HOLA
So lets just be honest. This change has been a little difficult. But im learning a lot about myself. Little by little Las Americas will be going. The members here a really awesome.
Well nothing amazingly exciting happened this week. So heres some fun observations on Chile.
So theres basically four basic religious groups in Chile:
Los Mormónes- Known for the missionaries (who are ALWAYS gringo. even though about 50% say they say they're from Argentina, Peru, El Salvador, España, Mexico, Honduras etc....they're always really gringos). The Mormons are always really rich. They always have the biggest, nicest, prettiest church buildings. They may talk about some book about ancient america and how because of Jesus Christ the families can be forever...but really the just worship José AND the missionaries are actually spies for the CIA. The black plaques are really cameras connected to satellites in the steeples of the churches which relays information to the machine that the United States has that causes all the earthquakes in south america (namely chile).
Los Testigos de Jehová (JW's)- There's a ton (at least in the 5th region). The go and knock the exact same street EVERY WEEK (sometimes everyday) giving away magazines. But thats all they really do. Knock doors. You very rarely will see a testigo do a street contact. There way of talking to people is rather strong. They usually ask you what you believe, and if its not in accordance to their beliefs, imediately they tell you that you're wrong and in that in "The Bible it says this". The preach about how the bible is on the only word of God. They say, " In the bible...In the bible...." They know the bible very well. But then they don't actually use the bible. The use "La Traduccíon Nuevo Mundo de Las Santas Escrituras".
Los Catolicos- If you're lazy...you're catholic. You may have lots of faith...but its not like you're a religious fanatic that would go to church every week. You belief in the Virgin and God. And even in Christ. And also in a collection of Santos. You had a bautizo (not a bautismo...because that would mean submerging yourself in water) when you were a baby and don't remember anything. But your parents tell you that the party they had afterwards was awesome.
Los Evangelicos- They have lots of faith. Believe in Jesus Christ and shout about it. In the streets. They gather together in groups and go to deserted plazas, streets, alleys, basically any place where the people aren´t going to see them or hear them to sing and shout about how Christ is the way and that in these last days theres liars that say God says we can't drink tea. Sometimes one will go off by themself and preach. To no one. It kinda looks like someone practicing a monologue. Oh, the evangelicos also have to specify which branch. Theres Evangelica-Metodista-Lutherana or Evanglica-Bautista-Romana or Evangelica-Restaurada-Cristiana or well...I wouldn´t be surprised if theres an Iglesia Evangelica-Mormona
Oh, and a few days ago i heard about a small church in El Belloto called like La Iglesia Reformista de Cristo.....apparently they pray to Emma Smith.
I hope that didn´t offend anyone. But its funny when I look at the different religious groups in Chile.
I really do have pictures to send. But i'm a little lazy right now and don't want to upload them. By the way mom....i went visited this member in PeñaBlanca that does REALLY AMAZING cuadros de cobre (like...art in copper). This is basically like the Chilean Version of Turkish Rugs (really good talk dad....i actually remember what you said when you spoke in Danville about how because of the atonement of Jesus Christ we are all going to have a happy ending...i use that idea a lot). I ordered four.
Well. That's cool about BYU. Well...maybe not cool. But, thats cool that BYU is sticking to its principles. Even though it may seem crazy and a little extreme to other universities...BYU has its honor code for a purpose. And think for the university as a whole...this makes a bigger statement than winning the NCAA. But who knows....they could still do really well in the NCAA. No one ever knows.
I'll be excited to see pictures of the Kitchen. Mom sounds like that was a fun song. Have fun in Wisconsin Dad. Happy Birthday Annika. OH, I got the package mom. Thanks for all the christmas letters. Its nice to hear about whats going on with all those families from Danville. I love you all. Have a great day. and good week.
Love,
Elder Hyer
