Hello World. How you been?

Thanks to all who take time to write me and tell me what is going on in life.  Keep doing what you're doing.

This week I like to call MIRACLE WEEK.
After a rough first week and after all of us trying to adjust to things, we finally had some success.  We had Almuerzo con un converso recente.  As we shared the spiritual message with the converso recente, her sister, and mom, we were inspired to share something different then we had planned.  We talked about faith, repentance, baptism, and just the gospel.  They loved it!  As we finished up and said goodbye, the sister brought us chocolate and said, "come by whenever, you're always welcome."  Then the mom said, "if you ever need lunch call me and we will feed you. "  The mom followed us out and asked if we could teach her the lessons.  She has seen a change in her daughters life and has been praying and reading a lot about the church.  Wow!  This just shows that God has prepared people.

After, we tried to do some contacting.  Nothing worked.  So, we were going to visit an old investigator, but then I had the feeling to visit another less active girl.  We had tried to see her previous times, but nothing...so we decided to try again.  Sure enough we got in!  She is my age and so it was so nice talking to her.  We talked and read some scriptures.  She had a friend with her and we were able to give her a Book of Mormon.  She of the girls opened up a lot to us and we were able to answer their questions and comfort them with the teachings of the gospel.   We knelt down and prayed together and the spirit was so strong while this girl prayed.  It was incredible!  They said they were going to read the Book of Mormon and go to church.  AH!  I've learned that the spirit can talk to us just by putting a thought into our heads.  It is such a blessing to know that the spirit speaks to me and my companions.

We had zone meetings this week in Esquel.  It's about 2.5 hours on the collectivo (bus) from here.  It's beautiful!  We stayed the night there and spent most of Saturday there.  I bore my testimony in Zone Conference and it was the first time I can truly say that the whole time I was lead by the spirit and spoke how I felt and not the routine testimony.  Obviously I have a testimony, but in Spanish you kind of get into a routine of things you know how to say...but this time I spoke and said things I have never said before.  It was incredible!  I felt on top of the world :)

I am so lucky to be here!!

We had a few other miracles that I can't go into right now, but just know that I know that this church is true.  I am so lucky to be serving the Lord in this time of the world.  I couldn't ask for anything more!  Keep reading your scriptures and praying together as a family.  You are all always in my prayers.  Be safe this week and keep sending me pictures.  I love them.

Les quiero mucho!

Hermana McChesney
(Sorry no pictures.  Hopefully this computer will work next week because I have a lot of good ones.)

Shoutouts:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLIVIA!
Shout out to Grandma and Papa with their new calling.  Hope you are loving it!!
Shout out to Uncle Mike and Aunt Heidi for moving into their new home.  So exciting!
Shout out to Uncle Scott and Aunt Julie for the news on the new baby!  YAY!
Shout out for Austin making it to San Diego!

Other Info:
My pension (apartment) is nice.  It gets very dusty, but they say it's the nicest pension in the mission.  I sleep on the ground, however, on a mattress, but it's no big deal.

I have a fantastic district.  They are all so sweet.  We love teaching each other English and Spanish.  It's so fun!  We do activities together all the time!

There are dogs EVERYWHERE.  I haven't had to use my dog tazer yet.  HA!  Still can't believe I have one of those.  It makes me laugh so hard.

The weather is either really cold or really hot.  You can never expect what it's going to be like.  Reminds me of home!

Mother's Day in October!

Well, Buenas Dias everybody!!

This week was good.  I am trying to still figure out everything.  I've come to the conclusion that changing between 2 missions is really hard.  Truly.  There are different things you need to do and different ways to do it all..sometimes I feel like a lost sheep, but I remember that picture of Christ carrying the sheep on His shoulders.  It never ceases to motivate me.

Funny things happen to me everyday.  One day we walked to a lunch appointment that took us about 30 minutes to get there.  As we were about to start eating, I got a bloody nose.  Yeah.  Miserable.  I was humiliated because it wouldn't stop.  I ended up sitting with a tissue up my nose for the whole hour and then on the way back.  It was so bad!  But hey, I still waved at everyone we passed :)

We had exchanges this week.  We had no idea what to expect, but the training leaders and Hermana Stanley (my hermana from the MTC) came and worked in El Bolson with us for the day.  We had 2 companionships.  It was great!  We got a lot done and I learned SO SO SO much.  We worked a lot with less actives!  It just had me thinking that this calling as a missionary truly is to invite everyone to come unto Christ and develop their faith...not just new investigators.

I bore my testimony in church yesterday.  It was good.  I even threw in a line how with both members and missionaries we can bring more into this church family.  Yeah, I am really trying to stress this "every member missionary".  It's great!  We have been having a lot of people want to come out with us!  YAY!

Yesterday we got lost trying to visit a member.  It was mother's day here.  As we were trying to find the home, I saw a lady who looked lost, too.  I started to talk to her and she said, "I don't know you".  I then continued to say that we were missionaries and our purpose.  She then turned to me and said, "Are you from Europe?"  YESSSSS!!  First time somebody didn't know I was from the states.  Best day ever! ha!  She ended up not wanting to hear and told us to keep walking.  Awkward.  But, it was great.  I did my job of inviting and that's all I can do.

We have a lot of referrals out here and not a lot of progressing investigators.  We have an adorable lady that has a baptismal date for the 19th.  Super excited for that!  We are working hard but it's difficult getting in with people because of siesta.  We are trying and things are starting to work out!  More members are helping us.  It's great!  I love it!

I was in Bariloche just last week for stake conference.  IT IS BEAUTIFUL!  It's just 2 hours away.  We will definitely go and visit when I am done with my mission.  :)  Okay!

Hope all is going well.  Thanks for being the best examples ever and for always keeping me in your prayers.  I feel them daily.  I received NUMEROUS emails this week from family, friends, ward members, old high school friends, etc.  I know that each of you were prompted to write me for a reason.  Thanks for following the spirit and being worthy to receive the spirit in your lives.

Best wishes to you all.  Love this work, love the area!

Hermana McChesney

SHOUTOUTS:
Shout out to my mom for always updating my blog.  Can I get a Whoorahh?
Shout out to Jackson for turning 15 year old!  YAY!!  Did you get your permit?
Shout out to all the mothers out there, especially my mom.  It was Mother's Day here and you were on my mind all day!  So FELIZ DIA DE LA MADRE!

Beautiful El Bolson.  It is said that this little village resembles the shire in the Hobbit.

More pics of El Bolson

Mountains!! I see mountains!!

My District

Yes, Yes, It's true.  I made it to Argentina!!  I didn't get to email yesterday because from what I understood, it was a siesta time and something about Racist.. ?  Yeah, I was confused about the racist part but that's what I was told. Ha!

Well, I would love to email all about the travel here to Argentina but it would probably take ALL DAY.  It was such a long trip.  I did enjoy talking to you mom, dad, and all the boys.  Miss you all lots!

So the flight from Dallas to Argentina was about 10 hours, I believe.  I got onto the plane not even thinking that everyone was going to speak Spanish...yeah, they did.  So me and Hermana Malmrose somehow were the last ones to find room for our bags up top, then I had to sit between 4 natives.  Oh, just wait..it gets more comical.  So I have my personal item under my seat but I had front row so apparently you can't have them on the ground..?  They asked me to move it and the people next to me said not to worry about it..so I didn't.  Let's just say after the plane ride when the lady saw me pick it up from the ground she gave me a scold.  Whoops.

The plane was FREEZING!  To keep warm I put the blanket over my head and tried to save body heat.  Yes.  I was the crazy American trying to stay warm.  But hey, it worked! ha!  We then spent some time in Buenas Aires and then had to take another plane to Neuquen.  After arriving we met up with the AP's, president and his wife.  They were all so nice, I can't quite explain.  We slept in a hotel and then the following day we had to get finger prints and then figure out our new companions.  Yes, I am in a trio again.  It's rough...ha!  But, it's okay, it's only for a few weeks, I believe.  One of my comps is from Chile and the other has only been out for one transfer.  So, we are all pretty new to the area and new missionaries.  Our area is El Bolson..that's another 9 hours by bus from Neuquen.  I didn't sleep well for a good 4 days.  I'm in the Patagonia and it's beautiful!!  My companion and I are learning quick. :)

We had some great experiences this week.  We visited with a lady named "C".  She is a sweetheart.  I asked her when she knew that what we were teaching her was true if she would be baptized.  She said YES!! AH!  I know I know!  We have a date for the 16th of November.

There is a lot of work to be done out here.  There are about 500 inactive members in El Bolson.  Lots of work!  We have lunch with a member every day.  For example, today we went to a members house and she gave us this HUGE bowl of soup.  Thinking that was it, I took my time and was so full after.  No.  Then she brought out the main dish..which was beef, noodles, corn, peas, and potatoes.  Yeah.  I almost died.  And then..to finish the meal, fruit.  I had a food baby. HA!  On the bright side, we never have dinner so it's like 2 in one.

Yesterday for P-day we hiked a mountain to a waterfall.  It was so nice to be outside!  Loved it so much!!  I don't remember the last time I wore pants on the mission....seriously, it was in the MTC.  Hey, at least they still fit ;)  Wow.

I have a great district.  We only speak Spanish.  YAY!  We have an elder from Mexico that I love to talk with because I can understand him the most.  He reminds me of my family in Texas.  I miss them a lot, more than I thought I would.  I know after these 14 months I will feel the same about these Argentinos.

Thanks for all your examples!  I am learning the language quick out here, it's nice.  It is so pretty!  Remember our purpose here on the earth and always keep the atonement in mind.  Also,


Read D&C 67.  It really hit me hard.

Hasta Lunes!
Les quiero mucho!

Hermana McChesney

Shoutouts:
Shout out to all my friends and family in Texas.  Miss you all and hope you are all doing well.
Shout out to Hermano Contreras on the baptism.  I heard it was fantastic!
Shout out to Austin for getting sick...hahahaha weak ;)

This rock reminds me of home in Utah!

                                                                  I love my shirt!!

To Argentina and BEYOND!

Well friends and family, it's true.  I am heading to Argentina.  I don't know how everybody and their dog found out (mom, I'm guessing this is your doing, ha)...but it's true.  I leave Wednesday at 4:45, I believe.  I never thought I would feel so...well, I am short of words to describe my feelings.  I have really learned to love the people here in Waller, Texas.  More than I ever thought I would.  So before I start sobbing here at the library, let me tell you about my week.

This week was amazing!  Our numbers don't show it, but that is one thing I have learned.  It's not all about the numbers.  We had a solid week!!

So, this Wednesday we were up in an area called Hempstead.  We were having a solid day celebrating investigators birthdays and then teaching some great lessons.  In one of the lessons the question was asked, "Isn't one of you supposed to go to Argentina?"  I then responded saying, Yeah ti's me.  I don't know if I will be leaving in a week or a month, it's all a surprise to me."  We taught a great lesson and the spirit was so strong as we taught about prophets and how we have a living prophet today.  Our spanish flowed and it was just beautiful :)

We finished the lesson and as I was backing out Hermana Hosking from their house,  I opened the phone and had a text from President Pingree.  It said that Hermana Malmrose and I had received our visas and would be leaving the 8 of October.  Before I could even finish the text I screamed and jumped and probably did everything against mission rules (aka white handbook says no dancing in public, and I didn't finish backing out Hermana)..next thing I know the member was like "what happened"?  I then proceeded to tell him out the window that I was going to Argentina.  After I realized what was going on, I then felt so sad.  This is hard.  Hard to leave the people I love.

The next day we had English class.  I sent out a text saying I hoped they could all make it so I could say my goodbyes.  We showed up a little early and 2 students had come and brought me gifts.  Seriously.  These people are too sweet to me.  Then we had class and everyone was asking me questions about why I was leaving and it was nice I was able to explain a little more of what I do as a missionary.  As class was ending, the same 2 students who got me the gift but "couldn't stay", came walking in with cake and soda.  Yes, it's true.  They threw me a going away party.  I couldn't even handle how sweet it was.

Just when you think that you aren't changing peoples lives or feel like you could be doing so much more, things like this happen.  I realize that maybe my numbers aren't the highest.  Maybe I am not baptizing all of Waller, but the relationships I have with the people I do teach and come in contact with are life changing.  I truly will love them forever!

So, this week was Conference, right? How incredible was Conference?  Aw, I love it.  It was nice to have them broadcast it for us in English.  And guess what...4 ENGLISH CLASS MEMBERS CAME TO CONFERENCE! AH!  My heart it cried a little inside.  These students have so much respect and trust in us.  They loved conference :)  I decided to watch the final session in Spanish with 2 students.  As it was over, the boy told me "I drew this picture (showing me a picture of Christ) so I could remember how I feel and how grateful I am for a teacher like you who taught me about Christ and English."  Okay.  I can't even handle how much I love these people.

After we were done cleaning up and taking pictures with all the branch and me.  A member said to me, "I have a song that will make you cry"...okay.  He then gathered 6 members and they sang Hasta Ver (God Be With You Til We Meet Again).  Yep, it's true.  I cried.  I guess I never realized how much love I had for them until you are forced to leave.

Overall, I love this area!  I am going to miss it so much.  So much.  The members, the investigators, the cows.  Everything.  I know I was supposed to serve here for a reason.

On the not so heart wrenching news....I CAUGHT A MOUSE.  Repeat, I caught a mouse!  No, they clearly weren't dead.  Oops.

I saw the mouse
I screamed
I called for Hermana Hosking
I made her get a bowl (so I could watch it of course)
She attempted to catch it
She missed multiple times
We are screaming this whole time
I finally take the bowl
I catch the mouse.
They don't call me Katniss for nothing ;)

HA!  It was wonderful

So, overall this week was amazing.  We had some great lessons, some amazing miracles, and even a lady who dropped us called us and asked if we would come back and teach her and her sister.  KACHOW!  Solid week.  The Lord's hand truly is in all things and it is all about timing.

 Please pray for my castellano.   I love you all!

Hermana McChesney

Mikayla's visa came!

I got a call from the Texas Houston Mission office on Thursday morning letting me know that Mikayla's visa came.  She will be leaving Texas on Tuesday and heading to Argentina.  I know that Mikayla has mixed emotions as she has grown to love the people in Texas.  This may be her hardest transfer yet.

 This was taken at a friends restaurant where Mikayla was saying goodbye.  The sweet friend sent me these pictures and said that Mikayla would come and visit with her often.  I'm happy to see that someone likes my girl even when she takes crazy pictures like this one above.

Mikayla and Hermana Hosking