Week 62/76 Kidnapper Van Carpool

Hey, how was your weekend? What did you do for Thanksgiving? 

I'm now here in Chillancito, and all I can say is that it's cold. 

Ok I guess I can say more, but it's almost summer time, why do I still have to have a daily "bring a jacket" debate? 

It's actually a very nice sector, it is in the middle of 2 other sectors I have served in (collao and universitario) so it's like I've just come full circle of where I was last year. For example, we saw some members from collao in Lider and the relief society president, who had found out she was pregnant when I was in collao, had a whole 5 month old child in her hands! 

We have three friends with a baptism date, but only one that is actively preparing for her baptism, so we will see what happens this week.

Ana - quit smoking by herself to be able to be baptized, gave us lunch my first day here, came to church with her boyfriend (an inactive member from another ward), and is super listo to be baptized the 8th of December! 

Jesus - is a freemason, but learned that Joseph Smith was also a freemason and now wants to be baptized! Has 2 other brothers also named Jesus, and the only interaction I've had was when we showed up at his house for our lesson, we went in and found him at the top of the staircase, he said it was a bad time as he and his brothers were laying carpet on the stairs, ok con razón, also couldn't come to church this week because he works for uber so his schedule is super whack. 

Hector - is ready to be baptized, but his wife thinks we are crazy, so it's a little contentious. But we are going to serve and show them some christlike love, so she can hopefully open her heart and let Hector be baptized!

Sonel - doesn't have a date set, but is progressing so it's worth mentioning. He's from Haiti and the best way to teach is have him read the Book of Mormon in creole while we read in Spanish so that everyone understands a little better, and speak slow and simple Spanish. He's been in Chile for 6 years so he catches a lot, but I guess the restoration of the church probably doesn't come up in too many conversations outside of missionary work, so we take our time teaching each principle. 

We rode in the back of a medio-sketchy, medio-kidnapper van, to church. I guess when the church in our area is being remodeled, desperate times came to desperate measures, so we meet up at the corner every sudnay at 11, our ward mission leader picks the group up and brings everyone to church. A little strange, but we were able to pick up our friend Sonel, so it works out! 

I still haven't decorated for Christmas, but the church radio started playing Christmas music so I guess it's time to get festive.

That's about all that's been going on. But this week is about to be crazy, I'll tell you all about it next week, Chau!

- Hermana Pratt