March 19, 2011
Hey there!
Thanks for the letters, I'm glad everyone is well. It's been a long week, but it passed so fast. Yesterday I went to bed absolutely exhausted. We interviewed 6 zones this last week. When the president interviews a zone, we start with a short message from him. He talks for like 30 minutes mas o menos and then we split. Elder Keller or Hermana Humphrey always did the next part, and after that we split into groups and started doing stuff. Sister Humphrey and Elder Keller and Elder Garcia worked with every companionship individually about teaching and I talked with every companionship about some things. It went well, but honestly, it was tiring... however I love how I know every single missionary in this mission. I know them all well. I love them all.
Thank you so much for your prayers... we are seeing changes in Maria!!!! Thank you so much. She was at church on Sunday with her family. Cristian Lagos, the man that was baptized a month ago, is passing through some big trials. Pray for him. Pray for Maria. Pray that we can find more people.
Today is Elder Reed's and Elder Garcia's birthday! Elder Garcia 26, Elder Reed 20.
While we were in Chillan last Tuesday I drove way way way out into the country on some dirt road to interview some kids for a baptism. They basically live in a cabin that hasn't been finished and there are gaps in the walls and I'm sure its freezing in the winter time. On the way back to Concepcion, we were listening to the Called To Serve MoTab album. I love the line of the Spirit of God that says 'And Ephraim be crowned with its blessing in Zion and Jesus descends in His Chariot of Fire.' I feel so lucky to be able to be His missionary. To be able to serve Him. I love what I'm doing. I can´t wait till He comes. I Love being a missionary.
Hey I got a box from the O'Neals.... Whit, Ash and Aunty El. Thank you so much. I'm eating some Dove chocolate right now :)
Love Elder Pitcher
Thanks for the letters, I'm glad everyone is well. It's been a long week, but it passed so fast. Yesterday I went to bed absolutely exhausted. We interviewed 6 zones this last week. When the president interviews a zone, we start with a short message from him. He talks for like 30 minutes mas o menos and then we split. Elder Keller or Hermana Humphrey always did the next part, and after that we split into groups and started doing stuff. Sister Humphrey and Elder Keller and Elder Garcia worked with every companionship individually about teaching and I talked with every companionship about some things. It went well, but honestly, it was tiring... however I love how I know every single missionary in this mission. I know them all well. I love them all.
Thank you so much for your prayers... we are seeing changes in Maria!!!! Thank you so much. She was at church on Sunday with her family. Cristian Lagos, the man that was baptized a month ago, is passing through some big trials. Pray for him. Pray for Maria. Pray that we can find more people.
Today is Elder Reed's and Elder Garcia's birthday! Elder Garcia 26, Elder Reed 20.
While we were in Chillan last Tuesday I drove way way way out into the country on some dirt road to interview some kids for a baptism. They basically live in a cabin that hasn't been finished and there are gaps in the walls and I'm sure its freezing in the winter time. On the way back to Concepcion, we were listening to the Called To Serve MoTab album. I love the line of the Spirit of God that says 'And Ephraim be crowned with its blessing in Zion and Jesus descends in His Chariot of Fire.' I feel so lucky to be able to be His missionary. To be able to serve Him. I love what I'm doing. I can´t wait till He comes. I Love being a missionary.
Hey I got a box from the O'Neals.... Whit, Ash and Aunty El. Thank you so much. I'm eating some Dove chocolate right now :)
Love Elder Pitcher
March 12, 2011
Hey there... It sounds like you're having a great time... I loved the pictures thank you so much.
Tell Jake and Randy that they don't look like they are happy to be home so they should stop faking it ;)
Vincent is awesome. I love that guy so much.
So it's been a good week. We traveled a lot. We were in Parral and Linares on Tuesday. After that we went out to a little town called Cauquenes to work with the Elders there. Wednesday we were in Talca and on Thursday we were in Curico. We are doing interviews right now - Tuesday there were 18 missionaries, Wednesday 28 missionaries, and 22 missionaries on Thursday. We are going to keep on going this week.
Today my companions and I went to Chiguayante to clean the zone leaders house, then we cleaned our house. I was thinking about it and I am probably living better now then I will in the states. I've got a sweet truck and my apartment is bigger than the one I had at BYU. I have a walk-in closet. I've got framed pictures of Christ and Helaman on my walls. Life is good. Yesterday we taught an Evangelic family in our sector. It was a good lesson. My companions just gave great sweet testimonies and I just taught. It'll be interesting to see what happens because they go to church today and tomorrow so we can't stop by their house. We were working in a poorer part this week, and there are SO many inactive members there. 15 out of the first 17 people we talked to were members. The problem is that it is very far away from the chapel, it is a long way to walk, and they just don't have money. With us walking very fast it would be about 30 minutes from the church to the neighborhood... like an hour for them.
Please pray for Maria and her family. She is an investigator that has known missionaries since the earthquake. Her husband was baptized years ago, but isn't very strong in the church. Maria is the one that runs the family. She is dark skinned, short, heavy and stubborn... a strong woman. We are trying to help her entire family. She is not a member, nor is her daughter Lesly. We painted their house the other day.
I love you all. Please PLEASE tell the Clark family thank you for the letters and Tie... I want to write back Jax and Addy and Cole and Ellie but I wasn't able to today. This letter is short... there are a lot of people I would like to write, but I can't!!! ha I love you, have a great time.
Chao!
Elder Pitcher
Tell Jake and Randy that they don't look like they are happy to be home so they should stop faking it ;)
Vincent is awesome. I love that guy so much.
So it's been a good week. We traveled a lot. We were in Parral and Linares on Tuesday. After that we went out to a little town called Cauquenes to work with the Elders there. Wednesday we were in Talca and on Thursday we were in Curico. We are doing interviews right now - Tuesday there were 18 missionaries, Wednesday 28 missionaries, and 22 missionaries on Thursday. We are going to keep on going this week.
Today my companions and I went to Chiguayante to clean the zone leaders house, then we cleaned our house. I was thinking about it and I am probably living better now then I will in the states. I've got a sweet truck and my apartment is bigger than the one I had at BYU. I have a walk-in closet. I've got framed pictures of Christ and Helaman on my walls. Life is good. Yesterday we taught an Evangelic family in our sector. It was a good lesson. My companions just gave great sweet testimonies and I just taught. It'll be interesting to see what happens because they go to church today and tomorrow so we can't stop by their house. We were working in a poorer part this week, and there are SO many inactive members there. 15 out of the first 17 people we talked to were members. The problem is that it is very far away from the chapel, it is a long way to walk, and they just don't have money. With us walking very fast it would be about 30 minutes from the church to the neighborhood... like an hour for them.
Please pray for Maria and her family. She is an investigator that has known missionaries since the earthquake. Her husband was baptized years ago, but isn't very strong in the church. Maria is the one that runs the family. She is dark skinned, short, heavy and stubborn... a strong woman. We are trying to help her entire family. She is not a member, nor is her daughter Lesly. We painted their house the other day.
I love you all. Please PLEASE tell the Clark family thank you for the letters and Tie... I want to write back Jax and Addy and Cole and Ellie but I wasn't able to today. This letter is short... there are a lot of people I would like to write, but I can't!!! ha I love you, have a great time.
Chao!
Elder Pitcher
Feb. 26, 2011
Hey family!!
Thanks so much for your letters. I am doing great here. Things have been crazy and they aren't going to be slowing down. It all started on Tuesday when 7 missionaries went home and 15 came... that was crazy. We spent two nights in Talca this week, working in areas such as San Javier, Constitucion, Talca and such. I am in a trio; Elder Pitcher, Elder Garcia and Elder Keller. Elder Garcia is from Ecuador. I love them both, they are so awesome. I never wanted to be in a trio on my mission, but I'm glad to be with them because they are incredible. We have plans to do a lot. Elder Garcia goes home the same time I do in May. Right now we have to go to Constitucion again because the chapel was just finished and we are going to be having an open house. We will go with the president and the entire Talca Centro zone will be there.
I'm excited for Erynn to give a talk. Compassion to me and my companions is a sincere concern for other people. Worrying about how they are. Love and understanding. Feeling pain for the suffering of others. That is what we think. Christ and His Atonement would be the best example of that.
Thanks to everyone. I love you all....
Feb. 12, 2011
Did I feel the earthquake? You better believe I felt the earth quake, the epicenter was like 20 miles from here... in places like Talca it wasn't as strong, but it was strong here. We were just leaving the office and we were two levels below ground getting the truck when it started to shake... it stared and my companion was like "wow this is big" and I thought "no its not that big" but then it got bigger and bigger. I was right there getting into the truck, my comp who was just about to get into the truck left the door open and was now in between the truck and the path to the stairs slash elevator going upstairs. He was there yelling "¿que hacemos... subimos o vamos? subimos o vamos?" basically like what do we do... should we go upstairs or should we just get out of here? I was just about ready to lay flat on the floor next to the truck because in the big earthquake lots of the building that fell compacted down, but stopped because of the tires and shocks and wheels on the cars (looking back... I don't think our little ranger would be able to support the 11 stories that were above us) Then all the lights went out and it was black. My companion had the cell fone so he took it out and we went to the stairs. Everyone was coming down, but we were going back up to the office to see how the two elders were that were up there. There was no light in the stair well so everyone was freaking and my comp was showing them the way with the cell. After we didn't have phone coverage, we got home and some boxes and bottles had fallen and broken. But honestly, earthquakes are really fun to be in (except for the damage). Every time it shakes we look at each other and start to laugh. The only scary thing is when you're below a 11 story building.
Things are going good here. It's raining right and and kind of chilly, but that's ok. It has been a good week.
So I'll tell you right off the bat, today we went bowling at the mall and there was a song playing and guess what/who I thought about.... Cpitch and Matty A driving about to Devil's Gate in the Maxima because when you got there you told me that's what you were listening too. Wow, I love you guys so much... give Matt a hug for me. I miss him.
On Sunday we ate with the Fischbecks (senior couple) because it was her birthday on Saturday. She made a cob salad for lunch and afterward strawberry shortcake... good American food.
On Monday we went to a pizza place for lunch. Then I went to the dentist, not the best birthday gift but good news... no cavity! According to what he told me, the enamel had just gone away and because of that it was hurting. So he fixed it. Then in the afternoon we had a family at the bishop's house with some members and some new converts and Christian. It was good. The best part is that people called me to wish happy birthday. Adela called from Chillan. She called the president to get my number. Then people called from Talca, a group of like 11 people mas o menos. That was really neat.
Tuesday we were in Chillan for a training. We taught and talked about a lot of things with the zones of Chillan and Ñuble. Then after that we went out and worked with the zone leaders for the rest of the day. On Thursday we were back up in Curicó working with that zone. That is about a three hour drive.
Friday we were going to work with some sister missionaries in Santa Sabina. It is here in Concepcion. We were going to go with the zone leaders and then do splits, one ZL and one of us with a companionship of sister and then the same with another companion ship, but the earthquake didn't really let that happen.
I love having the assignment I have because we can do whatever we feel will help the mission. We can go and help whatever missionaries or companionships we feel like we could help or that the president wants us to help. We get to go and work with them, and we get to know them and love them. I also love traveling in the car with my companion, He is an awesome guy. I feel so lucky because with every companion there is just something that I will remember about that companionship... that usually happens with all missionaries and I think it's really cool.
Here's a photo from Christian's baptism
Things are going good here. It's raining right and and kind of chilly, but that's ok. It has been a good week.
So I'll tell you right off the bat, today we went bowling at the mall and there was a song playing and guess what/who I thought about.... Cpitch and Matty A driving about to Devil's Gate in the Maxima because when you got there you told me that's what you were listening too. Wow, I love you guys so much... give Matt a hug for me. I miss him.
On Sunday we ate with the Fischbecks (senior couple) because it was her birthday on Saturday. She made a cob salad for lunch and afterward strawberry shortcake... good American food.
On Monday we went to a pizza place for lunch. Then I went to the dentist, not the best birthday gift but good news... no cavity! According to what he told me, the enamel had just gone away and because of that it was hurting. So he fixed it. Then in the afternoon we had a family at the bishop's house with some members and some new converts and Christian. It was good. The best part is that people called me to wish happy birthday. Adela called from Chillan. She called the president to get my number. Then people called from Talca, a group of like 11 people mas o menos. That was really neat.
Tuesday we were in Chillan for a training. We taught and talked about a lot of things with the zones of Chillan and Ñuble. Then after that we went out and worked with the zone leaders for the rest of the day. On Thursday we were back up in Curicó working with that zone. That is about a three hour drive.
Friday we were going to work with some sister missionaries in Santa Sabina. It is here in Concepcion. We were going to go with the zone leaders and then do splits, one ZL and one of us with a companionship of sister and then the same with another companion ship, but the earthquake didn't really let that happen.
I love having the assignment I have because we can do whatever we feel will help the mission. We can go and help whatever missionaries or companionships we feel like we could help or that the president wants us to help. We get to go and work with them, and we get to know them and love them. I also love traveling in the car with my companion, He is an awesome guy. I feel so lucky because with every companion there is just something that I will remember about that companionship... that usually happens with all missionaries and I think it's really cool.
Here's a photo from Christian's baptism
Feb. 5th, 2011
Hey... sorry I don't have any time so I figured I would just send some pictures...
The waterfall pictures are from today.
This is from a training we did.
This a little market place we went to that had stuff from all around the world... honestly I didn't buy anything... I wish I would have....
Cristain Lagos is getting baptized tomorrow!!!!!!! He passed his interview with flying colors... He has already taken the big earring out of the ear, the big gauge he had there....sorry, you'll never see any foto of him with the earring, only of the new Cristian :)
Chao!!!
The waterfall pictures are from today.
This a little market place we went to that had stuff from all around the world... honestly I didn't buy anything... I wish I would have....
Cristain Lagos is getting baptized tomorrow!!!!!!! He passed his interview with flying colors... He has already taken the big earring out of the ear, the big gauge he had there....sorry, you'll never see any foto of him with the earring, only of the new Cristian :)
Chao!!!
Jan. 29, 2011
Good day to everyone.
I am so grateful for the chance I have to be here. I love Chile. More than Chile, I love the people I have met here. I love everything about this mission. Not so much the place or the cities, but truly the people. And not only the Chileans, but missionaries. The missionaries of this mission are absolutely incredible. They are awesome. I think the first person I would have to thank for that would be President Chavez. That man is amazing. He was truly inspired in everything he did here. Now President Humphrey is taking the baton forward. Another thing that is happening is that as I get to know President Humphrey more and more I see him more and more as the President that he is. I always thought that would be different, like as I got to know him more as a normal person, but that really hasn't happened. I have seen him more and more as the President literally called by revelation to lead this mission. I guess you could say my 'testimony' of him has grown. I have learned to trust every decision he takes.
This week was good... it went by very VERY fast because we were out of town all week. Tuesday morning we woke up early and went up to Talca. There we did a training with the Talca centro Zona and the Curico zone. After that, we did a minicambio for the rest of the night. Elder Mcdonald and I went out to Constitucion, which is a sector with 4 sister missionaries and is right on the beach, a lot like Tomé. There we taught some people, first we went to a house of a man who was having problems with keeping some commandments and when Sister Enders and Sister Hardy told him we had come to talk to him, he said 'He is 20 years old, he might know more about the church than me, but he can't help me with life issues'.... plop....we didn't get to help him too much.. After that we went down to the beach (it was already 9:40) and the other sisters were there with two people that needed interviews. We began to give them interviews right there... that beach is absolutely beautiful.
Wednesday we were in Linares with Parral and Talca. Afterwards we made some other visits and I learned a lot about the importance of humility.
Honestly... It was a great week. I love being here.
I love you all. Thanks for everything. I hope you have a great week. I would like to know if you are coming down to get me.
Love... Elder Pitcher.
Jan. 14, 2011
So this week has been good. We have done lots of things. This last Tuesday the cambios happened. Not only that, but we took the missionaries that were going home to the airport. That is so sad when that happens. I get a sick feeling in my stomach every time, however, I was talking to a sister missionary who was waiting for her parents and I said something about the sick feeling and she said, 'I always had that sick feeling too. Even two weeks ago I had that sick feeling when I thought about going home, but now, I am very calm." On Wednesday we were up in Parral and Linares. We went to their Zone class and after we went to lunch. We ate at a place called Bakán. (Bah-cahn) Bakán in Chilean means cool. Oh my, they gave us so much food and it was so greasy and fatty. We shared a huge plate that starts with fries on the bottom, and then had chopped fried meat with fried onions, topped with 4 fried eggs! Needless to say, we didn't finish it. After that we worked with a trio of sister missionaries for some hours, and then we left and met up with the zone leaders and went to do some interviews. The lessons with the sisters were so awesome. There was one when we were teaching a woman that is about 37. The sisters were teaching when the lady started to tell us about a lot of problems and things that have happened in her life, including how she was a big time drug addict and how she felt that she couldn't be forgiven. Then one of the sisters was relating some personal experiences and she bore her testimony that through Christ anyone can receive the cleansing of their sins. Honestly, my companion and I just sat there... we didn't even teach... it was an incredibly strong experience, and one that may have changed that investigator's life forever. It was very neat to be able to feel the power in the words from that sister missionary. It was neat to feel the truthfulness as well.
After that I interviewed an 18 year old girl. She is being taught by her 1st cousin, whom she never even knew, who is from the States. How crazy would that be to be called to a mission where there were first cousins, then going to teach them? However, the interview I did was interesting. I was talking with her, and she told me she wasn't sure if Joseph Smith was a prophet. She told me she wasn't sure the Book of Mormon was true, because that would mean she would accept Joseph Smith. But she said she didn't know if she wanted to get baptized because she wasn't sure if he was a prophet. We talked about that for some time, and then I asked her "what is the real problem?" She looked at me for some time, then she started to talk, then she started to cry. She told me about how she has seen and heard what the people think about the Mormons. She listens to the things people yell at us in the street. She knows what her friends think about Mormons. She said, "I don't know if I can take all that." After listening to her say all that, and feeling her sincerity, I just felt sad. No, I think more than that I felt love for her, because I saw that she wanted to follow Christ, but that she lacked the faith to do it. We talked about Christ; we talked about what He went through and what He did. What mockery He supported and why He did it.
I admire and look up to those who give all to follow Christ. I even think of some of the other converts I have had, actually all of them, and the things they went through before their baptism, and how much faith in Christ they have shown. I am grateful for them, and I love them.
We stayed that night in Parral......... We had a 6 hour meeting in the Mission President's house yesterday. We are going to train the zone leaders on Monday and Tuesday, but we are changing some things. We are not inventing anything new, it is all from Preach My Gospel, but we are hitting home on some things. We also revised the rules of the mission that have been here for several years. After changing some, after taking some away and listening to 'well that rule was for ten years ago' and 'that just doesn't make sense in my head' I know how the Bible was so easily changed - ha.
i love you all
After that I interviewed an 18 year old girl. She is being taught by her 1st cousin, whom she never even knew, who is from the States. How crazy would that be to be called to a mission where there were first cousins, then going to teach them? However, the interview I did was interesting. I was talking with her, and she told me she wasn't sure if Joseph Smith was a prophet. She told me she wasn't sure the Book of Mormon was true, because that would mean she would accept Joseph Smith. But she said she didn't know if she wanted to get baptized because she wasn't sure if he was a prophet. We talked about that for some time, and then I asked her "what is the real problem?" She looked at me for some time, then she started to talk, then she started to cry. She told me about how she has seen and heard what the people think about the Mormons. She listens to the things people yell at us in the street. She knows what her friends think about Mormons. She said, "I don't know if I can take all that." After listening to her say all that, and feeling her sincerity, I just felt sad. No, I think more than that I felt love for her, because I saw that she wanted to follow Christ, but that she lacked the faith to do it. We talked about Christ; we talked about what He went through and what He did. What mockery He supported and why He did it.
I admire and look up to those who give all to follow Christ. I even think of some of the other converts I have had, actually all of them, and the things they went through before their baptism, and how much faith in Christ they have shown. I am grateful for them, and I love them.
We stayed that night in Parral......... We had a 6 hour meeting in the Mission President's house yesterday. We are going to train the zone leaders on Monday and Tuesday, but we are changing some things. We are not inventing anything new, it is all from Preach My Gospel, but we are hitting home on some things. We also revised the rules of the mission that have been here for several years. After changing some, after taking some away and listening to 'well that rule was for ten years ago' and 'that just doesn't make sense in my head' I know how the Bible was so easily changed - ha.
i love you all
December 11, 2010
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| Me and my new bishop... we took those fotos today ( at the sea) |
Today we had to go to Talcahuano which is in the other mission. One of the new converts of the sector had some problems and so we had to take her and her daughter to Talcahuano. The bishop came with us. It was kind of a weird situation because we really aren't allowed to leave mission boundaries, but we told president what was going on and went. That was the only chance I'll probably have to familiarize myself with Talcahuano. We got to see those sea wolves (is that what they are called in English) no I think they are called sea lions in English.
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| Me and my comp |
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| That is me looking over Conce with the truck in the background |
I love the mission. thanks for everything. I love you guys.
Love elder PITCHER.
November 29, 2010
Hey Family
Thanks so much for the letters. You all sound great. That’s too bad about the cougs. Sounds like winter is there for you guys, it’s almost summer here. The truth is that it had been so hot in Talca for some time. I say had, because I’m not in Talca right now. I’m down in Concepcion.
It’s been a pretty crazy day. Well the truth is that it has been a crazy week. You asked me about transfers. Well I was transferred. On Friday I got a call from Pres Humphrey. “Well, Elder Pitcher, I’m calling you to let you know you are going to be called as my new assistant.” So I’ll try and let you know some of the things that happened from Friday until now.
About an hour after president called me, we went to a house to teach. The guy is awesome, but he isn’t a member still. We have basically taught him one time. Now, I had always tried to prepare my converts by telling them, “In some moment I am going to leave, but you don’t need me anymore. You already have the tools that you need to continue feeling the spirit and work your way towards eternal life.” Anyhow, when I was there in the house, for some reason they starting talking a little bit about that, that it was going to be sad when I had to leave. Then they asked if I knew when I had to leave (I had found out one hour earlier). I said yes I did know but first let's share something about the Gospel and then after the lesson I'll let you know when I have to leave. So we taught the Restoration. Previous to this, we had only taught him one time when we shared about the Plan of Salvation. So we sat down and taught the restoration, and then at the end of the lesson, he said, “So it looks like you’re not going to be here for when I get baptized Elder Pitcher.” That reminded the others and they asked, “Oh yea, when are you leaving?” I told them, “The day after tomorrow.” That kind of changed the feeling that was in the room, but the good thing is we were able to eat lunch on Saturday. After sharing with them, we made some other visits.
On Sunday Brother M arrived to the church basically in tears. His daughter was ready to get baptized yesterday, but after she spent the night at her aunt’s house, she came home in tears and said she didn’t want to get baptized, and then left again. The dad was struggling, he is so awesome. He had been inactive for about a year, but he has such a good heart, and he wants to do the best for his family. His wife didn’t even come with him to church, but he showed up on time with a white shirt and tie. The bishop gave me a couple minutes at the start of sacrament meeting to say some things. That was thoughtful of him. Then the primary had their program. It was actually very, very good. There were some great talks given by those little ones.
After, we had a baptismal service for Mady. It was a really good service. She is so awesome. I will send you a picture next week.
There was some great stuff that happened with Alejandro. I love him so much. I wasn’t able to say goodbye to Javiera.
At 5:00 PM I had to take a bus to leave to Concepcion. I was going with three others who are going home. The problem is, we missed the bus. Ha, ha. We waited for a taxi for 30 minutes, finally the neighbor saw us still there and said, “I’ll take you!" Really nice, that guy saved us (non member... but he knows the church because his cousins are members.) It was really, really funny when I was there at the terminal because no one knew what was going on. They didn’t know why I was there - because no one makes their change until tomorrow. We ended up getting a bus at 6:00. The funny thing is the bus we took at six got to Concepcion before the bus that left at 5, because that one made two stops along the way.
I actually taught a guy on the bus that has read the Book of Mormon twice, but told me he isn’t baptized yet because he can’t go to church on Sundays and he knows the sacrament is important. He was a really smart guy. Young and he had a little bit of money. It’s sad when people get the important things mixed up with the not so important things.
Then I got here to Concepcion.
I live with 5 other missionaries. Last night there were 9 that slept in the apartment.
Today, I’ve done a lot. I went to go pick up some sister missionaries. I’ve been learning a lot. We had a meeting with president that lasted about an hour and a half. We have so much stuff to do. Tonight I have to go to the mission home and do some stuff with the missionaries that are going home. Tomorrow we are going to pick up the new missionaries, do a lot of things with them and get them off to their areas. We have a Mission counsel with all the zone leaders on Friday in Chillan... Lots of stuff.... I am so excited. I am tired right now. I think its cause I got not great sleep last night on that air mattress. But I have got good news. I HAVE THE BEST PILLOW IN THE MISSION NOW!!!!!! I am very excited for that. So hopefully I’ll sleep well, but from what I have heard, I won’t be sleeping much.
I love you all. Oh yea, my new preparation day is Saturday, so I’ll be writing on Saturday.
I love you
Elder Pitcher.
November 15, 2010
Good Morning!
Hey everybody. Thanks for the letters. I loved them. I love hearing from you guys and finding out how you're doing. RPitch... looking good. It's weird when you said it was for Preference because here we are going into spring and spring for me still means April, not November, so when I read Preference I thought 'don't you mean prom?' I hope you had a good time Ry.
Hey everybody. Thanks for the letters. I loved them. I love hearing from you guys and finding out how you're doing. RPitch... looking good. It's weird when you said it was for Preference because here we are going into spring and spring for me still means April, not November, so when I read Preference I thought 'don't you mean prom?' I hope you had a good time Ry.
Its crazy to think that it is Thanksgiving. Last year I didn't even know it was Thanksgiving. I was with Elder Poma and I would imagine he didn't even know what Thanksgiving was. I remember we had a Mission Conference that day. I found out it was Thanksgiving when President Chavez got up and said, "Happy Thanksgiving... I know you always eat turkey on Thanksgiving, but we are going to be eating the turkey's cousin, chicken." That was nothing new, because we always eat chicken and rice.... ALWAYS eat chicken and rice.
It's very possible I get changed this cambio. I don't want to, I love my sector and we have some great investigators that I love. I also love the ward. We have a great bishop... he is so awesome... and his wife is amazing also. He is 24 years old and she is 21. I haven't had a better relationship with my bishop here on the mission.
So like I said we have some neat investigators. Mady is a 16 year old girl who is just awesome. She has gone to seminary a lot and she has been reading in the Book of Mormon. I asked her the other day if she knew that what we teach is true and she said yes. I asked her if she knew the Book of Mormon was true and she said yes. I asked her how she knew, if she had prayed or how she knew, and she said, 'I honestly haven't had to pray. Since the first time I entered the church I knew it was true, and every time I listen and learn more I believe more.' It's very interesting that answer she gave. We always want people to gain their testimony by the spirit, and we always teach that if you read the Book of Mormon, go to church and pray you will feel that spirit and know it's true. But after listening to Mady, and meditating in what she said, I thought about a scripture in the book of John, when Christ said that his sheep hear is voice, and recognize it. She has shown a lot of faith in what she is doing, and it really is a pleasure to teach her.
Yesterday after church I was talking to Alejandro. He went on a mission, came home, but afterward had a lot of trials and ultimately stopped going to church. He had been away from the church for a lot of years. Not really 100% away, but he would go to church 2 times a year, or go to the activities. He is extremely intelligent. I really love him, and since about the 6th week I was here in Talca he has been coming to church. Yesterday after church we were talking and he mentioned how he needed to go home and open his internet shop. I said, 'What?' and he just got a look on his face.... he started explaining... he said how about 5 months ago he had to start opening on Sundays because his mom had some problems and basically he was paying for all his college studies with the money he made on Sunday. He told me how he had talked with the Bishop and was told 'Do what you think is best'. We talked a long time about obedience and faith. We talked about the scripture Mosiah 3:19 and how the Atonement can't take full effect in our lives unless we yield to the Holy Ghost. He told me how he always needed to be 'in control' - in control of his future, and understand what was going to happen. I told him 'Faith sometimes requires walking in the dark, not knowing what is ahead.' He told us to pass by his house in the afternoon. When we got there we shared a scripture and he started to talk again, his internet shop wasn't open. He told us that when his sister asked him if he was going to open it he said no. She said 'But what are you going to do? What is going to happen?' and he said 'I don't know, but God does'.... I get teary eyed even writing this story to you. She ran and got her scriptures and shared with him D&C 82:10, you know, the one that says (mas o menos) 'I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say, but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.' He said, with swollen eyes... I don't know what is going to happen. I don't know if the things are even going to turn out good. They might not turn out the way I want them to, but God knows. I am doing what he wants.
I was thinking again, about the sins of omission, and how Hard and Difficult it is to repent of them. It is very hard, almost impossible, to make up for the things that you don't do. That is why it is so important to be obedient, always. Repentance is always there, but it isn't easy.....
I love the gospel. I love the plan of salvation. I love my family. I love the mission. I am so grateful for everything I have been given. I am lucky.
I love the gospel. I love the plan of salvation. I love my family. I love the mission. I am so grateful for everything I have been given. I am lucky.
With much love
Elder Pitcher.
A spider that we saw one night in the house - I thought it was kind of cool.
The baptism of Matilde a couple weeks ago
Patricio and his family and Adela in Chillan
Me in part of downtown a couple weeks ago... it was a holiday and so NO ONE was there, that is why I thought the picture was so cool... you can see damage from the earthquake still.
October 25th, 2010
Hey...
So it was another good week. I can´t believe it is already Halloween time. To answer your question, yes, they have Halloween here. It’s interesting because all of the Catholics love Halloween, the Evangelics swear it’s the day of the devil, and the Mormons don’t know if they can celebrate it or not. Last year I remember someone asking me the following question, "Do you know what Halloween means in English?" Yea... it’s a holiday. "No! It means the birthday of the devil!" That’s what Halloween is like here.
So it was a good week. My companion is Elder Clark. He is from Mesa, Arizona. My companion has 3 cambios left. I won’t be here when he ends. This is my third cambio here and it is very possible I will change after this cambio and then have 4 cambios in my last sector.
So today we played volleyball and a little bit of Soccer with the zone. It was nice. It is a very nice day. I would even use the word Hot today. I think I got sunburned. We are really going to try and have a zone that is united this cambio. We have 4 brand new missionaries in our zone. That is a lot. There are 8 companionships in the zone and all of them expect 1 received a change of some sort last week. It will be a great cambio. We are excited and the zone seems to be very excited too.
This week we had a total of 15 hours in our sector I think. On Tuesday I was in the bus terminal all day long sending missionaries to other cities, receiving new missionaries and waiting for my companion. I was there from 9 to 5:30. I’m happy to say everything went well. There was a break in between buses and I just sat down and looked at everything that was happening around me. Sometimes I really don’t feel like I am in a foreign country thousands of miles away from friends and family. I had to remind myself on Tuesday that I was in Chile. It just feels like home. But then I started watching all the buses jetting in and out and driving around in that terminal and I thought... 'there would never be anything so crazy in the States.' I really love Chile. I think it is a lot like the United States. However, on Thursday I was working with a brand new missionary and he told me he was shocked when he got here because it was so different than the States. I didn’t really believe him. Mom and Dad, when you’re down here, then you can tell me if it’s different than the states.
On Friday we woke up at 5:30 am and we were down in Chillan for a leader counsel. On Sunday we were right there again, but Sunday was even better because I got to see Patricio and his wife and kids and everyone else from there including Adela. Patricio and Marjorie are doing great. Patricio is still in the Stake young mens presidency and is loving it! Marj doesn’t have a calling because she just had her baby. I was so grateful to see them . Then we got in the car and went to Tome with president and his wife. It was a great ride. I can’t really remember what we talked about. They gave us some snacks, crackers and peanuts, because we didn’t have lunch. They are a very funny couple. A very real couple. We got to the baptism a little late. They were there waiting for us. It was a great great great service. There were tears. It was so nice to see everyone. Matilde and Jose Luis (the son) were baptized. I baptized both of them. They were so so happy. Matilde happier than anyone. When I saw her I asked her... 'are you ready?' and she said 'I’ve been ready for a long time.' Oh it was so awesome. After the baptism, we sang 'Families can be together forever.' That was neat because I was able to think about grandma a little bit. I loved her. I love her. I hope everyone is doing OK up there. I am doing OK here. I know families are eternal. I truly believe that with all my heart. Death is just another stepping stone on the path to Exaltation, and another piece to the grand eternal plan. It is amazing the peace someone can feel having the gospel in their life. That is what I was thinking while we were singing the song.
And then it ended.... I had to say goodbye again. It was hard. There were more tears. I saw Camila and Danelia. They are doing great, going to seminary every day. Some people gave me some gifts and some pictures. It was honestly incredible....The president was in the car waiting for me for a long time because we were all taking pictures. My companion was there saying we gotta go, we gotta go. And the last people I said goodbye to were Matlide, Jose Luis, Jose Luis and Claudia. They were all crying, even the dad. That was pretty tough. It is in moments like that I wish you were here Mom and Dad. I want you to meet these people. I want you to feel the love they have. I want you to feel the love I have for them. There is so much I would like to happen.
Jose Luis said he is getting baptized. Actually get this... when President Humphrey walked in he shook Jose Luis' hand. Then, a couple minutes later, someone introduced Jose Luis to the president as the father of the son and wife that were getting baptized. President said... 'You’re the Father! I thought you were the Bishop!' Jose Luis just smiled. I don’t think I will be able to go to their baptism. Jose Luis said Pres Navarro can baptize him and Claudia wants me to baptize her but who knows what will happen.
After the baptism we went to the mission house to grab a quick bite to eat. I have done my best to submerge myself in the work. I have felt the blessings that have come from that. I Love this work. I love my Savior. I have felt his comforting power. It is the same comforting power He offers to everyone through His gospel and His spirit -- they just have to accept him.
I love you all so much.
Elder Pitcher.
So it was another good week. I can´t believe it is already Halloween time. To answer your question, yes, they have Halloween here. It’s interesting because all of the Catholics love Halloween, the Evangelics swear it’s the day of the devil, and the Mormons don’t know if they can celebrate it or not. Last year I remember someone asking me the following question, "Do you know what Halloween means in English?" Yea... it’s a holiday. "No! It means the birthday of the devil!" That’s what Halloween is like here.
So it was a good week. My companion is Elder Clark. He is from Mesa, Arizona. My companion has 3 cambios left. I won’t be here when he ends. This is my third cambio here and it is very possible I will change after this cambio and then have 4 cambios in my last sector.
So today we played volleyball and a little bit of Soccer with the zone. It was nice. It is a very nice day. I would even use the word Hot today. I think I got sunburned. We are really going to try and have a zone that is united this cambio. We have 4 brand new missionaries in our zone. That is a lot. There are 8 companionships in the zone and all of them expect 1 received a change of some sort last week. It will be a great cambio. We are excited and the zone seems to be very excited too.
This week we had a total of 15 hours in our sector I think. On Tuesday I was in the bus terminal all day long sending missionaries to other cities, receiving new missionaries and waiting for my companion. I was there from 9 to 5:30. I’m happy to say everything went well. There was a break in between buses and I just sat down and looked at everything that was happening around me. Sometimes I really don’t feel like I am in a foreign country thousands of miles away from friends and family. I had to remind myself on Tuesday that I was in Chile. It just feels like home. But then I started watching all the buses jetting in and out and driving around in that terminal and I thought... 'there would never be anything so crazy in the States.' I really love Chile. I think it is a lot like the United States. However, on Thursday I was working with a brand new missionary and he told me he was shocked when he got here because it was so different than the States. I didn’t really believe him. Mom and Dad, when you’re down here, then you can tell me if it’s different than the states.
On Friday we woke up at 5:30 am and we were down in Chillan for a leader counsel. On Sunday we were right there again, but Sunday was even better because I got to see Patricio and his wife and kids and everyone else from there including Adela. Patricio and Marjorie are doing great. Patricio is still in the Stake young mens presidency and is loving it! Marj doesn’t have a calling because she just had her baby. I was so grateful to see them . Then we got in the car and went to Tome with president and his wife. It was a great ride. I can’t really remember what we talked about. They gave us some snacks, crackers and peanuts, because we didn’t have lunch. They are a very funny couple. A very real couple. We got to the baptism a little late. They were there waiting for us. It was a great great great service. There were tears. It was so nice to see everyone. Matilde and Jose Luis (the son) were baptized. I baptized both of them. They were so so happy. Matilde happier than anyone. When I saw her I asked her... 'are you ready?' and she said 'I’ve been ready for a long time.' Oh it was so awesome. After the baptism, we sang 'Families can be together forever.' That was neat because I was able to think about grandma a little bit. I loved her. I love her. I hope everyone is doing OK up there. I am doing OK here. I know families are eternal. I truly believe that with all my heart. Death is just another stepping stone on the path to Exaltation, and another piece to the grand eternal plan. It is amazing the peace someone can feel having the gospel in their life. That is what I was thinking while we were singing the song.
And then it ended.... I had to say goodbye again. It was hard. There were more tears. I saw Camila and Danelia. They are doing great, going to seminary every day. Some people gave me some gifts and some pictures. It was honestly incredible....The president was in the car waiting for me for a long time because we were all taking pictures. My companion was there saying we gotta go, we gotta go. And the last people I said goodbye to were Matlide, Jose Luis, Jose Luis and Claudia. They were all crying, even the dad. That was pretty tough. It is in moments like that I wish you were here Mom and Dad. I want you to meet these people. I want you to feel the love they have. I want you to feel the love I have for them. There is so much I would like to happen.
Jose Luis said he is getting baptized. Actually get this... when President Humphrey walked in he shook Jose Luis' hand. Then, a couple minutes later, someone introduced Jose Luis to the president as the father of the son and wife that were getting baptized. President said... 'You’re the Father! I thought you were the Bishop!' Jose Luis just smiled. I don’t think I will be able to go to their baptism. Jose Luis said Pres Navarro can baptize him and Claudia wants me to baptize her but who knows what will happen.
After the baptism we went to the mission house to grab a quick bite to eat. I have done my best to submerge myself in the work. I have felt the blessings that have come from that. I Love this work. I love my Savior. I have felt his comforting power. It is the same comforting power He offers to everyone through His gospel and His spirit -- they just have to accept him.
I love you all so much.
Elder Pitcher.
This is from last week's zone activity
October 4th, 2010
Hey everybody
I'm still here in Talca and I'm doing good. This week seemed to pass by pretty fast and time in general is passing by very fast.
On Monday we started out by having a family home evening lesson that we are starting to do every week now.
Tuesday we did a mini cambio. Elder Cockrell came to my sector and worked with me, but even that was weird because we had to do a switch while we were switched so Elder Irigoyen and I could go and have a meeting with the stake presidency. We also taught a good lesson with Kathy and Tihany. They had a huge change in their attitudes and we really saw a miracle with them.
Last Thursday Elder Horton and I went to their house. When we got there the mom was kind of busy and stressed and to make a long story short, one of the first things she said to us was 'I don't want to keep going with this. I don't want to get baptized, it's just not for me. I was doing it to support my daughter, but now I'm just too tired and I don't want to.' Whenever I hear anything like this I know I've done something wrong or we haven't taught well enough or something. We listened to everything she said, and then we started to talk to her. We expressed the love we have for them and we taught them the covenant of a baptism and how important it is. When we finished she said, 'Wow, OK' and we left her some things to read in the Book of Mormon. They were both very good in reading and all that and on Tuesday in the lesson they had a change, and said they were ready.
So Wednesday morning rolls around and I'm at the house with Elder Cockrell still, when Elder Fishbeck calls me. Elder Fishbeck is the Senior missionary here in the mission. About 6'3", 65 years old, loves to talk loud and laugh. He gets there and the very first thing he says is 'Where am I puttin my air mattress?' He had come up to work on the house. And he was going to stay the night with us. So right then we all went to the Chilean equivalent of Home Depot. It was funny walking around there, four missionaries in shirt and tie and a big old man in jeans and a T-shirt. We had a big sheet of Sheetrock, we bought paint, Mud, tape, a lot of stuff. We went and started working in the house. Elder Fishbeck stayed the night, but at 9 o'clock we got a call from the APs who said they were coming from Concepcion and needed to stay with us also. And so instead of having us four in the house, we were 7 people. When we got to the house at 10, Elder Fishbeck was already sleeping, but we woke him up... However, he got his revenge. At 6 o'clock the next morning he snuck into our room and started yelling stuff... he actually jumped on one of the missionaries that was sleeping on a mattress on the ground.
Thursday, we also had interviews with the president. They were good. We taught his wife and the assistants while the president was doing the interviews. We really have some great missionaries in our zone, however, we can all become better teachers. Something that has always been able to help me in my teaching is teaching, talking, and testifying about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Everything has to do with the Atonement, but at times, I think people forget that. I believe many times people take for granted what the Lord Jesus Christ did for us. They have heard so many times that they just say, almost without gratitude or emotion, 'Yes, Jesus died for you and me' but it is almost as if they aren't listening to the words they are saying.
I truly believe, with all my heart, that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, suffered and died, and resurrected from the dead. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to serve him as a missionary. I firmly believe that he lives, and is literally guiding this work. It is such an amazing blessing to be able to be here in Chile. I love it so much.
Saturday and Sunday were just awesome. We watched conference in the stake center. There were a couple talks that I want to study, because they were just jammed packed full of doctrine. A couple things that really came to my mind this conference were...
I need to be more grateful. I have been given so much, and I need to show gratitude.
I need to write in my journal a lot more.
We are lead by a prophet of God. Thomas S Monson really is the living prophet of God. What he says really is the will of the Lord. I meditated in that a lot and it really got to me. We believe in Christ, if we want to follow him, we must follow every word that comes from His prophet's mouth. I feel so lucky that we have what we have, that we are members of the true church of Jesus Christ. There is not doubt in my mind about that. If anyone sincerely listens to our message, if they sincerely read in the Book of Mormon and if they sincerely ask God, they too will know that this is the only living church on the earth. I feel so lucky to have been born into it and to have the opportunity to be a small, small part in the building up of it.
I love you all, thanks for everything!!
Today our zone went paintballing.
Sept 20, 2010
So we just passed the independence day here in Chile. Independence Day is bigger than Christmas I think. They have given them 4 days off from work and school, and they just love it. The holiday was special this year because they are celebrating the 200 year anniversary. The 18 of September is the day, but we had a big party as a ward on Friday the 17th. It was a big party. It started at 10 and the last people left at 11 at night. We got there at about 12 and left at 9:30 (we left a couple times in between to get investigators) There were games and there was food. Lots of food. Empanadas, Cazuela (its like a soup with chicken and potatoes, very Chilean) and barbecue. One of the highlights of the night was when a group of teenage girls and boys came and danced the Cueca, the national dance of Chile. It is very neat, and when you understand the history of it, it is neat to watch the dance and understand what is happening. It is very cowboyish. Chile has a cowboy past, and it's almost all gone now, but they LOVE dressing up like Chilean cowboys and celebrating their independence. Chile is very different from all other Latin America countries in many aspects, and the national dance is very different too. I always thought about dances like the Salsa and Flamenco, But I found out it's not like that here. They dance a lot of Salsa in Columbia and the Samba from Brasil is very fast and hipmoving, but the Cueca is nothing like that. I know I will be finding a way to get down here with my future wife for a 18 de Septriembre and we will be dancing the Cueca together. I know, I cant believe I said I'll be learning a dance, but I really want to. I would also love to learn the Salsa that they dance in Colombia, The only thing is, that takes moves, and moves are what I don't have, but Elder Valderruten told me he will be teaching me the Salsa.
Saturday was a very tough day for the work because it was the 18 and everyone was with their families and a lot of them were drunk, but we still got some things done. In the night time we went to bed at 11 (regular time) and the house behind us had a couple people in the back yard. They were having some drinks and talking and just being happy. There were about 5 of them. However, at 1:30 in the morning I kind of was awakened by their music, but it wasn't that bad, I just went back to sleep. But then at 3:30 they must have turned their music up. I looked out from our second story bedroom and saw like 30 people back there. I woke up to a song by Shakira and I woke up thinking about Elder Jake Perry. Why? Because the song they were cranking so loud was the theme song for the Spanish world for the World Cup. Now I know that in the states, the World cup isn't that big, but here it is HUGE.. Bigger than big, and everyone and their dog was listening to that Shakira song talking about Africa. Naturally, every time I here the world Africa I think about my dear, dear friend. And so when I heard this song at 3:30, Elder P was in my mind. I love him. Please give him a big shout out for me.
Yesterday we taught some great lessons. We did a lot of door knocking and talked with a lot of people in the street. We got rejected a lot of times. Some people wouldn't shake our hands or talk to us, but we kept on going and we didn't get down. One of the last lessons we taught was one of the best lessons we've had in a long time. We walked past a house with a little girl jumping up and down and yelling. She was about 11 and she wasn't yelling because she was mad, just because she was having fun. We passed the house and my companion told me 'It looks like they are having a fun family night'. He said it as a joke, but I said 'Lets talk to them!' and so we went back and we talked. To make a long story short, we got into the house. The man was drunk, but by some miracle he left after saying some choice words to us. The 11 year old girl was actually 10 and she is probably the smartest I've met here in Chile. She literally was finishing our sentences when we were teaching the restoration. After teaching about the First vision she said 'And after that he was called to be the prophet to make the church again. The only true church that has the power to baptize'. We invited them to baptism and the daughter of 14 was nervous, the mom was nervous, but the girl of 10 was like, 'obviously I need to get baptized in that church, and I don't care what my grandpa or dad tell me because I am going to choose this church because its true." (The grandpa goes to a different church and dad doesn't believe much in God). We invited them to a Family Night we are doing here tonight. I hope it all goes well.
I have to go get something to eat.
I love you all.
Saturday was a very tough day for the work because it was the 18 and everyone was with their families and a lot of them were drunk, but we still got some things done. In the night time we went to bed at 11 (regular time) and the house behind us had a couple people in the back yard. They were having some drinks and talking and just being happy. There were about 5 of them. However, at 1:30 in the morning I kind of was awakened by their music, but it wasn't that bad, I just went back to sleep. But then at 3:30 they must have turned their music up. I looked out from our second story bedroom and saw like 30 people back there. I woke up to a song by Shakira and I woke up thinking about Elder Jake Perry. Why? Because the song they were cranking so loud was the theme song for the Spanish world for the World Cup. Now I know that in the states, the World cup isn't that big, but here it is HUGE.. Bigger than big, and everyone and their dog was listening to that Shakira song talking about Africa. Naturally, every time I here the world Africa I think about my dear, dear friend. And so when I heard this song at 3:30, Elder P was in my mind. I love him. Please give him a big shout out for me.
Yesterday we taught some great lessons. We did a lot of door knocking and talked with a lot of people in the street. We got rejected a lot of times. Some people wouldn't shake our hands or talk to us, but we kept on going and we didn't get down. One of the last lessons we taught was one of the best lessons we've had in a long time. We walked past a house with a little girl jumping up and down and yelling. She was about 11 and she wasn't yelling because she was mad, just because she was having fun. We passed the house and my companion told me 'It looks like they are having a fun family night'. He said it as a joke, but I said 'Lets talk to them!' and so we went back and we talked. To make a long story short, we got into the house. The man was drunk, but by some miracle he left after saying some choice words to us. The 11 year old girl was actually 10 and she is probably the smartest I've met here in Chile. She literally was finishing our sentences when we were teaching the restoration. After teaching about the First vision she said 'And after that he was called to be the prophet to make the church again. The only true church that has the power to baptize'. We invited them to baptism and the daughter of 14 was nervous, the mom was nervous, but the girl of 10 was like, 'obviously I need to get baptized in that church, and I don't care what my grandpa or dad tell me because I am going to choose this church because its true." (The grandpa goes to a different church and dad doesn't believe much in God). We invited them to a Family Night we are doing here tonight. I hope it all goes well.
I have to go get something to eat.
I love you all.
Sept 13, 2010
The foto is of my zone.
Answers to some questions.
Which area was it hardest to leave - Chillan or Tome?
I don't know what was harder. I honestly couldn't tell you. I love the way the people in Tome are. I love how loving they are. I also loved Chillan. I loved that sector. I can't give you an answer :)
Which area was it hardest to leave - Chillan or Tome?
I don't know what was harder. I honestly couldn't tell you. I love the way the people in Tome are. I love how loving they are. I also loved Chillan. I loved that sector. I can't give you an answer :)
What has been your biggest surprise about Chile?
How American it is.
How American it is.
What is your favorite scripture and has it changed from the beginning of your mission?
I can't pick a favorite scripture... One that always comes to my mind 'If you love me, keep my commandments'.... Elder Law always talked about that one. Wow, Elder Law is such a neat guy. Such a great missionary. I hope you meet him soon.
I can't pick a favorite scripture... One that always comes to my mind 'If you love me, keep my commandments'.... Elder Law always talked about that one. Wow, Elder Law is such a neat guy. Such a great missionary. I hope you meet him soon.
Are you compiling recipes so you can cook us a good Chilean meal some day?
Honestly... no... I might have just forgotten everything, but I swear a lot of the food is the same as the states... ha ha I just asked my companion and elder nelson if the food here is like the food in the states. They jumped all over me. NO. They said no its not. They then said Chilean food is like poorly made American food... don't worry, Ill get some recipes.
Honestly... no... I might have just forgotten everything, but I swear a lot of the food is the same as the states... ha ha I just asked my companion and elder nelson if the food here is like the food in the states. They jumped all over me. NO. They said no its not. They then said Chilean food is like poorly made American food... don't worry, Ill get some recipes.
Ok... so some things that I just have to tell you. Mom, you are so cool. I was sitting in lunch yesterday eating a big salad when the the song LET IT BE came on the radio. Now, as missionaries, we don't listen to music, but the mom of this family was listening to it in the kitchen, and she cranked the volume. All I could think about was being with you, mom, with you driving way too fast, and the classic rock just playing and us just singing. You don't know how much I love you.
Yesterday we spent the entire day in the sector of Piduco. That is the sector of Elder Pierce and Elder Kuykendall. We worked all of the afternoon with them. We were knocking doors in a very nice neighborhood and entered into a house and taught a man named Victor. He is such a neat guy. We could tell he had been having a hard time. He had some great questions about God. We taught a neat lesson. We taught about the power and gift of the Holy Ghost and what he needed to do to get it in his life. We testified that Jesus Christ gave his life to give him the chance to repent and be baptized for the remission of his sins. He talked about how little faith he has in Christ - how his faith has died. We taught him what he would need to do to increase his faith, and we taught him to pray. We then invited him to say a prayer. We knelt down and he said a prayer. I remember asking him what he felt. He said 'I have felt two things. I have felt a peace enter into me, but I also feel pain for all of the sins I have committed.' After his prayer, he stood up and he said ' its something so simple, but it helps so much.'
I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. He is our Lord and God. I believe that as we gain more faith in him and as we understand what he did for us and why he did it, sin becomes something that disgusts us. He has the power to forgive us of our sins, but he also has the power to change the deepest desires of our hearts, so we no longer have the desire to sin. We just have to let him.
I feel like I have gained a greater testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. I have been able to recognize what he has done in my life. I believe in Him. I love the line of the hymn.... 'I believe in Christ, so come what may.' Lets remember that always.
Love you all
Elder Pitcher
Sept 7, 2010
Hey everybody.
It's a beautiful day here in Talca. We got up early and went to the church to check out the cambios and let our zones know what was happening. I made it through the cambio. We were all pretty nervous because I actually could have left, but now I'll be here for at least two more cambios because this is my companion's last cambio. From the church we went home and then we went to play soccer at a complex that is close by and now I'm writing you. (I'm bad at soccer)
Ok. so it was a great week. Lots of stuff, like always, but it was good.
All the way back on Tuesday we taught some good lessons and it went well. We then had a meeting (the four zone leaders of all of Talca) with the stake president. He told us about some problems the members have with missionaries and what the stake expects of us missionaries, and then we basically did the same to him. It was a great meeting. We have a great stake president, Presidente Salazar.
On Wednesday Elder Irigoyen and I took the morning to prepare a power point that we presented to all the Mission Leaders of the stake, I ended up eating lunch with Elder Irigoyen in my sector and my companion was with his companion. From there, we stayed in the mini cambio for the entire day because I had some lessons to teach with him in his sector. We then went to the stake center and presented the slideshow and tried to help everyone out. It went well... little by little we are progressing.
Thursday we were in a mini-cambio with the sector of Cancha Rayada (that means Scratched Field) because my companion had some interviews to do up there..
Friday we went to San Javier and worked with the Hermanas all day long. It was good. They are great hermanas and they teach well. At the end we were waiting for the others to meet up with us. (we went out in groups of 4, me, a priest, and 2 sisters) While we were waiting for the bus I thought we should go back out again on Sunday and just work all day... we talked and prayed and on Saturday we told them we would be going back out the next day.
Saturday. Was another great day. In the morning we taught a less active who has basically lost his faith in God. I love him so much. He is so awesome. He was a missionary in Colombia. We started teaching and by the end of the lesson we were just testifying of the Book of Mormon and helping him understand how it could be the pillar of his testimony. When someone says what they truly feel and know and when someone listens, with an open heart, it's amazing the power a sentence or two can have.
We taught a new convert that is 16 years old. He was baptized 2 weeks before I got here. He has been passing through some hard times and at the end of the lesson he said. 'How can I forgive someone that has done something bad to me?' It was such a strong question. He went on saying how he could find the strength in him to forgive this person.... The Spirit directed by mind instantly to the Atonement. We talked and we read...
9 And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.
We talked about what happened before His crucifixion, and what it must have been like being nailed to the cross. We asked him if he remembered what Christ said while He was on the cross. Half smiling, with a few small tears filling his eyes he said ' I remember, Forgive them father, for they know not what they do'
I don't know how He did it. He was beaten physically, He was mocked and humiliated mentally, but He never got mad at those that did Him wrong. He just loved them. He loved them and He did not hold any anger against them. When we believe that someone has done us wrong in our live, I hope we look to the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. I hope we realize that it is just an opportunity to forgive, and become a little more like Him.
It hit me evening harder this week how lucky I am to be here. How lucky I am to have all my time to dedicate to the Lord. This week I had the strong feeling that I know I am supposed to be here in Chile building up the Kingdom of our God. In this specific part. I know it. It will be a life- long goal to help build up the church here in Chile, but not only here in Chile, but everywhere.
I would invite you to read this talk Bruce R McKonkie - Obedience, Consecration and Sacrifice
I love you all so much.
Elder Pitcher
It's a beautiful day here in Talca. We got up early and went to the church to check out the cambios and let our zones know what was happening. I made it through the cambio. We were all pretty nervous because I actually could have left, but now I'll be here for at least two more cambios because this is my companion's last cambio. From the church we went home and then we went to play soccer at a complex that is close by and now I'm writing you. (I'm bad at soccer)
All the way back on Tuesday we taught some good lessons and it went well. We then had a meeting (the four zone leaders of all of Talca) with the stake president. He told us about some problems the members have with missionaries and what the stake expects of us missionaries, and then we basically did the same to him. It was a great meeting. We have a great stake president, Presidente Salazar.
On Wednesday Elder Irigoyen and I took the morning to prepare a power point that we presented to all the Mission Leaders of the stake, I ended up eating lunch with Elder Irigoyen in my sector and my companion was with his companion. From there, we stayed in the mini cambio for the entire day because I had some lessons to teach with him in his sector. We then went to the stake center and presented the slideshow and tried to help everyone out. It went well... little by little we are progressing.
Thursday we were in a mini-cambio with the sector of Cancha Rayada (that means Scratched Field) because my companion had some interviews to do up there..
Friday we went to San Javier and worked with the Hermanas all day long. It was good. They are great hermanas and they teach well. At the end we were waiting for the others to meet up with us. (we went out in groups of 4, me, a priest, and 2 sisters) While we were waiting for the bus I thought we should go back out again on Sunday and just work all day... we talked and prayed and on Saturday we told them we would be going back out the next day.
Saturday. Was another great day. In the morning we taught a less active who has basically lost his faith in God. I love him so much. He is so awesome. He was a missionary in Colombia. We started teaching and by the end of the lesson we were just testifying of the Book of Mormon and helping him understand how it could be the pillar of his testimony. When someone says what they truly feel and know and when someone listens, with an open heart, it's amazing the power a sentence or two can have.
We taught a new convert that is 16 years old. He was baptized 2 weeks before I got here. He has been passing through some hard times and at the end of the lesson he said. 'How can I forgive someone that has done something bad to me?' It was such a strong question. He went on saying how he could find the strength in him to forgive this person.... The Spirit directed by mind instantly to the Atonement. We talked and we read...
9 And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.
We talked about what happened before His crucifixion, and what it must have been like being nailed to the cross. We asked him if he remembered what Christ said while He was on the cross. Half smiling, with a few small tears filling his eyes he said ' I remember, Forgive them father, for they know not what they do'
I don't know how He did it. He was beaten physically, He was mocked and humiliated mentally, but He never got mad at those that did Him wrong. He just loved them. He loved them and He did not hold any anger against them. When we believe that someone has done us wrong in our live, I hope we look to the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. I hope we realize that it is just an opportunity to forgive, and become a little more like Him.
It hit me evening harder this week how lucky I am to be here. How lucky I am to have all my time to dedicate to the Lord. This week I had the strong feeling that I know I am supposed to be here in Chile building up the Kingdom of our God. In this specific part. I know it. It will be a life- long goal to help build up the church here in Chile, but not only here in Chile, but everywhere.
I would invite you to read this talk Bruce R McKonkie - Obedience, Consecration and Sacrifice
I love you all so much.
Elder Pitcher
Aug 16, 2010
Hey... thanks so much for the letters. Everyone sounds great.
Vincent Ing is so awesome. I love that guy so much. man, I still remember where I was fishing and the moment that he called me and said that he was going to Texas mission... viet speaking... wow I miss him.
Lots of things happened this week.... Tuesday the president was here in the morning and came to the first part of our zone meeting. It was pretty neat to have him there. Every Tuesday we meet as zones (16 missionaries). What happens is we all meet together and my companion and I say some things then we split and the district leaders take their district and teach a little class. As missionaries, we are trying to teach better. When I was in the MTC, I heard Elder Holland say 'Missionaries don't know how to teach'. I didn't believe that at the time, but here in the mission I affirm that it is true. Because we do not teach well as missionaries, the First Presidency gave us the new simplified stuff. To try and help the zone, my companion and I talked about three things we can always do so the spirit guides us throughout the lesson.
1 - Listen attentively
2 - Look the investigator in the eyes3 - Give room for silence.
It's incredible how the spirit will tell you what to say after you have listened and while there is silence. We talked a little about these 3 things and then the president started to talk and he just took off from there. It was neat because we didn't have any clue what he wanted to say, but it was cool that we were able to talk about the same things.
Then on Friday the president was here again. He was coming back from Santiago I believe, and he wanted the leaders of the two zones of Talca to meet for a quick little meeting. There we talked about some things, but he gave us some news that hit me like a ton of bricks. Elder Law is going home. I couldn't believe it. I just put my head down and started to cry. He has some health problems so he is going home today. Elder Law is incredible. I love him. I loved being in the MTC with him. He was an incredible missionary. He was so prepared going into the MTC, I learned so much from him. He was an incredible missionary here. I don't know why the Lord has giving me the chance to keep serving Him here as a missionary, but I am so grateful for it. I LOVE being here. I love being a missionary.
Our investigators right now - Danilo 22, Veronica and Karen (a mom and daughter), Kathy, Kathy, Kevin, Richard (mom, daughter, son, son). Kathy and her family are great. We had a strong lesson with them about tithing. After the first lesson, they wanted to get baptized, but then someone told them about how much you have to pay the church in tithing and all that, and basically warped the truth. We went there with a couple that was baptized 2 years ago that has a strong testimony about tithing. We explained to them what it is, and we let the members share their experiences, it was special. Also, we taught a guy yesterday named Osvaldo and his daughter, Camila. (wife was sick) It was the second time we had been inside the house, but the first lesson. By the end, he was very excited about baptism. The daughter wasn't, but we will see what happens. I hope they progress, it is a family I will fall in love with. Danilo is doing great. He is living all the commandments we have taught him, but we believe he has a really big barrier with his family. He doesn't live with his family, but we believe there is a lot of opposition there. We had a good lesson with him on Saturday. Actually it was a very powerful lesson. We talked a lot about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of the Gospel. I know that Jesus is waiting for Danilo. The thing is, I know that Christ knows Danilo. Jesus Christ knows us. It is something that I cannot comprehend or understand, but I know it's true. He knows us, and like the scriptures say, he invites us to come unto him. He is waiting for us with arms wide open. We just have to do our part. I love being His missionary. I love helping people enjoy of the blessings of His atonement. Not only does He have the power to forgive us, but He truly has the power to change us. I know that He has the power to perfect us. I know that through Christ we can overcome the desires to sin, and He will change us so that we no longer have the desire to sin. I believe that is an absolute miracle. I love the invitation Moroni gives us at the end of the Book of Mormon.
32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy without spot.
I love you guys.
Aug. 9, 2010.
How is Talca?
Talca is great, I love it. I love where I am living, I love everything about it. We actually don't live in our sector, we live in the sector of the other zone leaders. I really, really like them.
Talca is great, I love it. I love where I am living, I love everything about it. We actually don't live in our sector, we live in the sector of the other zone leaders. I really, really like them.
How are your new responsibilities going?
The new responsibilities are fine. I really like being a zone leader. They are going great.
The new responsibilities are fine. I really like being a zone leader. They are going great.
Sister Pierce said that you and Elder Pierce finally saw each other. How was that?
Yes... Elder Pierce is actually in my zone. We did a mini-cambio on Thursday and I was over in their sector with Elder Pierce to check up on some investigators and stuff. I will actually be over there again this week to do interviews.
Yes... Elder Pierce is actually in my zone. We did a mini-cambio on Thursday and I was over in their sector with Elder Pierce to check up on some investigators and stuff. I will actually be over there again this week to do interviews.
Where is Tanner now?
Where Is Elder Christenson? Well, at this moment he is about 8 feet away from me. He came down here to Talca today to do some legal stuff. He is in the zone of Curico. It was nice to see him.
Where Is Elder Christenson? Well, at this moment he is about 8 feet away from me. He came down here to Talca today to do some legal stuff. He is in the zone of Curico. It was nice to see him.
How do you like the rain pants? Tell me the truth.
They weren't what I thought they were going to be, but yes I like them. The thing is, it doesn't rain that much here in Talca ha ha ha but I have heard that when it rains it rains very very hard.
They weren't what I thought they were going to be, but yes I like them. The thing is, it doesn't rain that much here in Talca ha ha ha but I have heard that when it rains it rains very very hard.
How much are you able to teach in your area? Are you going on a lot of mini-cambios?
Yes, we teach, but we also do a lot of mini cambios. For example, yesterday, I didn't do anything in our sector because right after church we did a change with the other zone leaders. My companion went with Elder Echeverria and did some stuff and Elder Irigoyen and I went to San Javier, the sector of the Hermanas in my zone. We had to do some interviews. It was pretty awesome. We ended up getting home very, very late actually.
I love teaching, and I love doing interviews. Yesterday it was great. We were with the hermanas and we went to the house of a girl that needed an interview and so i did it. We then went to Mario and MariaInes. They are an older couple and we had a good lesson. It was very neat because when we entered in Elder Irigoyen said "can we sing?" and the hermanas said yea we actually usually sing, and so we sang 'Conmigo Quedate Senor' or 'Abide with me tis eventide' and it was pretty powerful. Then we started to teach. It was very neat because Elder Irigoyen and I were able to explain some things and answer some questions that they had. It was a very spiritual lesson. Then we went to Guillermo and Maria Ines. We entered in and we split up. I went with the dad and Elder Irigoyen went with the wife. I had a long interview with him, it really wasn't an interview because he isn't ready for baptism. But we talked and I taught for over an hour. It was a neat experience, but I wish I would have relied on the spirit more... When I do another interview with him I will be sure to rely more on the spirit. Elder Irigoyen had a great interview with the wife. He said one of the most spiritual of the mission. Afterward the dad took us in his car to where the bus was because it was very late. Everything that happened out there was good.
We are honestly always going to other sectors, doing mini-cambios and doing interviews, but I love it. We are still expected to have a normal sector for us. We have a couple really good investigators right now, Danilo is ready to be baptized this next week. He is 22 and I love him. Also in the evening we have a meeting with The first counselor in the stake presidency to talk about the mission work here in Talca.
Yes, we teach, but we also do a lot of mini cambios. For example, yesterday, I didn't do anything in our sector because right after church we did a change with the other zone leaders. My companion went with Elder Echeverria and did some stuff and Elder Irigoyen and I went to San Javier, the sector of the Hermanas in my zone. We had to do some interviews. It was pretty awesome. We ended up getting home very, very late actually.
I love teaching, and I love doing interviews. Yesterday it was great. We were with the hermanas and we went to the house of a girl that needed an interview and so i did it. We then went to Mario and MariaInes. They are an older couple and we had a good lesson. It was very neat because when we entered in Elder Irigoyen said "can we sing?" and the hermanas said yea we actually usually sing, and so we sang 'Conmigo Quedate Senor' or 'Abide with me tis eventide' and it was pretty powerful. Then we started to teach. It was very neat because Elder Irigoyen and I were able to explain some things and answer some questions that they had. It was a very spiritual lesson. Then we went to Guillermo and Maria Ines. We entered in and we split up. I went with the dad and Elder Irigoyen went with the wife. I had a long interview with him, it really wasn't an interview because he isn't ready for baptism. But we talked and I taught for over an hour. It was a neat experience, but I wish I would have relied on the spirit more... When I do another interview with him I will be sure to rely more on the spirit. Elder Irigoyen had a great interview with the wife. He said one of the most spiritual of the mission. Afterward the dad took us in his car to where the bus was because it was very late. Everything that happened out there was good.
We are honestly always going to other sectors, doing mini-cambios and doing interviews, but I love it. We are still expected to have a normal sector for us. We have a couple really good investigators right now, Danilo is ready to be baptized this next week. He is 22 and I love him. Also in the evening we have a meeting with The first counselor in the stake presidency to talk about the mission work here in Talca.
What ward are you in?
I am in Calle Larga ward. o sea... Long Street. I really love the mission. I know this letter was kind of dumb, but I really don't have time today. There are some things we need to send to Concepcion but we left them in the house and so we have got to get going. I love you all so so much.
Photos from last week
Church in Talca
Bus Station
Plaza in Tome
President Navarro and family
July 27, 2010
OK. So I have to confess. It is true that Nate wanted to ask everyone this question, but more importantly, he was hoping for several responses. Right now, I've only received 2. Part of my confession needs to include the fact that this question was posed over two weeks ago...and I forgot to post it. My bad. :( That is why I am not-so-subtly soliciting MORE RESPONSES. Come on. I KNOW there are more than 2 people who read this blog.
Thanks for your help.
Michelle :)
How does one develop unshakable faith in Jesus Christ?
Please send your thoughts to michelle.pitcher@gmail.com
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