¡NachOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Anyways.
I'm slowly running out of creative ways to begin my emails. So let's just jump right in, shall we?
First thing's first: Dad. No, I haven't had a concert for all of Chile
yet. Hahaha yes, some people know that I sing, but I don't want to run
around with a big sign saying "PICK ME PICK ME I'M SUPER GOOD"
because...because no. :) But President Warne knows that I sing, and so
do his Assistants, so if they want me to sing at a conference, I'll
gladly do it. I do sing in lessons, though! Sometimes. Every once in a
while Hermana Pineda surprises me by telling the person we're teaching
that I've prepared a hymn to sing to them. That's when I smile like we
planned this, and frantically thumb through the pages until I find a
song I know that I know...but the spirit is always there!
I don't remember if I've already shared this, so
here goes: during one of our first lessons with our family of
investigators, the mother said that one thing she likes more in her
church than ours is the hymns. She said that she doesn't feel anything
during our songs. Then her husband told me to sing a hymn in English...I
don't know why, because they had no idea that I sing! I was pretty
nervous, but I made it through "Savoir, Redeemer of my Soul" with only
two voice cracks. (Ugh.) But that didn't matter, because in the end, the
mother was crying. Not because I can sing, and not because she could
understand the words (because she couldn't,) but because the spirit was
there. It was really awesome. She hasn't said much more about our hymns
since... :)
So...spanish. I only have two things to say about
Spanish this week. One, it's a suuuuper beautiful language...BUT. There
is one word that is so ugly to me. I hate this one word. It's the word
"nosotros." For those of you who don't speak spanish, let me tell you,
it's unfortunate that I really don't like this word, because it's used
in every other sentence. It's translation is "we" or "us." I really
don't know why I don't like this word. Maybe it's because half the
people say "nos-oh-ch-ros." No sè.
Second...I've learned that it's easier to just speak
spanish and not try to translate what you want to say into english
first...also, I was not surprised to find that it is not offensive to
talk about how fat someone is getting/already is in this culture. (Don't
worry, these two points relate.) Sometimes I don't remember someone by
their name, and I ask Hermana Pineda, "wait, who is that again?" Almost
every time, she responds with "el gordito." (or "la gordita" if it's a
woman.) (Also, I might not have spelled that right.) Well, "el/la"
translates to "the," and "gordo/gorda" translates to "fat," and
"-ito/-ita" signifies that something/someone is little. So..."Who is
this person, Hermana Pineda?" "el gordito"...the little fat?!?! Great.
So...everyone in Chile? Bueno. Vamos.
This week, I met someone who believes full-heartedly
in Thor. Yep, Thor. Like the guy who runs around with a hammer in a
cape and tights (and works it.) (Am I allowed to say that on my
mission.) She's a less-active, and when we asked her if she still had a
testimony of the gospel, she said, "yeah, but my husband and I just made
a small change of religion. It's pretty much the same thing."
Also, we had a taxi driver trying to convince us
that legal use of marijuanna is a gift from the heavens for people in
the world today, and we need to take advantage of it, because it's part
of righteous living.
In an attempt to strengthen the unity of our ward,
my companion and I worked with the ward mission leader to plan a Noche
De Hogar (Family Home Evening) for the ward on Friday!
We had about 30 people show up, which isn't too shabby, considering the
fact that we have an average asistencia of 60 people at church every Sunday...we
had a spiritual lesson, and I introduced all of them to the game "20
Seconds..." They all called it a "juego-gringo." But they liked it! Our
family of investigators were there, too! Hopefully we can have more
people attend next time!
Another thing: everyone here is totally into music
in english. (Not a surprise.) But honestly, I never listened to music in
Spanish before my mission. I can't lie and say that I did. But I like
to know what I'm listening to, and to sing along...so why would I have
listened to music in Spanish? Anyway, it gets a little awkward when
people realize that I never listened to music in Spanish
before...they're like..."why not. We listen to music in English. Why
don't you like our music." So...I guess I'm in for that awkwardness for
the rest of my mission. (Chloe Davis, if you're reading this right
now...I already know. I already. Know.)
Also, I love when Hermana Pineda sings a song that's
in English. The other day, she was singing under her breath "Just the
Way You Are" by Bruno Mars...and let me tell you...I'm pretty sure none
of the words she said were in English...she just sings the sounds she
hears! Maybe one day I'll correct her. Or pretend she said a really bad
word in English or something. (Just kidding.) (Seriously I'm just
kidding.)
You guys! I love you all. This mission is definitely
the hardest thing I've ever done. But I think about all the people
supporting me, and all the people who are such huge examples to me, and I
find the strength to keep going!
I've been reading "Jesus the Christ" these past few
weeks...it's kind of a huge book, but I'm about half-way through, and
the spirit is really strong when I read. My love for the Savior has
grown even more...and I didn't think it was possible! I know, without a
doubt, that he is the Son of God, my older brother, and that through
Him, I can return to live with my Father in Heaven, with my family
forever. I am so grateful.
Sorry for the lack of information about my
investigators, but this week was kind of...I don't know! We had a lot of
lessons with a lot of new people, but nothing spectacular. It was a
little difficult to contact our progressing investigators, but it was a
good week!
Thanks for you love and prayers. KEEP PRAYING AND READING THE BOOK OF MORMON. I'M SERIOUS.
I love you guys!!!
Love, Hermana Thomas
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