Tuesday
when we were in Peumo, we were contacting for like 3 hours and NO ONE wanted to
talk to us. We tried so many things. We tried the survey – nope. We even tried
just asking to use someone’s bathroom and the lady said, “No no no, I’m
Evangelic and I don’t allow any other religions under my roof!” So as we were
trying to not lose hope, we said probably our 8th prayer. We felt
guided to a house that was full of plants. We knocked and a lady came out. We
talked to her for just a minute or two. Then I said, “We have come because” and
then I had a mini tickle in my throat and turned to cough and when I turned
back, she was opening the gate saying, “Of course, come in.” I was so confused…
I think she thought I said, “Let’s go inside, why not?” But either way, we
happily followed her inside where we sat down and ended up teaching her about
the plan of salvation. She lives alone and her kids never visit. Her husband
left her 2 years ago for another woman – and lives just down the street – so she
hates leaving her house. Her dad was her best friend but died 10 years ago and
still hasn’t let go of that horrible weight in her chest. We used the Book of
Mormon to comfort her in knowing that God loves her and has a plan for her and
it is a plan of happiness. We gave her a copy of the Book of Mormon and read
Alma 34:41 and she took the book and said, “I will read this and I know it’s
what God has sent me right now.”
Wednesday
we met a new family from Venezuela that came to Chile recently from all of the
problems in their country. We shared the Mormon message from President Nelson
about “men’s hearts shall fail them.” It brought the spirit so strong and she
accepted to let us come back later this week! Then we headed to San Fernando to
stay the night in Guadalupe to have time the next day to travel to Santa Cruz
for our zone conference.
Thursday
we had to get up early and travel to Santa Cruz – oh my I was right back to
where I started the mission! My first area! I haven’t been there since I left
last July! It was so special being there for my last zone conference. I even
saw Alicia!
I
learned a lot about how sins and weaknesses are very different. Sins are when
we purposely do bad things but weakness is when we are trying to not do bad
things and repenting every morning and night and constantly trying to change. It
was much more meaningful when we talked about the atonement of Jesus Christ and
how He makes our weaknesses strong.
Also
since it is my last transfer, I shared my “Final Testimony” which was so crazy
because it’s slowly starting to hit me that it’s my turn to go.
And
if there’s anything that has really made me feel like this is coming to an end,
it was Friday.
But
then the best part came. Going through in Spanish was also really special. As I
walked into the celestial room, I was overcome with the Spirit. It was
absolutely overwhelming. I have never felt the spirit so strong in my life.
Maybe I had felt it before, but now I know a little better how the spirit is so
I recognized how strong it really is in the temple. I was overcome with peace
and it was useless trying to keep the tears in. As I continued into the room,
Hermana Harris stood there waiting for me. She pulled me into a hug and just
let me feel like she was mom waiting there in the Celestial room just like
always. Hermana Harris told me to take as much time as I needed and think about
my mission. So I headed towards a couch and another couple missionary came up
and hugged me. Hermana Dodds said, “Good job, Hermana. You did it.” It seems
like right then I had collected myself, but then I lost it again. Even though
we have another week left, it was exactly what I needed to hear at the end –
just like the marathon. So I went and sat down and let my tears fall. And as I
sat there I swear I heard Dad’s voice, “Aimee” Aimee? Can you hear me?” And
then mom came in. “We love you! We are so proud of you.” So I tried to focus
and let them know that I could hear them. I continued listening to them in
their voices. I swear they were right next to me. I am convinced that the Chandelier
is a spiritual communication portal for sealed families to connect. There was
like a constant stream of happiness coming from the light and I’m pretty sure
it’s because of all of the times Mom and Dad went to the temple and spiritually
sent love and energy through their prayers, and so when I went and opened up my
side, 18 month’s worth of pure love came flooding into me and that’s why I was filled
with joy.
WOW
the temple trip was 100x better than I expected it to be. Which I had no idea
was possible. We ate dinner in the church next door and President shared a
message about the use of technology after the mission. Then we headed back to
Rancagua and we slept in Cachapoal.
Saturday
we woke up and traveled back to San Fernando where I met up with Hermana Peters
and we headed back to Pichidegua.
Since
it is my last Sunday here in this branch, they had me speak and share my
testimony. They also sang a hymn that they don’t have in English that’s
basically like God be With You Til We Meet Again, which made me cry. AND Yesika
shared the most special personal experience which made me cry again – so basically
it was a day of tenderness. But it’s okay. Still got a week. And in President’s
words, “Go tear it up.” J
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