Week 27: Feliz Navidad (They sing it here too!)

Feliz Navidad to all!! Love you all so much and hope that you all enjoyed Christmas and family and remember why we truly celebrate!!

Christmas Eve in Rengo with Hermana Sainsbury

This last week has been one of the coolest weeks of my mission. We started off at a low, lots of weird things happening and we were really frustrated with our appointments and different things and it's crazy how one small thing can change the way you look at things completely. We have seen miracle after miracle this week. So beyond blessed. 

The Chilean Christmas is awesome. They usually don't have ¨cena¨or dinner, but Christmas Eve at about 10 pm they have a huge traditional dinner. We had ours a bit early with some sweet members and it was a potato/meat fest and absolutely delicious! Hot chocolate with cinnamon...I'm still not sure how they make it because it is so very different from ours, but still so good! But they have their dinner at about 10 pm and then at midnight all the children open their gifts. It is so fun! 

We got together also with our zone, a bunch of other missionaries, on Christmas Day yesterday and we had french toast, a talent show (hilarious!!) and a white elephant gift exchange. It was great and we learned to never trust the elders with a funny white elephant gift exchange. 

Hermanas Eibert and Sainsbury on Christmas Day 2017 in Rancagua, Chile

AND THE BELOVED SKYPE CALL. Bless my sweet family and my best friend. It was so good to see their faces. I'll try and include a picture from my end...since you all have probably seen my face-haha. There was a miracle there too, since we had a computer and skype all set up and it didn't work. I could hear them and see them but they couldn't see me. We ended up rushing across town to a sister of a member, who in fact is not a member, but was willing to open her home and her personal tech stuff to allow us to talk to our families. She was so sweet and I have never been so grateful. This Christmas season has been a special one. 

My companion is literally the best. We had a blast together and I am so grateful to have spent Christmas with her. We had our cute little makeshift fabric tree and our light up Santa (thanks Gale!!). Only true friends gift each other peanut butter for Christmas (which is nearly impossible to find here). We have spent our p-days relaxing, playing and eating ice-cream. What else can you do with the blistering heat? So grateful for her and everything she has taught me! 

Thought of the week: 

Tender mercies guys. They are so real and we have them everyday. 

Remember the girl that I met and we are teaching/meeting with that I felt like I had met before and there was something familiar about her? She is absolutely amazing! And it has been such a blessing to see the changes she is making in her life! She came to church with us on Sunday and was just so happy! Christmas miracles-haha!! We are also teaching the sweetest family and this last week the daughter, Ignacia, told us how she found us. She has had a lot of heartbreak and hard things in her life and she's only 18 and she had been praying for help, praying for something. She had been walking in the street and felt like something told her just to stop. She stopped and said she didn't know why she was just standing there, that she had needed to get back to her house but was waiting for something. Little did she know we were racing down a side street nearby, I was leading and about to take a sharp turn on my bike. Hermana Sainsbury just about crashed into me because she saw this girl off in the corner of her eye. Next thing we knew, we were tumbling over ourselves to get to her and talk to her. The Lord really is in all the details. We have been now meeting with her and her mom and her little siblings and they are incredible. The 4 year old daughter always get excited when she sees us coming down the dirt road and calls us ¨las amigas de Dio¨. The friends of God...Moments like this I feel the responsibility I have on my shoulder and I know I need to give it all I have. That was another miracle...the dirt road. We have talked to everyone and know all the roads and such, but this one dirt road that leads to a house in the middle of nowhere that nobody knew existed, this is where this sweet family lives. We would have never found it on our own. 

The Lord is in all the details. 

I LOVE YOU ALL. Have an amazing week. 

Con amor, 

Hermana Eibert

Visiting with Hermana Ramirez in Rancagua for Christmas Zone Activity
 

 

Week 26: I'll Be Home for Christmas (Next Year)

Christmas time...is almost here.... (sing that)

What a week! So much has happened this week and I have no time--haha, but highlights of the week: my comp ate 6 empanadas. We were meant to be the best of friends. She is awesome--haha. I love the Christmas season. People are so much happier and friendly and kind and caring and loving and everything during this time of year. Something about the holidays brings out the best in people. I love it. I don't love the heat, it feels so wrong for December--haha, but it'll be okay. I'm excited for Christmas!! #lighttheworld #iluminaelmundo

Thought for the week: a quote that I loved from the most recent general conference

 ¨God calls to you. God knows your every thought, your sorrows, and your greatest hopes. God knows the many times you have sought Him. The many times you have felt limitless joy. The many times you have wept in loneliness. The many times you have felt hopeless, confused, or angry. Yet, no matter your history--if you have faltered, felt broken, bitter, betrayed, or beaten--know that you are not alone. God still calls to you.

--Uchtdorf

Love you all. So sorry, I literally have a dozen people I have been meaning to send letters to, there really just isn't time. I love you all. Have a wonderful Christmas. 

Con mucho amor, 

Hermana Eibert

 

(and no pics cause the internet sucks and nothing will load #help)

Week 25: Would Someone Get This Walking Carpet Out of My Way?

What a week!!

 

It is so stinkin' hot. My dad told me it was somewhere in the 90's this last week, since I don't know how to calcuate 35 degrees C. Whoops. But it's on the uphill climb and I'm frying, but it's incredible the strength we receive. The mornings usually start out cooler and cloudy and the afternoon is like a furnace--haha. Still rocking the wicked cool tan lines. 

The funnies of the week: Since my companion is a gringa too and has less time in the mission, we are learning together. But we still have some pretty funny moments. Like when we were talking to a young girl who was standing behind her fence with her dog in her arms. Hermana Sainsbury asked her what her name was and the girl responded saying that her puppy was named Princesa, or Princess in English. Hermana Sainsbury then proceeded to introduce herself to Princess and ask Princesa how her day was and what she was up to. I leaned in a whispered, in English, that the little girl had been talking about the dog. We ended up laughing and walking away awkwardly. But it was so funny. 

It is also funny when my companion tells everyone that she absoultely loves cerveza (beer).....but she really means cerezas (cherries). It's fun. 

But seriously, my companion is the best! If you can't tell from the pics, we have hit it off pretty well and we have seen so many miracles together too. I love it here in Rengo. 

This morning we took off with our zone, 12 missionaries total, and disappeared off into the middle of nowhere for some bushwacking. I'm covered in sweat, cuts, bruises, scrapes and all, and there were spiders (YIKES), but it was fun and super pretty. We hiked along a river and took lots of pictures. The mountains here and the hills remind me of the movies and they are so green and lush and prettty. The smaller ones also make me think some times that there should be a Y up there....missing Utah just a little bit--haha. 

I am also a very happy and very patient missionary. Star Wars comes out this week....not that my sister hasn't been counting it down for the last year...but I have taken to quoting the movies all this past week. It's great, and my comp loves it too, so we really do get along just swell. It's now a challenge to see how many we can do. My favorite was when there was a bunch of scruffy looking (jajaja) dogs and I yelled ¨would someone get this walking carpet out of my way!¨ But seriously. Enjoy and no spoilers--haha!!

My thought for the week: 

 We should find joy in the little things. We should do everything with intention. We should choose to be happy. And we should helps others "along the way¨. I have discovered that helping others find true joy bring true happiness. And its perfect for the season! What are you guys doing to #lighttheworld?

"But to what end were we created? We were created with the express purpose and potential of experiencing a fulness of joy. Our birthright—and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth—is to seek and experience eternal happiness."--President Uchtdorf

 

Lots of love!!! Have a great week!! 

Con amor, 

Hermana Eibert

 

Week 24: Ready to Tango in Rengo

Hermana Eibert and Hermana Sainsbury in Rengo, Chile

 

So my last companion had a phobia of chickens (same level of fear I have for spiders)....and she would definitely struggle here in Rengo, where I am now. It is a lot more ¨campo¨ or fields and space. There are lots of horses and wagons and chickens and orchards, vineyards and mountains. It is absoultely gorgeous here. The people are a lot more humble and so amazing. So much love here. 

This week has been absolutely killer. Hermana Sainsbury, my new companion, is absolutely amazing! And I was worried about language, being she has 3 months in the field...but we haven't had any problems communicating, talking, teaching, everything! It has been great and we have seen miracles upon miracles! 

Rengo is completely different, but I love you. I traded our cute little apartment in Curico for a cute little Chilean house! The ONLY downside is that I discovered Chile has tarantulas. Please pray for me. 

This week we were teaching this young girl named Emily. I was incredibly shocked that she seemed so familiar, like we know each other. I don't know why or how, and we definitley haven't met here in Chile before, but she is incredibly familiar. She is amazing and I am so happy to be working with her and teaching and helping her. My testimony in that there are people waiting for us, and that there is a reason for every mission call, every transfer, every sector and companion has grown immensely. I am incredibly grateful and beyond excited to be here and to be a missionary helping people everyday. I love Chile, the people, and the gospel. 

My thought this week:

Maybe someone can help me out with the quote, the poor missionary I am without much internet access, haha. There was a recent quote from general conference that I loved that talked about how God usually answers our prayers, guides, protects, and helps us through other people. I love this. I know people have been put in my path, in my life for this very reason. So many answers to prayers come through those around us. And how grand it is to look for opporunities to help with this. We should be looking everyday for ways to love and to serve and to help. We can be His hands. His hands were hands that healed, that loved, that helped, that lifted others up. I want my hands to be like His. And as long as I am alive, I want to do what I can to help those around me. We have the ability to be His hands. We can be the answer to a pray, a cry for help. How much love our Father in Heaven has for us. 

Speaking of being His hands. A lot of you have probably heard of Light the World. Ilumina el Mundo!! It is so beautfiul and I challenge each and everyone of you to do it! In this Christmas season, it is the perfect way to keep Christ in Christmas and to share the love and light. Watch the Light the World video at this link: 

https://www.mormon.org/

I am doing the challenge! I hope you will too. 

 Lots of love! Hope you all have an amazing week!!

Con amor, 

Hermana Eibert

 

PS. My cute comp, Hermana Sainsbury and I (in our twinning same dresses but different colors haha).

And our cute chilean house (not so cute when there's big ugly spiderrrrrs.)

Week 23: Chao Curico!!

Hermana Eibert found the only Boston Terrier in Chile!

 

My time in Curico has come to an end. I am so incredibly grateful for the people here. They have my heart! The miracles and tender mercies I have seen everyday here have blown me away. I will never forget. 

Tonight I will be heading to Rancagua! My new sector is called Las Nieves (The Snows....but it's about as hot as it gets--the cruel irony.) My new companion is named Hermana Sainsbury, I have yet to meet her, but I am so excited to meet her and work with her! I know it's going to be a great cambio! Haha, she has less time in the mission than I do, so it'll be really interesting to see what two gringas can do. But I know the Lord will be guiding us and helping us every step of the way. 

There is a reason for everything. Always something to learn, someone to help, some way we can grow or change. Always. 

Short and sweet this week, because I don't have time. Love you all! Thank you for the prayers and the support and the love and everything. 

Con amor, 

Hermana Eibert

PS. I can't upload all the pics, but my mom has them all--hahahaha!

Hermana Eibert bought a scripture protector for her Spanish scriptures. The artist let her choose the artwork for the leather.

Chile Rancagua Mission

Las Hermanas Praying

Familia Barahona

Coni, Hermana Eibert, Carolina, and Martina

Hermana Eibert and Martina--26 November 2017

Familia Leivas

 

Another cute dog

Week 22: Sushi Chilean Style

 

I am not a huge fan of sushi. I have my very specific sushi roll that I absolutely love (Sweet and Spicy for those living in Lacey--go try it for me--haha). And I have avoided sushi here for the whole time I have been here, because I don't like fish and I have trust issues. But my companion finally talked me into it. And turns out the sushi here isn't real sushi. And it is delicious. Imagine this, a perfect and beautiful sushi roll, but with the rice, cream cheese, avocado, and....CHICKEN. Tempura style, ooooooh to die for. So good. We had it two days in a row, no shame. I am still going to avoid fish like the plague, but that's that. 

This week has been crazy, lots of ups and downs, and we are gearing up for cambios this week too. Ooooh--the anticipation. 

This week I have learned a lot of patience. And I have also learned that it is incredibly dangerous to pray for patience. You want patience, you are going to get it, but probably not the way you want. I'm learning to be patient with myself too. We are all human, we are all going to mess up. I can only imagine how God feels, working with all of us, as imperfect as we are, but He is endlessly patient. Remember this week to breathe. Take a break. You are trying your best and that is all that matters. Love yourself, be kind to yourself.

Have a great week. Love you all. 

 

Con amor, 

Hermana Eibert

Hermana Prado is from Equador and made some fried Plantains. They are firmer and not as sweet as bananas. Sprinkle with a little salt and they are delicious.

Day 2 of Sushi with Hermana Prado
 

 

Week 21: I am Changing Colors

 

Hey everyone!

Summer is officially setting in here and I am developing some serious missionary tanlines. Watch, ring, skirt, walking shoes....you name it. I'm definitely a different color now--haha. I can't wait for the end of summer to see the difference. Spending all day out and about will have a big impact-haha. It is hot, and it's not even December yet, and I never thought I'd say something like that. December and scorching heat don't go together in my mind. 

My companion also graciously reminded me that today I hit my 5 month mark.I don't know where the time has gone. It's a little crazy. I feel like I just left. 

We have had a busy week. We had our interviews with President Harris, which were great. I am incredibly grateful for amazing leaders. I couldn't ask for better. Always the guidance and advice that I need to hear. 

My thought for the week:

We have the opportunity to work with a lot of people. Lots of people are trying to change their lives and they struggle. People overcoming addictions--like smoking, drinking, drugs. It's sometimes a painful process, (though beautiful and so worth it).  It is so easy to feel like a lost cause. So easy to feel like there is no use in trying, no hope, that we aren't going to accomplish anything. But when we lose sight of the truth, when we forget who we really are, what we can really do, God never forgets. ¨God never loses sight of our eternal potential, even when we do.¨ How incredible it is that we have someone who loves us perfectly in every moment and always knows our potential and is willing and able to guide us, show us the way. We only need to look to him. I know without a shadow of a doubt that we have never lived a moment of our lives unloved. I know that we all have a divine potential, an eternal potential. 

¨Many of you are endlessly compassionate and patient with the weaknesses of others. Please remember also to be compassionate and patient with yourself.¨-Pres. Uchtdorf

Change is possible, this I know. 

Love you all, have a great week!!

Con amor, 

Hermana Eibert

 

Photos...

5 Month Anniversary for Hermana Eibert

 

Comp and I

Hermanas Prado and Eibert--12 November 2017

Photos courtesy of Alejandra Vasquez

 

Mexican quesadillas--gracias a Hermana Sanchez (thanks to Hermana Sanchez).
 

And I don't remember the other that I uploaded but enjoy.

Showcasing the American Diet!
 

 

Week 20: Miracles in the Rain

HOLA AMIGOS Y FAMILIA!

I probably brought the rain with me...because everyone is weirded out that it's summer and usually really hot everyday now, but it's raining and cloudy here and there. I don't mind, because I am pretty sure I am going to die in December from the heat, being from a place that always rains and me not liking the sun. But that's okay. The Lord will provide--haha.

 

But this week we had intercambios, or exchanges, and I was with Hermana Sanchez (who is the best!). It was pouring buckets and we were not prepared. We were desperately searching for an address of a referral, someone that wanted to meet with us, and we could not find it. We were cold, wet, and a dog ate our umbrellas (long story). But we decided we were going to use our time better and contact to see if we could talk to some new people. We decided to pray before hand and we were so hesitant to ask for new investigators, new people to teach because we were dripping wet and short on time (we had a meeting and were on foot far away).

 

But we did it anyway, knowing very well the Lord provides. We finished the pray and literally a man rounded the corner into us and lit up so excited to see us! He called out to us as Hermanas and then threw open the gate to the first house on the street, the house we were standing next to and invited us in.

 

It was so funny. He was joking and laughing and I thought he was a member of the church that I hadn't met yet. Hermana Sanchez bluntly asked him and his wife if they were members and they said no. They invited us in and long story short, they are golden and have the biggest hearts! They've talked to missionaries before and were so happy to see us! What a tender mercy. We didn't knock on any door or do anything. They came to us and we are so incredibly grateful and excited to teach them! 

This week was also crazy. My companion was in a bit of an accident with her bike and we've been on foot, which is insanely difficult with our huge sector, but we are making it work. The people are so worth it. I am continually amazed at how much the love I have for the people here continues to grow. They are wonderful. My companion is okay too, I should mention that. It was a rough couple days, but we're always on the rebound. Always wear your helmets, kids. Especially the missionaries (haha), the moms have enough to worry about.

This week was quite the week in general. I am so beyond blessed. Thank you all for your love and support. I hope you all have a fantastic week.

 

Con amor,

Hermana Eibert

Week 19: If You Could Have All the Guacamole in the World....

 

Hello from Curico!

 

Hope you are all doing better than I am--haha! 

This week has been rough. We have been in the apartment the last two days. My companion was fine the first half of the weekend while I was up vomiting all night (while she slept peacefully) and day (food poisioning?) and then we switched places. It was awesome. But now we are back to work. On the rebound, but happy to be out of the house and back with the people. 

We also had the opportunity to have a special conference with Elder Bragg of the Seventy who was visiting for an area tour this past week! He and his wife are awesome and it was such a wonderful conference! We learned a lot and I have an even greater appreciation for my call to serve. And I know that Rancagua Chile is where I am meant to be, without a shadow of a doubt!

To explain the subject line from this week...though I speak Spanish usually without problem, sometimes I still slip up. But heck, I do that in English too--haha. I was trying to explain an idea that was expressed in General Conference from Elder Nelson about how he would choose the Libro de Mormon over all the riches of the world. I confused a Chilean word for money, plata, for a Chilean word for guacamole, palta....if you could have all the guacamole in the world or the Book of Mormon, which would you choose? Ahhh, tough choice!! (Still the Book of Mormon--haha...) 

Sorry as always for the poor grammar, ask my mom, I swear I was excellent with English beforehand. But that's it for this week. I hope you all have a good and healthy and fun and happy week. Lots of love from Chile!!

Con amor, 

Hermana Eibert

PS. Thank you so much for the cards! I finally received a bunch from all of September and October! and I only cried a little--haha. Thanks for all the love and support! I love snail mail. 

PS. otra vez the picture this week, for my mom's sake, is me and my comp, and my ¨we had food poisoning all weekend" look, rocking it tho--haha, and an empenada from when we weren't sick.

Week 18: I Have Two Colors--Red and White

Hey family and friends! 

All is well in Curico! It is starting to warm up and stay warm, which means that my true colors are coming out...I only have two apparently, red and white. This gringa is missing the rain and the winter and the PWN, in general--haha. But summer is definitely starting to set in here, which is strange. I can't imagine a blazing hot Christmas, but I guess there is a first for everything. 

My new companion is fantastic! Hermana Prado is from Ecuador, which I probably said last week, and she is the only member in her family! She is a powerful missionary, a big inspiration, and I am so excited to work with her! I am also teaching her English. This cambio in general has been full of opportunities to teach or help with English, which I am loving. And I am also learning or understanding a little more how much of a disaster English is as a language...comforting the frustrated learners with a their, there, they're....

We have seen so many miracles this week. I don't even know where to start. It was so fast this week too. As missionaries, we have the opportunity to see grand and incredible changes in people and I love being able to help people learn, grow, and change.

My thought for the week is simple. Miracles are real. We have miracles today. Small and simple, huge and fantastic. Tender mercies everyday, if we only look for them. In my study of the New Testament, it was clear that before every miracle, there was always a manifestation of faith. Faith is always required. When we have faith, anything is possible, because with God nothing is impossible. When we have faith, we have hope as well. 

Short, sweet, and simple. Love you all, have a great week!

 

Con amor, 

Hermana Eibert

PS. The pictures this week include a selfie, sorry mom, and pictures of drawings gifted to us from a 10 year old boy. What a joy it is to teach children and to see their love for their family and for God. It's pure. And palm trees (joke's on me, because I prayed to serve in a place that's cold). 

 

Week 17: Oh My Gato

It is hilarious when someone yells OH MY GATO. Gato means cat for those wondering. It's funny in English and Spanish. 

So this week has been insane. We had intercambios, and I was with the crazy and awesome Hermana Sanchez. I was lame again and didn't take any photos. I promise I will be better with this, since my mom's mad at me for not taking any ever. But intercambios, or exchanges were great. I have had plenty of practice guiding this area by myself now. Which prepared me for what came this week. 

TRANSFER OR CAMBIO CALLS. Cambios are here again and I have officially finished any and all training. I hit my 4 month mark this week which was a little crazy too. But I am staying in Curico and I said goodbye this morning to Hermana Tapiero. After 9 months here in Curico, in Alameda, she was ready to move on. My new companion is Hermana Prado from Ecuador. We have been comps for all of 2 hours, so there's not much to say yet, but she is awesome and I am so excited for this next cambio. It's going to be crazy awesome. More updates on cambios next week since its a little crazy today, and to have cambios/transfers on Pday (not normal). 

It was also Hermana Taperio's birthday this last week, which was crazy. Between her birthday and my birthday and her farewell as a beloved member of the ward, we had like 7 different cakes gifted to us. Our fridge is all cake. It's a little crazy, but so much love. I absolutely love the people here, they are fantastic, kind, and filled with love. 

My thought for the week:

As a missionary, it is incredibly frustrating sometimes when you want the best for people and you know they are capable of so much, but they don't think they can change or they are not willing to work for the change. We are trying to guide people to happiness beyond comparison, but sometimes it is more like dragging and obviously people have their agency and can choose whether or not to receive the help. 

In turn, I know for a fact that I am not perfect and I have many challenges and imperfections, which is okay. But can you imagine how incredibly frustrating it is for God, a perfect being, to be working with imperfect beings? Holy moly, I can only imagine... though we are imperfect, we all make mistakes, He is endlessly patient and kind and we have all of heaven cheering us on. He knows what is best for us, but sometimes we take a little longer to realize this for ourselves. What stubborn beings we are. 

However, I also know this life is incredibly difficult. There are so many terrible things, so many pains, heartaches, tragedy, everything. Sorrow sometimes we think we cannot bear. But what joy we have when we have the hope of the gospel. I love a scripture in the New Testament, in Romans 8:18

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be   compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

And how true is this. The joy and the glory of the future are so worth it when we press forward with faith. The suffering, the pain, the sorrow, it is but a moment. A bump in the road. A bump in the road that is not worthy to be compared to the things of the future. What hope we have. 

Lots of love as always, from Chile!!

Con amor, 

Hermana Eibert

 

 PS. The picture I have for this week is the last with Hermana Tapiero, saying our goodbyes in the terminal.

Curico Stake Conference Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47UXDZqE55Q&feature=youtu.be