A Letter to Dad

Zone Conference

Hey DaD!! 

I absolutely cannot wait to see and talk to you in 3 DAYS!!!!!!!!!! Please make sure you have a christmas mate to celebrate the occasion and connect with those Argentine roots! 

Que bueno that the Gilmore is home! It's so great seeing missionaries return home and the differences within them. If they were good before, they are exceedingly better and it's like (Name of missionary here) 2.0. Tell me how his talk goes! 

My companion and I have had such a good week! We have really been working on being more diligent, and the blessings have been coming as a result of our efforts. We are teaching one mujer named Maria Isabel who is de oro!  She absorbs everything we are teaching and has such an eagerness and willingness to apply everything we are teaching.  We also found a family this week!  We haven’t been able to meet with them again, but they are prepared to receive the gospel and hopefully we will see more progress from them!  We are really looking for more people to teach since our sector doubled in size and the elders who had it before was not teaching anyone.  Our sector is tan cuico (rich) so sometimes it’s a little more difficult finding people to teach, but there are people prepared everywhere and we just have to look hard and be diligent to find them! 

I don’t have any breastfeeding puppy stories, but one thing that was kind of funny that happened this week was when we had divisiones.  Our coordinadora is new and she told me she was nervous for this because it was her first divisione as a coordinadora. I kind of thought to myself (why are you nervous Im the one that has to lead the sector!!) so I told her she had nothing to worry about.  At the moment, the bus arrived to take us, and the other 4 elders in our ward back to Machali from Rancagua.  We all climbed in the micro like normal and I gave the driver my pesos.  The bus then lurched forward and started driving and as I looked behind me I saw that the micro had left WITHOUT. MY. COMPANION. 

My mouth was hanging open and I was just in shock that that had actually happened, that my mind just froze and I couldn’t remember how to say stop in spanish!  I was thinking, chuta, do I jump off the bus to stay with my companion or wait for her to try and jump on the micro....all while watching her face of disbelief grow farther and farther away from the micro. Luckily, the elders say my dilemma and yelled "Pare! Pare!" for the bus to stop. She got on the micro, and just looked at me with a face that said  "this is why I was worried".  I just started laughing and laughing along with the rest of the missionaries.  The rest of the division went great, but now I always make sure my companion is on the micro before me! :p 

Hopefully you thought that story was a funny.  I thought it was, but sometimes you just have to be there! 

The missionary work is going so much better. They actually don;t have a lot of pan dulce here! For sweets they eat these really light wafers that have manjar (dulce de leche) a dentro and are always snacking on cookies and crackers! They also have an obsession with jugo and bebida to a point where they actually get kind of offended if you ask for water.......and they usually give you one of the 2 anyways!  It reminds me of My Big Fat Greek Wedding "you don;t eat no meat?!?!?!   Thats okay I make you lamb". Here in Chile "You don;t want bebida?!?!?! That’s okay I’ll make you jugo".  It’s been really fun getting to know the members, they LOVE the missionaries. We have several viejitas in our ward that are like our grandmothers. They always bring us dulces in church, and sign up all the time to make us lunch. We also have a ton of go to families that are like our older friends. Don;t worry, I don’t have a replacement mom, dad, or brother here in Chile, you guys still have those titles down pat :) 

My companion and I have really been fighting to do everything with exactness and give every ounce of our efforts in cada cosa and finish the day knowing we gave everything. One huge blessing that has come from this, is Maria Isabel.  We contacted her our first day as a companionship and it had to have been one of the most awkward contacts of my life, but by some miracle she let us in her house and we have been teaching her ever since!  She is so eager to learn everything, and even more importantly apply everything into her life!  She even made a flow chart about the relationship between various people in the Book of Mormon as she studies!  We absolutely love her and I have learned so much seeing her grow. One of the things that has really hit me about her is how much she treasures the Book of Mormon.  After reading it, and when we returned to her house to talk about it, she got really emotional and said "I just had no idea....why didn’t anyone tell me this before?".   Well, that’s kind of the whole purpose that we are here in Chile and specifically Machali!  Maria Isabel treasures the Book of Mormon, and recognizes it as the guide to help her in her life like all of us should.   I have learned so much about the Book of Mormon, but especially how much we need to place it as a priority in our lives.  I seriously have no idea what I was doing before the mission and think all the time why the heck did I NOT study it every single day for an hour???  It was always something good in my life and something that was always there, but it wasn’t placed in the highest regard as it should.  It is a gift from our Heavenly Father, specifically for us and for our benefit. There’s a lot of people that wonder why they haven’t received answers to their questions, and usually its because they aren’t also diligently reading the scriptures.  I love the line from the hymn "what more can He say than to you He hath said?".   Our Heavenly Father has blessed us with another testament of Jesus Christ to guide us and receive answers, and if we aren’t doing our part to study it, we only miss out on the blessings and knowledge of what He has already given us.  I know without a doubt that the Book of Mormon is true, and that through it we are able to receive the revelation we need to aid us in our lives.  We have everything we need to attain a fulness of joy in this life and the next, and the Bible junto with the Book of Mormon give us the blueprint on how to do so.  I love this gospel, and know with all my heart that it’s true. I never want to go back to the way I was before the mission, but that’s why we always keep moving forward and always look up :) I love you padres and cant wait to see you IN 3 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) 

DOMINIQUE'S ADDRESS:

SISTER DOMINIQUE NICOLE TEMPLE
CHILE RANCAGUA MISSION
ALCALDE EDUARDO MELERO 883
CASILLA 2-C
RANCAGUA
CHILE

A bunch of changes.

 I've been thinking alot this week about the things I learned specifically from Hermana Rodriguez (besides basically everything about the mish). She was one of the sweetest and most humble people I know. 

Thank you so much for the package!!!! I got it last week, and was going to wait to open it, but Hma Rodriguez LOVES opening packages so we opened parts of it. JUSTO that you sent AMAZING boots, because the next day we had a freak rainstorm and it would have ruined my other shoes, not to mention I would have been way cold! THANK YOU. I'll thank you more over skype when I open the rest, It has been so nice having all of my favorite treats and they are all things I haven't seen here in chile so its like a piece of home is with me :) One more thanksgiving and then I'll be home with you, that's a definite brightside and I hear it goes by faster after the first 6 months so thats a plus too :) 

Today has been hard. We just dropped off hma rodriguez at the mission home, and there has been a lot of crying this whole week, but especially today. She was so much more than my trainor, she was one of my best friends and I love her. She is going to be taken care of in Peru and has solid plans for the future, but it still hurts to see her go :/ Ive been thinking alot this week about the things I learned specifically from Hermana Rodriguez (besides basically everything about the mish). She was one of the sweetest and most humble people I know. She was ALWAYS serving others and making little things for people to let them know that were loved and remembered. She taught me more about how to have patience and humility. I have always faltered in the things she excels in, and I know that I had her specifally to hellp put me on the path to develop these christlike attributes. Still have a looooong way to go, but there's a start! Really everything in our lives hangs on our ability to develop these attributes and for this we were given the example of Christ to follow. I am so grateful for my compie and feel so bad all the time that she had to have me!  But it is what it is and she has given me the knowledge and example to apply with the people I am with after her :) 

So this cambio brought a bunch of changes.  I'm going to receive my new companion tomorrow.  I only know this: her name is Hermana Ribeyro and she's from Brasil. She has the same time out on the mission as I do and I've heard she is insanely sweet and has a really good heart. Can't wait to get to know her and work :)  It will be hard though, because our sector has also changed.  I will have to direct the sector in Machali which is rough because I'm still figuring it out, but in addition to this also our sector was expanded so there's a large new area I am not familiar with AT ALL and there are no investigators or anything from the elders that had that part before so we are starting from the bottom up to get it working...this is called "whitewash".  Been a little stressed out anticipating this change, but it will be better when she gets here and we are able to jump in and start working.  I'm glad you liked the pictures! :) Haha right?? They really grow from boys to men during the mission! 

They really grow from boys to men during the mission!

HAPPIEST WEEK OF MY LIFE!

They dont have thanksgiving here so it will be like any other day, but that's okay because we get fed here all the time so bascially everyday is thanksgiving :p    Chileans have lately been giving us a TON of Pan de Pascua por la Navidad and they eat this type of dessert called semola which is really good too (and bracy boy can eat it!).   Skype...I know it will be on the 25th  (December)  and for an hour. Which hour I dont know and from what Ive heard we have to find a member who has skype in order to use theirs, which isnt hard in my area dont worry :)  Ill give you more details as I learn them, cant wait to see you guys!!!!!!!! :)))) 

 You asked me about the work, and this week has been the happiest week by far of the mission. We had been teaching Pamela for about a month because she preferred the Hermanas to teach her over the elders that were teaching the family.  So Hermanita y yo made special visits to teach her specifically. We have gotten really close with her, and love her and her whole family so much!!  Last week they were married, and this week they were baptized. They now have their minds set on being sealed in the temple this time next year. Its impossible to describe the happiness you feel when someone you love enters the waters of baptism to make covenants with the Lord.  Seeing their lives change......being able to see them look to the future without a fear, but with all the hope in the world and the promise of forever with their family is the most joy I have yet experienced in my life.  I tried describing a little of the experience, but I really cant adequately describe it, Im sorry :/ But I do know that this gospel is what will bring us the most happiness in this life and the next. That through it, we have the opportunity to become better and reach the potential that the Lord desires for us and that are families can be together forever. Nothing is more important that sharing this gift, the greatest gift He has to offer with those we know. The joy that they find is a joy that is life changing  and lasting. I love being a missionary, and am so grateful for the privilege to be a 
representative of Him.

The Field is White

     I've been slacking on telling you about what we have been doing, so here's a little bit padres. We had many cool experiences this week, but there's one I want to compartir.  We were walking around Machali and passed by this house. The people who live there were contacted 8 weeks ago and we have knocked on the door AT LEAST 9 times but everytime no one was home.

We almost passed it, but then decided to try one more time. A lady named Carolina answered the door and excitedly let us in.  After talking to her for a little bit and getting to know her, we asked more questions about her and her family and she started crying.  She told us that she had been praying we would pass by because she wants a message to touch the heart of her bololo that will cause him to change for the better and to bring their family closer.  We talked to her more and are meeting with them now and they are great. 

     But while she was crying, it just really hit me that this is why we are here as missionaries. We are here to bring the message of the restored gospel to families, a message centered on Christ and that through Him we are able to become better individuals and as we build families around these principles, they become closer as well.  Everyone on the earth accepted this message before they came here, and it's our job to help those that don't remember have recognize how much they need it, and how it really does have the power to change lives.  I know that this gospel is true and have seen how it works within individuals and families.  I love being a missionary and am blessed to have such an amazing family, and help others achieve the same eternal happiness that comes.  I love you and can't wait to hear from you next week! :) 

  <3 Hermana Temple

Someone Asked me if I was Chilean!

"Dreams in español started a few weeks ago and a few times I've woken myself up at night teaching a lesson in Spanish :p I love you so so so much mom.  I think about you all the time.

I'm pretty content here in Chile and am so stoked to see you during christmas!!!  (via Skype)   I loved the pictures you sent, letters are always amazing, but as for things like food go......the health bars and Oreos were super good and any manner of treat like caramels and chocolates

. But the things that were the favorite were the pics and letter :) No se preocupe! :)"

 I' m so sorry again about the cartas not getting to you, but glad you HAD THE PICS!! :) Seriously though, my area is a lot like Menifee de verdad!  It's been insanely hot, like Menifee too!  I love the people, the sights, the funny things chileans do, all of it!   A good song that captures it all is Give It All to Him, its an EFY song and it had to have been written by an RM. 

Here's some general info going on in Chile the last few min. I have to write.

We had to drop a few investigators this week which was really sad, but we also found so many good people to teach afterwards!   Opposition in all things !We are teaching about 16 people right now and have 2 baptismal fechas coming up.

Hermana Rodríguez goes home at the end of november :/

We have been working really closely with a family some elders in our ward are teaching right now, and are trying to help them get married in November and then baptised. Their names are Simon and Pamela and are seriously dry mormons.  You would really like them. They serve with all their hearts and have such great faith. We love them.

We found a menos activo through a miracle and are working to reactivate her and her entire extended family!

AND IT FINALLY HAPPENED: Someone asked me if I was chilean!  Usually the question is where are you from since it's obvious I'm not from Chile, but this week after talking to a lady for about 15min. she asked if my companion was from Peru, and then if I was from Chile. To which I responded Nopo! The spanish is coming along!

<3

Dominique can be reached at Dominique.temple@myldsmail.net

Let's Go Fly a Kite…..

"Lets go fly a kite and lets send it up in the atmosphere up where the air is clear! Today I thought of watching that movie with you guys! I love you! 

For P day we hiked to the top of this mountain in our area and decided to fly kites!   " 

For those who want to know Hermana's Schedule, here is a little excerpt from a letter she wrote to her Dad.

"Daily schedule. We wake up at 7 and until 8:30 we can eat breakfast, exercise, and get dressed and ready for the day. At 8:30 we have personal study for an hour, and then at 9:30 companionship study. Companionship study is usually and hour, but because I'm being trained it's two hours and we spend the time practicing lessons, watching district videos on how to be better and talking about things we have studied and how to help investigators. At 11:30 a.m. we have language study for half an hour and then salir al sector.  At 1:30 to 3:30p.m.  we have lunch at a member's house which is usually amazing.  After that, from 3:30 to 9:30 we are out working in the sector with lessons, contacting, and visiting menos activos and conversos recientes. It's a pretty full day!  There isn't a ton to report this week other than we had divisiones which I think is splits in english and I had to direct the sector meaning it was only me and the sister training leader and I had to lead her all around the sector and do all the talking.  It was terrifying....but it's surprising to see the progress in 6 weeks. A funny story, we went to an investigator's house to teach a lesson and her dog just had puppies.  She's gotten super attached to the dogs and told us that because of the puppies she has started to lactate and has breastfed some of them!!!!!   She's kind of crazy, I'm glad you've only shared things like popsicles with our animals haha! That whole day though was full of tender mercies and other blessings and it was very apparent that He's aware of each and every one of us and our specfic needs. 

I love you Dad and thank you so so much for your letter :)  I always print them out and read them throughout the week. Hope you're doing well and can't wait to hear from you next week! "

<3 Sister Temple

A Last pic before I have to go, promised Id send a pic of our house! Its super cute and if you want to google it we live on rthe street Miranda and its in a condominio

The horses are some wild ones that happened to be on the other side of the mountain!

Hermana Rodriguez y Yo.

Don't give up on anyone!

So to fill you in on some details of the WORK,

here's what's going on. We found 3 new investigators this week and I want to share how we found them. 

The first are sisters, Alondra and Carla. It was hot outside and Hma Rodriguez had so much see  (thirst) that she decided to make like Alma and ask a random house for water after contacting.  Alondra answered the door and told us that her found, whom we had contacted the week before told her about us, and that she had been waiting for us to show up on our door. For a missionary, when someone says they were waiting for you, that's either SUPER good or an adventure. But in this case it was amazing! We taught her and her sister lesson 1.  They have such a spiritual hunger and craving for knowledge and the entire time it was an uplifting learning experience for all of us and we are so excited to watch them progress in the gospel! 

The other is Ignacia and we also found her through contacting.  After introducing ourselves and talking a little bit, she told us she didn't believe in God, but would take a pass along card.  But, we had just run out of pass along cards and folletos about the restoration and only had folletos about the plan of salvation.  So we gave her one of those and bore testimony of it.  There was a change in her, and she said we could come back later in the week.  Fast forward a few days and we had a lesson with her.  We taught about the plan of salvation, but I had an unmistakeable impression that we were missing something, and there was something specific on her mind that we needed to find out.  When my Hma. looked at me, signaling my turn to speak,  I told Ignacia that I felt there was something on her mind and don't remember specifics, but basically asked what was up. She then broke down and told us how the next day marks the anniversary of her father's death. We started crying with her, and from that point focused on the hope and miracle of being able to see loved ones again through this plan. 

There have been so many lessons this week in between the mission itself and General Conference, but the biggest thing Ive learned is how the Lord provides a way for us to do what He commanded us, and that there are people prepared. Some are easier to find, and others have been prepared in other ways

that take a little more time to find, but they are prepared. Sometimes when we intially share the gospel with someone they reject it.  Other times, people do about everything themselves with the exception of the baptism!  But both parties have been prepared or are still in preparation to receive His message of the restored gospel. Don't give up on anyone. That's a little bit of what's been going on in Machali, I love you so much family and can't

wait to hear from you next week! 

HERMANA TEMPLE IS IN THE HOUSE - RANCAGUA, CHILE WEEK ONE

Hola Padres y Trigo!

This has been one heck of a week! We flew in last Tuesday with about 45 other missionaries going to both Rancagua and Osorno. After 9 hrs we went straight to the mission office and from there met with our Mission President, our new companions, and got our areas! 

Something funny, the companionships were announced by having the greenie stand up, and then having the name of the trainer read. I was one of the last hermanas called up and before me, everyone had gotten North American comps.  I just kept thinking "Wow, it's going to be a smooth transition and they'll know what I'm going through!" Nope.  I'm the only new sister who was assigned a native companion. Her name is Hermana Rodriguez and she's from Peru! She's been out for 15 months and I'm her last companion! She is so patient and so sweet and has been such a great example of working hard and being bold. She kind of reminds me of an Ewok. She's pretty short. less than 5' and walks with a lot of determination always mumbling in Spanish things I can sometimes understand. Thankfully she wants to be go to the US and become a English teacher for Spanish speakers so sometimes English is spoken but most of the time its all Spanish

The first day was insane. After writing you guys, we went and taught 3 lessons that Hma. Rodrigues had lined up. We got to the first house and I was in shock. I literally had no idea what was said by the Chilean girl we taught. The Spanish here is so fast and its reallllllly hard to make out every individual word they're saying.  I knew the Spanish would be hard, but thought it would at least be better because of the experience Ive had in school, and then speaking with Mexicans all the time at the CCM. That's been a struggle.  I still can't understand everything they're saying, but day by day, poco a poco its coming.  It's been one of the hardest weeks of my life.  Wanting to talk to people, but not being able to understand what the heck they're saying and feeling tonta all the time.......a real struggle.   But the other Hmas. we live with are super great too and gave me Alma 26 to read and its helped alot. 

Besides the language, there really hasn't been any culture shock.  Chile is AMAZING!!  The scenery is like a combination of California and Utah. The Andes are pretty close to us like in Utah, and the plants and greenery are just like Menifee when its green in the winter. It's slightly chilly or CHILE haha, but its been sunny pretty much the entire time here. The neighborhoods…I'll take pictures and send them next week, but it's hard to explain because it varies so much.  Machali is one of the wealthiest areas here in the mission so some of the homes are the equivalent of smaller and nice homes in Hemet. Others, are not quite as nice but there isn't anything crazy like dirt floors here. Some things that are super cool that are unlike the US, on every street there's several shops that ALWAYS sell pan, bebida, dulces, and Coke.  There's flags everywhere because deiciocho is in a few days. There's dogs all over the place. When we're not walking, we take the collectiva which is a bus and those things get crammed full of people.  Whenever you greet someone you ALWAYS kiss their cheek.  They don't eat dinner here, instead lunch is a huge production and you binge during that time...later there's "Once" which is like a Chilean tea time where they drink tea or hot chocolate and eat pan or another type of sweet.  Also they have a juice obsession here.  Every meal it's jugo de uva, or mango, or some orange drink that I have yet to figure out what it is...…its' all tasty though.  And the food........que rico!  Pasta, atun, pan, and chicken are huge, one of those are always present in a meal. They also like eggs and tomatoes, and those are usually side dishes . No empanadas yet, but I've heard on deiciocho that will quickly be remedied.   I love South America and its been pretty easy jumping into the life style here. You guys would love it and should take a trip here or Argentina. 

Those are a few things, but I promiiiiise to send pics next week to show you! There's a lot of Chilenismos too. For example if something is awesome, cool, or sweet it's always "Que bakan", if something is lame or stupid its "fome', and you always say "Ciao" when saying bye to someone. 

The ward is great! It' s the biggest in our mission with about 180 members and they are some of the warmest people ever. Even though the only thing I can communicate to them is that I'm from California, they are so loving and patient. I cant wait until I can actually communicate with them and reciprocate their love.  Mom, you mentioned that David Archuleta served in this area, and you're definitely right! We had almuerzo at a member's house on Thursday who was baptized by him and actually skyped him a few days before. The ward still talks about him in the highest regard.......no pressure at all for the missionaries here now.   There's 9 missionaries in Machali, 4 sisters and 5 elders. When I asked Hermana Rodriguez why this is the best ward in the mission, she said it is because all of the members work hard. Missionary work really is a team effort so please help the missionaries in Menifee all that you can with fellowshipping, teaching, and of course feeding.  |t makes the world of a difference in strengthening the members and the investigatores. In this area, we've been visiting alot of inactives and teaching about 8 new investigators from this week alone. This really is the work of God and there isn't any time to lose.

 I'm sorry I couldn't respond to each individual email you sent. I have to write Presidente Warne as well, but I just wanted you to know how things are going and to tell you a little bit about what its like here.  I'll respond to your personal emails next week!  I love you so much, and pray that everything is going well. I don't just say I love you to say it,  I sincerely mean it and think about you all the time. 

<3

Hermana Temple and Hall's Temple trip….wandering around the Temple and the Halls.

Hermana Hall and I at the Visitor's Center in Mexico City

There's only about 10 min left to write, whiich is kind of a blessing because honestly not a ton has happened this week. Well, that's a lie, many incredible things have occurred and there has been mas learning experiences, but nothing is really sticking out in my mind right now except for the fact that we just returned from a trip to the Mexico City Temple!  We weren't able to go inside since it's under construccion for apparently the next 15 months, but we were able to go to the Visitor's Center. 

We were able to watch a video about families, the Book of Mormon, and the apostles and while there I just thought about what a miracle it is to have temples.  We watched a movie last sunday about the construction of the SLC temple, and in one part Brigham Young relays to someone how blessed they are because they will have blessed millions through the construction of the temple.  It made me think back to my own experience inside the temple and how much my own family has been blessed to be sealed for time and all eternity.   Add that onto the family members that came before, that will come after, and the work that we do inside of the temple, and it's truly a miracle that so many lives are affected from the decision of a single individual or single family. Temples are the only way that it is possible for our families to be perpetuated throughout time and all eternity, and even though I'm not able to go frequently at this time,  I hope you take advantage of having so many so close by. 

Most of the missionaries that will be serving in Chile, Rancagua

Mexico City Temple

Hermana Hall y Yo

Mexico City 

What a beautiful Sunrise at the CCM, Mexico City

Until next Week,

Hermana Temple

WEEK 4 At the CCM: CHECK

Hermana Wainwright and I were the only ones whose skirts didnt have pockets....awkward for us when everyone wants to take a hand in pocket photo....

Week 4 at the CCM: CHECK

Our estimated departure date from the CCM is September 9th and it's crazy to think that in 2 weeks mas o menos we'll be shipping out!!  We've really been working hard as a district to improve upon our knowledge of the evangelio and spanish, and are really seeing the results of our labors.  All of us now are able to teach fairly well without the help of notes, and are able to carry lengthy conversations with investigators about the gospel. But, it's a little trickier speaking about everyday topics with natives here. We joke that "If we're not talking about Jesus, we can't speak spanish".  It's an interesting struggle. We're all so blessed cada day and have really learned that if you're not exactly diligent, you're not exactly obedient.  

There's been a myriad of learning experiences both spirtually and doctrinally this week and if I could I would just give you my journal so you could read them.  But one thing that really stuck out this week happened on Saturday.  Our afternoon teacher, Hermano Cruz *Best CCM instructor ever,  asked Hermana Hall and I to prayerfully study the Book of Mormon and choose a chapter that would best fit the needs of those in our district, and then share that chapter with the district when we all read the Book of Mormon together. We studied individually, and were both struck by the chapters in Alma. I thought it would take a little longer to narrow it down, but both of us immediately felt that Alma 53 was it. We read it as a district, and had a really long conversation about that chapter's application into our lives. 

A few things that we all agreed stuck out: 

1. In verse 5 it says "And this city became an exceeding stronghold......which they had caused them to build with their own hands". 

2. Verse 19: "They never hitherto had been a disadvantage...they became now at this period of time also a great support'

3. Verse 20: "exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity, but behold this is not all..they were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted'

I really wish I could go into more detail, and give an account of everything that was said. The points I really want to get across though are these. We're all pretty solid, not just those here at the CCM, but those outside of it's walls that are striving to live the gospel of Christo.  We have never been a disadvantage,  but at this period of time in the last days, it's not enough to simply not be a disadvantage. This chapter is the call to be more, to be a great strength.  And how do we do that? With our own hands.  The amount of diligence and obedience that we place into learning and applying the teachings into our lives will determine the thickness of the walls in our spiritual strongholds. When we do these things, we will be able to be the best instruments in His hands with whatever we are entrusted.  For me and my district, we have currently been entrusted with the people in Rancagua Chile, Guayaquil Ecuador, Raleigh North Carolina, and Indianapolis Indiana.  But when we are released from the call as full time missionaries, and called as lifelong missionaries, we will be entrusted with others. The people that are placed in our lives are there for a reason.  But, it's up to us and the strongholds we build that determine whether or not we are prepared to meet the responsibility that comes with being entrusted.  Ive been able to reflect on the things I'm doing and have altered myself according to where I am verses where I want to be.  I hope that as you continue, you'll be able to do the same.  Now is the time for us to rise and meet the potential that the Lord knows we can attain,  and that will bring greater happiness into the lives we serve as well as our own.  Love you and hope you have an amazing week!  

<3 Hermana Temple

 1. Elder Bichsel showing off the results of some lime green parakeets urinating on him

Hermanas in District 12B!!  Wainwright, Bradshaw, Hall, Thompson, and yours truly

Add caption

Chilean flag proudly hanging up in the administration building!  Representamos!

Hermana Hall and I with our objectiva as misioneras! 

 Hermanas Allison and Moody, couldn't have asked for more amazing sisters to look up to here at the CCM.  I love them.

SHORT, BUT SWEET

HALFWAY THROUGH AT THE CCM!!

There's not a ton of time left to email so I'll make it fast. The language is progressing incredibly well, and we\ve all found in the disrtrict that as our spanish has gotten better our english has gotten worse! 

Things were a little more difficult this week. We had a lesson with one of our investigators '"Alexa" and a practice lesson with one of the elders in our district that both didn't go as well as past lessons had. Usually we were in sync and could feel the spirit throughtout all the lessons but for whatever reason, those 2 lessons for us didn't go well and we felt like failures as missionaries. Some really negative thoughts went through our heads like If we cant even teach the fake people here, how the heck are we going to teach real investigators in the field??" We had a heart to heart and after stepping back and realizing where those thoughs come from *spolier alert -it's the adversary*, we said a prayer to basically have the spirit with us, and to have Him help us overcome those negative emotions. A massive feeling of reassurance overcame us and shortly after, we went to teach another lesson. It was incredible. You could truly feel that the lesson was being divinely guided and at the end, the person we taught said that they really felt the truthfulness of the message we were teaching. 

Being a missionary is hard. And the adversary wants nothing more than to derail this work of the Lord. I'm here in the CCM though, where 16 hours a day we are studying the scriptures, teaching, and surrounded by the best influences.  He is working so much harder on those at home who don't have the ability to be in the spiritual bubble that is the CCM.  Don't become discouraged when the difficult times come, because they are inevitable.  Turning to the one person who knows EXACTLY what you're going through, and EXACTLY how to help you is the only way to overcome the hard times.  Jesus Christ wants nothing more than to help us, and as we pray and develop a strong relationship with him and our Heavenly Father, we will be given the ability to resist tempatations and dispel feelings of inadequacy. 

Love,

Hermana Temple

Missing Teeth, The Plague, and The Character of Christ

Days feel like weeks, and weeks feel like days. Time has flown here at the CCM and it is a privilege to be here as a representative of Christ. 

Funny thing this week:

2 elders in our district have fake teeth on retainers that theyre able to take on and off at any given time. So one of them, Elder Kuhn (coon) and his companion played a trick on our instructor by slamming their hands down really hard on one of the desks and had Elder Kuhn come up without his retainer so it looked like he was missing a tooth. Poor Hermana Gutierrez! She kept yelling "que paso!?!?! que paso?!?!?" and was looking all around on the floor for his tooth. When she realized what happened she laughed and the whole class died for a solid 10 min. Pretty sure we all got 6 packs. 

The Plague:

We got a new group of missionaries this week, and apparently a few of them brought something with them so within the course of 2 days, 200 and something people were infected with some horrible stomach sickness. Our district was hit and 2 of our memebers are still recovering. It was so crazy seeing an illness spread that quickly to so many people. The Elders in our district gave some incredible blessings so that those who were sick actually experienced a milder sickness than everyone else, and we were all blessed to carry on with our work as missionaries. It was a really neat experience to see young men who are worthy and who have prepared themselves be able to immediately respond to the needs of those around them. Priesthood holders are such a blessing and the plague brought the best out of the missionaries that were here between all the service they rendered, and the blessings given. 

HIGHLIGHT OF THE ENTIRE WEEK 

On Sunday, we were able to watch a devotional given by Elder Bednar in 2011 at the MTC. If you're able to find it and watch it, PLEASE DO. Its an amazing talk and I can't do it a fraction of justice. It was centered on the character of Christ and how there would have been no atoning sacrifice without it. Elder Bednar began by finding examples all throughout the scriptures of how Christ always reaches OUT in love, service, and compassion instead of following natural man tendencies and focusing inward. This was a time of great self reflection for me for two reasons:

1) As a representative of Christ I need to be doing everything in my power to emulate him and having these characteristics.

2) By allowing His character to become your character allows you to become closer to Christ and more converted 

David A. Bednar said that a testimony is what you know, and conversion is consistently being true to what you know. In Alma 23:6 it talks about the Anti-nephi-lehies and says "as many of the lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away". It says AND were converted unto the Lord. The part where they believed on the words was testimony, and the second aspect was a conversion. The results of having both, as we later read in the chapter and through later chapters in the Book of Mormon, is that they never fell away. What more could a person want more for themselves and for those that they love? Through consistently following Christ´s example and turning outwards to others instead of inwards, deepens our conversion unto the Lord so that we too will never fall away. I made a list of goals of things I´m going to do to deepen my own conversion, and I hope that you will search the scriptures for examples of the character of Christ and apply them into your life. I know full heartedly that this gospel is true and that like Nephi and the ore, He´s given us all the tools that we need to return to our Heavenly Father and to attain a happiness that lasts.  I know that as we utilize the blessings He´s given us, fervently search the scriptures, and emulate the example of the Savior, we will become fully converted and never fall away. Thank you so much for the prayers and the support, I can feel them and assure you that Every. Single. Day. they are answered.  I hope you have a great week!!

Hermana Temple

It's been Rainy

Hola Familia!!!

      So much has happened this last week at the CCM that I dont even know where to start! Ill start by describing the CCM. Its in the heart of Mexico D.F and getting here was really neat. We had this yellow CCM schoolbus of sorts pick us up from the airport. The drivers are CRAZY. Theres people casually walking in the streets, buildings are high,colorful, and jammed packed together like legos, and in some places there werent even any lines dividing the lanes. After driving like this for about 40 minutes we arrived at the CCM. It kind of snuck up on us because its surrounded by a wall thats surrounded by trees on both sides and it literally in the middle of the city. Dont worry theres barbed wire and guards at the CCM. At night after about 10pm we can hear some of the craziness of the city and wonder whats going on on the other side of "the wall" while safely inside.Theres never and absence of cop cars and we are pretty sure we heard a gunshot or something a few nights ago.....probably shouldnt tell mom that. At the CCM it is really nice. There\s loads of lush vegetation everywhere and if it wasnt for seeing the homes on the other side of the wall I would seriously believe we were still in the USA.

My first companion EVER is Hermana Hall. Shes pretty awesome. We talked the entire trip from the airport to the CCM and were ecstatic when we found out we were companions! Shes the middle of 9 kids and played basketball for San Jose State before coming out here. Shes hilarious and we get along\work really well together. 

The food here is great in my opinion. There\s a lot of native dishes that Ive never had before like sheep in some kind of red sauce and theres always a variety of fresh fruit. The pickier kids hate it and make a beeline for the nutella and sandwhich making bar every meal but the food here is actually pretty good. Tender mercy actually, Hma. Hall and I were craving buffalo wings yesterday and the comedor totally hooked us up.

Our schedules are pretty crazy. We wake up at 6.30 and have to be in our classrooms for personal study by 7.00. Breakfast is a 7.45 and after that we have companion study, language study, teaching instruction, and more studying until about 12.45 which is when we have lunch. After lunch we prepare lecciones for investigators and study some more. After our lessons we have dinner at 6.15 and more study. At 8 we have TALL or technology aided language study where we learn various gospel phrases and proper grammar. At 9 we finish that and have a district meeting. Head back to the casa at 9.30 for personal time and lights out by 10.30. Thats pretty much it everyday and its a little frsutrating because you still feel you dont have enough time to learn everything! Despite all of the changes and adjustments, life here at the CCM is great!

It was a little overwhelming because the second day, we had to teach a discussion....IN FLIPPING ESPANOL! My spanish isn't awful, but it definitely isnt up to par and Hermana Hall can say comida, hola, and bano....all very important but our combined knowledge wasnt enough and we were both freaking out. We taught but beause we were nervous and couldnt speak spectacularly, the lesson was a dud. Luckily the fake investigators here have to let you come back and teach another lesson. The second one went better because we were both able to speak and understand more, but pretty much stuck to the lesson and words we had previously written out. Yesterday we had our 3rd lesson with out investigatore, David, and it. was. incredible. Hermana Hall and I have been studying alot and pray all the time por el don de lenguas and el espiritu santo. While in a devotional on Sunday, we both felt prompted to teach David about faith. WE studied capitulo 12 and didnt feel we needed to write anything down....which is insane considering entendemos nada. But we went into the lesson calm and felt everything would go the way it needed to. After talking to David and saying a prayer, he opened up to us about how he had followed through on our challenge to him to read the BOM. His wife read it too and felt the spirit, but he said that he didnt feel that connection and that he didnt have faith or a great relationship with Dios. OH MY GOSH, that was the perfect segway into our lession! I dont have enough time or the recollection to tell you everything that was said, but we really felt the spirit take over that lesson and we KNOW that David felt the spirit. Hma Hall then bore a beautiful testimony in simple but powerful spanish about the gospel and the BOM, which is amazing considering 6 days ago she didnt speak a lick of spanish. Everything about the leccion was un milagro and I know that the spirit of the Lord is upon all of those here at the CCM who are exactly obedient and are using all the tools given to work hard. 

Every single day I receive a witness that this is the only true church upon the face of the Earth and that through it we can find happiness that lasts forever. I am privileged to be a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints. We heard a quote this week from the always amazing Elder Holland that said "If you live up to your prvileges the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates". I have seen this in my life as well as in the lives of others and know that as long as you live the way we have been asked to and put the Lord first, you will receive divine aid in all things. I love you and hope all is well!

Con amor,

Hermana Temple

 Here are some pictures. We are only allowed to use our cameras on pday so these were all taken today. There are 4 hermanas total in our district also going to Rancagua Chile Hma Bradshaw is the burnette and Hma Wainwright is blonde and there are 3 sets of elders going to Ecuador and Indianapolis who are way cool. Took a few pics of our things like our CASA numero 5, whats on the other side of the wall, our classroom, our humble abode, and our district. They're all really great people with solid testimonies.