Primary, Musical Numbers, LOVING THE MISSION

Another fun week here! 

we had the primary program this week! And, they asked me to play the piano for them. SO FUNN!!! Reminded me of last year, when I did the same for our ward. Ahh, i miss it ;) It was great! My favorite (only) calling ;) 

We have yet to find a house! The other hermanas we lived with moved out though, to something closer to their sector. its weird living alone now, but its good. 

The elders that are now in our ward, too, managed to find something within a WEEK! we´ve only been looking for like 2 months, finding nothing! haha hopefully this week, we have a few appointments to look at houses today andtomorrow. 

Its cool to have elders in the same ward as us though. its neat. they are just different from hermanas, and the ward is really excited to be able to work with them too. 

we are doing a musical number this friday at our mission conference. and we want to do another one in sacrament meeting too, we will see if we have time! but this one we are doing on friday is cool. its a medley of silent night and jesus once of humble birth. maybe we can see if someone can film it...not sure if we can or not! :)

we have this less active, Elba. She is 86 years old, and only less active because she cant go to church. She always tells us about "her missionaries" from when she got baptized 45 years ago. and how she "has to go to her church". so this sunday, we got our ward mission leader to help us take her to church. it was so special! She LOVED seeing everyone!! Even cried because she saw so many people she remembered from when she was able to go. ahh!! it was so neat! 

Thats cool about Caleb winning the Spelling Bee!! thats so neat! ahh my hermanito ;) So proud of him!! He might have to teach me a little about spelling in English after this! I used to always be able to spell, not anymore! haha 

I still have not gotten the package. We have a zone meeting tomorrow, and the conference on friday. So either one of those days, I should get it. hopefully! ;) 

Brother Judd does go back this week too. He said he might come back here the first of the year, or stay with his family for a little bit. but this week im pretty sure hes heading back to the US! 

Hmm... another shortish one... sorry!! lo siento ;) but hey, Christmas is coming soon! you gotta let me know what time so we can start talking to members in the next couple weeks!! ;) so exciteddd!!! 

love you LOTTSS!!!! 

--Hermana Severtson

Stayin in Copiapo.. Speakin Spanglish

Im staying in COPIAPO with HERMANA TUFT!! 

This week was a good one... it went FAST again, but good. We were working busy and hard, worrying about cambios (transfers) but we stayed, so we are good!! ;) 

It was a crazy hectic week... and a heads up, this email is probably going to be fairly long. haha but its fun ;) 

So, Ill start by telling you what the cambios all were. My companion and I stayed together, in our sector. The other Hermanas we live with switched wards, the elders in that other ward, went to the other half of the sector, kicking out those elders. those elders come to our ward. So of the 4 companionships in our district, 3 are new in their sectors, with only 1 new elder in the district. so that should all be fun ;) 

So, because of this, weve been looking for new pensions. Right now the other hermanas have to walk about 45min to their new sector, and the elders about 20 to their sector too. Then, because our house is big for just 2 of us, we are too looking for something smaller and cheaper. within these 6 weeks, we have found 3 sure houses. they all were pretty certain to work out...and all 3 didnt. one we found on our own, that was on the market for like 2 months, but never answered the phone. finally did, the office called them, and the sign went down. someone else called. 

another a member in our ward has to rent. we almost had that one, but she was out of town, so the company rented it to someone else. 

another, this same member has a neighbor with a little house to rent behind hers. so we went to go look at it, and it would be perfect. the problem is, there are people living there right now. shes been wanting to kick them out anyways, but not until she had someone else to go there. so she finally told them, but they legally have a month to stay to find something else. 

so we are living in a huge house still, the other hermanas super far, and once they get a new one, just us 2. but we are still looking too!!  just fun stuff!! haha we will see what happens here in the next couple weeks ;) 

and i hope that all made sense. that was probably a little confusing! 

but another weird story about a different house! we would just call every number we saw on houses. one, a lady answers and it seems like a decent deal on her house. so i say "ok, so we are missionaries, so we are going to call our leaders and get back to you about this house" and she says "hermana! im a member too!" i ask what ward, and she tells me shes in Iquique, in Zegers... my first sector! So i tell her i was there, and she remembered me! But to me, her name sounds SUPER familiar, but I cant remember exactly who she was. crazy! 

This week was also Thanksgiving. Like you can see in the pictures i attached, we made a feast ;) chicken, potatoes, gravy, green beans, and cheese cake ;) it was quite deliciousss!! Very fun ;) Fun to be able to celebrate it, since they dont have anything like it here. Sounds like you all had a good Thanksgiving too though, enjoying time with family. thats the only thing that could have made it better! ;) 

This week, it has been harder for me than any other week to speak English! haha I have no idea why, because Ive spoken mainly english with my companions the last 4 months, but it was hard! My grammar is going away, I cant think of so many words, .... but whatever! She and all the other north americans here understand me. But Im afraid Ill go home and NO ONE will understand me! ha 

One night this week, Hermana Tuft closed the window, probably like 2am. So I woke up and saw a red flashing light from a police car. So, in spanish (Spanish is always harder when im tired, and naturally we speak english together...but i spoke spanish to her) i asked what happened outside. we had a good conversation in spanish for a couple minutes and went back to sleep. the next morning, we told each other that right as we almost fell back asleep, we realized it was in spanish, but had to really think to see if it really was ;) haha 

Another example of this, is that today, we ran into a Canadian. We were just walking around talking, and a guy comes up, "are you speaking english??" I just looked at him in shock. I couldnt believe he was speaking english! haha Hermana Tuft did most the talking, because I couldnt think of anything to say to him in English. Its hard to talk to "normal" people in English. But we made a contact out of it, and honestly, I couldnt think of the words to say. haha I guess its going to be hard for a while to speak in Gospel Terms in English! ha 

We decided that, since we are staying together, that we are going to read the whole Book of Mormon in a month. I think Im doing it in english, but we shall see. It will be a fun little challenge though! 

Another fun little thing we did this week, is that Hermana Tuft cut my hair!! I had been wanting it a lot shorter, and she wanted to try it. And it looks good! haha ;) Its nice to have all the gross ends off and be really healthy ;) 

You asked me about the food here. Its not TOO bland. well, maybe Im just used to it by now. But Its mostly rice or potatoes, and chicken. And... yup. they eat mayo with everything. but its good! Im not too against it ;) but I also am starting a list of food I miss from home, and chicken and rice is NOT on that list! 

My foot was doing better this week. it seems like now every time it DOES hurt, its just a little bit, and not for as long. so thats good! hopefully i dont have problems with it the rest of my life! 

Well, thats about all for now... I believe ;) 

Have a GREAT weekkk!! Love you lots!! 

Kami letter from Copiapo (dated 11/25/13)

FELIZ NAVIDAD!! 

almost. 

One month from today, is Christmas!! CRAZY. But im so excited to be able to talk to you guys!!! Like I think I mentioned last week, we bought a Christmas tree!! So I attached a picture of it ;) Its little, but I love it!! 

This week was a quick, busy one for us!! Like I also mentioned, my foot started hurting a little bit, but not too bad. Its already feeling a LOT better. This time it didnt get nearly as bad. which is nice. 

I had to go start everything for my Carnet...Chilean ID ;) I have my visa which is good for a year, so I just had to go do the ID stuff. We had to go SUPER early in the morning... left our pension at like 7ish (normally we wake up at 7:30) and went to the PDI... to get my foreigner stuff figured out. Then to the Registro Civil, to get the ID and stuff. 

Funny story, so we were at Registro Civil, waiting in line, when we realized I needed money for it. We counted our money between the two of us...and we ended up about 500 pesos (about a dollar) short. Oops! So we called the other Hermanas, who were still at home, to come meet us halfway to bring me a little more money. The Registro Civil is in their sector, so it wasnt too far, like a 30min walk or so. So we start RUSHING home, and they start RUSHING towards us, because I had a number, and didnt want to miss it. We got to them, started RUSHING back, afraid we might not make it, then Bro Judd comes to save the day! He had just stopped by the pension to give us that package, but we obviously werent home. So he was on his way to work when he saw us on the street. So I got the package and he was able to drop us off quicker too. woo hoo! Thank you for the little package ;) Everything is perfect! So fun to get it all from ya ;) and he gave us too sour patch watermelons and almond joy ;) YUM. Attached are pictures of us 4 enjoying our treats too :D

Im glad you got the email of our musical number too! It was so fun ;) I love every chance I get to play the piano, so last week Bishop asked if we could do that, and we both happily accepted! Ive been playing to accompany sacrament meeting lately too... love it ;) Everyone told us we "make a good team" so we are hoping we can stay together another transfer ;) We know they are changing a lot in Copiapo, putting hermanas and elders in the same wards, so theyre changing all that. But we know its the other hermanas that are most likely leaving...well their sector is bringing elders. 

We also...because our house is breaking and huge, for just two of us, have been looking for a new one! and we think we found one! A lady in our ward rents houses, and she told us she has one cheaper for us. So we went and looked at it today..its nice!! and smaller, and cheaper, and new! and not breaking ;) So hopefully we can get that all figured out soon, before we have transfers this weekend!Saturday we find out..so hopefully next monday Ill be able to tell you guys im staying here for christmas ;) 

Our best investigator yet... Benjamin, who I mentioned a few weeks ago... moved :( He is still here in Copiapo, but another ward. We were so sad because he is progressing VERY WELL. He just has to get some things with divorce figured out before he can be baptized, but he would be baptized, and WANTS to be baptized as soon as he can. He was definitely prepared, one of those chosen and placed in the path ones. So I was sad to see him move, but I guess theres a reason for everything. But he was really open and accepting that new missionaries would have to come and a new ward. Hes great! 

We started focusing on the Plan of Salvation this week. Almost all our investigators are on this same page, so we basically do almost the same lessons with them...of course personalizing them too, but the same basic concepts. 

And a funny story. We are with this lady, and her 6yr old is in and out of the lesson. Teaching Plan of Salvation. And she mentions that she has had the question before.... what happens after this life. So we ask her, what are your beliefs, where are we going? and the little son yells..."ARGENTINA!" and we all couldnt help but laugh. and he says "but mom.. you told me we are going to argentina some day". haha ;) 

Thats crazy to hear about the wards all splitting! craazzyy!! Whos the new Bishop then? Wow, big changes happening, its going to be weird when I get home! haha 

They dont have Thanksgiving here... but we are going to celebrate it anyways. We are 3 from the US in our pension..and 1 from Peru, so we are celebrating it. Ill send pictures next week. But no, they dont have anything like it here, so its kinda weird. 

But hope you all have a good holiday! Remember all the blessings you have, and show your thanks! 

I hope you all have a wonderful week!!! Enjoy Thanksgiving, couple days off of school, and family and friends ;) 

I love you all lots and miss you too!! But one month ill getta talk to you all!! ;) 

Love you, 

Hermana Severtson

Email from a Member in Kami's ward in Copiapo, Chile

Dear Familia's Severtson's y Tuft's,

Attached is short 6 second "vine" video of the Hermanas performing in Sacrament meeting today.

They made good use of their talents.  It was excellent.  Best musical number I have heard in my 3 years here in Chile!!  It made us all tear up.  The spirit was so strong.  I could have listened to them all day.  I am glad they used their practice money wisely so we could all benefit.

Thanks for sending you precious daughter to Chile.  They are super missionaries and you can be very proud of them.

Saludos,

Bret 

Kami letter from Copiapo (dated 11/18/2013)

Hello Hello!! 

Another quick week, for real. It flew by!! 

My foot has started hurting again though... not nearly as bad as before, but I have medicine for it again. Hopefully it starts getting better. I talked to Elder Garrison, our Senior missionaries who are here who is the physical therapist, and he said it sounds like I actually have Plantarfesicitis.... no idea how to spell it, hopefully you still know what Im talking about haha. And hope also that I can get it controlled so I can first, enjoy the rest of the mission, but also, to be able to do fun hikes and stuff again after! Guess we`ll see.... 

Can`t believe I finished my half-way mark this week. Wow. That really went fast. It feels weird to know I`m on the "countdown". But, its great! ;) Love every minute of it! 

Thats so CRAZY that Bro Judd is in Brad`s ward! small world! Cool you got to go over and meet him, thats really neat. I`ll be waiting for him to come home then! ;) 

And as for the package, as of now, still nothing. But Hermana Tuft`s parents sent one about a week or so before you guys, and we know the Zone Leaders have one for her, so it should hopefully be getting here soon. 

We`ve started to get a lot of investigators right now, lots of looking and searching the last few weeks, and its paying off! They`re all still really new for now, so hopefully in the next couple weeks they can be really progressing. But we have them. Just now have to teach and feel the spirit. 

I just hope, REALLY HOPE, I get to stay in Copiapo one more transfer...theres just 2 weeks left of this one, and I really want to stay! I want to stay at least for Christmas ;) But I guess we will see! 

One lady, we were trying to talk to her neighbors, that are never home, and we saw her car there. So we decided to try her. She let us right in, and we had a good lesson with her. 

Another, was a reference from a member. We went over, she let us in, and she ended up crying because it was perfect for what she needed in her life right then. 

Its so amazing how the Lord prepares people. They are ready. And theyre everywhere ;) 

I realized too, can you send me my counselor`s email address? I should probably get that all figured out, because itll come fast by when I have to know all that..especially with only being able to talk to them once a week. Just send me whatever cards I gave you (I think I did...) and Ill just ask them if Im talking to the right person ;) 

Cant believe either, that CALEB is starting his EAGLE!! Good for him!! Thats so cool! you gotta make sure to send me lots of pictures of the project, because I cant be there to help him. But Im so proud of that kiddd!! 

Like I said, this week flew by! So theres not much else for this week... sorry. haha Ill try to make the next weeks email a little bit cooler ;) 

Love you all LOTS!! 

<3 Hermana Severtson

p.s. a picture of my district in caldera last week. 

this head is placed right in front of easter island! its part of a different mission, but its directly in front of ours. but its still like a 6 hr or so plane ride away! far! but cool ;) 

Kami letter from Copiapo (dated 11/11/13)

HHOOOLLLAAA ;) 

Crazy right??? 9 months just about! But just about exactly 9 mo from today, ill be coming home!! wowwy! I cant believe how fast the time has gone. 

I was talking to a new sister that just came this transfer, and she was just telling me how hard it was and the language is difficult.... it feels just like a couple weeks that i was in her spot, and it felt so weird to be "experienced" to tell her that YES it gets better...the language comes, it just gets amazing. Being hard at first, just makes it that much better at the end... or the middle I guess, I dont know about the end yet ;) haha 

Speaking of, Ive had SO many dreams lately that I am going home. And its as if this transfer. Like in my dream I know im only 9 mo in, and everyone that recently left is left recently, but its my turn to go home, and my group i came with too. weird. but i still got 9 months, so its good! ;) its so weird, i miss everyone and i miss home, but i love it here. as if i dont want to leave, but dont want to stay either! 

We made a Christmas chain this week...counting down the days ;) haha we are in the 40s now... yikes!! Make sure to tell everyone to send me christmas cards ;) i want to see everyone! Its so crazy how much people change in just 9 months! ;) 

Thats cool you saw the Laytons, and Kenzie Stewart. How good for both of them ;) Kenzie is getting ready to go in another year or so, right? thats awesome! i would definitely, without a doubt, recommend a mission to everyone. 

And Bro Judd! Cool youll see him tomorrow! how crazy how he travels to and from mesa and copiapo. haha 

We had ward conference yesterday, its funny, here, everyone makes it kinda a bigger deal. it was this huge program and they gave us all little tag things for the conference. and we had our all-time high for church attendance!! we were so happy!! last time the stake came, we had 58, then yesterday, it was 117!!!! It was amazing! :D

On saturday, there was a RS activity in the plaza... all the wards had a little booth showing what theyd done through the year. and us missionaries went around just talking to everyone, showing them what it was, and inviting them to talk to us another day. it was really neat! a really cool idea. 

also, here, theyve been doing "emergency backpacks" just like a 72 hr kit in a backpack. everyone has been really stressing getting them ready.... yikes! haha kinda makes me nervous ;) haha 

our door too this week... haha our pension right now is kinda crazy ;) ha the bottom 2 of 3 hinges came off. so we opened it that night, and the whole door almost fell! So we put a couch in front of it for the night, and the elders and members came the next day to help us out ;) 

but all in all. this week was GREAT!!! SO much better than last week. I just felt so much happier and excited to do the work. it was great ;) 

We are in Caldera right now again, the little beach town ;) we came as a district to play some sports on the beach. we had a little while before the next bus left, so we are writing. I took some pictures, but ill send those when we get back to Copiapo in a couple hours or so. So watch for that email!! 

Love you lottsss!!!!! Hope you enjoy your week, remember what you know, and share it with everyone!!! <3

<3 Hermana Severtson 

P.S. Shoes we bought together, christmas chain, pictures from the beach

Kami Letter from Copiapo (dated 11/4/2013)

HEEEYYYY!!! 

For real, you are all too busy!! haha Always something going on! ha, but its great. I love hearing from you and seeing whats new and whats going on in your lives. Its so funny, being in the mission, it feels like time stops! I always want to say "the other day..." then realize ive been here almost 9 months, so it was more of probably a year ago or more. 

But this week was good. Ended good. It was one of those discouraging weeks, but those are when you learn the most, and learn to rise up and keep going. 

We met a Brazilian lady, who was talking to us half in Portuguese half spanish with her accent, knowing we dont fluently speak spanish trying to mess with our minds. haha but, the gift of tongues is real, and we actually understood more or less, the idea, of what she was saying. Funny people ;) 

Lots of finding, teaching, inviting, talking, .... physically, spritualy, and emotionally exhausting. But looking back at the week, it was really a good one. 

We had been focusing on Charity together this transfer. We have studied it and tried to figure out how to develop it better. And at first, it seemed really hard. But after a more difficult week, we were really sad at the people that rejected us, the people who are struggling with their testimonies, the people who wont accept and realize the miracles and the holy ghost. we realized that this sadness, is because of the love for the people. I knew I had always loved them, loved Chile, loved the mission, loved the Gospel, but after being sad for them, I realize it even more. That was neat for us to see. 

And the best part, just means this week we will do so much better. We already have lots of appointments set for this week, so we are excited to move on and become better from a down week ;) 

Sounds like you all had a fun halloween!! Loved your costumes ;) Here, Halloween is "new", they`re slowly adapting the American ways. haha the people that DO decorate their houses, a little bit, do it the day of, then take it down the next day. Kids all dress up as zombies and go "dulce o basura"-ing (sweets or garbage). We luckily had our meeting with our Ward Mission Leader that night, so we didnt have to be out in the madness ;) 

Crazy how Caleb turned 13 this week. My baby brother is a teenager!! sounds like he must have had a good time... and he will have to show me his scooter skills when im home ;) 

If our ward changes, make sure to let me know. Im supposed to tell President if the home ward or stake changes. I hope not... that would be really sad. but at the same time, its HUGE, so i wouldnt be surprised. 

Thats really cool about Kirsten too! Congrats to her! wow, so weird knowing people that are getting married.... yikes! ha :) 

Hope you all have a fantastic week!!!! Love you all LOTTSSS and miss ya too!! 

Have a happy November!! 

<3 Hermana Severtson

Pictures attached of my companion and I, us in our pension, my district, us "dressing up" for halloween... ;)