A Week of Big Changes

President and Sister Brady have been wonderful, dedicated, beloved Missionary Training Presidents for the past two years. Jerry and Leslie Carmack from SLC will take their place tomorrow. Currently there are about 60 missionaries. Our senior missionaries gathered to say good-bye, as they leave to return home to Orem, Utah. They were previously mission presidents in Southern California. Below: The Bradys, Poulsens, Isaacsons, Enkes, Jensens, Sister Schultz, Sister Umber, Muntzings, Hurleys, Atkins, Downer and Walker. Brother Schutz and Sister de Schweinitz taking photos. Some are temple missionaries, some have medical, humanitarian, and other assignments. We often all get gather for special activities. It's a great group!

The young Latin American missionaries who arrived with me, and with whom we celebrated Christmas and greeted every day on the temple grounds and in the hostal, have "graduated" from their three weeks of training and are now in the "field." They are young but prepared, nervous but excited to go out to do what they were called to do. The non-native Spanish speakers stay an additional three weeks to improve their language skills. These pictured are assigned to Vina del Mar, north and on the coast. Those finishing their missions in Vina del Mar came to the temple right before going home that day, also. They are radiant and smiling either way. New missionaries arrive almost weekly and learn quickly.
We spend most of our time and energy at the temple, but go out in our pleasant neighborhood for errands, walks, etc.

This is the closest "caracol" a shopping center shaped like a snail, thus its name.

There are no mailboxes on the street, so we have to buy stamps, and mail anything in the caracol
post office, which is quite small and inefficient and expensive. There are many parks with benches and exercise equipment, and playgrounds. Most people live in beautiful apartments with nice gardens in our part of town, Providencia, though there are also lovely large homes, which look quite European, especially German. There are several universities and cultural centers. This week there is a very large antique show at one center.

Two elders leaving the MTC (training center) for Vina del Mar. Large group leaving for Vina.

 Group leaving for Vina del Mar. They are wonderful young people (mostly ages 18-20).

New arrivals here for various Chile missions. One engaged couple coincidentally came the same day, but will be serving in far apart missions. They had planned to marry, but had decided missions would better prepare them for married life and adulthood,

We have been saddened by the passing last week of our beloved, humble Prophet and Church President Thomas Spencer Monson, who died at age 90 after a lifetime of selfless service and wise leadership, for which we are so grateful. We have been inspired by the messages and honor paid him by his associates. Our new president and his counselors will be announced tomorrow, January 16. The transition is always smooth, done in an orderly way, as the senior apostle is usually chosen to lead the LDS church.
Chile as a country will be busy tomorrow, also, as Pope Francis is here for 2 days, the first visit of a pope since John Paul 2's visit to Chile in 1987. He will also go to Peru. Security is tight as there are always protesters who dislike some policies and practices of the Catholic Church.

I have begun helping s few students with English. I learn from them, they hopefully learn from me as they work on their goals to enter various programs and careers. I was also thrilled to see one of my English students from Ecuador, who came to the temple a few days ago before returning home to Ecuador after serving 18 months in Osorno, Chile. It is always a small world, where friendships continue as we open our hearts and lives to others.
May you have a great week. Serve and forgive others, take time to learn, enjoy the small and simple things that delight you, do your best but continue to evaluate your priorities. The Lord will bless, inspire, comfort and guide you, I hope and pray.
Love,
Hermana Miriam