Things to remember

I remember a year ago opening up my call, and not even remembering where Chile was located on a map

I remember arriving at airport at 5 AM and having my flight to the Mexico (Missionary Training Center) be canceled

I remember the night I met Elder Nielson, that goofball

I remember thinking that the MTC would be a lot like the mission

I remember my first day in Chile and not being able to understand anyone

I remember the day when we had more less actives and investigators in church than active members. 

I remember the days we walked around Frutillar and coming home exhausted

I remember the success we had because of our exact obedience 

I remember saying goodbye to Elder Ryan with tears in my eyes

I remember the fear I felt when I received my transfer to Punta Arenas in the middle of winter, when Frutillar was already too cold. 

I remember listening to the howling wind and fearing to go outside

I remember the days we just knocked doors

I remember the cold nights

I remember meeting and teaching so many people

I remember thinking it would all be so easy, like a walk in the park, that it would be 2 years of fun, that I was spiritually prepared, and that I was truly converted

I remember when I gave up all I had, and gave it to the Lord. 

With Love,

Elder Haddad

Painting the Ghost House

Things are going great here in Estrechito. The summer feels just like winter. 

Over the past couple weeks we have been pretty busy, and time just flies when you are busy. As I shared a couple weeks ago, we moved houses. We kind of ran into a hiccup, when the owner of the house came by to inspect the damages. Her name is Ema, she is a nice lady, also willing to offer us her TV to watch and cigarettes...even though we don´t watch TV or smoke. We ran into some problems as there were some items of the house that were missing...obviously over the years and the many missionaries things get damaged and stuff gets lost. Claiming the missionaries had damaged her perfect home, she basically wants the church to pay for the problems of her house. Thankfully there is this poor little missionary in the office that has to deal with problems like these, he had some fun talking to our landlord. Elder Weyand and I hadn´t broken or damaged anything, and it turns out that the previous missionaries hadn´t either. The house was rented with a host of problems, and Ema had just claimed that the missionaries had caused the damages. Sometimes even though it is unfair, or unjust, we can still help the situation. Elder Weyand and I offered to paint the house as part of cleaning it up. What I have realized is that when someone has a problem, it´s better to just take a step back and breathe. Though subtle, I hope this can leave a good impression on the landlord of the missionaries. 

Attached are some great photos, the first is Elder Weyand bringing the Book of Mormon to the Chilean people. The second one is me painting, if it looks like I know what I´m doing...you are mistaken. Elder Weyand paints, I supervise. 

Love, Elder Haddad

Inspiration

“I can live with some human imperfections, even among prophets of God—that is to be expected in mortal beings. I can live with some alleged scientific findings contrary to the Book of Mormon; time will correct those. And I can live with some seeming historical anomalies; they are minor in the total landscape of truth. But I cannot live without the doctrinal truths and ordinances restored by Joseph Smith, I cannot live without the priesthood of God to bless my family, and I cannot live without knowing my wife and children are sealed to me for eternity. That is the choice we face—a few unanswered questions on one hand versus a host of doctrinal certainties and the power of God on the other.” Tad R. Callister, Sunday School general president,

I don´t think I could add anything to this email, that wasn't already perfectly described by that quote. 

Love you all, 

Elder Haddad

The Miracle House

Last week I left a short message that we moved, we actually had a pretty interesting experience of how we found the house. The missionaries in Estrecho have been trying to move out of the old house for years. It got pretty cold in the house with the really poor construction. Now I don´t want to complain, but it was not enjoyable in that house. We looked and looked and looked, and found nothing. The sector seemed impossible to find anything that would fit our budget. Our sector is sandwiched between downtown and a university, we also are on the coast, so the houses can be a bit more expensive for the location. After touring about 2 houses and looking in the newspaper daily, we finally found a house one day doing contacts. 

We called the owner and he agreed to meet with us within the next couple of days. When we entered the house we saw a well constructed, spacious house with plenty of light, but best of all, heaters! We toured the whole house and because it was a little expensive, I was wary. Elder Weyand told me, "Elder Haddad this is our house, did you see the hint?" The hint? I had no idea what he was talking about. Only seconds later did I realize that the only remaining item from the previous owners was a little pass along card of Jesus Christ. A very old, sun damaged card from our church that had been wedged at the top of the door frame for years. Now I thought that was pretty dang cool, and somehow we were able to speed up the process in move into the new house in the following two weeks. 

Love to all,

Elder Haddad

We did a lip-syncing activity this week in the church. Big success!
Elder Weyand and I lip-synced and danced to Cotton-Eye Joe. 

Seminary teacher of Estrecho, Bishop, daughter of the Bishop,
and our ward mission leader performing YMCA. 

El Tío

You are now looking at the proud new owner of "El Tío" fastfood truck. I have decided that the Lord has called me to serve the people of Chile fried foods instead of the gospel.  (Just kidding!)

More to come next week, but quick updates: We are moving houses this week, Elder Weyand and I are together for another transfer here in Estrecho, and it snowed today in case you were wondering.

 

Love, your favorite missionary, Elder Haddad. 

I thought I would share part of his email to me:

Ughh mom, not going to lie I'm a bit frustrated I'm going to be here for another transfer. That's 6 months in a ward that has 30 members...and 3 of them are moving out. We have had investigators coming, but man this place is getting to me. Elder Weyand and I are staying another 6 weeks together, and I just hope it goes by fast.  I know there is a purpose for all of this and for why I'm still here, it's just hard to come to terms with. I feel like I want to move on, progress, and grow, and I feel like I can't in this sector...but the Lord never asks us to do easy things. I will be knocking every single door 4 times now, talking with the same people for the 4th time. I just hope it goes by fast...but besides that, we had a good week. We had a devotional, and we are also going to move houses within the next week. Hopefully life will be better at the new house.