NERD

Buen Dia!

Como anda?  This week was quite a crazy one.  Truly.  I don't even know where to start.  I have a little sticky note of things that happened and things I need to write, but Still don't think I'll be able to write it all.  Also thanks for the solid 30 emails this week!  Truly so blessed.

This week we went to go by and visit the 2 new investigators we found.  We went first to "A" and she came out and said that she talked with her husband and he didn't want us to come. We'll try another time and bring our Malta (this drink I hated at first but now I think I'm addicted). We are not going to give up and just pray that the heart of the husband will be softened.

We taught the first lesson to "L" and she was so receptive.  She believes EVERYTHING.  Truly, she had no doubts that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ.  it was incredible.  Then we asked her to be baptized..and I think she got scared.  Soo...yeah.  We are still working with her and she invited us over again.  We are going to bring her to a baptism either Friday or Saturday (Because the elders have 2 this week).  Hopefully that can help her solve her fears.  We are SUPER excited about her!

Many members have given us references so we've been trying to contact them all.  Things are going well and we are happy about the new people we have met.

It rained SO MUCH this week.  We definitely were soaked most of the day.  We had an appointment to go and learn how to make bread with an investigator.  When we arrived at the appointment, our investigator came to the door crying.  She said she was having a very bad day.  She explained what has been going on and we taught her about the plan of salvation, how God is our loving Heavenly Father, and so many other doctrines.  We know that we had that appointment to make bread for a reason...not just to make bread, but to help her.  We never even got to the bread.  I know God is looking after all of His children and it is so incredible to see Him work through me.

We also had zone meetings this week in Esquel.  It was last minute so we had to cancel a lot of appointments which is always a bummer.  Again, I learned SO MUCH!  I love our zone!  We are changing a lot in this area.  This is the new generation of missionaries, and I am so lucky to be apart of it.  After zone meeting, we went to get our tickets to get back to El Bolson...but there was no room.  So, we had to stay an extra night.  We went out with the sisters there.  I love new experiences like that .  It makes me grow.

Oh, while we were waiting for the bus to get us, an Elder asked to see my agenda.  I gave it to him and he said that I was such a nerd.  He said my agenda was so perfect and organized and planned for every activity.  I was confused and thought, "Isn't that how it is supposed to be?"  I have been thinking a lot about that and thought, "Am I the only one that is this organized?"...and "Is that really nerdy?"...I then thought to myself, why should I change my ways?  I made an acronym for the word nerd:

Never
Evaluate
Righteous
Decisions

Obviously I am not putting myself above anybody.  It is just a funny acronym.  I have my standards of what I do and what I know to be right for me (even if it is as funny as an agenda).  I should not change these standards because it's different than others.  I want to encourage all of you to make decisions and standards and then don't change them or evaluated them when others judge.  I promise you will be blessed for holding strong to your standards.

Se que Jesuscristo vive
Se que este EVangelio puede bendecir familias
Se que he sido llamado por un profeta y el ha sida llamado de Dios.
Se que el Libro de Mormon es verdadero...lealo ;)

Hermana McChesney

Shoutouts:
Shout out to Bethanna Beifuss.  Congrats on receiving my package! :)  Can't wait to wear those shirts!
Shout out to Meisho (the cat of a member)...I couldn't help but laugh thinking of my mom's name :)  Love you mom!
Shout out to Chans for the spiritual thoughts and emails.
Shout out to Jackson for trying out for the basketball team...represent!
Shout out to my whole family.  EVERYONE!  Love you all.

P.S.  Transfers are this Sunday.  Wish me luck!!

It's a great day to have a great day!

Es un buen dia para tener un buen dia!

Hello family! :)
I woke up saying "It's a great day to have a great day".  I don't know if that phrase translates to Spanish, but I said it anyways.  I remember each morning waking up in college and reading a quote on the mirror in the bathroom that said something like that.  Made me laugh.  HA!  But how true is it.  We determine our own happiness.

So this week was good.  A lot happened.  One of our recent inactives invited us over for a FHE with some family and friends.  It was so great because this sweet sister lead the WHOLE discussion and had everything planned.  How awesome!  She was inactive just 2 weeks ago, now look at her.  She is doing so incredible.  Such an inspiration to me!

We have a baptism set for another sister on Nov 15...so soon!  She is in the elders area so we passed her on to them.  I'm so proud of her! She was in church and just has a glow about her.  Miracles!!

We went knocking the other day because things fell through (I absolutely hate knocking..I'm praying to enjoy it one day).  I think I dislike it so much because every time I try to do my approach or ask a question, they look at me and say that they can't understand.  For real??  I think it's because I'm sooo smart and my brain moves faster than my mouth. ha!  But anyways..guess what..we found 2 people who want to learn.  They were serious and not just the regular, "oh yea come back later", but then when you go back they're not there.  This is real life!  They want to learn!  AH!  So we are going to start teaching them.  So excited!

Also, we stopped by a home where a lady said we could come back and talk.  So we went and she let us in..but it wasn't just her there, it was her WHOLE family.  Yes, 8 people.  I wanted to die.  It started out rough.  They were bashing the mormons, and pretty much giving us a run down about Joseph Smith and the first vision. We were just stunned and didn't know where to go from there.  After about an hour, we began testifying and teaching.  Their hearts were softened and by the end of the discussion, one man said he wanted to come to church and the dad said that we were invited over whenever.  It was so strange.  I can't even describe how weird it was.  Like truly!  Most awkward feeling ever!  Just shows that the gospel softens hearts no matter how hard they may be.

Well everyone, I love you all!  I see miracles everyday.  I encourage you to look for miracles in your lives as well.  They are there if you look.  I promise.  Our Heavenly Father will never forget us, but sometimes we forget Him.  Look for Him in your day each day!  I know you will find His hand.

Love you all,
 Hermana McChesney

Funny Stories:
This week Hermana Lucic had to go to Bariloche to do Transmites.  So, it was just two Yankees in Argentina trying to teach the gospel.  The funny part is that Hermana Lucic's bus arrived at 4:45 and we had to pick her up...but we were stuck in a lesson until 5:20....rough.  So we ran for a solid 25 minutes through the streets of El Bolson.  Everybody was stunned!  We found her, so no worries.

One day, after meeting with an investigator, we took a short cut down a HUGE steep hill.  Bad idea.  There was a man trying to get up with his bike, so just my good nature, I decided to help.  Bad idea again.  Not only did the man have to get his bike and him up the hill, now he had to get me up too.  HA!!  Seriously funniest things of my life!

Shoutouts:
Shout out to Little Crew for his picture.  We have an artista on our hands.  I loved the letter, and for sure, that Hobo needs the gospel. ;)

Shout out to Tyler for killing it in the music video.  HA! Laughed so hard!!

Shout out to Hermana Squires and for her email.  Loved it!  Thanks for the uplifting words and testimony.

Shout out to Lauren and Steph for their emails.  You two kill me every time!

Shout out to Cami for her email as well --- MARRIAGE!! AH!

                                                      There area dogs everywhere!!

                                  This is the steep hill I went down..and up...and down again.

                                                          Happy Birthday, Hermana Phipps

This was our birthday breakfast today.

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