80th pictures of the girl's with the black tag

With Natalia and Narda. =)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

The nastiest fruit thing that I've ever seen 

Don't they look like blood cells? The worst part is that the liquid is thick... ew... 

Party today with the Hermanas!! 

H Contreras, H Aponte, H Williams, H Grannis, H Tingey, H Cook, Me, H Allred, H Pinrod

Cool grafiti!!! I love this stuff in Chile

H Villalba, H Palmer, H Tingey, H Cook, me. (look how white my toes are haha)

80th Blog and only 2 more….

Family! 

Here's a funny, inside Mormon missionary joke. I hope you get it. =)


The Black Name Tag

A black name tag upon my chest; we are the men, the church's best.
Some may boast and some may brag, but only a few wear the black name tag.

Twenty-four months without a date; but we are tough, we can wait.
Our girls at home they never brag, their brave men wear the black name tag.

Bak at home our girlfriends wait; but not for long, she starts to date.
Her interest soon begins to lag, she soon "dear John's" the black name tag.

On our return we resume life, start our search to find a wife.
But finds are few and efforts lag, but such is life for the black name tag.

You find a fox, she has a man.
You find a chick, she has a plan.
You find the ONE, but what a DRAG.
'Cause she wants to wear the BLACK NAME TAG.


We had an interesting experience in the metro this past Monday. We were just standing there and this man gets on the packed train. He's about a foot from my face; He talks to his friend and immediately you can feel his gruff and bold personality. He keeps looking at me and then at my name tag. So the next time he looked at me, I looked straight at him and said, "Hola." He responded and then started asking questions of how long I'd been in Chile. I told him 18 months. Then he asked how long we are supposed to be in Chile. I told him 18 months. He then asked again thinking I did not understand him. I continued to just say 18 months. (It was quite fun even though he was getting frustrated.) He finally understood and then the bomb exploded... He started quoting I don't even know what scriptures, telling us a story about Elijah, making sure we knew the Bible was the only word of God, etc. While he was quoting the Bible story, I didn't say anything to his 500 'Amens?' because he was very abrupt and harsh in his mannerisms. Sooo, he totally looked at us three and said, "You don't know that story? You guys have got to read the Bible more." Right then my patience ran thin. I said, "Be careful sir. I know the Bible story. Don't judge so quickly about someone you don't know. Please show respect." He looked flabbergasted, made excuses for his actions, and continued his rant saying we needed to read in 2 Corinthians something.... Until... a dear kind lady jumped into the conversation and said to him very strongly, "Read Matthew 18:19." He said, "What's it about?" and she responded, "Just go read it." Thanks to the metro, it was his stop and he got off... yelling at us, as he got off and 10 other people were pushing to get on, to read another scripture (of the which I did not hear because the metro was so loud). After he got off, there was peace in the air. I took out my iPod and looked up Matthew 18:19. It has nothing to do with anything that we were talking about. Hahaha. So I asked the cute lady what it was about and she said, "It's about love and respect for everyone." I just let her think it was. Hahahaha. Okay, maybe you had to be there, but it was a typical missionary moment with the little grandma who came to the save us from the rude Evangelico. :)


VANIA GOT HER MISSION CALL! We were invited to the house for when she opened it, in fact she called us early to make sure we were coming over; however, we decided to continue working and hear over the phone because it was late at night and we felt we needed to visit Juan and Flor. So Vania called us right after she opened it... She was so happy and all emotional. Ahhh. She is going to la mision: LIMA OESTE, PERU!!!! Lucky dog. I love Peruvians.


Hermana Cook shocked the pants off of me this week. It was impressive! We were contacting someone at the door of their home and I had talked for a while about the restoration. So we were getting ready to say the prayer and leave; I was expecting Hermana Cook to ask the contact if we could say a prayer with her... when all the sudden I hear, "Can I sing a hymn for you?" Say what?! It was absolutely beautiful. I did not sing due the lack of voice, but Hermana Tingey and Hermana Cook yes. It was a tender moment for this contact. She said it was the first time in her life that someone had sung a hymn for her. Aaaahhhh. We left her with eyes full of tears and a heart full of joy, she said.


Hermana Tingey moment. We're walking down the street after a really bad contact. As in the contact looked at us, told us he had a bad day and to come back another time, started bawling and walked away. 0_0. We're walking in the street and Hermana Tingey says, "I feel like missionary life is just like survival mode. You sometimes just keep walking and talking." Bahahahahaha. True dat.


I am very grateful to have two amazing companions. Hermana Cookins and Hermana Tingey-Wingey are the best. I can't imagine finishing out this 19 month adventure without them. It just wouldn't be the same... at all. They truly are amazing missionaries and ladies. Who could ask for better comps?


Everyone in their emails are saying, "Well, if I don't email you again before you come home..." and everyone at church who are leaving for vacation are saying, "Well, I probably won't ever see you again...". SAY WHAT?!? It's becoming more real. Well, I haven't quite accepted that it's so close because it doesn't feel like my time will ever come; however, with those kinds of comments, how can you not accept it? 2 WEEKS GUYS. That's like nothing. *freaking out*


We ran into a lovely lady, Narda, 2 weeks ago in the street. She was so kind and had a big smile. She told us that we're invite to her home for lunch one day, but that we were not going to be able to convince her of our religious beliefs. That didn't matter to us! It was quite a special moment for someone in the street to just invite 3 crazy Gringas to enter into their home to eat. So I called her up this past Sunday and asked if we could come to lunch. She laughed and said, YES! She was so excited to have us in her home. I immediately felt a peace and love in her home that I have yet to find elsewhere in this area. I felt like she had just become an aunt who I'd never met before. It was a wonderful lunch with her and her daughter, Natalia. I enjoyed it tremendously... and... we have another appointment with her. :)


I got a Christmas card this week from Aaron and Tasha. THANK-YOU!! Late is better than never. :)


One in a lifetime story: an ATM ate my missionary credit card. Yup. That's right. Put the card in, typed in my pin, and poof the ATM died. Shut right off and ate my card. Chau. Hahahaha. I think it's a sign... I'm coming home! :)


Hermana Palmer came to us this week from the CCM. Hermana Villalba who has 4 months in the mission is training! Hermana Palmer is hilarious; especially with her emergency bag which holds a tent, a man, fishing gear, birds, and bullets (inside joke). We are so happy to have her and even guessed the night before she came of what she looked like, where she studied, how many are in her family, etc. It was quite funny to find out the truth after guessing for 20 minutes. =) Welcome to the mission Hermana Palmer!


Mom, THANKS for always keeping my blog and FaceBook up-to-date. You have been a trooper for 19 months! Love you.


What is your best memory or most life changing moment in 2014? Think about it. Answer it. Our District Leader, Elder Silva, asked us this question this past week and it took me a few minutes to think back on the year. 2014 ... a whole year in Chile as a Mormon missionary and mission nurse. What a fantastic year! There were many memories that flooded into my head; however, the most important and life changing was a special conference we had with President and Hermana Wright. We spent hours listening and talking about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. What I learned that day has changed who I am and who I will be. I wish I could write down everything I learned and all of the feelings of my heart; however, it just won't do. Study the Atonement and the powers we can access therein. It's made a difference in my life and it can in yours.


Love you all! Have a wonderful week. I'm not sure if I have 1 or 2 B-days left. It just depends if we go to the Internet the 19th or not. But see ya all till next week!!


Love.
Brooklyn


P.S. I got an email from Hermana Berthelson and her "adjusting to ex-missionary life". HILARIOUS! I will be stealing some of it for next week's email just so you all know what my future struggles will be and you will be patient with me. Haha.

79th addendum pictures….

79th blog Hello Ffffaaaaaa-fffaaaaaa-mmmmmm-iiiiii-lllllleeeeeee

Ffffaaaaaa-fffaaaaaa-mmmmmm-iiiiii-lllllleeeeeee.

Stats time: now that Hermana Cook has taken over the role of Mission Nurse and I am a consulting nurse and translator. Therefore, my time as nurse is coming to close... of course it is my calling until I leave here the 19th, but I'm training to retire :). Sooooo, I have taken a rough count of how many nursing calls I received in 18 months..... 1,500. HOLY SMOKES! That's a lot of sick missionaries. 

Speaking of sick missionaries. I do not understand what is going on in the mission. The weirdest things are happening and we're sending a ton of missionaries to the clinic. Gallbladder removal, Christmas day ankle injury, etc. We were doing so good for a while and then boom! it all came a crashing down. I'll blame it on the month of December.


This is necessary. Nurse News Flash: we have broken the head of a femur here in Chile Santiago Este. I wouldn't be surprised to say it's a first. How do you do it? You jump down 3 stairs in your house onto a freshly mopped floor (unknowlingly). How to fix it? Surgery to make sure you don't cut off too much blood supply to your leg and lose it... and lots of time in the hospital and the mission home. What really stinks? It's his last 6 weeks in the mission. How to prevent it? Stay on your 2 feet at all times and all places. =) Good job Elder, you've made history. SMH. Hahahaha. He's doing just fine. Reading lots of scriptures and sleeping a ton.

December 2014: record month for craziness in my entire mission. We've had sooo many meetings, activities, and uuggghh never a dull moment. However, I truly loved this month, even though it was difficult to schedule everything. Christmas was great! It actually felt like Christmas this year. December was amazing!

Family!!! We got to see each other even if it was in the bathroom! Guess what... Few weeks more and it will be even better. I loved talking to you all, laughing together, and getting made fun of. Thanks. Love you all too. :) But we didn't take any pictures! :(

The best ward idea ever: give 4 families Christmas Eve dinner with the ward's funds. I wish I could have been there to see their faces. Man, do I love service. Thanks Mom for inbreding that Godly principle in my life. I hope you all were able to serve someone this Christmas. That's what makes the day His day. Now may we all do it throughout the year.

Sooo, it was my last summer Christmas. It's so funny to me that the Chileans think it is terrible to have snow or for it to be cold at Christmas time. They like to go to the beach, have BBQs Christmas Eve for their Christmas dinner, stay up until midnight (of Christmas Eve) to open gifts, etc. Really they celebrate Christmas the night of the 24th and don't even wait cor the 25th to arrive. Haha. The traditions here are very different than at home. I can't imagine living in a place with summery Christmas and they can't imagine it in winter. Haha.

Christmas Eve we ate with the Familia Muñoz. Pizza. :) What a funny Christmas dinner, but it was good. Then we watched and talked about El es la Dádiva. We talked about how the invitation and message of the video is to "discover" and "accept" the gift, Christ. We had just been reading in our studies in the morning of how powerful our prayers can be. I know our Heavenly Father wants to hear from us; He loves us. He wants us to have what He has and know what He knows. So He gives us the opportunity to talk with Him; at times, we really talk to Him and others we just sound like a person ordering pizza. If we want to learn spiritual truths and enjoy the Spirit more in our lives, prayer is essential. 

Late Christmas Eve (12am) we opened up some of the gifts. That's how the Chileans do it, so when in Chile... I was able to hand out the gifts from Patti Riggs to the 4 other Hermanas here in the house. They absolutely loved them and immediately started eating the candy. I think I heard: "I love Patti.", "Patti is my new best friend." and "THANKYOU Patti." at least 10 times. Haha. They loved the American candy! Thankyou so much!!! :) After we opened some gifts, we read The Living Christ together and talked about the meaning of Christmas. It was a wonderful moment together. Then we went to bed. Haha. Only to wake up in the morning, shower, study, stuff our faces with Hermana Grannis and Hermana Williams, and Skype with you guys. Then we went out to work in the evening and taught some great people. And that was Christmas! :)

Just for giggles: we contacted a sweet young lady last week who has some mental challenges, but is the happiest being I've ever seen. She talked about her friends and how happy she is almost the entire time. Then it came to explaining who we were. So we said, "Nosotras somos Mormonas." (we are Mormons) and she totally heard and understood, "Nosotras somos monjas." (we are nuns). Hahaha. It was quite a funny moment when we realized she thought we were nuns. :) 

Sick. Sick. Sick. I have been SICK! It's hanging on for dead life; I am too. No voice for days. Fevers. Strep throat. Sinus infection. Etc. I think I'm sicker than when I had Swine Flu. I started on antibiotics, received the most precious Priesthood Blessing ever from Elder Mamani and Elder Vasquez, and slowed down to rest a little. I'm glad I've got more time to heal and am not coming home today. That would be miserable! Blessings of extending. :)

I've had a lot of time to think recently about school and what I'm gonna do. But wait for it... I still haven't decided. :) I have been quite bent on not going back and thinking 'for what?'. Until, our "How to Go Home and be Independent workshop"... I came up with this... Why be content with the education that you have?! You're young. You could work full time and school part time. Or work part time and school part time. You don't have to go into debt for it. Go for it. You'll use that knowledge for the rest of your life. Always continue learning. You can do online classes if needed.... Soooo... I'm more open to the idea now. Still haven't made the decision yet, but at least I've come to the conclusion that it's a reasonable idea.

Luke 2:8-18. I noticed something this week as I was studying about the birth of the Savior. Read the scriptures. Focus on the shepherds.


8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

The shepherds heard the angel, believed him, decided to act upon his words (unknowing the results), went and saw the baby Jesus, felt it was something to share, and went out and shared it. And because of all of that, they affected the lives of many others. I'd never seen before that they were shepherd missionaries! How cool is that!

Love you all! Go out and be missionaries! Make known abroad the saying which was told...concerning this (Christ) child!


HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! Make some goals for 2015. Write them down. =)

Love love love.
Brooklyn

78 Blog Pictures of the one and only Hermana Talbot

The whole entire mission!!!

picture of the mission. Cool huh?

President Wright, Hermana Wright, and me.
This was our Day of Honor at their house.

Talent Show at J.P. Alessandri!
Clarina and Miguel came. 

This dog followed us to church... waited 3 1/2 hours for us in the church parking lot...
and walked us home after (30 minute walk). We named him Joaquin.

FELIZ NAVIDAD!!!  Hermana Tingey, Hermana Talbot, and Hermana Cook

I got cards and a package this week! Thanks to Mom, Patti, Joy, and Dr. & Hna Johnson.
HAPPY HAPPY GIRL

78th Blog….. Calling all of the hooligans in Hooliganville

78th Blog of Hermana Talbot

Family... Dearest hooligans... Hi. :)

18 months in the mission!!!! One more to go for the record of 19 months! I spent this special day in the temple and at President's house. It can't get any better than that!

Alejandro had a break through with family history! First time sitting down at the computer with the family history consultant, Solange, and he had a great time! He came to the computer not knowing who anyone was after his parents... and he left knowing his grandparents. :) Gotta love family history!

Story time: we got a reference from the office of a Juan Ignacio. He's 21 years old and is absolutely wonderful. We met him that same day and set up an appointment for 2 days later. Thursday came and we taught him in a park. We simply asked him, "For you, who is God?". I cannot even express what I felt as he told us his feelings about God, his Heavenly Father. He spoke of a father, someone who loves him and knows him. He spoke of someone who is interested in his life and who is there to help in every way. I sat there astounded. I felt the Spirit as he was talking. My eyes filled with tears and I felt edified by my investigator's testimony. I never realized how much these people can and are changing me. My testimony is much stronger. I know, just as Juan Ignacio knows, that Heavenly Father loves us all more than we can comprehend. Bad news... he's moving... BUMMER.

I had my Temple Day and Day of Honor with President and Hermana Wright this past Thursday!! I still can't believe that I'm coming home. I feel bipolar when it comes to my feelings, but I think I'll normal out soon. Haha. So this change there are almost 40 of us who are going home. It's one of the largest groups to leave the mission at one time. In fact, for all of us to have our Day of Honor, they had to split up the Elders and the Hermanas because it isn't possible to feed us all at one time. So all of us Hermanas had our own special day with the Wrights. Cool!! It was better off that way because we didn't have to act like ladies (ex: playing basketballs in dresses haha). It was a wonderful day. I have many memories to write in my journal. It was a great goodbye, even though I'm not leaving with the group on the 29th of December. I've got a little more time to play. :)

Funny fact: Hermana Tingey and Hermana Cook have been struggling with names recently. We're not sure why, but they've been calling each other Hermana Talbot!!! Bahahahahahah. It's so funny to hear them talking and then hear the exasperation after they say my name. Pure shock and shame. Bahahahaha.

Second story time: okay, 2 less actives. We always pass for them. Always. They're never home or never have time. They can be very short tempered, but also very loving people. I have entered their house maybe 4 times since I've been in this sector (almost 10 months of passing by for them) and 2 of those times were while Clarina was working inside her house and 2 others to offer service. However, POR FIN, we got into the house this past week and we had a bomb of a lesson (as Hermana Cook called it). I talked a lot. Ooppss. But I know the spirit was present and there were very inspired moments as I poured my heart out to them and them to me. Also, they made me feel wonderful for 2 reasons. (1) They said I was the first missionary who had come into their home of the which they felt I was truly interested and worried about their spiritual lives. [Side note: I was very bold with them and told them how it was... they must have liked it.] Anyway, (2) as we were leaving Miguel said to me that he was happy that Clarina got was she wanted and accomplished a desire. Her desire was for me to come back to their home before Christmas so the two of us could talk. And lo and behold, they came to church for the first time in about 5 years. How amazing is that! Those are the little breakthroughs that make this all worth it. All people can change!!

Speaking of changes. In South America, we're changing the way we count lessons and people in our key indicatores! For the first time here in the mission, President called a meeting of the entire mission to let us know about these changes. I am so excited to see the photos! So starting 2015, we will not be counting lessons with members, recent converts, or less actives, references, and progressing investigators. Wow! What a change! However, I am excited because now our focus will change. We will look more toward ordinances and those who are progressing. Also we are starting to report the total assistance in the chapel every Sunday. The area presidency of South America are crackin' down! Yyyahhhoooo!


It's the little things: we were in the metro contacting people as we were traveling to a reunion and all the sudden I saw something that lifted my spirits. This teenager, a very tall and white looking Chilean at that, pulled out his cellphone. I thought nothing of it, until I saw Moroni sounding his trump at the top left corner. He started reading and had a thoughtful look on his face. I immediately reached over 5 people and tapped him on the shoulder. I asked him, yelling at that, "Are you a member?" He said, "Yes." with a big grin on his face. I responded, "I have an assignment for you to do." and gave him 3 'El es la Dádiva' (#heisthegift) cards to hand out before Christmas. He accepted the challenge and we got off of the metro. It warmed my heart to know that a youth in the church took his precious time in the crowded metro to read about the gospel and strenghten his testimony in Jesus Christ. Every person, young and old, should aspire to do just the same.

Have courage, stand for truth, testify of Christ, strengthen your testimony... I'll do the same. That's a promise. :)


FELIZ NAVIDAD!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! May we remember the reason we celebrate Christmas. It's not our birthdays. It's the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Had He never been born... had He never offered Himself and completed His mission, the Atonement, there would be no hope for any of us. Let us celebrate Him, forget ourselves, and serve those around us.

Love,
Hermana Talbot

P.S. We had a missionary ward activity... We Hermanas did synchronized swimming. It was sooo much fun. Too bad I can't send the video. :P



P.P.S. Last photo... it was of today. We had a Christmas Devotional with President Wright, Hermana Wright, and their oldest son, Jonathan. We ran into a whole bunch of people... one of them being Hermana Allred! Kodak moment. =)

77th Blog addition Pictures pictures pictures….