Our first Capilla Abierta since the protests began!

     On Sunday the 8th we attended Sacrament meeting in the Jose Pedro Alessandri Ward in the Alicahue Stake.  We then stayed for the whole church block in the Macul 1st Ward in the Alicahue Stake as they meet in the same building.  It was great to be there when our new missionaries were introduced and they were asked to bear their testimonies.  With transfers, we were able to listen to 6 of our young missionaries speak between the two wards.
     We continue to encourage the wards to have Capilla Abierta's to help the young missionaries get referrals but most of the wards and stakes are still trying to keep a low profile and not bring attention to the chapels so we don't expect many Capilla Abierta's until next year.  We do have one scheduled on Saturday so we will see what happens.
     The temple continues to keep the gates all locked but we are now serving on a full morning shift again.  The afternoon shift only has 2 sessions for now but that could change next week.  Things seem to be settling down and people are getting ready for Christmas and summer break from school.
     We got our little tree up and decorated.

  We are helping to get the music ready for a Charla Fogonera and 2 Christmas devotionals.  We had a violinist join us this transfer.  He will be playing with the choir for the Charla and also plans to perform a duet with a guitar player.  We have some very talented youth here right now.  It is fun to audition these groups and help them prepare to perform.
     Wednesday we spent the entire day on the road.  We began out in Jose de Maipo fixing one of the stairs.  We figure the Elder must have been jumping down the stairs to cause this damage.

We love the drive there, it is so relaxing to be out of the city so we were not unhappy to have to go out there.  We then did 3 more service calls in 3 different zones.  It was a good day and we accomplished everything that we needed to do.
     Thursday morning we went to the temple and were able to do some baptisms for ancestors.  Then we had to get back to the office for an audition with Elder Jerez and Elder Boyer.  I was so thrilled to hear Cannon in D with The First Noel.  I really love that arrangement.  We accomplished 2 service calls in the afternoon and came home early to get some biscuits and gravy ready to deliver to Elder Meeks tomorrow morning for his birthday.  We also got 3 pans of brownies made for the Christmas boxes for the young missionaries.   We'll get these put into the freezer till time to put them into the boxes.
     Friday we did 5 inspections and were pleased by the clean and orderly pensions that we inspected.       Saturday we had our first Capilla Abierta since October when the protests began.

Elders Gonzales y Ebeling the Zone Leaders 

We were out of practice and I forgot several items that we should have had but no one else knew it so it was OK.  The turnout was kind of disappointing.  We found out that this ward had their Christmas party on Friday evening so we were not surprised that the ward didn't support another night out back to back.  We did have one neighbor come who is interested in learning more about her Heavenly Father's love for her so the missionaries have a teaching appointment with her on Monday.  The young missionaries did enjoy doing 5 tours with the members but we only had 33 total members attend.
     Sunday morning we attended the Turquesa Ward in the Vicuna Mackenna Stake.  This was one of the friendliest wards we have attended.  We were welcomed warmly.  I even got to play the piano for Sacrament meeting.  I was a little disappointed when we didn't sing all Christmas songs though.  Both Elder Thompson and I are really missing Christmas this year.  We were going to attend a Christmas Devotional in the Las Condes Stake this evening.  We went early to deliver some materials that the Elders needed and got to tour their Nativity display.

I just love nativities and could have spent an hour here

But we had to get on the road again

And get to Vicuna Mackenna Stake Center

For a testimony meeting with recent converts

We were really disappointed that we didn't get to attend the devotional but we needed to support the missionaries and their recent converts at the meeting.

It's been a busy Sabbath but the best part was getting home in time to video chat with Tracy and his family.  With 4 and 5 hours difference in our time zones it is harder to find a time to talk with our family.  We cherish any opportunity that we get to visit with the most important people in our lives.  We love our children and grandchildren and miss their hugs and kisses.  

I am late getting this posted so I will stop here.  December is half over already.  We pray that you are enjoying the Christmas season and are remembering the true reason for the celebration.  We love our Savior and are so thankful for his birth.  We send our love to all.  Have a week filled with love!