Famous in ARGENTINA!

Well, this morning has started out a little rough.  Let me just fill you in.  We locked ourselves out of our apartment.....keys are inside.  Oops!  Good things we have everything.  We will work it out later.  Ha!  And then I gave my memory card to my companion to send pictures...the computer had a virus and now ALL my pictures from this transfer have been erased.  So.  Yeah.  Let's just say it's been a successful morning so far.  HAHAHA!  I've decided that worse could happen, so I'm happy again ;)

Speaking of happy...well, background information first.  I left my plaque as of a week and a half on exchanges (always losing things on exchanges).  But, just last night the Hermanas from Frutillar, other area in Bariloche, called me and said a member found my plaque in the street undamaged and perfectly shiny :)  YAY!  My Heavenly Father Loves Me!  So there are reasons to smile today!

This week was too great!  This past Pday we hiked the prettiest mountain ever.  It was POURING rain.  It was so muddy and slippery, so let's just say that lots of us fell, but it was a blast!  We got to see the prettiest view.  My companion and I even threw out a Step Up 2 dance party in the rain.  Ha!  Maybe it's a good thing that video got deleted!  So funny!  But, after our Pday, I got back and my boot zipper was broken...rough.  So this week I had to buy new boots.  But, with that problem we found 2 new people to teach.  Yep!  Trying to see the positive.  So, I'm getting my boot fixed and I bought some new ones.  It was the worst.  SO EXPENSIVE!  Hopefully they will last.

Tuesday we had an experience of a life time.  Hermana Vivi asked us to go with her to the radio station to promote the Capilla Abierta (sorry mom, I forgot...that means Open Church..).  So my companion and I and Vivi went.  We just thought we'd tell them what it was and they would announce it..NO.  We see "On Air" and then as the light goes off, this man came and said, "Come with me".  So we followed obviously, sat in 2 seats, and then to our surprise, he throws on his headphone things and says, 'Weee're back"...WHAT?  I almost died.  I wasn't ready.  We hadn't planned what we were going to say.  so he said, "I'm here with Maria Guerra and McChesney" hahah.  I was like where did he get  the name Maria?  I almost lost it in mid air.  But, we ended up doing great.  Little did he know I spoke English and my companion Portuguese.  We truly spoke with the gift of tongues.  It was a blessing!  Then all of our other companions all over Bariloche told us that all their investigators heard it, and then as we were in the stores we had so many people say, "Hey, were you the ones on the radio?"  YEP.  We are famous.

We had the Capilla Abierta this Saturday.  It was a success.  I've never been so stressed preparing, but it was all worth it.  We saw miracles.  I don't think the numbers were great, but I loved what the new missionary couple said.  They said, "We need to remember that each number is a person and a soul, and that is or could be another soul numbered in the kingdom of God."  Right before we were about to finish, we had 2 people come walking in.  They said they have lived around the corner from the church for years.  They have seen each time we cut the grass, paint the brick, when we put up the steeple, and when people are playing futbol or basketball.  However, they have never seen inside the church.  So, they were curious and came!  It was a spiritual experience!  We will go and visit with them later this week.

I would love to write more about the Capilla Abierta, but I'll just have to share with you my journal entries later.  We saw tears, we saw miracles, and we even saw someone faint! HA!  It was a great day overall.

I also celebrated my year mark.  We had to travel to Neuquen, but on the ride home at midnight, I got to be with Hermana Hafen ( MTC companion).  We started together and celebrated the year mark together.  Best present ever!  So funny to think about how we started and then midnight sitting on a bus thinking, "Who would have thought a year would bring us to no sleep and a 6 hour bus ride?" haha!

I love my mission.  I have made goals that I am going to finish these next 6 months.  Here are a few:
-Finish the New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Libro de Mormon
-Write in journal every day
    *miracle
    *when I felt the spirit
    *principle I learned that day
-Stop picking my fingers...but really!  HAHA!
-Memorize all scripture mastery from BOM in Spanish

And other!

I know this is the work of the Lord.  I know that Jesus Christ is with each and every one of us, so long as we allow him into our lives.  I know that the Atonement is real!  I know that the Book of Mormon changes lives, for I truly have been changes.  I know that each of you, too, can be changed through the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Keep working and being an example to those around you!

LOVE  MY FAMILY!!

Hermana McChesney

Wow, what a long email.  So lucky I took typing in 8th grade. ;)
Also mundial (The world cup) starts this week.  It's going to be crazy!  Nobody is going to let us in.  HERE'S TO A WINTER IN BARILOCHE IN THE STREETS!  Good thing I have new boots.

The Checkpoint!

Well, yes, it's true.  this week shows how old I have gotten in the mission.  But not only does the date show it...but the bags under my eyes, the broken back, the warn out shoes, and the lack of desire to get ready adds to the year mark.

Can you believe it?  ONE YEAR?

I remember just a year yesterday I was at Taylor Swift, and now here I am sitting in Bariloche teaching all those who will listen.  It's been a quick year.  I've sure learned a lot!  I've really learned what matters most in life, and it's all centered around Jesus Christ.

This week was another great week.  My district was able to hike Cerro Catedral just last Pday.  When I mean hike, we hiked!  There was the chair lift but we decided it would be better to climb.  So, we took off without a path and climbed a mountain!  HA!  Love my district.  Today we are doing Camanario, so I'll send more pics next week :)

We actually had an interesting week to be honest.  When my companion was here she said that they already paid for the light.  So, we didn't pay and never got any type of bill or anything.  So, just a couple weeks ago we got a bill that said we were in debt..um..yeah what?  We didn't have money so we couldn't pay..a couple days later...BOOM!  Out goes the lights.  We were left to plan and prepare for bed in the pitch black.  Luckily our neighbors had candles for us.  Ha!  The next morning we showered in the dark.  Most scary moment of my life!  But, all is taken care now.  Just another mishap that is bound to happen in the mission.  Here's to 1 year.  Woo.  Ha!

We had a great lesson with "J's" mom.  They are all from Colombia but have lived here for 6 years.  "J"  went to a camp out with the youth and he is now super interested in the church.  He is a great example for his mom.  How she is listening to us!

Also, sad news.  One of our investigator's is moving to Mendoza.  Yeah, I wanna cry.  We are hoping that this Saturday for the capilla abierta he will get baptized while we are doing the tour. ha!  Just give a little demonstration or something, and then ask him for his signature ;)  I'll keep you updated. HA!

This Saturday we have a big tour of our church.  We are super excited!  I get to be a little tour lady.  HOW FUN!  I'll give you more details next week.  It is going to be a huge success.  So many people are so excited :)  We are preparing a full and so busy.  So, pray that with this tour we will see success and baptisms.  YAYA!!

We had a great conference as well this week.  We focused on the spirit.  I love the gospel.  I have learned that if we are worthy of the spirit all is possible.  We need to learn to recognize how He speaks with us and then we can use this gift our whole life.  WHOLE LIFE!  Not just the mission.  So...there you have it kids.  The spirit is pretty important!

I head to Neuquen again this week for training.  Wish me luck!

Love you all.  Best wishes this week!

Hermana McChesney

Shoutouts:
Shout out to Camille Aagard and her two daughters for being in the Ensign!  I freaked out!!
Also shout out to Brylee Bromley!  SO FUN to see you in the ensign, too.  Nobody believed me when I said I knew them all.  HA!  :)

Frostbite, Food, Festivals!

Hola Familia, como andan?  Ojala que bien :)  Seimpre es un placer leer sus emails.  Gracia por siempre recordar de mi.  Les quiero MUCHO!!

This week was one CRAZYYY week!

I think we were only in our area for 3 days, but those 3 days we saw miracles.  Each day is a miracle!  We had exchanges this week in San Martin and in Junin.  I loved it!  As we were traveling to San Martin, I think I almost died of hypothermia because the bus was freezing.  There was no one on the bus so I made myself comfortable on the back row.  I spread myself across 5 seats and tried to sleep as we traveled through the night.  I didn't think I should bring my own gas heater, but I really should have.  It really was so cold!  Looking back I probably looked so funny.  I threw my scarf and wrapped it around my head so you could only see my eyes and then my hood over that.  Ha!  Oh the joys  But we made it safe and sound..with a little frostbite.

When we were back in our area we were so excited to go visit "R".  She has a baptismal date and everything.  So, we got to her house and she ended up dropping us  :(  My heart.  She talked with her Catholic mom and was told she had to drop us.   "R" didn't want to but said that she had to.  Poor lady was almost crying.  Sad, but she knows.  She really knows.  I have no doubt she will be baptized quick.  Whether in this life or the next.  She's ready.

So, after that lesson I was pretty sad.  As we were walking in the street, there was the prettiest sunset and I just thought to myself, "God has a purpose for everything.  He is in charge."  Then I looked to my right and I saw this graffiti that says, "Mik I Love You".  What a tender mercy.  I know he is looking out for me and all of you.

Love you all!  I testify that God lives and loves us.  He is our guide and our support.  Look to Him in all that you do and He will show you the way.

Hermana McChesney

Shoutout:
SHOUT OUT TO GRANDMA MCCHESNEY!  Happy Birthday grandma!  Looking young as ever! :)

                                                 Dinner with the Ehmke's and my district.

                                                        Splits with the Hermanas

If It's Important to Me, It's Important to Him

Aw, Family.  How I love you so much!

I'll be honest here.  I always loved my family..but the mission has really given me a new perspective of the family and the importance of family unity.  I know things I have learned here are to help me strengthen all family relations.  And so, on that note, love you all :)

This week was absolutely de 10.  I don't even know where to start.  But, I would like to start with a principle that I learned this week.

This week I received a whole lot of cards in the mail (THANKS FAMILY, YOU ROCK), and as I was walking back to the pension with Hermana Santos (exchanges) I must have lost 2 letters.  The next morning I noticed that two letters were missing.  I was super sad.  I know how pathetic!  I lost two letters but that's a big deal for a missionary...right? (someone back me up...ha)  So, my companion was showering and I was coming up with a plan how we are going to skip studies so I can find my letters.  And then it hit me.  WHAT?  Why would I want to skip studies to find my letters?  So I knelt down to pray to start my personal study and in my prayer I prayed and said, "Heavenly Father it is really important for me to find these letters.  But I know it is important to thee for me to do my studies.  So if I do thy will, will thou help me feel comfort and know that all will be okay?"

It was the most sincere prayer.  And just after I began to study, I knew everything would be okay.  We finished our 3 hours of studies and then we went out to work.  As we were returning to our pension at 1:00, we walked down the road and I looked to my right in a trashcan outside and there were photos on top.  I had to look twice.  I turned around and lifted out the photos, and sure enough, they were of my family!!!  I ended up finding each letter in the trash or on the ground as we walked back to the pension for lunch.

It was a principle so pathetic, but so important to me.  I can testify that if it is important to us, it is important to Him.  We are His children and we are important to Him.  He will give us what we need if we do His will and if we consult Him in all things.  One experience I will never forget.  Something so small, but so powerful!

So, Miracles HAPPEN!!  "miracles happen, once in a while" hahahaha!

Speaking of Miracles....

--"J" CAME TO CHURCH FOR THE 3rd TIME!  HE CAN BE BAPTIZED!! :)  He loved it so much!!!
--People found US!   We had so many people come up to us this week and just ask us about what we do and want to learn!!  WOW!  Miracle.
--We found the golden investigator.  She helped us with our washer problem and now we are teaching her.  She came to church and just cried.  So incredible how the Lord is preparing his children!

Well, all is going great here in the Patagonia!  I love it.  It's starting to get coldddd!! But it's the best!  First winter in about a year!  YEAHHH!!

Hope all is going well.  Love you all and so happy for Austin to have a new area!  Best wished!! Thanks for the love!

Hermana McChesney

Hey...
So funny story.  Another lesson I learned on my mission:
1.  How to eat long hairs in meatballs...but not only one, three hairs, and that's just at one house.  I have also learned how to eat cat hairs in my lunch each Thursday.

KEEPIN IT REAL FRESH OUT HERE!

Skype video

Here is an excerpt of Mikayla's skype video to her brother Austin.

Just a Scripture for Thought

(This is Mikayla's mom.  I just wanted you all to know that we had such a wonderful skype with Mikayla.  She shared some amazing stories with us that she hadn't been able to email prior.  She is beautiful and amazing!  Her spirit is strong!  She loves her mission and has been protected while she's been serving.  She appreciates all of your emails and prayers.)

(On a side note, you all might enjoy knowing that she sent home her blow dryer, all of her makeup, her flat iron and curling iron.  She is trying to "blend in" and I must say that her beauty still shines through.)

Hey ya'll

Well, since we just talked about 2 days ago, I don't really have much more to say... But, obviously I'm still going to email you.  I'm really short on time, but I wanted to share with you a scripture that I found!:)

I was reading in Mosiah today as I was waiting for my companion.  As I got to chapter 23 of Mosiah, I found 2 versed that really stood out to me.  Verses 26 and 27.  Read them...(I don't have my English scriptures).....did you read it?  Good.  I would like to share how I truly felt about these verses.  I loved just how calm Alma is.  The Lamanites are coming and they are all scared for their lives.  They probably think they are going to die, but Alma is quick to calm them.  He shows them all that he has faith that if they remember God that all will be okay.  How many times can we apply this to our lives?  So many!  When we are afraid of what is going to happen in our live, believe in God and all will turn out for the best.  The influence Alma had on his people is tremendous!  I hope that one day I, too, can be like Alma and bring this peace to my family and friends.  I know that if we truly believe in God all will work out and we will not need to fear the "Lamanites" or other trials that we may face.

Love you all!  Talking to you this week was the HIGHLIGHT OF MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!

Hermana McChesney

Me with my MTC companion, Hermana Hafen.  I hadn't seen her since we left the MTC back in July.  She was just made a sister trainer and so she was at our leadership meeting this past Wed in Neuquen. (yes, I went to Neuquen again).  She saw me first and yelled my name across the room.  I turned and screamed and ran to her.  Everyone had a good laugh!

                                                             My Bariloche Zone

                                          2 zones meeting with Elder Vinas of the seventy.

                                                           Hermanas in my Zone

                                                          My Awesome District

                              My member friend and another hermana during Elder Vinas visit.

                                                                   Skype with the family

Cinco de Mayo

Hello little family!

I hope you all are eating burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and drinking horchata.  Because, it's the 5 of May!!  Yay!!

Okay, so I had a little computer problem.  I think they know I'm from the states so they just want to take my money.  I had to pay extra, but whatever.  It's all part of the mission and the patience right ;)

Okay, so let's just say this week was incredible!  We were so privileged to have a conference with Elder Vinas of the 70.  He was just incredible!  He spoke with such power and his testimony just blew me out of the water!  I don't remember the last time I really cried (I have a hard heart haha).  But, let's just say the room was full of tears and once again when I began to talk, I sounded like a little girl.  Nothing's changed.  And nothing will ever change.  That's one thing I want to study...why is it that my voice is so much higher when I cry? HA!! Too funny!

But, we learned some great things from him.  He stepped down from the pulpit and talked to us in the aisle.  He dedicated 30 minutes or so for us to share our feelings about the Atonement and how it has helped us in the mission.  Wow.  Powerful.  He went on to describe the Atonement and our purpose here as missionaries.

One thing I loved that he said (even though it was a little funny).  He said, "We are not here to bring others to the Terrestrial or Telestial Kingdom, that is why we have other churches.  We are here to bring them to the Celestial Kingdom."  How awesome is that!?  Kind of funny, but so true!

I cannot write all that I learned or it would be 732 pages long.  But, one thing I also loved as Elder Vinas spoke to us the next day at stake conference was, "This is the gospel of Jesus Christ.  You cannot change it, you can only accept it or reject it."  He used an analogy of how he didn't want to eat his soup.  His grandma told him, this is what you have...you can either eat it or throw it away.  It's so true.  I don't know why anyone would want to throw it away....it's so good!!

Oh, hey, guess what??

"J" HAS A BAPTISMAL DATE!!!  14 of June!! Yay!  He even went to the conference on Sunday!  So proud of him.  He's so great!  We cannot be more excited!!  He knows what he needs to do, he just needs to do it!  So we are working with him a lot!  Oh, here'a a funny story about "J".  During stake conference, Elder Vinas asked all of the full time missionaries to stand up.  We all stood up, and then I see "J" stand up, too.  It was so funny to see!  All of us missionaries standing up and "J".  I almost couldn't contain myself.

This week was just great.  I am really seeing myself convert to the gospel.  I have always been converted, but I am seeing my conversion become real and strong.  It's a great feeling!

I said goodbye to my comp this morning.  I learned a lot from her!  She is a great missionary.  I get my new comp at 7:00 tonight!  Her name is Hermana Guerra from Brazil.  She is a sweetheart.  She's actually a lot like me..lots of energy and just the happiest person ever!  Super super excited!  Also, I hope I can learn a little bit of Portuguese.

Talk to you on Saturday!
Love you all
XOXO

Hermana McChesney

Shoutouts:
Shout out to Bethanna and Lauren for making it out into the field!  YAY!
Shout out to Drew for the baby blessing.
Shout out to Jackson for the killer race!
Shout out to ME....HAPPY 11 MONTHS!

                                              So happy to get my family calendar!

                                                                Wet! Wet! Wet!

                                                     Goodbye elder and hermana!

                                            Yes, I look tired, but missions are worth it!