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!
No comments:
Post a Comment