Concepcion Temple Dedication

Today was a big day for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Chile: the dedication of Chile's second temple 6 hours south in Concepcion on the (River)Rio Bio Bio. The Santiago Temple was dedicated in 1983, and has been the only temple in the country, which stretches 2,647 miles along the Pacific, but averages only about 110 miles across (and half of that is high Andes which divide it from Argentina). Santiago is smack dab in the center.
Concepcion was founded in 1550, was destroyed by earthquakes and tsunamis  in 1730 and 1751, and rebuilt in 1754. The University of Concepcion is well-known and highly respected, and is the only true "campus"in Chile. There are 5 other universities in Concepcion. The surrounding area is rural; wheat, wine and coal are produced and forestry has always played an important role, with 65% of the country's pine plantations. When Chile's largest coal mine, Lota, had lost too much money, it was closed in 1997, and many lost jobs. This is one of the poorest regions of Chile.
But, the new temple, the 160th worldwide, is magnificent, and will bless the lives of many. Some "privileged" were able to attend one of the three dedication sessions in person, but most of us watched the broadcast in local chapels. Several local and general leaders of the Church spoke in Spanish and English, and the dedicatory prayer (blessing of the grounds, rooms of the temple, members, all citizens and leaders of Chile, etc.) given in English (and interpreted) was given by President Russell M. Nelson. When he was born in 1924, there were less than 600,000 members in the world and none in South America. Now there are over 16,000,000 worldwide, with more than 4 million members in South America. The first congregation was organized in Santiago in 1956. Today, more than 590,000 in over 600 congregations reside in Chile.

President Nelson (94) and wife Wendy meet with a regional 
governor Ulloa. They and Elder Stevenson and his wife visited 5 
countries in nine days, giving counsel and encouragement to 
members. These included Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Chile, giving counsel to 1000's in

Spanish and English. The trip highlight was the Temple dedication.
As when Christ entered Jerusalem at the pass-over, we wave white
handkerchiefs in the "hosanna shout" at the end of the dedicatory
prayer.

President Nelson has taught that we need to always have the end goal in mind, that we dedicate our time, talents, and efforts to achieving that end goal to improve our own faith and to help others, especially our families, to have faith and be sealed together, that we may return with honor to our home in heaven. 
In the dedicatory prayer he acknowledged Chilean member pioneers. He blessed faithful members to have integrity, charity, security, faith and dedication, that we all may prosper. He blessed the children and youth that their hearts may be turned to their fathers; the missionaries with power and determination, and government leaders with softer hearts. 

 

 Our leaders meet with the missionaries, and love the youth and children, and give special devotionals for them as they travel. The leaders of tomorrow look very promising!

All temples are unique but equal in purpose.

Each is a symbol of our faith in God.

President Nelson testified that Jesus Christ's

Church has been restored on the earth.

I ran into Elder Gerard Caussee from France (president of the Presiding Bishopric of the Church) yesterday as I was changing 
the location of my English class so he could hold a big conference in our chapel. Today in Concepcion, he called on us to believe, to sacrifice and put out our best efforts, and we will be blessed.
Two years ago, when we saw that Paris was not an option, he suggested I serve in Ghana so I could use my French, but I guess there were safety and other issues, so here I am. I'm glad to be in Santiago...safe, clean, interesting.

Laying the cornerstone

Rose season in Santiago

 

But dahlias and petunias brighten temple grounds too!

When I can't enjoy my own family, I feel love from so many here.

Here it's spring, at home fall. Baby Phoebe doesn't know yet what Halloween is, but her cousins sure do... I miss this fun tradition! In Chile some celebrate, a lot of candy is sold, and kids do "trick or treat" (dulces o travesturas) but their 2-day holiday this Thursday and Friday (and maybe all week?) for Day of the Dead and All Saints is an excuse to go to the beach or miss school or work. We expect many to come to the temple where we'll have a special schedule.

The biggest elf is Mo Mom, Simon and Evie and even Dad (on lap below) and co-workers get into enjoy the silly Elf act (family's costumes created by Mom)

 

 I haven't seen any real pumpkins, but maybe that's because it's springtime here. There are bags of candy and costumes in the stores and on the streets...we'll see.

And it's good-bye to all the many current Mission Training Center missionaries, after 6 weeks here for the N. Americans, and 3 weeks for the Latinos. The next and last group of N. Americans arrive tomorrow, the Latinos in 3 weeks, then the training center closes and future Missionaries to serve in Chile will go to Mexico, Peru, Buenos Aires. We are sad and will miss their happy and often boisterous spirits, especially out on the basketball court. We love having them once a week in the temple, too.
There's rarely a dull moment around here; only Sundays are quiet.

Chilenismos and communication

Chilenismos and Communication

According to a Lonely Planet guide writer:
"Chilean Spanish fell off the wagon; it is slurred, sing-song and peppered with expressions unintelligible to the rest of the Spanish-speaking world. Cachay? (you get it?) often punctuates a sentence, as does the ubiquitous pues, said as po/ sipo all clattered together, actually means "well, yes." Country lingo is firmly seeded in this former agrarian society, which refers to guys as cabros (goats)." There are so many more....such as al tiro (right away).
Fortunately temple and church language is standardized, but as soon as people start telling anecdotes at breakneck speed, I am often lost, listen for key words, and admit to just smiling (hoping it is something to smile about) and faking understanding many times. Of course they must think I'm crazy, stupid, or insensitive?
Of course, Chileans, like the rest of the world, seem to spend more time on texting, mostly whatsApp (which is pronounced something like Wuzup) here, than on real conversation. I was tempted to snap a photo in the park yesterday of 6 young adults sitting on the grass in a close circle, every single one on his/her cell-phone. Were they talking to each other or someone a little farther away? Why not a face-to-face, heart-to-heart talk?

It's much better to chat and laugh in person (over pizza made by Nina for our last get-together before the Ray and Dawn Schultz left) with fellow missionaries: Sisters (and husbands) Dawn, Elsa, Nina, Alma, Clara, Miriam....

or while eating yummy salmon at nearby Ceviche restaurant

or over lunch with sister missionaries Horrocks and Shields, 
and Cecilia Espinoza and family (Cristobal and Mariange)

or with cute Fran who comes once a week to practice her English and to share so many things we have in common despite the difference of age and culture.

I'm grateful for the written word (and especially for my Amazon e-books) and the much more universal language of music and art and scenery (maybe you have wondered why I include so much of the latter three?). This was an interesting exhibit by Chilean artist Ximena Subercaseaux entitled "Latitud."
She tries to capture the spirit of objects conversing within themselves and with other objects, nostalgic and real, landscapes immediate and distant, intact and destroyed. She reminds me of Georgia O'Keefe in some of her oil and tempura paintings.

Above are some of "Forgotten Cities"series

 

The Sky

Skateboarders all seemed to be connected to earbuds, too, but at least were getting some exercise at the skate park, though most should have been in school!

I noticed that even the homeless mostly have cell-phones

International Sculpture Symposium

Hand prints of 2017 sculptors

It was fun to return to see the mostly completed sculptures I had seen recently in the early stages...

Carlos Monge from Mexico painting his metal sculpture

Bull, and Bonds of Humanity, (and yours truly), below

human connection

 I spent a wonderful hour reading, photographing (my photos have disappeared), and learning to appreciate the tremendous contribution of Patricio Aylwin, at an exhibition at the National Library.

 Patricio Aylwin Azócar (1918-2016) was a Chilean politician from the Christian Democratic Party, lawyer, author, professor and former senator. He was the first president (1990-1994) of Chile after dictator Augusto Pinochet, and his election marked the Chilean transition to democracy in 1990. He won many international awards, including a Fulbright prize for international understanding. His communication skills and tireless work for his country have won my admiration.
I also relate to him, as my maiden name is similar: Aylwin/Allen and he has 5 children and 17 grandchildren, as do I! I don't have great-grandchildren yet, but maybe if I live to be 97/8 like him!

 

 Another Chilean, much admired here in Chile is Violeta Parra (1917-1967) I have visited her home/museum in Santiago, and am planning to watch a film about her tomorrow at the Providencia Cultural center.
Violeta del Carmen Parra Sandoval was a Chilean composer, songwriter, folklorist, ethnomusicologist and visual artist. She pioneered the Nueva canción chilena, a renewal and a reinvention of Chilean folk music (made possible by traveling to villages all over Chile and delving into the folklore and songs almost forgotten) that would extend its sphere of influence outside Chile. She died on my birthday in 1967 and had 5 siblings (like me) and loved Paris (like me). I love her art and music!

Life is so full of so many good and interesting things! I miss a lot here with my mediocre Spanish skills, but am grateful to have been born at a time when so much is available through so many means. We will watch the Sunday dedication of Chile's second temple, in Concepcion, by President Nelson, via broadcast. We will see if having a second temple affects our attendance here. The temple is a place of peace, learning, covenant-making, and uniting of families for eternity. We are all part of the huge human family. Serving in the temple helps me love and accept all who are trying to live decent lives, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. When talking to the disciples appointed by Christ when he visited the new world after his resurrection, he asked them "What manner of men ought ye to be?", he answered "even as I am." We should all be developing his attributes of kindness, forgiveness, humility, compassion, patience, long-suffering, love, and more. None of us is perfect, we all fall short, but His arm is always stretched out (if we ask) to strengthen, help, to comfort, to guide, to inspire us.

Here they come, there they go

It's true with life, but especially with missions that everything is always in a state of flux, of change. Life never stands still, so we'd better enjoy the moment and those who surround us. And be ready with a plan B or C when things turn out differently than expected.

Seven of the new eager missionaries arrive at Centro de Capacitacion (CCM) this week. The sisters, who serve 18 months are from Portland, Oregon and Temecula, California, elders who serve two years are from various places, though at the moment there are more North Americans. They change companions frequently, so learn to live and work with others from different cultures and backgrounds...a great foundation for marriage!

Brian and Leslie Carmack will whip this choice group into shape! English speakers stay 6 weeks, Spanish speakers from many countries, only three before they go out to serve in various Chile missions.

Sister Horrocks (who was originally called to serve in Nicaragua, but reassigned as that country exploded in violence) has a new companion, Sister Shields from North Carolina, out already 14 of her eighteen months mission. She speaks like a Chilena! They and two elders serve in our Pocuro ward next to the temple. (Santiago East Mission)

The MTC missionaries live in the "hostal" below on the 3rd floor, single senior sister missionaries on 1st, and couples on the 4th, and temple visitors on 1st or 2nd, with their kitchen on 2nd floor.
There is another building on the grounds where day visitors can eat and receptions, classes, and meetings can be held.

 The garden outside my room where I enjoy all the birds and even quail. 

The church office building is on the corner. Much church business is handled in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the area center, but this is also where Santiago East missionaries and others meet and hold classes. 

Beautiful sunset shot taken by fellow senior missionary Scott Isaacson. The angel Moroni (atop most temples) blows his trumpet calling all to come to Christ.

The Santiago Temple (like most) is closed on Sundays (when we attend our chapels for Sunday worship) and Mondays.
MTC missionaries attend sessions usually on Wednesdays, missionaries out serving come every few weeks or months at various times. Those from Chile waiting to go to an MTC, or returning from a mission often serve as temple workers along with us. We love and admire these young people.

This is how we see the temple as we walk the few steps home after our PM shift (3:30-10:30, 5 days/week)

 It is so hard to say good-bye to dear friends who finish their missions. Ray and Dawn Schultz from Mesa, Arizona, served 6 months in the Asuncion Temple until it was closed for maintenance, and then came to Santiago for one year. They have been on our PM shift. The temple presidency, all of whom are Chileans,  gave them a farewell dinner Monday. The tradition is for us to receive a Chile photo book. And what did we eat? Hamburgers! (not our usual fare) and cake!

Sister Silvia and President Geraldo Wilhelm, who serve 3 years

President Wilhelm's counselors and wives (assistants to Sister Wilhelm) Dinamarca and Castro

Our numbers are shrinking, which means extra work, but we get lots of help from local workers. They may be excited to go home, but we are sad! But that's expected. 
Muntzings, Dinamarcas, Castros, Schultzes, Wilhelms. Downers, Scott Isaacson (Nina missing), Sisters de Schweinitz and Umber.

 

With Presidents and Sisters Wilhelm, Dinamarca and Castro

Juan Calderon (who runs missionary and patron housing where I lived in 2014-5) and Gloria (who is in charge of the very busy kitchen and dining room in the Guayaquil Ecuador temple).
Marriage is a big and happy change! I'm thrilled for them!

Celebrating the marriage of Juan and Gloria Calderon in Ecuador, are the Guayaquil Temple presidency (Pdtes. Calderon, Jaramillo and Olvera and wives) and my former DR roommate Lia Cioban from Romania, who followed me to Madrid to serve in the temple there, and is now serving in Ecuador. Will she come to Chile next? Many things change, but friendships and family relationships can bless our lives with stability. Jimmy Olvera (security guard at the G. Temple and stake patriarch, seated on the right) sends his favorite quotes and scriptures. This week's is a quote from Henry B. Eyring, counselor to our President Nelson:

"Happiness comes from putting the well-being of others before our own; that is the meaning of love."

This cute, loving couple below are one of many who have made a big change in their lives! They are now married for eternity.

On a much more somber note....

As soon as I saw on BBC, (which I feel is a responsible, intelligent news agency, and the only one I can get on TV here) 

my beloved Stanford University Memorial Church, in Palo Alto, California, where I attended church as a child, was married, attended graduation ceremonies, and attend many concerts and other events today, I paid attention! Some changes are positive, but I have great doubts about those discussed by Ambassador Burns and visiting professor Madawi Al Rasheed, a courageous woman from Saudi Arabia. Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman, only 33, brought hope as he pledged reforms which would allow women to drive, and brought such things as movie theaters and tourism; but these are not real reforms, only an attempt to present a new face to the world. Until there is freedom for all to voice opinion, rather than imprisonment or other fates for dissidents, and a more peaceful Middle East, I cannot accept his regime. I am shocked that the US sends $18,000,000,000 in arms to Saudi Arabia (20% of all U.S. arms exports, and 60% of Saudi imports, much of it used to fight their war in Yemen, which has resulted in one of the worst humanitarian crises ever). What about proportional humanitarian aid so desperately needed there and throughout the world??

In this troubled world, I know that the only lasting peace and sure change can come in our hearts and families if we care about the well being of others, understand that God loves each of us, never gives up on us, is ready to forgive us, and will eventually bring peace and an end to suffering if we follow his precepts.

As we celebrate Columbus Day, also called Dia de la Raza (as it also celebrates those of Spanish and Italian descent) in much of Latin America, Spain, Italy, I am convinced that although the explorers and conquistadors cruelly exploited the native inhabitants and brought diseases that wiped them out, it was probably the only way that America could be the new land that would give birth to democracy, religious freedom, and home for the downtrodden and persecuted. In this setting Christ's Church could be restored after centuries of apostasy. It is up to us to keep the principles of freedom and hope bright. I'm grateful to have been so fortunate as to have been born in the United States, and do take these responsibilities seriously. Midterm elections are coming up soon, so please vote!

And I'm so grateful to be part of my ward in California, which is always in flux as members come and go, for all who have taught me, loved and supported me for most of the 51 years I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We are one big family! Such a blessing!