Cabrero

For the past three months Elder Woodfield has been serving as a missionary in Cabrero, Chile and its neighboring town of Monte Aquila. This sign says it best. He and his companion have truly been "working machines."

As winter ended in the southern hemisphere Travis and Elder O. (from Brazil) have walked the streets and footpaths of these towns through biting cold, pouring rain, and the blazing afternoon sun of a Chilean spring.

He's served and loved and learned from the beautiful people here.

Of course, being Travis, he sends home numerous photos of food.

He may be a working machine, but every once in a while, on P-days, he and the other missionaries can play a little--be it on a fútbol field, a snowy volcano, or by a waterfall.

Travis turned 20 last month, and like a true adult he spent the day working. He did, however, buy a Chilean apple pie to celebrate with his companion. (Yes, that candle is a Q-tip.)

My mother-heart is comforted to know that he is happy and finding joy in his service and sacrifice.  I am grateful for his personal growth and spiritual journey to truly know God and that he finds simple pleasures along the way.

After twelve weeks together Elder O. has been transferred to a different city and Elder Woodfield will be TRAINING his next companion--a brand new missionary fresh from the Missionary Training Center. On to the next adventure!

Christmas in Chile

This will be Travis' first Christmas away from home. He is over 5700 miles away serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile. . .where it is summer.

The holiday season began for Travis with a baptism.

and a companionship change to a trio.

There's been Christmas kittens and lots of good food.

There's been gatherings and singing and mission partying.

Travis and one of his companions bought a small Christmas tree at the street market in Boca Sur complete with decorations and lights for their apartment.

For a short time they had a full apartment again when Elder I. joined them, but transfers followed a week later.

Now Travis has a brand new companion whom he will serve with for at least six weeks if not longer--Elder G. from Brazil.

On Monday Travis sent us this picture of another sunny and bright baptism day.

Boy, do we miss having our missionary around during the holidays, but he is happy and doing so well. I'm looking forward to my most favorite present of all--a 40-minute Skype call from him at noon on Christmas day!

Merry Christmas!

Enjoy this short video from my family to yours:

Dear Rachel (#21)

Dear Rachel,

It's been a while since I've written a blog letter, and I have a few things to share to catch you up on the last couple months. First, guess who is behind the wheel now and practicing her skills?

Your dad has been a most patient teacher, although I did let Abby drive me to her soccer practice in Mapleton one afternoon. We both agreed that we wouldn't do that again for a good long while.

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Speaking of teen drivers, did you see what one did to your dad's car?

Oh, he was so sad to have to let this car go! It served his mid-life crisis well, but secretly, I am glad I won't have to experience any more g-forces whenever we make hairpin turns. This accident happened as we were returning Travis' tuxedo the Monday after Senior Prom.

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He had a great time. Brontë was easy to talk to and a really fun date.

Do you recognize a few other people in this photo? Once upon a time three of them were preschoolers who used to play at our house those many years ago.

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High School Track has come to a close. Travis came in third place in our Region in both the 100 m and the 200 m.

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Look at what Grandma W. crocheted me for my birthday. I love it! I spread it out on my bed for the photo, but it is the perfect over-sized throw for me to snuggle under, and the colors are exactly what I wanted.

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For Mother's Day (or my second birthday as Kellie likes to call it since it is always so close to April 25) Abby gave me a rose she made in her Metals class. I think she did an incredible job.

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Our curtain of wisteria was stunning again this year. I'm sure it is nothing like the prolific Atlanta blooms you get to see, but I love it just the same.

I love you and David too! Happy May!

Love,

Mom