Cuico Hippies

Hello hello!

It was a grand week here in Peñalolen with FIRE STUDIES.

Through our personal conversion unto Christ, our nature becomes more pure, priorities change, and we are more in-tune with what invites or offends the Spirit. Naturally, our way of life changes in a higher, holier way.

People around you, who have not changed, might ask, "What happened to the old you?" They might not feel comfortable around the "new you" (2 Corinthians 5:17) and even make fun of or tease you for your new standards and way of thinking.

Though at times we can feel lonely in the process of striving towards Christ with our whole "heart, might, mind, and strength" (D&C 4:2), "we do not lower our standards to fit in" (Sister Becky Craven) yet instead, as disciples of Jesus Christ, we look for ways to elevate others, "lifting them to a higher, holier place where they too can reap greater blessings" through the gospel of Jesus Christ. We do this when our hearts are filled with love for God and love for others.

As we "run with patience the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1), Christ's promise will be fulfilled in 3 Nephi 12:12... "for ye shall have great joy and be exceedingly glad." We inspire others to be elevated as we live our standards with that JOY!

I got to watch front row how "hold[ing] up your light that it may shine unto the world" without fear truly does bring a "joy [that] is full, yea... [a] heart [that] is brim with joy" (Alma 26:11) with Hermano Blasco and his friend Vero.

The first week I arrived in my new area, we received a text from Hermano Blasco saying he has a friend Vero that has been reading the Book of Mormon and would like to meet with the missionaries.

That next week we met in the church with Hermano Blasco and his friend Vero, taught her the Restoration, and set a baptismal date for 2 weeks later.

Vero has not had an easy life, but she loves the pure love of God she feels as she reads the Book of Mormon and comes to church. She always explains that her life has more light now.

"This light had infused such joy into [her] soul" (Alma 19:6) that she is now sharing with her parents what has brought her such great peace.

Hermano Blasco's desire to elevate "others to a higher, holier place" is not only blessing the life of him and his friend Vero but is now creating a ripple effect to her friends and family.

Seeing Hermano Blasco baptize his friend Vero was such a tender experience that I will never forget. I will remember October 21, 2023 forever as a day of PURE JOY!

I sadly can't be a full-time missionary in Santiago, Chile forever, BUT I CAN share the joy of the gospel by not lowering my standards and lifting others closer to God through my testimony, example, and love.

Highs:

-Vero got baptized!

-Pedro wants to get baptized

-My companion says "I love you so much sister" every night, and it's SO PRECIOUS

-Zone conference

-Surprise interview with President

-No bake cookies

-Intercambio with Hermana Gonzalez 

-FIRE STUDY in 3 Nephi 12

-Lunch with Hermana Andrea who moved by herself to Chile when she was 18 years old and now lives in a tiny shack behind someone's house. She is so faithful and wants to serve a mission!!!! Her salad was so good

Lows:

-Hermana Duran left the trio

-It was cold and cloudy this week