Lemon Bars, September 25, 2023

Hola a todas!

¿Como están?

I made some pretty yummy lemon bars last night. I didn't know how they would turned out because the oven is a little faulty. But they taste great and are a hit with the other missionaries I am living with!

This week we had zone conference. Basically that means that my zone and two other zones got together to eat food and participate in training led by our mission president. All of it was in Spanish so I didn't catch most of it. But a take away from what I could understand was that as missionaries we need to try to find 1 new person to talk to each day. 

Time is starting to fly. The first week in Chile was long and confusing. But now it's just on times 5 speed. The days are blurring together and everything is starting to become more familiar. 

My spanish is improving a lot, I am starting to dream in spanish which is a fun experience haha. But it is the same in real life, someone in my dream will say something in spanish that I don't quite understand and I try to figure it out. But then my brain is actually trying and I wake up trying to figure it out haha. Or sometimes I can feel myself resign to the fate of not understanding in my dream haha. So hopefully when the moment comes when I can understand the spanish in my dreams will be the moment I can understand spanish in real life. For me that would mean better sleep, more confidence, gain the feeling of being able to actually communicate and share how I feel with my words, and be able to understand the needs and struggles of other people. These are things (especially the last one) that I greatly desire.

It is amazing how diverse it is here in Chile. People from all over South America and Haiti and Dominican Republic, everywhere! I hear so many different accents and ways people speak spanish! It kind of gets confusing but it is beautiful to the ear! One word in Venezuelan Spanish means a completly different thing in Chilean spanish and vice versa. I also learn which countries cook better food. I really love having venezuelan and peruvian food. Those two are my favourites. Chilean food is pretty good as well, but it wouldn't be my first choice.

Today it was oddly clear outside, like I could actually make out things in the distance. Usually there is a constant haze of smoke and pollution just hanging everywhere. It makes your vision blurry.

Each monday I love being able to talk to my family and see how they are doing and what is happening in their lives. It allows me to feel connected as a family unit. I am super grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the power it has to seal and bring families together forever. I know I will  never be separated from them even in death. Even though we sometimes annoy each other haha, I still wouldn't want to be far from them forever. 

Something I recommend not doing: Eating a big fast food meal then getting a 1L thing of ice cream with chocolate bar chunks and eating that while walking then getting on a crowded hot smelly bus with the driver driving like we were on a rollercoaster, and just feeling absolutly sick to the stomach. And then the heat melting the rest of your ice cream, but you want to finish it because why not, so you just drink the rest of it, then go play soccer and run with your friends. Yeah... wouldn't recommend that. Although it was quite fun, no regrets haha.

Question of the week: What is something you've done to use your talents to put a smile on someone's face this past couple weeks?

Love you all!

Cuídese

Elder Spencer

Dogs, Kites, and Piano, September 18, 2023

Hola! Buenas!

Wow, so many dogs everywhere. I don't know if I'll ever want to own a dog  after my mission. Sure there are some cute puppies in members homes, but it isn't enough to convince me to want a dog. I have seen dogs of all shapes and sizes and colours and types. Mangey, scrawny, chubby, hairless, dirty, matted, etc. The dogs will sleep everywhere, they will leave little gifts everywhere that it is impossible not to step in it every now and then. Sometimes the dogs will travel in groups of 4 or 5 and will bark and try to circle you. But you just throw some rocks and kick them if they come near. We have two specific dogs near our house: angry dog and happy dog. Angry dog always comes up to us and growls and barks at us whenever we come home, he will follow us through the whole barrio. And then happy dog always will stand up and walk to us tail wagging and is muy tranquillo. Another experience with dogs today (this has happened a couple other times), we were about 10min walk from home and this big black dog with two different coloured eyes starts following us. Just walking with us and around us having a jolly time. Barking at other dogs trying to get near us. We named him Daryll. Then when we got to our house we left him outside. Feel kinda bad haha.

Now the kites. Everybody here flies kites, it is amazing. All the kids, all the joven and even all the big rough burly gangster guys. It is funny, one day you will see gangs smoking and drinking, and the next day they will be flying kites with the biggest smiles on their faces as they are just enjoying life with a kite in the air. Sometimes when they are feeling competitive they will have kite fights. They put glass in the string and try to cut down other kites. It is highly illegal porque these strings are very dangerous and can cut a person very badly. But it is very cool to watch the kites weave trying to cut each other down.

No one in my ward plays the piano. We just sing acapella and end in a different key. So after church on Sunday I went up to the conductor and said "Yo se como tocar el piano" (I know how to play the piano), and she got so excited! Demanded I play a song on the spot so she would believe me. And now I am playing the piano for my ward for church! I am excited!

I went on a couple intercambios (exchanges) this week. An intercambio is when 2 companionships switch one person. So for one of them I went with Elder Jensen and Elder Jensens comp went with Elder Call (my comp). So I got to spend the next 24 hours with Elder Jensen in his area. I learned how to street contact with him. The second intercambio I got to go with Elder Gomez! He is one fun and hard working elder. He is Australian and when he speaks spanish he kinda has an australian accent haha. I learned how to set high goals and work your hardest to accomplish all of it, and it is alright if you don't accomplish all of it because a) it is impossible to b) you got a lot more work done then if you set a lower goal and c) you realize how far a little effort and hardwork goes.

Something I have learned recently is trust in the Lord and His promptings even if you see no outcome. The Lord guided you to do something that may have an effect later down the road. I don't know what God has planned, but all I can do is be an instrument in His hands and bless other people's lives! 

Weekly question: What is a valuable lesson you learned this past month? 

It can be something small and simple or something amazing and profound haha. I would love to here your responses!

I hope everyone is doing fabulous!

¡Cuídese!

Elder Spencer

First Full Week, September 11, 2023

Alo!

This was my first full week in Chile! And wow has it been interesting! From talking with local kids, to getting robbed but not actually, to trying new foods, and more!

Some of my favourite moments are when the local kids yell "oi gringos, habla inglés con nosotros!" And we will respond with "what do you want us to say?" And they just stare at us confused because they have no clue what we are saying. And then they will laugh and come up beside us and talk with us as we walk. They know a script pretty much, if you follow it you can speak with them haha. It goes like this

"Hello how are you?"-them

"I'm good, and you?"- you

"That's good. I'm fine thanks"- them

So you could literally say anything in your part such as "I am having the worst day ever. And you?" with a smile on your face and they'd say the exact same thing... "That's good. I'm fine thanks." It is quite fun. And after that script they speak spanish with us. It is really good practice for me, even though they wreck me hard for how little I know. It is so funny.

Now about that getting robbed thing, it was super funny. We were walking home at it was getting dark. And something we do to avoid getting jumped is say hola to the people that look suspicious. So we were passing this person who had their hood pulled really low; couldn't see their face. So we all said hi as we passed him. I felt uneasy because I was walking in the back. And then soon enough I felt a sharp jab in my back and heard this voice speak quietly in my ear, I didn't understand it because it was in fast Spanish. I turned around in surprise and it was that guy with the low hood. I kinda freezed up not saying anything while the other missionaries kept walking. Then the guy started laughing and took of his hood. It was a boy that is in the ward here haha that was pranking me. He got me good, normally I'm not that easy to scare with like a jump scare or something as some of you know. But that got me so good, I flinched and broke out in cold sweat thinking "I knew this was going to come at some point, just get the rob money out and pray you don't get stabbed." But it was just a prank haha. Something we do have to do though is put our phones and bills in our socks when we walk after dark. And if we have late lessons the members will usually offer to drive us home or escort us back for our safety. But generally we've been fine. Just listen to the promptings of the Spirit and know which areas and streets are dangerous.

As of right now, today, I am not allowed to leave my house for safety. And it might be the case for tomorrow as well. The reason being riots and protests. So yippee. These past couple of days when we've been walking we've seen large groups of angry people, things burning on the sides of the road and other things.

Coke and bread. I have drank more pop this past week then I have ever had in my entire life. If I don't keep working out I will be packing 2 3L coke bottles on either side of me. This is a roast that Chileans like to use on us haha. I have tried many different Chilean dishes, my favourite being Cumpletos. It is a hot dog with tomatoes, guacamole, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce. Sometimes other toppings with that base. It is pretty dang good. As of right now I am able to pack in 3 medium ones haha. On certain holidays they make meter long ones... we will see if I can eat one of those haha. Another thing they have is something called Echo. It is kind of like coffee, but it is wheat based, no relation to the coffee bean so it fits in the palabra de sabiduría. It is pretty good... if you add a lot of sugar haha. It kind of tastes like puffed wheat squares but in a liquid hot drink form.

I had a cool experience with the gift of tongues the other day. We were at a lunch appointment and afterwards we shared a little message. Elde Call shared a scripture then talked about it for a bit. I was trying to understand him and what he was sharing but I couldn't follow because my Spanish isn't the best yet. (Although I am starting to understand about 20% of things now which is a huge improvement for me!). Anyways, after he finished sharing his thoughts he gestured for me to share. I kinda stared at him and said in english "what are we even talking about, what do I share??" And he just smiled and said "Elder, just start talking and say the first things that come to mind." So I started talking in Spanish saying the words that came to mind, and when I couldn't translate a word I would ask Elder Call. Afterwards when we were walking home he asked "do you know why I had you just start talking?" "No" I responded. "It wasn't because I wanted to embarrass you. It was because I knew the Holy Ghost would help you, He wanted to say something to those people through you." I nodded in agreement, realizing that I actually didn't know what I told the people when I spoke. I told my comp that and he told me "that's because it wasn't you speaking, it was the Holy Ghost putting the words in your mouth for you." 

Doctrine and Covenants 11:21 reads: "21 Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men." This is something that I experienced. Everyday I have a personal study to grow my knowledge and my tongue was loosed and I spoke with the Spirit. 

Question of the week: When have you had an experience where you had to act with faith first not knowing if something would work out?

For me it was that last experience I shared. Before I started speaking I didn't know if I would say something that was even remotely close to what we were talking about, but I had faith and trusted I would be alright and started speaking.

I hope everyone is doing fabulous!!

Love you all!

Elder Spencer

Fotos!

Me

Bean soup

My barrio

Empanadas

Horse drawn carriages (pretty popular transportation)

Elder Call

                                                                            Cumpletos

Chile! Sept 4, 2023

Well, I made it to Chile and wow is it awesome!!

President Gutierrez met us at the airport and dapped us up and gave us hugs. He is great!! Then we got on some vans and drove to a stake center where we were dropped off and left. No one was there, but then vans full of missionaries and missionaries walking started showing up and milling about. Then after awhile they included all the newbies. And then we basically asked around for our comps! My new comp came and found me and said with a smile, "Dude we are going to have so much fun!" And boy has he been right! His name is Elder Call from Boise Idaho, he is a huge laccrosse player. He told me we'd leave soon and go to the mission office and pick up some stuff, then we would take a train and a metro then a bus to our district. So we left after a while with all my luggage and I got my first experience of Chile. I felt like we were sittings ducks ready to get robbed with all my luggage haha. I was so enthralled as we were walking, taking in the numerous smells and sounds. Everything just super new to me. I would turn a corner and the Andes were away in the distance, or there would be a dog barking at me. It was about a 30 min walk to the mission office, then a 15 min walk to the metro, 5 min metro ride, then a 45 min bus ride to Renca. It was very tiring. We settled in our little home and found out we are living with 2 other Elders! We met some members and had an once (talking and sharing food later in the evening). 

The next couple days were full of deep cleaning the house, kicking dogs, accidently sleeping in, stake conference, a baptism and pday. 

The baptism was really special, we baptized dos personas. Elder Call baptized one I baptized the other. We were stressing during stake conference because no one filled up the font and we didn't have the keys. So we kept leaving and coming back looking for someone to fill it up. And when we filled it up only the cold water was working... It was freezing. And before that I woke up super cold (winter in Chile), I had a cold shower (our shower only has hot water when you turn on the kitchen sink downstairs, but I didn't find that out till today, but then also today we got it fixed), then it was cold that day. Anyways we got it all figured out sin hot water, and after stake conference we got it all figured out, got changed. They were super nervous (the people we were baptizing) but I think I was more nervous haha because I was frantically memorizing the baptismal prayer in Spanish. Actually her name was harder to memorize then the actual prayer. Anyways we got in the freezing font, and I instantly forget everything I practiced. So our zone leaders Elder Gomez (from Australia, absolutely awesome fellow) and Elder someone (I forget his name) helped me out. I messed up the first time so I had to redo it. But we didn't actually feel cold after, we could all feel the spirit and it was warming us up and filling us with peace. It was a special experience.

I love you all, hasta proxima semana.

Elder Spencer

Mis hermanos nueve, Sept 1, 2023

Hola todas personas

For this email I wanted to help you get to know about each of my brothers in my district. I chose a word to describe each member of my district, I could've chosen so many different words, but these are the ones that first come to mind and had a big impact on me. My district has become a family to me. And my teachers have become my older brother and older sister. Elder Ingo once said "I didn't miss home as much because this became a home to me." I completely agree with that statement. But now that we are leaving each other to go all around the world... lets just say I've been crying for the past couple days. Because we have become such a brotherhood and made a our experience like a home, it has brought back to memory of when I left home and had to leave my family. And now it is happening all over again. I grew to love these men like brothers, I would die for any of them. So I hope that I can give you a little insight of why I love them and that you can feel love for them.

The Seeker (Elder Thompson)

I chose this word to describe him because he his always seeking knowledge. Spanish knowledge, spiritual knowledge and even mathematical knowledge. Every moment he has free he is in a spanish textbook breathing in the words and expanding his ability. I remember this one moment when he comes out of his room walking fast and with an excited expression on his face, comes up to us and says "Guys! I just had the greatest spiritual feast I have had in a while!!" And proceeds to tell us all these amazing things he learned. Elser Thompson seeks after truth and knowledge.

The Unifier (Elder Ingo)

Elder Ingo gained this title and deserves it. He always has a ready smile and a positive comment. He knows when it is time to focus and when to have fun. Elder Ingo knows how to unit us brothers in one purpose and in one strength. He is a natural leader. I remember this one moment in one of the first couple weeks here in the ccm we were walking home from a spiritual feast (a devotional) and I was so overcome with the Spirit that I was sobbing, and I chose to kinda walk separate from the group. But then Elder Ingo comes over, the tall man puts his arm around me and walks with me. We didn't say to much, but soon he was crying to. The spirit was very strong with us as we were united. Elder Ingo lifts those around him to unit them in one purpose.

The Charitable (Elder Loertscher)

Why does La Lurch get this title? Well it is because he lives this attribute. He has told me a couple times his reason for why he came out on his mission. He said "it is so that my family may be blessed." His love for his family and his desire for them to feel God's love is the true essence of charity. There was a time where after he told us that, I went up and said to him "not just your family will be blessed because you are out here. But many other people will be as well. I am honoured to be one of these people. I have been blessed by your desire to serve." There was this one moment when we were doing practice teaching in class, I was paired with La Lurch. We both took our turns practicing. And by the end of it I was in tears because I felt the love and charity coming from his words. This is why Elder Loertscher deserves this title.

The Loyal (Elder Coleman)

Elder Coleman one hundred percent deserves this title. He is loyal to his district, his companion, himself, amd most importantly to God. His loyalty is based in his stable and meek attitude. He isn't afraid to stand up to any of us or chastise any of us and helping us be better. Always helping us out with anything. He has been there many a time for me to vent my feelings to. There was this one moment in class a while ago, and his companion was sharing something heartfelt. Some of the guys started laughing about something and Elder Coleman gave them a hard stare out of respect and loyalty to his companion. This is why Elder Coleman deserves the title loyal.

The Guided (Elder Jones)

Elder Jones is the guided for one main reason. He is led by the Spirit in the things he says and shares. After each devotional we have a district review where we share our thoughts, feelings, and promptings. Sometimes there is a long pause, but Elder Jones fills it with Spirit led thoughts. He feels prompted to share and he does not hesitate to share. That is one of the keys right there. There was this one moment a couple nights ago when there were 4 of us and we were talking about hard times in our lives and things we struggle with. And Elder Jones said "I have a couple stories and things to share that might not be of any use but I feel like I should tell them." And guess what, it was something that I needed to hear. Thank you Elder Jones for being guided by the Spirit.

The Warrior (Elder Wolfs)

Elder Wolfs is called the warrior because he is a fighter. And he knows what he is fighting for. He fights for those he loves: family, friends, himself, and God. He will always always try to protect you and he hates to see any harm come to you. I am honoured to fight alongside this mighty man, even though we are in different continents now, we are fighting for the same cause. In Spirit we are together. And one day we will fight along side by side, the ultimate duo. Elder Wolfs is very very compassionate about the people/things he loves, he learned this through many difficult stories in his past. He was put through fire, but came out as a sharp sword and a seasoned veteran; knowing why he is fighting and to fight with his whole heart. This is why Elder Wolfs is a warrior.

The Brother (Elder Mackay)

Elder Mackay is the brother because of how much he loves and cares about his younger siblings. What he really wants is to be with them and play with them. Elder Mackay has a perfect love for them, and he learned it through his parents. I remember a moment during lunch on a Wednesday, and Elder Mackay was talking to his father. I could feel the love his father had for him and Mackays excitement in talking to him and hearing about his siblings. Elder Mackay inspires me to be a better brother. This is why he is the brother.

The Inspired (Elder Parry)

Elder Parry is the inspired because of the way he talks. He is a very funny guy if you know him, always cracking jokes, always laughing. But the moment he talks about the gospel of Christ or serious things, his whole composure changes. He gets this light in his eye and his voice changes tone. And he speaks with an inspiring voice, a voice that captivates you and demands being listened to while at the same time it is calm and patient. There have been numerous moments when Elder Parry has spoken this way to me. Sometimes in practices we will go from a complete laughter to a very spiritual and inspiring conversation. This is why Elder Parry is the inspired.

The Striver (Elder Parks)

Why is Elder Parks the striver? Well it is because whenever he sets a goal or gets an idea in his mind, he goes for it. He recognizes when he needs to strive for something. And he is so positive in his striving. There was a moment when we were playing sand volleyball with some other people. And the vibe wasn't very good towards the end. Afterwards as we were walking home he said to me "wow, I feel horrible, I need to go home and pray to feel the Holy Spirit again." This was amazing to me because he recognized his needs and thought of a way to accomplish them. Elder Parks has helped me to try and learn to recognize the moments for when I need someone or something and do strive and do something about it. Thank you Elder Parks for showing me what it means to be a striver.

The Prayerer and The Sneezer (Elder Cottrell)

I was honoured to be given the opportunity to be companions with Elder Cottrell. I got to know him and see all different sides of him. But my favourite thing about him is his desire to connect with God about everything. During his personal study he studies three different books: The Old Testament, The New Testament and The Book of Mormon. Before starting each topic he says a prayer to help him change his focus. Or for a specific thing. At first I thought he was falling asleep in the middle of his study but then I found out he was praying. This is why he is the prayerer (I don't know how that word is supposed to be spelt haha). Elder Cottrell is also the sneezer. Why? You know if you know. If you don't know... lo siento.

The Friend (Elder Ellsworth)

Why is Elder Ellsworth the friend? Because he was one of the only guys that I could show my complete goofy side to. From tickling to wrestling to tazering to a crazy cool handshake and more he was the one I could do that with. This was important to me because with my buddies at home I could be a goof with them. And it was something that I dreaded losing. If Elder Ellsworth and I lived in the same place and went to the same highschool we would've hit it off together. We would've probably gotten into some trouble as well haha, just kidding. Kinda. We also had moments where we would talk about home or look at photos, we would be interested in how each others days were and other things. Thank you Elder Ellsworth for being my friend. 

These are my district members, my companions, my friends, my brothers, my family. 

Anyways, I am off to Chile Santiago! I am very excited! By the time this email sends I will be in Chile.

Elder Spencer