Yesterday, September 2, 2013 marked one month since Evone and I arrived here in Santiago, Chile to begin our 18 month mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  We are absolutely thrilled to be serving our Father in heaven and the wonderful people of Chile.

For some of our friends who may not be members of the church, you may be wondering what exactly we are doing as missionaries.  Our call is to work in the Perpetual Education Fund of the Church.  The program helps young people in the church to gain an education which ultimately will lead to employment, and help raise them out of poverty.  The program was introduced by President Gordon B. Hinckley on March 31, 2001.  It is available in 51 developing countries, and has assisted over 50,000 of these amazing people improve their lives and the lives of their families.

After one month on the job, we are beginning to get settled into our assignment.  We spend a full work day working in an office environment working with computers and telephones most of the day.  In addition to that, we are beginning to make some trips out to some cities outside of Santiago where we are meeting and working with church leaders and some of the participants who are currently working on their educations and some who have graduated and are now working.  It is truly inspiring to see these young people who have come from very humble backgrounds and who now have degrees or certificates, and who are working in good paying jobs for the areas where they live.  This program is truly inspired of God, and the many people who have and continue to make contributions to this fund should be thrilled with the good that is coming from their kindness.

Two weeks ago, we had the opportunity of traveling to Vina del Mar, a city about 2 hours directly West from Santiago.  It is a beautiful historic seaside city, which in the summer is a vacation destination for many Chilenos and others from all over the world (see pictures below).  We met with another retired Chileno couple from Concepcion, Chile who are working in an employment office for the church, and who are beginning to assist us with the Perpetual Education Fund.  It was fun to learn what they are doing and to learn about their background and their family.  They are a couple very similar to us, who have left their children and grandchildren to come and serve for 18 months.  We are looking forward to working with them in the future months ahead.

Carolina - just graduated and is teaching English to primary school (grade school)

Sebastian - currently studying engineering

Standing on the beach of Vina del Mar

Quaint buildings and cobble stone roads in Valparaiso (next to Vina del Mar)

Beautiful murals in Valparaiso

Museum in Valparaiso

View from old town Valparaiso over to Vina del Mar

Richard with Ricardo (Director of the PEF, and our boss), and Alfredo, Manager of the PEP call center.  Wonderful men who we truly enjoy working with

A typical empenada (meat pie - traditional Chilean food) stand in Santiago.  We find these in nearly every block of the city.  They are truly wonderful!!