March 08, 2016

"Things turn out the best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."

- John Wooden

This week was interesting. We were working, but it just seemed like we weren't getting any results. Last week, we went to an appointment that fell through, and we contacted them to no avail. The next day, we were with the zone leaders; the day after that, I felt incredibly sick. Then we had planning and therapy. We had an appointment the next morning, and the people were there. Later that day, we couldn’t find anyone to contact until late and had stake conference part one. We then went home after practicing for the choir. The next day, we had stake conference part 2. Then, we had an appointment at night that worked out well, and then another to finish the day. Yesterday, we had district meeting, therapy, and then two appointments that night. Yesterday was a good day actually, but we couldn’t find any new investigators the whole week. I felt like we were failing because we are, but we are also working. Yesterday, we left to go and work even though I felt like junk, and we had a really good day, and were able to see someone accept a baptism date! As we were walking, I was throwing up a bit and felt like junk, but it all worked out in the end.

So, that was the quick version:

I’m still sick but getting better though. The mission is still amazing, I don’t regret anything, and yes, I AM THE HAPPIEST MISSIONARY IN THE WORLD!! 

We had stake conference this week, and we found out what each of the ward names means because some of them are in a native Chilean language that a group of Indians here called the "mapuche" speak. We are in a stake called "Alicahue" and that means "hot place." We are situated in a ward called "Macul" which means "oath and promises" according to what we were told. So if someone learns that the translation is something different, don’t get mad at me. Anyways, in the stake conference, we learned a lot about several things such as; enduring to the end, baptism, repentance, temple attendance, faith, the Book of Mormon, service, joy in living the gospel, Sabbath day observance, the Holy Ghost, and coming unto Christ. The meeting was filled with the spirit. I was so glad to be there. It was a real testimony builder.

This week, we had a lot of time to work. It was great. Unfortunately, it didn’t come out to be what we wanted, but, I know that the Lord often makes something better for us than we could have ever wanted, even if it isn’t exactly what we wanted. I know that. This place and the experiences aren’t all what I wanted, but in the end, I know it is the best for me!

Elder Gale