So this week started off not just good, but great!! Monday was my companion's birthday (the big 21) And it was also our first Family Home Evening with the Riquelme family, and it was spectacular! We made pizza and chocolate chip cookies, then we watched the mini Restoration movie. Two things though were really memorable about this Family Home Evening. First is that they invited pretty much Elizabeth's whole family, her brother and sister and their families. So it was a REALLY well attended Family Home Evening, and second off was the attitude of the Riquelmes. The dad, Luis began it by welcoming us to 'the first of many' Family Homes Evenings and you could tell that they meant it.
On Tuesday we had District class and did some practice contacts, and for some reason everyone kept trying to contact me, and so I did my best to imitate the Chileans I have contacted, it was pretty funny because I have contact some interesting people. I've contacted older ladies who swoon over how blue my eyes are, to grouchy old men who just want to prove you wrong. Also for some reason when even I did a practice contact, the person who I was practicing with was always someone who hated Mormons, but do not fear by the end I left with an address, phone number (check to make sure it is theirs) and a return appointment. Challenge accepted. Also on Tuesday we did a service project for the ward mission leader. We mixed some concrete and made him a new (now level) kitchen floor, it was interesting, especially because they just mix concrete on their patio and bam! you're ready to go. Also we had a lesson with Maria, a really old hilarious lady who is a less active member, let me tell you, she really does not think I should get married before I am thirty and she really doesn't want me to have eleven kids (gotta beat my pops), but every time we go there- doesn't matter what the topic of conversation is, eventually she changes it to how I am too young, so I tell her of course I still have a year and a half left on my mission. She doesn't think its too funny.
Wednesday I had a minicambio, or an exchange with the companion of the District leader. He has been in the field 21 days and comes from the Jungle of Peru, needless to say he is an interesting Character. Once during a contact, through a locked fence, a dog stole his agenda and we had to wait about ten minutes until the owner came home to get it back. But it was actually really fun, we were singing all day long. Even though I had a fever and a few other things (namely headache, stomachache, and sore throat), but nothing can make you feel down when you have the spirit with you.
Thursday was an interesting day, my companion had to plan the day, as was in another sector on the exchange, and he is still fairly new in the area so let's just say we did a fair bit of walking. But as always the spirit was felt and we were able to meet with a few people who we haven't seen in a while.
Friday was a full day. It began in the morning with service for Gabrial Zamudio (I used his computer to skype home) His family is taking down the majority of the roof on his house and building it back just a whole lot better, But from there we went to our interviews with the President, my interview lasted a total of 8 minutes and bam! back on the street preaching. That's how it should be short and sweet. Also He did ask about Granny B and Papa Bear. I always love seeing the president, he is a great guy and a humble servant of the Lord.
Then the weekend was here, the other Elders in our ward had a baptism on Saturday, so we attended that and also had another lesson with the Riquelme family. Unfortunately this lesson did not go so well. Right now Elizabeth is going through some really turbulent family problems. And so she is struggling a lot specifically with the topic of forgiveness. We taught her about the miracle of forgiveness and that when God gives us a commandment, such as love your enemies or to forgive, that he doesn't just give the commandment, but along with the commandment he gives the very love and forgiveness that we need. That is the miracle of the Atonement.
I love all of you. I know that Jesus is the Christ, that he suffered and died for us so that we wouldn't have too if we would repent and turn to him. So let us do what we have to do, let us change what we have to change, let us give up what we have to give up in order to more fully accept the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior even Jesus Christ.
LOVE YOU GUYS!!!! stay safe and enjoy all the snow that you are getting!!!
(Throw a snowball at Trevor for me would ya)
Elder Hutchins
