June 21, 2015 Feels like Christmas in June

Hot Springs in Chillan

Chillan on p-day

Watching Copa America with the Branch Pres. and family!

Pigs in a blanket, tasty!

My new comp from Argentina, Elder Sanchez

My neighbors slayed a massive boar!

Proof I can cook!

The Branch Pres. holding the baby, and his wife, and invesitators on the right

Hey guys! Hope you are all doing great, and I hope you enjoyed your Fathers Day yesterday Dad!!

Things are good here in Coihueco, as well as with my new comp Elder Sanchez. He is from Jujuy (who-who-ewy) Argentina :)  We have had a busy first week here, especially with me having to do all the planning and guiding him through the sector, because thats just what happens when you get a new comp.

He actually played a musical number in church yesterday, with his instrument called the Zampoña. Its like a wooden bolivian flute thing,  it made me smile to see him play "Love one another" on this wooden flute in church, and he played with another kid who is not a member but is the son of a member.

Also this week we got to watch the 3rd Copa América game against Bolivia. It was way fun... and we watched it with the Branch Pres. and his family, along with his friends that are investigating the church. I will send pictures later today at the house of a member.   Also we made "pigs in a blanket" (hot dogs wrapped in dough, and then fried them in oil) My comp worked in a cake shop before the mission, and so he taught me the basics of how to make dough and stuff. They turned out tasty!!

Umm... something that stuck out to me this week in the scriptures is found in Ether 2. Its talking about the Jaredites who are being led to the "promised land" (or the american continent). More than 4 or 5 times in this chapter, it mentions that land being a choice land above all other lands. And being a promised land as well. Its really cool to think about how the Lord was preparing that land for who knows how long, for that certain time for the Jaredites to go over and start their new life over there. And no living in the promised land doesnt come without cost...

Verse 9 talks about WHOEVER poseses this land, must serve God... or they will essentially be destroyed when his anger falls upon them.

After every single verse that mentions it being a chosen land, shortly there after follows the warning/council. (verses 9, 10, 12, 15 etc.)

Its just a testament to me, that the United States is a precious chosen land. Free of slavery, and free to worship the way you want... but its so sad to see people absolutely not serving god... because we know through the word of god that they will be destroyed one day. And we need to serve God with all our heart, might, mind, and strenghth... we have been given much. And so that means that much is required from us!

"The Book of Mormon is True. And it came forth the way Joseph said it did, there is no other explanation." Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

But I also give my testimony.... that it is true. And that a man can get close to God by abiding by its precepts than by ANY OTHER BOOK ON EARTH! I have seen that first hand in my life! Make sure you are feasting from its pages DAILY!!!! :)

Not much more has happened this week, I love you all... and keep praying for the work here in Coihueco!

Con Amor,

Elder Hartvigsen