Back to Valparaíso!

Hello everyone!

Cambios happened. Transfers. I got transferred! I am now in a branch called Miramar, in the cerro (hill) of Playa Ancha, in Valparaíso. Playa Ancha is legitimately called the City of Wind - and I can't tell you how true that is. It whips my hair around and breaks it off and tangles it up! LAME. It is also a city full of hills! Up and down all day long. I swear, by the time i leave this sector, I'll have huge leg muscles and probably be bald. Ugh that sounds gross. lol JK that won't happen but I really do already love this sector! My new companion is from CHILE! Her name is Hermana Oliva, and she is from Concepción. She is a sweetheart. She has been in the mission for exactly 2 months!

The day before cambios, the assistants called to tell me that I would be training again - but not a super new hermana, I'll just be finishing the training of a 6-weeker. I can already tell that Im going to learn a lot from her, and I hope she can learn from me too! She is incredible!
The good thing about Playa Ancha is that you can still see the ocean!!! That made me so happy. I love living by the ocean. I definitely have to take some pics. :)

But anyway, leaving Recreo was super sad! I LOVE Recreo and I am going to miss it so much. I love the sector, the people, everything. I will miss the Rojas family and Hna Sonia and Leo and Milo and my comp Hermana Paicely. Ah I'll miss everything about that place! I can actually see Recreo from Playa Ancha. haha its cool.

Here in Miramar, our branch has 2 sets of missionaries, us, and a set of Elders. They are cool! This ward has been having lots of baptisms lately, so we are gonna continue with that trend! haha. One of Hna Oliva's converts is named Francisco, and hes like 26. He's super cool! And this Sunday, yesterday, he got the priesthood! And in two weeks he will baptize his best friend Patricio! SO COOL.

We have already seen miracles here. It's amazing. We talked to a little 7 year old in the street and she led us to her dad. Turns out he doesnt believe in God, and we asked him to pray to asks if he exists, and the little 7 year old said, "Dont worry, I will obligate him to pray. He exists daddy, and He made us! He made everything!" Oh, the faith of a child. It was so adorable.

We also taught a family named the Silva family. The parents are less actives and the mom is an RM. Theyve been inactive for 12 years! And they just started coming back. We went to teach them, because their 2 kids aren't members! And we talked a long time with the son and the mom, and then the mom started to sob into the son's shoulder and said, "I taught so many people and helped them to believe, and I couldn't do it with my own kids!" Poor girl. We are helping them a lot. Their daughter, Milsi, is ready for baptism but wants her dad to do it before he leaves on his 4 month trip. We will see what happens!

But anyway, that's the news of this week! I am learning so much! This is fantastic. Super difficult, but fantastic. I have never experienced anything as hard as a mission in this life, but I can't tell you how much I've grown and learned. I look forward to learning even more. :)

Until next week! Enjoy!

I LOVE YOU ALL!

Love,
Hermana Amy Schrader

Just Do It

Hey everyone!

So I had a crazy week! On PDay we played some basketball and football and I was so glad!

Everyone here in Recreo thinks Im leaving next Wednesday since Ive been here 6 months! But I dont want to go! I love Recreo! Just one more cambio...

Yesterday we got a free ride from a colectivo! All the way up to Hna Matelunas! When we told Javier that, he was super impressed! He says that colectiveros NEVER do that. Ever. But he says it must be because we are angelitos. :)

There has been lots of drama with the Rojas family! This week we taught Carolina the law of chastity and she loved it. She accepted it right away and knew it was true. She really wants to get baptized! She had her baptismal interview Wednesday but couldnt come so she rescheduled it for Friday. And on Friday (when I was on intercambios/transfers in Reñaca), Francisco came to the interview instead of Carolina and said he wanted to get baptized with her! So after a long process, they got permission from President and rescheduled the interview for Carolina AND Francisco AND Martina for Saturday. I came back on Saturday and was there for the interviews, and they all passed and did awesome and we had EVERYTHING planned! All the members and zone leaders and everyone were helping so much with everything. It was awesome. We made so many calls and organized so much. 

Then, Sunday morning, we get a call from Carolina. She said that Francisco is with the police and something happened....we dont know. She just said that she really wanted to get baptized but couldnt come to church because she had to talk to the police. My heart broke...it was just what I had been afraid of. But what really made everything alright was to hear in Carolinas voice how much she wants this for her family. She really wants to be baptized, and she is AMAZING. Its just Francisco that is holding her back I think. It's just crazy with him. But anyway, her baptism is now planned for this coming Sunday. But just her and her daughter.

Anyway. 

Yesterday we had Once with Javier, Hna Mateluna, and her family, for her 72nd birthday! Seriously, being with those people - It felt like family! Like home away from home. When Javier heard that I might be leaving at transfers, he said this: "Things won't be the same without you here. You've become part of th family. When you go, you'll be sorely missed." He got a little emotional too as he explained to his family the "uncle-niece bond" that we have. It was really touching to hear that I had made a difference in his life... I have been waiting for that my whole mission - to hear that I have made an impact. I know he will be mormon one day! He has so much faith and is truly searching for the truth. 

So it's been an awesome week. I learned a ton this week and here are a couple quotes that I really like! "Don't let fear keep you from moving on in life." "JUST DO IT!" "Good intentions are not enough. We are capable of so much more." "Set aside those things in your life that don't really matter. Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences."

I also read a talk from Holland called, "The First Great Commandment." I remember hearing that one in conference! It is officially my favorite talk of all time. It blew my mind. As I was reading, I could feel the power and authority in his words. The words were ringing through me - and I know that they're true. It is incredible! Read it. All of you. :)

Have a great week everyone!!! Pray for the Rojas family! I am praying for all of you.

Thanks for all your love and support.

I LOVE YOU ALL!

Hermana Amy Schrader

Just Keep Learning

Hello everyone!

How are you all? 

I have like zero time to write or add photos....so sorry! We had a district activity - playing basketball and a little football...I tore it up with these latinos haha

But anyway, as for this past week! What happened...Oh! it was Zac Efron's birthday on the 18th...haha

But really. So, the news. Francisco Rojas is out of jail! Someone paid to bail him out. So we shall see where things go. They are scheduled to get baptized this weekend, and we are hopefully gonna make it happen!

We taught Carolina and Martina tithing, and they loved it. When we told Martina she could get baptized, she cheered and did a fist pump! Haha...children are so special. They get it a lot better than us adults sometimes. 

We visited a member's fiance - the one from Kenya! Did i tell you about her yet? Well she is super awesome. She speaks no Spanish. Only English, Swahili, and Lu. (african tribe language). She is super black and pretty tall and we love her! She is getting married in November and asked me and Hna Paicely to be her bridesmaides! She even took down our dress measurements and everything. What a cutie!

We also get to teach her in English...which is easier and harder all at the same time. We often slip into Spanish, and she looks at us with a blank look...and then we realize that we arent speaking English anymore. But when we do speak in English, its amazing how easily we can say what we really want to say! I cant wait to share the gospel in English AND Spanish for the rest of my life!

We had Stake Conference this weekend, and it was super good. I just keep realizing how blessed I am and how blessed ive always been. I am so grateful for this gospel!

Advice for the week: Don't think with your eyes or mind so much. Think with your heart! "One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes." -Little Prince

LOVE YOU ALL! Enjoy your week!

Hermana Amy Schrader

Don't Just Go Through the Motions

Hola family and friends!

How are you all?

I had a crazy week. It was good, some parts lame, but overall, a great learning experience!

To start off, we had a zone activity in ConCon! We ate at Subway (which is a million times better in America) and playing some soccer (like always lol). 

Chile played Colombia this week in soccer! Chile was winning until the very end! We heard the cheers and everything while we were walking outside. They ended up tying! 

We had a zone conference this week that was good! Loved it!

Hna Wilma made me Minestrone soup, cuz she knows italian food is my fav. What a sweetheart.

We found out Luisa the one who had a baptismal date, has short term memory loss. We were beginning to wonder! After teaching her about God for half an hour, we asked her to say the closing prayer, and she turned to us and said, "Wait, you guys believe in God, right?" haha. So that was fun. 

I have been reading the November 2012 Liahona...aka October 2012 general conference. IT IS AMAZING! I love all the talks. All of them.

So -  news on the Rojas family. Francisco (the dad) is officially in jail. For 40 days. We always knew he was bipolar, but we didnt know it was that serious! He apparently drank some alcohol, and it all snowballed from there. In the end, Carolina went to the police and they came and got him. He put up a fight and even tried to grab a police officer's gun, but he is now safely in jail. Carolina is fine. She has been very calm lately, and told us that it was the gospel that has been keeping her sane. She reads the Liahonas and the scriptures all the time. She came to church with all four kids this week! They have a baptismal date and are doing great. She says shes putting all this about Francisco into the Lord's hands. She is amazing. We even taught her about not worshipping false images (she has a big virgin Mary statue in her house) and she said she'd have to work on that one slowly. But, next time we come over, she is gone from the table and in her place there are our pamphlets, pass along cards, and pictures that we have given her. :) The kids also love singing "Soy un hijo de Dios" (I Am A Child of God) and even have it memorized! It is so cool working with this family. I love them!

I had intercambios this week (exchanges), which didnt really go according to my liking, but it was a good learning experience and I am looking forward to the future with a positive outlook. :)

  Everyone, the end will eventually come, whether it be the end of a trial, or even the end of this life. And the end will always be the easy part! All you  have to do is cross the finish line! The JOURNEY is the part that is the most difficult. And it just so happens that the journey is where we must find JOY. Where we must do everything in our power to deserve the title of winner once the end does come, and we cross that finish line. And only the true winners are the ones that accomplished the task and had fun doing it! SO, everyone, do your best always, and find joy in the journey. :) Dont just go through the motions! Theres gotta be a reason for everything you do.... :)

LOVE YOU ALL! Enjoy your week!

Hermana Amy Schrader

Conferencia General!!!

Heyyy people!

So, CONFERENCE was awesome, right?!??!?!!

I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT.

But first, lemme talk about this week.

We had interviews with Presidente! It went really well. He was happy and smiling as usual, which made me even more happy and smiling. :) He said to me, "You're one of the hermanas that has never given me a worry. Thank you!" He also told me that my new comp lately looks brighter and happier than she has all her mission! When he asked her in her interviewed why that was, she told him it was because of her new comp! Aka.... me. Awww! Yay I love making people happy.

I told him about the Rojas family and he told me to put a fecha with them so I told him Id do it that night. So he told me to call him later that night and tell him how it went! So I did. We put a fecha and we called Presidente! HAha. It was really cool. He was happy.

We have a new ZL! And guess what. My 3 favorite Elders are in a trio together! Isnt that awesome!!! Love them. In a very appropriate way. :)

Hmmmm well I would tell you more details about the week but I just realized I dont have much time. Sooo!

The big news! I dont know if its been posted on facebook yet, but hopefully it has! MILO is engaged! :):):):):) And he's back in RECREO! I am so happy to see him again!

General Conference, like I said before, was incredible! I watched it at the Viña stake center with all the other gringo missonaries. :) We had a blast together!

Alright, so, favorite lines from the conference(they're not word for word):

-We need each other!

-It's not about what you've done or where you've gone. It's about what you're willing to do, and where you're willing to go!

-We respect those who honestly search the truth.

-DOUBT YOUR DOUBT BEFORE YOU DOUBT YOUR FAITH

-Your moral authority is vital. Dont let outside sources bring that down.

-God's love for you is always there, whether you're sad or happy, whether you deserve it or not. It's simply always there.

-Hope is never lost! If the bitter cup doesn't pass, drink it, and be strong.

-Make the decision to do what Christ has asked us to do. 

-He knows His sheep. His sheep know His voice. His voice is US: YOU: ME. And His sheep will recognize it.

-You dont have to be persuasive or outgoing. Love is all you need!

-I gave him to you because I know you would and could love him, no matter what he did.

-Dont be a moral coward.

-Standing in holy places isnt always easy or comfortable, but it's worth it.

-You must become the rock that the river cannot wash away.

-Repentance isnt a punishment. It is a hope filled path to a glorious future.

-Dont wait for trials to come to get closer to Him.

-If you ever come across anything that causes you to questionyour faith, LOOK UP.

-You're never too young to learn, never too old to change. 

-Decisions determine destiny.

-You will have a personal interview with Christ one day. BE PREPARED.

And I loved how the last song of the last session was my FAVORITE HYMN! Abide with Me, Tis Eventide.

LOVE IT.

LOVE YOU GUYS!

Enjoy your week!

I miss you all!

Hermana Amy Schrader

Good Old Recreo

Heyyy everyone!

Cambios were this past Wednesday! I am still in Recreo Alto, Viña Oeste. :) 

BUT I have a new companion! Her name is Hermana Paicely, and she is from St. George, Utah! She has the exact same time in the mission as me, she entered the MTC on December 19th too. :) She is 22, just like me, and she went to the University of Utah and then to Dixie. She is half African American, half Samoan, and shes awesome! We are gonna be a great team, I can just see it. 

But yeah! So this is my 4th transfer in Recreo. And i still love it to bits. 

Hmmm not much else to say really. Im sick! Again. Haha but its not so bad.

I am officially a Chilena! I got my ID from the Registro Civil. Legit.

We have a new district leader, Elder Gutierrez. Hes cool. :) Hes from Argentina.

Milo comes back this Saturday I think! We shall see. He might still be our mission leader but who knows.

The Rojas family hasnt been doing so well. Carolina's mom died, so they have been busy with the funeral and stuff for that.

Milena is awesome! She told us that she has been keeping the Word of Wisdom and that she feels a lot more free now. :) She also said she loves Joseph Smith's story and she said its probably her favorite. She told us that she feels that the church is true! She is awesome. We cant wait to see her again! 

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD! The big 25th! The Silver Anniversary! I have the best parents in the world and I am so glad that they show a good example for me of how a marriage should be.

Thank you Mom and Dad!

Ok everyone, are you just SO EXCITED for General Conference! I AM!!!!! This is like going on vacation for us! Yesss!!!!

Enjoy everyone! I will say  more next week!

I love you all! Enjoy!

Miss you!

Hermana Amy Schrader

HALFWAY Mark...

Hello everyone!

Last Wednesday was my halfway mark! The 11th! Crazyness, right?

And there is a week left until transfers! Transfers are the 25th! I have been in Recreo with Hna Hanks for 3 transfers! And we are loving it! We will see what happens next week!

This Wednesday is the 18th of September! THe Independence Day of Chile! People are gonna be partyin it up down here! 

Chile played Spain in soccer! Spain is the world champion right now, and CHile was winning the whole game...until the last couple minutes, when they tied. So. Interesting. Bring it on Alaena. :)

The Rojas family! News! THeir baptism is scheduled for the 29th of September - we are so excited! Lets just hope and pray that they go to church every sunday before that!

We taught them this week, and when we entered their house, instead of the usual atmosphere of chaos and fighting, it was calm! And happy! And they were all smiling! THe church helped them find a job and they are a lot more chill. We taught them the Sabbath Day and they were talking about how they usually go out to eat on sunday at McDonalds and fight a lot. But then they said that from now on they are going to go to nice places like parks and stuff, and Francisco talked about loving his family and about how grateful he was to have them. The whole time he had his arm around Carolina and kept kissing her on the forehead as we taught. Ah so cute. At the end of the lesson, we all kneeled in a circle and held hands, and little 9 year old Martina prayed! It was precious. Carolina and her daughters came to church on Sunday, and it was great. :)

One of our investigators, Javier, who is like 60, is super awesome, and is like a long lost great uncle of mine! Haha we joke a lot and get along well. Hes a super smart guy and has always disputed religion. But when we share messages, he actually listens and agrees with what we say. We wrote our testimonies and a letter in a Book of Mormon for him and gave it to him as a gift. The next time he saw us, he genuinely thanked us for the gift and for the kind words. We had a lunch appt with him and his mom, a member. At the end when we shared a message he had a lot of doctrinal questions and doubts on whether or not God even exists. But we shared scriptures and about the temple. And after I explained something, he just sat there silently for a minute and said, "Hm. They trained you well at that CCM (MTC)." 

Nancy the less active came to church too! She was really happy that we had visited her and made her feel welcome. We also taught a little old grandma that is a member and it felt just like I was with my grandma, listening to stories and sitting by her bed while she showed us family pictures. Oh so adorable. :)

I am currently reading Jesus the Christ, which is a highly entertaining read, and very intelligently written. Its like my Harry Potter book on the mission! haha.

Little Blanca, the old lady with Alzheimers, told us that she loved us this week. :) Made my heart melt.

I learned a cool lesson this week - a breakthrough, you could say. I just wanna share that with you guys. I was thinking about the mission and about how much every second means, and about helping others. You could apply that to your life. Dont BS your way through life! Dont just get by. Go above and beyond, and always try your best. This life is the only chance you get! In the words of Dumbledore, Use it well.

We really are our own worst enemies. Dont look at yourself that way. Look at yourself the way Good sees you - with unconditional love, endless potential, and a grand plan. :)

"Fear not, little flock, do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not." (D&C 6:34,36)

I love you all! Have a great week!

Miss you!

Hermana Amy Schrader