We were so cold one night we moved our beds and sleeping bags out by the fire
Rinihue!
A little town 45 minutes from Los Lagos part of our area
Hi!!!
I have been so excited to write you all and tell about my week. So many miracles happened.
Last Monday I was not looking forward to the coming week. I couldnt imagine walking and knocking as many doors as we have been with out any results. I knew we could do it but as a companionship we just felt that maybe this wasnt the most effective way. I remembered a letter Dad sent me about 2 months ago with an experience from his mission.
He and his companion decided to do the opposite of what sometimes as missionaries we feel to do. He said instead of knocking every door and walking fast, they decided to walk slower and only talk with the people they felt inspired to talk to. This experience has kept coming to my mind. I told my companion about it and she was willing to try it. We started on Tuesday, we made our plans for the day, did our studies, put a smile on our face and left the house with faith we would find people. We had no appointments set for the day just areas of where we felt we should proselyte. We went to a little town about 15 minutes from Los Lagos to visit some contacts other missionaries had made. We said a prayer in the street and walked slow. As we walked I noticed there was smoke coming from a chimney so at least we knew someone was there. We knocked on the door and a sweet woman saw us and invited us in. (I was shocked, in the past 3 weeks we have entered one home.) We went in and had such a special lesson with her. She had a baby boy die about 10 years ago and has always worried that he wouldn't be saved because he was never baptized. We were able to testify that he was safe and waiting to be with her and her family someday.
We left that house and did it again. We walked slow and 10 minutes later my companion said "lets go to that home". Another lady let us in. We shared about the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope it brings us that we can be with our loved ones someday. She started to cry because that day happened to be the birthday of her husband who had passed away 2 years ago. She told us it had been a hard day and when she saw us she knew she should let us in to her home.
We were let into 2 more homes that day. We decided to try this same way of proselyting the next day then the next. We had the opportunity to find people to teach this past week and appts for this week.
This was so unnatural! It was hard for me to go slow and to listen. I would start to think "Ah we aren't walking fast or we are passing so many houses!" but then I would remind myself that Heavenly Father knew which houses had people that were prepared for us to teach.
It is amazing. 2 weeks ago we knocked 60 doors in one day and did not enter one. This past week we knocked about 15 doors and entered around 10. We did not change much rather than we went slow, tried to listen and then acted on the first prompting.
But I know that Heavenly Father listens. I know that He let us knock, and walk and contact so we could learn. I have grown so much closer to my Heavenly Father through these past 4 weeks. I have had to search for how the spirit speaks to me so that I could teach what Heavenly Father needed His children to hear.
Being a missionary is so special because it is opportunity to get caught in the middle between Heavenly Father and His children. I have been trying to wrap my mind around charity. I think part of it is being a messenger of the love of Christ. It is helping others realize that they are loved. Not only by saying " I love you" or " your Heavenly Father loves you". It is by teaching them, listening, going slow and focusing on the individual and not the number.
I know that Heavenly Father is a God of order but he also is a God of peace, faith, love, hope and happiness. Its just easy to forget that:) but thats why we are given more experiences, trials, etc to keep practicing:)
Love you all!
Love Hermana Egbert
Family! Friends!
Southern Chile is beautiful but it is soooo cold! No but its good :)
Nicole the little sister of Gladys was baptized on Saturday! It was a really good day for her and everything worked out well. My companion and I filled the font and I might have forgot to check the water to see if it was warm....So when Brother Carrillo and Nicole entered the water they gasped because it was really cold. Well I learned my lesson:) Hey but she will always remember her baptismal day now:) #makingmemories (yes I just used a hashtag:) ) I actually miss using emojis!
For the most part we were searching this week. Tracting, knocking doors, saying a lot of prayers and just hoping to find people to teach. We are still searching. But this is the week I can feel it:) Haha and if not this week the next. I know there are people here to teach they are just hiding. In the mean while I am learning a lot.
I have a very good companion. This whole companion thing is hard because we have to change! Its like saying goodbye to a really good friend each time!
Well have a really good week!
Love Sister Egbert
Nicole at her baptism and Los Lagos
Our House!
Our House!
Our House!
Los Lagos
Roasting marshmallows in our fire!
Bought ice cream! I have become and Ice cream lover!
Left the house in my slippers... we were walking down the street when I realized haha!
Made cake balls for the Mothers in the branch
There was a cow in someones front yard haha
Familia y Amigos!
Talking to family yesterday was so crazy! I didnt not expect to cry as much as I did. I was like I am good I am good. Then I saw Dad and I couldnt hold back the tears! The same happened when talking to Mom and the girls. It was so fun!
Well, the Lord does work in mysterious ways.
This week was another week of contacting, walking, knocking doors and knocking more doors. But that is okay! It was getting a little rough because we were not seeing a lot of success or at least that is what we thought. We were thinking about our numbers that we had to show for the week and we had a few more goose eggs (zeros) than we wanted to admit. The question we kept asking was How!? We were outside every day and talking to everyone that would listen.
As a companionship we have learned a lot these past two week together. I think one of the big ones is just to keep smiling even when it feels like there isnt a ton to be smiling about. 2 weeks isnt that long of a time but it is still 8-9 hours every day of walking, contacting etc. Its like we took turns. When one of started to feel down, discouraged etc the other would help the other see the good in the situation. Its funny because very few times have we both felt discouraged at the same time. This has been a huge blessing because when Hermana Powell started to get discouraged its like I had a boost of spirit where I could put a smile on my face and help see the good in the situation. She did the same for me. A lot of the time in my head I have to think "okay this is the door." or "this is the person!" and if its a rejection I just have to say "okay its the next one" :)
Trials can do 2 things. They can weaken our faith and make us bitter or they can strengthen our faith and make us happier. Trials can make us happy? I think I am learning the answer to that is a big YES! I havent quite figured out the answer of how but I know that they can make us happier because they draw us closer to Heavenly Father and help us have more faith in His plan. It is a daily decision to choose to be an optimist. Its hard. President Gordon B. Hinkley is an incredible example of an optimist. Its been interesting to learn that optimistic people do not have easy lives free of trials. They are people who put their trust in God knowing "all things will work out for their good". Its hard. But its easier in the long run.
We have not had many lessons this week but other things have been happening. Nicol the 13 year old sister of Gladys has been reading the Book of Mormon. She came to church! Also! Gladys just got her first calling in the church! I had the opportunity to raise my hand and sustain her in her new calling. 1 month ago she wasnt even a member of the church. Every week we talked about her progress in branch cousel...and yesterday she was part of branch counsel! How amazing.
Well I love you all!
Have a good week!
Love Hermana Ashlyn Egbert
LIZZY TIME!!
Here is a cool story about "severe mercy" that I read about this week. It is awesome. So often we talk about the tender mercy's of the Lord. But this talks about how sometimes He gives us hard things, because He knows they are exactly what we need...I think it is relevant to what Ashlyn is going through and talking about how trials can be blessings.
“A determined pioneer girl named Agnes Caldwell, in October of 1856, was nine years old when she and the rest of the Willie Handcart Company were wading through the wind-driven snow on the high plains of Wyoming. As they camped for the night at the sixth crossing of the Sweetwater, the snow was getting deeper, their rations were desperately meager, and Rocky Ridge was till ahead. Near sundown the next day, the relief party from the Salt Lake Valley would appear on the western horizon coming toward them.
“Before the storm hit, Agnes had been taking each mile of the autumn trail in stride, even the one that had been strewn with rattlesnakes. For that mile, she and her friend Mary had held hands an jumped again and again over the snakes until they were out of danger, mercifully unharmed.
“But after days of dragging her nearly frozen feet through the deepening snow, Agnes wasn’t skipping anymore. And she was literally starving. The death toll in her company was rising with every passing night. Yet, of the arrival of the relief party, all Agnes records in her understated history is, “It certainly was a relief.” And then she describes her own rescue:
The infirm and the aged were allowed to ride, all able bodied continued to walk. When the wagons started out, a number of us children decided to see how long we could keep up with the wagons, in hopes of being asked to ride. . . . One by one they all fell out, until I was the last one remaining, so determined was I that I should get a ride.
After what seemed the longest run I ever made before or since, the drive, [Brother] Kimball, called to me, ‘Say, sissy, would you like a ride?’ I answered in my very best manner, ‘Yes, sir.’ At this he reached over, [took] my hand, [then clucked] to his horses [which made] me run, with legs that seemed to me could run no farther. On we went [for what] seemed miles. . . . [I thought] he was the meanest man that ever lived or that I had ever heard of, and other things that would not be a credit . . . coming form one so young. Just at what seemed the breaking point, he stopped. Taking a blanket, he wrapped me up and lay me in the bottom of the wagon, warm and comfortable. here I had time to change my mind, as I surely did, knowing full well [that] by doing this he saved me from freezing [to death].
“At first Agnes though Brother Kimball was ‘the meanest man that ever lived’ because, instead of swinging her up into his wagon as an act of tender mercy, he signaled his team to go faster, forcing her into a run. This run-- this severe mercy-- increased her circulation, which saved her life.
“This story has much to teach us about the redeeming and strengthening powers of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We can see they symbolism: the wilderness strewn with rattlesnakes, the brutal and unexpected blizzard that turned the trail to Zion into a refiner’s fire, the young girl with her passion and determination to give the journey everything she had, the wagon master who was loving enough to lend his strength yet wise enough to stretch her to her limits and courageous enough to volunteer for the rescue in the first place. This man didn’t have to leave the comfort of his home, and this young girl didn’t have to hang onto his hand when he pressed her to give more. Yes, he saved her life, but so did she. To be successful, the rescue effort had to be reciprocal. They both had to give it their all.
“Is this a story about mercy? Yes. But we wouldn’t usually think of mercy as sometimes being ‘sever’ until we have considered it in the light of what Christ requires of those who desire to be His disciples.”
Funny story. So there is no lake in Los Lagos (the lakes) but after all the rain we have had this past week, I think there just might be very soon!
We just started a new transfer which means 2 things New companion and New planner. For all those who have served a mission, you can understand me when I talk about the planner. I didnt recieve my new planner until today and the past week was a little rough to plan. Mission problems;).
Well, Hermana Gardner my wonderful trainer finished her mission and now I have a new companion! Hermana Powell! I wonder if I will ever have a Latina companion:)? She is really great. I feel lucky with the companions I have had so far!
We have been walking a lot this past week! Walking, contacting and walking some more:). Hermana Powell has about 15 months in the mission so I able to learn a lot from her. Since I have been in this area for 3 months I have the opportunity to help her meet the members and know the sector. I have had to talk about 150% more with the people which is a really big challenge and blessing.
The branch started to do mutual every week! That is a big deal! There are about 3 youth that come but that is okay!! I love being with them! I remember when the sister missionaries came to YW/YM every week and I loved it. How weird to be in their shoes now! The girls are working on Personal Progress and hector the only YM in the branch is starting Duty to God!
I wish I had time to tell you all every experience I have each day, or better yet that you could all be right here in Chile along side me.. but since thats not possible just know that I am grateful for each of you!
There is a quote that my friend Leiani gave me before I left, It is by President Hinkley "Forget yourself, and get to work" When I first saw it I thought "well that is a little harsh." However the more I remind myself of that quote the more I realize how true it is. It is harder than it sounds. But I think it means to know God will take care of me as I strive to give all I have to the people. It is one of the many Ironies of the gospel, that as we lose our life we will find it. I am learning more and more this is true. I know that as we try to do the Lords will it gets easier over time. It slowly will become our will. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for each of His children. This is one of the first things I love to tell the people. The next is about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
It is hard. I dont think I am smiling the whole day when we are proselyting in the rain, the dogs are following us and people reject us. However the good thing is, those days are few and after they pass I dont really remember them. It is more amazing than it is hard. I catch myself in awe as I realize what an amazing opportunity it is to be in Chile sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the people. I know that this is the true church upon the earth. Joseph Smith was a prophet of God who saw God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. If for any reason you feel that there is an area of your testimony that is not as strong or firm as you would like, dont be scared. Just ask in faith, be patient and you with recieve what ever it is you are lacking.
I love you all!
Thanks for everything!
Hermana Egbert
Hey Everyone,
I learned that this week and that it was an accomplishment and would like to extend the challenge.
Okay I finished my training this past week! That is crazy. My trainer is finshing her mission tomorrow and I will be staying in Los Lagos! We thought for a little bit that I might be alone in Los Lagos for the next transfer(The APs forgot to call us haha) but no. Hermana Powell will be coming! She is from Idaho! Its pretty crazy I havent had a Latina companion yet but if there is one thing I have learned is that companionships are inspired so I am excited for this next transfer.
We had a pig roast today! It was an experience to litterally see the whole pig and not just packaged meat (we live in a weird world). They built a fire and litterally roasted the pig. It was really good... I just felt a little sad for the pig. Again I will have to send pictures the next week because I dont have much time.
We have been teaching a new family and they are doing great. We invited them to say a kneeliing prayer as a family. The dad Miguel offered the prayer and it was a really good experience. I just never thought too much about the blessing it was to be born into the gospel. To me, things like family prayer were just part of the schedule however its a lot more. Prayer and scripture study are like litteral protection we are given in order to ensure spiritual safety. I remember an experience in the MTC when we were rushing to a meeting and I just didnt say my morning prayer. I felt the prompting of "dont leave the house before praying" sadly I ignored it. I chose to push it away because in my mind there wasnt time. The feeling to pray kept coming. It took me until 2 in the afternoon to decide I would take the time out of my day to say my prayers. I remember feeling better afterwards and thinking why would I choose not to partake of the spiritual protection we are given. I decided at that point I would never leave the house with out saying my morning prayers. Trust me when I say I know how easy it is to make a "checklist" of things like to say our prayers, read our scriptures, go to church. But I promise its not. They are things we are given to help us.
I love D&C 90:24
"Search Dilligently, Pray Always, Be Believing and all things shall work together for your good"
I love you all. Thank you for being my examples!
Keep up the good work!
Love, Hermana Ashlyn Egbert
Hi Everyone :)
I love writing you all every week because I feel like I learn things as I think about what I want to share with all of you. I dont feel like I have a profound experience to share this week other than I just know God loves His children. I know He is our Heavenly Father. I know we can go to Him in prayer. Prayer is the biggest anchor we can ever have in this life.
I think in learning all the lessons and the language I started getting really caught up in format or structure of how I need to say something or when but I am starting to realize it is a little different.
This week I started to notice a change in my teaching. I started tying everything I said to the Savior Jesus Christ. I realized I needed to do this when people would refer to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as "your church" or as missionaries we would say in "our church" I know that its not what is meant when we say this but I started really defining this as the church of Jesus Christ. If people of the world see the members as The church they might falter when they see us mess up or make mistakes. If people can know for a surety this is the church of Jesus Christ then they will know His church is perfect and its members are not.
Everything ties to Jesus Christ. It is why we really do try to become like Him. I am learning more and more that any voice, or person that says it is impossible to one day become like our Savior is incorrect. We really can strive to become like him. I know that it is only through Him that this is possible.
For the past 4 months I have been studying the character of Christ everyday in the Book of Mormon. I have noticed that the more I know about Him and His purpose the more I desire to follow Him and also to invite others to know him.
One very important piece of the gospel is Endure to End meaning becoming like our Savior will very well continue into the next life but I do not think that is a surprise. We are on the right path when we choose to follow Him. Elder Holland said in a talk that "the crowning characteristic of love is loyalty".
The work is going well. It is so special to see Gladys in the church every Sunday:) She is so happy to be a member of the church and she will start temple prep classes soon.
Just know that I am so grateful for all of you. Before the mission when someone told me " I am praying for you" I didnt really know what it meant or if it even effected me. I know a little more that it is possible to feel strength from prayers others are giving in your behalf.
Also we went paintballing this morning for the p-day activity. I did not even know that was allowed haha! So I was a little skeptical at first haha but it is so we went and as the man was explaining the rules I could barely understand.Basically, I just hid behind a tree with my comp and shot at whatever I could see as everyone in the zone was talking in crazy fast spanish. It was pretty funny:)
Love Hermana Ashlyn Egbert
