2-4-13

"Y's" Baptism!

Sector Slam

Superstars of the Santiago East Mission

Just so you know.....I'm still in Los Plátanos! This change is only three weeks though so it will go by fast. We have two new sister missionaries in the ward, although we haven't met them yet. Elder Smith knows about one of them (she's from southern Chile and is supposedly amazing) and her companion is fresh out of the Santiago MTC. I'm excited to work with them. Other big news, "B" got confirmed and "Y" got baptized yesterday! She gave me the honors of baptizing her. She was a little bit of a miracle because our appointments fell everyday of last week until Thursday. We told her that if she wants to get baptized that Sunday, she has to meet with us on Friday and Saturday also, and she did! She said she was very happy to be baptized, and her mom also says she has a lot of interest in the Church and really enjoys listening to us. She said she felt uncomfortable in the Gospel Principles class, but other than that it went well. I was originally going to confirm "B,"but Elder Smith and I barely missed the beginning of Sacrament meeting because we helped "Y's"family get to church and the bishopric already confirmed "B" but he said it was all good so I'm happy that it was a good experience for him.

We also had a huge sector slam with the missionaries from the Santiago MTC in my sector. I felt a little bit like one of the bosses haha. I met a man who works in the MTC who served with Sam Woodruff! His name was Oscar Cedros (or something close to that). You have to love the small Mormon world. :) The new sister missionary was in the sector slam, so I'll figure out which one it was this week haha.

That's great that Garrisonville got two more missionaries! Congratulate Elder De Haan for me please; I'm really happy for him.

I've been thinking a lot about all my friends who are serving missions. I have had the hardest time finding time to write letters but I feel really bad that I haven't been able to really write anyone.

I got a letter from Aunt Amy and Amy Sumner this week! It was great to hear from the Amys in my life haha. Thank you so much! I enjoyed hearing how things are. I always keep you guys in my prayers!

I'm so happy to hear what's happening at home. I send my love to all of you guys. Oh Moes Mondays....how I miss them.  I really liked the photos and videos this week. Brilliant job recording Kurt and Cameron in seminary Maddie haha.

To answer your question, Dad, I can pull my own weight on the Spanish now. I obviously don't know a ton of words and I don't sound like a native (yet haha), but I can understand Chileans and survive perfectly fine. I guess I haven't mentioned Spanish because it isn't something that is bothering me anymore. I want to speak way better and way faster still, but I can talk to people and teach them fine, and I'm sure it'll continue to get better with time and having Latin companions. Hopefully I'm average or above average with gringo missionaries! I've successfully integrated myself into Chile haha.

Mom, thank you for your email. I miss you! There was a woman who made us a really nice meal this week and she was talking about how she is always amazed with the moms who let their children leave for missions. She took care of us that night like a mom would and I felt very loved, almost like you were taking care of me. :)

A man from Utah named Nahimu came down for the weekend to participate in his convert's baby blessing. He took us out to lunch today before he left for his flight and we had a very good conversation. If you ever find and read my emails, Nahimu, thanks for the good time! I saw more of Santiago today than I have in a while and it was a really good day. You also shared some really good advice with Elder Smith and I that I will always remember.

I got your package for me this past week! The cookies worked out perfectly. They were soooo good haha. I still have five more so don't worry that I ate everything at once. ;) Thank you for everything you sent me! I loved getting more ties!

I love you all and miss you so much! Being with Nahimu helped me look at things a little more beyond the mission, and I want to be sure that I do things right, be smart, and trust the Lord. I pray that we all can do that. I can't to hear from you next week!

All my love,
Elder Hill

1-28-13

Elder Hill, "B," and Elder Smith

Futbol

P-day Fun

Hey everyone!

Guess what happened yesterday? "B" got baptized! It turned out to be a great baptismal service, and he stayed for all the classes for the first time yesterday (he always said that he would start staying for all the meetings once he was baptized). He is very happy. The bishop called him to be a ward missionary, which is a great calling for him and I'm excited to do things with him outside of the usual visits that we have. I am so happy right now. :) Even if I don't know all the reasons why the Lord sent me to Los Plátanos, I know for sure that one of the reasons was for "B."

We've found a couple new investigators, one probably having a lot of potential (she's the mom of "Y"). I invited her to listen to us teach "Y" so that she at least knows what "Y" is learning. She heard part of the Plan of Salvation, so she agreed to listen in our next visit. She participated in lesson three--the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and said that she liked it a lot. I invited her to come to church with everyone, and she accepted. She should hopefully come this-coming Sunday if she doesn't have anything schedule-wise to impede her.

Something random that happened this week was that we were outside a house on Saturday, planning on making the appointment that we had. Then, Elder Smith and I hear a man behind us speaking to us in English. I usually don't speak English to people in Chile because nearly nobody speaks English that well. Plus, having a formal conversation in English feels unnatural. For some reason, I answered in English, and then the guy began to explain that he's from Los Angeles. I realized that he actually knew Spanish because he had an LA accent (also because he started swearing like an American, which, by the way, made me happy--if you know what I mean--to hear someone swearing English words with a non-Spanish accent haha, I hear too many Chileans shouting swear words at us), and he said that he was studying here but that he got caught up in drugs and said he really needed help and figured that he should ask the Elders that he always sees. He doesn't live in my sector, so I got his number and sent it as a reference. I hope that he gets the help he needs; he seemed really humble. Just an experience that doesn't happen too often.

Today, we played futbol [soccer] as a zone and that was a lot of fun.

It sounds like life is crazy like usual for you guys. I'm happy to hear that Kurt is home from the hospital and that he is already trying to get back in the routine of things. Everyone else sounds like their doing fine too. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you guys all the way from Chile.

I'm grateful for the gospel. I'm constantly amazed at just how powerful it is and what it does for us. I know that Jesus Christ lives and that he paid the most incredible price for us, but that we are worth it to Him. I want to make sure I do all that I can to make myself worth it. God is there and He listens to us and is involved in our lives. I feel His reservoir of strength giving me the ability to always work harder and dare to do the difficult and even the seemingly impossible. Thank you for all your support too, guys. Your prayers are definitely working. The letters and messages that I receive from you are also so appreciated.  :)

This is the last week of this change, so we'll see if it's time for me to go somewhere else! The next change is only three weeks though due to the new missionaries from the age change.

Wish Blake and Kylie the best for me before they leave!

We are having all the missionaries in the MTC here in Santiago come to Elder Smith's and my sector to do some heavy duty contacting this Saturday, so I'll give you a report on how that goes by next Monday.

That's all for this week on my end of the world. Stay safe in the snow and ice! I love you so much!!!

Con amor,
Elder Hill

NEW MAILING ADDRESS!

Everyone please note Seth's new mailing address.  He did not transfer areas...the mission office simply relocated.

Elder Seth Hill
Chile Santiago East Mission
Cristobal Colón 6824
Las Condes, Casilla 27.144
Santiago, Región Metropolitana
CHILE

1-21-13

Hola hola!

This week has been a very busy, productive, and happy week. We did a lot of service and also found a new investigator this week. We took "A" to the temple this week [see the photos above] and it went amazing for all of us. The sister missionaries gave us a tour and we all felt the Spirit in abundance. Last night, we also took him to a fireside with President Wright and a lot of investigators, recent converts, and less-actives. It was a very spiritual experience for everyone, especially "A."

Something interesting that happened to me this week was that a woman we contacted told us that we were cold people and lacked God's authority. We were having a very cordial conversation and then she just came out and said that. I don't consider myself a cold person so I brushed that off with a laugh, but it bothered me when she said I didn't have God's authority. She said it I think because we don't yell or get overly animated when we teach, which I think was what she expected. I tried to kindly, but firmly, defend that remark, because it really bothered me on a personal level, but she didn't care for what we said. I left that conversation with her determined to make sure that I act in a way that gives my priesthood true authority and gives me power as a person.

"P" has plateaued this past week because she dropped her baptismal date. She actually disappeared yesterday after we tried to get her up for church (we banged pots and pans even) and no one heard from her for awhile. Elder Smith and I are going to call her tonight after her work to figure out what's going on. I think she just felt under too much pressure, but we'll evaluate everything a fix it quickly.

I also talked to a Cuban who was very intriguing. He's atheist due to him being raised in Cuba, but he was very respectful and he took the challenge that we gave him to read the Book of Mormon. We're going by on Sunday, and we'll see if it made an impact on him. The Book of Mormon is powerful, so I'm expecting him to be impacted by it.

I also gave a talk on Sunday. I based it on 1 Nephi 3:7.

I don't have much time to write this week because I got behind on time. We hung out with some of the other missionaries today and ordered Pizza Hut and stuff. It was fun. :)

I want to make a shout out to the Rasmussen's (thank you for your Christmas card!), Emily Sizemore (I LOVED your letter, Emily. I'll try to write back as soon as I can!), the Prices (thank you for everything you sent me! I enjoyed getting the pictures a ton), and Uncle Tyler (thank you for writing me and sharing your experiences. I definitely expect to hear the rest of the story). I love you all so much!

I hope you all have an amazing week and continue strong and happy in the courses of your lives. God is mindful of all of us, and only wants us to obey Him because that is the only way to true happiness. I know He lives and that His full gospel is taught only in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What an amazing church and gospel it is.

I love you all and miss you incredibly! I pray for you always.

Mucho cari y amor,

Elder Hill

1-14-13

Hey!

It feels like another week flew by for me too. Quick summary of what I did: 

On Monday, we had a noche de hogar [FHE] with two families. One family has two children who were baptized, but the mom and her boyfriend aren't members. It went very well.

On Tuesday, we met with a member and her husband (who isn't a member) for the first time after trying for over a month to visit them. We have an appointment for this-coming Tuesday too. We also visited "B," who's doing very well. It's still a little difficult, but, he's making progress and I feel like everything will work out very well. I found out that one of the big reasons that he doesn't want to marry his pareja [girlfriend] is because if he did, then he would have to live with her in her apartment. That means he would leave his mom in the población [by herself outside the city] with no one trustworthy to take care of her. His mom just wants him to get baptized though no matter what happens. So, everything is going well with him. I'm guessing he's going to break up with her. Hopefully in time so that I can be at his baptism.

On Wednesday, we visited with a man who's a member, but we learned from him that he has absolutely no testimony. It was kind of tough to talk to him because he was pretty negative. Then right before we left, we found out that he takes anti-depression medication but didn't take it that day because he thinks he doesn't need it and his wife wasn't there to make him take it. That helped explain a lot.

On Thursday, we visited a less-active who is coming back to activity. We are very happy about her progress. :)  She's a great woman with a strong testimony.

On Friday, we taught a new investigator and set a baptismal date with her! She's 12 and is going to girls camp with the young women this week. We also taught a woman who is a pastor of her own church but was visiting a family member who's LDS. That was fun. :)

I had divisions [splits] on Saturday with Elder Ramirez, a Peruvian. We taught a less-active family, "B," and "P" that night. We taught "B" about the Priesthood and we ran out of time to teach "P" because she got home later than planned. But, our ward mission leader has been visiting her late at night regularly and went on Saturday even though he was really sick and even told me earlier that day that he wouldn't be able to go. He's so cool. Because of him, "P" is progressing and is quitting smoking. :)

On Sunday, "B," "P," and "Y" (the 12 year old investigator), and a ton of people we have been visiting who are less-active came! :)

Basically, this week has been a very good one. We're getting members to come out with us a ton. The only bitter part is that "C" went to the beach with "J," so we haven't been able to progress with him, and nothing has happened with "A." We've let "H" have him for the week so that we didn't bother "A," but we're going to meet with him soon--hopefully today.

Tell Susan I say hi back and tell Kelly hi for me too. Believe it or not, I have been wanting to say hi to them but I have forgotten every time I emailed home. I think about them often and hope that they are well. I hope Kelly's son is preparing for his mission good and early! :) Tell him that missions are the best. Congratulate the missionaries in the ward about their baptism. From one missionary to another, a baptism it is a great joy and accomplishment and I am happy for them.

Mom, about the stuff you asked me. I don't have flea problems were I live, so I have been using the water sprayer for ironing haha. The bed sheets are a little too small for my bed, so I use a bed spread that another elder left behind, and the sheets you made for me as a regular sheet. I personally like using a bed spread more than the sheets sewed up.

I'm always happy to hear how Maddie and Lindsey have good social lives. I might have to crash a party or two of theirs after I'm home. ;)

Tell all the youth thank you for their Christmas card! I loved it. :) It's so good to feel thought of and loved.

The Gospel is true and real, and is the best thing in the universe. I wish everyone felt that way about it. I'm trying to show as many people as possible that it really is. Thank you so much for your prayers. They make all the difference. I'm praying for you guys and everyone back home and on missions. Elder Smith and I are good, healthy, and happy. ¡Que Dios les cuide y protega!

Todo mi amor,

Elder Hill

12-31-12

With a very cute member of the ward!

This street is decorated for Christmas.

With his companion at the Santiago Temple.

Happy New Year's Eve!

I wish I could Skype you all again right now! It was so good to see you on Christmas. We'll just have to make due with email for a little bit.

After Christmas, my week went really well! We found three new investigators this week and challenged another for baptism and she accepted! A less-active that we've been working with named "O" and her daughter, "C," finally came to church too! On Friday, we contacted a reference that another Elder gave us. Her name is "F" and she has had an extremely difficult family life. She has lost all trust in God, but was very grateful that we came and listened to her. I also believe that the spiritual strength we brought into her home helped her too. She could become a very good investigator if she takes the necessary steps of faith. The cops showed up while we were teaching her too because they were looking for one of her daughters. It is definitely a different way of life here.

I'm starting to really understand faith, and I plan on it changing my missionary work even more. My Ward Mission Leader is teaching me a lot. For example, he was with us last night with "P," the investigator that we challenged for baptism, and Elder Smith and I taught a lesson about baptism and how necessary it is. The discussion was starting to drift more to Elder Smith talking and he didn't challenge her. I really wanted to challenge her and when I looked over at our Ward Mission Leader, he had a look on his face that said "we are challenging her no matter what" haha.  He took control of the conversation and talked about a scripture he really liked and then I just swooped in from behind in the conversation and challenged her point blank. It was perfect! She expressed that she was afraid to take that step but we comforted her and told that she has to take this step of faith in order to reach baptism. She said okay and then I told her about how The Lord knew that she made that decision and that He will bless her and help her. Then she started crying. It was so great! I'm becoming more and more of the missionary I want to be.

"A" didn't come to church yesterday because he is afraid of telling his mom, so keep him in your prayers. We're meeting with him right after I send this email.

"B" is still good for his baptism this coming Sunday! We're all excited. There was a moment when we taught him last week that we asked him how he feels about his date, and he said that he was sure so resolutely that I was really impressed. He's incredible.

"C" is still good and we might even move his date up to this Sunday if we can squeeze all the lessons in on time and it's not too rushed.

We taught a recent convert named "C" and his girlfriend who's a member, and also "C's" sister, who isn't a member. We also blessed their home. She and the rest of their family are definitely going to get baptized. :)

I have to go but I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! Have a happy new year! I'm excited for a year full of the work of salvation among God's children! This is without a doubt The Lord's church and the path to happiness!

Con Amor,
Elder Hill

12-24-12

"Posing" with his companion and a good friend.

With his companion and the sister missionaries!!

With Hermano Muñoz!

These are all the missionaries in his zone!  What a great looking group!