Matt spends a lot of time working with families. He worked with Sebastian and Nicole, and then reactivated their older brother who may be able to baptize them. Leading up to the baptism Matt was really sick, and so were the 2 getting baptized, but amazingly everyone got better so the baptism could continue.
Just as we in Utah entered winter, Matt started to thaw out and start the spring/summer season. Matt is enjoying the transitional rain. His companion is from El Salvador, so he hates the cold, but with the weather change, things are getting better.
Matt was there to celebrate the 200 year birthday of Chile on September 18th, their Independence Day. It made a 4 day weekend. They attended an activity with a huge asado (BBQ). For the activity they started with a big flag raising ceremony, then dancing the national dance. Matt burnt his hand during a tug-of-war. It was primary vs. missionaries, and the Elders LOST!! The primary even won against the bishopric. Matt learned he could jump during the potato sack races.
September 11 means something different in Chile. Back in the 1970s there was a government overthrow on the 11th, so the missionaries had to go home early to be safe. There were riots and gun shots and fires in the streets. It was crazy.
Be careful to go to places where there is a good environment, where you won’t be faced with temptation. A wise father said to his son, “If you ever find yourself in a place where you shouldn’t ought to be, get out!” Good advice for all of us.
In September Matt had changes and switched from Elder Melendez and was paired up with Elder Sontoya from Mexico. I guess he is technically from Texas, but his parents are Mexican and he speaks like a Mexican (I guess Matt can already tell a difference). He is only 2 changes away from going home.
During the first week of October Elder Sontoya was very sick, and they had to spend the majority of the week in the house. Because of that, they were not able to invite many people out to conference, so they only had 2 investigators there, but Matt loved conference. It was a very special session to him.
Success in Chile isn’t only measured by baptisms. It is also measured by the number of less-active members brought back to the church. In Matt’s mission they put a lot of focus into reactivating members. It is very helpful because of all the people he has helped into the waters of baptism, more than half of them are from less active member families where the family is reactivated, and all who still need to be are then baptized.
The days they were able to pull the miners from the collapsed mine in Chile, nobody wanted to talk to the missionaries. Everyone just sat and watched what was happening on the t.v. The missionaries were not allowed to watch, but they were well aware of what was going on.
Toward the end of October they attended a special conference with President Lyon, the temple president in Chile. He was about to leave back to Utah, and gave his final talk to the stake Matt is in. He talked a lot about the power of the temple and the importance to go to the temple. He also talked a little bit about what happens in the temple, so that the converts won’t be afraid or think it is a big secret.
Matt still takes time to practice his bowling skills. He only shot a 105, but he still had a lot of fun.
