CONFERENCES

A conference is defined as a meeting or gathering in which people meet to discuss a theme or topic. All the people attending have a common interest. We attended several amazing “conferences” this week.

CEREMONY COMUNIDAD HISTORICA REALENGO WILLICHE CEREMONY

On Wednesday morning we flew over 1000 kilometers south and then drove over 200 more kilometers to the island of Chiloe.

We attended a beautiful ceremony in Lelbun. This ancestral community on the island of Chiloé, received official government recognition in 1823 from Spain. The indigenous community of Realengo Williche just completed the construction of a community center. It will be used for cultural purposes: to teach their ancient language and preserve their customs and history. They will prepare traditional foods here, hold celebrations, and prepare medicinal products to sell thus increasing their self-sufficiency. The donation of a wood stove, gas stove, kitchen countertop, refrigerator, and tables and chairs will facilitate these cultural activities. Fifty people are active members of the community with more than 3000 people in the surrounding area who will use the community center.

The celebration included kind words, music, gifts, and food. We were presented with a handmade poncho and scarf from local wool. This island is full of kind and generous people.

CASTRO CHURCH DE SAN FRANCISCO

While in Castro we were finally able to peek inside the San Francisco Church which in its present form dates back to 1771. It has been closed on our previous visits. It was worth waiting for. Colorful small wooden churches dot the island of Chiloé. There are more than 50 churches; 16 are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This church is the work of the Italian architect Eduardo Provasoli and is built entirely of wood.

After the ceremony, we drove as far south as we could go on the island to the town of Quellón.

The chacai is an invasive, spiny plant of European origin imported for use as a hedge to keep cattle enclosed in an area. It is now a pariah that causes islanders no end of trouble. From a distance, one cannot see the prickly stocks, just the beautiful yellow spring blossoms.

Back in Castro, we had a delicious dinner in one of the famous Castro stilt houses -Palafito Sabores De Mi Tierra. These palafitos in the past were the typical construction on the island of Chiloe. Several of these homes have been turned into restaurants and boutique hotels.

CONGREGATING FOR GOOD COMPANY & CAMARADERIE

This Dr. Pepper conference’ was made possible by one of our field managers, Claudio Alfaro. He walked into our office and pulled cans of Dr. Pepper out of his suit pant pockets. He had heard Elder Lamb comment that he could not find Dr. Pepper to use to make barbecue ribs. Seated is Ricardo Gutierrez, our interim buyer while our regular buyer is on a much-needed vacation.

We arrived back in Santiago in time for our Friday dinner date with Elder & Hermana Lindquist

President and Hermana Bohn, the Santiago East Mission Leaders, invited the senior missionary couples to their home for Sunday Brunch. We so appreciate their kindness and hospitality and this wonderful conference weekend tradition.

GENERAL CONFERENCE

General conference is the worldwide gathering of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Twice a year, during the first weekend of April and the first weekend of October, our Church leaders from around the world share messages focused on the living Christ and his gospel. General Conference is streamed and broadcast in about 70 languages and is later translated into more than 100 languages. We invite everyone of all faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds from everywhere in the world- to watch, listen and participate. The videos and transcripts can be found at http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org. To us, General Conference is like a delicious spiritual meal. We savored the spiritual and physical nourishment we received this weekend. We hope you will take the opportunity to partake.

Abrazos, Élder y Hermana Lamb, (aka Ed & Debbie, Mom & Dad, Pop Pop & Tu Tu)