Hermanas Conference

In conjunction with Chile's Bicentennial, we had a leadership conference for the Hermanas and brought all of them into Antofagasta to our home. Most had to travel overnight by bus to arrive by Friday morning but they were all so excited to be together that a little fatigue didn't stop them from constant chatter all day long.

We took a group picture before lunch. Unfortunately my eyes were closed for this shot. But that just means you can't see my blood-shot eyes.

As soon as the sisters arrived they freshened up and then we had breakfast: homemade muffins, yogurt (which is delicious in Chile), fruit and juice. I'm still eating all the bananas they didn't eat.

The office Elders helped transport the sisters from the bus station and so of course they stayed for breakfast. Four of the sisters arrived at 5:00 a.m. and had to wait at the terminal for over an hour before the elders arrived.

This is my first attempt at taking a picture with a timer. The Gringo sisters were excited to have cupcakes for dessert.

These two, Hermana Chavez and Hermana Portillo, love to pose for the camera and are so much fun to have around.

Hermana Olivares helped serve lunch: chicken enchiladas, homemade refried beans and mexican rice. Notice the paper plates. Ashley sent these to me and it's the first time I've used them. Paper plates don't exist in Chile and I thought this "American" meal deserved American plates.

Leland helped with serving and was so great with all the high-pitched chatter going on all day. I just noticed in this picture that our clock is hung crooked. But I can't reach it anyway.

My maid, Nery, had the day off for the Bicentenario so I was head cook and dishwasher.

Yummy Cupcakes!!! And I'm so happy to have my KitchenAid and Crockpot. Two more things that don't exist in Chile.

Hermana Gimenez, from Argentina, wanted to learn how to make Snickerdoodles. So after lunch we had a cookie demonstration. Notice my one brown cookie sheet. It's the only one that fits in my tiny oven. Do they even make cookie sheets this size anymore?

Hermana Olivares demonstrating how to crack an egg. Most of the Hermanas were very interested in her technique. By the way, Hermana Olivares wanted to curl my hair like hers with a curling iron but we didn't have time. Darn!!!

Next up...cricut crafting. Each companionship created a sign saying "Celestial" for their apartment. All our missionaries are striving to be Celestial Missionaries. Our Hermanas enjoyed gluing and stringing ribbon. Their apartments will now have just a dash of color. Pictured are Hermana Warner from Alpine, Utah and her companion, Hermana Marin from Uruguay.

More cricut crafting.

Hermana Travez (left) is from Equador and always wears her native clothing which she makes. She is our angel in the mission. Hermana Gimenez, from Argentina, is going home next week and we will miss her so much (especially me because she speaks English).

Elder Skene and Presidente didn't get into the crafting. But they enjoyed some time on the couch.

After all the girly fun the Hermanas headed downstairs to the training room for more instruction from Presidente Bruce. Hermana Montanden, from North Las Vegas, looks pretty excited to be trained.

It was a busy day with our conference. By 9:00 pm we had filled the sisters with lots of food and plenty of spiritual nourishment. We drove them back to the bus station for their overnight rides to their sectors. I'm sure they were pretty tired the next morning but will have many memories of the Hermana Conference.