March 14, 2011 — Preparation

I am doing very well, happy as ever and excited for the new transfer. For my transfer, I will be staying here in Gomez Carreño and will have a new companion, Elder Boyd. As of now, I don't know much about Elder Boyd, but I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with and learn from him. He will arrive from his old area sometime tomorrow morning.

Veronica is alright. She has some mental disabilities which make it difficult for her to progress quickly. However, she has the desires to be baptized. This week we were going to with her to see a baptism in another ward. At the last minute, something came up and she was not able to go. Elder Lecaros and I still went, because I was to play the piano and to sing a special musical number. In the baptismal
service, I sang and played on the piano a little medley of Primary songs that I had put together. The service was very special because an entire family was baptized. I love baptisms and the incredible Spirit that is felt during the service of this sacred and saving ordinance.

To answer [Mom's] question about the fleas. Hmmm, let's just say that we are not on very good terms—the fleas and I. Every night to prepare myself for bed, I bathe myself in 100% DEET bug repellent, and then cover myself in layers of protective clothing. This strategy seems to be working. It also appears that since they cannot win the physical battle, the fleas have turned to psychological warfare. This week they made an attack in a dream in which the fleas were covering my body. However, the fleas are brave and persistent as we all should be—brave and persistent in sharing the gospel!

As you all know, this last year at BYU I studied Japanese, thinking and hoping that the Lord would send me to Japan. This last week I found out one of the reasons why He did not send me there. I have friends serving missions in Japan and I know that the Lord has protected them. The news of the earthquake and tsunami is very big here in Chile. The night of the earthquake, many parts of Chile were evacuated in preparation for the expected tsunami. The tsunami never did arrive, but the people did prepare after seeing the signs of its coming.

I have been thinking a lot about the preparations for and the signs of His coming, of the Lord's. With the earthquake and the tsunami, my mind turned to Doctrine and Covenants
section 88, verses 89 and 90: "For after your testimony cometh the testimony of earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand… and the voice of the waves of the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds." The Lord is coming soon and we have to be prepared. I have a lot in my head, but little time to explain.

I love you all. I know that we are in the path of preparation. The Lord is coming and we must be ready to meet Him.

I love my mission!!!