Barro, pizza, y helado

Queridos Amigos,

This week was absolutely spectacular!

I had the lovely opportunity to be in Burzaco with my bestfriend in the mission, Hermana Hernandez. She's been there with me every step of the way and I was so glad to have the chance to work with her this week. We worked our hearts out and had a blast doing it.

We had some very spiritual lessons this week and I loved to see the lives of others changing. Many people here don't have a very good life. They have humble homes and work hard to just get by. Their houses flood when it rains and mud fills their homes and streets. Single mothers raise their families and give their last pot of rice to their sick neighbor. It is a privilege to be able to sit down on a wobbly chair with a dog nipping my ankle and bow my head and offer a prayer asking God to bless the lives of the humble people who allowed me to enter their home. It is in these moments when I most strongly feel my Father's love for His children. It is when they read the Book of Mormon for the first time and say, "Chicas, this is the truth!"

I love walking 20 blocks in nasty mud while I sing church hymns with my companion. I love feeling the rain on my face and smiling at all the people I pass.

I'm never going to have another chance to do all the crazy things I do day after day.

I've met the most amazing people, and they're not amazing for the sport they play or the car they drive. They are amazing for their hearts and spirits. They are amazing because they are children of God and He sent me here to visit them.

This life is such a beautiful gift and we have a gorgeous world to live in. I hope that you all take a moment this week to see the many blessings you have.

This week marks the start of a new transfer and a new companion! My new companion is Hermana Rivarola from Cordoba, Argentina. I continue as a traveling sister with all the adventures that implies.

Thank you all for your love and support,

Con amor,

Hermana Chaffin

The Puddles in San Vicente Are Deeper Than They Appear

Queridos amigos,

Wow! Que loca semana!

San Vicente is pretty and tranquilo. It is a lot like Salmon, Idaho minus the sagebrush and mountains. Throw in a few palm trees an put everything in spanish and you´ve got San Vicente.

I miss seeing Oscar everyday, but I know that Hermana Medford is taking good care of him.

To explain the heading of my email, first I need to explain that San Vicente is very country. So, we use bikes. Sometimes, Hermana Chaffin thinks she knows everything and decides to take the shortcut instead of follow her companion around the puddles when riding to the next appointment. Sometimes these puddles are rather deep. And sometimes bikes get stuck...

Hahaha it all worked out well, and I got to baptize my shoes :)

Hermana Chappell is super sweet, hard working, and funny! We are enjoying our time together and working hard in the area.

Yesterday, we had a meeting to practice some songs that we are going to sing in a choir. We ended up singing in the train on the way there and the way back and then we handed out cards and talked with the people in the train. It was super awesome, and I hope I have the opportunity to do it again.

I find the greatest joy in sharing my testimony with others. I hope that this week you can all set aside some time to share your thoughts on our Savior, Jesus Christ with someone.

Thank you all for taking the time to read this.

Con amor,

Hermana Chaffin