Chile!

 Surprisingly, especially to myself, we went to Chile.  Milt has done work in the high northern mountains of Chile at a copper mine.  It has never tempted me to join him.  Simeon has been working for him as an intern this summer. It just so happens that Simeon served his mission in the Chile Vina Del Mar mission.  Milt was invited to come do some work again, and it was the perfect excuse for the three of us to do a mission tour.

We each flew separately because of schedules and fares.  I went standby all by myself. . . and it worked.  I even got seated in Delta One after Atlanta.  Pure luxury.

We jumped right into sightseeing.  We rented a car and headed to visit mission stomping grounds. The countryside was beautiful. It was early Spring and a little cool at times.  We started at his old stake center where we met the mission leader and did a walking tour.

This old cemetery was so crowded and had stacked burial plots.  We also found this plaque in honor of Parley P. Pratt's infant son, who died here while Parley was serving a mission with his wife. Simeon is Parley's fourth great-grandson and they share the same middle name

We visited several families every day.  They were always warm, welcoming with a hug and a kiss, and they always fed us.  Generous with their hospitality and with an obvious love for Simeon.  It was so fun to catch a glimpse of mission life.  Milt and I do not speak Spanish, but we always felt welcomed. Simeon always shared a scripture, thought, and prayer as he said goodbye again to these people he loves so much.

 We enjoyed completos several times, empanadas, lunches with lots of beef and french fries, and chilean pastries.

Sunset on the beach was gorgeous.  Simeon found hostels for us each night, which brought its own adventure.  He also made sure they had parking, always involving backing into a small gated alley.  We always parked with doors locked and the steering wheel locked.

Another dear friend that we visited in his home, and then here at his workplace.

This was a beautiful hike past lime kilns up to this huge cross.

This family served us huge pieces of tres leches cake and then the grandma brought us a can of peaches and a can of cream to a treat for later.

Each visit was accompanied by an amazing story of conversion and love.  This get-together was one of Simeon's favorites with Gary and his story of miracles and true conversion.  

And another special family.  

Pictures of just a few of the families and sights we got to visit with Simeon.  His Spanish and people skills are amazing.  His love of Jesus Christ, His church, and His children is inspiring. Seeing all of this firsthand was a true blessing.  I am so proud of the man he is.  I can't wait to see what the future holds.

I went home after the fun visits.  Milt and Simeon went to the copper mine where they did work and training, and it was all so much better with Simeon helping as interpreter.