1/8/2018
President Thomas S. Monson

Happy New Years! We made it to 2018 and it feels like I am getting really old haha.  I remember last year when I was in Chile and we had New Year.s It does not even seem that long ago.  Anyways I am doing really well this year, except I haven´t been doing all of my goals very well oops.  Oh well there´s always next year right?  Haha.  No I have been trying to be a better missionary this year, but sometimes things can be very hard here.  

I heard a few days back that our beloved prophet Thomas S Monson passed away.  I was shocked when it happend, I can´t believe it still.  At least we can know that he is in a better place, and he is with his wife again.  I still would invite all of you to pray for his family and loved ones that they might feel peace in this dificult moment.  

A 17 year old named Manuel was baptized this last Saturday and it was really cool.  He actually still hasn´t been confirmed because he has a problem and couldn´t go to church, but he said next week he will get there for sure.  He told all of us he wants to be a future missionary and that he loves the church.  He has a had rough life and it just feels so good to be able to help him feel the blessings and the joy of the gospel in his life.  For example his dad left when he was 7 and his mom passed away 2 years ago.  He is an under aged boy living by himself here in Chile. His only brother and sister live in Bolivia and he only gets to see them through Facebook.  He is actually passing through a problem right now and I want to invite you all to go to pray for him as well that next week he can be confirmed without problems, and that he will be a strong firm member in the church. 

Love,

Elder Hirschi

Answers: 

1. What is the new Elder like in your apartment? What does he like to do?

 Elder Thomas is from California.  I actually met him in Antofagasta when I was being sent to Mejillones.  He is really nice and a cool district leader, he is about to finish his mission this transfer.  But he is still working hard and is being a good example for us.

2. Did you meet anyone fun this week?

 We met 3 dudes that were coming home from the beach.  I honestly thought they weren´t going to be that nice, but one of them named Luis was super cool and actually accepted a baptismal date.  

3. Did you get any pictures from the baptism last week?

 Yep

4. Did Luis show you the New Year's videos I sent as a message for him to show you from us? 

 Yes I did, but it didn´t have any sound for some reason.  Luckily we deciphered what you were saying.