Santiago, Chile

Dave's parents just returned from a mission to Santiago, Chile. As President of the MTC, they worked with 770 missionaries who were preparing to serve missions for the church. We have learned so much from their experience and their example and wanted to share some of what we've learned with you.


1. Tell us about the food is there anything that you will miss?

Well the thing that I will miss the very most is casuela which is just a soup base made with a chunk of potato, a chunk of sopayo or squash, a chunk of meat, a chunk of corn. It was very good and tasty.

2. What's one thing you learned on your mission?

You never stop learning. No matter how old you get. I learned so much from my scripture study about the gospel, you just never stop learning.

3. Why did you serve a mission?

There are lots of reasons. Well we made a covenant to do so. Also, one thing we were struck by from living in Chile is that there is still so much work to be done. And of course the blessings to our family.

4. Are there any missionaries that stand out or that you remember?

A lot of them. Some at great sacrifice came to the MTC. Some without any support from their parents, they came because of their testimonies of the gospel. Some of them made the decision right as they were being taught that they wanted to serve a mission.

Well there are a lot but generally it was just a great privilege to be around all of them and see them grow in the 19 days that we were with them. They’d come in like scared little rabbits and then they’d feel of our love, grow in confidence, they’d learn, and finally they were ready to be like the missionaries that converted them, full of confidence, full of testimony and ready to serve.

5. What was your schedule like?

7:30-8:00 Study the Book of Mormon with the missionaries
8:00-9:00 Breakfast
9:00-12 or 1:00pm Classes with teachers or Pres. and studying. Pres. uses this time to meet with the director to address problems, and have interviews with the missionaries. We also attend the temple with the missionaries on most Wednesday mornings.
Lunch
1:00-6:00pm More studying and classes. During the week I also use this time to clean, shop, prepare lessons, organize missionary supplies, answer emails, take a nap, bake cookies for FHE.
6:00-7:00 Dinner
7:00-9:30 More studying and classes
9:30 The missionaries prepare for bed and so do I. Pres. keeps an eye on things until all are in bed at 10:30pm.

They also shared interesting things with us about the restaurants in Santiago, the pick pockets and purse snatchers, the open air markets, the mountains, the volcanoes, the glaciers, soccer games, Chilean celebrations, the Temple dedication and all the interesting people they met along the way.
We are sad that we will miss the Homecoming in SLC, Lincoln's baptism, and all our family, but we love you guys. Have a great weekend!