There and back again, A missionary's tale‏ {January 21}

Well this is the last time you'll receive my annoying forward... How sad. Last time writing as a missionary. So bittersweet. All of these feelings have been collecting over time. We had a conference on the 15th and in the end they called up the people who were leaving to give some advice. I was so nervous haha just like always, but oh well. Then on the 19th we had an activity as a mission. I was so happy I got to see all of my friends before I leave. The mission has been good to me, ain't that the truth. We played games and ate amazing american food hahah. I got to see Chandler and he talked about my converts in Cañete, so cool he's there now. Funny thing though coming back home all of the bus tickets that were left were way late. So we didn't up in our house until 12:30 at night. Of course we walked fast like Speedy Gonzales and called our zone leaders when we got home. Yesterday I had my last district meeting, we all shared our testimonies and they saved me for last... It's so hard trying to sum up everything you've learned in the mission. I learned so much!

I don't want this to end, I still feel like there's so much more to learn. More time to better my spanish, more time to meet others and share the gospel. Though I know all of the things I've learned now will help me continue onward. This time has helped me so much, I was able to really understand that their are people who love me. Sometimes I didn't recognize it, but I was able to turn to my Heavenly Father. Prayer has been the best medicine for me. Also the other day came across this specific part in a scripture that says, "Entiende, hija mía, que todas estas cosas te servirán de experiencia, y serán para tu bien."DyC 122:7 I know that there were certain things that had to happen to me during this time. The bitter and the sweet, but it was all for my good. I'm so grateful for everything that has happened, because their was a reason. Maybe I don't know exactly why, but He'll let me know in His own time. I know this is the true church, and that Joseph Smith helped restore this gospel on the earth today. The Atonement is very real, and I know we can all be forgiven and get back up and start over again. Jesus is the Christ, He lives. God loves us and wants us to be happy. This life is amazing but I know it's only thanks to Them. Thanks to a Heavenly Father who cares about me and my brother Jesus Christ who loves me. We can be together again. Thanks for supporting me through this adventure. Though I know the journey is only beginning... Para siempre Dios este con vos. 

See ya later crocodiles,

Hermana Melody Anderson

Time flies...‏

This week was a lot better! I went out no matter what when I was sick. We were blessed with our efforts, I know God helps us everyday. Especially when I don't feel good. I just gotta cherish these last moments I have in Chile. I love being a missionary, I never thought I could do the things that I am doing today. I love seeing all of the blessings I have and receive continually. Our investigators have been really hard to find this week... They're not progressing, but we continue to find new people everyday. Few people came to church this week. Though I didn't have to speak in church, but I gave the opening prayer. 

This week we have a conference with Pres. Bluth on the 15th. Also next P-day there will be an activity for the whole mission! YAYYY. I get to see everyone. :) But I won't be able to write that monday, I'll write on wednesday. I can't wait for another week. 

I love Hna. Gallegos! She's really sweet and I know God blessed me to finish my mission with her. Everyone keeps mentioning that I'm 'dying' in the mish... I don't believe it for a minute! It really doesn't feel like it. I keep seeing the calendar and the days keep disappearing. It scares the crap out of me haha. Well I love you all, have a great spankin' week. 

Yo se que vive mi Señor, puedo sentirlo en mi corazón cada día en cada momento. Estoy tan agradecida por todas las cosas que ha pasado en mi misión, se que todo tenia que pasar por una razón. Estoy creciendo cada día mas fuerte en mi creencia de este Evangelio. Yo se que este es verdad con todo mi alma, amo este Evangelio. 

Love, Hermana Melody Anderson   

P.S. There was a huge fire in Gorbea. The only super market burnt down. :(

A new year, a new day...‏ {January 5}

Dearest folks,

This week was a little sad. I've been sick again so we didn't get to work too much. I keep throwing up and I always have a fever, but I decided this week will be better. I received a blessing de salud, which really helped. I felt there was certain words that God was telling me. That's how I felt. It was something I really needed to hear. This week I'm just gonna suck it up and work no matter what. I don't have too much time left, and I don't wanna waste it. I know there are miracles and blessings awaiting me and my comp. 

Today we went shopping in Temuco at the mall. Hahaha I found an outfit to go home in! I don't wanna look like crap in my ooooold worn out mish clothes. So that was fun! Plus got some subway too. Mmmm taste of America. 

I shared my testimony the other day. This branch is a lot smaller, we had 38 people at church. Our investigator Juan didn't come and he said he would. But there's always next week!! I love being able to share the way I feel about this gospel. It does so many amazing things for me. God is great. I learn more every day. Thanks for all the love and support. Keep on, keepin' on.

Que tengan sueños con los vaqueros... jajajaja

Love, Hermana Melody Anderson