To start off this week was incredible, I wanted this last
week to be something special and it was. Like the rest of the weeks I had the
desire to talk to EVERYONE. And to help them come unto christ. This week was
incredible, I think ill start off with the best activity I had done yet on the
mission. Our activity that we called "ayekantun" which is
"fun" in mapudogun (native language) It was a competition of dishes
that are tasty, cheap, and creative. We spent a month planning and spreading
the word, everyone said in this small branch the activities never turn out and
we wanted to show them that they can. SO... we made awesome papers for the
members and investigators to fill out their dish, how much it cost, the
ingredients, and how do you prepare it, and talked to everyone multiple times
getting them excited, we made sweet certificates and assigned judges (one was
the hilarius matrimonio biggs, who are a marriage couple missionarys. as well
as 2 hermanos to judge the food, 50 PEOPLE came!!!! we were so stoked, 15
investigatos mas o menos and 35 members. Everyone was loving the activitiy, I
also did what grandma carter did with putting candy in a jar and having them
guess to win it, and that was a hit! Everyone was participating, I did a banana
bread that turned out super rico:) ha but it didnt win
:( we invited one old man to come that we contacted in the
street that had 90 years old and he came! haha he liked one plate and ate that
no mas it was super funny, I put photos of the activity.
As I bore my testimony in front of this branch of 35 I
couldnt hold back the tears, I love branches, I got to know very well each and
every one of these members, The branch president thanked my work in front of
all the members and said some words super super nice towards me, as well
recieved a call from the district president thanking me for the work we have
been doing for his district. And he wants to stay in contact in facebook and
skype haha, As I bore my testimony of the mission the spirit filled the room
and I felt love for each and every one of the people there and the people I
have met, my last days of the week I set aside a couple hours to do pure
contacts (my love of the mission) and we entered a house and found an awesome man that was excited to
get to know the restoration.
Another amazing thing that happened is the older man that
had 83 years old that we invited to be baptized and accepted last week came to
church!!!!!!!!! as I bore my testimony he started to cry and gave me a hug
saying he was going to miss me, I let him know my companion and the elder that
would come would be there for him as well the branch.
AS WELL! a hermano we had been struggling with to get him to
get the priesthood that was a recent convert that I told you finally recieved
it, blessed the sacrament for his first time in the meeting. I was so greatful
to see so much changes I truly have a testimony of the atonement because I have
seen it in the lives of others.
Well I wont say more until we see each other in person. Love
you guys so much and I cant expres how greatful I am for my family, you guys
are amazing, thanks for your prayers, support, and letters you have sent me
this 2 years of my life. I love the mission and its gonna be hard to leave this
great place,
I called denny and talked to him and might be able to see
him in santiago but we will see:)
Love you guys so so so much, this truly is the truth, the
everlasting gospel, that heals the wounded and cures the broken hearts that all
mankind has, Jesus Christ is our savior and in this time I have gotten to know
him on a more personal level, He loves us so much, and through him we can be
changed, I have been changed by his atonement and I have seen the changes he
has had in others. We can share many things to people but what it all comes down
to us the atonement of christ, We are saved by his grace after all we can do.
Love you mom, and dad, kristy, dalan, blake, erin, grandma june, etc You truly
have made an impact on my life and supported me in this time. well the last
letter of the mission, hope that you could feel a piece of the spirit that I feel daily as you have read my
letters.
Love you tons
Elder Carter
heres some photos of the activity we did