the opportunity to attend the temple again.  It is always a special treat to be able to go to the temple.  His letter was short this week because there is a lot to get done before changes.

"The biggest news came Saturday night when I found out that we would have changes!  I will be staying here as a District Leader and will be training another Latino companion.  This last change went by so fast.  It's hard to believe that it's already over.  Elder Opazo seems to be pretty proud of me though.  I guess I brought him great posterity. haha  I am really excited that I get to go to the temple again though.  I can't wait!  Tomorrow will be a great day because of that."

"This week we went to a 50 Years in Chile special conference directed by the Chilean Presidency.  I am excited for the Celebration.  Everyone seems to be freaking out because the stadium is small and people from all around Chile, as well as returned missionaries from the states, are all trying to go.  They're afraid that it's going to be a mad house. We get to be a part of the missionary choir and have reserved seats, thank heavens! haha  We will be singing, "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go".  I think that it will be a great experience.  I'm glad that I get to go!  We have a rehearsal on Friday and then we will have the Celebration on Saturday.  It'll be a fun week."

"Elder Opazo is going home today.  We got to see him one last time and eat Chinese together.  I can't believe that he is going home.  He wrote me a really nice letter and I will definitely miss him.  He really wants to meet you all one day.  He really loves you.  I think that you are the first family that made him feel loved.  I learned so much from him and am grateful for all that he did for me."

"We are teaching a little girl named, Ana, and she has a baptismal date for the 23rd.  I am excited for her.  My next companion will have a baptism right away."

"Divisions with Elder Gonzalez went by fast because we had a cosechon.  That's where all the missionaries work in one sector to get a lot of work done really fast.  Afterwards we tried to visit an investigator with the hermanas, but she never showed up.  The division flew by and we were never able to teach a lesson together.  Half of my district got changes, so I'll be able to get to know a lot more people.  I am sending a picture of the whole district.  They are a great group of missionaries and I love them all."

"Thanks for all that you do.  Love you and will be thinking of you!"
 
Elder Dallon Smith

Gathered for Conference

Elders Wilcox, Smith, Silva & Opazo

Maipu Zone

Dallon's district