This weekend marks one year since we arrived in Chile. We began our mission in July 2021 but Chile’s borders were still closed due to COVID-19, so we served from our home in Utah for 3 ½ months before entering the country. The past year has been full of unforgettable experiences.
ONE HOLIDAY
Monday was a holiday. At home, Columbus Day has been renamed Indigenous Peoples Day. In Chile, it is called Day of Discovery of Two Worlds or Day of the Races (commemorating the first encounters of Europeans with Native Americans and the diversity in their cultures.) For us, a holiday means a quiet day to catch up on our office work with no interruptions. We did take a mid-day break for almuerzo with the Ramirez family. They drove us an hour out of town to Curacavi for some authentic Texas barbeque.
ONE CEREMONY
After two days in the office, we left Wednesday morning for a 7-hour drive north to the city of Vallenar for a delivery ceremony. The van was full of computers and carpentry equipment. Vendors wave white flags along the roadside to attract attention to their tiendas.
Foundation Cuartro Esquinas executes different social assistance programs focusing on the homeless. This foundation is the only facility for homeless people in the city of Vallenar. They are housed in an old Catholic school. They currently house 17 residents with a capacity for 20 people and a plan to expand. Many residents are currently in a nearby drug rehab program. Baking, gardening, and carpentry workshops at the hostel provide therapy during their rehab treatment and the opportunity for self-sufficiency. Some residents stay at the facility for three months during their rehab. Other residents are more permanent- the elderly, mentally handicapped or those who have physical limitations.
Their current cooktop had one functioning burner and was propped up on cinder blocks. They had no oven – they used a small toaster oven. Their small refrigerator did not cool properly. The food prep counter was made of unsanitary recycled wood. The one small washing machine was not adequate to provide for the needs of residents, some of whom are in diapers. The donation of a stove, refrigerator, metal counters, revolvadora (to mix and roll out bread dough), large washing machine, carpentry tools, and refurbished computers was much appreciated.
ONE EXCURSION
Since we were in the area, we took the opportunity to see one of nature’s wonders. Elder and Hermana Lindquist joined us since Sister Lindquist is such a flower lover. Once every five to seven years the driest place on the globe is transformed into a carpet of wildflowers. The Chilean Atacama Desert may not see a drop of rain for years. However, a true miracle happens when spring rainfalls resurrect the sleeping life and millions of wildflowers bloom. More than 200 flower species bloom in the Atacama Desert. The last time Chile saw this super bloom was 2015. We were truly blessed to witness this incredible natural wonder.
As we spent an entire day driving along the coast through this beauty, the words to a Primary song we sang as children came to our minds called Heavenly Father Loves Me.
“Whenever I hear the song of a bird or look at the blue, blue sky
Whenever I feel rain on my face and the wind as it rushes by
Whenever I touch a velvet rose or walk by a lilac tree,
I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world, Heavenly Father created for me.”
“All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth and all things that are upon the face of it.” Alma 30:44. Truly we saw His handiwork this week.
“And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.” Isaiah 35:1
La Garra de Leon grows only in Chile. Forest Rangers helped us find a lone plant growing on a hillside.
On a morning walk, we saw a plant used as nature’s barbed wire to place on top of fences to keep intruders out.
Lunches on the beach in La Serena coming and going, and meals along the way.
We had a very sweet experience this week. As we were leaving a restaurant in La Serena there was a girl selling jewelry. When she called us over, We assumed she was going to try to sell us something. Instead, she asked, “You are religious people, no?” She told us her father was in the hospital after suffering a heart attack and asked us to pray for him. It was a tender request from a loving daughter. When we got in the car, we offered a prayer for her father Antonio.
We have traveled many miles on the Pam American Highway. As we drove along the desolate Highway 5 there were very few off-ramps because there were literally no towns to exit to. However, there were many opportunities to turn left through the median and return to the previous city. The signs said, “retorno.” We reflected that these signs could represent repeated invitations from Heavenly Father to return to Him. If we are headed in the wrong direction all we need to do is slow down, stop and make the turn that heads us back toward Him. He waits with open arms.
ONE SERVICE ACTIVITY
On Saturday, a few women from our church gathered to sew pillow book sleeves that will be donated to COANIQUEM- a burn center for children. The items we make are given to their store for them to sell to earn money for the Ronald McDonald-type homes they have for families to stay in while their children receive treatment.
ONE LUNCH
We have some new Sister Missionaries in our area. They joined us for lunch on Sunday.
Hermana Jones (New York), Hermana Burr (Utah), Hermanas Ruiz & Leiva (Argentina).
ONE WISH
We wish you ONE wonderful week ahead!
Abrazos, Élder y Hermana Lamb, (aka Ed & Debbie, Mom & Dad, Pop Pop & Tu Tu)
Lambs in Central Europe 