tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29323483163619084192024-02-07T03:52:07.941-08:00Erik's Chillin' Chilean ExperienceErik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-36832433149925961642014-02-23T18:48:00.000-08:002014-02-23T18:48:28.769-08:00A wonder mission!I return home on February 25, 2014.<br />
I will be speaking in Sacrament meeting and reporting on my missionary experiences on March 9th at 9:00 am. The address is 857 W 800 N, Orem.Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-88477998647140960212014-01-23T10:01:00.001-08:002014-01-23T10:01:07.591-08:00New Year postIt has been some time since the last post. I am still in Gambino. Elder Concha finished his mission. I then served with Elder Catalan from Guatemala and am now with Elder Munoz from southern Chile. The work continues to go forward and I continue to enjoy the work. It has become hot, and tiring at times. I would rather tire because of hard work, especially the Lord's work, than any other reason. I also had an opportunity to be taught by Elder Holland. That was a wonderful experience. We continue to teach much with occasional success. We do a lot of service as well, such as moving, remodeling houses, picking apricots. I enjoyed pizza for Thanksgiving. Christmas dinner was spent at a members for a delicious dinner. Thank you all for your support and prayers.Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-66132387413198945652013-11-01T07:30:00.001-07:002013-11-01T07:31:00.989-07:00A month in Gambino<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Independence week was celebrated here in Chile<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tuesday and Wednesday were spent at a church building getting fat off meat and watching shows. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really admired how they all get together and have fun, all day long from <st1:time hour="11" minute="0">11:00 am</st1:time> to <st1:time hour="2" minute="0">2:00 am</st1:time> early the next morning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My companion and I got there around <st1:time hour="12" minute="0">noon</st1:time> played games for a while. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Games included hitting a bunch of cans with tape balls, sack race, volantines (a kite), and playing soccer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lunch was great considering the amount of people; we had pork and rice with potatoes. The desert was one of my favorites, tuti fruti (a Chilean version of fruit salad but better).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next was a little more games and then back inside for shows. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were fun and entertaining, near <st1:time hour="21" minute="0">9:00 pm</st1:time>, they began to dance and as a missionary we can’t dance obliviously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We helped clean up a bit and went home, filled with the classic empanadas de pino. The rest of the week was great and had plenty of spiritual lessons. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ana Zuñiga isn’t a member but her husband is the Elders quorum President. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many elders have tried to baptize her with no success, so we decide to try. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lesson we had with them on Friday I will never forget. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day was going well and we had prepared two lessons and decided how we felt would decide how we taught. Right before we entered we said a prayer for guidance. As we went I and began to teach, I felt the spirit as I began to speak and it took over and words began to come out, it was very powerful and honestly don’t know how to describe it to you, but it was just a warm feeling and Ana began to open up. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the lesson, her husband left us at the gate and said she had never been so receptive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another was Mauricio and Gabriela; these two also have been visited by many missionaries and hadn’t ever progressed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We taught them on Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found his concerns and let him talk. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mauricio opened up and began to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said something that made us feel good. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that of all the missionaries we were different and let him talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end he promised to ask God if he should get married and be baptized, and said it with conviction.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also yesterday we taught Maria a 14 year old who said she wanted to go on a mission. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now this lesson was great but funnier than anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After watching the Restoration movie we began to talk serious about her testimony and what not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then out of no where the member, Bro. Muñoz, said “Maria we invite you to the water the 12 of October..." <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maria didn’t know what that meant and looked at him funny as he had a serious very face. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t help it and laughed as my companion sat there shaking his head. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end she accepted to be baptized.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well the baptism went over great. Betty Villasagua is her name. It is a wonder to think that someone can get baptized so fast, she already seemed like a member. It was a nice ceremony with plenty of members and the spirit strong. In the past month and a half my companion and I have seen the ward grow. It’s great to find that we have trust with the members and have worked hard and see fruits of our labors. </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was another great week, I get a long great with my companion, and we teach so well together the best in my experience. I love it here in Gambino and am having a wonderful time, even though drunken people contact me and this week was a bit crazy with all the parties.</span></div>
Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-69438793526368288552013-09-22T09:36:00.006-07:002013-09-22T09:36:56.227-07:00Good by El Salto, hello Gambino<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After seven months in El Salto I am was transferred. My new sector is Gambino, Zapadores. It is almost right next to my old sector. My companion is Elder Concha and he is from Chile. He is 26 and this is his last exchange be for he goes home. It was sad to leave El Salto. After so many months I had made many, many friends. There were a lot of good byes and gifts from the members and investigators. I also really enjoyed working with Elder Pereira—we got along great. I also became friends with many of the youth in the ward as we played soccer together on about every p-day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After a couple of weeks I have easily come to really enjoy the new ward and my companion. We came into the area together and soon meet with the ward mission leader. He planned a meeting for us to meet the ward members. We were very excited at their enthusiasm for missionary work.<br />One experience I would like to share is about Betty, a woman who had been searching for the missionaries forever. She even went to the temple to ask and that’s when we were sent to her house. During the very first lesson we found she had been reading the Book of Mormon and was in Mosiah! She already has a testimony of the Book and the prophet Joseph Smith. Sunday she came to church and was instantly befriended by the Ward members. She accepted a date to be baptized. She is a blessing from heaven.<br />The Spirit is strong here and the Lord has such mercy with me and blesses me way to much—more than I feel I deserve. It is interesting to think how much I have changed and what I have left behind in my life. I have had so many experiences that I remember that just testify plainly that the church is true. In the end it all just makes sense, God loves us and wants us to be happy.</span>Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-44528010137320989662013-08-20T10:26:00.003-07:002013-08-20T10:29:50.971-07:00It has been awhile.Well have had several baptisms since my last entry. And we continue to find people and teach the gospel. We have moved into a new house. It is great and big enough. We really only occupy one room. There is not much time to really enjoy it because we are always out working. I did have a fever recently. It is ridiculous how many times I get sick here. I am sure it is all the city smog. I continue to serve in El Salto, now over 7 months. I have a new companion, Elder Pereira is from Uruguay. He has been out for three months has it is wonderful to see his energy. Being in the same sector for a long time is interesting, and sometimes a little hard. Members and investigators get so used to you, and many times want you to spend so much time with them. Yesterday was a test of that, but I feel good when I say we need to go and work for the Lord. The mission is going well; we have others with potential to be baptized. We have spent so much time working on the ones we have, helping them get ready and all. We now need to refocus on finding new ones. That is how it goes, we find and teach and then find some more, I like it a little better to be honest. I feel great walking in the street and talking to people, it is different than running from one appointment to the next. Last week was ward conference. The Bishop, being who he is organized as he is, held a week long conference. Bishop Rojas is a very inspired person. Every day but Monday there was something in the church. We the elders went to the meeting on Wednesday. This meeting was “every member a missionary" and all were invited to go and share the gospel with everyone in the street. Sadly only about 6 people came....but those people are the strongest and went out with excitement. All were given flyers for the conference week inviting everyone. I, with my companion, went with Sister Reyes and Sister Aguilar. Sister Reyes talked to everyone and did such a great job! She was the first to talk and when she saw someone she went out of her way to go and talk to them. It was a great experience doing contacts in the street with the members. On Saturday we had a talent show, which went over well and the 5 elders did a little mission day skit. Sunday was the grand conference and we heard talks by both our Bishop and the Stake President. I was lifted up and had a great day at church. Today for p-day we played soccer with the young men and a couple investigators. Wednesday it was raining all day, and no one opened the door. Surprisingly I was happy, but really happy; it was just fun to be out knocking doors and working. This work is of God, it just has to be, what 20 year old boy goes out in the rain to preach? I love it! Friday was funny; we did a service by taking out the ceiling in a house. The ceiling was made of Styrofoam so we took a broom and just punched it all out. It got everywhere. We and the three children that helped us cleaned it all up. We have gone on splits with members almost every day this week. The mission is going great. Yesterday I had an interview with the Mission President. He lifted my spirits having him tell me I am doing a wonderful job. <br />
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Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-70355818054204956522013-07-04T16:14:00.002-07:002013-07-04T16:14:23.271-07:00Having great experiences<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This past week we have changed where we live and now live in the Calle Uruguay. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is part of a little building that a family owns and converted it into 4 apartments. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a nice little place, bigger then the last and in a good location. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is all new and we will fix it up more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got new stuff from the mission to have all the supplies we need for the house. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturday we did a service project for a family that the other elders in our ward are teaching. They are a little poor and lived in a house that’s not the best ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went there with the Bishop and started with the walls. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was privileged with painting the ceilings...being one of the tallest and all. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The paint was a mixture of with quartz and when you paint the ceiling it tends to rain little white specks. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon a little bit of painting the white specks get all over you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say my face, arm and jacket where spotted white.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The family seemed really happy with the work and like the loving Chileans I know they bought us some Coca-Cola. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Work wise we have been very, very busy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First was the house change, which took time; and then we found the water heater didn’t work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The water heater is a gas powered thing that cold water goes in and hot comes out, well this was not working. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we had someone from the mission office come and look at it; that took plenty of time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been greatly blessed with people to teach. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First story is a man named Angelo who lives with his girlfriend but is married to another. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I assume you know that he or she cannot be baptized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Angelo, with his testimony of the truthfulness of the church has decided to move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He happened to find a house in the ward! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is sacrificing a lot to change and to follow the Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a great person and has great faith. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has a date to be baptized for the 21 of July.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Another bit of experiences I have been having is the families we are teaching. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First is the Valdes family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The parents are less active—well were—and we are teaching the three daughters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two of the three should be baptized this coming Sunday. They all love going to church. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What has impressed me is the father, Victor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other day, after a lesson, he asked for a moment and gave his testimony and thanked us for sharing the truth with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He mentioned that before he didn’t really understand what it all meant and told us he believed it was all true. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord has blessed him with a firm testimony and it shows in his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Secondly, is the Moreno Hernandez family, a family of four that came to church yesterday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are very kind and have a big interest in finding their faith again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All four have accepted a date for baptism on the 21 of July. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The past lesson was watching the video of the first vision and it impacted all of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The oldest daughter gave her testimony of how she felt it was true because she had a simple desire to continue to share with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are great people and always love having us over. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thirdly, and I’m sure have heard about them, is the Abarca family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We baptized the daughter recently and are helping the boyfriend of another daughter get things arranged to be baptized as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is always fun to visit them and see the diligence that the mother puts in to going church. She has a leg that is longer then the other and walks very slow but has gone to church the past four weeks. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally is the Pavez family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mother and son are converts but the step father has a different story. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had a conflict a while back with an elder and when I arrived in the sector I was forbidden to even go near the area where they lived. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As of yesterday the man, Andres, has a date to be baptized and has gone to church at least two times. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am seeing so many miracles here in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Chile</st1:place></st1:country-region>. The Lord has blessed us and these wonderful people so much. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so happy to be part of the changes that I have seen these people go through. This Church is true and the Holy Ghost is true and it works within us to change us through the atonement of Christ.</span></div>
Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-42986818681668243602013-06-29T10:22:00.001-07:002013-06-29T10:22:49.216-07:00June update<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
We had a hard rain one evening and it blew some transformers causing the power to go out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has happened before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The city’s (<st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:city>) power was still on and lit up the night sky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have had several families to teach, even some less active members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bishop, Obispo Rojas, has gone with us to teach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That has been great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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One p-day, we had an activity and a birthday/going away party for two elders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As always we played soccer and had food—this time prepared by a professional and it was soooooooo good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was the goalie and am getting better at soccer little by little.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Changes came on the 17<sup>th</sup> and I am in the same sector, El Salto, but with a new companion, Elder Figueora from <st1:country-region><st1:place>Chile</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We get along fine and enjoy working hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had two baptisms, Millaray Abarca and Jose Marambio. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a lot of people attend and most were investigators or less active members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was wonderful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are walking and talking and teaching as much as we can. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am doing great and grow everyday, the spirit works through me and in me to strengthen my testimony. I’m blessed to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love it here in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Chile</st1:place></st1:country-region> and honestly don’t want to leave. </div>
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Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-76563670681663657482013-05-27T09:42:00.004-07:002013-05-27T09:42:34.991-07:00May Update
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We had changes and I am staying with my companion Elder
Xavier here in el Salto. Also this week we did service and painted a house for
a member. The two Mexican elders in our house left and one went home and we
have yet to meet the new elders.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well to answer the breakfast question, I eat oatmeal to
cereal to a sandwich. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today my companion
made me a Swedish pancakes and filled it with caramel sauce, which made me sick
afterwards.....but my week was a fun one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monday, my comp and I went to
downtown in search of stuff my companion wanted to see. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found a building full of little stores,
mostly hair care and doctor stuff, but I found a shop that sells medieval
weapons and armor; it’s was just interesting to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw Viking stuff and that was the highlight
for my p day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My comp walked everywhere
looking at everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost every day
of the week we have been teaching a family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marcela is the mother, Yeneli is the daughter
with her boyfriend Cristian and their two daughters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Millaray is another daughter, Oliver a grandson;
and also a nephew of Millaray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a
little complicated, but here it is normal. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We teach them and it is going wonderfully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They attended church on Sunday and a member picked
them up! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love sharing with them and
they love having us over, since we pass by every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two young ones, Millaray and Oliver want
to be baptized, especially Oliver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cristian
does as well, he’s about 20.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is just
a little lazy so we have to push a bit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am finding I love this sector and all the people in it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are also teaching Angelo and Carolina, they
came as well to church and everyone in the ward welcomed them and was nice! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunday was a great day, well the morning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friday, here in Santiago we had a freak hail
storm with thunder and lightning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily
we were in a house right as it happened and it was funny because no one has
seen that before and it actually scared a lot of people. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was all over the news, my comp was yelling
¨snow! snow!¨ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained it was hail
and he along with the Chileans were so fascinated by it all. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturday we had an interesting day, we met a
lady the day before who is the community leader and had a visit planned at 10
in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It fell through and we
had to run home to prepare for English classes and run to get the keys for the
church and then go get set up at the church, in final no one came....so I am
tired and ending the English classes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afterwards,
we had lunch with a great family.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The couple we have been teaching, Angelo and Carolina, we
taught them the law of chastity and it went over really well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Angelo, being married, talked about getting divorced
and married to Carolina so he could be baptized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
both have attended to church and are learning and reading a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before the lesson on chastity, I was worried
a lot how they would take it, so I said a prayer with my comp before we knocked
the door and it seemed that I didn’t speak and that the words just flowed out
of my mouth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have high hopes for them.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturday we had visits 4 to 7 every half
hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first told us to come by
later....the next one we passed by was a nice lady...and told us to come by
later, and finally we talked to Nicolas, a man about 25ish and he said to come
by later, in about 10 minutes later. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
thought ok yeah lets go talk to someone and get a visit and come back. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We come back and he let us in and we taught;
it was great. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found he is looking for
answers about life and why bad things happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I felt the spirit as we taught and he promised to read before we even
asked him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We plan to visit him today
with a member about his age. Also the Abarca family, Millaray the little
daughter, and Cristian the boyfriend accepted a date to be baptized! I love
teaching them and it’s always fun to go over, they love us and say they feel
something different when we are over there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of course I tell them it’s the spirit. Friday we had interviews with
president and it went well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seemed
happy with the work I am doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
walked home instead of taking a bus, to save money and surprisingly we meet a
kid and invited him to church and it seemed like he would, even though he lives
in a different sector. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks for all the
letters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elder Shelley<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-27065398401125304742013-04-26T11:46:00.001-07:002013-04-26T11:46:21.313-07:00Monthly Update<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I’m healthy and happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather is changing and the cooler days are settling in nicely; that makes me happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have read the Book of Mormon, the D&C and the New Testament in Spanish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve read a lot and am now in Mosiah reading in English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the scriptures and think 2 Nephi is my favorite; that’s honestly really where my testimony grows the strongest in the scriptures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The field in front of our apartment building caught on fire...and being a little later at night and had finished planning, we all went over and took pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pretty cool and we watched on the corner as the firemen put it out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The work is going well and we have a couple people progressing and other decent investigators who we teach. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One investigator went to a session of conference. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conference for me was good and I felt the spirit and learned how I can better my life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s different to go to a stake center and listen in Spanish. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We get it here live, but it is translated in Spanish of course. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also for the questions about the other elders we live with, there is Elder Garza and his companion Elder Olvera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both are from <st1:country-region><st1:place>Mexico</st1:place></st1:country-region> and the first goes home in a month. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see them plenty and talk a lot; I have made friends with Elder Garza since he was here last exchange as well. One p-day, my companion and I went to a part of our sector we found one day that is at the end of our sector.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will played soccer and enjoyed the time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We have a few people with a date to be baptized and many others who are great investigators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, the other day we had all day set with visits, but they all canceled or just weren’t there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had an idea to stop by a guy we had taught before with a broken foot and see how he was doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we got to the house a lady was sitting outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We asked her if Jorge was home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My comp, being the great elder that he is, asked her if we could share a message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She accepted. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I taught and basically told her who we are and what the message can bring. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told us she had been looking for something to get her closer to God and that made my day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s real nice and we will be teaching her again tomorrow. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this sector the elders make their own food; so I have learned basic stuff, like rice, fried rice, salsa, stuff with eggs, and ways to cook meat. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I make my own food and it’s all supported with fruit; but the fresh fruit season is coming to a close so it’s getting pricier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sing in lessons and in church now. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s funny because everyone expects me to know every hymn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are teaching plenty. Marcel is one, and he is doing great and reads a lot and prays and has gone to church every week. José is a kid whose mother is a convert of 3 months or so and he wants to be baptized. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A guy named Angelo is the Bishop’s neighbor and he is really humble and is doing great. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturday we had a baptism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to the <st1:city><st1:place>Temple</st1:place></st1:city> here in <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:city> and I had a wonderful time, it’s quite pretty. </span></div>
Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-40858214088354946802013-04-01T12:21:00.002-07:002013-04-01T12:21:39.331-07:00El Salto and Easter Week<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well I am doing fine, but changes have hit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am staying here in el Salto, while Elder Roberts goes to the <st1:place><st1:placetype>island</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename>Juan Fernandez</st1:placename></st1:place>! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was sad to say goodbye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had become good friends, but we both are from <st1:state><st1:place>Utah</st1:place></st1:state> so the possibility to see each other again is always there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am now with Elder Xavier, from <st1:country-region><st1:place>Uruguay</st1:place></st1:country-region>, the capital city I think. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a great Elder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We already get along and he seems cool and super nice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The week was alright, it went by really fast and I don’t remember much. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturday we had FHE at the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot of people came and it was quite fun. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a lesson and played games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Elders did the games as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that was the best part of it all and I’m sure everyone had fun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Easter here is a week long thing that has been morphed by commercialism. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the weekend that does it though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friday is doing nothing but watch videos about God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did see a little bit of The Ten Commandments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They only eat fish, so fish prices sky rocket; other meats are cheap so we take advantage of that. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is supposed to be a week to remember Christ and his death, thus, it makes great contacting and bringing up that He lives again. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week with my new companion has been fun and we have worked very hard. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thursday and Friday are kind of a holiday, where if you are young and rebellious, you go be that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to return home early on both Friday and Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a lot of noise and activity—such as gun shots and cop cars patrolling the streets and such.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My companion and I hung out with the other two Elders in our apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The work is going great and we have 3 people with a date to be baptized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One investigator came up to us yesterday at church and asked if we could teach him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our gold investigator is Marcel; he’s an older fellow about 50 or so and is looking for the truth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has lots of belief but lacks just that little push, but we teach all the time and he progresses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thanks for all your love, support and prayers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-47288341980654097002013-03-11T12:24:00.002-07:002013-03-11T12:24:48.318-07:00The work is going great!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The work is going great. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a lady and her sister who want to get baptized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One is 100% on going with it; well, at least she says that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is just one thing she needs to give up and that’s the hard part. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturday we were with her and her family and were teaching and sadly the idea of gold plates came up.....and I had to do all I could to get that out of the way because she thought gold was from the devil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to explain that it is not, greed is what comes from the devil. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the word of wisdom came up and they thought it was ok just to drink a little. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t understand why we have such "strict rules".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put my foot down and told them it is a commandment from God and we must therefore follow it—even if God tells me to go and bark on the street like a dog. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well it felt powerful; I was very scared but they stopped with all that and we did our best to end with the spirit. <br /><br />A couple days ago we had been having a very long day and could not find anyone to teach and ended up on a corner not having any plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, the next thing is a miracle happened. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just saw a man entering his home and started talking to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was nice and let us in which of course made us happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whole time my comp was and his prayer was answered as this man let us in. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We get in, talk a little, get to know him, and then we teach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was one of the most spiritual lessons I can remember, giving the first vision made me cry and we taught with such power and the spirit was so strong. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Near the end, we asked him how he felt; with his watering eyes he said he just felt important and special. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know how else to explain it except the love of God our Father was there in that moment and we all felt it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He promised to read and pray with a firm promise. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left with a good feeling and high hopes.<br /><br />Sunday came and we arrived with our investigator, the lady from before January, sitting in the back and reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She greeted us with a smile and stayed for sacrament meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a tiring week and lots of times we could have just said, “Well we did enough”, but keep going. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love it here, it is the hardest thing I have ever done, but am grateful for the experiences my Heavenly Father gives me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have learned so much here.</span></div>
Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-41376568713659679192013-02-25T08:48:00.004-08:002013-02-25T08:48:59.181-08:00Off to Pudahuel<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For the mission, my week has been a little blurred because I had changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weekend was remembered because I said goodbye to a lot of people I care about and they the same for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is weird to think 4 and a half months passed by so fast. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am now in a sector called Corona Sueca, Pudahuel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s near where I first started actually. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also I am with a gringo after the string of Latinos, named Elder Roberts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is from <st1:place><st1:city>West Valley City</st1:city>, <st1:state>Utah</st1:state></st1:place>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will be opening a new sector.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday was goodbyes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also meet a Swedish woman the other day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was at a house where a member rents in the back and she was a daughter or something of the owner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had the chance to talk to her a bit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found she was a translator and knew Swedish (of course), English and German; also a bit of French and Spanish. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is self employed and said there is lots of work here, since it’s Swedish and German and she does other stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She goes on lots of trips and knows quite a few places. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was really nice and I did get to share a little about the missionaries and the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was just happy to meet a Swede other then family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that’s my week and we'll see how all the change go this next month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is crazy to think I have been here a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well thanks for the letters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">-Elder Shelley</span></div>
Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-8477682191706592062013-02-06T09:43:00.000-08:002013-02-06T09:43:18.726-08:00Soccer in Chile and my birthday<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><st1:country-region><st1:place>Chile</st1:place></st1:country-region> is doing great since they won a very important soccer game against <st1:country-region><st1:place>Peru</st1:place></st1:country-region> yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no idea how the soccer game works, my companion tries explaining and I get most of it, but it’s a whole different world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently soccer matches affect politics, and that’s not being sarcastic people down here are fanatics from the street bum, who I saw at a pub watching on the TV with the room packed, to the President of the country. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly it affects the work too, there was not a soul outside yesterday, and one house we got into was with a less active member. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He let us in and then sat down watched the game for a minute then finally looked at us and said "elders how can I help you?" <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well this should have been a question directed at him so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We said we just wanted to see how he was doing and that we would be stopping by later and left. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another time we were let in and the guy who let us in told us to sit and be quiet while the game was a play and we talked during commercials, but let because it was pointless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My birthday was spent in the street with all our visits failing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My companion, being the weird loving person he is, bought me some ice cream and a sandwich and told me happy birthday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also bought me an Inca Cola, a soda from <st1:country-region><st1:place>Peru</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunday I had a surprise visit at the church when I arrived. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a convert, her mother (non member) and her uncle. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was shocked and happy, because I care about that family a lot, and it was great to see them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am doing great, just continuing teaching and preaching. I love it here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-16996551872124361462013-01-21T09:44:00.002-08:002013-01-21T09:44:34.119-08:00Working hard, doing great<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It has been almost 11 months in the mission for me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am in Conchali 14<sup>th</sup> Ward, a ward near the center of <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:city>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My current companion is Elder Arcos, from <st1:country-region><st1:place>Argentina</st1:place></st1:country-region>. We get along great and we are both working hard. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been here in this ward for 3 months and know it like my ward back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be here for another month and a half, so it has become a little home for me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The work is going great. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have plenty of people interested and teach lots of lessons. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Chileans are in vacation now and the weather is as hot as can be; I look like a native—except for the hair. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The language is also great with many times people thinking I am my companion on the phone (because if they saw me they would know I was a gringo). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mission is a wonderful place and my testimony grows everyday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love studying the scriptures and know of their truth and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has the restored gospel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to all for your support, it’s a wonderful work and a privilege to do it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">-Elder Shelley</span></span>Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-25232918786203091382013-01-14T08:03:00.002-08:002013-01-14T08:07:12.520-08:00Transfers, staying put in Conchali<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Nothing comes to mid as new and exciting the past few weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elder Gomez and I knocked so many doors and asked all the members for referrals, but nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sergio and Ivan left us and we are still teaching Cruz but she is struggling a little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I got blessed to be in the hardest sector of the mission, which is what all the other missionaries and members say, anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked and talked to everyone we could this week, but nobody seemed to want us to come in; but we still work hard and long and I love feeling good at night knowing I tried my best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have gotten close to a family that treats us like their kids almost, I think it’s because I shared my candy with them, but I am doing great and love the work and enjoy talking to people and learning about Christ from the scriptures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The weather is in full swing with boiling dry heat, but I think my body is getting used to it all. I can’t see the mountains or the ocean, sadly because it is all city, there are a few hills, one which is Cerro Renca.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yes, transfers have come and I am staying here but my good friend Elder Gomez has left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got along really well with him and am sad to see him leave. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I am with another elder from <st1:country-region><st1:place>Argentina</st1:place></st1:country-region>, Elder Arcos, he seems chill and I met him before in Estrella <st1:country-region><st1:place>Sur.</st1:place></st1:country-region> This past week we went to the Centro on Monday which was fun, I got a couple of shirts I liked and it was all pretty cheap as well, which helped.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love you all and appreciate your prayers and letters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-91106348669489409092012-12-21T11:45:00.001-08:002012-12-21T11:45:07.228-08:00Happy Holidays!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am doing great. This past week we have been walking in the hot summer sun most of the time. Yesterday, Monday, we had activity at the mission home for Christmas; all we did was take a tour of the house because it is being converted into a MTC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also watched a few of the new bible videos the church has. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had lunch with two zones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to visit with my old MTC companion. The week really was quick, as normal. Nearing Christmas we see a few lights here and there and plenty of trees. Everyone is all in a buzz for the holidays and when we went to the center of <st1:city><st1:place>Santiago</st1:place></st1:city> for a p-day everyone was Christmas shopping. In our sector there is a Christmas Feria in Cortijo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s where they sell random stuff for gifts. That’s really the highlights of anything new. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am loving the mission though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We work very hard but it is so much fun doing it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get along really well with my companion, Elder Gomez, and we chat and laugh whenever we are just in the street knocking. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have an investigator named Cruz who is excited to go to church and knows the church is true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another is a father, Sergio. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He isn’t a member but his daughter is and he is bound determined to get baptized. Also a young man named Ivan, who we get along with because we all like being nerds. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also have finished the Book of Mormon for the first time in Spanish and have started on D&C and find it so enlightening. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just awesome! I know this Church is true and we have the knowledge of the fullness of the gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Happy Holidays!!</span></div>
Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-75980645674813223042012-12-10T10:22:00.002-08:002012-12-10T10:22:14.090-08:00Hot, sick and loving it!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well this week was a busy one and a hard one, but I still loved it all. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monday we just hung out and tried a bunch of times to get money. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hard right now because the only supply of money we have is from tellers (ATMs) around town and there is only one in my sector.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After we found it out of money, we had to leave our sector and look for other machines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the other ones close by didn’t have any money either—due to every one pulling out money for the holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then ventured to a mall a ways off and again found none.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got home tired and hungry, but thankfully the owners of the home we live in gave us a lunch. The week has been very hot; yesterday was the hottest and the day we were out the most. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We knocked an entire street and nobody let us in until literally the last one. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned the lesson of sacrifice there. (Even still I look white as a gringo here.) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thursday my companion got sick and threw up. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A member gave us an ounce (?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to do everything to tell her we can’t eat ounce and had to take it home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we ate it my comp got sick and threw up, then Saturday I got sick (a delay or something) and the same thing happened me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunday was Stake conference and it was fun, we had an investigator come and she loved it all. There were great messages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is still awesome that I can talk and understand Spanish like I do. Also there was a choir with a few members from my ward which was very good sounding for just 15 people or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just love the work and thank my heavenly father for all the strength he gives me; I say this just so you know I am growing in every way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-42946767265904522342012-12-03T08:31:00.002-08:002012-12-10T10:22:31.184-08:00Enjoying Conchali<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am in Conchali, a part of the Greater Santiago area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My companion is Elder Gomez from <st1:country-region><st1:place>Argentina</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a great worker and we get along great; he even lets me lead, which I enjoy very much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This past week we have work very hard in the hot sun, but, I have loved every minute of it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We laugh and talk in the street and enjoy teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is hard and tiring but it is great and fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have 10 people this past week who have interest in the Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked with a few young adult age people on the street and they said over and over that they want to come to Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know the Lord blesses us if we show Him that we are will to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did get to see an investigator from my old sector get baptized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was wonderful to see that family again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The young lady who was baptized even talked about turning in her papers to serve a mission as soon as she can.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We have found a guardian, a dog that started following us one day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up buying some food for the dog and filled a bottle with water for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We named it Korihor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It chases of other dogs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We were talking to this lady at her door and the day was hot and I was tired and little cranky—and the lady made me more cranky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was calling us a cult and other dumb stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I looked at the lady and said the Catholic church is false and you need to read the Bible, chao and we left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My companion just laughed as we walked away.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The Zone played soccer on p-day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to see my MTC companion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We caught up and he told me he hopes we can be companions again—which made me feel good.</span>Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-10032422334333396422012-11-05T12:10:00.002-08:002012-11-05T12:11:03.588-08:00A weird week<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well this week was just, well, I don’t know, weird.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work was slow so that part isn’t too exciting. We talked with two very odd people this past week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One is a man who is an evangelist and he loves the missionaries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He talks a ton and says weird doctrine; like our body is the church and if we love God then we don’t need to be a part of a church. But, he’s a good guy and very kind to us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another person is an older lady; well really old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told us that she receives healing powers from the sun and believes it is God giving it to her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly she used this so called power to heal someone, and I honestly felt she possessed the poor person with a demon, but honestly things like that are common here....but life here is fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The house we live in is a little shack that likes to keep in the humidity and make it super hot at night and a home for the cockroaches, which we hunt with a hammer and a makeshift flamethrower. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day I had an exchange with a kid from <st1:state><st1:place>California</st1:place></st1:state>, who is Latino through is parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows Spanish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got along very well and mostly talked the day away since no one would talk with us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, people have been asking a lot about Obama and Romney and really all I can say is I have no idea, I don’t watch the news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh well I guess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture study is always my favorite and I just love reading and learning. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have food, a home and a proposito (sorry I don’t remember the word in English) which is just to share and I do that with the spirit and scriptures. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m happy, just trying to be obedient and work.</span></div>
Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-9964069918856127772012-10-23T03:51:00.001-07:002012-10-23T03:51:11.613-07:00Transfers and Elder Bednar<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Transfers have hit and I am in a new sector with a new companion named Elder Arriagada, a Chilean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seems like a good Elder and has 16 months in the mission. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sector is called Cunchali, and it's right next to Renca. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am really sad to leave my old sector; there were some real good people there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We taught some good lessons there and have investigators who will be baptized for sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elder Bednar visited <st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place>Chile</st1:place></st1:country>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We met in a building next to the <st1:city><st1:place>Temple</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our mission and another mission met with him at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was amazing! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had us ask questions and make comments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even got to say something, and I talked right at him and he looked at me! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so amazing to meet an Apostle of God and learn from him. I just can’t describe it, it was just wonderful.<br /> I am doing fine and just working and enjoying all the learning and experiences. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you all for your prayers. con cariño<br />-Elder Shelley</span></div>
Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-61380459566061186332012-10-10T07:25:00.003-07:002012-10-10T07:25:39.301-07:00Conference weekend<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well this week has of course been another blur and some days as I go to bed I think, did I not just get up? We have plenty of lessons, this week we had 22 not counting with menos activo. We have 3 with a date, but two live in another ward, but either way it’s great to get people to baptism. I just work and learn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I am getting a good hold of the language and understanding the Chileans, it’s just when they get excited (or really mad) that they just fly and I can not understand a thing. Well summer has hit, but this week has been cold and cloudy. It even rained a lot this weekend. There are mountains close, but there is always smog so it’s hard, but there is a bridge that we cross to get on the other side of the highway, and there they are big and snowcapped. We are in a valley, a lot like <st1:state><st1:place>Utah</st1:place></st1:state>, but deeper and more hills, at least where I have been. Cerro Renca is the dominate hill right next to us with a cross at the top. Renca is a smaller town; I was told it used to be an old farming community back in the day. We will walk most of the time unless we have something far away; we take the bus, or micro as it’s called, if we need to. Our sector is long and skinny. The streets may be paved, but there are plenty of missing parts. They are a hard working people and care about family. I love them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My companion and I are just two good friends sharing the gospel. He will have me help with English sometimes, but president has asked me to talk as much Spanish, so it’s Spanish basically 24/7.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We watched General Conference in Spanish at the stake center, so that was fun trying to understand everything, but I got most of it. It is really not the same though, listening to other voices for the speakers. I was a little sad, though, only about 20 people came Saturday, and most were missionaries in our stake. Sunday was better; at least we almost filled the chapel. We had a few investigators come, but only for the Sunday morning session. I was edified though, it is not anything like crying my eyes out, but a simple truth, to go and do my duty and go forward with faith. The announcement of the new missionary age minimum was great to hear, I hope many will answer this great call to serve. It is a wonderful experience. I can’t think of any better experience I could be having right now.</span></div>
Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-13740867207348397372012-10-02T07:33:00.002-07:002012-10-02T07:33:11.193-07:00Speechless<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well honestly I have no idea what to write this week, <st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place>Chile</st1:place></st1:country> is <st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place>Chile</st1:place></st1:country> and I am learning Spanish. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We teach and walk and talk to people. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing exciting has really happened this week with me; it was a little bit of a blur really. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a birthday party at a member’s house that has become like a second family for me and my companion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They love to hear about our lives and our countries. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So sorry if it’s short, just write any question down and ask me when I get back :)</span></div>
Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-37046988197856575842012-09-18T10:05:00.000-07:002012-09-18T10:05:10.786-07:00Doing well and National Day<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well this week has been a party week for the people I am serving and they know how to party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are amosads everyday at every house, the parks are always full of people playing soccer and bolantin. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a festive country and I love it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a dance that some how you know or learn called the Cueca and it is really cool. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would say look it up in YouTube or something. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am doing well, I love the mission and all the experiences I have. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly think that I have learned a million times more things here than if I would have if I stayed home. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mission is preparing me and the Lord helps me through trials, but I want them, they make me learn and grow and the more I do that, the more I can do to help and serve others. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I am having a fun time and don’t worry the Spanish is coming fine, even to the point that I dream a few times in Spanish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It becomes a part of how I speak, instead of thinking for 10 seconds then talking. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to all who read my blog and all your support I definitely need it and very much appreciate it. -Elder Shelley</span></span>Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-74440808157481772322012-09-11T06:43:00.001-07:002012-09-11T06:43:25.962-07:00Continued work with Elder Villagran from Guatemala in Renca<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well ok this week has been crazy, I got sick and that put me out for a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a very bad companion who has now left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have lots of visits to make out of our sector for our chuaco elder. This may be a short blog, because not much happened and I don’t want to write sad stuff. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have had a baptism. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a 12 year old named Isaac; he has a strong relationship with God and believes in the church firmly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He talks of serving a mission, and his baptism has been a catalyst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a friend of his taking lessons named Katy, the sister of his friend. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have had changes and are now entering a new 6 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I and my companion, Elder Villagran from <st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place>Guatemala</st1:place></st1:country>, are excited and ready to keep working hard. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am doing great and love how I can actually speak another language and learn so much about our Lord’s church and the truthfulness of it—there just isn’t anyway that it is not true. Thank you all who read and your support, the blogs are short, but they hold a testimony that this work is true and the Lord is watching over us and helping us. Love you all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">-Elder Shelley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932348316361908419.post-3485389380805715882012-08-27T13:22:00.001-07:002012-08-27T13:22:38.168-07:00A trio of Elders and eating horse.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Well this week I found out I ate horse and a member peed his pants laughing at our skit in the noche de talentos (talent night). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have found 4 new people to teach, 3 families:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Javier, Carlos, and Patricia; the other is a cousin named Esteban. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All are around 10 to 14. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We taught in the patio, because the parents where busy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the lesson I knew they felt the spirit and they knew it also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We asked if they would want to be baptized when they know if the Libro de Mormon is true, and they said yes! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also this week we had another elder join us making us a trio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His name is Elder Ruis and he is from </span><st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Peru</span></st1:place></st1:country><span style="font-family: Georgia;">. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also had a pack of dogs beg attention from only me and follow us around. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here in Renca everyone is very poor and we meet lots of interesting people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One time we meet some good kids and Elder Villagran accepted a smoke from them; "accidentally" dropping it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We meet very humble people here in the slumish suburbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One family is just really nice and loves having us over and share about Christ. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mission is the best and I have never been happier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Erik Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10601717640323120169noreply@blogger.com0