Cargarse Espiritualmente

Hello Hello Hello Hola! 

I would like to start by saying that Chile just started their next game of the WORLD CUP, and I LOVE it. You all know, I've never been too big into sports, but I love seeing the pride of the country. Literally, the whole country dies down, and watches the games. Apparently this year Chile is doing good, and it just keeps up the excitement! Its interesting too, how big soccer is here. The schools today either didn't have classes, or had an early release, because the game was at noon. haha! There are hats, flags, horns, jerseys, EVERYWHERE! Its so great! Then the celebration after... Im hoping to be able to film a bit today of what happens after ;) Its so amazing! 

We had a fun week this week too.
We had a Noche de Talentos (talent show) in the ward this weekend. Us missionaries decided to have a little fun, and put on a special show. You know those things they do, when your own arms are the legs of a "little guy" and someone else's arms are yours? (hope that makes sense...) we did that ;) Ill send pictures ;) 

Everyone LOVED it!! Everyone was laughing SO hard! it turned out good ;) I have a video Im trying to upload to the Skydrive, but it takes a LONG time, so you might have to wait a few more weeks to see the videos ;)
We did it twice too. Once of how a missionary gets ready in the morning. So we washed our faces, ate breakfast, brushed our teeth, I did makeup, and the elders shaved. 

Next, we danced. It was so fun!! haha I want you to see the videos.... haha 

Thanks too for getting me all ready for school. Worrying about all with the scholarship/grant, and the mac. It seems like a super good deal, so thanks for getting it! 

There was a talk in the Priesthood Session of this past General Conference about being a Chosen Generation. I read it this week, and liked it. Then, yesterday in church, it was the topic of one of the talks too. 

It explains really well that we need to always be "spiritual charged". We always worry about charging the phone, seeing if we have it, stopping to read a text, ... but do we do the same with a prayer? reading the scriptures? going to church? sharing the Gospel? 

I know I don't... and its something I want to work on. Especially once I'm home. Keep the focus I've found. Keep with the habits I've made. 

I encourage you all to read the talk. I don't know why, but I always love the talks from the priesthood session ;) They are so great! And this one I specially loved ;) 

See in what ways you can do better to always be spiritually charged and making sure it is a priority. 

Here in the mission, we are always hearing that God is first, pray before you leave, its HIS work, do what HE wants you to do, ... and I've seen, several times, that it is easier this way. God has a plan. When we follow this plan, its easier. When we give up our own will, our own vision, or our own desires, its easier. 

I love you all bunches. Have a wonderful week! 

Siguen adelante en todas las cosas, y les irá bien. Eso yo se. Pongan Dios en primer lugar, y serán bendecidos. Les amo, muchísimo! 

Tengan una semana llena de éxitos! Trabajen duro y nunca se den por vencidos. 

Chao! 

---Hermana Severtson

Corred De Tal Manera Que Lo Obtengáis

Hello!! Nice to hear from you all today ;) I love reading your emails and hearing all that's going on at home. 

I forgot to mention last week, that I got the birthday card that you send me, and from Grandma and Grandpa Porter too. Thanks! It was nice to get some mail and hear from you. 

Also, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!!! I hope it was a great day for you, Dad! You deserve it! I wish we could call home on Father's Day too, but we can't. Soon enough..... 

Cool too that Porter is playing the piano in Primary! Is that his new calling? or is he just helping out? That's awesome, Im jealous! I LOVED that calling!!!

Sad to hear about Jette Davis... I didn't know he was getting that bad... I hope that his family is all doing okay. If you talk to them, tell them I send my best wishes for them. 

This week was interesting! We had lots of great activities! 

On Friday night, we celebrated the Anniversary of the Arica Costanera Stake. Mauricio de La Martinez came from Santiago (I think he's an ex-70?) to sing! He composed 4-5 songs about the Restoration and sang with his wife. It was great! They invited everyone, even the leaders of other churches, so it was a great event! My companion and I were in charge, along with the ward, to teach the Plan of Salvation after. There were 3 rooms, where everyone could go listen to the lessons. It went good! 

Then, on Saturday, we had a conference with President and Hermana Dalton. I always love the conferences we have, but for some reason, this one was my favorite! We talked a lot about the Book of Mormon and of all the questions that are answered in the book. Everything that was said was PERFECT and exactly what my companion and I were thinking about, and answered a lot of our doubts and questions too. 

We were able to set baptism dates with a lot more of our investigators too. Angelina is still doing great! But we set dates with Cindy and Luis, Miyoshi, and Maria José. Maria Jose was a great story... Let me tell you. ;) 

We did a few contacts Thursday night, and she was one of them. She was super happy and said, "can you come tomorrow?" so we set an appointment, and went! In the middle of the lesson, she asks us "you guys baptize in a pool right?" "yes, a font, how do you know" "my friend just got baptized in your church, and he told me." Turns out, her friend is the one who got married the other week and got baptized with his family. COOL! We start to continue the lesson, and she asks "How can I get baptized like that?" That was the first time in my mission that someone asks that, and that we set a baptism date in the middle of the lesson! It was cool! ;) 

 Something really interesting that one of our Zone Leaders shared in our meeting this week was from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. This was a little story I had never heard before, but I liked it a lot. "So run, that ye may obtain". We are all running in the race. But there is only one winner. Ok, really, there is more than one. But what is being explained here, is that only those who REALLY want the prize will get it. Only those who excersize self-discipline and self-mastery, with the most will and desire for the prize, will get it. He who starts out strong, and decides that he is tired and stops half way, won't get the prize. We need to be running fast and strong and dedicated the whole race. 

In our case, this race is our journey to the Celestial Kingdom. We need to run and endure to the end, running hard, in order to get the prize. We need to focus on our purpose and our goal. If we really want the prize, doing all it takes to get there will be easy. We need to do the will of God. He wil show us the path to get there easiest. He need to overcome the natural man. We may get tired, bored, want something new, but the PRIZE is our goal! 

I really liked this scripture and how it relates to life. So, RUN! That you might obtain the prize!! 

les quiero MUCHO! espero que todos tengan una semana maravillosa! Siguen trabajando y disfrutando de todo que están haciendo. Aprovechen su verano y disfruten del calor que tienen ;)

les extraño! pero nos vamos a ver prontito! ..... el tiempo pasa rápido. muy MUY rápido! Pero, voy a seguir enfocándome hasta el fin ;)  

<3 - Hermana Severtson

P.S. I uploaded more pictures to Skydrive too... so you can go check it out ;) 

La Humildad

Hola Familia! Como están? 

We had another fun week here. Continuing to enjoy the mission and have fun working! 

This week, we went to Antofagasta again, and had a great meeting with President and the other leaders there. It's always fun to go and see old companions and hear the words that President, his wife, and the assistants planned for us. 

We also continued finding more new investigators this week. We are really loving the work together here! Super great!! 

Happy news! We have an investigator, Angelina, who committed to baptism this week! Her friend is a member in the ward, and came to church with her twice. We started teaching her, but just through FHE and things, never a "real" lesson with her. Anyways. She is super happy and excited about the church. 

So, there was a baptism in the ward this weekend, the family and couple that got married last week. Angelina went with her friend. After, she came up to us and said "I'm being convinced" so my companion told her "We are giong to have another baptism on the 28th. We can help you prepare for this day" and she said "yes! When do we start the preparation?" :) Then she told the whole ward after the baptism that she would be baptized too! Already knows who she wants to baptize her, already talking to people to make more friends. The ward is great and helpful to have other FHE activities with Angelina to get to know her more!! 

Sounds like you all had fun on the cruise too! How funny you met Kevin and were talking to him. Were you all able to communicate well? Did he know any English? 

It seemed like Rosy and Porter continued the icecream swirling contest too... haha Hope Porter didn't get too sick this time ;) 

We'll have to do it again next year ;) Maybe down to CHILE! :D 

At the conference this week, Hermana Dalton talked about Humility. She is always the best at giving talks about the Attributes of Christ. I really liked her talk this time too. She quoted from "True to the Faith" that you can still be humble if you are strong and courageous. (something like that in English ;)  ) I liked that a lot, because people usually thing of Humility of being quiet, shy, like a weakness. But, humility is really a strength. Being willing to serve. Accepting change. Accepting correction. Doing what you know is right. Trusting in the Lord's plan. Doing His will. Not judging others. Not getting offended. Not getting mad. Loving everyone. Being grateful for all things. Praying always. Repenting and being better every day. Forgiving. and the list goes on and on. 

But Humility really includes more than we normally thing. Humility is one of the most important attibutes of Christ. We are nothing without the Lord, and with him, we are everything. We can do all things through Christ. It's not our success, it's not our work. Everything should be done in praising the lord. "Mira puesta UNICAMENTE en la gloria de Dios" (Doctrine and Convenants 4). 

Yes, I know its something I need to keep working on. There are many times I get frustrated with people or myself. When I get excited or happy for the things that I have done... forgetting that it was with a LOT of help from the Lord. 

Love you all MUCHO MUCHO! Have a great week! Keep working hard, spend your summer wisely ;) School will be back before you know it! I miss ya! You are all doing great in all your different activities and things. You are the best familia! :)

Que tengan un día lindo y una semana llena de éxito y felicidad!! Les quiero! 

--<3 Hermana Severtson

Unidad, Apoyo, Amor

Hello! 

This week, once again, was a good one for us! We were able to exceed our "records" as a companionship, and compared to before, for new investigators and lessons with a member present. It was a great week! 

We had a wedding this week! The Elders we share the ward with, have a family they'd been working with for 4 or 5 months now. They never could get baptized because the parents weren't married. Finally, they both agreed it was something they wanted, and got married! It was neat, and we got to go with them in the morning to the "ceremony." But, the best part, was that the ward too planned a reception at night. It was so amazing! Everyone got together and planned this, did their part, and it was so great!! There were decorations, food, gifts, a sister let her borrow her wedding dress, they helped with clothes for the kids, there were activities, dance, ... we had to go home early, but we heard that even the older ladies in the ward were dancing all night! 

That's something I love about this ward. They are so united. They work great together. There's so much love, even for people they don't know very well. They are excited and willing to help the missionaries. It's amazing! 

This was something my companion and I have noticed more this week than ever before. Especially with the wedding, but every other activity we have. There's great participation. Everyone helps. 

It's helped me realize that as a companionship we need to be the same. Have the same goals. Have the same plan. And, when we do it, THEN we see the success. We have fun. We enjoy it together. 

A family is the same way too. We all help and strengthen each other. We support each other in the hard times and the good times. We love one another. 

And that's the way it should be. United. It's amazing the difference it makes. And everyone can see it. Being yourself, and putting in your own talents, but supporting everyone else in theirs. Their strengths are our weaknesses. Our strengths are their weaknesses. And that's how it needs to be! Be a team!

We started classes of Preach My Gospel every other Sunday in our ward. Yesterday, we taught part of The Restoration, talked about what the main points would be, and how a member can teach and testify about this point in 1-2 minutes. Something they would do in lessons with us. Then, we talked about how to do a contact or how to invite a friend to go to church or meet with the missionaries. It was great! 

I got a phone call this week... from the mission office.... asking me what airport is the closest to my house. WOW. That must mean I have quite a bit of time in the mission...and don't have too much left. Wow. For real. Take advantage of every second you got--especially when you're in your mission, but in life too-- because it goes fast. It will pass before your eyes... 

How great that Bentley went through the temple. I miss the temple so much, but I'm happy there's one closer now, and that I can go whenever I want! ;) 

Hope it all works out for you to go to Havasupai this week! Hope everyone is good with health and strength. But, either way, next year we'll go again, right? ;) 

Maizey mentioned to me about jerseys. I am going to try to talk to a few people this week and see exactly how much they are. If any of the rest of you would want one, let me know! ;) 

Love you LOTSS! Miss ya! 

--Hermana Severtson

¿A Donde debo ir?

Hello Hello Hello!! How is everyone this week? I hope you all enjoyed your last week of school, Porter GRADUATED, and already enjoying your summer vacation. CRAZY that you are already on summer vacation again... I don't know about you... but this year went fast, right?? 

The week for us was great also! We've been focusing on finding this week. Elder Ballard told all the mission presidents a while ago that it would be a good idea to set a standard for the mission to do 20 contacts daily to find new people to teach. This was something that has been hard for me do. BUT, my companion and I set the goal to really focus on this this week. AND, we've seen success! With our goal to find the family, we contact everyone that is walking with a kid, and we've been able to get many addresses and appointments! Not only do we see the blessings of obedience, but the blessing of Talk to EVERYONE! Everyone needs the gospel, everyone is a child of God! "But are kept from the truth because they know not where to find it." 

Also, good news from this week, I went to Priesthood for the first time ;) haha Jorge, our convert from last week, recieved the Priesthood, so my companion and I went to the opening of Priesthood with him to see him recieve it and the blessing. It was so great to see, and I was so happy for him! 

In my study of the Book of Mormon, I read again the story of when Nephi broke his bow (1 Nephi 16: 23, 18-24). I loved what he did. He didn't complain. He had faith in the Lord. He got up and made a new one. And asked the Lord where he should go, willing to go wherever. This is something my companion and I have been praying for, to be guided to the people that are ready. To be guided in what to say. To be guided in what to do. 

Nephi is the best example of this. Especially with even his family complaining. But, humbly went to make a new bow. Complaining wouldn't change the situation.  So, may as well make the best of it! He decided to look for the best in the situation and to solve it. 

I know the Lord will guide us to the people that are ready, will guide us in the right direction with every aspect of our life, and will always always ALWAYS help us! 

I hope you all have a wonderful week! Enjoy your first full week of Summer Vacation! 

Love you!! 

--Hermana Severtson

Orar Con Fe

Buenas Tardes! 

I want to start this email today, saying that this week was GREAT!! It was super quick, and flew by, but it was excellent. 

Jorge and Vanessa got baptized. They are fully involved and dedicated. They are ready to keep going! They are amazing! The baptism was really great, so many members came to support them in this decision. The whole ward is excited to take them in to the ward family. Along with the 2 converts from the Elders we share the ward with. 

I am also happy to share, that we recieved our transfers, and IM STAYING! :D I wanted to stay, and I am! :) Im excited to keep working here with Hermana Calarco and work towards our goals and plans we have for this transfer. 

Like I mentioned, we went to Iquique this week, and it was amazing! Elder Spannaus and his wife are so great! It was weird to return to Iquique, to my same sector. I thought being there would help me remember a bit... nope. I really do not remember hardly anything from that transfer. haha It was SO long ago ;) 

They talked to us about sincere prayer with faith. A prayer shouldn't be a "wish list". It should consist also of a plan. What we will do, to help work towards the things we are asking for. Be specific. This is something we've been working on as a companionship, and its been a lot more effective. We feel better when we pray this way. We think before about the things we will thank and ask, and they have more meaning. 

Then, to end the conference, Elder Spannaus gave us a challenge and a promise. To read the whole Book of Mormon before September 1, highlighting anything that has to do with names of Christ (Savior, Redeemer...), the atonement, and the Gospel of Christ (faith, repentance, baptism, holy ghost, endure to the end). The promise, was that if we do this, we will strengthen our testimonies of Christ, and learn something new about him we didn't realize before. I accepted this challenge, and I will do it! :D And I invite any of you would like to do it, to do it as well. I know this promise he gave us is true! 

Pray with faith. Prayer should be a conversation, it takes effort and energy. There really is an extra difference in the day when we pray... pray with faith. This testimony I've learned here in the mission especially. God answers prayers. He knows us. He knows our needs. He knows best. 

I love you lots!! You are all the best! You are great examples of hard work and testimony. Enjoy your last week of school this week, and work hard until the end ;) 

--Hermana Severtson

No Dudo Que Mi Madre Lo Sabía

Hello!! and Happy Mother's Day!! 

It was great to talk to you all yesterday, and to hear about BENTLEY'S MISSION CALL!!!!! I am so excited for her, and excited to tell anyone that will listen to me ;) She is going to LOVE it! It is the perfect mission for her! There are people there that are waiting for Sister Clark! 

We had a great week!! We will be having a baptism this week! I'm super excited for that!! After working and working with this father and daughter, they accepted to be baptized, and are excited for it! 

This week, we are going to IQUIQUE! A member of the Quorom of the 70 is coming, Elder Alin Spannaus. All of Arica will travel to Iquique to hear this conference. I am excited to go see Iquique again--during the day. We always pass through in the middle of the night and I recognize a little ;) Im also excited to hear from Elder Spannaus. It will be a great conference! 

I studied this week about the 2000 Sons of Helaman (Alma 53-56). I really like the part they talk about the traits of these young men... Brave. True. Faithful. Serious. Mature. Obedient. Strong. Because their mom's taught by example. They were confident in the testimonies their mother's had, because their mothers shared their testimonies by word and action. 

I thought too, especially with Mother's Day, that I KNOW that my mom knew too. She always taught by example, and showed us the right way. She taught me SO much more than she probably realizes. She was always patient in all things. Her example of service and charity until the end is an example of love and selflessness. She accepted everyone for who they are and a friend to all. She is SO loving of all things. and HAPPY. I think that's the thing I am most grateful for that she taught me. How to be happy. How to be optimistic. This is something you can only teach by example. And she was the best example there is. I don't remember ever seeing my mom sad, angry, frustrated, ... always happy, smiling, laughing, having fun, and enjoying every moment. 

I hope we can all live in such a way, that no one will doubt that we KNOW this Gospel is true. That we have no doubts about it, and that for our confidence, they too want to learn more. I love hearing your stories of inviting neighbors, testifying to your friends, and being great examples. Because that is the best way to show that you BELIEVE and KNOW and LIVE the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Happy Mother's Day! 

I love you all LOTSS!! 

<3 Hermana Severtson