I wanted to talk a little bit about the Chilean people. You've got to know who they are so you can understand why I love them. Of course there are exeptions, and not everybody is the same, but this is a lot of what I saw this year and a half.
They are such a riot. So, SO funny. They are so passionate and dramatic. They love their families so much. They are the most passive agressive people you ever did see. If they didn't want to talk to you, they just make up some great excuse. Sometimes when we were contacting, people would just yell, "There`s nobody here!". A few times, they'd go leave to go "find somebody", and then they'd just leave us there waiting with their door open. And they sure wouldn't come back. Anything to not be too rude. If you ask if you can share the gospel, they're always putting the baby to sleep, they can't come outside because they've just drank mattè or ironed and they don't want to get their face messed up, they're with their "babies" that are at least 13 years old, they're VERY busy with watching their soap operas or doing absolutely nothing, or "JUSTO estaban saliendo".
They are just so so so so funny. They sometimes talk while they're inhaling to emphasize something. Sometimes the women are hilarious and boss their husbands around and aren't very nice to them. Sometimes the men are super chauvinistic. I sure didn't like that. They love their country. They love to party and have a good time. They don't mind if things are a little broken as long as they still work. They are very crafty and just make do with what they have. They usually are very nice to help one another. They LOVE el campo, and usually everybody is from el campo and has to go visit their family on Sundays. That's sort of a joke, future Chilean missionaries; Don't get too nervous. They have the most wicked sweet fashion taste. Some are super classy. A lot of the jovenes look like they are living in the 80's, complete with fanny packs and jean jackets and big hair. And 80's American music. The flitès walk around with a speaker box in their hand listening to their hardcore reggaeton. They have crazy dichos and talk crazy Spanish. I mean they don't speak Spanish, they speak Chilean. They love their completos and their meat. They work very hard so they can be able to go home and have a good time. They eat bread for basically every meal, espeically hallullah bread. Don't contact during the Once, which lasts from 4 until 11.They are a very believing people.They have an open culture of faith. They always give you a little jugito with you come visit, maybe even some cookies. They start their lunches with a soup, and then you get the main course, and then a postre. Always. Welcome to dessert everyday. Some are a little bit on the bigger side, and they don't care one bit. The government has put sweet exercise machines right next to the jungle gym if you want to get crazy. They love to live in the moment. They are very loving. Very "de piel". They want to like you, and enjoy being with you.
In short, they're amazing. I love them so much, and I know they'll always be a part of me. I have learned a lot from them.
Thankfully, I didn't come on a mission to get translated, as Hermana Humphrey told me, so I'm still coming home imperfect. Thank goodness. But I've learned how to love more. I've learned how to be happier. And most importantly, I have learned how to better love my Savior and my Heavenly Father. I know that I really am not much by myself, but with Them at my side I have seen miracles. I love the idea of the divine discontent that I'm going to keep in my life. To keep striving to be and give the best that is in me every day that I have. I'm excited to see what else Heavenly Father has in store for me, but I am so incredibly grateful for such a beautiful chapter of my life. Thank you for all your prayers, love, and support. They've meant the world to me.
Just be good, so you can be happy.
Love you all. See you soon enough.
Hermana Lovell
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