First Week in Chile

Saturday, 11 October 2014

Dear Dad,

We flew from Salt Lake City airport to the Santiago airport (SLC to SCL) with a stop in Atlanta to change planes….  So, our flight provided a delicious dinner and breakfast hosted by Delta Airlines.  We were presented with hot towels before going to sleep and upon waking for the morning arrival in Santiago.  After receiving our luggage and going through immigration and customs, we met President and Sister Kähnlein and his assistants.  We were happy to see some familiar faces (nametags)!!  The 6 Santiago MTC missionaries had already been picked up and they were waiting in a big bus.  Soon the flight arrived with 10 missionaries from the Mexico City MTC and we were off – the 16 new missionaries in the bus and we “seniors” in President’s car.  President served in the Arizona Tempe Mission, and Sister Kähnlein served in the Argentina Neuquén Mission (where Brett served).  President was converted at age 22 in Chile.  They have 4 children (ages 13 – 5), and they are a faithful young family.

 Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport

We all drove to Viña del Mar, stopped for a look at the city and then went to the famous flower clock for pictures.

Sister Kähnlein

At the clock, President greeted us, split us into companionships, gave us a copy of  El Libro de Mormón and his Mission Home address, and asked us to come there for lunch when we gave away the copy and had phone and address for a referral. 

So – we had our PMG training in the MTC  – we can do this!!   

After  several rejects, I sat down on a bench by a young man and first asked directions to the address.  “You know, I can’t go there until I speak to someone about this very special book…”.   He smiled and listened….  (While Luis and Geff were talking, a young girl approached and Carol stood and found she was his “novia” (girlfriend).  ¿Como se llama?   She was Carolina.  “Ah, me llamo Carol”.  She smiled.)  The intro to the BofM was read – the promise given – we testified –
phone and address taken –  and we were off – with success….!!

 After pizza for lunch we had Elder Call, the mission secretary, take care of us.  We asked – and yes, Anson Bowen Call of the Colonies is his direct ancestor…. Elder Bowen Call – now living in Bentonville, Arkansas, after his family left the colonies 5 years ago.  He made many calls – quipped that he gets his name “call” for that reason - and took us to get a notary to get our visa process started. 

We then were taken to our apartment where our luggage had already been delivered by the Elders.  The Smiths (fellow record preservation missionaries and living across the hall on the 10^th floor) had us all set up – flowers, stew and everything we would need.  With our luggage, the Elders had brought a sweet welcome note and treats in a colander from Sister Kähnlein.

Wednesday, we began our training with Elder and Sister Smith from Meridian, Idaho, who have been capturing images of Cemeteries Nos. 1, 2 and 3 in Viña and Valparaiso.  Our apartment is in Valparaiso to be closest to Cemetery No. 1 where there is 3-months or so of work left.  This was our first introduction to speedy micro bus drivers (pronounced 'meecro buse').  They are about half as big as a regular bus, and it is as if they think they are in race cars dodging around – like a Disneyland ride – so very fast and crazy.  Then a hike to a set of stairs to the top of the hill to begin our days’ work at the cemetery.  We left a little early that first day to go to “Líder” (a very large WalMart) for groceries and an ATM.

there are 99 steps to get to the cemetery from here in twists and turns....

It was most interesting to note that next to Cemeterio #1 (the old Catholic one) is the Cementerio de Disidentes.  Before this cemetery came to be, anyone who died who was not Catholic was thrown out to sea or into the river, as non-Catholics were not allowed to be buried anywhere in the city of Valparaiso.  Parley P. Pratt’s family came with him when he was sent to open South America for the gospel to be preached – and his son, Omner, was born in Valparaiso and lived only 39 days.  He is buried here and a plaque pays tribute to PPP.  So far, FamilySearch does not have permission to capture any images from that cemetery for some reason.

Friday we took the bus to “work” – and at 10:30 AM left work to take a bus to our ward chapel for District Development Meeting.  There we met the new district leader and two other companionships - all new as of the Wednesday “cambios” (transfers).  One of the Elders is from Snowflake, so we compared Flake history….  Others in the district are from Scottsdale, Argentina (1 from Buenos Aires, and 1 from Neuquén), Peru and Columbia (the DL).    After the DDM, we caught the bus across the street from the chapel and went back to work until 5:00.  Our new camera and full set-up has arrived, but a sturdy table is needed - which we should get on Monday.  More about the “work” part in future posts….

 Preparation Day is on Saturday for us, so we just got back from getting vegetables and fruit from the street market.  We still can’t believe the celery that is nearly 2 feet long. This place is much like San Diego, where all kinds of plants and trees flourish.  In one of the plazas there is a HUGE rubber tree that is larger than the biggest cottonwood you ever saw.  We look forward to the summer coming as our apartment is on the shady side and always cool (64-66 inside on a sunny day in the low 70s outside).  Yes, Bree, it IS chilly in Chile!!  There is no heating or AC in the apartments or houses in this temperate climate.  The cold apartment reminds Carol of Korea, and outside she sometimes feels like she is in Napoli… so, yes, we are having quite a hard time defining this place!

 Hope all is well with everyone there.  We feel your support, and we are excited to find out more about this great place.  Love you.

Geff and Carol

PS:  Happy B-Day to Angie on the 13^th!  Thanks for all your technical and bookkeeping support.  Your calm and thorough approach helps solve every crisis.  No wonder your neighbors and ward members praise you as Superwoman – raising 3 children alone during those long China trips that Darin has to make!  We love you, Ang.  (Mom noticed that you will be 44, Darin 44 and Drew 4 coming up....)  Have a fun day knowing you are loved.  Love, Dad and Mom