A Chilean Treat

Matt has a friend whose mother is a South American native. Together, they made a special treat for him and brought it to share (along with some photos from a visit to Santiago). The treat was a famous Chilean dessert called "Torta de Mil Hojas" (thousand-leaf cake). There weren't quite a thousand leaves, but there were probably about a dozen — separated by rich caramel. It was VERY tasty, and they told us it gets better as it ages a few days.

One of the funnest things about traveling and experiencing new cultures is to discover their cuisine. We hope Matt learns to love Chilean food, and that we have the chance to learn through him. If today's treat was indicative, we'll have many pleasant experiences in the future!

Speaking in Church

Elder Kenison was invited to share his testimony in Sacrament Meeting today. This photo was taken by Julie's friend Alex during the meeting — proof that it actually occurred! You can see that Matt is smiling in the photo; he has a very pleasant, light-hearted way of speaking. He doesn't write out his talk, but works from an outline and is mostly extemporaneous.

Matt was asked to talk about Sister Silvia Allred's October 2008 general conference talk, "Go Ye Therefore." It was a good talk to help him discuss preparation and service as a missionary. He shared his feelings about the call he received, and his desires to work hard and be the best missionary he can.

He ended with D&C 64:33-34: "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.
"Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days."

We were proud of him! So were the many, many friends who came to wish him well.

Love for "my boy"

One of the people who most loves and admires Matt is his grandmother. She brightens up like a light bulb turning on whenever he comes to visit, and loves to chat with "my boy" as often as she can. Since Grandma Kenison had her strokes and has been living in the Seville, she has seemed to warm up to Matt more than ever. She insisted on paying for one of his mission suits, and asks constantly about him. I'm sure not a day will pass during his mission that she doesn't ask how he is. I hope she lives to see his return.

Even though it's very hard for her to get out of her apartment, she is insisting she wants to come hear him speak in Church this coming Sunday. He'd better do a good job!

Growing anticipation

As we celebrated Matthew's 19th birthday today, much of the event was looking forward to his upcoming mission. He received gifts that will help him prepare and serve, and help increase his appreciation for the people and culture of Chile! Here he is, proudly displaying the national flag of Chile. (Note the less desirable Texas state flag, pointed downward; it looks identical, except the blue field on the left extends top to bottom.)

Chili for Chile

Our wonderful home teachers, Brad and Nate Adamson, dropped by the house this evening. Nate told us they had been shopping and saw something that Matt might enjoy. This is a pretty clever creation! (Click on each image to view details.)

Called to Serve!!

Elder Matthew Walter Kenison has been called to serve in the Chile Santiago West mission, entering the MTC on March 11, 2009.

We are much pleased!

It's Here!!!

I had the thrilling experience of checking the mailbox this afternoon, and finding this envelope addressed to Elder Matthew Walter Kenison (click to view enlarged):


It's hard to imagine that this envelope contains the information we've been looking forward to so eagerly! There is somewhere a state or area or country which we barely care about now, which will become VERY important to us later today and will always hold a special place in our hearts!

Stay tuned — to be opened later today!!