So Trusting

December 29, 2014

Dear Famila,

This week was fantastic, and it was SOOO good to see you all! Best Christmas present EVER :) I love being a missionary and am so grateful that I had the chance to spend Christmas sharing the glorious message of why we have this glorious holiday! This week I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Cecilia in the street when we were on our way to visit a less active member. She was walking passed us...and had actually already passed us when I felt a really strong prompting to stop and talk to her. I turned around and asked if I could give here a card of Jesus Christ (it's the photo of Jesus coming out of the tomb). She stopped and started talking to us and told us that she was actually a member of the church and has been less active for more than 20 years (this happens about every day). She took the photo of Jesus and started to cry. She started to tell us a little bit of her story and why she was no longer attending church but how badly she wants to return. She said that she felt like she couldn't return to the church with everything that's happened in her life, but that the photo of Jesus was an invitation for her to return. I shared with her my testimony of how Jesus is always there, inviting us to come to him, and that she's always invited to return. When I told her that she was a daughter of God and that He cares about her and wants her to be happy she broke down sobbing and hugged me for about 2 minutes crying into my shoulder. It was such a humbling reminder of how such a simple message can be so impactful. The message is simple, the gospel is simple, but this simple message can bring hope. This simple gospel can change lives. 

It's pretty crazy, because as a missionary people automatically love me and trust me. I have never experienced such immediate love from strangers before! But at the same time I have never been so quickly rejected and criticized. It's shocking to see how rude someone can be to a complete stranger! However, I'm grateful for both ends of the spectrum because it helps me realize how Jesus felt when he was on the earth. That's the thing that the mission has helped me with more than anything else, it has helped me to draw closer to my Savior through all the highs, and the lows. 

I love you all!!!!! Hug Hug, Kiss Kiss!!!!

XOXO- Hna. McKenna

Fun Facts:

So I'm pretty used to seeing random people peeing in the street here in Valpo, but the other day there was some 12 year old kid who straight up dropped his pants and pooped on the side of the street!!!! Even in Chile that was a bit crazy!!

There aren't a lot of houses that have Christmas lights, but every house that does have them has put them on seizure mode! I'm serious, literally all the Christmas lights flash on and off about 5 times a second!!! When we're walking home at night it's like a strobe light! 

Here in Chile people are more excited for New Years than Christmas...a little lame if you ask me.

The chocolate here is a little waxy...ok, it's really waxy! And the other day a member gave me a chocolate Santa, the experience of eating the chocolate Santa was something similar to eating a wax figurine. 

Photos!

Selfie with Patricio, Franko, y Byron!!! I love these guys SOOOOO MUCHO!!!! And I'm pretty sure that this is my favorite photo of my mission up to this point! 

AUGUSTIN!!!!  We´re going to pass New Years Eve with Augustin and his parents if I'm still in the area...transfers are the 31st at 5:30! Yikes! 

Patricio y su Bautismo!!!!! I loved what he said after he was baptized, "I got into the micro (crazy night bus from Harry Potter) after the service to go to my house and everything seemed bright. I see the world in a different way now. My world is new again." Aww, what a guy!! Boy do I love him! He has an interview with the President this week to receive the Sacerdocio (Priesthood)! 

This is Andres, a less active we're working with. All the Chileans are crazy for brownies and they ask me to make brownies with them about every Noche de Hogar. 

This is our investigator, Luis, at the Christmas activity. I promise you he was happy to be there, and that he does smile. He's currently in 2 Nephi but has yet to recognize/receive an answer that the Book of Mormon is true. He has a couple questions about the whole "horses in American thing"… Dad, if you could send me some good info on that I would greatly appreciate it!

The is the Missionary couple Caflin in my district, and they remind me so much of Bompa and Nana! In other words, they're awesome! But not quite as awesome as the missionary couple McKenna...don't worry Bompa and Nana, you guys still take the cake for best missionary couple!

It Takes Pain to Understand Joy

December 22, 2014

Dear Familia,

I first want to say how grateful I am for all the love and support I have received this Christmas season. Everyday I can feel your prayers coming my way and at times it's overwhelming to feel the strength and support that Heavenly Father gives me. This year more than ever I have felt the pure love of Christ. I have felt this amazing love for the people here in Chile, for my companion, for all of you, and most importantly for my Savior, Jesus Christ. If you have time please read Juan 3:16-17 before Christmas, and if you don't have time I strongly encourage you to set aside 5 minutes to read this amazing scripture. I know that God is my Father in Heaven, that he loves me, and has provided a way for me to return and live eternally with my family at the end of this life.

This week Patricio took the first step to returning to live eternally with our Padre Celestial and was baptized this past Sunday. I feel so blessed to be a part of such a beautiful transformation and witness the change in him from the very beginning. Patricio is such a blessing in my life, and during this entercambio with Hna. Prates he is what really kept us going. We are now focusing on Luis (el nieto de Raul). Please pray that this week we can plan a baptismal date with him. We have been teaching him for a few months now, he's reading the Book of Mormon, praying, and going to church...please pray that his heart will be softened and he can recognize that this church is the church that Jesús Cristo established when he was on the earth, and that he will be able to recognize the Spirit when it testifies of these truths to him.

In respect to everything that has happened in our Little Santa Clara and with Heidi, I want to share this scripture in D&C 42:45-46

45:Viviréis juntos en amor, al grado de que lloraréis por los que mueran, y más particularmente por aquellos que no tengan la esperanza de una resurrección gloriosa.  

46:  Y acontecerá que los que mueran en mí no gustarán la muerte, porque les será dulce;

The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life. It´s ok to mourn at the death of a loved one, it's normal and healthy. But we can receive comfort in the promise of the resurrection and in the assurance that families are forever.

I love you all and can't wait to talk with you at Christmas!!!!

XOXO-Hna. McKenna

Fun Facts:

I ate chicken stomach this week!!!!

The famous Chilean treat during Christmas is "Pan de Pasqua" and it's a giant slice of fruit cake...YUM!!! I literally have eaten SOOO much fruit cake this week I can't even look at fruit without feeling nauseous (I don't know how to spell that word…don't judge me) 

Heavenly Father Knows Best

December 15, 2015

Dear Familia,

Wow, this week was absolutely FANTASTIC!!! We had a zone meeting with Pres. Kahnlien and  during the reunión he asked Hna. Prates to share her testimony of the misión. She shared such a sweet and tender testimony of how she knows this is the Lord’s work and how these past weeks she has come to understand what it really means to forget about yourself and go to work. She started to cry during her testimony and it was a really tender moment. Boy, was I a proud mama missionary.

Also during the reunion, we found out that starting in January our misión isn't going to be using the key indicators...WHAT!? We're only going to count and report baptisms and attendance during the sacrament meeting! LOCO!

THANK YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH!!! I received all your birthday packages and Christmas packages! WOW my family is amazing! All the missionaries at the zone conference thought you guys had sent either Jackson or Carrson in the giant Christmas box! I had an amazing birthday and am so grateful for your love and support!

It was great to listen to the sweet testimony of Hna. Prates, and it was wonderful to open all your fun and funky Christmas packages, but the highlight of this week is, without a shadow of a doubt, Patricio!

Background on Patricio:

Patricio was my very first contact in my área. He is an 80 year old man that lives by himself but takes care of two little boys that live next door to him. The little boys are Franko (5 years old) and Byron (3 years old) and are my best friends here in Chile. We contacted him when he was out in the street watching Franko and Byron play soccer. I started to play a little with them and afterwards we asked Patricio if we could pass by one day to share our message with him.

These past couple of months we have been having lessons with Patricio, but he hasn't really progressed until this transfer with Hna. Prates! This past month he has been attending church and has really been trying to be prepared for baptism. Well, my lovely friends and family...this past Sunday Patricio had his baptism interview and he passed with flying colors!!!!!! Patricio (a blessing and miracle) will be baptized the 21 of December!!!!!

I wish I could properly express how filled to the brim my heart is with gratitude and love for my Heavenly Father, and for my amazing family and friends. Thank you so much. Yes, this week had downs, but it was filled with sky scrapping highs!!!

I hope you all enjoy this Christmas season, and remember the first gift we received the first Christmas.

XOXO-Hna. McKenna

Fun Facts:

I made Sopapias with an investigator this week!!!!! SO good! They’re like a pumpkin scone.

I was told I look like Taylor Swift (que bueno).

We found another snake in our investigator pool, the Elders are going to continue to teach him.

P.S.  Also, please tell Sis. Ritchie that I'm so grateful for her testimony and the picture with Brenden and Megan! It meant so much to me!

Photo Comments:

Thanksgiving dinner in December...YUM!!!!

We Change, Not God

December 8, 2014

Dear Familia,

The interview with Presidente went soooo well! He actually interviewed me first and we talked for a good little while. At the end of the interview he gave me a blessing, in which he blessed me with the gift of tongues and ability to clearly express this amazing message of our Savior to the people of Chile. Wowza was the Spirit strong, and I really have been able to see the Lord working through Hna. Prates and me this week to share His amazing message! If the mission has taught me anything it's that if I humble myself before my Father in Heaven he will give me the strength that I need and make up for all my shortcomings. Before the mission I thought I knew the gospel, I thought I knew how to be patient, I thought I knew how to pray with real intent, I thought I knew my Savor. These past few weeks have helped me realize all of my shortcomings and I am so grateful for this opportunity to grow in every aspect! Ya, there are some growing pains, but that's to be expected. There's a quote by C.S. Lewis that sums up my mission pretty perfectly:

"Aslan, Aslan, Dear Aslan,” sobbed Lucy.

"Welcome, child,” he said.

"Aslan,” said Lucy “you're bigger.”

"That is because you're older, Little One,” answered he.

"Not because your are?” said Lucy.

"I am not, but every year you grow you'll find me bigger." said Aslan.

Like Lucy, I have found Crist to be so much bigger now. So much more a part of my life. So much more a part of who I am. And like Aslan points out, it's not because Christ has changed; no it's because I've grown. During my personal study I have been studying the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and all that he did while he was here on Earth and it has helped me grow so much closer to Him. I love my Savior and all that he has done for me...and all that he's doing for me. I know he loves each and every one of us with a love that we can't even comprehend! 

Investigator update:

Andreas: Our lovely miracle investigator that had been attending the church and progressing wonderfully, declared his love during one of our lessons when we invited him to be baptized....it was a devastating blow. Hna. Prates and I cried afterwards. Not because we lost a fantastic investigator, but because we both knew that he has a real testimony of the gospel and that his family (which is super catholic, and super against his decision to listen to the missionaries) planted in his head that he was only interested in the church because he was interested in the missionaries. The adversary is a tricky little devil! The field is white, ready to harvest and filled with snakes.

Patricio: He attended this Sunday and has a baptism date for the 21 of December!!!!! Keep your fingers crossed that he continues to progress and we have a White Christmas here in Chile!

Valantina: Didn't attend and her baptismal date fell...the adversary is real! However, we are really working with her to develop her own testimony of the atonement because she has had to pass through some terrible moments in her life.

Luis: He attended this Sunday! Luis doesn't have a baptismal date, but he has a hunger to learn more. What really interests him is the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the priesthood. He wants to know more about our prophets and all that jazz that missionaries love to share! However, he talks about a mile a minute in the most slurrrred Spanish....please pray that we can understand him during our visits.

Javiera: She's really working on living the Law of Chastity and our slogan with her is "We can do hard things" / "Sí Se Puede"  The postcard that Mema sent me a month ago was our inspiration!

Fun Facts:

Hna. Prates loves to say "poopy" when she's upset...ha! Please believe I did not teach her that word. I don't know where she learned it.

The wife of the Branch President has a napkin collection and LOVES the thanksgiving napkins you sent (I GOT YOUR THANKSGIVING PACKAGE!)

When we went to the interview with the president I got the package from Bompa and Nana! All the kinds in my area are SOOO grateful for the package! The pins the treats, all of it!

There are about four kids that I always pass in the street that yell "THE GRINGA, THE GRINGA!" every time they see me. Ha they love the little goodies, treats, and stickers. Also they love when we sing hymns with them, it's the cutest thing!

I love you all! I love this work! I love my area! I love my investigators! I love my companion! I love this gospel! I love my Savior!

Thank you for your prayers and for your support!

XOXO Hna. McKenna

PS…Mema and Dad… I have no time left on the computer, but I want you to know that I didn't forget your birthdays! I love you so and am sending birthday wishes your way!!!!

XOXO-Hna. McKenna

This week I got to meet Alexis Sánchez!!!!

Being the tallest I had the honor of putting the star on top of the tree while helping Rosmary (recent convert) decorate for Christmas!!!

Also I had the joy of helping check every single lightbulb to find the broken light....2 hours, and 10 brused fingers latter we still hadn't found it.

We can do hard things!!!!

My Little friends of the Street! I might just take them all home with me!

We Are All God's Children

December 1, 2014

Dear Familia,

Well this week was about as crazy as they get! Hna. Prates and I had some AMAZING highs, and some devastating lows...welcome to the mission!!!! Javiera, one of our amazing investigators is really struggling with the Ley de Castidad (Law of Chastity) y the Word of Wisdom, also she's going to move back with her parents once the semester ends (Dec. 17) and with how things are looking I don´t think I´ll be able to see her baptism. I'm sure she will be baptized someday, but it will most likely be with a different set of missionaries, but boy oh boy, do I love that girl!

Hna. Prates and I haven't been able to find 3 investigators this week, it's like they've fallen off the face of the earth! However, it has given us the chance to work more with the less active members of the rama. With Patricio (the sweet old man with the 2 neighbor boys) we bought him a magnifying glass so that he could read the BOM and he's been reading it and praying!!! He told us that he believes Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and he has a baptism date for 21 of Dec, but he has yet to attend church! POR QUÉ PATRICIO! Every week he tells us he will attend and every week he's a no show...curse agency.

However, Andreas is attending church!!! Hip Hip Hooray for people who choose to use their agency for the good! Andreas is a 20 year old young man with a super Catholic background. He's a great investigator and is really progressing and has a real desire to know if this church is true. However, we have yet to place a baptismal date because he told us that he feels pressured to be baptized. Baby steps, no más, please pray for Andreas!

This week was really rough for Hna. Prates. Every morning it's a real struggle to get her to exercise and study in the morning, but we're making progress. She talks a lot about going home and that she has a lot of health problems. Every day she is sick with something...I'm really praying to have the Spirit with me so I know when I need to help her suck it up and get to work, and when she really is sick. Once we are out in the street teaching and visiting she is always happy and healthy. My goal is that every evening she goes to bed happy to be a missionary, and, with time, every morning she wakes up ready and willing to be a servant of the Lord. Right now we're doing pretty well with the 1st part of the goal, now we just need to have those happy missionary feelings of the night roll over to the morning. Thursday night we read a little bit of Hna. Prates' Patriarchal Blessing, and it was amazing to hear all the wonderful things God has in store for her. It talks a lot about her mission and all that she can accomplish as a missionary. It also really helped me remember to see what Hna. Prates can become and how important it is that she stays in the mission. This week I've been able to see Hna. Prates more how God sees her and it has really helped strengthen our relationship. Hna. Prates has an interview with the President today and we will see what happens this week. Please, please, pray for us.

I love you all and I'm so thankful to have your love and support!

XOXO-Hna. McKenna

Fun Facts:

We ran out of toilet paper and had to start rationing our napkins Sunday night...

I killed my first flea!!! (I have 34 flea bites)

I'm learning how to make delicious empanadas!!!

Hna. Prates and me celebrating Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for this gospel and the opportunity to share it with the amazing people of Chile.

Meet Augustin!!! AKA the cutest little Chileno in the Viña del Mar Mission!

Nothing better than singing hymns in the rain.

Check out that view! Yes, we are SO blessed to have the area we do!

I got Joy's package!!! I LOVE the llama shirt!!!