September 1, 2014

"I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light."

- John Keith Falconer

WOW! It sure is amazing here in El Valle "A." We are in a pretty flaite area or ghetto area. I love it here! My companion is Elder Silverio from Mexico city, Mexico. I love everything here. I have a really tiny bed in a really tiny room in a really tiny apartment where my shoulders almost touch the sides of the hallway. I have finally gone shopping by myself, and I only have to spend like 20 dollars for food a week. I don't really need a lot, and food here costs a ton!!! It is so weird. I can by a thing of 30 eggs for like 8 dollars, but for about 3 dollars I can buy 20 oranges. 

Elder Gale says this is the BEST street in his area!

The language is coming along well. I have a bit of a hard time understanding people the first time, but I can pretty much understand what they are saying. Teaching here is a hit-and-miss thing. We have so many people who tell us that they will be there and that they look forward to seeing us; then we go, and they aren't there... it kind of makes me mad somewhat, but it mostly hurts my feelings because they say it and they don´t follow through. However, the people that do follow through are amazing! They let us in, we talk a while, they feed us... ALOT, then we can begin. I eat so much here for lunch because some members feed us more than we could ever need, and they do it so willingly. I had my soul burn with love for these people my first day because when we went into a house, the people there were cooking, and they gave me a hamburger. After we ate, she told me the words I have never wanted to hear, "I would have given you more, but I ran out." I cried that night when we got back to our apartment. The people here are so poor, and we know it because we are just as poor. But the Spirit in those members who are faithful is so strong. 

Elder Gale's Room

I got to meet our bishop, and he is super tall! He is probably 6' 4''. The love that he has for the people in this ward and area is so strong that when we went to an appointment with him, I couldn't catch all he said. But the love I could feel emanating from him... that spirit. I hope I can have such love for these people soon.

I have seen some things here that are so hard for me to see, like people just laying on benches with a blanket and a jacket for warmth. I have seen people who fall back on smoking and drugs and beer. There are people who only want to go home after a day of work, smoke, and just be content. I hope I can reach all of these people. But I can't; for some, it just isn't their time yet. I have been rejected, laughed at, and just plain yelled at by people. But you know what? I do not care because I am filled with the love of Christ for these people. I know that they can receive hope and direction through the message I bring. Even though it pains me when people don't accept what I have to say, when they don;t show up for appointments, or when they yell at me, I know that one day, they will find the direction they need and will be able to receive this wonderful message. I am so grateful for this opportunity. I love it, and I wouldn't rather be doing anything else. Nothing can compare to this. 

Elder Gale with his companion, Elder Silverio.

I just found out that I finally got a scholarship to a university. I'm glad to be here in a little internet cafe in a rundown part of town. I love it here: the little jokes that I have with my companion, when I finally understand some word in the language, when I understand something in the scriptures after a 5 hour study session. I love it. There are so many things that would have disheartened me before the mission had I been back home, but I am here and I get to carry this truth to all parts of my little sector here in Chile.

A shout out to my little, new baby cousin! Way to scare your mom on day 1! A shout out to my two little brothers who are doing fantastic in football and for focusing in school! A quick happy birthday to my grandmother. (This is my first time on in 2 weeks.) A shout out to my fellow missionaries and all the work that they do. A shout out to all those in school. I'm sorry for you. And a shout out to my mother and father who helped to prepare me for when things get to the worst, and how to bounce back and keep fighting. Thank you all for your prayers and the emails. They help a ton. I will send pictures hereafter.

Much love to all,

Elder Gale

Un mensajero de la verdad del evangelio restaurado por todo el mundo!

(A messenger of the truth of the restored gospel throughout the world!)