Carlsbad 4th Ward or Parque Subercaseaux - June 20, 2018

Buen Dia Chiquillos!! 

We had changes and it was a super big bummer summer to leave Portezuelo but I am absolutely loving Parque Subercaseaux!! AHHHH!!! It is pretty much a replica of Carlsbad 4th ward. The bishopric is hilariously identical to the bishopric in C4, the moms are super natural and all the young women are super cute and fun ;) Im not just trying to win brownie points back home. Its totally true! But im super happy here in this ward, I instantly felt right at homeand super welcomed when i got here. Keep killing it out there C4.

I am training a little lola from Argentina! Her accent is a little hard to understand. She always sounds like she is shushhhhhing me if you get what i mean but she also speaks perfect english so i pretty much hit the jack pot. It is like having a human dictionary with me everywhere i go. But seriously, she is the absolute best. I have never cliqued so well with any of my companions like i have with her. We make contacting and getting rejected fun and we are always looking for a haitian to start a rap battle with. But we have to stop doing that because one haitian (who looked exactly like lil wayne) took it the wrong way and he asked me if we could go salsa dancing sometime. 

We are in a white wash which means we are pretty much starting from ground zero! We have been contacting everyday to find new people and we finally had our first miracle! We were originally looking for an other person in this house but a grouchy old lady came out trying to scare us off. We began to joke with her and play games with the cards we were passing out and she totally let her guard down with us. Apparently she had experience with the missionaries and she almost got baptized but then the missionaries just dropped off the face of the earth basically. She was a fiesty one so we had to trick her into letting us come back and visit her. We did a couple bets and my comp and i ended up winning two visits back with her! We are super stoked to see what happens with her!

I hope you all are doing super well and i hope you all know how much God truly loves and cares about you! He is so mindful of you and knows what is best for ya. Seek out his guidance and trust in the plan that He has for you!

Ps. People here eat chicken feet. (Pic down below)

Con mucho cariño, Hermana Pulsi (chileans still cant pronounce my name)

From President Gwilliam

“Have you received his image in your countenance” …what, how and then what?

This powerful question put forth by the prophet Alma, stirs a remarkable mental picture that I have, up until recently, taken purely as a metaphor…to be added to a list of those that I couldn’t quite understand.  

It is found in verse 14 of Alma, Chapter 5, which is the first part of a number of incredible teachings of pure doctrine that the High Priest set out to “deliver to the people in their cities and villages throughout the land”.  Remember Alma and others are quoted in the Book of Mormon as saying that the only sure way of changing the direction of people’s lives was to teach the “Doctrines of Christ”.  We share this assignment, with exactly the same objective.

Our Mission study topic this change cycle will be these profound teachings with a focus on the question Alma raises regarding our countenances.  Let’s see if collectively we can come to understand what he is trying to say.  Are we to look like Christ?  Is there a way to actually receive this gift? How will we recognize it when it happens and then, what should we do to retain the gift? 

This will mean a very detailed and diligent study of this Chapter as well as a search of related scriptures with topics such as: Likeness, Change of Heart, Faithfulness, Works, Covenants and Consecration.  As we do this as part of our daily studies and planning, focused on the needs of our investigators, I believe it will broaden our thoughts and enlighten our work.

Let me start with some yes or no questions that Alma raises in order to get the attention of those he was teaching.

§ Have you spiritually been born of God?

§ Have you experienced this mighty change in your hearts?

§ Do you exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you?

§ Do you look forward with an eye of faith to stand before Him in confidence?

§ Do you walk, keeping yourself blameless before God?

§ Do you realize that regardless of the answers to these questions, at this time, you are always able to repent (change) and start to say yes?

Wonderful family of this Great Mission…let’s learn together and lift each other up.  As we do this, not only will our outlook on the experiences of each day change, but indeed we will draw ever closer to the blessings He is determined to pour out upon us.

This we promise and truly see taking place every day.

Abrazos Fuertes de Amistad y Apoyo,

President and Sister Gwilliam

FAM ONLY - May 30, 2018

Guys! It was so awesome!! We were teaching our investigator about the joesph smith, the priesthood and baptism in the church, and right when we put a baptism date with him the bishop walked in and was able to give with a priesthood blessing of strength. When he ended the prayer, we all could tell that our investigator was just filled with the holy ghost because the room felt like it was on fire with how much i was feeling the spirit. In that moment he told us that he was more sure of his decision to be baptized. HYPE.

ALSO! Yesterday was just about the first day! But we still ended up making the most of it! We were late getting out of the house for the conference with our president, got sick from lunch, i left our little flip phone in a taxi, all of our appointments fell through and it was raining pretty hard. BUT at the end of the day we went to the house of one of our investigators who is super hippie! She loves oils, outdoors, chakras, affirmations (made me think of Linda), and all that stuff! She has been investigating the church for awhile now and has been taught by a ton of missionaries. So we got to her house and planned to watch the restoration and plant the baptisimal date on her to see if we needed to drop her or not. BUT right when it began to show the first vision of Jose Smith, her power went out! My comp and i knew in that moment that it was Satan, and he didnt want our girl to get baptized. WE WERE SO DETERMINED! We have to be in our house by 10:30 and it was 10:15 at this point. But we couldnt let Satan win that one. We ended up putting the baptismal date down with her, walked out of the house feeling so lit and then looked at our watches and it was 11:15. AH We raced home and we came home to the other hermanas in our house worried calling all of our leaders, bishop, and then a lady from relief society knocked on our door to see if we were okay hahaha it was hilarious to me and my comp because what more could have gone wrong this day for us, right? So we were kinda laughing and we had to do some major repenting and almost lost our pday andf the friendhsip of the other girls in our house. But hey! We got the FECHAAA!

Today, for pday, we watched minions, and had a pday de MEXICO! My comp mad taquitos and i was literally in heaven. 

ALSO, a missionary cut my hair one night and i think it looks really cute but not one person has said anything good about it! YIKES. Thanks to 2swegs i know that my opinion in the only one that matters. And these chileans dont know what style is. This lady told me basically in english, "Well its not a hackjob" well thanks lady, very reasurring, your weave isnt a hackjob either.

At the beginning of this week, i was feeling super discouraged and just really tired but i had no idea why! It was super upsetting to me and i just wanted the old me back in action. But the sister training leaders came over for breakfast one day and we had a big talk that was super inspired. Then we had a conference with president that got me feeling better too! I think i may not have been the only one feeling that way, it may have been the weather but im not too sure. 

This weeek i was reallable to remember my purpose here as a missionary. We are here to baptize and give people the blessing of eternal life! Im not just here for friendships or to experience the culture of chile. Yes, i am here for my own testimony and growth too but through serving others and focusing on my purpse i will grow without even realizing it! I just want to serve my Heavenly Father in the best way that i can, and not waste this precious time that He has given to me. 

I love you all so much, i hope and pray that you guys can know your purpose in this life and can find out the best way you can serve your heavenly father in this earth! Especially in our callings from church, those callings are insoired from God to help the other members in our ward! I challenge you all to call or go meet with someone that didnt come to church on sunday or pray to know if someone in the ward needs some lovin! 

Love you all so so much, i hope you have an amazing week! Ill share my google drive with you guys so you can scope my photos and videos from the week!

Hermana Pulsi

ESO ME GUSTOOOOO (Bailando La Cueca) - May 23, 2018

Hi everyone!!

This week was full of so many miracles! The husband of an Hermana in our ward that isnt a member walked into the bishops office to tell him that he wants to change his life and be baptized! This guy wanted nothing to do with us, or our message in his house. We have been preparing his daughter to be baptized but he wasnt very supportive and was always trying to get us to leave. He told the bishop that he has always known the church to be true but he couldnt get rid of bad habits or get the courage to change his old ways. Having the opportunity to teach and help him has been amazing because i am so close to his wife and daughters. I know that this decision will change the life of his family forever! He struggles with the word of wisdowm but i was so powerful to just lay it out straight and make him decide between his cigarettes or his family. Its going to be a long road with him but through patience, faith, and a lot of prayer, i know that his heart can be changed and follow the commandments for pure love for the Lord! But through this experience, i know that anything can happen guys, literally anything.

On Friday we had a ward talent show and it was super lit! We danced the cueca (The cultural dance of chile) and completely forgot every step. My comp and I felt like we had literally just spit upon every chilean in Chile. BUT we rocked the costumes and held up a smile so all was well. We brought two investigators to the activity (a haitian boy and a chilean girl) where they met for the first time and unexpectedly ended up really hitting it off. They are both two singles lookin for love so we are crossing our fingers on this one! 

My comp Hermana Fuentes is from Mexico and is super duper cute! She was literally born to be a missionary and has taught me how to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ. She is constantly serving me, our investigators, the members, and basically anyone she can get her hands on. I have learned that the missions arent about the numbers or the baptisms, they are about inviting all people to come unto Christ and help others in any way that we can. Whether its cleaning the dishes after a lunch with a member, or hosting a family home evening in our house because one of the hermanas that we live with is feeling down. She is the best! I feel so lucky to have her!

I love you all, and i am so thankful for your examples to me and all of the things i have learned from everyone that has been involved in my life! I hope you all have an amazing week! 

Con mucho Cariño,

Hermana Pulsi

Pics and videos! - May 9, 2018

SUCH A GREAT WEEK! I have no time today but I wanted to send you guys some pictures and videos of my week!

Fam Bam - May 2, 2018

Okay fam, heres the scoop with the comp.

Her name is Guadalupe Fuentes and is from Mexico. She loves anime, lots of little chinese toys, is always cold, is scared of elders, loves old people, thinks i look like a korean (not sure where she got that), is a recent convert, is super good at teaching (very animated), and gets hurt a lot. She is super nice and an amzing missionary. I have already lñearned so much from her! After a night of stressing and not sleeping i woke up the next day and we talked it out (The mission makes me stress in ways that i didnt think were possible for my super calm personality). She told me she was just not feeling well and all was well. But the thing is that something happens to her everyday so we dont work as much. Her bike has broken 50 times, she got an allergic reaction to a bug bite, we visit the physical therepist 2 times a week for her knees and sometimes she just feels like vommiting so she needs to go home and rest. Dad wouldnt believe this, but i would actually rather be working. It was really hard for me at first being patient and sensitive but I think that is the point of the mission. Learning new things from every comp and having more trust in the Lord that we can supercede these faults and become better. I had an idea to make her more tough but i am just letting her teach me how to be more sensitive and patient with her. Im so thankful for my good attitude and that i can just laugh it off, it honestly carries me through the mission. 

Saturday was probably the highlight of my week. I got to go back to my first sector because the sister of Lucie (my first baptism) got baptized! It was so amazing to see that when we baptize true converts into the gospel, we can see more blessings that can come from it! It was so good seeing everyone from my first ward, all my boyfriends were really excited to see me too. It was kind of awkward because there were three old men fighting for my attention but thanks to all my experiences beofre the mish, i could handle it. 

It has actually been so much fun leading the sector! I love taking the reins and knowing whats actually going on. I feel like my time here is really short and i am trying to just cherish every moment right now.

I am so excited to talk to you guys on mothers day! I will proabably call you guys around 3 or 4pm (Chile time). 

Super excited to see what Heavenly Father has in mind for me this week! Always put your trust in Him, He knows so much better than us. Nothing is a coincidence, there is always something we need to learn or understand better. This life is a constant progression so keep on progressing and find out what He wants from you! I know this church is true with all my heart! Your testimony is between you and God and no one else. Dont let anyone affect the testomny you have!

Fam Bam - April 25, 2018

Fam, this week started out so freaking good AND with changes it has ended a
little weird. I got super sick on monday night (Night before changes), i
was throwing up and had the worst pit in my stomach. I was so nervous for
changes and really didnt want to leave my comp. I really grew to love that
firey argentinian with a passion. I really thought that a gringa was coming
so i told everyone in our ward that we were going to have another blonde in
the ward. Welp, i found out real fast that the people in my ward dont like
gringas so much. One lady said rto me " Ugh you guys arent going to
understand anything." and the bishop said "Are you serious? I dont want
another gringa here", (The words were a bit harsher in spanish haah) Soooo
yeah. They said "Its different with you hna. Pulsi, but we just dont like
gringos) Well gee, thanks guys. Really feeling the love. So fast forward,
we had changes. I am now with a mexcian. Everyone told me that she is super
bubbly, full of energy and super nice and awesome! BUT she is like that
with every single person except with me. I really have been trying to be
her friend. I have asked her every question in the book, know just about
everything about her, i have complimented her on all of the things i truley
love about her, made her breakfast, let her borrow my clothes today, worked
hard last night even though i felt so sick, washed her hair this morning
(her knees were hurting from the bike, she woke up crying saying they were
going to explode, which is really not normal), and idk what else to do but
she doesnt even know where i live, what my name is or anything about my
life. YIKES sorry for the rant, but talking bad about your comp isnt a
thing in the mission life so i gotta rant to somebody! If you guys have any
advice please help a girl out!

Okay, now for the good news. I CAN LEAD MY SECTOR! And me and hermana maldo
found the sickest haitian dude who has totally been prepared by god
specifically for us! We spent an hour answering all of his crazy questions
and left him to read a chapter in the book of mormon. He called us the next
morning telling us that after reading the book of mormon all of his
questions were answered and he is going to be recieving his answer for
baptism VERY SOON! The book of mormon is so so powerful! Its so true that
we are literally just instruments in the hands of God, its nothing we can
say or do unless we are doing it being guided by the spirit and motivited
by love for that person! We meet with him like 3 times a week and he just
bought a new suit for church on sunday! Ill send a pic, but you cant really
see him that well in the photo. Hes a handsome dude, take my word for it!

Also, BIG shoutout to BRYNN STEWART! Happy birthday to my favorite niece
who started bribing people for their money and stealing gold from the
mormon battalion from a young age! But in sinceridad, Brynn, you are such a
sweet girl! I always have so much fun with you and i always know that you
will want to play with me. You have a very good memory... if you want to
know how many boys ive kissed ask brynn. Just when you think shes not
listening... she is, and she will remember it forever. You go girl, use
that to your advantage. Always remember you are a hija de Dios y su padre
celestial le ama MUCHISIMO! More than me, your mom and your dad combined,
can you imagine that? I am so excited that i will come home just in time
for your baptism! Maybe give a talk? Just like tanner did for ryan when he
came home from his mission! Seria super genial!! Porfiii?? I love you so
much brynnyy! Be a good girl, remember who you are, and to always keep your
standards higher than your heals!

I love you so much fam bam. Thank you for always keeping me in your
prayers. I truly feel them every single day here. Being a missionary is the
hardest but most rewarding thing ever. Every day, my love and trust for my
heavenly father deepens. He truely knows me, and knows exactly what i need
in this life to be the person who he wants me to be. I love Him and this
gospel with all my heart. It is the only way we can feel truehappiness in
this life (gozo puro!) If you guys arent doing your book of mormon daily
studies, and your family prayers and family home evening i seriously
encourage and invite you to do them! Those three simple thing create a home
of peace, love and unity! I cant wait to build my future family. I know
that we will have difficulties but if we can always stay centered on Jesus
Christ and follow His example, we will never be unhappy. I have a testimony
of all the things i teach here. I want my family back home to know that my
Savior lives, and that He loves each and every once of us. He knows us
personally, and has literally felt every pain and sadness that we have
felt. He wants us to be happy and when we follow Him we are happy!

I hope you all have an amazing week!! LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!