April 21, 2014

It has been an amazing week. 

María has been in Bolivia this past week, and actually, a lot of people have been gone. Because of the earthquakes, Iquique has been a litle bit like a ghost town. But it's okay. We're having great success.

We've been working a little in H. Cordova's old sector, teaching the single women that the elders can't, giving us more opportunities to teach! We also taught Julio, an investigator that the other Hermanas were teaching, but we found he lives in our area. So, we had a very long but very good lesson with him. 

He's a little obsessed with gringos, and likes to ask me a lot of questions. But I always brought it back to the gospel. But he is interested and at one point asked how we balance religion and life. It seems like either one or the other has more time. He asked me how i would balance it after my mission. I explained that my religion isn't a part of my life, it is my life. This knowledge is what makes me who I am. What I do in my family, at school, all ties into my religion. When I spend time with my family, I am serving them, and service is pure religion. When I study I am following God's request to seek knowledge, expanding my mental capacities to further help and serve others. Everything ties back to the gospel.

After I answered he shook my hand. I challenged him to be baptized for May 3 with his son. He seemed a little warry, and I explained the importance of making goals, or it is hard to progress. He accepted it as a goal.

Easter Sunday was my favorite day by far. We heard a lot of cannon and gun shots. I think it has something to do with Semana Santa. The day before we made tons of little notes for the people we love, and basically anyone we talk to. We handed them out all day, telling everyone to have a ¡Feliz Pascua!. I just felt so much love that day, and so much love for my savior. 

One thing I loved from my Easter reading was in John 20,

11 ¶But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

 12 And seeth two ^aangels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

 14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and ^asawJesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

 15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, ^aMaster.

 17 Jesus saith unto her, ^aTouch me not; for I am not yet^bascended to my ^cFather: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my ^dFather, and your Father; and to my God, and your God

Mary doesn't recognize Jesus until he says her name. One day he will say our name, and we will recognize him, and we will be filled with joy and amazment, just as Mary, to see our risen Lord. Then we will be able, through our faithfulness, to enter into the presence of our Father and our God, as well as Christ's. Becuase he is our brother. Our brother died for us, but He lives, meaning we will all live again. I know he lives.

Hermana Richardson

April 14, 2014

I'm back in Iquique! We traveled back on Wednesday.

It's a little weird being back, and my stomach is nervous, but other than that I am so happy. I absolutley love my new companion, Hermana Cordova. She's from Peru and we're almost like the same person. It's awesome. We get along so well, and work so well together. 

Conference was amazing. I have never felt so spiritually taken care of. I felt Heavenly Father's love and direction so strongly. He answered my questions and took care of my needs. The elders set up a room to watch it in English, so I could fully understand everything. 

I noticed how strongly the apostles are preparing us for hard times ahead. So many emphasized the importance of building our foundation on Christ, and heeding the counsels of Heleman 5:12. There were strong tesimonies of Jesus Christ, and how if we follow him and his gospel, we will not fall. I felt strongly they were testifying of hard times coming. When the saints will be persecuted more than we have known. Are you ready to defend your faith, to let your faith show? To be disciples of Christ in every moment, and then to be joyful and thankful in the midst of your trials? 

To prepare, they suggested to do the basics. Pray daily, study your scriptures AND Preach My Gospel, actively partake of the sacrament, daily repentance, and a daily change of heart and motivation to be more like the savior Jesus Christ. These small things are what bring the spirit into our day to day lives and that is what helps us stay true and faithful. If we are to survive in this world, we have to have Heavenly Father's help. We can't do it alone. We need the Holy Ghost to be with us always.

These are just a few things that I learned and now love. These teachings are from prophets, who speak with God. So, these teachings are what God wants us to hear. We are so important to him, and he gives us exactly what we need to accomplish our goals, to return and live with him. 

I love Jesus Christ and his gospel, and the Hold Ghost that bears witness of the truth of it all. Have a wonderful Easter! Rembember that truth that Jesus Christ died for us, but was resurrected, meaning we will all be ressurected, to be brought before our father once again, and have the chance to live with him, in a perfect state. How thankful I am to know that my Redeemer lives.

Hermana Richardson

p.s. I was blessed to find Peeps in a super market. My Easter will be extra joyful :)

April 7, 2014

A week of craziness, but so wonderful.

On tuesday night another earthquake hit. I believe it was an 8.2. We were in a family home evening with a recent convert Patricia and her kids. We group hugged in the doorway and watched the powerlines and houses sway. It lasted for two and a half minutes. We prayed together, then ran for the church building as the Tsunami siren started to go off.  

At the church we set up chairs and invited people to come in and wait out the Tsunami warning. Hundreds of people waited in and outside, and we had tons of opportunities to serve. It was wonderful! I mostly walked around with cups of water asking if people were thirsty and giving them water. I helped people find places to sleep, find the bathroom (all the lights were out) and answered other questions and assisted other needs. 

I did my best to smile and talk calmly to others. I wanted them to know that we would be alright. I felt so much love for strangers that night. Around 2 or 3 in the morning, we curled up under some of the benches and slept for a few hours.

The next day we had another earthquake at night and repeated everything that happened the night before, helping and sleeping again at the church. This night I hummed and sang hymns as I helped to calm those around me. It also helped to calm my nerves.

On thursday they sent us to Calama to wait out the earthquakes, so as of right now we are staying with two Hermanas in Calama (a few hours inland). 

But I completely forgot about all of this this weekend as I was enveloped in Heavenly Father's words. As I listened to General Conference, I was inspired, motivated, and joyful. I remembered my purpose on earth and in my mission. I felt the spirit so strongly I couldn't help but smile as I listened. 

Despite these challenges, I know who I am, I know my purpose, and I know that whatever happens is God's plan for me, and I trust in him with all of my heart. I want to talk about all the things I learned, but my email is already a mile long. So, I will talk about all my favorite talks next week. I know God loves us, and he is mindful of us. He is always thinking about us, and waiting to help. We just need to call upon him. 

 I feel so grateful for the blessings in my life. I have so so much. I loved conference. I love this church. I love Jesus Christ, and I love my Heavenly Father. 

Hermana Richardson

March 31, 2014

We had an awesome week. Friday, Satruday, and Sunday were the best ever.

On friday we had a ward activity, a Carnival of Games. We decorated and made mountains of popcorn (literaly) that we put in cute little white bags. Every organization had a game to set up, and we had music playing. We encouraged everyone to bring non- member friends, family, neighbors, just any one. 

It was an awesome turn out. So many members came and we had about 15 non members. We walked around and talked to all the guests. Most were friends who came to just have fun, but we did get a few references which was great. 

Then Saturday was amazing too. We went to the women's conference, which was amazing. I haven't felt the spirit so strong for so long in a while. And being my mom's daughter, I couldn't help but get teary eyed every five minutes. The music was beautiful, the videos were inspiring, the talks were amazing. I left commited to change and strive harder to be more like Christ. I was so excited to work hard.

On Sunday my body felt like it wanted to die and not get up ever again. I took that as Satan wanting me to stay put and that something great was going to happen that day. So, I fought my sleepy eyes and walked, talked and taught all day long. My work was blessed. We had a lesson with María at the end of our night. We have been trying to get her to read the Book of Mormon, but she keeps forgetting.

SO, we told her, we're going to read it with you. So we read 3 Nephi 11, because she really wants to know more about the teachings of Christ. The spirit was beautiful. We read, we bore testimony, and she promised to read more. We told her that we wanted her to read, but also to pray. We told her that we wanted her to know for sure, that this was from God. We read Moroni's promise, and she said she would do it.

I love the Spirit. I also really like being obedient. When we are obedient, we have the spirit, and can see miracles. When we are obedient, the Lord can trust us more, and bless us more. It's a promise that we have. I learned a lot from Moses 5, if you want to read a little. The Lord loves you and is mindful of you. Always remember him.

Hermana Richardson

March 24, 2014

We been having little earthquakes all week. I'm kind of just used to it now. But, it's not normal, and everyone keeps talking about the big one that's coming. I hope that that isn't going to come to pass. 

We had an amazing conference on Friday with President Dalton. He emphasized different points from a seminar with Elder Ballard, about talking with everyone we see, sutdying and internalyzing chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel, using the Manual de Éxito ( the manual of success, the little white missionary manual), and using the Directory to find Less Actives and finding new people to teach through them. I learned so much.

At the end of the conference the president announced to help us focus more on finding through members and less actives, it is now prohibited to go tracting. We are no longer allowed to knock doors. I'm excited for this new challenge. Bring it on.

I have been studying a ton chapter 3 in Preach My Gospel this week per reqest of Elder Ballard. I was really focusing on the gospel of Jesus Christ, about faith, repentence, baptism, the holy ghost, and enduring to the end, and how they all conect and relate and work beautifully together. So, when I was asked to give a talk in chruch on sunday, I spoke all about what I learned in my studies. It was the first talk I've given where I didn't read my talk. I wrote it out, but when I got up there, I was so excited to share what I learned I just talked and taught. It was awesome. 

Also during the conference, they encouraged us to challenge people more often for baptism. So, we challenged María to be baptized. She said it would be slow, but that she would be baptized. We are excited for her. We are also teaching a son of a recent convert, Nicolas, who will be baptized on his birthday in April. Things are going great in Zegers. I feel God's love for me and for others every day. It's the best.

Hermana Richardson

March 17, 2014

Feliz Día de Santo Patricio! They don't celebrate St. Patrick's day here, but I wore green anyway, and put green dye in my yogurt and my juice and ate some honeydew melon.

We taught lots of less actives this week, and María quite a few times. Earlier we taught her the law of chastity, which was a little hard, as right now she is living with a less active member. But it went better than we thought, as she came with us to the Relief Society Activity and church on sunday.

Sunday was a crazy day. The morning was beautiful. The sun was bright and happy as we went to pick up investigators and were lovingly greeted at the door by different ward members (Best calling ever for helping investigators!) We sat and so many greeted us and our investigators. We felt so much love. The meetings were great and I learned a lot.

Later that day we were standing in the bathroom waiting for my companion, to then go to ward council. I thought Hermana Cordova had started hitting the counter as it started to shake. We then realized that the shaking wasn't stopping and it was powerful. We ran out into the hall where everyone was stopped. The shaking went for a about 2 minutes and then stopped and we went into ward council. After everyone called families to make sure everything was okay, we started. We got about a minute in when we heard a siren outside. Everyone was still. It was the Tsunami siren. One of the young women opened the door, looked at her mom and said,

"Tsunami. Vamos"

Everyone grabbed their things and ran. Us four missionaries sat and looked at each other like, what do we do? Hermana Frost mentioned the Mamita. Yeah yeah the Mamita, and we ran out. We speed walked up the hill towards the Mamita and watched people start leaving their houses and other taking colectivos (taxis) up the hills. We reached the Mamita where the Assistents told us to stay, and we were there all afternoon wacthing families and people hurry upwards with bags and other things. It was the weirdest thing. The news said the earthquake had been a 7.

We eventually went back to our pension (it's in a safety zone), brought the elders at the church blankets and sandwhiches, layed blankets on the ground for the other hermanas who live close to the ocean who stayed with us that night. I felt more earthquakes in the middle of the night, the biggest was around 5 grades. And according to the mamita who watches the news, there had been about 90 different small ones. 

What can I learn from this? God comforts and gives us hope. Yes, I was scared and wanted to cry and hug my mom, but I knew everything would be okay. I knew He would protect me, I knew that whatever happened it would be according to His will.

When I prayed I could feel the Holy Ghost calm my racing heart. He gave me peace in a time of turmoil, and I knew that I would be okay. We can always have this hope. It was sad to see the looks of fear in others faces, and know that they don't have the same hope that I have. I wish everyone could have the Comforter to be with them always. He always does so much for us.

Late at night a siren and voice went off saying it was safe to go home. There would not be a tsunami. So for now, I am safe and well. There were a few more earthquakes the morning, but nothing as big as yesterday. My nerves are a little 'shaken' up, but I'm okay, and I know my Father in Heaven is looking out for me. 

Hermana Richardson

March 10, 2014

This week was a little strange, but it ended with great success.

We visited a lot of less- actives, including Erlinda, who claims she's catholic and hasn't been to church in years. We've visited her a few times, and we were ready to 'lay it down'. Not in a bad way, in a loving missionary way. We kindly explained to her about perservering and how important it is to endure to the end, or we will not inherit the celestial kingdom. We asked her if she knew the church was true. There was silence. 

"But I was born catholic, my whole family is catholic"

"Hermana, this is about you. If you don't know, you have to pray. It's the only way to know. 

"If God wants me to I will"

"God always wants you to pray, and he sent us to you, showing he wants you."

Then on sunday as we were walking down the hall, we saw her walking in the church building. We stood there in shock. After recovering we cheered to ourselves and high fived and ran over to greet her. Then we were blessed to see Tania and her family, that we've been visiting for a while walk in. Then we saw Silvia and her daughter, a lady who we visited and again invited to church. Then amazingly, our mamita Josehpina walked in with her husband and her grandson, whom haven't been to church in quite a few months. Overall we had the blessing to see 7 less- active families who we are working with come to church. It was a beautiful sunday. 

We're still teaching Frank, who is so ready to be bapitzed. After teaching the plan of salvation, I asked him if he believed in what we taught. He said yes. I challenged him to be baptized. He said he needs to learn more first. But the amazing thing was, he said that everything we teach comes from the Bible. First person I have heard to admit that. 

This weekend we saw miracles and changed hearts, and one of those was also mine, which was just as sweet. The spirit changes hearts, breaks down barriers, and helps us feel happy. Always chose the right to have the spirit with you. God wants you to feel his love. He loves you more than you can imagine.

Hermana Richardson

Hermana Palomino and I in the plaza in Iquique

March 3, 2014

I can't beleive it's March. Really, crazy how time flies.

Tuesday morning I arrived in Iquique at about 9ish. My companion picked me up from the TurBus station with another hermana who was waiting for her companion. Hermana Palomino is... I don't even know how to explain her. Just hillarious. She's from Argentina, and when people say that Argentine's have pride, they're not kidding. Seriously. But her country pride is just funny, so it's all good.

Our sector is a little flaide (like sketchy, gangstery), which is completely different from Los Pimientos, but it's way cool. I like the people here. They're friendly and fun. 

While trying to visit an investiagator who wasn't there, I contacted her nephew that answered the door. I told him that we had a message for him. He said that he was newly baptized in the Pentacostl church, which I said, well can we just teach you just a little. He was interested and said we could return.

So we came back the next day and talked with him and his mom. His name is Frank, and he's really interested in religion, and wants to feel closer to God. A different day we shared with him the Restoration and the video of Joseph Smith. The dogs kept barking and moving, but during the first vision, everything was still. He watched amazed. We told him that this is true, and we too can receive answers from God if we ask in faith. He said that we could come back and that he wanted to come to church with us :)

We also have a mamita for food here, so I'm being well fed everyday, which i'm not sure is such a good thing.

Just a small story to show the tender mercies of God,

Before coming to Iquique some Hermanas told me to visit a Hermana Yayi. They told me we had to visit her or she'd come visit us. She's an RM and loves the missionaries. We went to visit her and had an intersting time. She talks and talks and talks and paces around her house. she also has a handicapped son that runs around and claps and laughs and tried to steal my chapstick a number of times. It was hard to pay attention as she was talking so fast and her screensaver was a rotaion of temples. I was waiting for my temple to come up when Jans, her son stood in front so I couldn't see. I sulked to myself for a second, until he moved. It was the Provo, Utah temple. Next, it was the Palmyra, New York temple. I couldn't believe my luck, when next the Newport Beach, California temple. I knew in that moment that Heavenly Father loves me and was mindful of me. I decided that if he cared enough about me to let me see the temples I love, something so small and insignificant, that he loves hermana Yayi just as much. I turned my attention to her, and learned that she loves music and we had a great conversation about Handel's Messiah. 

God loves us and watches over us, even in the smallest ways. Don't forget to look for the small things. They're all from him. Have a lovely week!

Hermana Richardson

March 10, 2014

Thecity where I serve. We were going to climb the hill, and I got up to a point, and looked back to see the other hermanas still farther down and they waved me down. They were too tired. I'll climb it one day haha. When I don't have a companion with asthma. We went back to the pension and they all took naps, I wasn't tired at all ;) like my argentina jersey?

February 24, 2014

On Saturday we received cambio calls, and I'm leaving Copiapó! My new area is Zegers, Iquique. A beach city up north. I will be taking a 14 hour bus ride up there tonight.

Yesterday was an amazing but sad day. The Bishop had me give my testimony as a farewell to our ward. I told them how much I loved them, and how much God loved them. I also mentioned how one day I wanted to come back and see them all there with more. Later during church just about everyone told me I had to keep to that promise, and that they would wait for me and wanted to see me return. I am going to miss Los Pimientos so much.

I also forgot to mention that this week we went to Santiago! Hermana Miner had to get a mole removed, so we took a day tip to Santiago (and slept two nights on buses). The surgery was about 20 minutes, so the rest of the day we were able to visit the distribution center, eat a real dinner with the missionary couple there, and go to the temple. It was beautiful, and we had a great experience. I love serving in the temple, and I can't wait for when I return home and can go as much as I wish!

The week was a little uneventful due to our trip, but we still had great spiritual experiences and wonderful moments. Yocelin is on track to be baptized next week, and Pato and Felipe are still ready for the 8th. I'm sad I won't be able to be there with them for such an amazing time in their life, but I know Hermana Miner and her new compañera will take good care of them.

I have felt so much love here in Los Pimientos. Yesterday as I said farewell, I could feel the love that the members had for me. I know that that kind of love comes from our Heavenly Father. He loves each of us perfectly, and when we are kind and obedient, he gives us portions of his love for others. I love the feeling of a changed heart after praying and working for this kind of love. I can not wait to see my family from Copiapó again. I know I will be with them forever as well as my immediate family. It was sad to say goodbye, but through the atonement of Christ, it is not a lasting goodbye, it is only temporal. I will see them all again.

I love this gospel with all of my heart, and I love sharing it with the world! I love being a missionary!

Hermana Richardson

Me on a mountain (copiapó is in the fog) and Me with Karen, Elda, and Valeria. Karen's nickname is the Reference Queen. I love her so so much!

February 17, 2014

This week was really amazing. So hard, but so so good.

On monday night we had a noche de hogar with a family from our ward. We just started teaching two new investigators, Felipe, the best friend of Cristobal the one young man in our ward, and Julio (we call him Pato, which is duck in spanish) who is the brother of Cristobal's mom, Carol. We taught them about the Restoration. I have been trying my best to teach using the examples in Preach my Gospel. Missionary work is a little different down here in Chile, but I want to do my best to teach as the prophets and apostles have encouraged, because I know that is the Lord's way. 

We asked questions, checked for understanding, shared scriptures and bore testimony. They were so attentive and seemed to really accept everything that we taught. I had the opportunity to teach about Joseph Smith, which I always love, given my love for him and his story from all my summers in Palmyra. I explained his story, and had the amazing opportunity to recite the first vision.

 We were outside teaching at their table (we eat outside during the summer) and as I started to use the words of Joseph Smith, everything went still. Their was no wind, no noise, and no movement. Our member family, the investigators, Santiago, and Hermana Miner were all fixed on me. The spirit filled my soul, and filled the air around us, touching each person. Hermana Carol's eyes started to well with tears, and everyone else just looked intently at me, as I repeated the words of the prophet Joseph. I have never felt so strongly before in my life that Jospeh Smith truley saw God the Father and his son Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost clearly tesified of this to me that night, and all who were present.

Needless to say, we have taught Felipe and Pato two more times this week, they came to stake conference, and they accepted to be baptized on the eigth of March. We are so excited for them. 

On Saturday night we had the adult session for stake conference. Every talk was on missionary work. Old and new converts spoke, as well as the stake mission leader (who is awesome!) and the stake presidency. We watched a video from CEM, a missionary trainging camp like youth conference that the youth in the Copiapò stake went to, and a mormon message about Tyler Haws, about practice, and when he left for his mission. Our missionary choir also sang. It was an amzing night, inspiring night, and we closed with Called to Serve. The congregation sang with us on the last verse, and the excitment and spirit of missionary work was so strong. There were smiles and tears and beaming faces. Simply amazing

Sunday morning was awesome too, as it was a broadcast from Salt Lake. Two elders from the seventy spoke and Elder Cook, from the quorum of the twelve apostles. I learned so much. 

The Lord knew my week would be rough, but he blessed me with so many opportunities to feel the spirit, to know that he loves me, that he is mindful of me, and that he is taking care of me. 

Much love,

Hermana Richardson

I also got to hike a mountain this morning, I will send pictures next week, as this computer does not have a place to upload. I miss hiking! I will most definitely go on the next backpacking trip with you dad :)

February 10, 2014

I have been on my mission for 5 months! Crazy how time flies. I feel like I just got to Chile.

Maty is still in Arica, Alberto gets back from the mine this week, and we have been having an amazing time teaching Yozlin. She already knows she is going to be baptized, we are just teaching all the lessons to make sure she's fully prepared.

Last night we taught her the ten commandments using hand signals to remember them all. By the end  everyone was doing the hand signals and reciting the commandments. It was a fun time.

There was a big catholic celebration this week for the Virgen de la Candelaria, so there was a gigantic Feria all week on the street next to our apartment. There were way more people out then usual, especially at night, with drums and traditional dancing going on right outside our window. It was great to get into the culture, but not so great that they went on until about 2 in the morning. However, there were tons of people, so we made tons of contacts. Success. I was also able to buy tons of delicious fair like foods being sold all along the street, like manjar filled churros,salchipapa ( french fries covered in onions and hot dogs), corn on a stick like in Nacho Libre, giant meaty shishkabobs, empanadas, jello, churasscas. Lots of great foods that I'm going to make all the time in the future :)

We have really felt led by the spirit lately. A lot of people we visited told us how they had been feeling down, and had thought of us, then almost immedietely we had showed up. I love that God knows the small needs of each individual person. I feel so blessed to be an insrtument that he can use for his purposes. It feels great recognizing when our path or a lesson had really been guided by the Spirit. God knows us each personally and will give us the things we need. However we do need to ask with faith as well :)

I was able to give my testimony of missionary work in church yesterday for the missionary work program, and i talked on the impact that members have on the people that we work with. I challenged them to go out of the comfort zone to love and invite others. Just simple things like a phone call, a note, cookies, a lunch, an invitation. Small things that can really help others feel loved. And thats what the gospel is all about, love! I hope you can all be able to feel the love this week, I know I will! My savior's love for me and the people in Los Pimientos :) I love missionary work!

Hermana Richardson

Salchihpapa, with a completo in the background

February 3, 2014

Another wonderful week ! Every week the work just gets better and sweeter. I was listing all the things I loved about Chile and most of them had to do with my friends that I've made here in my ward. These members are just awesome.

We had intercambios this week and I stayed in Los Pimientos. We stopped by less actives and references, which usually can mean a lot of walking, BUT we found a really receptive less active Flavia and three new investigators Viviana, Viviana, and Kristal! All three were interested and two wanted a Book of Mormon, which we promised to bring the next chance we got. However, all three were leaving for vacation within the next few days, so we couln't visit any of them, and have to wait for them to get back from Caldera, La Serena, and el Sur. 

We have been trying to focus on following the spirit more during our proselyting time and in our lessons, trying to really figure our who needs us, and then what their needs are. It's been really beautiful to see the hand of the Lord change our plans and give us better ones as we follow the subtle promptings. Many times we have just barely caught someone, or finally found a person based on certain time tables that would not have worked out had we been somewhere else or followed another route. The Lord really works bringing us to those who need us.

We had a ward activity on Friday on strengthening missionary work. And it wasn't even our activity. Santiago our powerhouse mission leader assistant planned it. He's a recent convert and is amazing. He fellowshipps like none have before, is always willing to go to lessons with us, and is always wants to help with everything in the ward. He loves everyone, and everyone really loves him. He's preparing for his mission, so we've been working a lot with him to get him ready to go. He also wants to learn English, so I've been teaching him a few things like, What's up dude?

So, as of now, all our investigators are on vacation, so we did a less active week, bringing treats and scriptures and love to our menos activos. We love so many of them, and when they give us food, we know they love us too :)

I have been studying the general conference talks from the last 2 years, and wow, there is so much that I missed! I am so glad I reveiwed and studied everything. President Monson said in one of his final testimonies that he hopes we will gain greater strength as we read these inspired talks in greater depth after they have been given. I have felt personally strengthened and enriched by reading them again and again. I challenge all of you to read as many conference magazines as you have time for, they are truley inspiring!  I hope you all have a wonderful week, look for the good things, and don't forget to give thanks to God.

Love,

Hermana Richardson

A cool photo

Christmas Nativity

Our ward had a nativity! from left to right our Bishop, Hermana Elda, Anaiz, Hermana Miner, Cesar(an investigator), Hermana Sergio, yo, y Hermana Karen! I love her so much!

bahia inglesa

a huge block of ice from our freezer

photo of Maribel, Ariel and Miriam

IMG_1369.JPG

January 13, 2014

This week was amazing. The spirit was so abundant all week I'm surprised I still had strength at the end of the week.

Maty left for Arica to visit his mom, but we left him with chapters to read, and he promised he would learn seriously again when I got bacl, and that he would be baptized. We have been praying so much for him, and I know that his answer was God's answer to our prayers and fasting. God knows how to change hearts.

Alberto got back from the mine and came to church yesterday! He's been debating between our church and the evangelical church where his girlfriend goes. He came to lunch with us yesterday at a member's, Mirsa's, home, who has kids his age, Nicole 22 and Jorge 30. We're good friends with them as well, and Santiago was there, so it was a very fun time, which was great for Alberto to be fellowshipped. He didn't know mormons could have fun! He should go to BYU and see haha. He went to a YSA activity last night as well with Santiago and Jorge and Santiago called saying he had a fun time and talked to a lot of people.

We had a few different lessons with Maribel, Ariel, Miriam, and Adalid. But Saturday was the best. It was a family home evening, so we started by singing Hark all ye Nations and introducing the Book of Mormon. We talked a little about what it is and what it can do for us. We talked about some of the history and then watched the Testaments. It was perfect. The spirit was quietly there the whole time, but as Christ came down and ministered unto the people, the spirit was strong, and there were tears from our investigators. When the movie ended everyone was wiping their eyes with big smiles on their faces, including me. We answered questions and bore our testimonies. Then, Maribel told us the worst news. She and Ariel are going back to Bolivia. Tomorrow. My poor missionary heart was broken. They are going back to be with their kids, and find the church there, but that means we can't teach them. I almost wanted to cry. They felt so bad to tell us. We said it was fine, as long as they found the missionaries there, which they said they would. We took pictures together, and on sunday at church we gave them a little presend bag we made for them with CTR rings in spanish, book marks, american candy, and our information so they can write us. It was hard to see them go, but I know that we'll see them again. And Mariam and Adalid are still here, so we are still going to teach them.

In almost all the scriptures I shared this week, I had felt impressed to talk about Jesus Chirst. I have been coming to know him  more and more throughout my time here. I love this one verse that reminds me of the Hill Cumorah Pageant when I read it, and I am filled with love.

15 Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I ^acreated the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. ^bI am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name.

18 I am the ^alight and the life of the world. I am ^bAlpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

He is the light of the world, and he is the light of my world. Someone who has almost nothing can have everything if he really knows Jesus Christ. I love my savior. And I love all of you! Have a wonderful week, and be as Christlike as you possibly can!

Hermana Richardson

Christmas in Chile-December 30, 2013

My dear Family and Friends!

This was such a lovely week. On Tuesday I made three batches of pancakes for our district breakfast and batches of sugar cookies for our less actives and investigators. All Christmas Eve we visited the less actives we're working with, Jorge, María, Rosa, and brought them all cookies. They were all so grateful for our visits, and Rosa even cried, saying we always come when she needs us. She also fed us big slices of Pan de Pascua (a traditional Seasonal Bread here, I'll make it when I get home) and cookies. Later we went over to Hermana Mirsa's home for a Christmas Eve dinner of rice, chicken, meat, papa mayo, vegetables, and postre (dessert). Her two kids Jorge and Nicole who are a bit older than us were there and Santiago too, a member in our ward who is a recent convert and is preparing for a mission, so we had a really fun time. We ate way to much through out the day, so by the time we got home, my stomach was exausted. 

Christmas day was amazing as well, as I had a delcious lunch of rosemary chicken, mashed potatoes, bread, papa mayo, salad, jugo, and peaches and cream (a very popular dessert here.) And after I had the opportunity to skype with my family, which of course was one of the best parts of my day. After talking, we had a lesson with our Investigator Maribel. She and her husband are from Bolivia and are here without their children to work until they gain enough to go back and support their family more fully. She is so prepared! We talked about temples and eternal marriage and she wants to go to the temple so bad! We taught her again Saturday the whole plan of salvation, and she accepted everything. She even read the pamphlet the night before! She wants to tell her whole family about it and find a chapel and the temple near her home in Bolivia. We are so excited for her. 

We also taught Alberto this week. We taught him about the restoration of the gospel, and all his questions led into gospel principles and doctrines. He told us about how he is anxious to leave is old life behind because he doesn't like who he was before. We eplanied the atonement, baptism, and becoming new, and becoming a disciple of Christ. They both came to church yesterday, and both had a great experience! 

We brought Lukas and Andres to church yesterday as well! They are 12 and 13 and don't come often due to sports games and talent shows, as one is tall and really good at sports, and the other is an amazing singer. We had a lot of opposition sunday morning, waking them up by getting the dog to bark, and then the dog escaping and them trying to get him inside the gate, but eventually with a few minutes to spare, we made it to church. Pablo also came to church, and particpated in the ward council the third hour, making goals for the year! Fernando, a less active also came, these two twins who we taught a while ago came, and Karen's sister came and ah! so many people were there! Our attendance was increased by about 12 today! We were so happy so many decided to come and partake of the sacrament and become spiritually renewed for the week.

During our lessons this week we had been expressing how important it is to do the small things, pray, read the scriptures, attend church, and how these will keep us firmly rooted in the gospel. We made so many goals with families and individuals to pray everyday as families and by themselves. It is so fun to help others change and become better. I love new beginings! Just rooting out bad habits and replacing it with good actions and the light of the gospel. Ah, it's such a good feeling helping others become new, and helping them realize how real and how important this gospel is. I hope and pray that each of you has also realized this. There is much more to this life than just living! We have a God, our father, and he has a plan for us! Please follow it! You will be happier than you have ever or can possibly imagine. Heavenly Father loves you! Have an amazing week and HAPPY NEW YEAR! For me, a full year of service and love!

Hermana Richardson

Feliz Navidad! December 23,2013

This has probably been one of the most interesting Chirstmas seasons I have ever had. Chileans do not start celebrating until about a week before, so only just barely have there been lights on houses and little trees in windows. But, it has been a wonderful month full of service and love and helping others feel the Chirstmas spirit. 

We finally had a lesson with Maty! He said he's just been really confused and doubtful about different aspects of his life lately. We talked about if he still wanted to talk and see if he wanted to be baptized. He said that he still needs time to think about it, but wants to continue meeting with us. At one point during our talk, we were bearing our testimonies, and I looked at him, and bore testimony that God loves his children, and the God loves him, and will always be there to help him. Everything was quiet, and I saw a a slight change in his eyes. The Spirit was so powerful in that moment, it bore witness to me that what I said was true. I know he felt it. There was a power that confirmed the truth of what I had said to him. 

We're still teaching Oscar, but due to some legal affairs he might have to wait a little while to be baptized, unless it gets cleared up. We had our lesson with Victoria and her boyfriend, and she is so prepared. She accepts everything we teach, and makes an effort to learn on her own. She's so strong and smart and I feel so privelaged to teach her. She still has to be married, which is something we'll have to talk about when she returns from her trip to Santiago. 

On both Tuesday and Wednesday night the lights in our whole sector went out (which apparently is common in the summer to save energy). Both nights we had been teaching lessons, so we taught by candle light. I felt like the early pioneer missionaries, teaching gospel truths by candle light to faithful people looking for the truth. It was a cool experience. However, when we had to walk home, it was a little scary as it was darker than usual. We had a few members call us making sure we were okay and had gotten home safely. I love our ward :)

It was an absotultly wonderful week, and the work gets better and sweeter day by day. I love being in Chile and I love bringing others the happiness that I have. Have a wonderful Christmas!

Hermana Richardson

December 16, 2013

We had such a good hard working week! We did so much walking and looking as everyone has been so hard to find this week. Maty has been working a ton, and Hermana Miner still has not met him. We finally contacted Alberto even though his phone is weird, so we had two lessons with him this week. He said he would come to church, but his phone didn't work when we tried to call, and he didn't come. Cesar has been looking for work and working random shifts at Lider, the Chilean walmart, as a bagger (It's not a paid job, the patrons give tips) so he has been difficult to contact and couldn't come to church either because he was working. BUT, Oscar came to church! He took lessons from the other missionaries here, but left for a few months. Now he's back and is taking lessons from us and accepted our invitation to be baptized! He even read the pamphlets and the first pages of the Book of Mormon! This doesn't happen too often, so we were obviously really excited. We also received a reference for a Victoria. We visited her and she wanted a Book of Mormon to read! We have a lesson with her tonight. She has a brand new baby, Belen, but is living with her boyfriend. She wants to be baptized but doesn't know when she can be married. We're going to set a wedding date tonight with her, so I'm hoping she will let us help her plan the wedding! I want to plan a wedding so much! It's my dream! We'll see what happens.

So, since our investigators have been so ellusive this week, we decided to start working with less actives more. We really want to help our ward grow, so we've set a goal to increase our attendance with 30 more people. We want to go from 50 to 80 who regularly attend. It's a big goal, but we've written out and thought out and prayed about goals and plans that will make it possible. There are a few different families that we're working hard on to help them come. It might take a few months, but we will help these people. I know it.

We had our Chirstmas Conference with the two zones in our city. I sang a solo! Hannah would be so proud of me. Two of the Hermanas in the other zone asked if I sang, and I said I sang alto, so they asked if I would sing a duet for the conference. I agreed, came to practice, and they had me singing the begining of the song! It was a arrangement of Jesus Once of Humble Birth and Silent Night. They day of it went really well, and I was pround of myself for my first solo ever. I sang the harmony for the rest of the song, where I was more comfortable. It was so nice to sing harmonies, because I don't get a lot of chances during the week or at church. It went well and everyone told us how great we sounded. I was happy. 

The conference was filled with messages of Missionary Work and at one point we all sat in a big circle and read the christmas story and sang the corresponding music, just like we do every christmas eve. Sadly It didn't include all of us dressed as Mary, Joseph, Shepherds and me as the Angel. I miss being able to read the scriptures to my family while wearing mom's big white robe. But it still was good to read the story, even if I only half understood, as it was in spanish. 

With almost every family we visit, we have been sharing the mormon message video with a message of christmas service. Everyone loves it, and we always bear our testimonies on how simple service can impact lives. It brings the spirit so much, and everyone has been so willing to go out and serve! I absolutly love our ward. I can feel their love for us, and I know that they're always there to help us. It's so wonderful to have such a supportive group at our back. The gospel and church is just so wonderful that way. 

I absolutely just love this gospel. It is the most perfect thing in the whole world! God is perfect and his plan is perfect! I love being able to tell others about the love Heavenly Father has for us, and how they can change their lives. Yesterday as we contacted a lady sweeping her yard, she told us about her family and the hard times she has passed through. We invited her to our ward activity this friday, a primary activity for her daughter on saturday, and church on sunday. She is new in Copiapo, and we told her that we would be her new friends to help her around. She was so grateful, and I could tell she felt so loved. When we mentioned that we had a special message for her, and how she can live with her daughters with God, her face lit up. She looked beautiful with a wonderous smile on her face. I love making others happy, and helping others realize that there is peace and happiness in this life. We can always have hope for the future no matter what happens. There is always hope. I love and miss you all! Be the best member missionaries you can possibly be! The more we help and love others, the better Chirstmas we will have!

Hermana Richardson

The Spirit of Christmas-December 9, 2013

This week has been so great! My new companion Hermana Miner is awesome and I love her. She's from Morgan, Utah. She makes me speak in  spanish all day which is really good for me, but we've compromised that at night when we get to the pension, after our long days we can speak in english. It's so wonderful to have a real conversation with someone. She's also been helping so much with all of my nuevita hardships. She has so many great suggestions for how for things pertaining to our mission. We're both two really different people, but we get along well and it's been great! We also had the Maray hermanas move into our pension as they were switched to Palomar and don't have a pension there yet. It's been so fun living with more people! Every night there's something new to discuss or something funny to laugh at. We have such a great spirit in our pension. It makes everything easier. 

It was a little hard this week, because I don't know our sector as well as I'd like to. We did a lot of walking trying to find and visit people. And we had a little bit of bad luck as almost no one was home. We had so many set appointments that everyone was so sure about, but when we would get to their house they wouldn't be there, and we would call and they would say how sorry they forgot to call and cancel. This tends to happen a lot. But usually near all these houses, there was a member nearby, so we ended up having about 10 different member lessons this week. There must have been a reason for that. I'm not sure what, but I guess our members needed some strengthening this week. 

I also forgot to include to interesting things that had happened last week. We had intercambios where I went to Chanarcillo, and helped dig a dog grave in someone's backyard. I got really really dusty, and the dog smelled terrible. It was huge and had died the day before. And we were digging through super hard packed dirt, so my arms were fairly sore the next day. Then that friday a member from our ward told us that another member's sister had died. We called her to give our condolences and she asked if we would come to the funeral that night and sing. So, we sang How Great Thou art, and Nearer my God to Thee for a funeral of someone I didn't even know. And Hermana Vera wanted me to sing alto, which I know a little bit, so I kinda just went with it. I'm getting pretty good at harmonizing. I was also chosen to play piano for the ward choir. Well, It wasn't really a choice or a calling, the director just assumed I would play because I'm the only one who can. We're singing Angels we have Heard on High, and the notes are too big for my small hands, so I do a lot of improvising. However, no one seems to notice, so it's all good. I've had a lot of opportunities to develop my talents this week, even if developing includes a lot of hard work and wrong notes. But I'm happy for this chance to grow. 

I am so excited for this week, as we're going to do our best to bring in the spirit of Chirstmas to every house we visit. We spoke on sunday, and I spoke about The Spirit of Chirst in Christmas and being a disciple of Chirst through service. Everyone told me they understood me and that it was a great talk. Success! I just hope that the spirit was there to inspire our ward members to reach out to others in love and service to help others this season. Hermana Miner challenged everyone to find one person before Christmas for us to teach. I am so hoping that everyone really could feel that strong spirit in the chapel and were inspired to really help us this week. We really need a miracle with a few of our investigators, which I know through God is possible. Pray for missionaries, pray for the work, pray for the hearts of many to be softened and prepared to recieve the restored gospel of Jesus Christ so we can help them be eternally happy! Have a wonderful week and be a disciple of Christ!

Hermana Richardson

First Cambio Done- December 2, 2013

Cambios! We both assumed nothing would change, but you know, right when I start getting comfortable, things just have to change. Heavenly Father is just putting me on the fast growth track apparently. Hermana Vera left today for Chañaral and I am staying and getting a new companion, Hermana Miner. I'll be picking her up from the bus station later today. 

But I'm excited for my new cambio! I'm still being trained, but I'll feel a little less new as I have to teach the sector to my new companion. Spanish is getting a little better. I'm understanding bit by bit, and can have conversations now with people. And I'm really starting to love teaching. I've been taking the lead during lessons because the training manual says I have to, but I'm really enjoying it. However, people have a hard time understanding me sometimes. Oh well, one day I'll get there. 

This week was also Thanksgiving! Hermana Vera and I had a lovely meal of chicken (because they don't really sell giant turkeys) mashed potatoes, rolls, fruity jello, and salad with apples and almonds. We sang some thanksgiving hymns, and I sang turkey land for her. She was thouroughly amused. We had a good time. 

 We had lost a few investigators to moves and other things, so we've been trying to find more people to teach. We had a lot of success this week and have some awesome people that we're teaching. Maty is doing so much better, and even yesterday as we were with him, said that thanks to us, he knew that this was the only true church! We're going to go visit him today as it is his birthday! We are also teaching Alberto a mine worker from Chile who has been praying! He hasn't received an answer, but I know he will. Cesar a painter from the DR who knows the bible really well. We have to prepare a lot to teach him. Fernando who is pretty young and really loves anime, he mentions it everytime we're together. He wants to learn english so he can read it haha. But he's super nice and really likes what we teach him. He attended a baptism on saturday and came to church and stayed the whole time! We're also working with a lot of less actives, trying to help more people make goals for the temple and families. We were really hoping our family history activity would kick start that desire. So far, we've had a good response, and this friday is the activity. I'll tell all about it next week!

We have so much work to do this week, but I'm so excited to get started! I'm really starting to love what I do. And the Lord has been helping me so much. Everyday I can feel him renewing my strength and desire when I just have none left. He's always there waiting for me to ask to renew my desire to speak more spanish and smile more. On saturday I was feeling reall uneasy about the new change, a little scared for a new companion and helping my sector without Hermana Vera. I fasted for faith and confidence to know that it will all be okay. And wonderfully the next day, my feelings of inadequecy and fright were starting to fade, being replaced with confidence and hope in the future. I understood a little more that day, and made a few contacts on my own, and talked to a lot of different people. I also got fed ice cream today (which doesn't happen a lot) so that was deffinitely a boost :) 

So, as of right now, I'm excited for what the new changes will bring, and I know that whatever happens, the Lord will bless me and help me as long as I am faithful to him. How amazing to have this knowledge in our lives. To know that we will always have our loving father right there to help us whenever we are in need. The Lord loves his children, and I love them too! Especially those in Chile :)

con mucho amor,

Hermana Richardson