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
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
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 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
Monday, November 14, 2011
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
"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
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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
"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
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| The Maipu Zone at the Zoo |
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| A Zoo attraction! |
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| Elder Smith and Elder Mackie |
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| The District just monkeying around |
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| Elder Smith and Elder Izelo |
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| "Do not feed the animals!" |
Thursday, November 3, 2011
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
"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
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| Halloween with President King's family |
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| The District cooking up a storm! |
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| Happy Birthday Hermana Moya! |
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| Maipu Zone Conference with President Zaballos |
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