So Tuesday night, we were in English Classes at the church. One of the sisters says "its an earthquake" But by this time, I was used to small ones, and when Im standing, usually I can't feel them, so I ignored it. Then it got stronger, and stronger, and STRONGER. The lights went out, and it just kept shaking. We were all a little nervous, not knowing much of what to do. The Elders couldnt find the keys to the chapel, so they were searching desperatly, and they were in the backpack the whole time :) Finally, we were able to lock up the church, and head out.
We walked over to the stake center of the other stake here in Arica, which is the "place of refuge" here in Arica. My companion was pretty nervous, but the rest of us just kept making jokes ;) haha we figured if we scream or run, theres still an earthquake, so we may as well enjoy it ;)
We found out it was 7.8 here, and the center was just about an hour away from Arica, passed around 8:45 at night.
Later that night, about 20 missionaries ended up in the chapel, so we didnt sleep that night. Some tried to sleep on the floor, others (like me) on a couple plastic chairs pushed together, but between being uncomfortable, adrenaline, nerves, talking, and snoring, I didnt get more than 30 min MAX of sleep.
In the morning, we walked back home, rested a little, and left for the afternoon.
The Zone Leaders came to see our pension, if we had damage. We have cracks and stuff from the shakes, but nothing bad. So they told us we were good to stay there. The warnings all passed, so nothing was going to happen that night, and we were good.
11:45 that night, JUST after finally sleeping, it starts to shake. Again. Just a little less strong than the other night, and shorter. But still 7.6. Once again, walking over to the chapel, and sleeping in the sacrament room, under the benches. So still, not much sleep.
Thursday then, I was going crazy. Literally. Because of my lack of sleep. I was anxious, shakey, felt like I was going to collapse, couldn't think straight, and couldnt sleep even because I was so tired.
President wanted us now to sleep in a different pension for more safety, and we've been there since Thursday... and he said probably about 2 more weeks or so. So theres 6 of us, in a small pension, but its all good ;)
BUT, theres nothing to worry about. Everyone is fine! 6/7 is normal here in Chile, everyone is prepared and knows what to do. It was a scare for sure, and theres still a wait for a Tsunami if another big one happens, but we will just have to wait and see! ;) But Im fine, everything and everyone is fine. :)
We also recieved TRANSFERS!!
Im staying here in Arica, in my ward. I have a new companion coming, Hermana Calarco, from Argentina. I know her a little, and shes cool ;) So Im excited! AND, we are going to be the Sister Training Leaders! So that will be fun too!
Hermana Salinas goes to the next ward over, the same district, and the same pension we are staying in, so Ill get to still see her for a while ;)
Conference was GREAT!! I loved it so much! I feel like the overall theme was being happy, committed, a disciple of Christ, and to lift one another's burdens. I really loved Pres. Uchtdorf's talk on gratitute, that its not necessarily FOR things, but IN things. That we need to give thanks for all we have. And Gary Stevenson, about the 4 min performance. That NOW is our performance, and we need to always do our best because it is short. And how "I want others to do their best too". It's not "MY" show, its everyones. ;) It was a great conference! My last one here in the mission....
(And I got to see Hermana Rindlisbacher again!)
Well, hope you are all doing good! Don't worry about us here, everything is fine. We are safe and happy! Just keep watching the news, and the facebook page. But everything is great!
I love you all LOTSSS!! And hope you have a great week!
Hasta Luego!
Con mucho amor,
Hermana Severtson
P.S. Sister Trainer Leaders are like zone leaders, but just for the sisters. its a think theyve started in all the missions abut a year or so ago. we just go on splits once a transfer with each companionship and help them and stuff. i go to antofagasta once a month for a leadership meeting with pres and we plan for the mision and stuff. each town has a companionship of STL.
P.S.S. Regarding the pictures...they told us the water in Arica would be shut off for 2 days, and to fill anything we had with water. we had only a few bottles, so we filled up cups, pans, bowls... etc, and then it never happened
the second is our pension. the wall next to it has caution tape on it... right next to our apartment building. its an old military building, the wall is like 200 yrs old. ;)
and the third is hna rindlisbacher and i at conference
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