9/18/2017

Hello family, it feels like a long time since I last wrote home even though it was just last week.  Transfers are coming up soon and I think I will be changing sectors!  As much as I love it here in Mejillones, I feel like I`m starting to lose some of my juice, and I think changing sectors will give me a fresh new start.   If I stay though I will have the chance to see Danny, our investigator get baptized on the 30th of September which would be great.  I hope you all can pray for him that he can make the choice to be baptized on that day.  He really is learning a lot and progressing well. He just hasn`t been able to go to church because of his work.  He works 20 days and has 10 days to rest, so it`s very difficult for him to take time to listen to us.  

Today is the 18th day of September and here is like our 4th of July, but Chile takes things to the next level sometimes.  The people here loooove to party. They don`t even really need a reason to do it haha!  They also have lots of Chilean pride, for their country.  So when the 18th comes around everyone has a Chilean flag and is usually partying.  In fact I think I have seen more alcohol this last week then I have my whole time in Chile haha.  It`s actually really hard for the missionaries, because everyone is celebrating and doesn`t have time to listen to our message.  

Anyways I am feeling a lot better and now almost everyone in the apartment has got sick because of me haha oops.  Elder Burnthorn had to stay in bed one day because he had a bad fever.  Now he is feeling a lot better and we are working harder than we ever have.  I hope that everyone is doing well and staying safe.  I love you guys tons!

Love,

        Elder Hirschi

Answers: 

1. Have you found out anymore on where the temple will be built? Do you think they will announce it at general conference coming up soon?

 No, but it looks like we need to have 3 Stakes before we can actually get the temple built, and we only have 2, so I don`t think it will be built any time soon.

2.  Do many of the Chileans play an instrument that you know of?

 There are actually a surprising amount of flutes here. They play lots of flutes and some play violin.

3. Have you been teaching any English classes there lately?

 Every week we have English Classes, but Elder McKinlay teaches it

4. What area would you like to go if you get transferred?

 I want to go to Iqueque or Erika up to the northern part of the mission.  

5. Have you seen any missionaries lately that you haven't seen for a while?

 No, lots of the missionaries that I have been with have already finished, like Elder Carter, Elder Saarelianen, and a whole bunch of others.  It`s actually kind of sad for me.  I did get to see Elder Dionicio who I hadn`t seen since Copaipo!

6. Are you ready for a change if you get transferred soon?

 It will be sad for me, but I think it will be a good change if I do.