Im going to be a trainer!!!!

Hey All, 

Conference was awesome! We watched all sessions in the Gringo room haha. Pure English haha. Im glad all of you had the opportunity to watch Conference as well. Also it was the last week of the change. They made two new zones in the mission, which brings our zone total back to 12. 

This is where all went crazy. I thought for sure I was going to leave San Antonio, because I have been here for four and a half months and my comp has been here less time than me. But on friday I was surprised to see that my comp was going to leave and not me. I thought it was weird, but I was stoked because I love it here on the coast. 

BUT the craziest part is- right after the final session of Conference the asistentes called me. I was extremely humbled to learn that I am training. Yep. Im going to be a father (mission term for a trainer). Don't know who i'm gonna train yet, but I will find out tomorrow. Part of me is a little nervous because I feel too young, and unprepared to be a "father." But I know it was the Lord's decision. If he thinks I can to it, that's good enough for me. 

By the way. I did get the package from Aunt Jeanine. Thank you so much for that. It arrived just in time for Conference so we were able to enjoy good American candy for conference in the gringo room. Thank you all for everything. 

Love,

Elder Ian Kennedy

*P.S. The mission office wants all of us missionaries to send this out to our families and friends:

Elders and Sisters of the Chile Santiago West Mission,

We are writing to inform you that all packages that are sent from the United States to Chile MUST be sent by the United States Postal Service (USPS).   We have had a number of packages that have been detained and witheld from us by the Chilean government because they have been sent by other shipping companies.  If a package is shipped by FedEx or UPS it will most likely never arrive, and if it does, you will have to pay hundreds of dollars to the Chilean government to recieve it. 

The only way to make sure that you will receive any kind of package is if it is is sent through the USPS, Flat Rate Mail, and declares the contents as "Missionary Supplies" or "Church Supplies".  Please tell your parents not to write Cheerios, Spagetti, or Lolly Pops, or whatever else is in the package.  Just write....Church Supplies.  That is the cheapest, safest, and best way to receive a package from your parents, grandparents, friends, etc.  Please do not send a package any other way, it will probably never get here. 

Also, the only address that people should use to send packages is...

Elder or Sister _______

Misión Chile Santiago Oeste

Casilla de Correos 149

Pajaritos 1921

Maipú, Chile

Do not send packages to the mission office, most likely something will happen and it wont arrive, send it to the address above. 

We love you and want you to get your packages.  Please follow these guidelines and WRITE YOUR PARENTS with this information, especially heading into Christmas season.