Misión Chile Santiago Este
Here are free resources about the Chile Santiago East Mission:
Aquí están algunos recursos gratuitos sobre la Misión Chile Santiago Este:
- Mission address and phone number
- Mission map
- Missionary blogs
- Facebook groups
- LDS Mission t-shirts and gifts
- List of past mission presidents
- Cultural articles written by returned missionaries
- Survey with RMs
*Other Mission Pages: Chile LDS Missions.
Santiago East Mission Address
Here’s a recent address for the Chile Santiago East Mission. We try to keep this info up to date, but it’s a good idea to check the address with several sources, including your mission packet or the mission office.
Chile Santiago East Mission Map
Here’s a link to the mission map for the Chile Santiago East Mission (LDS). To access the official, up-to-date LDS.org map for the Santiago East Mission:
Santiago East Missionary Blogs
Here’s a list of LDS missionary blogs for the Santiago East Mission. This list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their blog was updated.
Chile Santiago East Mission Groups
Here are Chile Santiago East Mission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni of the Santiago East Mission.
- La Mision Chile Santiago Este Facebook Group (875 members)
- Mision Santiago Este 2009-12 Pres. Laycock Group (282 members)
- Amigos Mision Chile Santiago Este Facebook Group (153 members)
- Santiago East Mission – Pres. Wilcox Group (134 members)
- Santiago East Mission – Ogden Years Group (42 members)
- Santiago East Mission Moms and Friends (LDS) Group (16 members)
- Chile Santiago East Missionary Mom Group Group (14 members)
- Chile Santiago East Mission 2000-2002 Group (1 member)
Santiago East Mission T-Shirts
Here are T-shirts for the Chile Santiago East Mission!
Shirt designs include Chile Santiago East Mission logo/emblem shirts and Called to Serve shirts. The shirts make great gifts for pre-missionaries, returned missionaries and missionaries currently serving. LDS Mission shirts come in all sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, up to 4XL. The mission designs are printed on white shirts and are shipped to you.
*Simply click on a shirt design to view the details and submit an order. The designs on mission t-shirts may also be printed on other LDS mission gifts, including: Chile Santiago East missionary aprons, Christmas stockings, ties, pillow cases, teddy bears and Christmas ornaments.
*Click here to browse Santiago East Mission gifts
Fun fact: Brad Wilcox served a mission in Chile!
Santiago East Mission Presidents
Here’s a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the Santiago East LDS Mission.
- 2015-2018, Marty Morgan
- 2012-2015, David L. Wright
- 2009-2012, Larry R. Laycock
- 2006-2009, Sofocles Moran
- 2003-2006, Brad Wilcox
- 2002-2003, Richard L. Millett
- 2000-2002, Wayne L. Gardner
- 1997-2000, Daniel Kelly Ogden
Chile LDS Statistics (2015)
- Church Membership: 579,235
- Missions: 10
- Temples: 1
- Congregations: 604
- Family History Centers: 99
Helpful Articles about Chile
Santiago East Missionary Survey
Here are survey responses from Chile Santiago East RMs, to give you a snapshot into what it’s like to live in the mission.
*Click here to take a survey to help pre-missionaries going to your mission.
When did you serve?
- 2011-2013 (Russell)
- 2010-2012 (Alex)
- 2010-2012 (Megan)
- 2010-2012 (Pablo)
- 2003-2004 (Cynthia)
- 2008-2010 (Adam)
- 2007-2009 (Alex)
- 2009-2011 (Ben)
- 2007-2009 (Robin)
- 1997-1999 (Carlos)
Which areas did you serve in?
- Santiago. (Cynthia)
- Puente Alto. (Adam)
- El Molino, Tobalaba, El Golf, Ñuñoa. (Alex)
- Puente Alto, La Florida, Nunoa, San Jose de Maipo. (Ben)
- Santiago, San Jose de Maipo. (Robin)
What were some favorite foods?
- Guata, Kem, Mate, and completos. (Russell)
- Pastel de choclo Empanadas de pino Sopipillas Coca Cola. (Alex)
- Completos, churrasco, and pastel de papas. (Megan)
- Pizza Pollo y papas fritas. (Pablo)
- Papas rellenas, mote con huesillo, pastel de choclo, empanadas, sopapillas, pan, and lentejas. (Cynthia)
- Empanadas. Churrascos. Completos. (Adam)
- I’m picky but Chilean food is amazing! The dream lunch was broiled chicken thighs with rice and Coke. Completos italianos and “as” are great, so are empanadas and sopaipillas with mustard. (Alex)
- Empanadas napolitanas. Churrasco. Chori-pan. (Ben)
- Mote con huesillo. (Robin)
- Arroz con Carne. (Carlos)
What was a funny experience?
- My trainer handed the neighbor’s dog to a garbage man who promptly took the very much alive puppy and tossed him in the truck with the garbage. My trainer started laughing thinking that it had been a joke, but after the garbage man drove a block without removing the puppy we had to chase them down to save the dog. (Russell)
- Love to walk in the fedia, it is the street markets they have the best produce end the most random stuff ever! (Alex)
- Having my companion get off the metro while I stayed on, watching the doors close and a pure horror and shock cross her face. (Megan)
- Jugar fútbol con los niños en la calle. (Pablo)
- A guy trying to sell pidgeons downtown was pretty funny. (Alex)
- A couple weeks into my first transfer, I was tracting with my trainer when we saw a drunk man in the neighborhood. We walked up to talk to him to cheer him up, and he was so happy that he kissed me. Thankfully it was on the cheek, but it definitely caught me off guard! (Ben)
- I once said, “I want to wash your dirty dishes.” using the Mexican translation, trastes. In Chile that translates to, “I want to wash your dirty butt.” In Chile: losa = dishes, trastes = butt. (Robin)
- Jugar Futbol en el Parque Brasil. (Carlos)
What was a crazy experience?
- In my last sector we lived by a college that would riot all the time. While I never was in the area of the riots during the actual rioting, I have walked through the areas after it had subsided. This included seeing a bus completely scorched from being set a blaze and experiencing lingering tear gas. (Russell)
- Saw somebody get shot. (Alex)
- Multiple times being chased by drunk guys in the street yelling horrible things at us. It happened more times than I can count. (Megan)
- Nos asaltaron a mi compañero y a mi… Y tuvimos q pegarles a las personas q quisieron asaltarnos. (Pablo)
- We had contacted a man on the street and he wanted us to go to his work to teach him. He was a watchman at a construction site. We went there and after he let us in the city block that had been walled off we realized that we were alone with him and he had just locked us in. I decided to teach a shortened version of the first discussion and get out of there. As we taught I realized something was off and he wasn’t all there. So we were stuck in an area where no one could hear us and surrounded by construction tools with a man we couldn’t trust. It was the fastest I ever taught and I prayed the entire time hoping we could get out of there safely. We did and I really learned firsthand the reason there are rules about 2 sisters teaching a single guy. Especially locked away from the world. (Cynthia)
- I got stuck in a house when a neighbor drug lord got busted by undercover cops and then his gang showed up to shoot it out with the police. We had to be smuggled out. (Alex)
- One time my companion and I were on the bus, which was always overcrowded, and the bus took a sharp turn or hit a bump and my companion fell from our upper level onto a group of teenage girls! (Ben)
- Two men attempted to rob my companion and I by gunpoint while we were running during our morning exercise. We got away. (Robin)
- Cruzar oscuro en la cancha del Sector el castillo. (Carlos)
What was a spiritual experience?
- Every time an investigator would fulfill a commitment. Whenever they repented and became more Christ like those were the most powerful experiences. I apologize this is a very broad experience, but I can’t place one higher than the others. (Russell)
- Loved the people there are a lot of less active people but they always had some testimony of Christ and reminding them of that was always amazing to see the change that took place in there hearts. (Alex)
- In my first area, we were white washed and didn’t have any investigators. We stopped what we were doing in the middle of the day, prayed for guidance and direction, both of us pointed to the same street on the map, we knocked doors and had two very spiritual doorstep lessons. (Megan)
- Enseñamos a una joven miembro para q le enseñe a su padre q no quería recibir misioneros. (Pablo)
- We left early one day to go meet a missionary in the sector next to us. As we were walking a young man stopped us and asked if we would teach him, he wanted to be baptized. He had been praying to meet the missionaries just for that reason he was already ready to be baptized. But he always went to work way early and hadn’t been able to find the missionaries in the boundaries where he lived. We had been inspired to leave early that morning so that we could answer someone else’s prayer. (Cynthia)
- Seeing the faith of members willing to give everything up to serve the Lord. (Alex)
- A woman named Rosita told us not to come visit her anymore since she wanted to decide whether her or her family were going to be baptized or stop receiving the missionaries. We still stopped by to sing Christmas songs though and leave notes. A couple days before Christmas, we asked her if she had decided whether or not she would be baptized as part of our white Christmas. She said, “What does your heart say?” I said, “my heart says yes!” And she agreed to be baptized! She has been through the temple and is still strong. (Ben)
- After a lesson fell through, we knocked doors and we met a family who were having problems and they were praying for messengers to help them become a happier family. (Robin)
- Sacar malos espíritus de una persona… (Carlos)
What are some interesting facts about the Santiago East Mission?
- During my stay in Chile we celebrated 50 years of the church sending missionaries to Chile. (Russell)
- It was the smallest mission in the world for a bit. You will go from really rich to really poor people in the mission. No bikes had to walk or take the metro every where. (Alex)
- Tenemos el templo de chile en la misión y teníamos permitido asistir una vez al mes. (Pablo)
- Chileans use a lot of modismos, which are local sayings. They speak Spanish (Castellano) but there are many unique says and words, learn these and the people will love it and enjoy talking to you, also you won’t be in the dark when in a group conversation. (Cynthia)
- Chilean food is not like Mexican at all, so don’t expect that. It’s potatoes, chicken, corn, and rice. With lots of onions and tomatoes. Doorknobs are in the middle of the doors. People water their dirt to keep dust down and hope grass grows. You’ll have fresh bread every meal, and everyone drinks Coke. (Alex)
- It was the smallest mission in the world for a while, until a mission in Mexico split. It still is tiny though, 20 miles north to south and 7 miles east to west. There are 10 zones. There is one area where you use bikes, but in all other areas you walk and use the bus. (Ben)
- Smallest proselyting mission in the world. (Robin)
What was the weather like?
- Incredibly dry and cloudless, or intense rain for days. (Russell)
- Not crazy hot in the summer but hot. It was humid cold in the winter lots of rain. It snowed once but was gone by the afternoon. (Alex)
- El clima es calurosa. Aunque estuve en un sector que se llama san jose de maipo en el cual estuve en invierno y es muy frío y hubo nieve. (Pablo)
- All seasons, winter is rainy, summer is hot. (Cynthia)
- Summers are 90 F and sunny and dry for 5 months straight. Winters are rainy and humid and the streets flood and you feel damp and cold the whole time. Bring a light raincoat and polyester and wool layers. (Alex)
- It barely ever rains, but it does get pretty cold in the winter. Summer days are very hot. The hardest weather is in the spring or fall when it is much warmer or colder in the morning than in the afternoon, since you have to leave the apartment with the clothes you need for the day (so if it is cold in the morning you are stuck with the coat all day). (Ben)
- Rainy during rain season, hot in the summer, nice the rest of the year. (Robin)
Any things you really like about the area/people?
- The people didn’t make friends with you, they extended their families to encompass you. I have larger Chilean family then I do in my own country. (Russell)
- I love the people of that mission I think about it every day. They are humble caring and loving to those that they trust. Respect them and they will respect you. (Alex)
- Servi en mi mismo país por lo que tenia facilidad de llegar a las personas. (Pablo)
- The people are loving. (Cynthia)
- The fast, quirky Spanish, the sense of humor, the food, the strength of so many members. Chile is very modern and awesome. (Alex)
- The people love to talk about their families, and they will give you a drink of coca-cola when you are thirsty even if they aren’t interested in your message. Even if you ask for water, they will give you coke! It’s their favorite. (Ben)
- Hard working, dedicated people. (Robin)
Any packing/clothing advice?
- Bring fitted sheets. I have no idea why the mission letter said to bring loose sheets, but I regretted that every time I made my bed. (Russell)
- Don’t take the mr Mac coat buy a nice gortex coat that is at least 32f rated and a good pair of waterproof boots. And comfy long johns that you can where for long periods in the winter. Make sure your shoes are good quality land can be walked in you may want to get a good pair of shoe inserts because you will walk at least 5 miles a day minimum. (Alex)
- Make sure your shoes are comfortable and broken in before you get there. You will be walking every single day, all day. Your shoes are the MOST important thing for you to focus on!! Also, most sisters end up gaining weight because of the amount of food you eat, I would sugges bringing a few skirts in a size up from what you currently are in case that happens to you. It is hard to find good clothes in Chile. (Megan)
- Tener lo justo y necesario. Aunque en los últimos meses no te das cuento como llegaste a tener tantas cosas. (Pablo)
- Take real rain boots and long underwear. (Cynthia)
- Bring lightweight wool and polyester inner layers. A breathable raincoat would be great. Don’t bring a heavy coat or huge boots or umbrella–you’ll want to buy a cane sized one in the street markets. Bring short sleeve shirts and sunblock for summer. (Alex)
- You definitely want a good umbrella and rain jacket because it rains very hard when it rains. Also buy the shoes that come with the 2-year guarantee because they will wear out with all the walking. Pack sweaters and maybe just one big coat — you will use the sweaters more. Use cheap suits because they will wear out quickly. (Ben)
- Bring good shoes. (Robin)
What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?
- A true testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and his latter day work. (Russell)
- Every thing good in my life has come from my mission. (Alex)
- A foundation built on Christ and his gospel that allowed me to build upon after I left the mission. Knowledge about what direction I wanted to take my life and how to do so. Creating and building an incredible marriage with my husband with knowledge I received personally in the mission but also what I learned from each of my companions. There are more blessings you will receive from serving a mission then you could ever possibly recognize in your life. You will find new blessings every single day. (Megan)
- Llegue a amar mucho mas el evangelio. Mi esposa es una gran bendición que recibí y pudimos formar una familia. (Pablo)
- I am a better person than I would have been. (Cynthia)
- Leadership and language skills. There are a lot of less actives so you do a lot of strengthening and Zion-building in Chile Santiago East. You’ll learn to love and lead if you work hard. (Alex)
- I learned how to work well with my companions. I learned the value of really feasting on the scriptures. I learned the blessings of dedicating my thoughts and actions to the service of others. I learned what is important in this life and what is not. (Ben)
- All of them. (Robin)
What are some skills you gained?
- I don’t know if determination is a skill, but I don’t give up anymore. (Russell)
- Spanish, Diligence, Love for people, Ability to communicate in stressful situations. (Alex)
- Confidence in who I am and how the Lord can shape our lives if we are humble enough to ask and act on the revelation given. Confidence to speak to others about the gospel without feeling nervous or embarrassed by how they might respond. Confidence in my ability to teach a lesson about any part of the gospel at church. (Megan)
- La paciencia y perseverancia. Llegue a un buen entendimiento de los libros canonicos. (Pablo)
- I learned how to teach, how to compromise, I also really learned the gospel. (Cynthia)
- The ability to understand any Spanish. Chilean is so fast and slangy it makes the rest of the world easy to understand. (Alex)
- I learned how to cook well and also how to socialize and be friendly, while maintaining professionalism. I learned to work hard and then to relax also when done. (Ben)
- Time management, fluently speaking Spanish. (Robin)
What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?
- I wish I came prepared with a powerful testimony instead of finding my own for the first part of my mission. (Russell)
- I wish I knew more about the scriptures. I wish I had studied more from preach my gospel and gone out with the elders more. (Russell)
- I wish I wasn’t so afraid of Spanish in the MTC. I always felt like everyone in my district was so far ahead of my and I always felt discouraged and embarrassed to speak it. Practice as much as possible! Study the language as much as possible! It will only help you in the field. Also, your companion can become your best friend or your worst nightmare and much of that depends on you. Love and respect your companion despite any conflicts you might have. Serve and pray for them every single day. (Megan)
- Tenía mucho animo en compartir lo que yo llegue a saber como converso. (Pablo)
- The time flies. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes with the language, it will come. (Cynthia)
- It’s going to be hard at first but keep working. You’ll love it and get good at Spanish and your language. Keep a loving list of everything new and different (words, culture, food) because eventually it will become your life and you will forget it’s unique. (Alex)
- I wish I knew how important it is to have a good relationship with your companion. It isn’t just all about teaching the investigators — it is also about learning to be Christlike with your companion. (Ben)
- To seek after true seekers of the truth and not those who had a mere casual interest. (Robin)
Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries going to Santiago East?
- Forget everything else and be a true disciple of God. (Russell)
- It will the be the best two years for your life. Remember that your loyalty is to the lord and your mission president not any companion or other missionary. You will remember your mission every day of your life so don’t miss it be there let go of home it will be there when you get back. And never ever let the things that matter most be at the mercy of things that matter least. President Laycock. (Alex)
- Make a resolve now to not just serve a mission, but to be exactly obedient and become the missionary the Lord needs you to be. If you decide now, it will then take out the decision when you feel like not following the rules, I.E. Not waking up on time, not studying, etc. You will never regret being obedient. Ever! (Russell)
- Mi consejo es que amen a todos en especial a las personas que enseñas. Y buscar apoyo en los miembros que sean misioneros retornados. (Pablo)
- Have fun. The gospel is joyful so living it as intensely as you do on the mission should be fun. (Cynthia)
- Trust the Lord, don’t lament giving up stuff you can do the whole rest of your life. Make these two years count! (Alex)
- Remember that this is all about love. There are lots of little tasks that you need to complete every day, and you may get stressed out about all of them. But never forget that the purpose of this is to develop charity and to learn to love as the Savior loves. With that perspective, you will make all the right choices and will enjoy your time. If you aren’t having fun, you aren’t doing it right. Even a tough day can lead to happiness if you have the right mindset. (Ben)
- Have a testimony before you go. You need to use it to reach the heart of the people. (Robin)
What was a funny language mistake?
- I called the golden plates the golden bananas. Haha (Alex)
- I was teaching about tithing and instead of using the verb pagar which means to pay, I kept using the verb pegar, which means to hit. So I kept saying they needed to hit the tithing not pay it! (Megan)
- Fueron muchas veces q mis compañeros se equivocaron. Uno de ellos fue q hizo una pregunta en la cual dijo un improperio si saber lo que había dicho. (Pablo)
- Well there are always the incidents of using the word embarazada which means pregnant but people use it wanting to say embarrassed. (Cynthia)
- One missionary was street preaching and said “Cuando José Smith tenía 14 anos” and I had to correct him “años, AÑOS!” because those two words mean very different things. (Alex)
- One time I was telling the story of the Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s but instead of saying “swords” (espadas) I said “backs” (espaldas). So I said they kept hitting each other with their backs. It was funny. (Ben)