Well, to start off, I´ll just let you know, I thank you for your letters this week. I had every intention of reading them to respond to them, but I started crying, so I´m going to print them off and read them when I get home. (I´m turning into a cry ball like mom. :) Hahaha. Oh geeze. I think I have become more like Mom and Dad, more than ever in the mission! It frightens me sometimes when I say something, and then I think to myself..."that is exactly what Dad would say to me...." Hahaha.
Well, anyway. I just gotta tell you all how very much I love you. I thank you with everything that I have for all that you have done for me in making this possible for me. Thank you for your prayers, and your letters, and your support. I love you all so much. Can´t wait to see you all.
Mom and Dad. I love you. Thank you for everything. I can´t wait to give you both a huge hug. I have missed you both a lot, and I am excited to talk to you all about the great things I have learned. Thank you for all of it. I love you more than I am even able to say. (Dangit I can´t stop crying! que vergúenza! shoot!) Yeah, but anyway...I just love you a lot, ok?
It didn´t set in until yesterday that the mission here in Chile is coming to an end. While I am very happy to see you all, it´s been hard to leave my beloved Chile. I am unable to express really what or how I am feeling right now. My heart is heavy, but at the same time so very full of gratitude for this, the biggest miracle in my life. What I feel is overwhelming...the love of my Heavenly Father. I know He lives. His Son Jesus Christ lives. I want to tell the world. I want to tell them of the boy Joseph that prayed in faith and received an answer. I want to tell them of the Restored Gospel and eternal families. I want to invite the world to read the Book of Mormon, and let it change their existence. I am so grateful that the Lord will still bless me with tons of opportunities to share His Gospel. I am grateful that the mission doesn´t end here. I am just sad that it won´t be in Chile anymore. These people are incredible. I want you all to know them, and learn from them as much as I have. They´re miracles, I will miss them so very much.
Well, enough of this mushy stuff. We got a lot to do, and if I do it crying, it won´t be very graceful. :) I love you all so much. See you soon. Wow. See you so very soon.
LOVE,
your daughter and your missionary,
Hermana Bertagnole
p.s. we had a very great 18 de septiembre...I´ll show you all the picts when I get home.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
So little time! (to write...obviously)
Sorry this email has got to be pretty short...poco tiempo tengo!
In response to Dad´s question, "bakan" means cool...in Chilean...or should I say "chevre" en Columbiano.
WOW...cualquier gossip this week! I can´t wait to participate. Hahahahaha. Just kidding. What great stories. Congrats all around. Keep up the good work everybody. Love you all. (However, Scott...I´m pretty sure you already stole my car...don´t steal my Marilyn. Please. I beg of you.)
Anywho. Things are great in Rahue. This week we had a triple baptism!!!!!! Marcos was our investigator and there were two other companionships that had a baptism in our zone, so we did the baptismal service together. It was amazing. Hermano Marcos, was just so excited. And yesterday when after he got the Holy Ghost, he told me "this is almost just too much excitement for a weekend!" (He´s made a big change in his life from being a bit of a "weekend at the bars" kind of guy to a church going man...so I thought that his comment was perfectly stated. The Gospel gives real joy...and he gets that now. Let´s just say the last few days have been soul warming.)
Well, we are still trying hard to find new people to teach. That´s what we struggle with more than anything here in this sector. I am praying hard to be able to leave here with a good teaching pool ready for the next missionaries that come in.
On a trunky note, I had to give my farewell testimony in the Zone Conference this last week....it was hard. That´s all I´m going to say about that.
Oh! I wanted to know if Scot-bro was going to be at home when I get home...? I want to see that son of a gun. Just let him know...if not maybe we could roadtrip?....Sorry, trunky, I know. That´s all as well.
Well, like I said, not a lot of time. I love you all SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much. I miss you. Pray for me lots this week, ok? Thanks. Love you.
In response to Dad´s question, "bakan" means cool...in Chilean...or should I say "chevre" en Columbiano.
WOW...cualquier gossip this week! I can´t wait to participate. Hahahahaha. Just kidding. What great stories. Congrats all around. Keep up the good work everybody. Love you all. (However, Scott...I´m pretty sure you already stole my car...don´t steal my Marilyn. Please. I beg of you.)
Anywho. Things are great in Rahue. This week we had a triple baptism!!!!!! Marcos was our investigator and there were two other companionships that had a baptism in our zone, so we did the baptismal service together. It was amazing. Hermano Marcos, was just so excited. And yesterday when after he got the Holy Ghost, he told me "this is almost just too much excitement for a weekend!" (He´s made a big change in his life from being a bit of a "weekend at the bars" kind of guy to a church going man...so I thought that his comment was perfectly stated. The Gospel gives real joy...and he gets that now. Let´s just say the last few days have been soul warming.)
Well, we are still trying hard to find new people to teach. That´s what we struggle with more than anything here in this sector. I am praying hard to be able to leave here with a good teaching pool ready for the next missionaries that come in.
On a trunky note, I had to give my farewell testimony in the Zone Conference this last week....it was hard. That´s all I´m going to say about that.
Oh! I wanted to know if Scot-bro was going to be at home when I get home...? I want to see that son of a gun. Just let him know...if not maybe we could roadtrip?....Sorry, trunky, I know. That´s all as well.
Well, like I said, not a lot of time. I love you all SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much. I miss you. Pray for me lots this week, ok? Thanks. Love you.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
A labor of love
Well family, it´s been another great week of letters. I thank you all for that. I love you all so much. I want you to know how grateful I am for all the support and prayers and love that you all send my way. It means more that you know. Well, the highlights of this week are as follows:
1. We are preparing for the baptism of Marcos this Saturday!!!!!! WAHOOOO! He is great. We are really trying to get him a good strong support group in the church because he found out this week when he told his family, that they are zero happy with him. They aren’t even going to come. SO, he´s taking this step/leap of faith pretty much solo. He´s got us, and a few members that are obviously very happy for him, but no one that is outside of the church. His family won´t even let us come in and teach him, we have to teach him in the members’ homes. But I realized this week that that it has actually been a blessing in disguise, because he´s already got a pretty good relationship with a few of the members because of it. Yay. We are really happy for him.
2. The 3rd of September I turned 18!....well, 18 months old in the mission. Boo... but my comp bought me a Berline to take away some of the pain. :)
3. REMEMBER THESE GUYS?! This is Juan and Paola and Isidora...from Ovejeria!!!! The hermanas told them where I was, and they left their meetings a little early in Ovejeria to come over to Rahue to see me before the meetings got out here! IT WAS AMAZING TO SEE THEM!!!!! They are getting married and then she will be baptized! They have been going to church every week over there. They are just so happy. I don´t know, and they don´t know exactly the dates of the wedding and baptism yet, but I was thinking that it would be SO cool if it was in November when we are going to be here! Oh man, I would just die. I really want to see them when they get sealed as a family, too. Oh, que bakan. I love this family so much. I was SOOOOOO happy to see them.
The other picture I sent you is of me and my compi. Hermana Herbert.
Well, that is pretty much all I have time for. Time flies. I love the mission. I love you. I miss you. Be good. I hope everyone is doing well. Congrats on all the cool stuff that´s been happening! Love you all.
1. We are preparing for the baptism of Marcos this Saturday!!!!!! WAHOOOO! He is great. We are really trying to get him a good strong support group in the church because he found out this week when he told his family, that they are zero happy with him. They aren’t even going to come. SO, he´s taking this step/leap of faith pretty much solo. He´s got us, and a few members that are obviously very happy for him, but no one that is outside of the church. His family won´t even let us come in and teach him, we have to teach him in the members’ homes. But I realized this week that that it has actually been a blessing in disguise, because he´s already got a pretty good relationship with a few of the members because of it. Yay. We are really happy for him.
2. The 3rd of September I turned 18!....well, 18 months old in the mission. Boo... but my comp bought me a Berline to take away some of the pain. :)
3. REMEMBER THESE GUYS?! This is Juan and Paola and Isidora...from Ovejeria!!!! The hermanas told them where I was, and they left their meetings a little early in Ovejeria to come over to Rahue to see me before the meetings got out here! IT WAS AMAZING TO SEE THEM!!!!! They are getting married and then she will be baptized! They have been going to church every week over there. They are just so happy. I don´t know, and they don´t know exactly the dates of the wedding and baptism yet, but I was thinking that it would be SO cool if it was in November when we are going to be here! Oh man, I would just die. I really want to see them when they get sealed as a family, too. Oh, que bakan. I love this family so much. I was SOOOOOO happy to see them.
The other picture I sent you is of me and my compi. Hermana Herbert.
Well, that is pretty much all I have time for. Time flies. I love the mission. I love you. I miss you. Be good. I hope everyone is doing well. Congrats on all the cool stuff that´s been happening! Love you all.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Exito
Aug 29, 2011
An excerpt from my letter to President this week:
" I love the mission...if you are willing to put up with me for awhile longer, I would be happy to extend the mission for a few more years... :)"
.... sorry, Mom.
Well, Family (and friends...obvio) on that note, I thank you for your GREAT letters this week! I loved hearing from you all. I just love you guys...(I miss you all too, but we won´t talk too much about that). I am glad to hear that all is well. I love hearing the mission stories, and the adventures of life. Keep up that good work. Be good!
Things are so great here in Rahue. It seems like it has been a pretty slow sector in the past. When I got here there were super poco people to teach. But we are seeing some great progress. This week we found some awesome families! FAMILIES!!!!!!! FAAAMILIIIIIES!!!!!!!! YEay! The mom of one of them, accepted a baptismal date already...in the first visit. She is SO prepared. She is a single mom, with two boys. She is working hard, and has so very much faith. She has been so prepared, it´s just incredible. I am participating in the process of her conversion. Also, we found another family, with mama, papa, and hijo. They are great...we found them yesterday. As we were teaching I asked the Mother, how she has come to have so much faith in her life....She told me all the blessings that she has seen in her life, a few difficulties, and then she just said, “I just believe so much in God.” Her little boy, 6 years old, pipes in..."But Santa Claus doesn´t exist." I busted up laughing. It was soooo funny. I then asked him, "Well, where to the presents come from then?!" His response..."el supermercado." Hahahahaha. But in the end, he and I both agreed that God exists and that he loves us :) SO funny. I am excited to teach this family.
A ver, what else happened this week....OH! I have got to tell you all the coolest thing ever. We are teaching Marcos, right? He is preparing for baptism on the 10th of September. (PLEASE pray for him). We went over to his house on Saturday morning and we were talking about his baptismal plan. He got really excited, and we set the interview date and what not. We closed with a prayer, and then he said "Oh hey, I wanted to show you all something cool…." He pulls out his cell phone and he pokes around on it and then shows me...I see the words "El primer libro de Nefi...." HE HAD DOWNLOADED THE BOOK OF MORMON ON HIS PHONE!!!!!! He was all excited that he would be able to read anytime, anywhere. I was pumped! I gave him a high five, and then was just so excited I gave him another. What a cool thing to see. He´s awesome.
So all is well here in Rahue. We are happy. I hope that you all are found happy and healthy (spiritually and physically). I love you all so, so much.
-HUGS AND KISSES!
-Hermana Bertagnole
Oh, and this is for Roddy (hermanito from Ovejeria). He´s reading my blog.-- Hermanito!!!! Estoy super feliz para saber de usted! Que bueno las noticias de su trabajo neuvo aya en Coyaihque...(deletreado mal...proablamente jajaa) Ojala que le vaya super bien en eso. Igual, sigo orando para usted y su familia. Mire, se que la iglesia esta aya en este parte de Chile igual. Busquelo para que puede seguir adelante con su progreso ayi. Conozco algunos miembros aya, y son super buenos. De hecho la Hermana Carolina (from Ovejeria) es de aya. A lo mejor pueda contactarla para poder saber mas de los datos (donde esta, a que hora empieza, etc)....que se yo. Bueno, gracias por escribirme, y siga adelante aya. Hay mucho oportunidades para usted a servir aya. Los santos aya nesicitan muchos buenos lideres y ejemplos tambien, asi que a lo mejor, eso es porque El Senor le mando pro aya. :) Que este super bien, hermanito! Nos vemos!
Ok, Family...I love you guys. Have a great week. Keep those prayers up. Be good!
An excerpt from my letter to President this week:
" I love the mission...if you are willing to put up with me for awhile longer, I would be happy to extend the mission for a few more years... :)"
.... sorry, Mom.
Well, Family (and friends...obvio) on that note, I thank you for your GREAT letters this week! I loved hearing from you all. I just love you guys...(I miss you all too, but we won´t talk too much about that). I am glad to hear that all is well. I love hearing the mission stories, and the adventures of life. Keep up that good work. Be good!
Things are so great here in Rahue. It seems like it has been a pretty slow sector in the past. When I got here there were super poco people to teach. But we are seeing some great progress. This week we found some awesome families! FAMILIES!!!!!!! FAAAMILIIIIIES!!!!!!!! YEay! The mom of one of them, accepted a baptismal date already...in the first visit. She is SO prepared. She is a single mom, with two boys. She is working hard, and has so very much faith. She has been so prepared, it´s just incredible. I am participating in the process of her conversion. Also, we found another family, with mama, papa, and hijo. They are great...we found them yesterday. As we were teaching I asked the Mother, how she has come to have so much faith in her life....She told me all the blessings that she has seen in her life, a few difficulties, and then she just said, “I just believe so much in God.” Her little boy, 6 years old, pipes in..."But Santa Claus doesn´t exist." I busted up laughing. It was soooo funny. I then asked him, "Well, where to the presents come from then?!" His response..."el supermercado." Hahahahaha. But in the end, he and I both agreed that God exists and that he loves us :) SO funny. I am excited to teach this family.
A ver, what else happened this week....OH! I have got to tell you all the coolest thing ever. We are teaching Marcos, right? He is preparing for baptism on the 10th of September. (PLEASE pray for him). We went over to his house on Saturday morning and we were talking about his baptismal plan. He got really excited, and we set the interview date and what not. We closed with a prayer, and then he said "Oh hey, I wanted to show you all something cool…." He pulls out his cell phone and he pokes around on it and then shows me...I see the words "El primer libro de Nefi...." HE HAD DOWNLOADED THE BOOK OF MORMON ON HIS PHONE!!!!!! He was all excited that he would be able to read anytime, anywhere. I was pumped! I gave him a high five, and then was just so excited I gave him another. What a cool thing to see. He´s awesome.
So all is well here in Rahue. We are happy. I hope that you all are found happy and healthy (spiritually and physically). I love you all so, so much.
-HUGS AND KISSES!
-Hermana Bertagnole
Oh, and this is for Roddy (hermanito from Ovejeria). He´s reading my blog.-- Hermanito!!!! Estoy super feliz para saber de usted! Que bueno las noticias de su trabajo neuvo aya en Coyaihque...(deletreado mal...proablamente jajaa) Ojala que le vaya super bien en eso. Igual, sigo orando para usted y su familia. Mire, se que la iglesia esta aya en este parte de Chile igual. Busquelo para que puede seguir adelante con su progreso ayi. Conozco algunos miembros aya, y son super buenos. De hecho la Hermana Carolina (from Ovejeria) es de aya. A lo mejor pueda contactarla para poder saber mas de los datos (donde esta, a que hora empieza, etc)....que se yo. Bueno, gracias por escribirme, y siga adelante aya. Hay mucho oportunidades para usted a servir aya. Los santos aya nesicitan muchos buenos lideres y ejemplos tambien, asi que a lo mejor, eso es porque El Senor le mando pro aya. :) Que este super bien, hermanito! Nos vemos!
Ok, Family...I love you guys. Have a great week. Keep those prayers up. Be good!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Great news
Hey beautifuls,
Thank you so much for your letters this week. I love hearing from you all. It sounds like all is well...glad to hear it.
I hope that you have had a great week. We are happy and working hard in Rahue. We are seeing some great progress with our investigators. There are relatively few investigators, in general, here in this sector, but we started finding some great people to teach. We are trying to focus on inviting everyone to be baptized, and we have seen real miracles. We are still working hard with the members to try and help them participate in the missionary work. We have many, many hermanas signed up to come out with us this week, so hopefully we will be able to get quite a few investigators that will benefit from their testimonies.
We are happy. As a zone we are doing a "purification" so that we will be more able to have the Spirit. It is something that I have been praying for. I have heard that many missionaries lose focus their last cambio, and I have been praying that I will be strengthened against such temptations. I am grateful for the commitment that our zone leaders gave us to "purify" ourselves. It´s given me great direction and good goals to keep me focused on powering through to the end. I am grateful for the small miracles that our Heavenly Father provides for us.
I pray that this week will be another successful week. We are working hard with a young man. He´s seeing real changes in his life, and he is enjoying coming to Church and meeting new members. He will be getting baptized on the 10th of September. We are pleased to see his progress. HE IS AWESOME! He told us on Saturday that he was working the night shift at work, so he would get home at about 7 in the morning, sleep for an hour and then get up and go to church. He did! And even though he almost fell asleep during gospel principles, he said that he loved it. :) We are excited for him. He has wanted a change, and has now found where he can find it.
Other good news from Villarrica (Hermana Chamorro wrote me to give me all the new news). Diego got baptized on Saturday, and RUTH IS GETTING BAPTIZED THE 10TH OF SEPTEMBER, TOO!!!!!! I was so excited to hear her progress. She deserves this happiness so much!
Anyway, that´s all the news I have got right now. I am happy...in fact, never been happier.
Oh, and one other thing, Pres. Rappleye has a mission blog too: www.chileosornomission-rappleye.blogspot.com
Oh, and just so you know, I have started a wish list of the things that I want to do when I get home...such as FHE with the neighbors, washing the elders clothes so they don´t have to take it to a laundry mat, bringing the missionaries food, teaching Saturday morning English class to the Latins in the ward, buying a box of BOMs to give away, a list of inactives to go visit, people to go pick up for church, etc....if you want to get a head start for me, you are more than welcome! YAY MISSIONARY SPIRIT!!!!!!!! Hahahahaha. I might be a pain in the hiney when I get back. (lo siento) :) Sorry if this was a trunky list.
I love you all so so so much! I pray for you always, and I thank my Father for the amazing family he has given me.
Be good!
-Hermana Bertagnole
Monday, August 15, 2011
Ya'll Are Soooooo Trunky!!!!
Hey trunky little family of mine! (wink wink) I love reading your emails every week. Each week you are more and more trunky...I hear that there are countdowns? Hahahah I LOVE you guys! I am really just loving and trying to enjoy as much as I possibly can. I am trying not looking too far in advance, and I am just happy to be a missionary everyday when I wake up. Gosh. I love it so much.
I have to admit that I have thoroughly been enjoying my time here in Rahue. Hermana Herbert (my new compi) is just so great. I think I spend most of the day laughing. She is super funny, and we have a pretty good time together. It's great. She definitely has a very special, lovable personality. She is AWESOME! We are also seeing great things happen in the sector. We put the mother of one of the recent converts here with fecha this week. She will be getting baptized the 27th of this month!!!!! She is so prepared for baptism. She will be a great and faithful member of the Church. This is a great family.
The ward seems very, very welcoming. I am sad that I won't be able to get to know them a whole lot in just one cambio, but there is great work to be done with the members here. It's a big ward. They are a great group of saints. I am so excited to be here and to meet all these new and great people.
Well, THANK YOU for all the great letters, everybody! (Scott, your house ROCKS! felicitaciones...I want a movie marathon or something there when I get back...get working on a projector or something.) I am going to try and send pictures now...maybe from a different city it'll work better. Pray hard.
LOVEYOUSOMUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-Hermana Bertagnole
I have to admit that I have thoroughly been enjoying my time here in Rahue. Hermana Herbert (my new compi) is just so great. I think I spend most of the day laughing. She is super funny, and we have a pretty good time together. It's great. She definitely has a very special, lovable personality. She is AWESOME! We are also seeing great things happen in the sector. We put the mother of one of the recent converts here with fecha this week. She will be getting baptized the 27th of this month!!!!! She is so prepared for baptism. She will be a great and faithful member of the Church. This is a great family.
The ward seems very, very welcoming. I am sad that I won't be able to get to know them a whole lot in just one cambio, but there is great work to be done with the members here. It's a big ward. They are a great group of saints. I am so excited to be here and to meet all these new and great people.
Well, THANK YOU for all the great letters, everybody! (Scott, your house ROCKS! felicitaciones...I want a movie marathon or something there when I get back...get working on a projector or something.) I am going to try and send pictures now...maybe from a different city it'll work better. Pray hard.
LOVEYOUSOMUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-Hermana Bertagnole
Monday, August 8, 2011
Need for repentance...
Hello family of mine...
Well, the theme of my heart is a sad one....cambios are this week. I thought I would be finishing my mission here in this sector....but the Lord had other plans. I am getting transferred back to Osorno...a part of Osorno that is called Rahue. I can´t lie, when I first heard I was half-way devastated to leave this sector, right when things are just going so well. But don´t worry, I have tried to humble myself...hahah. This morning I asked for forgiveness. Hahaha. I understand and I realize that I just gotta do it with the best attitude ever, and with cualqueir fe and animo! WAHOOO FOR TRANSFERS!!!!!!! I am still in the process of figuring out tell our investigators. I feel sad for them, more than anything. I don´t want to leave them, but you gotta do what you gotta do. I am, however, excited to go back to Osorno, maybe I´ll get to do some intercambio´s in Ovejeria!!!!! Keep your fingers crossed for me.
The work here is really going great. One of our investigators is reading and praying so much! It makes me so happy to see her desire to learn. I am worried to tell her that I am leaving, but I know that she´ll be fine, and will continue to progress...she´s in it for real. Also, a young man is getting baptized soon. His interview is this Saturday, and his baptism will be next Saturday. He´s excited, as are we and his family. They are saving up little by little to be able to go to the Temple. I hope that they make this process as quick as possible to be able to receive the blessings as soon as possible. They are a great family.
Well, apart from this, things are pretty normal here. The work is progressing every day. It´s the most rewarding part of the mission work, to be able to see progress in your sector. I hope to be able see progress in Rahue as well. That´s the idea, right? Leave everything better than you found it. En eso estoy.
It´s another short letter, but it´s going to be a very, very busy day. So for now, this is all. I love you all so much. Congrats on the new houses, bro´s! I am getting decorating antsy already! :) Thanks for the updates and the letters. I love you and I miss you and I pray for you all every day. Take care, and be good.
Love,
Hermana Bertagnole
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Eyes wide open!
Aug 1, 2011
How was the week? I hope that it was a great one for you all. We had an awesome week last week. We are working really hard with the members. Ok...we are SO excited about getting this plan into action. Changing the vision of the mission work. We set up a meeting with our ward mission leader (who was menos activo, but now reactivating!), as well as our district president, President Molina, and tonight we are going to meet with our Branch President to put together a plan on how to greaten our vision of missionary work. IT ALL HAS TO DO WITH THE MEMBERS! We had a great meeting with President Molina. I feel like he´s really excited to put a plan together to make some changes. We left his house last night, all smiles! We are praying that we can help all the members catch the vision of every member a missionary. I know that literally the world would change if we followed this commandment as faithfully as we follow the commandment of food storage. I think sometimes we, as members, pick and choose the commandments that we obey. For example..."food storage is easy, so I´ll save a year’s worth of peanut butter in my basement, but the whole ´share the restored gospel of Jesus Christ´ thing is just a little complicated, so I´m going to let someone else keep that commandment."...and that is how we enter casually into disobedience. I did the math yesterday in the morning. If every member of the Church brought one person into the Church every year...the ENTIRE world would be members in 9 years! I feel so inspired by the quotes that are in Preach My Gospel (p. 12) from all the Prophets about the importance of missionary work. Let´s just say that this is our calling, both as missionaries, and members....ok, I better stop there because I feel like I could go on and on about this.
Hey, thanks for all the letters! I am glad that I finally realized what the problem was with the emails...well, it was probably the Spirit that gave me the hint. Hey, I am just super happy here in Villarrica. Things are great, and we are seeing some great progress in the sector. It´s really just turning around. We had 6 investigators in Church yesterday, and 2 of them are already preparing for baptism. We are so excited to help change the vision of the missionary work here. I know that this ward needs this revolution. I know that it is what the Lord would have His saints do. Every time I read or talk about it, it´s just a flood of the Spirit. DO IT! Be part of it!!!!!!!!!! Talk to everyone! Don´t be scared...get over it. The blessings are HUGE. Don´t let fear get in the way of eternal salvation.
We are working hard with a woman and her son. She is pretty much one of my best friends here in Villarrica. She loves us and we love her. She is so awesome. I´ll tell you all about her when the time comes. She´s just a huge miracle...and her little boy is just awesome too. Yesterday in church, he frantically was searching all the scriptures mention in the talks. It was so cute, and he´s good at it too! Pray for them lots please.
We had a great turn out in Church yesterday, as well. We are really seeing some great progress of some of our investigators. Prayers (both theirs and ours) are being answered, and we just couldn´t be happier. We are happy doing the work of the Lord. It´s the best thing ever. I feel so blessed to be able to be a small part of it.
I love you all so much. Thank you to all my friends that are writing me! (Oscar, Roddy, Karin, Steph, Chels, Jimmy, Susie, etc.) I appreciate them all...I am getting them and I am loving them. The sector that I am in right now is a little complicated to send mail, so if I can´t write for awhile I apologize, but know that I love you all and I am thankful for your prayers and support. Stay strong. Be good!
To the family, I just love you all more than life. I thank you infinitely for everything. Be good.
LOVE YOU!
Hermana Bertagnole
How was the week? I hope that it was a great one for you all. We had an awesome week last week. We are working really hard with the members. Ok...we are SO excited about getting this plan into action. Changing the vision of the mission work. We set up a meeting with our ward mission leader (who was menos activo, but now reactivating!), as well as our district president, President Molina, and tonight we are going to meet with our Branch President to put together a plan on how to greaten our vision of missionary work. IT ALL HAS TO DO WITH THE MEMBERS! We had a great meeting with President Molina. I feel like he´s really excited to put a plan together to make some changes. We left his house last night, all smiles! We are praying that we can help all the members catch the vision of every member a missionary. I know that literally the world would change if we followed this commandment as faithfully as we follow the commandment of food storage. I think sometimes we, as members, pick and choose the commandments that we obey. For example..."food storage is easy, so I´ll save a year’s worth of peanut butter in my basement, but the whole ´share the restored gospel of Jesus Christ´ thing is just a little complicated, so I´m going to let someone else keep that commandment."...and that is how we enter casually into disobedience. I did the math yesterday in the morning. If every member of the Church brought one person into the Church every year...the ENTIRE world would be members in 9 years! I feel so inspired by the quotes that are in Preach My Gospel (p. 12) from all the Prophets about the importance of missionary work. Let´s just say that this is our calling, both as missionaries, and members....ok, I better stop there because I feel like I could go on and on about this.
Hey, thanks for all the letters! I am glad that I finally realized what the problem was with the emails...well, it was probably the Spirit that gave me the hint. Hey, I am just super happy here in Villarrica. Things are great, and we are seeing some great progress in the sector. It´s really just turning around. We had 6 investigators in Church yesterday, and 2 of them are already preparing for baptism. We are so excited to help change the vision of the missionary work here. I know that this ward needs this revolution. I know that it is what the Lord would have His saints do. Every time I read or talk about it, it´s just a flood of the Spirit. DO IT! Be part of it!!!!!!!!!! Talk to everyone! Don´t be scared...get over it. The blessings are HUGE. Don´t let fear get in the way of eternal salvation.
We are working hard with a woman and her son. She is pretty much one of my best friends here in Villarrica. She loves us and we love her. She is so awesome. I´ll tell you all about her when the time comes. She´s just a huge miracle...and her little boy is just awesome too. Yesterday in church, he frantically was searching all the scriptures mention in the talks. It was so cute, and he´s good at it too! Pray for them lots please.
We had a great turn out in Church yesterday, as well. We are really seeing some great progress of some of our investigators. Prayers (both theirs and ours) are being answered, and we just couldn´t be happier. We are happy doing the work of the Lord. It´s the best thing ever. I feel so blessed to be able to be a small part of it.
I love you all so much. Thank you to all my friends that are writing me! (Oscar, Roddy, Karin, Steph, Chels, Jimmy, Susie, etc.) I appreciate them all...I am getting them and I am loving them. The sector that I am in right now is a little complicated to send mail, so if I can´t write for awhile I apologize, but know that I love you all and I am thankful for your prayers and support. Stay strong. Be good!
To the family, I just love you all more than life. I thank you infinitely for everything. Be good.
LOVE YOU!
Hermana Bertagnole
I really didn't forget about you.... I promise!
July 25, 2011
Ok, first of all, I did get word from Pres. Maldonado that he talked to my family. First reaction: panic! Second reaction: why? He then explained that you didn´t get my last two letters!? I really hope that you get this one. I am sending them to the same address, so I hope that there is nothing wrong with mine or yours. I forwarded the letter I wrote from 2 weeks ago, and the letter from last week (that I don´t know if you got or not) was very short because the time was very limited. But I hope that you are getting my letters. :( Que triste! I still love you, don´t worry! I haven´t forgotten about you!
Well, on to this week´s letter...
I can feel a change talking place in me every day. I am still (obviously) not perfect, but the desires of my heart have changed and are changing. The Lord´s mission has been the biggest miracle of my life...the biggest learning process, and I just don´t want it to stop. I want to have to push myself to the limit every day. I feel that I am on a quest to obedience. Its sounds really strange, but I have realized things change with obedience. I was telling Hermana Chamorro this morning that every day I feel like the topic I study, without even really trying to, is obedience. I guess that is why it is the 1st law of heaven...everything depends on it. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for His perfect, flawless, and genius Plan of Salvation...and that fact that I know what it is and I understand a small fraction of it, is something that has changed my eternal existence. How blessed.
Well, things are well here in Volcán. We saw some fantastic miracles yesterday. As we were walking to Church, from the other direction we saw a family that we have been teaching walking up to the gates of the Church. They are fairly recent converts that went inactive due to family problems. We have been working hard with them for quite some time to get the back to church. They finally came! AND THEN...as if that miracle wasn´t enough...behind them came walking one of our investigators, who told us the night before, that she wasn´t going to be able to come to Church...and there she was. My eyes filled with tears at the sight. I was feeling a little discouraged on the walk to church because most of our investigators are out of town or wouldn´t be able to come to Church. Clearly, I was fighting for that faith to see miracles. And there it was. And if those two miracles weren´t enough, after the meeting started in walked an old man that we had contacted and invited to church a few days ago. He said he might come, and we smiled and told him that we´d see him there, but I never in a million years thought I would see him again. He´s an 81 year old man, that is close to blind, close to deaf, and half crippled... and he walked to church, from the other side of town...and that is why he was late. I don´t know if he saw or heard very much at church, but he said that he felt good. What an example he gave to me, and to all the members. Some people act, and others are acted upon, I guess. :)
Another change that has taken place in me this week, as well as gradually throughout the mission, is my thirst for knowledge, and my thirst to know my Savior. And with this thirst brings a huge desire that others can really come to know their Savior through His Atoning Sacrifice. This is a theme that has been occupying my mind a lot this week: how can I come to know my Savior better? If you have any advice or counsel, I would love to hear it. I heard in a talk once that it´s different to know Jesus Christ, than it is to know about Him...I think in the mission we learn so much about Him, we lose track a little bit, of really getting to know Him. This is a life goal of mine...it´s going on the bucket list. :)
Well, that´s all I got...well, at least all I got time for. I am going to send a ton of pictures...or at least try to.
I love you all so much. Thank you for your letters, and your concern for me. Know that I am happy and healthy and working hard. I love you all tons. Mucho mucho mucho mucho. Be good, and you´ll be happy.
Love,
Hermana Bertagnole
ps...tell me if you get this please!
Ok, first of all, I did get word from Pres. Maldonado that he talked to my family. First reaction: panic! Second reaction: why? He then explained that you didn´t get my last two letters!? I really hope that you get this one. I am sending them to the same address, so I hope that there is nothing wrong with mine or yours. I forwarded the letter I wrote from 2 weeks ago, and the letter from last week (that I don´t know if you got or not) was very short because the time was very limited. But I hope that you are getting my letters. :( Que triste! I still love you, don´t worry! I haven´t forgotten about you!
Well, on to this week´s letter...
I can feel a change talking place in me every day. I am still (obviously) not perfect, but the desires of my heart have changed and are changing. The Lord´s mission has been the biggest miracle of my life...the biggest learning process, and I just don´t want it to stop. I want to have to push myself to the limit every day. I feel that I am on a quest to obedience. Its sounds really strange, but I have realized things change with obedience. I was telling Hermana Chamorro this morning that every day I feel like the topic I study, without even really trying to, is obedience. I guess that is why it is the 1st law of heaven...everything depends on it. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for His perfect, flawless, and genius Plan of Salvation...and that fact that I know what it is and I understand a small fraction of it, is something that has changed my eternal existence. How blessed.
Well, things are well here in Volcán. We saw some fantastic miracles yesterday. As we were walking to Church, from the other direction we saw a family that we have been teaching walking up to the gates of the Church. They are fairly recent converts that went inactive due to family problems. We have been working hard with them for quite some time to get the back to church. They finally came! AND THEN...as if that miracle wasn´t enough...behind them came walking one of our investigators, who told us the night before, that she wasn´t going to be able to come to Church...and there she was. My eyes filled with tears at the sight. I was feeling a little discouraged on the walk to church because most of our investigators are out of town or wouldn´t be able to come to Church. Clearly, I was fighting for that faith to see miracles. And there it was. And if those two miracles weren´t enough, after the meeting started in walked an old man that we had contacted and invited to church a few days ago. He said he might come, and we smiled and told him that we´d see him there, but I never in a million years thought I would see him again. He´s an 81 year old man, that is close to blind, close to deaf, and half crippled... and he walked to church, from the other side of town...and that is why he was late. I don´t know if he saw or heard very much at church, but he said that he felt good. What an example he gave to me, and to all the members. Some people act, and others are acted upon, I guess. :)
Another change that has taken place in me this week, as well as gradually throughout the mission, is my thirst for knowledge, and my thirst to know my Savior. And with this thirst brings a huge desire that others can really come to know their Savior through His Atoning Sacrifice. This is a theme that has been occupying my mind a lot this week: how can I come to know my Savior better? If you have any advice or counsel, I would love to hear it. I heard in a talk once that it´s different to know Jesus Christ, than it is to know about Him...I think in the mission we learn so much about Him, we lose track a little bit, of really getting to know Him. This is a life goal of mine...it´s going on the bucket list. :)
Well, that´s all I got...well, at least all I got time for. I am going to send a ton of pictures...or at least try to.
I love you all so much. Thank you for your letters, and your concern for me. Know that I am happy and healthy and working hard. I love you all tons. Mucho mucho mucho mucho. Be good, and you´ll be happy.
Love,
Hermana Bertagnole
ps...tell me if you get this please!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Jose', can you see?
Hey beautiful family of mine!!!!
Thank you all so much for all your letters (both friends and family). Unfortunately, I don´t have much time to read them all right here in internet, but I am printing every one of them so I can read them during lunch. I hope that you are all well. I am praying for you all every day.
Well, as far things go for the sector Volcán, things are really going well. We are working with two people right now that are really progressing well towards baptism. They should have very few stumbles in their process, as it is very obvious that they have been prepared to receive this glorious message. We also have a mother her three daughters with a baptismal date for the end of July, but they seem to really struggle with the commitments. They are very receptive, and have shared with the missionaries on and off for a long time, but we are struggling to get them in church on Sunday. We are praying and studying for guidance in this regard, but I know that this family has great promise.
The girl we are teaching is AWESOME! Such a smart girl. We also starting sharing with her mom this week!!! Her mom loved the message of the Plan of Salvation. She loves that the Church´s main focus is the Eternal Family. It was such a great lesson. She supports her daughter totally in getting baptized, and hopefully she and will be soon to follow. The other is a 10 year old boy...he is the son of a family that we are starting to teach that has been on and off faithful in the church. They have been inactive for a while now, but they have begun to return!!!!! Yesterday the whole family came. He has begun reading a verse from the Book of Mormon every night before he says his prayers. I am so excited for this little kid. I think he really is taking this seriously, and he´s just a really good kid. Keep them in your prayers this week please. They are really special.
We had a great week at finding new people to teach. I am so excited to keep working with those that we found this week. There are some true miracles, and there is great promise in these people. We had a rougher week with the work with members, but we are making adjustments this week so that it will work out better. Hermana Chamorro and I are really having a good time together. She is such a very special hermanita. I see lots of potential in her as she goes throughout the mission. She has such a strong testimony of the Gospel.
One thing that I am gaining a stronger testimony of every day is the fact that our Heavenly Father puts us exactly where we need to be. I have seen so many miracles this week, just from being in the right place at the right time. I know that so much of that is a result of obedience and faith, as well as shutting out the fear that prevents you from talking to everyone. That is something I am trying to do better at, is talking to everyone and sharing the gospel with EVERYONE that crosses our path. Miracles come to pass through small and simple things.
Well, that´s all I got...Time to go celebrate the 4th of July with my gringo compadres :)
Be good.
Abrazos grandisisisisimo.
-Hermana Bertagnole
Thank you all so much for all your letters (both friends and family). Unfortunately, I don´t have much time to read them all right here in internet, but I am printing every one of them so I can read them during lunch. I hope that you are all well. I am praying for you all every day.
Well, as far things go for the sector Volcán, things are really going well. We are working with two people right now that are really progressing well towards baptism. They should have very few stumbles in their process, as it is very obvious that they have been prepared to receive this glorious message. We also have a mother her three daughters with a baptismal date for the end of July, but they seem to really struggle with the commitments. They are very receptive, and have shared with the missionaries on and off for a long time, but we are struggling to get them in church on Sunday. We are praying and studying for guidance in this regard, but I know that this family has great promise.
The girl we are teaching is AWESOME! Such a smart girl. We also starting sharing with her mom this week!!! Her mom loved the message of the Plan of Salvation. She loves that the Church´s main focus is the Eternal Family. It was such a great lesson. She supports her daughter totally in getting baptized, and hopefully she and will be soon to follow. The other is a 10 year old boy...he is the son of a family that we are starting to teach that has been on and off faithful in the church. They have been inactive for a while now, but they have begun to return!!!!! Yesterday the whole family came. He has begun reading a verse from the Book of Mormon every night before he says his prayers. I am so excited for this little kid. I think he really is taking this seriously, and he´s just a really good kid. Keep them in your prayers this week please. They are really special.
We had a great week at finding new people to teach. I am so excited to keep working with those that we found this week. There are some true miracles, and there is great promise in these people. We had a rougher week with the work with members, but we are making adjustments this week so that it will work out better. Hermana Chamorro and I are really having a good time together. She is such a very special hermanita. I see lots of potential in her as she goes throughout the mission. She has such a strong testimony of the Gospel.
One thing that I am gaining a stronger testimony of every day is the fact that our Heavenly Father puts us exactly where we need to be. I have seen so many miracles this week, just from being in the right place at the right time. I know that so much of that is a result of obedience and faith, as well as shutting out the fear that prevents you from talking to everyone. That is something I am trying to do better at, is talking to everyone and sharing the gospel with EVERYONE that crosses our path. Miracles come to pass through small and simple things.
Well, that´s all I got...Time to go celebrate the 4th of July with my gringo compadres :)
Be good.
Abrazos grandisisisisimo.
-Hermana Bertagnole
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Ashes, ashes, we all preach the gospel
Mon, Jun 27, 2011
Hey there family. I love you all.
Thank you for all your letters this week. I am glad that you all survived the week...and the trek.
There is ash falling from the volcano that erupted a few weeks ago. What will happen next....
Things here in Villarrica are well. I am with a new little companion now. Her name is Hermana Chamorro. She is from the Robinson Crusoe Island of Chile. She is so so cute, and sweet. I told her that I will teach her English, if she helps me perfect my Spanish. We both win. But today is English Monday. I taught her how to pray in English, and now she does it all the time. It is so sweet. It makes me tear up sometimes. Today I said a prayer in English...because we are only talking in English today...mas o menos....I just cried. I haven’t said a prayer in English in a long time...it was hard at first....but I felt very very close to my Heavenly Father. I felt the Spirit very strong...she did too. It was kind of a neat experience.
The work is going well. We are struggling to get the family we are working with to church. They are all preparing for baptism together for the 23 of July, but they struggle to get to church. We called them, and then passed by, and then left them a note, but they still didn’t come. I was a little sad, but I know that they just need more loving, more understanding, and more member friends. I know how to fix it, it’s all just a matter of working hard and being an instrument in the Lord’s hands. Please pray for them, too.
This Sunday we will be fasting again for a friend, so that she will be able to ask again for permission to be baptized, and this time receive it. I really love this girl. She is so very special and faithful.
Well, this week President leaves, and President comes. It will be a good experience to see this change take place. Even though I will miss President and Hermana Lovell....like crazy, it will be a special treat to be able to have two Presidents and Hermanas. I am excited to see how this week goes. What changes take place.
Well, I am very happy. I am sorry once again...short letter, and no pictures of the house. I am going to write that in the good old mission agenda right now...by doing so it becomes sacred...feel honored.
I LOVE YOU ALL SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH.
Be good.
Hermana Bertagnole
Hey there family. I love you all.
Thank you for all your letters this week. I am glad that you all survived the week...and the trek.
There is ash falling from the volcano that erupted a few weeks ago. What will happen next....
Things here in Villarrica are well. I am with a new little companion now. Her name is Hermana Chamorro. She is from the Robinson Crusoe Island of Chile. She is so so cute, and sweet. I told her that I will teach her English, if she helps me perfect my Spanish. We both win. But today is English Monday. I taught her how to pray in English, and now she does it all the time. It is so sweet. It makes me tear up sometimes. Today I said a prayer in English...because we are only talking in English today...mas o menos....I just cried. I haven’t said a prayer in English in a long time...it was hard at first....but I felt very very close to my Heavenly Father. I felt the Spirit very strong...she did too. It was kind of a neat experience.
The work is going well. We are struggling to get the family we are working with to church. They are all preparing for baptism together for the 23 of July, but they struggle to get to church. We called them, and then passed by, and then left them a note, but they still didn’t come. I was a little sad, but I know that they just need more loving, more understanding, and more member friends. I know how to fix it, it’s all just a matter of working hard and being an instrument in the Lord’s hands. Please pray for them, too.
This Sunday we will be fasting again for a friend, so that she will be able to ask again for permission to be baptized, and this time receive it. I really love this girl. She is so very special and faithful.
Well, this week President leaves, and President comes. It will be a good experience to see this change take place. Even though I will miss President and Hermana Lovell....like crazy, it will be a special treat to be able to have two Presidents and Hermanas. I am excited to see how this week goes. What changes take place.
Well, I am very happy. I am sorry once again...short letter, and no pictures of the house. I am going to write that in the good old mission agenda right now...by doing so it becomes sacred...feel honored.
I LOVE YOU ALL SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH.
Be good.
Hermana Bertagnole
Sunday, June 26, 2011
The best day ever!
Jun 20, 2011
Ok...you guys are not going to believe the letter I just got in my email...Roddy wrote me and told me that Orlando (the blind man that I loved so much in Osorno) is getting baptized this Saturday....and that Orlando chose Roddy to baptize him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is that not the coolest thing of your life!? I just sat here and teared up with joy. It is so cool to see Roddy progressing like crazy, and then to hear that Orlando is getting baptized!!!!! I just love the mission. I just feel like it filling up with miracles. So many that there is not room enough to receive them all! I was so so so so overjoyed to hear that. YAY!!!
Anyway, on another note. The cambios have been cut short this round because Pte. Lovell is going home, so he is doing the cambios a week early so that when our new President Rappleye gets here at the end of the month, everything will be ready. We found out that my dear dear dearly beloved Hermana Gebara a.k.a. Coop is getting transferred to Punta Arenas. I am excited for her, but I am very sad that she is leaving. However I will be getting a new little compi...a Chilean. Her name is Hermana Chomorro. She is really pretty new in the mission. She is finishing her training up right now. I have met her a few times, and she just seems really sweet. I am excited to be with her. What´s scary though, is I think she might be my last companion...ugh. Time is flying by so fast....and you all (mostly Eric and his kids) aren´t helping with your trunky letters! :) Hahahaha. I love you guys, and I miss you lots.
Well, on to the work which I am in here in Villarrica. We are seeing some great progress in the sector. Unfortunately not many, investigators or members, showed up at church yesterday. It was Father´s Day, and it was raining...a bad combination. But the Spirit was strong and I learned a great deal. We are still working with our investigators with fecha to help them keep their focus and vision on baptism. I love these people and their pure desires to serve their God.
Well, I can´t write very much this week. Cambios = craziness. Just know that I am well. I am glad to hear that all is well there in the states. I love you all tons, and I miss you. MOM! I forgot to take picutres of the house! I am sorry. I forgot. I´ll try and remember next week :) I love you all. Be good. And do the simple things of the Gospel ALWAYS!
Hugs...big ones.
Hermana Bertagnole
Ok...you guys are not going to believe the letter I just got in my email...Roddy wrote me and told me that Orlando (the blind man that I loved so much in Osorno) is getting baptized this Saturday....and that Orlando chose Roddy to baptize him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is that not the coolest thing of your life!? I just sat here and teared up with joy. It is so cool to see Roddy progressing like crazy, and then to hear that Orlando is getting baptized!!!!! I just love the mission. I just feel like it filling up with miracles. So many that there is not room enough to receive them all! I was so so so so overjoyed to hear that. YAY!!!
Anyway, on another note. The cambios have been cut short this round because Pte. Lovell is going home, so he is doing the cambios a week early so that when our new President Rappleye gets here at the end of the month, everything will be ready. We found out that my dear dear dearly beloved Hermana Gebara a.k.a. Coop is getting transferred to Punta Arenas. I am excited for her, but I am very sad that she is leaving. However I will be getting a new little compi...a Chilean. Her name is Hermana Chomorro. She is really pretty new in the mission. She is finishing her training up right now. I have met her a few times, and she just seems really sweet. I am excited to be with her. What´s scary though, is I think she might be my last companion...ugh. Time is flying by so fast....and you all (mostly Eric and his kids) aren´t helping with your trunky letters! :) Hahahaha. I love you guys, and I miss you lots.
Well, on to the work which I am in here in Villarrica. We are seeing some great progress in the sector. Unfortunately not many, investigators or members, showed up at church yesterday. It was Father´s Day, and it was raining...a bad combination. But the Spirit was strong and I learned a great deal. We are still working with our investigators with fecha to help them keep their focus and vision on baptism. I love these people and their pure desires to serve their God.
Well, I can´t write very much this week. Cambios = craziness. Just know that I am well. I am glad to hear that all is well there in the states. I love you all tons, and I miss you. MOM! I forgot to take picutres of the house! I am sorry. I forgot. I´ll try and remember next week :) I love you all. Be good. And do the simple things of the Gospel ALWAYS!
Hugs...big ones.
Hermana Bertagnole
Monday, June 13, 2011
You think you have tornadoes in Kansas?
Well, hello family. I know I haven´t sent pictures in a long time so I am going to use my time this week mostly sending pictures...I¨ve got some good ones! All from this week actually...sorry none of them show my house, but I´ll try and send those next week.
1. Pte and Hna Lovell´s farewell. I´ll miss them sooooo much. They are like our mission mom and dad. They are such special people to me. It was hard to give them that last hug goodbye.
2. I don´t know if you all heard or not, but the same day that we went to Valdivia for our Zone Conference to say goodbye to Pte and Hna Lovell, a tornado passed through Villarrica...right through our sector. There has never in the history of Villarrica been a tornado. I told them I´m sorry...I´m probably the only "tornado alley baby" in the whole town...it´s probably my fault. Hermana Gebara and I are counting our blessings though because if we were not in Valdivia for the conference all our plans that day were right where the tornado passed through, but we are safe. We found many opportunities to serve...starting at our church building.
3. The tornado stole our steeple...but luckily that was about the only damage, apart from the debris.
4. Other big news...I´m an old lady now. Hit the big 23 this week! I went with Eric´s advice and got the mil hojas cake. Yummy. Please note the homemade candles. :) Classic.
5. My new friend....I am becoming a very animal friendly person on the mission, I think. (this is at our momita´s house)
6. We went to the waterfalls in Pucón this week. So pretty.
7. This is our zone in Villarrica...somos pocos...pero fuertes.
8. ...but we´re the most fuertes ;) Obvio.
Anyway, so that´s that for the pictures. Brief summaries, I know. I apologize that I am not writing more, but time is short. In other news, without pictures...is that I got to talk to the ex-companions in Osorno, and they said that Orlando (the blind man) is getting baptized the 25th of June, Belen and Carlos are getting married the 8th of July and then she is getting baptized the 9th, and Juan and Paola are getting married and she´ll get baptized in August! Miracles. I love these people so much. They told me that Roddy is also preparing to receive the Mel. Priesthood this November and is just doing great. I love the mission. I love the miracles that happen, and the blessings of serving the Lord.
The work here in Villarrica is really starting to progress well as well. We finished this week finding two families of GOLD, and we have another family that has a baptismal date and came to church this week, and loved it.
We are blessed and happy, and safe. I LOVE YOU ALL LOTS. Thank you for everything.
LOVE,
Hermana Bertagnole
1. Pte and Hna Lovell´s farewell. I´ll miss them sooooo much. They are like our mission mom and dad. They are such special people to me. It was hard to give them that last hug goodbye.
2. I don´t know if you all heard or not, but the same day that we went to Valdivia for our Zone Conference to say goodbye to Pte and Hna Lovell, a tornado passed through Villarrica...right through our sector. There has never in the history of Villarrica been a tornado. I told them I´m sorry...I´m probably the only "tornado alley baby" in the whole town...it´s probably my fault. Hermana Gebara and I are counting our blessings though because if we were not in Valdivia for the conference all our plans that day were right where the tornado passed through, but we are safe. We found many opportunities to serve...starting at our church building.
3. The tornado stole our steeple...but luckily that was about the only damage, apart from the debris.
4. Other big news...I´m an old lady now. Hit the big 23 this week! I went with Eric´s advice and got the mil hojas cake. Yummy. Please note the homemade candles. :) Classic.
5. My new friend....I am becoming a very animal friendly person on the mission, I think. (this is at our momita´s house)
6. We went to the waterfalls in Pucón this week. So pretty.
7. This is our zone in Villarrica...somos pocos...pero fuertes.
8. ...but we´re the most fuertes ;) Obvio.
Anyway, so that´s that for the pictures. Brief summaries, I know. I apologize that I am not writing more, but time is short. In other news, without pictures...is that I got to talk to the ex-companions in Osorno, and they said that Orlando (the blind man) is getting baptized the 25th of June, Belen and Carlos are getting married the 8th of July and then she is getting baptized the 9th, and Juan and Paola are getting married and she´ll get baptized in August! Miracles. I love these people so much. They told me that Roddy is also preparing to receive the Mel. Priesthood this November and is just doing great. I love the mission. I love the miracles that happen, and the blessings of serving the Lord.
The work here in Villarrica is really starting to progress well as well. We finished this week finding two families of GOLD, and we have another family that has a baptismal date and came to church this week, and loved it.
We are blessed and happy, and safe. I LOVE YOU ALL LOTS. Thank you for everything.
LOVE,
Hermana Bertagnole
Monday, June 6, 2011
Milagros!!!
June 6, 2011
Ok family,
First of all I want to thank you all sooooo much for all your birthday greetings and treats...Mom and Dad, I got your package...I LOVE THE SLIPPERS (you´re right they are like walking on clouds...heavenly clouds), and my compi and I REALLY enjoyed your cinnamon bears...mmmm mmmm good. Thank you very much. And thank you mom and dad and grandma for putting money in my account. That is so GREAT! I love you all and thank you so much. My comps birthday is the 16th so we will be having a "party week" and hopefully celebrating with a baptism and lots of success and hard work.
Just of few of the many miracles that we have seen is that we have found SEVEN (!!!!!!!!!) people in our sector who have accepted to prepare for a baptism. We are, needless to say, very excited with this. We focused a lot this week on getting them to church...and we are going to continue to focus on getting them all to Church this week. I know that we are going to keep seeing miracles in the work here. The branch is just incredible. I am blown away every week by their faith. These Saints here have many desafios, but they just keep fighting. They are amazing to me...they are miracles for me. For example: we and all the youth here fasted this week for a special purpose that a young woman who is 14, can receive the permission of her father to be baptized. She has investigated the Church for many years now, maybe I told you about her. She has begun attending seminary every morning and she goes to Church every week, but her father won´t give her permission to be baptized. We have been teaching her, practicing with her, fasting and praying for her, and we are waiting to see what will happen. The Youth have really made her part of their family. The youth group here is so tight...they are literally like brothers and sisters. I love sharing with them. This week we taught seminary early in the morning, and it was so powerful to see them all in the church at 6:30 am in the morning! So faithful. So valiant.
We should find out today or tomorrow what will happen with her. Please pray that it will go well. But the best part is that for almost all of these kids in the youth group, they have gained a huge testimony of fasting. You should have heard their testimonies in sacrament meeting...so powerful.
Well, the work is really pushing forward here in Villarrica, and Hermana Gebara and I just couldn´t be happier. There are just miracles happening everywhere. (we found a young man yesterday, that is so golden that it just made my jaw drop). SO MANY. WE are exercising a ton of faith, obedience, just a lot of pounding the pavement! I have never been happier in the work.
Thank you for your prayers and your love for me. I am praying and loving you guys more every day. I hope that all is well.
I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!!!!!
-Hermana Bertagnole
Ok family,
First of all I want to thank you all sooooo much for all your birthday greetings and treats...Mom and Dad, I got your package...I LOVE THE SLIPPERS (you´re right they are like walking on clouds...heavenly clouds), and my compi and I REALLY enjoyed your cinnamon bears...mmmm mmmm good. Thank you very much. And thank you mom and dad and grandma for putting money in my account. That is so GREAT! I love you all and thank you so much. My comps birthday is the 16th so we will be having a "party week" and hopefully celebrating with a baptism and lots of success and hard work.
Just of few of the many miracles that we have seen is that we have found SEVEN (!!!!!!!!!) people in our sector who have accepted to prepare for a baptism. We are, needless to say, very excited with this. We focused a lot this week on getting them to church...and we are going to continue to focus on getting them all to Church this week. I know that we are going to keep seeing miracles in the work here. The branch is just incredible. I am blown away every week by their faith. These Saints here have many desafios, but they just keep fighting. They are amazing to me...they are miracles for me. For example: we and all the youth here fasted this week for a special purpose that a young woman who is 14, can receive the permission of her father to be baptized. She has investigated the Church for many years now, maybe I told you about her. She has begun attending seminary every morning and she goes to Church every week, but her father won´t give her permission to be baptized. We have been teaching her, practicing with her, fasting and praying for her, and we are waiting to see what will happen. The Youth have really made her part of their family. The youth group here is so tight...they are literally like brothers and sisters. I love sharing with them. This week we taught seminary early in the morning, and it was so powerful to see them all in the church at 6:30 am in the morning! So faithful. So valiant.
We should find out today or tomorrow what will happen with her. Please pray that it will go well. But the best part is that for almost all of these kids in the youth group, they have gained a huge testimony of fasting. You should have heard their testimonies in sacrament meeting...so powerful.
Well, the work is really pushing forward here in Villarrica, and Hermana Gebara and I just couldn´t be happier. There are just miracles happening everywhere. (we found a young man yesterday, that is so golden that it just made my jaw drop). SO MANY. WE are exercising a ton of faith, obedience, just a lot of pounding the pavement! I have never been happier in the work.
Thank you for your prayers and your love for me. I am praying and loving you guys more every day. I hope that all is well.
I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!!!!!
-Hermana Bertagnole
Monday, May 30, 2011
The Goose Coop
Well, here I am loving my life. I thought that the mission just couldn´t get better...and well it has. I thought I couldn´t get any happier...and well, I am.
Thank you for your letters this week. I had heard that there were tornadoes in the Midwest, but I had no idea how big and how close to home. I am very glad that everyone is ok.
I am loving working in Villarrica. This sector is so special...especially the ward. I feel great love for this ward already. We are, however, very much in the preparatory stage right now. We are really working on finding people to teach that are really going to progress. We are trying to really work with the members so that we get references. We are starting to have a Mormon Movie Night every other Saturday, so that they can invite their friends and we can help investigators get to know the members. This week we watched Mountain of the Lord. I felt the Spirit very strong...a great spirit of gratitude to the pioneers that built that. Our eternal family just happens to be a result of that 40 years of sweat and tears.
As far as the work goes, we are trying to get everyone to Church. We have one young woman that is just amazing. She is 14 and she comes to church every week. She wants to be baptized, but hasn´t been able to get permission from her dad for over 2 years. This Sunday, we invited the youth group here to fast with us next week in behalf of her, so that she will be able to get permission to be baptized. I think it will be a great experience for her and the youth, because I think that very few of them have ever fasted before. It will teach them something very special and I know that we will be seeing some miracles. Please pray for her. She´s way special.
Well, if you´re wondering why the subject line is written in code...you might just be happy to know that my companion really came through in the nickname factor. PURE INSPIRATION. So remember that I said she´s the real life version of Marissa Cooper...but much much, much more wholesome and pure. Well, anyway...I call her Coop. She felt bad that she didn´t have as cool of a nickname for me, until one day, it hit her and she said to me, "talk to me...GOOSE! Goose! You´re Goose! Like from Top Gun!"....Let me just say, I am honored. So now we are known, amongst at least the two of us, and now you all, as the Goose Coop. (Like chicken coop, but of geese). Ok, so she and I are cracking up about this right now, as I hope that maybe you are too, but if not, you just have to be here. Oh, the joys of having a compi in the mission that at the same time is your best friend. We laugh lots together.
Well, again this is a short letter...sorry. Time just really flies while I am in Internet. Pictures next week!
I LOVE YOU ALL A LOT!!!!!!!!! Be good. Read and pray every day. Don´t forget to do the small stuff....it´s the most important.
-Love you.
Hermana Bertagnole
Thank you for your letters this week. I had heard that there were tornadoes in the Midwest, but I had no idea how big and how close to home. I am very glad that everyone is ok.
I am loving working in Villarrica. This sector is so special...especially the ward. I feel great love for this ward already. We are, however, very much in the preparatory stage right now. We are really working on finding people to teach that are really going to progress. We are trying to really work with the members so that we get references. We are starting to have a Mormon Movie Night every other Saturday, so that they can invite their friends and we can help investigators get to know the members. This week we watched Mountain of the Lord. I felt the Spirit very strong...a great spirit of gratitude to the pioneers that built that. Our eternal family just happens to be a result of that 40 years of sweat and tears.
As far as the work goes, we are trying to get everyone to Church. We have one young woman that is just amazing. She is 14 and she comes to church every week. She wants to be baptized, but hasn´t been able to get permission from her dad for over 2 years. This Sunday, we invited the youth group here to fast with us next week in behalf of her, so that she will be able to get permission to be baptized. I think it will be a great experience for her and the youth, because I think that very few of them have ever fasted before. It will teach them something very special and I know that we will be seeing some miracles. Please pray for her. She´s way special.
Well, if you´re wondering why the subject line is written in code...you might just be happy to know that my companion really came through in the nickname factor. PURE INSPIRATION. So remember that I said she´s the real life version of Marissa Cooper...but much much, much more wholesome and pure. Well, anyway...I call her Coop. She felt bad that she didn´t have as cool of a nickname for me, until one day, it hit her and she said to me, "talk to me...GOOSE! Goose! You´re Goose! Like from Top Gun!"....Let me just say, I am honored. So now we are known, amongst at least the two of us, and now you all, as the Goose Coop. (Like chicken coop, but of geese). Ok, so she and I are cracking up about this right now, as I hope that maybe you are too, but if not, you just have to be here. Oh, the joys of having a compi in the mission that at the same time is your best friend. We laugh lots together.
Well, again this is a short letter...sorry. Time just really flies while I am in Internet. Pictures next week!
I LOVE YOU ALL A LOT!!!!!!!!! Be good. Read and pray every day. Don´t forget to do the small stuff....it´s the most important.
-Love you.
Hermana Bertagnole
Friday, May 27, 2011
Janelle's May 24 email
May 24, 2011
From the beautiful beach of Villarrica
Hey family,
Got transferred.
Somehow, I have managed to be in the prettiest sectors of the whole mission...my whole mission. Suerte. President must like me or something :) Villarrica is just GORGEOUS. It´s built at the base of a volcano and there is a huge beach from a beautiful mountain surrounded lake. Wow. And I get to work this sector every day. There is a lot of touristy stuff here, but being as it is winter, there aren´t that many tourists. Gosh. You all are just going to die when you see this place.
Well, there isn´t much time to write, but I am just happy as a peach. I am not going to lie though, it was a hard goodbye to Osorno for me. I think it was some of the hardest goodbyes for me my whole mission. I just can´t believe the love that some of these people have there. I was given some very beautiful recuerdos from some of my very special investigators.(I´ll show you sometime, and probably bawl as I do it). I can´t believe these people´s generosity. What an honor to know them and share these miracles with them.
Best news of all, though, is that Roddy´s baptism was just exceptional. The baptism was combined with a baptism of the elders from another ward. We had it in the Stake Center. Over a 100 people came. IT WAS INCREDIBLE. Almost our whole ward showed up. And even President and Hermana Lovell came. President gave the closing remarks, and he called it a "perfect baptism". He thanked the members for being so supportive, and he gave them the call to help them progress. It was so great. So powerful.
Here in Villarrica, things have been struggling in the work quite a bit it seems like, but we have seen some great progress already in just a few days. We have found 7 new people to teach, including 1 part member family. The work is beautiful. I am loving more than anything, working with Hermana Gebara. She is just spectacular!!!!!!!! We are already best friends. And making plans to remain that way after the mission. For all my O.C. loving friends out there...she is basically Marissa Cooper. Hahaha. She is from So. California. and beautiful. We are hitting it off great. I love her tons! I call her "Coop". Jajajaja.
Well that is all I got for now. Sorry it´s so short, but I gotta run. I ´ll write more next week. LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-Hermana Bertagnole
From the beautiful beach of Villarrica
Hey family,
Got transferred.
Somehow, I have managed to be in the prettiest sectors of the whole mission...my whole mission. Suerte. President must like me or something :) Villarrica is just GORGEOUS. It´s built at the base of a volcano and there is a huge beach from a beautiful mountain surrounded lake. Wow. And I get to work this sector every day. There is a lot of touristy stuff here, but being as it is winter, there aren´t that many tourists. Gosh. You all are just going to die when you see this place.
Well, there isn´t much time to write, but I am just happy as a peach. I am not going to lie though, it was a hard goodbye to Osorno for me. I think it was some of the hardest goodbyes for me my whole mission. I just can´t believe the love that some of these people have there. I was given some very beautiful recuerdos from some of my very special investigators.(I´ll show you sometime, and probably bawl as I do it). I can´t believe these people´s generosity. What an honor to know them and share these miracles with them.
Best news of all, though, is that Roddy´s baptism was just exceptional. The baptism was combined with a baptism of the elders from another ward. We had it in the Stake Center. Over a 100 people came. IT WAS INCREDIBLE. Almost our whole ward showed up. And even President and Hermana Lovell came. President gave the closing remarks, and he called it a "perfect baptism". He thanked the members for being so supportive, and he gave them the call to help them progress. It was so great. So powerful.
Here in Villarrica, things have been struggling in the work quite a bit it seems like, but we have seen some great progress already in just a few days. We have found 7 new people to teach, including 1 part member family. The work is beautiful. I am loving more than anything, working with Hermana Gebara. She is just spectacular!!!!!!!! We are already best friends. And making plans to remain that way after the mission. For all my O.C. loving friends out there...she is basically Marissa Cooper. Hahaha. She is from So. California. and beautiful. We are hitting it off great. I love her tons! I call her "Coop". Jajajaja.
Well that is all I got for now. Sorry it´s so short, but I gotta run. I ´ll write more next week. LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-Hermana Bertagnole
Janelle's May 14 email
Hello family!
SO good to talk to you this week. What a blessing!
Well, I thank you for your letters. I am glad that everyone had a great time in N. Carolina....looked great. Who´s up for a return visit in October? :) By the way, Mikey, my comps are impressed that you have your own jet plane :) CONGRATS!
I was so shocked and sad to hear about Aunt Sarah. But I had an instant realization that the Gospel cures all pain and that Jesus Christ conquers the pain of death. I realize how grateful I am for the Gospel. Dad´s family has seen many hard experiences like this recently, but I know that because we all have the Gospel present in our lives, I know that they´ll be fine. They are well watched over, and well taken care of. I know that our Father in Heaven is taking them by the hand and guiding them through this rough patch. I am grateful for the restored Priesthood that makes it possible that we can be together forever. My testimony of this grows every day. Send them my love, and let them know that they are in my prayers.
This week´s letter is going to have to be a shorter one. This Pday is loco...it´s the last pday of the cambios...I have a hunch that I might be getting transferred, so there are a ton of errands to run. Also, tonight we have Roddy´s baptism!!!!!! So we are running around getting errands done for that. Pray for us that it all goes well!
Roddy will be getting baptized tonight. I´ll send you all pictures next week. I love you all so much. Keep them smiles, even when it might be a little harder than normal. I love you. Be good, and remember what´s important.
-Hermana Bertagnole.
SO good to talk to you this week. What a blessing!
Well, I thank you for your letters. I am glad that everyone had a great time in N. Carolina....looked great. Who´s up for a return visit in October? :) By the way, Mikey, my comps are impressed that you have your own jet plane :) CONGRATS!
I was so shocked and sad to hear about Aunt Sarah. But I had an instant realization that the Gospel cures all pain and that Jesus Christ conquers the pain of death. I realize how grateful I am for the Gospel. Dad´s family has seen many hard experiences like this recently, but I know that because we all have the Gospel present in our lives, I know that they´ll be fine. They are well watched over, and well taken care of. I know that our Father in Heaven is taking them by the hand and guiding them through this rough patch. I am grateful for the restored Priesthood that makes it possible that we can be together forever. My testimony of this grows every day. Send them my love, and let them know that they are in my prayers.
This week´s letter is going to have to be a shorter one. This Pday is loco...it´s the last pday of the cambios...I have a hunch that I might be getting transferred, so there are a ton of errands to run. Also, tonight we have Roddy´s baptism!!!!!! So we are running around getting errands done for that. Pray for us that it all goes well!
Roddy will be getting baptized tonight. I´ll send you all pictures next week. I love you all so much. Keep them smiles, even when it might be a little harder than normal. I love you. Be good, and remember what´s important.
-Hermana Bertagnole.
Monday, May 2, 2011
April 30, 2011
Hey family:
It´s good to hear that all is well.
Well, before I forget, we need to get the MOTHER´S DAY PHONE CALL (!!!!!!!) sorted out...p.s. I am so excited! The time zone will be changing here on the 7th of May, and you all can call on the 8th, but I am not exactly sure what the time difference will be. I am pretty sure that the hour is going to move forward an hour on the 7th. The plan right now between us three hermanas right now is that you all can call on the 8th (Sunday) at 7:00pm in Chile...now, what time that is in Kansas, I have no idea...sorry. You´ll have to do the math. But if there is a problem with that schedule, let me know por FAVOR! :) I wanna talk :)
Well, that´s that. On to the BIG news this week! We had some great miracles this week. One of our investigators that was waiting answers to his prayers, got them, and is preparing for a baptism the 14th of May!!!!!!! I am so excited! He said that he received answers to his prayers as he was following the word of wisdom. He went out this week with some friend and they offered him alcohol, and he drank juice instead. He said it was that night that his eyes were opened in the difference between those that live the Gospel, and those that don´t. He said he went home so happy. That night he said as he reread the Word of Wisdom pamphlet, he said he felt it was true, and then he felt a mini earthquake (they call them temblors). Hahah. He said that only confirmed it. Haha. He is really progressing well. He will be fasting this week with us, and I know that he will be a very faithful member. We are starting to teach his mom and sister, little by little. They are also really great.
Also, we have had some great references this week from members. One in specific is a younger woman who is the fiancé of a menos activo in the ward. She is really going to be progressing quickly. I can tell. She has come to church last week and will be coming this week too. She is just so great. She cried in the lesson about the Restoration. She said that she has felt the confusion just like Joseph Smith. She said that we can’t teach her in her house because of other family members, but we got to teach in the house of the members, and I think that made the spirit even stronger. Blessings in disguise.
Also this week our ex-testigo investigator told us that she wants to be baptized (!!!!!!!!!!) and be an active part of the church!! SUCH a big step for her. As a companionship we gave them a Hymnal, and then I gave her a set of scriptures ...she cried. She said "Que cosa mas bonita...". She said that she has been needing a lot of this lately. I look up to her a lot. She is a very strong and faithful woman. Love this family.
I am so, so, so happy to see the progress that has been happening in this sector. It seems that so much has all come together this week.
We feel very blessed. We are very happy.
We are still working on maintaining the unity in the companionship. Everything is a lot different in a trio than in a duo....but I like it a lot. I can feel the work progressing. We are doing lots of divisions with the hermanas, and it helps them get excited for the work as well, so it´s been great.
Well, that´s it for this week. I love you guys tons. Please pray for our investigators. They need the prayers so much.
(p.s. I found out that our investigator from Punta Arenas, the one that was atheist, just got baptized this last weekend. How cool is that?! I love the mission.)
LOVE YOU!!!!!
-Hermana Bertagnole
Hey family:
It´s good to hear that all is well.
Well, before I forget, we need to get the MOTHER´S DAY PHONE CALL (!!!!!!!) sorted out...p.s. I am so excited! The time zone will be changing here on the 7th of May, and you all can call on the 8th, but I am not exactly sure what the time difference will be. I am pretty sure that the hour is going to move forward an hour on the 7th. The plan right now between us three hermanas right now is that you all can call on the 8th (Sunday) at 7:00pm in Chile...now, what time that is in Kansas, I have no idea...sorry. You´ll have to do the math. But if there is a problem with that schedule, let me know por FAVOR! :) I wanna talk :)
Well, that´s that. On to the BIG news this week! We had some great miracles this week. One of our investigators that was waiting answers to his prayers, got them, and is preparing for a baptism the 14th of May!!!!!!! I am so excited! He said that he received answers to his prayers as he was following the word of wisdom. He went out this week with some friend and they offered him alcohol, and he drank juice instead. He said it was that night that his eyes were opened in the difference between those that live the Gospel, and those that don´t. He said he went home so happy. That night he said as he reread the Word of Wisdom pamphlet, he said he felt it was true, and then he felt a mini earthquake (they call them temblors). Hahah. He said that only confirmed it. Haha. He is really progressing well. He will be fasting this week with us, and I know that he will be a very faithful member. We are starting to teach his mom and sister, little by little. They are also really great.
Also, we have had some great references this week from members. One in specific is a younger woman who is the fiancé of a menos activo in the ward. She is really going to be progressing quickly. I can tell. She has come to church last week and will be coming this week too. She is just so great. She cried in the lesson about the Restoration. She said that she has felt the confusion just like Joseph Smith. She said that we can’t teach her in her house because of other family members, but we got to teach in the house of the members, and I think that made the spirit even stronger. Blessings in disguise.
Also this week our ex-testigo investigator told us that she wants to be baptized (!!!!!!!!!!) and be an active part of the church!! SUCH a big step for her. As a companionship we gave them a Hymnal, and then I gave her a set of scriptures ...she cried. She said "Que cosa mas bonita...". She said that she has been needing a lot of this lately. I look up to her a lot. She is a very strong and faithful woman. Love this family.
I am so, so, so happy to see the progress that has been happening in this sector. It seems that so much has all come together this week.
We feel very blessed. We are very happy.
We are still working on maintaining the unity in the companionship. Everything is a lot different in a trio than in a duo....but I like it a lot. I can feel the work progressing. We are doing lots of divisions with the hermanas, and it helps them get excited for the work as well, so it´s been great.
Well, that´s it for this week. I love you guys tons. Please pray for our investigators. They need the prayers so much.
(p.s. I found out that our investigator from Punta Arenas, the one that was atheist, just got baptized this last weekend. How cool is that?! I love the mission.)
LOVE YOU!!!!!
-Hermana Bertagnole
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Janelle's April 25 letter
Hey FAM!
This week was a good (and crazy) one. First of all, another belated birthday to Momma. I always remember the birthdays, but after it´s already too late to write. Ugh. Sorry...but at least I remember. I love you, and I hope that it was a special birthday. Also congrats on the graduation Scott Rob! That´s a big step. Atta boy! WHAAAAHOOOOOO! Thanks for the pictures. You looked hot in you graduation robe....keep wearing it around campus and you´ll be hitched in no time ;) Hahaha, muy bien.
Well, also I hope that everyone´s Easter was great. The Easter bunny came to our house, and I must admit that she hid the eggs very much like she hides them in Kansas :)
I guess I had better explain why the letter is late...this Saturday we spent the whole p-day in a little pueblo called Llanquihue...the senior missionaries bought a house there a few years ago, and it is beautiful, so we went there to play for the day. It was way fun, but because we were there all day long, we have to write today.
This week we had our last interviews with President Lovell ... he leaves in the 1st of July, but the way that the interviews fall, these were the last. It makes me so sad seeing him leave the mission, but at least I´ll get to see him and visit him and Hermana Lovell after the mission up in Heber. They are both so great. They´ve become like my family in the mission. I´ve laughed and I´ve cried with them, and I´m just going to miss them a lot.
We had a good week, even though maybe the numbers don´t show it. With the rain and everything it was a little bit tougher to get the members to come out with us, but sometimes the best things happen in the worst weather. We saw some miracles, including one of the investigators that came with us to conference (the guy who has read almost all of the Book of Mormon) accepted a baptismal date yesterday. We are really excited for him. I know that this is something that he has been prepared to receive. I pray that he will make this a priority in his life.
The other young man that we have been teaching is also receiving answers to his prayers, and hasn´t missed a week of church since the conference. For this, he is progressing so quickly. We hope to invite him to be baptized again tonight. I think he will be more prepared to accept it now that he has recognized that he has been receiving answers.
PLEASE PRAY LOTS FOR THEM BOTH!!!!!!!!
I am so grateful for the power of prayer. I feel that sometimes I personally don´t use it as much as I should or can. I am trying to repent of that and become better. I know that my Father will hear me and answer my prayers, it´s just a matter of having the faith sufficient and the humility to ask.
I love being a missionary. With this cambio being over half over already (they go faster every time), I am still just really trying to focus on loving it ALL. Living with a smile is so valuable, and it´s my goal. I feel happy and I feel the Spirit much more when I do. As Jimmy always used to say (and still does)..."gotta keep showin´ them teef."
I love my companions. We really have a great time together. We laugh lots, love lots, pray lots, and work lots. Perfect.
I love this work. It is so beautiful...and I just can´t say it enough.
Well, I hope that you all have a safe rest of your trip. I love you all tons. And I pray for you lots. Last calls on requests for souvenirs...(Eric, I need your shirt size for the jersey...and what kind you want if you have a preference.)
I LOVE YOU ALL SOOOOOOOO MUCH!
-Hermana Bertagnole
This week was a good (and crazy) one. First of all, another belated birthday to Momma. I always remember the birthdays, but after it´s already too late to write. Ugh. Sorry...but at least I remember. I love you, and I hope that it was a special birthday. Also congrats on the graduation Scott Rob! That´s a big step. Atta boy! WHAAAAHOOOOOO! Thanks for the pictures. You looked hot in you graduation robe....keep wearing it around campus and you´ll be hitched in no time ;) Hahaha, muy bien.
Well, also I hope that everyone´s Easter was great. The Easter bunny came to our house, and I must admit that she hid the eggs very much like she hides them in Kansas :)
I guess I had better explain why the letter is late...this Saturday we spent the whole p-day in a little pueblo called Llanquihue...the senior missionaries bought a house there a few years ago, and it is beautiful, so we went there to play for the day. It was way fun, but because we were there all day long, we have to write today.
This week we had our last interviews with President Lovell ... he leaves in the 1st of July, but the way that the interviews fall, these were the last. It makes me so sad seeing him leave the mission, but at least I´ll get to see him and visit him and Hermana Lovell after the mission up in Heber. They are both so great. They´ve become like my family in the mission. I´ve laughed and I´ve cried with them, and I´m just going to miss them a lot.
We had a good week, even though maybe the numbers don´t show it. With the rain and everything it was a little bit tougher to get the members to come out with us, but sometimes the best things happen in the worst weather. We saw some miracles, including one of the investigators that came with us to conference (the guy who has read almost all of the Book of Mormon) accepted a baptismal date yesterday. We are really excited for him. I know that this is something that he has been prepared to receive. I pray that he will make this a priority in his life.
The other young man that we have been teaching is also receiving answers to his prayers, and hasn´t missed a week of church since the conference. For this, he is progressing so quickly. We hope to invite him to be baptized again tonight. I think he will be more prepared to accept it now that he has recognized that he has been receiving answers.
PLEASE PRAY LOTS FOR THEM BOTH!!!!!!!!
I am so grateful for the power of prayer. I feel that sometimes I personally don´t use it as much as I should or can. I am trying to repent of that and become better. I know that my Father will hear me and answer my prayers, it´s just a matter of having the faith sufficient and the humility to ask.
I love being a missionary. With this cambio being over half over already (they go faster every time), I am still just really trying to focus on loving it ALL. Living with a smile is so valuable, and it´s my goal. I feel happy and I feel the Spirit much more when I do. As Jimmy always used to say (and still does)..."gotta keep showin´ them teef."
I love my companions. We really have a great time together. We laugh lots, love lots, pray lots, and work lots. Perfect.
I love this work. It is so beautiful...and I just can´t say it enough.
Well, I hope that you all have a safe rest of your trip. I love you all tons. And I pray for you lots. Last calls on requests for souvenirs...(Eric, I need your shirt size for the jersey...and what kind you want if you have a preference.)
I LOVE YOU ALL SOOOOOOOO MUCH!
-Hermana Bertagnole
Saturday, April 16, 2011
It's raining, it's pouring, the old borrachitos in the street are snoring.
April 16, 2011
WELL the winter is here...I sit here in the internet cafe with wet and cold feet....it´s been raining today...and will rain probably all day long, but I think I will miss the rain, once I return home to Kansas.
We are having a great week and we are working really hard. Those two always seem to go hand in hand. We are really working on teaching better with the three of us. It´s a lot different teaching with three missionaries than it is with two. I am really trying on getting us to all teach with more unity, and more clarity. It´s a work in progress, but it is really good for us. It´s a great experience being in a trio.
I feel more now than ever before in my mission that there really isn´t time enough in the day. I am trying to stay as organized as possible, but there are times that I feel like I am running around with my head cut off...I think that with training and with cambios it made things really hectic, but now I think things will start settling back down again. I am trying to still focus a lot on helping Hermana Hunt get trained thoroughly and also helping Hermana Turcios become familiar with the sector. I am still really trying to focus on keeping the Spirit with me at all times, and being sensitive enough to feel it and hear His whispers.
I am really enjoying the work that we have before us this cambio. I am trying my best to do the best I can. I love this sector, the people, and my comps. The work is beautiful.
We found an old investigator again!!!! We put him with a baptismal date again, and he accepted. We taught with his sister also this week, and she cried as she said the closing prayer. It was beautiful. However the last time that we passed by his son told us that he doesn´t want us to come by anymore and that no one likes us coming by...as he was asking us to leave, the father came to the door and invited us in with a smile. We had a heart to heart with them...we straightened things out, and hopefully the both of them will be coming to church this Sunday. I had to rely so much on the Spirit during that meeting I left just physically, mentally, and spiritually exhausted. It was intense, but hopefully we got things cleared up so that he and his family can continue to progress and receive these blessing that they need so very much.
I have gotten a lot of great news this week, including news that hermanito in Punta Arenas, who always used to help us in the work, got his mission call to AFRICA!!!! That´s big news for anyone here. Usually the farthest that Chileans go is to Columbia. I was really excited for him. Also, we have got some really just rock solid investigators right now...I know that we will be seeing baptisms.... One investigator mentioned casually this week that "when she and her daughter get baptized...." I was sitting there thinking...WHAT??! She is really starting to embrace the doctrine.
Well, this is all I have time for. I love you all so much. Thank you for your letters and the news from home. I loved it. I pray for you all every time. I miss you lots and I love you way, way more than you can ever know. I just realized that the Mother´s Day phone call is comin up! Can´t wait! Tell Scott congrats on graduating!!!!! I miss that kid. I am glad that he´ll be in Utah when I get back. I love you all tons.
Sent with bear hugs,
Hermana Bertagnole
WELL the winter is here...I sit here in the internet cafe with wet and cold feet....it´s been raining today...and will rain probably all day long, but I think I will miss the rain, once I return home to Kansas.
We are having a great week and we are working really hard. Those two always seem to go hand in hand. We are really working on teaching better with the three of us. It´s a lot different teaching with three missionaries than it is with two. I am really trying on getting us to all teach with more unity, and more clarity. It´s a work in progress, but it is really good for us. It´s a great experience being in a trio.
I feel more now than ever before in my mission that there really isn´t time enough in the day. I am trying to stay as organized as possible, but there are times that I feel like I am running around with my head cut off...I think that with training and with cambios it made things really hectic, but now I think things will start settling back down again. I am trying to still focus a lot on helping Hermana Hunt get trained thoroughly and also helping Hermana Turcios become familiar with the sector. I am still really trying to focus on keeping the Spirit with me at all times, and being sensitive enough to feel it and hear His whispers.
I am really enjoying the work that we have before us this cambio. I am trying my best to do the best I can. I love this sector, the people, and my comps. The work is beautiful.
We found an old investigator again!!!! We put him with a baptismal date again, and he accepted. We taught with his sister also this week, and she cried as she said the closing prayer. It was beautiful. However the last time that we passed by his son told us that he doesn´t want us to come by anymore and that no one likes us coming by...as he was asking us to leave, the father came to the door and invited us in with a smile. We had a heart to heart with them...we straightened things out, and hopefully the both of them will be coming to church this Sunday. I had to rely so much on the Spirit during that meeting I left just physically, mentally, and spiritually exhausted. It was intense, but hopefully we got things cleared up so that he and his family can continue to progress and receive these blessing that they need so very much.
I have gotten a lot of great news this week, including news that hermanito in Punta Arenas, who always used to help us in the work, got his mission call to AFRICA!!!! That´s big news for anyone here. Usually the farthest that Chileans go is to Columbia. I was really excited for him. Also, we have got some really just rock solid investigators right now...I know that we will be seeing baptisms.... One investigator mentioned casually this week that "when she and her daughter get baptized...." I was sitting there thinking...WHAT??! She is really starting to embrace the doctrine.
Well, this is all I have time for. I love you all so much. Thank you for your letters and the news from home. I loved it. I pray for you all every time. I miss you lots and I love you way, way more than you can ever know. I just realized that the Mother´s Day phone call is comin up! Can´t wait! Tell Scott congrats on graduating!!!!! I miss that kid. I am glad that he´ll be in Utah when I get back. I love you all tons.
Sent with bear hugs,
Hermana Bertagnole
We are in a trio now!!!!
Hey family,
The big news this week is that we are in a trio now. I am still with mi hija, Hna Hunt, but we got another new Hermanita from Honduras. She isn´t brand new, but this is only her second sector, so she is still pretty new. But it is so nice to have her. We are getting a ton of work done. Every time we have a member come out with us (a sister from the ward) we can do divisions! AWESOME! We are working hard and loving the work. The first week of trios has just been great!!!! I am not going to lie, I was really a little bit nervous. I prayed for strength and more faith, and I received peace. These last couple days with Hermana Hunt and Hermana Turcios have been great. We are getting a lot of work done. The days are flying, and I am really trying to focus on making every second count and be memorable. I don´t like when the days just blur into weeks..which I feel like happens a lot. There are so many miracles that happen around me, I just want to make sure that I am recognizing each and every one of them. I know there are miracles that are happening that maybe I´ll never know about as well. I have seen the hand of the Lord so much.
We have some great people that we are teaching. The people that we had at Conference are just progressing like crazy. The family that we brought are great. The father is the son of a very faithful member in Franke (another ward in the stake). I got to meet his mom at Gen conference. She was SO nice, and so happy to see us. The son has been inactive since he left for college almost 40 years ago. He is active and participating in the Church now. His wife isn´t a member but she comes to Church with him and their daughter every week. They are so great. It´s so refreshing to teach them.
Also we had two new investigators attend the Conference. They are both so great and so interested. They are progressing very well. They have such a conviction to know the truth. One has already read half of the Book of Mormon...and apologizes that he hasn´t finished it already! So great. We are focusing on the power of prayer with the both of them so that they can receive powerful answers. Our meta is to put them with fecha this week; help them to really take hold of the vision, and the plan of our Heavenly Father.
I am learning to be more bold. I feel the Spirit more when I do so. I know that we share a strong and powerful message, and I have learned that that is how it needs to be shared. With faith and confidence. Sometimes when you love people, it´s better to just tell them what´s up, than trying to do things suavecito....:) Palos con amor digamos. And it is always received well when it is done with love...and I LOVE THESE PEOPLE!
I am loving working with Hermana Hunt and Turcios. I can see Hermana Hunt just progress so much every day. Hermana Turcios has such a strong testimony and a quiet but very powerful presence. I feel a strong love and admiration for her already. I can tell she will be a very dear companion for me. She reminds me a little of my momma Aponte. Hermana Turcious has quite the story. Very strong hermanita. It´s a priveledge to walk along side her.
Well, I am trying to be like Jesus. I hope you all are doing the same. If we apply what we all learned in primary...we will be the happiest people on earth.
I love you all so much. Thank you for your letters. Sorry I forgot to tell Eric and Stephy HAPPY BIRTHDAY last P.day, but know that when the day of your birthdays came...I was aware and thinking of you
THE SECRET TO LIFE:
Read your scriptures everyday (personally and as family), pray sincerely (personally and as family), and have a Family Home Evening every week...(even if your kids aren´t home). I love you all so much...if you don´t do it...I will have to give you all palos con amor when I get back...I mean it :) Love you!!!!!!
The big news this week is that we are in a trio now. I am still with mi hija, Hna Hunt, but we got another new Hermanita from Honduras. She isn´t brand new, but this is only her second sector, so she is still pretty new. But it is so nice to have her. We are getting a ton of work done. Every time we have a member come out with us (a sister from the ward) we can do divisions! AWESOME! We are working hard and loving the work. The first week of trios has just been great!!!! I am not going to lie, I was really a little bit nervous. I prayed for strength and more faith, and I received peace. These last couple days with Hermana Hunt and Hermana Turcios have been great. We are getting a lot of work done. The days are flying, and I am really trying to focus on making every second count and be memorable. I don´t like when the days just blur into weeks..which I feel like happens a lot. There are so many miracles that happen around me, I just want to make sure that I am recognizing each and every one of them. I know there are miracles that are happening that maybe I´ll never know about as well. I have seen the hand of the Lord so much.
We have some great people that we are teaching. The people that we had at Conference are just progressing like crazy. The family that we brought are great. The father is the son of a very faithful member in Franke (another ward in the stake). I got to meet his mom at Gen conference. She was SO nice, and so happy to see us. The son has been inactive since he left for college almost 40 years ago. He is active and participating in the Church now. His wife isn´t a member but she comes to Church with him and their daughter every week. They are so great. It´s so refreshing to teach them.
Also we had two new investigators attend the Conference. They are both so great and so interested. They are progressing very well. They have such a conviction to know the truth. One has already read half of the Book of Mormon...and apologizes that he hasn´t finished it already! So great. We are focusing on the power of prayer with the both of them so that they can receive powerful answers. Our meta is to put them with fecha this week; help them to really take hold of the vision, and the plan of our Heavenly Father.
I am learning to be more bold. I feel the Spirit more when I do so. I know that we share a strong and powerful message, and I have learned that that is how it needs to be shared. With faith and confidence. Sometimes when you love people, it´s better to just tell them what´s up, than trying to do things suavecito....:) Palos con amor digamos. And it is always received well when it is done with love...and I LOVE THESE PEOPLE!
I am loving working with Hermana Hunt and Turcios. I can see Hermana Hunt just progress so much every day. Hermana Turcios has such a strong testimony and a quiet but very powerful presence. I feel a strong love and admiration for her already. I can tell she will be a very dear companion for me. She reminds me a little of my momma Aponte. Hermana Turcious has quite the story. Very strong hermanita. It´s a priveledge to walk along side her.
Well, I am trying to be like Jesus. I hope you all are doing the same. If we apply what we all learned in primary...we will be the happiest people on earth.
I love you all so much. Thank you for your letters. Sorry I forgot to tell Eric and Stephy HAPPY BIRTHDAY last P.day, but know that when the day of your birthdays came...I was aware and thinking of you
THE SECRET TO LIFE:
Read your scriptures everyday (personally and as family), pray sincerely (personally and as family), and have a Family Home Evening every week...(even if your kids aren´t home). I love you all so much...if you don´t do it...I will have to give you all palos con amor when I get back...I mean it :) Love you!!!!!!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Janelle's March 26 letter
HOLA HERMOSOS!
AWESOME about the story of the angel Moroni!!!! I can´t believe the temple is so far along!!!! I just got SO excited to hear that! COOL experience. That one better go in everyone´s journal. Well, also I hope that everyone is enjoying life in the good ol´ USA...I heard that Obama was here in Chile this week. Go figure...he didn´t even come say hi to his midwest homegirl...how rude. Oh well, I am over it. Anyway, loved seeing the picutres and hearing your news this week. Thank you! Also, I got the scripture stickers you sent...THANK YOU!!!! I was to the point where I could only mark the really, really good scriptures...and that´s just not right to play favorites like that. Thank you. I love you. My bishop said next time you send a package he wants beef jerky :) Hahahaha. ew. He had one too many gringo comps in the mission, I think.
I am sending a picture of the best family EVER! He is/was a menos activo for almost 40 years and she was a missionary for the Testigos de Jehova, and that´s how she met him. What a love story, eh? They are so great. They have started coming every Sunday. Bishop gave them the Our Legacy book and they have both read it almost all the way through! She liked it a lot. We had a really powerful lesson with them this week. We talked about baptism. They are the ones that I bought the BOM, BIBLE, HYMNAL, and Children´s scripture study (like we had when we were kids!!!!). I love this family. Please pray for them and another family that we are teaching They both need lots of prayers. Thank you.
Hermana Hunt and I are working hard here in Ovejeria. I feel so blessed to have such great support of our ward, and especially our Bishop. I know that all missionaries have problems with members falling through, and we have experienced that a little this week, but I still feel so blessed to have their support in the work. I know that they have the best intentions in the world to help us and go out with us, but life just gets in the way sometimes. I understand that. We had a great Noche de Hogar as a ward last night. It was fantastic. The importance of avoiding gossip. So good. I hope that it will be a reminder to all the members so that we avoid potential problems in the ward. We had a great turn out.
This Sunday we are hoping and praying for another great turn out of investigators in Sacrament meeting. We are working hard to make sure that they all get there. We are trying to get the members involved to give them an added push. Obviously the members make more of a difference than we do. Please pray for us!!!!!!!! We are trying to get a couple families to church, as well as a young woman that we are teaching.
Hermana Hunt is progressing well. She feels bad sometimes about her Spanish, but I keep telling her that she is progressing every day. I know she feels bad when people can´t understand her...I remember that. I remember how it was...and still is sometimes, but I know that it doesn´t matter as much when we teach with the Spirit. We are trying to really do things right here. It´s hard...and impossible to be perfect...in the mission or out. We always teach our investigators, that it´s ok if they are not perfect, but as long as they are trying their best...we teach them that glorious message of the Atonement, but sometimes I think we forget it as missionaries. Just because we are missionaries doesn´t mean that we are perfect...we just have to give it all we have. I am learning a lot of patience, and a lot of faith. I love the work. It is beautiful and inspired.
I am loving life as a missionary. What more can I say...it´s just so great.
Oh and just so you know...NEXT WEEK IS PDAY ON FRIDAY...because of conference....so if you´re going to write me (and I hope you do ) write before Friday, por favor.
I love you all, I hope you are all having a great week.
GO TO EVERY SESSION OF CONFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!! D&C 1:38 IT IS A BLESSING TO HAVE SO MUCH IN JUST TWO DAYS!!!!!!
ALso read your BOM and pray every day...don´t get lazy on the small and simple things...that´s what brings salvation. If we don´t do it, we put our salvation at risk.
Welp, with that being said. I love you all so much. Don´t you ever go forgetting that. I love you and think of you and pray for you all so often. Thank you for existing.
-BESOS!!!!!
Hermana Bertagnole
AWESOME about the story of the angel Moroni!!!! I can´t believe the temple is so far along!!!! I just got SO excited to hear that! COOL experience. That one better go in everyone´s journal. Well, also I hope that everyone is enjoying life in the good ol´ USA...I heard that Obama was here in Chile this week. Go figure...he didn´t even come say hi to his midwest homegirl...how rude. Oh well, I am over it. Anyway, loved seeing the picutres and hearing your news this week. Thank you! Also, I got the scripture stickers you sent...THANK YOU!!!! I was to the point where I could only mark the really, really good scriptures...and that´s just not right to play favorites like that. Thank you. I love you. My bishop said next time you send a package he wants beef jerky :) Hahahaha. ew. He had one too many gringo comps in the mission, I think.
I am sending a picture of the best family EVER! He is/was a menos activo for almost 40 years and she was a missionary for the Testigos de Jehova, and that´s how she met him. What a love story, eh? They are so great. They have started coming every Sunday. Bishop gave them the Our Legacy book and they have both read it almost all the way through! She liked it a lot. We had a really powerful lesson with them this week. We talked about baptism. They are the ones that I bought the BOM, BIBLE, HYMNAL, and Children´s scripture study (like we had when we were kids!!!!). I love this family. Please pray for them and another family that we are teaching They both need lots of prayers. Thank you.
Hermana Hunt and I are working hard here in Ovejeria. I feel so blessed to have such great support of our ward, and especially our Bishop. I know that all missionaries have problems with members falling through, and we have experienced that a little this week, but I still feel so blessed to have their support in the work. I know that they have the best intentions in the world to help us and go out with us, but life just gets in the way sometimes. I understand that. We had a great Noche de Hogar as a ward last night. It was fantastic. The importance of avoiding gossip. So good. I hope that it will be a reminder to all the members so that we avoid potential problems in the ward. We had a great turn out.
This Sunday we are hoping and praying for another great turn out of investigators in Sacrament meeting. We are working hard to make sure that they all get there. We are trying to get the members involved to give them an added push. Obviously the members make more of a difference than we do. Please pray for us!!!!!!!! We are trying to get a couple families to church, as well as a young woman that we are teaching.
Hermana Hunt is progressing well. She feels bad sometimes about her Spanish, but I keep telling her that she is progressing every day. I know she feels bad when people can´t understand her...I remember that. I remember how it was...and still is sometimes, but I know that it doesn´t matter as much when we teach with the Spirit. We are trying to really do things right here. It´s hard...and impossible to be perfect...in the mission or out. We always teach our investigators, that it´s ok if they are not perfect, but as long as they are trying their best...we teach them that glorious message of the Atonement, but sometimes I think we forget it as missionaries. Just because we are missionaries doesn´t mean that we are perfect...we just have to give it all we have. I am learning a lot of patience, and a lot of faith. I love the work. It is beautiful and inspired.
I am loving life as a missionary. What more can I say...it´s just so great.
Oh and just so you know...NEXT WEEK IS PDAY ON FRIDAY...because of conference....so if you´re going to write me (and I hope you do ) write before Friday, por favor.
I love you all, I hope you are all having a great week.
GO TO EVERY SESSION OF CONFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!! D&C 1:38 IT IS A BLESSING TO HAVE SO MUCH IN JUST TWO DAYS!!!!!!
ALso read your BOM and pray every day...don´t get lazy on the small and simple things...that´s what brings salvation. If we don´t do it, we put our salvation at risk.
Welp, with that being said. I love you all so much. Don´t you ever go forgetting that. I love you and think of you and pray for you all so often. Thank you for existing.
-BESOS!!!!!
Hermana Bertagnole
Janelle's April 1 letter
Es tan bonito aca....you all should probably come pick me up :)
We have seen lots of success so far this week. It´s strange having Pday today...even though it´s only one day early it feels like they´ve cut my week in half! Oh well, for a very, very good cause. CONFERENCE! I am so excited. We have quite a few people lined up to come and hear the Prophet! Including some new people that we have just started teaching, and a young man that is inactive since he was a little boy, and now doesn´t really believe in God. It is so great to see the change that takes place in people. Speaking of change....our APs just came back from visiting in Punta Arenas, and one of them used to be my Zone Leader down there, so he always heard about the people we were teaching. There was a little old lady...I don´t know if you all remember me talking about her. She is 81 years old and we taught her, but the progress was slower than she was, ...but there was still something that kept bringing us back to teach her....well, the AP came back and he told me today..."You wouldn´t believe who got baptized down there..." WHAT????? !!!!!! I always worried she wouldn´t get to be baptized here in this life, but I was SO overwhelmed to hear that. She is a very special old lady...I loved her so much...Some of my best memories of the mission are with her. So funny. I´ll have to show you all the videos I have of her when I get back. Our Heavenly Father works on people´s hearts. It´s beautiful.
Well, we are really trying to help keep our investigators having the vision of baptism. We began teaching a woman this week...she shared years and years ago with missionaries, and we invited her to be baptized, and she accepted. However we learned the second time that we visited her that she and her husband aren´t legally married, so we have some work to do there, but there is great promise in her. Also we began teaching a woman, her son, and his two friends ....de oro. They are so great...they just need to overcome a little bit of fear, and believe and have faith in the answer to prayer. They are really special people. We are teaching them tonight at 7pm...pray for us! Also we found a young man in contacts the other day. AWESOME. He shows great promise, and is planning on coming to Conference this Sunday. I am excited for him. You can bet on the Prophet to convert.
Well, that´s all I have time for this week. Thanks for your letters. I am glad to hear that everyone is having a great time on vacations, at work, and finishing up school. Sounds pretty good to me.
The pictures I sent are the graffiti outside the momita´s house and the other one is from today´s pday activity...we played broom hockey...and we broke all of the brooms from our houses. Hahahah it got kind of intense...but no one got hurt...a testimony that Heavenly Father protects His missionaries :)
Well, sorry I don´t have time for more, but the time is short. I love you all so much though. I hope you are all doing well. Thank you for all you do for me...you letters, prayers, love and support. Thank you. Love you.
-Hermana Bertagnole
We have seen lots of success so far this week. It´s strange having Pday today...even though it´s only one day early it feels like they´ve cut my week in half! Oh well, for a very, very good cause. CONFERENCE! I am so excited. We have quite a few people lined up to come and hear the Prophet! Including some new people that we have just started teaching, and a young man that is inactive since he was a little boy, and now doesn´t really believe in God. It is so great to see the change that takes place in people. Speaking of change....our APs just came back from visiting in Punta Arenas, and one of them used to be my Zone Leader down there, so he always heard about the people we were teaching. There was a little old lady...I don´t know if you all remember me talking about her. She is 81 years old and we taught her, but the progress was slower than she was, ...but there was still something that kept bringing us back to teach her....well, the AP came back and he told me today..."You wouldn´t believe who got baptized down there..." WHAT????? !!!!!! I always worried she wouldn´t get to be baptized here in this life, but I was SO overwhelmed to hear that. She is a very special old lady...I loved her so much...Some of my best memories of the mission are with her. So funny. I´ll have to show you all the videos I have of her when I get back. Our Heavenly Father works on people´s hearts. It´s beautiful.
Well, we are really trying to help keep our investigators having the vision of baptism. We began teaching a woman this week...she shared years and years ago with missionaries, and we invited her to be baptized, and she accepted. However we learned the second time that we visited her that she and her husband aren´t legally married, so we have some work to do there, but there is great promise in her. Also we began teaching a woman, her son, and his two friends ....de oro. They are so great...they just need to overcome a little bit of fear, and believe and have faith in the answer to prayer. They are really special people. We are teaching them tonight at 7pm...pray for us! Also we found a young man in contacts the other day. AWESOME. He shows great promise, and is planning on coming to Conference this Sunday. I am excited for him. You can bet on the Prophet to convert.
Well, that´s all I have time for this week. Thanks for your letters. I am glad to hear that everyone is having a great time on vacations, at work, and finishing up school. Sounds pretty good to me.
The pictures I sent are the graffiti outside the momita´s house and the other one is from today´s pday activity...we played broom hockey...and we broke all of the brooms from our houses. Hahahah it got kind of intense...but no one got hurt...a testimony that Heavenly Father protects His missionaries :)
Well, sorry I don´t have time for more, but the time is short. I love you all so much though. I hope you are all doing well. Thank you for all you do for me...you letters, prayers, love and support. Thank you. Love you.
-Hermana Bertagnole
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Raincoats and umbrellas
March 19, 2011
FAMILIA HERMOSA:
Thank you for the letters this week. I just love hearing from you all. I love you so much. I know I say that every letter...but I feel like I love you all more every week. De verdad. So thank you for all you do. Thank you for your prayers and love. Thank you for thinking and praying for me. I can feel it. If ever the work gets a little rough, I just think of all your prayers, and I am cured. Just love the missionaries. Spoil them. Treat them like their part of our family. They need it. I feel sometimes very spoiled here in the mission...I just hope every missionary in the world is spoiled by the members in the wards in which they are serving.
Well anyway, the rain has begun! I am teaching Hermana Hunt to do contacts in the rain....a whole new technique. She is really continuing to progress well. I enjoy being her companion. We are really working hard to apply what we learned in the training that we had this week with President Lovell. We reviewed the other trainings a little before and after the training this week. As we have been applying these next two points of capacitation, I can tell a difference in the Spirit of our lessons. I feel very bad that we have not had baptisms in so long. I know that if we don´t improve or change what we are doing, nothing will change or improve in the work. No matter how hard we work, if we don´t work effectively, nothing really changes. I know, and I have faith that there are people that we are teaching and finding that can progress and be baptized. At least one a month. I know it. We just have to apply the Spirit in the teaching and make sure that we do our part. I know that the Lord is and has been preparing people to enter the waters of baptism, and I am 100% positive that if we improve our teaching, and most importantly we teach more with the Spirit, they will be ready and excited to take that step.
This last zone meeting we had a pretty intense talk about what we need to do as a zone. We are so short on the thing that matters most, which is the number of souls we are saving. Our zone leaders presented to us that as a zone we have 5 baptisms for this year so far...we should have 24. When they presented that I felt sick. I know that there is a way that is prepared...sometimes I think there is some magic thing that we are missing, and if I only knew what it was, and applied it the work would suddenly transform. I know there´s no "quick fix", but I have been able to tell that we aren´t teaching people as much as we are teaching lessons. Hermana Hunt and I are trying to practice every day at getting better at that. We fasted yesterday. I think part of my fast had to do with a bit of repentance...to help me change my attitude and have more faith, and to truly love EVERYONE that crosses my path. It is easy to get frustrated sometimes in the work...and I felt like this last week I fell a little bit into that Laman and Lemuel attitude, rather than the Nephi attitude. I have felt a lot better after I have fasted. I know that every time we humble ourselves, we are blessed, and our Heavenly Father is pleased. I am so grateful for His perfect patience with me and His perfect forgiveness and love.
We have really had a hard time the last two weeks finding the investigators that we have or have had with a baptismal fecha. We still haven´t been able to find Orlando...(breaks my heart), but we are going to try and pass by again tonight...pray for us. I know he´ll be there. I know it. We have seen so many blessings this week in finding new people to teach. We have found 2 families, and a young couple to teach! They are all really great. I am excited to continue teaching them, and seeing them progress.
Well, that´s all I got time for this week. The picture I am sending is of a prank that our Zone leaders played on us. They stole everyone´s nametag and then gave them back to us...in jello. Hmmm Mmm...
I am growing and learning everyday...I am so grateful for all the lessons learned on the mission and in life. I love you all so much. Be good.
-Hermana Bertagnole
FAMILIA HERMOSA:
Thank you for the letters this week. I just love hearing from you all. I love you so much. I know I say that every letter...but I feel like I love you all more every week. De verdad. So thank you for all you do. Thank you for your prayers and love. Thank you for thinking and praying for me. I can feel it. If ever the work gets a little rough, I just think of all your prayers, and I am cured. Just love the missionaries. Spoil them. Treat them like their part of our family. They need it. I feel sometimes very spoiled here in the mission...I just hope every missionary in the world is spoiled by the members in the wards in which they are serving.
Well anyway, the rain has begun! I am teaching Hermana Hunt to do contacts in the rain....a whole new technique. She is really continuing to progress well. I enjoy being her companion. We are really working hard to apply what we learned in the training that we had this week with President Lovell. We reviewed the other trainings a little before and after the training this week. As we have been applying these next two points of capacitation, I can tell a difference in the Spirit of our lessons. I feel very bad that we have not had baptisms in so long. I know that if we don´t improve or change what we are doing, nothing will change or improve in the work. No matter how hard we work, if we don´t work effectively, nothing really changes. I know, and I have faith that there are people that we are teaching and finding that can progress and be baptized. At least one a month. I know it. We just have to apply the Spirit in the teaching and make sure that we do our part. I know that the Lord is and has been preparing people to enter the waters of baptism, and I am 100% positive that if we improve our teaching, and most importantly we teach more with the Spirit, they will be ready and excited to take that step.
This last zone meeting we had a pretty intense talk about what we need to do as a zone. We are so short on the thing that matters most, which is the number of souls we are saving. Our zone leaders presented to us that as a zone we have 5 baptisms for this year so far...we should have 24. When they presented that I felt sick. I know that there is a way that is prepared...sometimes I think there is some magic thing that we are missing, and if I only knew what it was, and applied it the work would suddenly transform. I know there´s no "quick fix", but I have been able to tell that we aren´t teaching people as much as we are teaching lessons. Hermana Hunt and I are trying to practice every day at getting better at that. We fasted yesterday. I think part of my fast had to do with a bit of repentance...to help me change my attitude and have more faith, and to truly love EVERYONE that crosses my path. It is easy to get frustrated sometimes in the work...and I felt like this last week I fell a little bit into that Laman and Lemuel attitude, rather than the Nephi attitude. I have felt a lot better after I have fasted. I know that every time we humble ourselves, we are blessed, and our Heavenly Father is pleased. I am so grateful for His perfect patience with me and His perfect forgiveness and love.
We have really had a hard time the last two weeks finding the investigators that we have or have had with a baptismal fecha. We still haven´t been able to find Orlando...(breaks my heart), but we are going to try and pass by again tonight...pray for us. I know he´ll be there. I know it. We have seen so many blessings this week in finding new people to teach. We have found 2 families, and a young couple to teach! They are all really great. I am excited to continue teaching them, and seeing them progress.
Well, that´s all I got time for this week. The picture I am sending is of a prank that our Zone leaders played on us. They stole everyone´s nametag and then gave them back to us...in jello. Hmmm Mmm...
I am growing and learning everyday...I am so grateful for all the lessons learned on the mission and in life. I love you all so much. Be good.
-Hermana Bertagnole
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Nothing to complain about….
Mar 12, 2011
Welp, here I am, loving life in Chile.
Thanks for your letters and pictures this week. I loved hearing how everyone is doing. I hope that you all have a great week next week. You are all in my prayers. Thank you for your encouragement and advice and prayers. It means more than you might realize. What can I say, I just love you guys :)
This week we had a great week. Pretty normal, but as you know, normal in the mission is just full of miracles. We feel blessed and well cared for in this sector. The work with the members was a little slower this week, as well as finding new people to teach, but when you put the numbers aside, we had a great week of really great lessons. The only sad thing is that we couldn´t find Orlando AT ALL this week...but even with that we saw miracles. I think sometimes as missionaries we are a little bit like stalkers...jajaja. We passed by everyday this week to try and find him, and he just wasn´t home. However, we did get to teach his brother (menos activo) and his sister (not a member, but is just awesome). So that was great. I hope that we can see some great progress with this family, and really help them all get to church this Sunday. Please pray so that we can find them, especially Orlando.
The other family that we are teaching that is just AWESOME is Juan and Paola...I don´t remember if I have told you about them or not. But they are just great. They are working on getting married. I love this family so much. This week they came to church and loved it and said they are making arrangements so that they can come every Sunday. He bought a tie, and they asked if they could order the Reina Valera Bible and the Triple combination, and the hymnal from the church so that they can be prepared in all the classes...Just so you know I ordered it for them as a surprise. It was really cheap though...like 16 bucks for all of it. And I got their little girl the Book of Mormon picture book that we used to read when we were little. I am excited to give it all to them . They are just so great. His mom is a really active member in another ward and I know that for her, having her son come back to church after almost 30 years of being inactive is just a miracle. I am happy to be a witness of it. It´s really special.
Also, funny story for the week... the other day we got out a collectivo and we heard someone whistling away at us...usually when that happens we just don´t pay any attention to it, but my companion, being new, isn´t quite used to it yet...we exchanged a few eye rolls at each other, thinking that it was some jerk man. A few days later we walked down the street that it happened on and we saw this parrot. Whistling away! HAHAHAHAHA....oh so vain we are :) We didn´t realize that the parrots found us so attractive!
Well, That´s all I have time for. I love you guys. The mission is the best thing that has ever happened to me...except for the Gospel in general, and a family like you guys :) Thank you for the life and love that you have given me. I love you guys so much. I miss you and pray for you always. Thank you for everything.
TONS of abrazos....
-Hermana Bertagnole
Welp, here I am, loving life in Chile.
Thanks for your letters and pictures this week. I loved hearing how everyone is doing. I hope that you all have a great week next week. You are all in my prayers. Thank you for your encouragement and advice and prayers. It means more than you might realize. What can I say, I just love you guys :)
This week we had a great week. Pretty normal, but as you know, normal in the mission is just full of miracles. We feel blessed and well cared for in this sector. The work with the members was a little slower this week, as well as finding new people to teach, but when you put the numbers aside, we had a great week of really great lessons. The only sad thing is that we couldn´t find Orlando AT ALL this week...but even with that we saw miracles. I think sometimes as missionaries we are a little bit like stalkers...jajaja. We passed by everyday this week to try and find him, and he just wasn´t home. However, we did get to teach his brother (menos activo) and his sister (not a member, but is just awesome). So that was great. I hope that we can see some great progress with this family, and really help them all get to church this Sunday. Please pray so that we can find them, especially Orlando.
The other family that we are teaching that is just AWESOME is Juan and Paola...I don´t remember if I have told you about them or not. But they are just great. They are working on getting married. I love this family so much. This week they came to church and loved it and said they are making arrangements so that they can come every Sunday. He bought a tie, and they asked if they could order the Reina Valera Bible and the Triple combination, and the hymnal from the church so that they can be prepared in all the classes...Just so you know I ordered it for them as a surprise. It was really cheap though...like 16 bucks for all of it. And I got their little girl the Book of Mormon picture book that we used to read when we were little. I am excited to give it all to them . They are just so great. His mom is a really active member in another ward and I know that for her, having her son come back to church after almost 30 years of being inactive is just a miracle. I am happy to be a witness of it. It´s really special.
Also, funny story for the week... the other day we got out a collectivo and we heard someone whistling away at us...usually when that happens we just don´t pay any attention to it, but my companion, being new, isn´t quite used to it yet...we exchanged a few eye rolls at each other, thinking that it was some jerk man. A few days later we walked down the street that it happened on and we saw this parrot. Whistling away! HAHAHAHAHA....oh so vain we are :) We didn´t realize that the parrots found us so attractive!
Well, That´s all I have time for. I love you guys. The mission is the best thing that has ever happened to me...except for the Gospel in general, and a family like you guys :) Thank you for the life and love that you have given me. I love you guys so much. I miss you and pray for you always. Thank you for everything.
TONS of abrazos....
-Hermana Bertagnole
Sunday, March 6, 2011
March 4, 2011
Well hello there!
Well, I hit the year mark. It still doesn´t feel like it, but es lo que hay. I am just loving every second...even when it´s hard. I have noticed that when we are working our hardest, we don´t have as many "hard times"...not that everything comes easy, but it´s just we don´t pay attention to ourselves. I am convinced that if ever we are having a hard time...in whatever aspect of life...if we work hard serving others, we´ll forget about it and we´ll be much more grateful for what we have.
One thing that I was very grateful for this week was a referral of an Hermano in our ward...Hermano Caro referred us a man that he met...he´s the blind man that I told you about. We talked to him about the Restoration and baptism......he accepted to be baptized the 2nd of April... (!!!!)....He accepted full-hearted. I just feel so blessed to know him. He and the deaf woman that I taught in P. Arenas...gosh, they truly have such a blessing of feeling the Spirit so strongly. It is amazing. They remind me a lot of one another. What a blessing to teach them.
I am out of time, but one fun fact....our kitchen sink pipe busted this morning and we had about a 1 and a half standing water in our kitchen this morning :) Hahahaha! Oh the adventure of the mission. :)
Well, I love you all so much. Sorry this one´s kind of short...short on time.
Love you!!!!!!!!!
Hermana Bertagnole
Well hello there!
Well, I hit the year mark. It still doesn´t feel like it, but es lo que hay. I am just loving every second...even when it´s hard. I have noticed that when we are working our hardest, we don´t have as many "hard times"...not that everything comes easy, but it´s just we don´t pay attention to ourselves. I am convinced that if ever we are having a hard time...in whatever aspect of life...if we work hard serving others, we´ll forget about it and we´ll be much more grateful for what we have.
One thing that I was very grateful for this week was a referral of an Hermano in our ward...Hermano Caro referred us a man that he met...he´s the blind man that I told you about. We talked to him about the Restoration and baptism......he accepted to be baptized the 2nd of April... (!!!!)....He accepted full-hearted. I just feel so blessed to know him. He and the deaf woman that I taught in P. Arenas...gosh, they truly have such a blessing of feeling the Spirit so strongly. It is amazing. They remind me a lot of one another. What a blessing to teach them.
I am out of time, but one fun fact....our kitchen sink pipe busted this morning and we had about a 1 and a half standing water in our kitchen this morning :) Hahahaha! Oh the adventure of the mission. :)
Well, I love you all so much. Sorry this one´s kind of short...short on time.
Love you!!!!!!!!!
Hermana Bertagnole
Saturday, February 26, 2011
I'm sure that I am learning more than "mi hija"
Feb 26, 2011
Hello there family,
These have been some of the best few days of the mission. I can feel a change happening me. It´s pretty neat. I thought I loved the mission, but the last few weeks, I can just feel even deeper every day the blessing of this service. I wake up so happy every day, to get up and get out there and share this message.
The last few days of training have been such a great experience. I know that I am learning more from her than she is learning from me, but at the same time, she is learning so MUCH! (I´m just learning more...is that unfair to say?...I don´t know, but I´m sure it´s true). It has been such a testimony to me that the Lord calls those that have the desire to serve, and then He qualifies them for the work. She has grown leaps and bounds in just 3 days. I tell her, and she humbly denies it. Maybe she can´t tell, but I have the front row seat and I am just amazed at how great the learning curve is on the mission. I can already tell her Spanish is improving, her teaching skills, her sensitivity to the Spirit, her testimony, her understanding...she is growing so much! It is really cool to stop and think about. I think of the past year, and the progress that I have made in only one year. Not just as a missionary, but as a person, as a daughter of God. Now I know why we serve missions. If I had chosen not to serve a mission, I think that it would have taken me many, many, many....MANY years to make this progress. I have been changed...and it really has nothing to do with me. It has to do with the Atonement. Thanks to Jesus Christ, we can change. We can be better. We can get up every morning and try our best, and go to bed every night and promise to try even harder the next day. What a blessing! Tell the world about it!
We have a new bishop in the ward. Obispo Pablo Muñoz. Last night we had a really great reunion with him, the Soc Soc presidency, and our Ward mission leader. He is very passionate about getting the members to be missionaries. He is having every organization think of ways that they can help those that we teach, and even more give references of those that we can teach. I am SO impressed with the fire that Obispo Muñoz has for the work. He served in this mission many years ago, and so he knows what it takes to have success. I am very excited to really get the ward excited for the work. Hermana Baum and I saw some great progress the last cambio, and with this new push for the work from the Obispo, I know we´ll continue to see it grow. I KNOW that if every member of the Church obeyed the commandment given to be a missionary, there would so much less problems. Just think if the whole ward acted, served, prayed, studied, testified like missionaries do....how much better off would we be? How much happier would we be? A lot. Think about it. It´s a commandment. When we obey, we receive great blessings. BE MEMBER MISSIONARIES! IT¨S SO WORTH IT!
I am just so happy. We are seeing a lot of great progress here in this sector. I feel blessed to be a witness of it. I am grateful for the miracles that we see every day. I love this. And yes, it is all that I hope for, and so very much more. Thank you for the support and love and letters of encouragement for the last year. Thank you for making this possible for me, and thank you for preparing me for this for the last 22 years. I love you all. Have a great week, and please keep praying for us. (We found 2 more families this week...de oro...milagros) Prayers are answered.
--LOVE--
Hermana Bertagnole
Hello there family,
These have been some of the best few days of the mission. I can feel a change happening me. It´s pretty neat. I thought I loved the mission, but the last few weeks, I can just feel even deeper every day the blessing of this service. I wake up so happy every day, to get up and get out there and share this message.
The last few days of training have been such a great experience. I know that I am learning more from her than she is learning from me, but at the same time, she is learning so MUCH! (I´m just learning more...is that unfair to say?...I don´t know, but I´m sure it´s true). It has been such a testimony to me that the Lord calls those that have the desire to serve, and then He qualifies them for the work. She has grown leaps and bounds in just 3 days. I tell her, and she humbly denies it. Maybe she can´t tell, but I have the front row seat and I am just amazed at how great the learning curve is on the mission. I can already tell her Spanish is improving, her teaching skills, her sensitivity to the Spirit, her testimony, her understanding...she is growing so much! It is really cool to stop and think about. I think of the past year, and the progress that I have made in only one year. Not just as a missionary, but as a person, as a daughter of God. Now I know why we serve missions. If I had chosen not to serve a mission, I think that it would have taken me many, many, many....MANY years to make this progress. I have been changed...and it really has nothing to do with me. It has to do with the Atonement. Thanks to Jesus Christ, we can change. We can be better. We can get up every morning and try our best, and go to bed every night and promise to try even harder the next day. What a blessing! Tell the world about it!
We have a new bishop in the ward. Obispo Pablo Muñoz. Last night we had a really great reunion with him, the Soc Soc presidency, and our Ward mission leader. He is very passionate about getting the members to be missionaries. He is having every organization think of ways that they can help those that we teach, and even more give references of those that we can teach. I am SO impressed with the fire that Obispo Muñoz has for the work. He served in this mission many years ago, and so he knows what it takes to have success. I am very excited to really get the ward excited for the work. Hermana Baum and I saw some great progress the last cambio, and with this new push for the work from the Obispo, I know we´ll continue to see it grow. I KNOW that if every member of the Church obeyed the commandment given to be a missionary, there would so much less problems. Just think if the whole ward acted, served, prayed, studied, testified like missionaries do....how much better off would we be? How much happier would we be? A lot. Think about it. It´s a commandment. When we obey, we receive great blessings. BE MEMBER MISSIONARIES! IT¨S SO WORTH IT!
I am just so happy. We are seeing a lot of great progress here in this sector. I feel blessed to be a witness of it. I am grateful for the miracles that we see every day. I love this. And yes, it is all that I hope for, and so very much more. Thank you for the support and love and letters of encouragement for the last year. Thank you for making this possible for me, and thank you for preparing me for this for the last 22 years. I love you all. Have a great week, and please keep praying for us. (We found 2 more families this week...de oro...milagros) Prayers are answered.
--LOVE--
Hermana Bertagnole
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Finishing up another cambio
Hello Familia bonita,
Well, I have lots of news for you all. I have decided to stay in Chile as long as possible. Asi que, I am going to stay through the September cambio, so that means that I will have to start school in January...I hope that you won´t mind too much my company for a few more months before school starts! I just feel like I can´t give away even a few weeks of the mission just to go to school. I have been and will be going to school for a long time, and the mission is just WAY to short as it is, so I just can´t do it. I love it too much and I am just too happy. There´s too much work to do here anyway. Tell all the Latin sisters in the ward that they are going to have to help me adjust back to Church meetings in English....ewww que trunky.
The other pretty big news, is I found out that I will be training this next cambio...?!?!?!?!?!?! We dropped by the mission home this morning and the President put his arm around my shoulders and asked me, "How do you feel about training?" I am so excited and really nervous at the same time. I know that so much of the type of missionary you are depends on your first few months in the mission...and so much of that depends on your trainer. I feel so blessed to have a great trainer, Hermana Aponte, and I know that thanks to her and the lessons that she taught me, I got off on the right foot. I hope and pray that I will be able to help this little nuevita, Hermanita Hunt really start her mission running. I am excited to get to train her and become her mama in the mission. PRAY FOR ME AND HER. Please. This will be such an important next few months for her and me. I am nervous...but excited. I have lots of good ideas that I hope will help her.
We have had a great week this week. We had divisions on Monday. It was great. We had everything set up again for Wednesday, but one of the sisters bailed on us; but we have another set of divisions set up for this Sunday...tomorrow. I am excited. I love divisions with the sisters in the Relief Society...I feel like we just get so much more done. I know that with training, we won´t be able to do them much, but it was fun while it lasted this cambio. It gets so much more work done. Time is so precious here. Always too fast. I know that it is really helping to have the missionary spirit just come alive in the ward. I can tell a difference in the ward the last couple of weeks. We have gotten a couple of really good references from the members, and one of them will be coming to the conference tomorrow! He´s a blind man. We taught him for the first time yesterday, but he is just great. The best part is that he wanted his son to read him a chapter in the Book of Mormon for him...that´s like hitting two birds with one stone! I can´t help but think of the deaf women that we taught in Punta Arenas, and I know that while being blind or deaf would be such a challenge, when it comes to learning the Gospel and feeling the Spirit, they have such an advantage over us. They just pay more attention to their feelings, instead of the distractions of the world. It is just amazing to me. I am really excited to keep visiting this man and his kids.
We have had a really great cambio. I am sad for Hermana Baum to leave. We have had such a great time together. It has just flown by though. Every cambio goes faster, and I already know the next one will feel like it´s only a few hours long!
I got the Valentine package you sent! Thank you so much. It made my day. I am trying to hide the candy from myself so I don´t eat it all at once. One of my Zone leaders knew and loved Fruit Medley...so I had to hide it from them too. Thank you! As far as the Christmas package goes, we´ll have to just wait and see... But thanks.
Other news...I am getting ready for winter so I am buying a nice umbrella ($20) that will hold up and I am finally getting around to buying that rain jacket ($70) that I told you about back in Chiloe...once I got to P. Arenas, I didn’t need it, but I think now that I am back in Osorno...I will need it pretty bad.
I am so happy. I just can´t believe that I have been given such a great blessing of being in the mission. Every day I wake up and I just kinda smile to myself. It all feels like a dream. I feel so blessed. I love it. I can´t even tell you how much...it´s impossible.
Thank you for your letters and your love. I miss you guys, but I pray for you all every day.
-Abrazos grandes
Hermana Bertagnole
Well, I have lots of news for you all. I have decided to stay in Chile as long as possible. Asi que, I am going to stay through the September cambio, so that means that I will have to start school in January...I hope that you won´t mind too much my company for a few more months before school starts! I just feel like I can´t give away even a few weeks of the mission just to go to school. I have been and will be going to school for a long time, and the mission is just WAY to short as it is, so I just can´t do it. I love it too much and I am just too happy. There´s too much work to do here anyway. Tell all the Latin sisters in the ward that they are going to have to help me adjust back to Church meetings in English....ewww que trunky.
The other pretty big news, is I found out that I will be training this next cambio...?!?!?!?!?!?! We dropped by the mission home this morning and the President put his arm around my shoulders and asked me, "How do you feel about training?" I am so excited and really nervous at the same time. I know that so much of the type of missionary you are depends on your first few months in the mission...and so much of that depends on your trainer. I feel so blessed to have a great trainer, Hermana Aponte, and I know that thanks to her and the lessons that she taught me, I got off on the right foot. I hope and pray that I will be able to help this little nuevita, Hermanita Hunt really start her mission running. I am excited to get to train her and become her mama in the mission. PRAY FOR ME AND HER. Please. This will be such an important next few months for her and me. I am nervous...but excited. I have lots of good ideas that I hope will help her.
We have had a great week this week. We had divisions on Monday. It was great. We had everything set up again for Wednesday, but one of the sisters bailed on us; but we have another set of divisions set up for this Sunday...tomorrow. I am excited. I love divisions with the sisters in the Relief Society...I feel like we just get so much more done. I know that with training, we won´t be able to do them much, but it was fun while it lasted this cambio. It gets so much more work done. Time is so precious here. Always too fast. I know that it is really helping to have the missionary spirit just come alive in the ward. I can tell a difference in the ward the last couple of weeks. We have gotten a couple of really good references from the members, and one of them will be coming to the conference tomorrow! He´s a blind man. We taught him for the first time yesterday, but he is just great. The best part is that he wanted his son to read him a chapter in the Book of Mormon for him...that´s like hitting two birds with one stone! I can´t help but think of the deaf women that we taught in Punta Arenas, and I know that while being blind or deaf would be such a challenge, when it comes to learning the Gospel and feeling the Spirit, they have such an advantage over us. They just pay more attention to their feelings, instead of the distractions of the world. It is just amazing to me. I am really excited to keep visiting this man and his kids.
We have had a really great cambio. I am sad for Hermana Baum to leave. We have had such a great time together. It has just flown by though. Every cambio goes faster, and I already know the next one will feel like it´s only a few hours long!
I got the Valentine package you sent! Thank you so much. It made my day. I am trying to hide the candy from myself so I don´t eat it all at once. One of my Zone leaders knew and loved Fruit Medley...so I had to hide it from them too. Thank you! As far as the Christmas package goes, we´ll have to just wait and see... But thanks.
Other news...I am getting ready for winter so I am buying a nice umbrella ($20) that will hold up and I am finally getting around to buying that rain jacket ($70) that I told you about back in Chiloe...once I got to P. Arenas, I didn’t need it, but I think now that I am back in Osorno...I will need it pretty bad.
I am so happy. I just can´t believe that I have been given such a great blessing of being in the mission. Every day I wake up and I just kinda smile to myself. It all feels like a dream. I feel so blessed. I love it. I can´t even tell you how much...it´s impossible.
Thank you for your letters and your love. I miss you guys, but I pray for you all every day.
-Abrazos grandes
Hermana Bertagnole
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Today we walked through the jungle
Feb 12, 2011
Thank you all for all your letters this week. I love you guys tons. I hope that everything continues to go well this next week. It sounds like you all had a pretty good week. Tell Mikey and Val and the boys "hi" for me while you´re out there. Tell Scott that I’m praying for him lots. I love that kid. I love you all lots and lots and lots.
As for the earthquake, I didn´t even know about it until I read your letters. Don´t worry, we have emergency packs ready, just in case of earthquakes. I know that we are protected, and if we do get one down here, it´ll just be another adventure to write home about. We´re safe.
This week was another really good week. I feel so blessed to be a missionary. I just can´t believe the great privilege that it is in my life. I am changed. I am addicted. I am the happiest I have ever been. We are really working hard helping those that we are teaching to progress. Life just really gets in the way...I hope that you all are remembering why it is, really, that we live in this earth. Always make sure that you have your priorities straight. I realized that before the mission I wasn´t even close to having my priorities straight. I always say that the mission is a miracle in my life...and that is one of the reasons...I feel that it has opened my eyes to the reality of life. It´s beautiful and so inspiring. I can´t imagine my life without the mission....I don´t want to.
This week we had Elder Amado and Pte Lovell in our Zone Conference....It was intense. Elder Amado is the area 70. He is very well known for telling things like it is. He pretty much called us all to repentance. As a mission we had 28 baptisms last month...we should have around 80. I think more than anything as a mission we lack a lot of faith. There is beauty in blind faith. I think a lot of times we say "I will go and do....but...the sector is a tough one...but...the people aren´t receptive...but...I can´t take away their agency...." We are happy to "go" but we don´t really believe that we can make a difference. I know I have certainly felt like that before on the mission and it is so wrong. Obviously, with our own efforts we can do very little, but we have to have faith in what we can accomplish with the Lord. We are on His team, and we can be part of the miracles. I am really trying to learn that pure and impeccable faith in the Lord. After the trial of faith, we see miracles.
Well, that´s all I got time for. I´m printing your letters and reading them this afternoon. I don´t have time to respond to much this week. Sorry. I´ll try and do better next week. I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH. Thank you for everything. Hugs all around.
The pictures are from a waterfall that we went to this week. So incredible. I love Chile. Come.
--All my love--
Hermana Bertagnole
Thank you all for all your letters this week. I love you guys tons. I hope that everything continues to go well this next week. It sounds like you all had a pretty good week. Tell Mikey and Val and the boys "hi" for me while you´re out there. Tell Scott that I’m praying for him lots. I love that kid. I love you all lots and lots and lots.
As for the earthquake, I didn´t even know about it until I read your letters. Don´t worry, we have emergency packs ready, just in case of earthquakes. I know that we are protected, and if we do get one down here, it´ll just be another adventure to write home about. We´re safe.
This week was another really good week. I feel so blessed to be a missionary. I just can´t believe the great privilege that it is in my life. I am changed. I am addicted. I am the happiest I have ever been. We are really working hard helping those that we are teaching to progress. Life just really gets in the way...I hope that you all are remembering why it is, really, that we live in this earth. Always make sure that you have your priorities straight. I realized that before the mission I wasn´t even close to having my priorities straight. I always say that the mission is a miracle in my life...and that is one of the reasons...I feel that it has opened my eyes to the reality of life. It´s beautiful and so inspiring. I can´t imagine my life without the mission....I don´t want to.
This week we had Elder Amado and Pte Lovell in our Zone Conference....It was intense. Elder Amado is the area 70. He is very well known for telling things like it is. He pretty much called us all to repentance. As a mission we had 28 baptisms last month...we should have around 80. I think more than anything as a mission we lack a lot of faith. There is beauty in blind faith. I think a lot of times we say "I will go and do....but...the sector is a tough one...but...the people aren´t receptive...but...I can´t take away their agency...." We are happy to "go" but we don´t really believe that we can make a difference. I know I have certainly felt like that before on the mission and it is so wrong. Obviously, with our own efforts we can do very little, but we have to have faith in what we can accomplish with the Lord. We are on His team, and we can be part of the miracles. I am really trying to learn that pure and impeccable faith in the Lord. After the trial of faith, we see miracles.
Well, that´s all I got time for. I´m printing your letters and reading them this afternoon. I don´t have time to respond to much this week. Sorry. I´ll try and do better next week. I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH. Thank you for everything. Hugs all around.
The pictures are from a waterfall that we went to this week. So incredible. I love Chile. Come.
--All my love--
Hermana Bertagnole
Feb 5, 2011
Hello familia bonita:
I CAN´T TELL YOU HOW GREAT THIS WEEK HAS BEEN. So remember that I was telling you all about the standard this last week. It´s the standard of excellence for all the companionships in the mission...it´s a very high standard, but it is what the Lord asks of us. We have pushed ourselves and our members to the limit this week, and I am so happy to say that we have almost met it!!!!! Obviously we still have today and tomorrow...we are working very hard and praying very hard that we get the people with baptismal dates to church...everyone really, but especially them. We´ll see how it goes. PLEASE pray for our investigators. There is a couple that is preparing for baptism, but they need to get married first. I know that if they start coming to church again, they will receive direction on what they need to do and when. Also PLEASE pray hard for the mom and sister of a young man who got baptized a few years ago and then served a mission. He is now sealed in the temple and is living in Santiago with his wife. His family has been investigating the Church for over 20 years, and we have started teaching them again. Yesterday we had a very serious talk with them about why they haven´t gotten baptized. We asked the mom if she believed that everything is true. She said she believed it in her head, but she hasn´t felt it in her heart........the woman has a painting of the 1st vision in her living room......just so you know. We explained the importance of prayer. Luckily we had an RM member with us that bore a powerful testimony of prayer, and we invited her and her daughter to prepare for baptism on the 5th of March. She said that she would really pray about it. Please pray for her that she will let her heart be touched. They need to get baptized so badly...this whole family.
We have just had a week full of miracles and blessings from the Lord. We feel very blessed to say that we are getting very close to the standard! This last Sunday for the 5th Sunday, all the RS and Priesthood met together. We took the opportunity to make them aware of the change in standard, and to remind them that the standards don´t only apply to us as missionaries, but it was the Lord requires of them as a ward as well. I feel that it touched their heart. We also organized divisions this week with some really great hermanas in the ward. As of today we have 16 lessons with members. I just can´t tell you what a miracle week this has been in the mission. I feel like it all had to do with a change in attitude and a leap of faith. I know that we are seeing this success because we changed our attitude about the work. This week the work has truly ceased to become "work", even though we are working harder than ever. I am just so happy, and I really know that it doesn´t have as much to do with the success that we have seen this week, but more with my attitude. I feel so very blessed. We have seen pure miracles this week. It has just been incredible.
We, as a mission have been focusing more on families!!!!!! AMEN! We are working with a lot of whole families in our sector right now, which is such a blessing. I know that it is so much more effective. We are working with this family...I think I already talked about them... and their 3 kids, and their son´s girlfriend. They also have shared lots with the missionaries many years before. Both of them have family that is very strong in the Church, and so they already know a lot, but I don´t feel that they have ever taken the time to really pray about it. We invited them very strongly to pray about it every day, until they know. It was a great lesson. They are very special.
Gosh. This week was just pure miracles. I love being a servant of the Lord, every second of everyday. What a blessing.
Well, this is all I have time for this week. I just want to let you all know that I love you a ton. I am so grateful for all that you do for me. I love you all. Work hard. Share the Gospel. Be obedient. And love one another.
--Les amo hasta la luna...no...el sol...hasta el sol...y mas. :)
Hermana Bertagnole
Side notes: As far as the Christmas packages go....I still haven´t gotten Mom and Dad´s, but I asked in the office and they said that some mail was held up in Chile because of strikes. These people do strikes like crazy here. There was another one this week in Osorno. Anyway. They said that it will come. They have never lost mail, don´t worry, I´ll be pleasantly surprised one day. I did get a package from Steph, so thank her for me.
Hello familia bonita:
I CAN´T TELL YOU HOW GREAT THIS WEEK HAS BEEN. So remember that I was telling you all about the standard this last week. It´s the standard of excellence for all the companionships in the mission...it´s a very high standard, but it is what the Lord asks of us. We have pushed ourselves and our members to the limit this week, and I am so happy to say that we have almost met it!!!!! Obviously we still have today and tomorrow...we are working very hard and praying very hard that we get the people with baptismal dates to church...everyone really, but especially them. We´ll see how it goes. PLEASE pray for our investigators. There is a couple that is preparing for baptism, but they need to get married first. I know that if they start coming to church again, they will receive direction on what they need to do and when. Also PLEASE pray hard for the mom and sister of a young man who got baptized a few years ago and then served a mission. He is now sealed in the temple and is living in Santiago with his wife. His family has been investigating the Church for over 20 years, and we have started teaching them again. Yesterday we had a very serious talk with them about why they haven´t gotten baptized. We asked the mom if she believed that everything is true. She said she believed it in her head, but she hasn´t felt it in her heart........the woman has a painting of the 1st vision in her living room......just so you know. We explained the importance of prayer. Luckily we had an RM member with us that bore a powerful testimony of prayer, and we invited her and her daughter to prepare for baptism on the 5th of March. She said that she would really pray about it. Please pray for her that she will let her heart be touched. They need to get baptized so badly...this whole family.
We have just had a week full of miracles and blessings from the Lord. We feel very blessed to say that we are getting very close to the standard! This last Sunday for the 5th Sunday, all the RS and Priesthood met together. We took the opportunity to make them aware of the change in standard, and to remind them that the standards don´t only apply to us as missionaries, but it was the Lord requires of them as a ward as well. I feel that it touched their heart. We also organized divisions this week with some really great hermanas in the ward. As of today we have 16 lessons with members. I just can´t tell you what a miracle week this has been in the mission. I feel like it all had to do with a change in attitude and a leap of faith. I know that we are seeing this success because we changed our attitude about the work. This week the work has truly ceased to become "work", even though we are working harder than ever. I am just so happy, and I really know that it doesn´t have as much to do with the success that we have seen this week, but more with my attitude. I feel so very blessed. We have seen pure miracles this week. It has just been incredible.
We, as a mission have been focusing more on families!!!!!! AMEN! We are working with a lot of whole families in our sector right now, which is such a blessing. I know that it is so much more effective. We are working with this family...I think I already talked about them... and their 3 kids, and their son´s girlfriend. They also have shared lots with the missionaries many years before. Both of them have family that is very strong in the Church, and so they already know a lot, but I don´t feel that they have ever taken the time to really pray about it. We invited them very strongly to pray about it every day, until they know. It was a great lesson. They are very special.
Gosh. This week was just pure miracles. I love being a servant of the Lord, every second of everyday. What a blessing.
Well, this is all I have time for this week. I just want to let you all know that I love you a ton. I am so grateful for all that you do for me. I love you all. Work hard. Share the Gospel. Be obedient. And love one another.
--Les amo hasta la luna...no...el sol...hasta el sol...y mas. :)
Hermana Bertagnole
Side notes: As far as the Christmas packages go....I still haven´t gotten Mom and Dad´s, but I asked in the office and they said that some mail was held up in Chile because of strikes. These people do strikes like crazy here. There was another one this week in Osorno. Anyway. They said that it will come. They have never lost mail, don´t worry, I´ll be pleasantly surprised one day. I did get a package from Steph, so thank her for me.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Another week in the campo
This week just flew by. I can´t believe how fast time is going. This week we got to spend a lot of time with the Hermanas in Ecuador and Rauhue (the other sectors of Hermanas here in Osorno). It was such a blessing to get to know all of them better. Monday night we had a sleep over with Hermana Larkin (my old MTC compi!!!!) and Hermana Gebara to celebrate Hermana Baum and Hermana Larkin´s birthdays, and then on Tuesday we had intercambios with the Hermanas in Rauhue. I, luckily, was with Hermana Aponte...such a great day. :) I feel blessed to get to "follow around" Hermana Aponte the last few months of her mission. I just love her. I look up to her so much, as a missionary and as a person. I am sad that she goes home in February. The intercambio went really well.
We are working hard to meet the standard of excellence of the mission (the number of lessons and everything else that we should meet every week). I know like always that the success comes through working through the members. We are trying to do it the most effectively that we can. We are going to try some new things as a companionship in regards to working with the members. We would really like to get to the point where we can do some divisions with some of the Hermanas in the ward. I am really excited to work with the members here in Ovejeria. I know that they have great desires to work, I think that we just need to organize it all better to have more success.
The other thing that we are really trying to focus on is our 5 with a baptismal date. This ward hasn´t had any baptisms in almost over a year. I know that there are people here that are prepared. I can think of eight people right now that we are teaching that could progress towards baptism and could be put with fecha. We are trying really hard right now to give them that meta and the vision for baptism so they know for what, and for Who, they are making these changes. We just need to help them understand how crucial it is for them, and how life changing it should be, and then love them and help them as best we can. I am praying so hard to just really love everyone the way Christ would.
I love this work. It is the best thing that has ever happened in my life. Without a doubt, I am the happiest I have ever been.
I am learning a whole lot from Hermana Baum. She is just great. She was born to serve a mission. She is just so organized. It is very impressive. It´s fun to serve with her here in Ovejeria.
I am glad to hear you all are doing well. I loved hearing from you. Thanks for sending pictures. I love you all so much. I hope you all have a great week. I am sending pictures of the house and our zone and a ward activity that we had this week. I forgot to take a pic of the outside of the house, but I´ll try and take it and send it next week. This house is the nicest in the mission...just so you know. It´s the bomb.
LES AMO!!!!!!
-Hermana Bertagnole
We are working hard to meet the standard of excellence of the mission (the number of lessons and everything else that we should meet every week). I know like always that the success comes through working through the members. We are trying to do it the most effectively that we can. We are going to try some new things as a companionship in regards to working with the members. We would really like to get to the point where we can do some divisions with some of the Hermanas in the ward. I am really excited to work with the members here in Ovejeria. I know that they have great desires to work, I think that we just need to organize it all better to have more success.
The other thing that we are really trying to focus on is our 5 with a baptismal date. This ward hasn´t had any baptisms in almost over a year. I know that there are people here that are prepared. I can think of eight people right now that we are teaching that could progress towards baptism and could be put with fecha. We are trying really hard right now to give them that meta and the vision for baptism so they know for what, and for Who, they are making these changes. We just need to help them understand how crucial it is for them, and how life changing it should be, and then love them and help them as best we can. I am praying so hard to just really love everyone the way Christ would.
I love this work. It is the best thing that has ever happened in my life. Without a doubt, I am the happiest I have ever been.
I am learning a whole lot from Hermana Baum. She is just great. She was born to serve a mission. She is just so organized. It is very impressive. It´s fun to serve with her here in Ovejeria.
I am glad to hear you all are doing well. I loved hearing from you. Thanks for sending pictures. I love you all so much. I hope you all have a great week. I am sending pictures of the house and our zone and a ward activity that we had this week. I forgot to take a pic of the outside of the house, but I´ll try and take it and send it next week. This house is the nicest in the mission...just so you know. It´s the bomb.
LES AMO!!!!!!
-Hermana Bertagnole
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Transferred to Osorno, Chile
What a great week we are having. I am loving working with Hermana Baum (from Heber, Arizona). She is such a hard worker! We are having a lot of success finding new people to teach this week. We found a few new FAMILIES (!!!) that I know are just so prepared to hear this message. I have so much faith that we are going to see some great progress in this sector and with the ward here. I have already just fallen in love with the members here in this sector. They are so loving and special. I am very excited to work with them.
We saw a lot of miracles this week. A meeting fell through and we ended up finding a family of 5 (plus the girlfriend of the son) that was just sitting in their living room talking. We knocked on their door and they let us come in. Hermana Baum already knew who they were but had never taught the whole family. We taught them, and the Spirit was so strong. The mom said that her whole family is Mormon, but she isn´t and doesn´t really know why. Her family is just so great. They are all so receptive...they just seem like a strong member family already. We are really going to work hard with them so they can get the answers that they need. Also, we found a young family...a couple that just recently had a new little baby girl. They are so great also. I am excited to help them take the steps necessary for baptism. We found qualquier cantidad de nuevos this week! I am so excited to have a huge fountain of people to teach. I feel like we have been so blessed this week with the work. We are working hard and we are being blessed. I have felt the Spirit SO strong so many times this week. I am just loving this sector.
I feel so blessed to be here in Osorno. I know with all my heart that my time here will be ever so special to me. I can feel the Spirit testifying of the work to be done here. I am so happy to be a part of this ward and to help the Saints and the Children of God here in Ovejeria. There is lots of work to do, like always, but it is such a blessing to be part of it.
Also, Mom, I got to tell you, there is an Hermana in this ward that goes out with us every Monday...her name is Hermana Ines...I LOVE her...why you might ask? Because she looks just like you...well, she´s a lot older than you, but still, she´s an older version of you. Oh my gosh, I just love seeing her because it reminds me so much of you. She´s so cute! She´s short and just so kind and loving. I love seeing her. Every time I give her a hug, I imagine that it´s you :) What a tender mercy.
What else, what else...I don´t have a lot of time left, but I´m going to try and answer a few of your questions and get some pictures loaded.
With the transfers, everything worked out well. We had to do it as soon as possible as to not leave sectors up north empty any longer than they already were. The new missionaries got to Punta Arenas ok as well. They got there and our leaders had to walk up and go get them and help them carry their stuff back down to p. arenas...but all is well that ends well. It was an adventure. The info and pictures of the new house and area will have to wait until next week, when I have more time. Just know that it is the bomb.com.
I LOVE YOU GUYS MORE THAN A FAT KID LOVES CAKE. And then some.
--Miss you. Abrazos y besitos! Thanks for the letters! Mom, I love that talk from Holland that you sent. I cry when I read it. I found that my first cambio in Ancud...and ever since I have carried it around with me in my scriptures. Thank you for sending it though...I needed to read it again. I love you all. Thank you for everything. Be faithful always. I am glad to hear from you all. Love you.
--Hermana Bertagnole
We saw a lot of miracles this week. A meeting fell through and we ended up finding a family of 5 (plus the girlfriend of the son) that was just sitting in their living room talking. We knocked on their door and they let us come in. Hermana Baum already knew who they were but had never taught the whole family. We taught them, and the Spirit was so strong. The mom said that her whole family is Mormon, but she isn´t and doesn´t really know why. Her family is just so great. They are all so receptive...they just seem like a strong member family already. We are really going to work hard with them so they can get the answers that they need. Also, we found a young family...a couple that just recently had a new little baby girl. They are so great also. I am excited to help them take the steps necessary for baptism. We found qualquier cantidad de nuevos this week! I am so excited to have a huge fountain of people to teach. I feel like we have been so blessed this week with the work. We are working hard and we are being blessed. I have felt the Spirit SO strong so many times this week. I am just loving this sector.
I feel so blessed to be here in Osorno. I know with all my heart that my time here will be ever so special to me. I can feel the Spirit testifying of the work to be done here. I am so happy to be a part of this ward and to help the Saints and the Children of God here in Ovejeria. There is lots of work to do, like always, but it is such a blessing to be part of it.
Also, Mom, I got to tell you, there is an Hermana in this ward that goes out with us every Monday...her name is Hermana Ines...I LOVE her...why you might ask? Because she looks just like you...well, she´s a lot older than you, but still, she´s an older version of you. Oh my gosh, I just love seeing her because it reminds me so much of you. She´s so cute! She´s short and just so kind and loving. I love seeing her. Every time I give her a hug, I imagine that it´s you :) What a tender mercy.
What else, what else...I don´t have a lot of time left, but I´m going to try and answer a few of your questions and get some pictures loaded.
With the transfers, everything worked out well. We had to do it as soon as possible as to not leave sectors up north empty any longer than they already were. The new missionaries got to Punta Arenas ok as well. They got there and our leaders had to walk up and go get them and help them carry their stuff back down to p. arenas...but all is well that ends well. It was an adventure. The info and pictures of the new house and area will have to wait until next week, when I have more time. Just know that it is the bomb.com.
I LOVE YOU GUYS MORE THAN A FAT KID LOVES CAKE. And then some.
--Miss you. Abrazos y besitos! Thanks for the letters! Mom, I love that talk from Holland that you sent. I cry when I read it. I found that my first cambio in Ancud...and ever since I have carried it around with me in my scriptures. Thank you for sending it though...I needed to read it again. I love you all. Thank you for everything. Be faithful always. I am glad to hear from you all. Love you.
--Hermana Bertagnole
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