Hey Family:
Merry Christmas! Ok. This letter is gonna be shorter than usual because I have a little less time than normal. but ANYWAY.....
First Things first - I"m going to try to call home on Christmas morning. Unfortunately for any family not in MD, I don't think I can call without getting permission and not to mention the fact that I don't have anyone else's numbers.... So, just so you know that I LOVE YOU ALL!! Hugs and Kisses all around!
Ok, So on Thursday we went to the temple with half of our mission. It was pretty awesome. President and Sister Ellsworth were there and the spirit was super strong. Sadly though, I fell asleep during the session for the first time...GRRRR.... oh well....
Flute practice is always an experience. Sister Brown and I will be playing and we both crack up laughing every single time. It's great. Thankfully, things are coming along. There is no way it would be this good though without some divine intervention... I thank Heavenly Father daily for that one!
Oh, so we got a call the other day telling Sister Davenport and I that we had been hand-selected to do some visitor's center hours. Before the next transfer, the VC has a boatload of sisters going home, so they need help calling referrals until the next transfer of new VC sisters come in. We're nervous but excited to help. The weird thing - We have to use our FIRST NAMES! AHH! (This is one of those times "You Know You're a Missionary When...."moments).
We had an awesome miracle this week. Actually it wsa in the Temple mission, but it started here. I don't have time for details, but I wrote it in my journal, so if you want to know all the details you can write to me ( hehehehehee) and ask or you can call Lynz and ask because she gets copies of all my journal entries. She's special like that (actually it just makes my journal entries more animated if I"m writing to an actual person since she writes to me, I address my journal entries to her).
Anyway, in short. There is this lady, Wendy, who has been referring her friend 5+ times and finally on Friday night the missionaries contacted Wendy's friend. She was baptized the next day. COOLIO, RIGHT?!?!?!
To inviduals:
Dad - Thanks for the talk. I"m gonna print it off today. Thinking of you always and I can't WAIT to hear your voice!
Mom - I loved your letter - especailly your testimony. Keep your phone on you on Christmas. I'll be calling your phone first, and then Dad's if you dn't answer :-D
Eric - the boy that's getting baptized on Christmas is a 17 year old. His parents died a while back and he is living with a foster family who is LDS. They are AWESOME. His bio family is LDS too, but inactive so he hasn't been baptized. We are also teaching a 9 and an 11 year old. They are brothers and their mom is inactive, but their grandpa has been holding the lessons at his home. They are so smart and know a TON!
Lynz - I'm so glad I got 2 emails from yo today! I have several journal entriest ready to send home. I hope they make you laufh!
Deon - Thanks again and again and again for doing the blog. Merry Christmas! HUGS!
Ok. Great love to all. Read 3 Nephi 1 on Christmas Eve. It's AWESOME!
Love, ME
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
I'm Scared to Death!
Hey, Family:
So this week has been interesting. I'm meeting more and more people and doing my best to keep them all straight. We even met one lady who threatened to slap my hands every time I bit my nails. Maybe I needed that though...Lol.
Ok, So the big news. If you don't die when you hear this, then just imagine me dying because I think I'm going to...I am performing at the Christmas Lights. I mean, all of the missionaries are singing, and Sister Davenport is singing in a double quartet. But I am playing the flute during a piece. Yup. You read it right. Me and a flute. AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, there's a sister named Sister Brown, whom I LOVE and adore, and she was asked to play and then she found out that I used to play (ALMOST 8 YEARS AGO!!) and I got dragged into it. But it's going to be fun. I'm SCARED TO DEATH! But it's going to be fun. I have to keep telling myself that at least....The first time I looked at the music I was like "Oh, this isn't so bad!" and then i looked at the last 4 pages (there are 13 pages total of this song) and about died. There are like 3 key changes and it's all runs or all quarter notes over and over and over lol. So yeah. I'm practicing...But you might want to keep me in your prayers. Well, I know that you already do pray for me every night, but I wouldn't agrue if you wanted to add in an extra line about this performance on the 31st. Sister Brown could use the prayers too. She hasn't played for 4 years.
Other than that, life is somewhat normal. We have a baptism on Christmas day night. And we're working hard to find more people to teach. We're also trying to clean things up and organize everything for this coming year - cleaning out folders, helping ward mission leaders write ward mission plans and all kinds of fun stuff.
We also found out on Wednesday that there have been a few changes in our mission culture. The main one and more shocking of the few changes made is that we're not allowed to use object lessons anymore. The mission leaders have decided that physical presentations like that are meant more to make people agree with what we're saying than inviting the spirit onto the lessons. I can see what they're saying, but I still will miss all of the awesome object lessons I've learned so far.
Mom- Thanks for the package! I am so excited for Christmas! WOOT! WOOT! Sister Davenport is being a good guard of the gifts so that I'm not tempted to open them. I haven't heard anything about the phone call home yet. I'm still waiting to hear about it. I suspect President will talk to uson Thursday about it. Our mission gets to to go the temple this week with Pres. and Sis. Ellsworth. Oh, will you please tell the RS that I said hi and Thanks for the card?
Dad - I overheard someone say something about a shower. A man last night saw a shooting star as I was talking to him. It was pretty cool.
Eric - the baptism for Christmas was our commitment this week. We're meeting with a lot of less actives and recent converts these days, but we're diligently searching for more people to commit to baptism. We tried to arrange a time we could do an activity with the youth like you suggested, but the stake is doing roadshows and practicing on Wednesday nights, so we're gonna have to wait 'til later in like March to approach the idea again.
Lynz - I GOT YOUR LETTER! YAY! I'm gonna try to write to you today.
Sister D'Addabbo - This is your SHOUT OUT! I love you. And don't worry - no one has left us out standing on the porch in the cold ;-)
Ok. Well, that's about it for now. I still have to write my weekly email to Pres. Ellsworth, so I must need leave to do so. I love you all. BEAR HUGS FOR ALLL!!!!
Love,
me
So this week has been interesting. I'm meeting more and more people and doing my best to keep them all straight. We even met one lady who threatened to slap my hands every time I bit my nails. Maybe I needed that though...Lol.
Ok, So the big news. If you don't die when you hear this, then just imagine me dying because I think I'm going to...I am performing at the Christmas Lights. I mean, all of the missionaries are singing, and Sister Davenport is singing in a double quartet. But I am playing the flute during a piece. Yup. You read it right. Me and a flute. AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, there's a sister named Sister Brown, whom I LOVE and adore, and she was asked to play and then she found out that I used to play (ALMOST 8 YEARS AGO!!) and I got dragged into it. But it's going to be fun. I'm SCARED TO DEATH! But it's going to be fun. I have to keep telling myself that at least....The first time I looked at the music I was like "Oh, this isn't so bad!" and then i looked at the last 4 pages (there are 13 pages total of this song) and about died. There are like 3 key changes and it's all runs or all quarter notes over and over and over lol. So yeah. I'm practicing...But you might want to keep me in your prayers. Well, I know that you already do pray for me every night, but I wouldn't agrue if you wanted to add in an extra line about this performance on the 31st. Sister Brown could use the prayers too. She hasn't played for 4 years.
Other than that, life is somewhat normal. We have a baptism on Christmas day night. And we're working hard to find more people to teach. We're also trying to clean things up and organize everything for this coming year - cleaning out folders, helping ward mission leaders write ward mission plans and all kinds of fun stuff.
We also found out on Wednesday that there have been a few changes in our mission culture. The main one and more shocking of the few changes made is that we're not allowed to use object lessons anymore. The mission leaders have decided that physical presentations like that are meant more to make people agree with what we're saying than inviting the spirit onto the lessons. I can see what they're saying, but I still will miss all of the awesome object lessons I've learned so far.
Mom- Thanks for the package! I am so excited for Christmas! WOOT! WOOT! Sister Davenport is being a good guard of the gifts so that I'm not tempted to open them. I haven't heard anything about the phone call home yet. I'm still waiting to hear about it. I suspect President will talk to uson Thursday about it. Our mission gets to to go the temple this week with Pres. and Sis. Ellsworth. Oh, will you please tell the RS that I said hi and Thanks for the card?
Dad - I overheard someone say something about a shower. A man last night saw a shooting star as I was talking to him. It was pretty cool.
Eric - the baptism for Christmas was our commitment this week. We're meeting with a lot of less actives and recent converts these days, but we're diligently searching for more people to commit to baptism. We tried to arrange a time we could do an activity with the youth like you suggested, but the stake is doing roadshows and practicing on Wednesday nights, so we're gonna have to wait 'til later in like March to approach the idea again.
Lynz - I GOT YOUR LETTER! YAY! I'm gonna try to write to you today.
Sister D'Addabbo - This is your SHOUT OUT! I love you. And don't worry - no one has left us out standing on the porch in the cold ;-)
Ok. Well, that's about it for now. I still have to write my weekly email to Pres. Ellsworth, so I must need leave to do so. I love you all. BEAR HUGS FOR ALLL!!!!
Love,
me
I Love the Lights!
Heya Family!
This week has been interesting to say the least. My new companion, Sister Davenport, is crazy. We have a lot of fun together. We are living in the basement of the Bishop of one of our wards. He and his wife are empty-nesters and super nice. WE love them a lot.
Our new area is in the Kimball East Stake. We cover 4 wards again and most of the people we teach are elderly. I'm not sure that placing a Narcoleptic in the comfortable, dimly lit home of elderly people is a wise idea, but here I am! One lady we visited asked if I was tired and when I told her that I was and that I was a Narcoleptic she basically responded with a "Oh that's ok even if you weren't. These missionaries always seem to fall asleep at my house and I used to take offense to it, but then I decided it was a compliment that my home was comfortable!". She was very nice. This, however, is one of those times that I wish I wasn't a Narcoleptic.
Anyway, we worked at the Christmas Lights again on Friday. It was awesome. I love the lights and talking to people, but I hate the initial getting out of my shell every night. I have to remind myself constantly that not everyone will bit my head off, and that most people are very nice and very aware that missionaries are going to approach them at some point during the night....
So, to the individuals:
Mom - I got your package and I LOVE the pictures! I especially love the one of Bella with the ice cream on her nose. Super CUTE! Sis D. got her Christmas package yesterday. She got lots of gifts and her mom included stockings for both of us. It was really nice of her (Sis D is obviously not expecting anything from you all, but I thought I would let you know about the stocking since when the boys were on their missions I remember you wondering if you needed to include anything for their companions....)
Dad - OK. I keep meaning to ask you this, but I ALWAYS forget! Grrr...! Ok. Do we have a new Stake Presidency? I'm supposed to notify the mission office if we find out we have a new one, but I haven't heard anything. So yeah.
Eric - I'm so glad I got to hear from you this week! I wrote down your address, but you're gonna have to let me know what your new address is in Jan if you move. Are you planning to move? We haven't committed anyone to be baptized this week. I haven't met even half of the people on our lists and most of them ar less actives, so baptism isn't really the goal. But I will let you know if/when things get moving. Oh, and I hope you have an awesome Christmas ;-) You asked what I could use .....stamps (I can always use more stamps), money, love, letters, stickers to decorate letters.....
K time is running out. Love you all!!
Love,
Me
This week has been interesting to say the least. My new companion, Sister Davenport, is crazy. We have a lot of fun together. We are living in the basement of the Bishop of one of our wards. He and his wife are empty-nesters and super nice. WE love them a lot.
Our new area is in the Kimball East Stake. We cover 4 wards again and most of the people we teach are elderly. I'm not sure that placing a Narcoleptic in the comfortable, dimly lit home of elderly people is a wise idea, but here I am! One lady we visited asked if I was tired and when I told her that I was and that I was a Narcoleptic she basically responded with a "Oh that's ok even if you weren't. These missionaries always seem to fall asleep at my house and I used to take offense to it, but then I decided it was a compliment that my home was comfortable!". She was very nice. This, however, is one of those times that I wish I wasn't a Narcoleptic.
Anyway, we worked at the Christmas Lights again on Friday. It was awesome. I love the lights and talking to people, but I hate the initial getting out of my shell every night. I have to remind myself constantly that not everyone will bit my head off, and that most people are very nice and very aware that missionaries are going to approach them at some point during the night....
So, to the individuals:
Mom - I got your package and I LOVE the pictures! I especially love the one of Bella with the ice cream on her nose. Super CUTE! Sis D. got her Christmas package yesterday. She got lots of gifts and her mom included stockings for both of us. It was really nice of her (Sis D is obviously not expecting anything from you all, but I thought I would let you know about the stocking since when the boys were on their missions I remember you wondering if you needed to include anything for their companions....)
Dad - OK. I keep meaning to ask you this, but I ALWAYS forget! Grrr...! Ok. Do we have a new Stake Presidency? I'm supposed to notify the mission office if we find out we have a new one, but I haven't heard anything. So yeah.
Eric - I'm so glad I got to hear from you this week! I wrote down your address, but you're gonna have to let me know what your new address is in Jan if you move. Are you planning to move? We haven't committed anyone to be baptized this week. I haven't met even half of the people on our lists and most of them ar less actives, so baptism isn't really the goal. But I will let you know if/when things get moving. Oh, and I hope you have an awesome Christmas ;-) You asked what I could use .....stamps (I can always use more stamps), money, love, letters, stickers to decorate letters.....
K time is running out. Love you all!!
Love,
Me
Friday, December 3, 2010
You would think it's a holiday or something!
Dad, you guessed right! Transfers are tomorrow! I am leaving :(. I will be going to the East Kimball stake (whereever that is) (I do know it's still in Mesa though). And nervous, and excited, and terrified - all in ONE! Ugh.... I can't think about that mix of emotions now... LOL. But remember we will be traveling to Scottsdale to switch companions, and I have to spend a lot of my pday today packing. Gross, right?
Anyway, things in the area are going wel, although everyone seemed to be gone this week that we are teaching. What is up with that?! You would think it's a holiday or something?! Lol.
Did I tell you about Christmas lights? Well, apprently, there are only four temples that do "Christmas Lights", as in big, spectactular lights-the Mesa Temple, the DC temple, the SLC temple and one other, but no one that I've talked to seems to know which one it is. So, if you know, you should tell me :). Anyway, all of the Mishkinaries get to go work on the temple grounds at some point to go around and ask people for referrals. We've been practicing. And Sis H. is amazing at making the scenarios very awkward. One time she was being the missionary and I was being futuristic me. I was trying to be single, just off the mission and here visiting with Tiffany Jordan (WHO NEVER WRITES TO ME! HINT! HINT!-That is, if she ever reads my blog...) and without me even realizing what was happening, Sister H made me wearing a ring and here with my Kids. WHAT THE JUNK?! And then another time I was playing the missionary and she was playing an old woman who was visiting the lights and when I asked to come again with a neighbor, she said she would bring this man who had the hots for her! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO RESPOND TO THAT?! It was awkward. And she does it just to see what kind of response she can get out of me. Crazy. I kknow.
Ok, so rumor has it that Thanksgiving was fun on the Danomi & kids/Gma & Gpa & Lynz side of the family, so how was everyone else's Thanksgiving? Guess what? I tried COW HEAD! Gross, right?!?! Actually, it wasn't bad. But I don't think I'll do it again. Just the thought of eating a cow head is gross. Alma agrees. Her mom made it. But I did TRY it!
OH, did I tell you that Stephanie Meyer lives in Scottsdale? She does. She was in Sis H.'s stake when she was in that area.
Mom, did Duncan go with you to Danomi's? I don't think I neeed any winter gear. I bought gloves, and I have my coat and scarf, and thankfully I will be in a car now, although I'll miss my bike. Sister Tanner (my trainer) is coming to my area to take my place. Crazy, right?
Dad, I was nowhere near Ether. But I have seen planets, and I did see a shooting star during the shower! But I didn't know which planets they were though, so that's cool. Oh, and one of our ward mission leaders has one of those lasers that you can use to point at constellations. I borrowed it for a couple of days. It was so COOL!
Eric, what's up on the four fronts? And what did you do for Thanksgiving? OH, and I need your address still....
Danomi/Corisse-miss you!
Ok, Running out of time. Sister Tait, Thanks for doing my blog. I've learned that people here are looking at it, too. Sister D'Addabbo in one of my wards looks at it every Tuesday.
Love,
Me
Anyway, things in the area are going wel, although everyone seemed to be gone this week that we are teaching. What is up with that?! You would think it's a holiday or something?! Lol.
Did I tell you about Christmas lights? Well, apprently, there are only four temples that do "Christmas Lights", as in big, spectactular lights-the Mesa Temple, the DC temple, the SLC temple and one other, but no one that I've talked to seems to know which one it is. So, if you know, you should tell me :). Anyway, all of the Mishkinaries get to go work on the temple grounds at some point to go around and ask people for referrals. We've been practicing. And Sis H. is amazing at making the scenarios very awkward. One time she was being the missionary and I was being futuristic me. I was trying to be single, just off the mission and here visiting with Tiffany Jordan (WHO NEVER WRITES TO ME! HINT! HINT!-That is, if she ever reads my blog...) and without me even realizing what was happening, Sister H made me wearing a ring and here with my Kids. WHAT THE JUNK?! And then another time I was playing the missionary and she was playing an old woman who was visiting the lights and when I asked to come again with a neighbor, she said she would bring this man who had the hots for her! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO RESPOND TO THAT?! It was awkward. And she does it just to see what kind of response she can get out of me. Crazy. I kknow.
Ok, so rumor has it that Thanksgiving was fun on the Danomi & kids/Gma & Gpa & Lynz side of the family, so how was everyone else's Thanksgiving? Guess what? I tried COW HEAD! Gross, right?!?! Actually, it wasn't bad. But I don't think I'll do it again. Just the thought of eating a cow head is gross. Alma agrees. Her mom made it. But I did TRY it!
OH, did I tell you that Stephanie Meyer lives in Scottsdale? She does. She was in Sis H.'s stake when she was in that area.
Mom, did Duncan go with you to Danomi's? I don't think I neeed any winter gear. I bought gloves, and I have my coat and scarf, and thankfully I will be in a car now, although I'll miss my bike. Sister Tanner (my trainer) is coming to my area to take my place. Crazy, right?
Dad, I was nowhere near Ether. But I have seen planets, and I did see a shooting star during the shower! But I didn't know which planets they were though, so that's cool. Oh, and one of our ward mission leaders has one of those lasers that you can use to point at constellations. I borrowed it for a couple of days. It was so COOL!
Eric, what's up on the four fronts? And what did you do for Thanksgiving? OH, and I need your address still....
Danomi/Corisse-miss you!
Ok, Running out of time. Sister Tait, Thanks for doing my blog. I've learned that people here are looking at it, too. Sister D'Addabbo in one of my wards looks at it every Tuesday.
Love,
Me
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
AWESOME!!
Happy Thanksgiving in two days!
So, this past week has been pretty awesome, although I am pretty sure I am becoming a wimp in the cold. I didn't realize I would want all of my sweaters I left in Rexburg!! Riding a bike is especially chilling at night and early in the mornings.
Speaking of mornings, Sis H and I are doing yoga every mon, wed, and friday. It's so awesome. The sister that is teaching us is taking a class on how to teach it, so she practices with us, and I LOVE IT! I've taken to doing it on the other mornings as well so that I don't forget the things I learn. It's so good and helps me a lot.
This week I introduced sis H to grilled cheese and jellyl on top, as well as saltines and chocolate frosting (she made me try it with tortilla chips....NOT the same!). I also introduced her to PB&J with Doritos. The only one she approved of was the crackers and frosting. OH WELL! More for me!!!
The baptism on Saturday was AWESOME!! And we found several potential investigators this week that we are VERY excited about. One is a 15 year old girl named T. A and S (A fellowshipper) both know her, so they are going to be amazing at fellowshipping her. We were supposed to meet with her yesterday, but her friend committed suicide, so we rescheduled for later in the week. But on the phone, she asked us how to pray!! And according to A, T is already talking about getting baptized. Before we met her, she attended another ward with her friend from school, but now that we're going to meet with her, and she knows A and S, she has already started coming to mutual and church with them. AND WE HAVEN'T EVEN MET WITH HER YET!! She is awesome. We actually contacted her on the street, and she said she'd been church hopping and looking for one she likes. So anyway, we are almost bouncing out of our shoes to meet with her.
We are also teaching a part member family, the R's. They are AWESOME. And they definitely are gaining/regaining a testimony of the gospel. Hopefully we can schedule a date for the wife to get baptized. She's already committed to getting baptized (in the first lesson) so I think it's just a matter of time.
We also ran into a preacher guy that has some seemingly sincere questions about the BOM, so we're meeting with him on friday. And there are several other potentials we are really excited about.
Ok, I have to go now, but I love you all and hope that you all have a great Turkey Day! (No worries, we've been invited to 5+ dinners and will be gaining a lot. Thankfully yoga can help take some of it off on Friday).
XOs for EVERYONE! I am thankful for all of you x 1,000,000...
Love, Me
So, this past week has been pretty awesome, although I am pretty sure I am becoming a wimp in the cold. I didn't realize I would want all of my sweaters I left in Rexburg!! Riding a bike is especially chilling at night and early in the mornings.
Speaking of mornings, Sis H and I are doing yoga every mon, wed, and friday. It's so awesome. The sister that is teaching us is taking a class on how to teach it, so she practices with us, and I LOVE IT! I've taken to doing it on the other mornings as well so that I don't forget the things I learn. It's so good and helps me a lot.
This week I introduced sis H to grilled cheese and jellyl on top, as well as saltines and chocolate frosting (she made me try it with tortilla chips....NOT the same!). I also introduced her to PB&J with Doritos. The only one she approved of was the crackers and frosting. OH WELL! More for me!!!
The baptism on Saturday was AWESOME!! And we found several potential investigators this week that we are VERY excited about. One is a 15 year old girl named T. A and S (A fellowshipper) both know her, so they are going to be amazing at fellowshipping her. We were supposed to meet with her yesterday, but her friend committed suicide, so we rescheduled for later in the week. But on the phone, she asked us how to pray!! And according to A, T is already talking about getting baptized. Before we met her, she attended another ward with her friend from school, but now that we're going to meet with her, and she knows A and S, she has already started coming to mutual and church with them. AND WE HAVEN'T EVEN MET WITH HER YET!! She is awesome. We actually contacted her on the street, and she said she'd been church hopping and looking for one she likes. So anyway, we are almost bouncing out of our shoes to meet with her.
We are also teaching a part member family, the R's. They are AWESOME. And they definitely are gaining/regaining a testimony of the gospel. Hopefully we can schedule a date for the wife to get baptized. She's already committed to getting baptized (in the first lesson) so I think it's just a matter of time.
We also ran into a preacher guy that has some seemingly sincere questions about the BOM, so we're meeting with him on friday. And there are several other potentials we are really excited about.
Ok, I have to go now, but I love you all and hope that you all have a great Turkey Day! (No worries, we've been invited to 5+ dinners and will be gaining a lot. Thankfully yoga can help take some of it off on Friday).
XOs for EVERYONE! I am thankful for all of you x 1,000,000...
Love, Me
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Ummmmmm.......
This week has been good. We have another baptism this weekend, and another one set for Dec. 4th. We're pretty excited about them!
Last Friday was exchanges. I went to Scottsdale with Sister Kiernan,
who is AMAZING, and we contacted a guy who is dating an LDS girl and isn't against learning more. So that was cool. We basically taught him the first lesson on the spot.
Let's see....This morning we went to the temple and did a session. It was so cool. I love going to the temple!
No biking mishaps this week, so that was good.....
We're getting fed a lot of Mexican food...So that is always interesting.... Yes, I eat it. Shocking that I am trying new things, right? The breakfast for dinner has become my favorite meal.
No scorpions lately......
It's getting a lot colder than I ever thought it would get....I"m glad I actually brought my coat. Although, I suppose it's just colder for us right now since we're on bikes....
Man....I really don't have a lot to say....I guess that's why I bring my journal to review the week as I'm writing home.
I guess talking back and forth to dad via email is also a little distracting from this weekly email....but I just don't have anything to say....
Ummmm.....
Oh, so there are 3 big dogs that live outside of the little guest house that we live in and they are SO ANNOYING! Lol. They run and jump on us every time we come through the gate, and then they sleep ALL DAY and bark ALL NIGHT! AHHHH!!! I have to pray that Heavenly Father will either make them stop or to bless me that I won't hear them....Yeah, so that's how dull I am right now....Talking about annoying dogs...Sister Holliday would be laughing at me right now....
Let's see....For Thanksgiving, we've been invited to eat with a poleniesian family....however you spell that ......So that will be filling and crazy for sure....
Ok, I've honestly baked my brain and I can't think of anything exciting to write about....Then watch, I'll log off and think of a million things to say...
Love you all!! Write to me! Don't be shy!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox for EVERYONE!!!!
Love, Me
Last Friday was exchanges. I went to Scottsdale with Sister Kiernan,
who is AMAZING, and we contacted a guy who is dating an LDS girl and isn't against learning more. So that was cool. We basically taught him the first lesson on the spot.
Let's see....This morning we went to the temple and did a session. It was so cool. I love going to the temple!
No biking mishaps this week, so that was good.....
We're getting fed a lot of Mexican food...So that is always interesting.... Yes, I eat it. Shocking that I am trying new things, right? The breakfast for dinner has become my favorite meal.
No scorpions lately......
It's getting a lot colder than I ever thought it would get....I"m glad I actually brought my coat. Although, I suppose it's just colder for us right now since we're on bikes....
Man....I really don't have a lot to say....I guess that's why I bring my journal to review the week as I'm writing home.
I guess talking back and forth to dad via email is also a little distracting from this weekly email....but I just don't have anything to say....
Ummmm.....
Oh, so there are 3 big dogs that live outside of the little guest house that we live in and they are SO ANNOYING! Lol. They run and jump on us every time we come through the gate, and then they sleep ALL DAY and bark ALL NIGHT! AHHHH!!! I have to pray that Heavenly Father will either make them stop or to bless me that I won't hear them....Yeah, so that's how dull I am right now....Talking about annoying dogs...Sister Holliday would be laughing at me right now....
Let's see....For Thanksgiving, we've been invited to eat with a poleniesian family....however you spell that ......So that will be filling and crazy for sure....
Ok, I've honestly baked my brain and I can't think of anything exciting to write about....Then watch, I'll log off and think of a million things to say...
Love you all!! Write to me! Don't be shy!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox for EVERYONE!!!!
Love, Me
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Anyway, I love you all!
SO, this past week has been crazy.
Monday was normal. Yadda Yadda Yadda.
Tuesday was the mission tour, hence the reason my pday was on Wednesday last week. Elder Evans of the first quorum of the 70 came and spoke to us. It was really good, but I forgot the notes I took, and I only remember a few things he said, so I'll have to tell you more later. What I do remember....he told us that we needed to break out of the traditions of our fathers (aka trainers) and start obeying Preach My Gospel more. He said we all know that going door to door isn't doing much, yet we all still cling to the hope that we will find someone that way, just to be proved wrong...again....and again... and again...Lol. Then he said if we begin asking for referrals from everyone, especially from those we are teaching, then our numbers will at least double. Now, Sis. H. and I haven't been going door to door since most of the people are already members in our area, but we did need to be reminded to ask for referrals. We're still working on that, but getting better. He also told us that we are receiving a lot of new training now that isn't being taught at the MTC yet, but it's important that we begin incorporating all of this because at the end of 18 months (or somethin' like that) this will all be taught at the MTC and we don't want all of the new missionaries coming into an "old fashioned field". I don't' know what it was like before, but now we are receiving trainings in District Meetings, which are now weekly, and each transfer we either have Zone Conference, or ZDMs (now called something different, but I don't know what). It rotates between the two. Anyway, that's just a couple of the new changes....
Wednesday was our pday. I never realized how much of a pain it is to not have a car.....
Thursday was weekly planning, which normally happens on Friday but....
Friday was Zone Conference. It was really good and very uplifting. Sister Ellsworth (Mission President's wife) gave a talk about Nephi and his sorrows at being imperfect. Not because he was bad/sinning, but because of his feelings of grief, betrayal, probably anger and frustration, etc. that he feels because of his brothers' hatred towards him. You know, all of those feelings aren't always sinful, yet they are not feelings that God would have us feel, so the atonement paid for those as well so that we could be free of them. President spoke as well, along with the mission president's assistants who gave us training on how to ask for referrals when we begin working at the temple lights. (By the way, I am SO EXCITED to work at the temple lights. Everyone in the mission will get to work there at some point).
Saturday was Alma's baptism, which was amazing. Her whole non-member family was there and on Sunday,they all stayed through Sacrament Meeting and her brother Carlos (who introduced her to the gospel) stayed for all 3 hours. VERY exciting.
Sunday was the normal chaos of meetings from 7 am - 3 pm. Then that night we went with an investigator to a Mission President's Fireside (aka "We Believe" fireside, which is a WAY better name for it). It was really good.
And yesterday, we went with an investigator (who just found out she's pregnant. Woot Woot!) and her husband to see the Joseph Smith movie in the visitor's Center. It was an awesome lesson and we even got to see some of the Christmas lights early since they were testing them. The sad thing was, Nashville Tribute was in Mesa (15 minutes away!) and it was free for missionaries and their investigators but we couldn't go because we couldn't find an investigator to go with us. BUMMER! We even had President Ellsworth's permission to go! (Not that we would have gone without his permission, but concerts aren't on the menu as really "acceptable for missionaries, even if it's an LDS group). However, we did have an awesome lesson watching the Joseph Smith movie, and that's all that really matters, right?
Well, there's not much to say to specific individuals today. I'm glad all is well at home and abroad.
Keep writing letters. I miss everyone. And I have a pile of letters I hope to send out today, so maybe if you are loved, you will get one. OK, that doesn't entirely depend on how much I love you. But it does have a little something to do with if you write me handwritten letters or not....And maybe something to do with if I have your addresses....or if I have time to write you.....or about a million other factors....Anyway, I love you all. (All= Mom, Dad, siblings, extended family, friends, blog readers, blog put-er-together-ers, like Deon, blog COMMENTERS-on the blog or in the form of handwritten letters, and so on and so forth). Ok, I'm just wasting time now....Keep me updated on life. And tell me about missionary experiences! I love you all! (All=Mom, Dad, siblings, extended family, friends, blog readers, blog put-er together-ers like Deon, blog COMMENTERS-on the blog or in the form of handwritten letters, and so on and so forth) Hehehe.....
Love ya til Niagra Falls,
Me, the missionary. In Arizona. In the warmth. And sun. Sister Stephens
Monday was normal. Yadda Yadda Yadda.
Tuesday was the mission tour, hence the reason my pday was on Wednesday last week. Elder Evans of the first quorum of the 70 came and spoke to us. It was really good, but I forgot the notes I took, and I only remember a few things he said, so I'll have to tell you more later. What I do remember....he told us that we needed to break out of the traditions of our fathers (aka trainers) and start obeying Preach My Gospel more. He said we all know that going door to door isn't doing much, yet we all still cling to the hope that we will find someone that way, just to be proved wrong...again....and again... and again...Lol. Then he said if we begin asking for referrals from everyone, especially from those we are teaching, then our numbers will at least double. Now, Sis. H. and I haven't been going door to door since most of the people are already members in our area, but we did need to be reminded to ask for referrals. We're still working on that, but getting better. He also told us that we are receiving a lot of new training now that isn't being taught at the MTC yet, but it's important that we begin incorporating all of this because at the end of 18 months (or somethin' like that) this will all be taught at the MTC and we don't want all of the new missionaries coming into an "old fashioned field". I don't' know what it was like before, but now we are receiving trainings in District Meetings, which are now weekly, and each transfer we either have Zone Conference, or ZDMs (now called something different, but I don't know what). It rotates between the two. Anyway, that's just a couple of the new changes....
Wednesday was our pday. I never realized how much of a pain it is to not have a car.....
Thursday was weekly planning, which normally happens on Friday but....
Friday was Zone Conference. It was really good and very uplifting. Sister Ellsworth (Mission President's wife) gave a talk about Nephi and his sorrows at being imperfect. Not because he was bad/sinning, but because of his feelings of grief, betrayal, probably anger and frustration, etc. that he feels because of his brothers' hatred towards him. You know, all of those feelings aren't always sinful, yet they are not feelings that God would have us feel, so the atonement paid for those as well so that we could be free of them. President spoke as well, along with the mission president's assistants who gave us training on how to ask for referrals when we begin working at the temple lights. (By the way, I am SO EXCITED to work at the temple lights. Everyone in the mission will get to work there at some point).
Saturday was Alma's baptism, which was amazing. Her whole non-member family was there and on Sunday,they all stayed through Sacrament Meeting and her brother Carlos (who introduced her to the gospel) stayed for all 3 hours. VERY exciting.
Sunday was the normal chaos of meetings from 7 am - 3 pm. Then that night we went with an investigator to a Mission President's Fireside (aka "We Believe" fireside, which is a WAY better name for it). It was really good.
And yesterday, we went with an investigator (who just found out she's pregnant. Woot Woot!) and her husband to see the Joseph Smith movie in the visitor's Center. It was an awesome lesson and we even got to see some of the Christmas lights early since they were testing them. The sad thing was, Nashville Tribute was in Mesa (15 minutes away!) and it was free for missionaries and their investigators but we couldn't go because we couldn't find an investigator to go with us. BUMMER! We even had President Ellsworth's permission to go! (Not that we would have gone without his permission, but concerts aren't on the menu as really "acceptable for missionaries, even if it's an LDS group). However, we did have an awesome lesson watching the Joseph Smith movie, and that's all that really matters, right?
Well, there's not much to say to specific individuals today. I'm glad all is well at home and abroad.
Keep writing letters. I miss everyone. And I have a pile of letters I hope to send out today, so maybe if you are loved, you will get one. OK, that doesn't entirely depend on how much I love you. But it does have a little something to do with if you write me handwritten letters or not....And maybe something to do with if I have your addresses....or if I have time to write you.....or about a million other factors....Anyway, I love you all. (All= Mom, Dad, siblings, extended family, friends, blog readers, blog put-er-together-ers, like Deon, blog COMMENTERS-on the blog or in the form of handwritten letters, and so on and so forth). Ok, I'm just wasting time now....Keep me updated on life. And tell me about missionary experiences! I love you all! (All=Mom, Dad, siblings, extended family, friends, blog readers, blog put-er together-ers like Deon, blog COMMENTERS-on the blog or in the form of handwritten letters, and so on and so forth) Hehehe.....
Love ya til Niagra Falls,
Me, the missionary. In Arizona. In the warmth. And sun. Sister Stephens
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Hooting it up with (Sister) Holliday!
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| Sister Holliday the Fire Breather |
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| Sister Stephens and her new wheels! |
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| Ahh.... missing Duncan! |
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| A new convert and her family |
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| Sistas! |
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
...The Bad and Then the Good...
Dearest Family:
On Tuesday, there was a shooting 3 houses down from A. A man was shot 3 times. I don't know a whole lot other than that, but the good news is that we are safe and we haven't heard anything about it since then (which is good because that means that nothing new has happened).
Let's see.... On Monday, Sister Holliday pointed out that one of my bike tires was splitting. And then we came out of an appointment that night, the other tire was flat. We have no idea why. Thankfully, the members who gave us the bikes came to the rescue and fixed it for me. I still need to find out how much it was though. Working on it....
But that's about it.
Mom, I'm glad you liked the package. I thought it would amuse you to see a scorpion..
Oh, and did I tell you I finished my first journal?
I love yo tons! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOs for ALL!
Love, ME
Wow. It has been quite the week! So much has happened, I'm not sure where to start... I guess I'll try to give the bad and then the good in each situation, assuming that there is both sides in each case...
Let's see... Last week, an 11 year old girl in one of our wards got hit by a car. She was killed instantly. She was riding her bike with her dad and some others and they misjudged the distance of the oncoming car. the car slowed down, but the driver behind didn't know why the car in front was slowing down, so they went around it and hit the girl. It was a shock to everyone, obviously, but the ward is taking care of the family. It was awkward though because I had to give a talk on the following Sunday (we spoke on the same day, Mom!) and I had to change my talk from member missionary work to include something on the plan of salvation. So, I just started over and spoke on the Hope of the gospel. I though it went really well and I was complimented by the bishopric and several other members on how well I did. They said it was perfect for the occasion. I'm glad they said that it was good, because I had NO IDEA what to say to a ward in mourning especially since I'd only met the girl once!
This week, we found two investigators. Eric, we invited both to be baptized on the first lessons. They accepted.
A is getting baptized on Saturday. We weren't sure if it was going to happen since she hadn't told her parents about the date, but things have gone well, and it's happening anyway! We are having it translated into Spanish for her parents. We're hoping it will open many doors.
On Tuesday, there was a shooting 3 houses down from A. A man was shot 3 times. I don't know a whole lot other than that, but the good news is that we are safe and we haven't heard anything about it since then (which is good because that means that nothing new has happened).
Let's see.... On Monday, Sister Holliday pointed out that one of my bike tires was splitting. And then we came out of an appointment that night, the other tire was flat. We have no idea why. Thankfully, the members who gave us the bikes came to the rescue and fixed it for me. I still need to find out how much it was though. Working on it....
But that's about it.
Mom, I'm glad you liked the package. I thought it would amuse you to see a scorpion..
Oh, and did I tell you I finished my first journal?
I love yo tons! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOs for ALL!
Love, ME
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
So, It's My Birthday!
Hello, Everyone!
So, It's my birthday. WOOT! Thanks for the love packages from Mom, Dad, and Lynz, and the one (again) from Danny, Naomi and the kids! Thanks also for any and all birthday wishes!
Today has been good so far. I am looking forward to later because a few of us missionaries are getting together to watch "Errand of Angels" about Sister Missionaries! The Thompson's (who I live with) have a theatre in their house, so we're gonna watch it in there. Also, there is a member in one of our wards who is going to take Sister Holliday and I out to ice cream. She is so good to us. She took us out to lunch on Thursday too, for Sister Holliday's birthday. Sister Tanner's (my trainer's) birthday is on the 29th. Pretty exciting! And even more exciting, mom and dad's anniversary is on the 30th! Woot! Woot! (I'm sending you something today. Look forward to it).
Hmmmm...Nothing too exciting is going on right now. Each of our investigators are progressing pretty well. We have two dates for Nov 6th.
As far as biking life goes... it's pretty much amazing.
The weather is PERFECT right now, and despite the fact that my legs kill, it's really not so bad. This amazing family, the Cowleys, have a relative that owns a bike shop, so they got us brand new, matching beach cruisers with baskets, lights, locks, and helmets. Talk about blessings!!! They even dropped them off inconspicuously so that we couldn't shower them with thanks. They are so good to us. It is especially nice because since they are new, they will last much longer for the sisters who get them after us. (The bikes will stay in the area after we leave).
Let's see....
Mom, the apron is SO CUTE!! Did you make it on your machine? Maybe we should get you to make our Zone T-shirts ;-). We'll see....
Thanks for the planisphere! It is in my backpack now. WOOT WOOT! So have you sent the travel bug out yet?
Ok, Well, I better begin wrapping it up. I love you all! Sister Tait, thanks (again) for doing the blog.
Love always, ME
PS.....
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MOM AND DAD!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LINDSEY KER!!! (hehe...you have the same b-day as MWAH! Woot! Woot!)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, UNCLE NEIL!!! (My mom told me it was on Halloween. Coolio!)
So, It's my birthday. WOOT! Thanks for the love packages from Mom, Dad, and Lynz, and the one (again) from Danny, Naomi and the kids! Thanks also for any and all birthday wishes!
Today has been good so far. I am looking forward to later because a few of us missionaries are getting together to watch "Errand of Angels" about Sister Missionaries! The Thompson's (who I live with) have a theatre in their house, so we're gonna watch it in there. Also, there is a member in one of our wards who is going to take Sister Holliday and I out to ice cream. She is so good to us. She took us out to lunch on Thursday too, for Sister Holliday's birthday. Sister Tanner's (my trainer's) birthday is on the 29th. Pretty exciting! And even more exciting, mom and dad's anniversary is on the 30th! Woot! Woot! (I'm sending you something today. Look forward to it).
Hmmmm...Nothing too exciting is going on right now. Each of our investigators are progressing pretty well. We have two dates for Nov 6th.
As far as biking life goes... it's pretty much amazing.
The weather is PERFECT right now, and despite the fact that my legs kill, it's really not so bad. This amazing family, the Cowleys, have a relative that owns a bike shop, so they got us brand new, matching beach cruisers with baskets, lights, locks, and helmets. Talk about blessings!!! They even dropped them off inconspicuously so that we couldn't shower them with thanks. They are so good to us. It is especially nice because since they are new, they will last much longer for the sisters who get them after us. (The bikes will stay in the area after we leave).
Let's see....
Mom, the apron is SO CUTE!! Did you make it on your machine? Maybe we should get you to make our Zone T-shirts ;-). We'll see....
Thanks for the planisphere! It is in my backpack now. WOOT WOOT! So have you sent the travel bug out yet?
Ok, Well, I better begin wrapping it up. I love you all! Sister Tait, thanks (again) for doing the blog.
Love always, ME
PS.....
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MOM AND DAD!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LINDSEY KER!!! (hehe...you have the same b-day as MWAH! Woot! Woot!)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, UNCLE NEIL!!! (My mom told me it was on Halloween. Coolio!)
Friday, October 22, 2010
We're on BIKES!!!
Hey all!
So, this week has been pretty good. In case you haven't heard, Sister Holliday and I are staying in our area, but they are taking our car. Can you guess what that means?! We're on BIKES!!! AHHH!!! Thankfully, we have awesome members who are obtaining bikes for us, as well as helmets. Just the little things left to take care of now, like locks and lights. The bike I get to ride is BRIGHT pink. We're gonna be stylin'!
Mom! I saw 3 PUGS today! I loved it! However, I miss my snuggle/nap time with Duncan... Thanks for the card, by the way! I just laughed when I saw it.
So, one miracle we've been seeing develop of late is in the case of a 13? year old girl. She is living with a family in our ward and for the past year or two they've been trying to adopt her. However, complications getting permission/paperwork and such from her biological parents was preventing that from happening. but last week I think they got the papers and now all they have to do is fill them out, do a couple of other things for the legal work, and then getting a court date. So the progress is HUGE! And once we have a court date, we can set up an appointment for her baptism. Cool, huh?! We are really excited about it.
We've had to push A's baptism date to Nov. because she said she wants to learn more, and read the BOM again, not to mention she hasn't been coming to church. But she said she wants to be baptized, so we know it will happen, it's just taking a little longer than we thought it would.
We went to a baptism with K the other day and the next meeting we had with her, she thanked us for inviting her to go. The talk on baptism was AMAZING and SO PERFECT for her. We set a date for Nov. 6, but that solely depends on if her husband Justin can quit smoking so that her can baptize her. He can do it though. We know it. That is also the date we set for A. So, Eric, we set two dates.
Tomorrow is Sister Holliday's birthday. We have a lunch date with Sister Campbell (the sister that called dad) and then she's taking us out for a light lunch on my birthday, too. I told her that we would prefer a light one because the wonderful family we are eating with that night is Tongan, and they cook tons of amazing food. So we want to be sure to be hungry for that.
Hmmm....So much to say, so little time.....
I guess I'll just have to sum it up for now with these few notes:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CORY! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, DANNY AND NAOMI!!!!
Well, I love you all. I will send you pictures of Sister Holliday and I and our sweat marks. I know we can all just imagine a Narcoleptic riding a bike all day.... This will be interesting. Thankfully, miracles happen on the mission.
Love,
Me
So, this week has been pretty good. In case you haven't heard, Sister Holliday and I are staying in our area, but they are taking our car. Can you guess what that means?! We're on BIKES!!! AHHH!!! Thankfully, we have awesome members who are obtaining bikes for us, as well as helmets. Just the little things left to take care of now, like locks and lights. The bike I get to ride is BRIGHT pink. We're gonna be stylin'!
Mom! I saw 3 PUGS today! I loved it! However, I miss my snuggle/nap time with Duncan... Thanks for the card, by the way! I just laughed when I saw it.
So, one miracle we've been seeing develop of late is in the case of a 13? year old girl. She is living with a family in our ward and for the past year or two they've been trying to adopt her. However, complications getting permission/paperwork and such from her biological parents was preventing that from happening. but last week I think they got the papers and now all they have to do is fill them out, do a couple of other things for the legal work, and then getting a court date. So the progress is HUGE! And once we have a court date, we can set up an appointment for her baptism. Cool, huh?! We are really excited about it.
We've had to push A's baptism date to Nov. because she said she wants to learn more, and read the BOM again, not to mention she hasn't been coming to church. But she said she wants to be baptized, so we know it will happen, it's just taking a little longer than we thought it would.
We went to a baptism with K the other day and the next meeting we had with her, she thanked us for inviting her to go. The talk on baptism was AMAZING and SO PERFECT for her. We set a date for Nov. 6, but that solely depends on if her husband Justin can quit smoking so that her can baptize her. He can do it though. We know it. That is also the date we set for A. So, Eric, we set two dates.
Tomorrow is Sister Holliday's birthday. We have a lunch date with Sister Campbell (the sister that called dad) and then she's taking us out for a light lunch on my birthday, too. I told her that we would prefer a light one because the wonderful family we are eating with that night is Tongan, and they cook tons of amazing food. So we want to be sure to be hungry for that.
Hmmm....So much to say, so little time.....
I guess I'll just have to sum it up for now with these few notes:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CORY! I LOVE YOU!!!!!!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, DANNY AND NAOMI!!!!
Well, I love you all. I will send you pictures of Sister Holliday and I and our sweat marks. I know we can all just imagine a Narcoleptic riding a bike all day.... This will be interesting. Thankfully, miracles happen on the mission.
Love,
Me
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
And so thus it is....
Hello Everyone!
Guess who gets to go to the temple today?! Pick me! Pick me! I DO! I DO! Sister Holliday and I are going with Sisters Tanner and Robinson and with a less active who hasn't been in years. We are SO EXCITED to go with her! Of course, we'd be excited for any opportunity to go, but this is even BETTER!
So, this week has been interesting....
After emails last week, we went and got mini preach my gospels. Cool, right? Then we went and played frizbee dodge ball. SO FUN!
Last Thursday was ZDM (Zone Development Meeting, I think...), which isn't really called ZDM anymore, but I don't know what else to call it... It was really good. I had an interview with Pres. Ellsworth and it was pretty good. I think it helped a lot in helping Sis. Holliday and I feel like we are doing well and learning how we can improve....
Friday was crazy. We had weekly planning all morning, and then we went and dropped in on a few people before going over to Alma's to see what we could help with for her Quincenera. We couldn't do anything but I have to say WOW. Just wow. They had so many flowers and so many decorations. They even had a doll made of her! It was CRAZY!!
Saturday we went and helped put cloths on the tables and chairs, and then we tied tons of bows on the back of the chairs. Then we had a few meetings and appointments before we went to some of the Quincenera to see Alma dance. It was amazing and she looked gorgeous. Now just to plan for the BAPTISM!! WOOT WOOT!!
Sunday, as always, was pure madness as we tried to get to all of our meetings. I was so tired and ready for bed when 9 pm came around.
As far as the haircut goes, I'm not loving it as much as I was hoping. I've been told it's cute, but that's only if my hair is down and it looks weird if its up. So... I can't wait for it to grow out. Lol. I mean, it's a good haircut, I just don't care for it.
I can't tell you how much I wish I would have brought a planisphere with me! You can see so many stars almost every night! And I think it's funny that you all are trying to get ready for winter. I feel like I'm one the other side of the world when you say that because the Jensen's are just starting to plan their neighborhood garden tour! Lol.
Danny, you know, everyone else has sent me emails so far but you. And I can't send this email with little notes to you unless you email me first... So, I'm hoping you or Naomi read this on my blog so that you both can write to me :-P
And so thus it is....
Oh, just FYI: Next week is transfers. I don't think either of us will be transferred, but there's always a possibility. And if we are transferred, I don't know how it works as far as emailing goes especially since last transfer was changed to a Wednesday (aka not p-day)... So, if I don't email, I will try to hand write a letter home.
Ok. Love you all. Send pictures. Of everything and anything. Nieces and nephews (in Halloween costumes, too), sisters, brothers, mommy, daddy, puggy, kitty, gardens...
XOXOXO
Sister Stephens
PS: To be said on the 16th: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BELLA!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!! XOXOXOs from your auntie in AZ!!
PPS: Sister Tait, what is your address?
Guess who gets to go to the temple today?! Pick me! Pick me! I DO! I DO! Sister Holliday and I are going with Sisters Tanner and Robinson and with a less active who hasn't been in years. We are SO EXCITED to go with her! Of course, we'd be excited for any opportunity to go, but this is even BETTER!
So, this week has been interesting....
After emails last week, we went and got mini preach my gospels. Cool, right? Then we went and played frizbee dodge ball. SO FUN!
Last Thursday was ZDM (Zone Development Meeting, I think...), which isn't really called ZDM anymore, but I don't know what else to call it... It was really good. I had an interview with Pres. Ellsworth and it was pretty good. I think it helped a lot in helping Sis. Holliday and I feel like we are doing well and learning how we can improve....
Friday was crazy. We had weekly planning all morning, and then we went and dropped in on a few people before going over to Alma's to see what we could help with for her Quincenera. We couldn't do anything but I have to say WOW. Just wow. They had so many flowers and so many decorations. They even had a doll made of her! It was CRAZY!!
Saturday we went and helped put cloths on the tables and chairs, and then we tied tons of bows on the back of the chairs. Then we had a few meetings and appointments before we went to some of the Quincenera to see Alma dance. It was amazing and she looked gorgeous. Now just to plan for the BAPTISM!! WOOT WOOT!!
Sunday, as always, was pure madness as we tried to get to all of our meetings. I was so tired and ready for bed when 9 pm came around.
As far as the haircut goes, I'm not loving it as much as I was hoping. I've been told it's cute, but that's only if my hair is down and it looks weird if its up. So... I can't wait for it to grow out. Lol. I mean, it's a good haircut, I just don't care for it.
I can't tell you how much I wish I would have brought a planisphere with me! You can see so many stars almost every night! And I think it's funny that you all are trying to get ready for winter. I feel like I'm one the other side of the world when you say that because the Jensen's are just starting to plan their neighborhood garden tour! Lol.
Danny, you know, everyone else has sent me emails so far but you. And I can't send this email with little notes to you unless you email me first... So, I'm hoping you or Naomi read this on my blog so that you both can write to me :-P
And so thus it is....
Oh, just FYI: Next week is transfers. I don't think either of us will be transferred, but there's always a possibility. And if we are transferred, I don't know how it works as far as emailing goes especially since last transfer was changed to a Wednesday (aka not p-day)... So, if I don't email, I will try to hand write a letter home.
Ok. Love you all. Send pictures. Of everything and anything. Nieces and nephews (in Halloween costumes, too), sisters, brothers, mommy, daddy, puggy, kitty, gardens...
XOXOXO
Sister Stephens
PS: To be said on the 16th: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BELLA!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!! XOXOXOs from your auntie in AZ!!
PPS: Sister Tait, what is your address?
Thursday, October 7, 2010
I"m Still Alive!! NO Worries!!
Hey, everyone,
Yesterday the library was closed so we changed our p-day to today. But that was just for this week, so make sure you still email on Tuesdays!
So, conference was AWESOME!! I loved so many of the talks, but I think Elder Holland's, Pres. Uchtdorf's, and Pres. Monson's were my favorite. I am proud to say that I was mostly awake for all of the sessions, even if part of it I was in a half-daze and not really taking in a lot. But hey, I was awake.
As for this week,it was an OK week. We've been really struggling to find people to teach, so we're doing a lot of praying and we've decided to redirect our efforts to getting to know the members better and gaining their trust more so that they will give us referrals. We're not sure how that's going to work, but we don't really know what else to do...
Today is our zone activity. We're playing some weird game that I don't really know what to expect, and then we're playing foam Frisbee dodge ball. I'm really excited for that. It will be fun. Then, Zone conference is tomorrow and we're getting a new cell phone, so that's exciting. And on Friday we're getting some service in by helping arrange flowers for Alma's quincenera. We are also going to help out on Saturday with with it.
It was really cool last Saturday because Sis H. and I went over to Alma's and they were practicing dancing. The dance was so cool! It was a special dance where it is basically the daughter passing into womanhood. It was touching watching the dad pass her over to a young man.
OH, and I also had my first Mexican tamale. It was good, but I'm not crazy about them like some people. Hmmm... what else?...
Next week we have a mission tour and Elder Evans, our area seventy is going to be there. I'm really excited about it.
And I suppose you want to hear about the storm that happened. Lol. I almost forgot about it! There was a lot of flooding and a lot of pouring rain. We even had a little hail. Afterward, Sis H. and I drove around and there was a bunch of damage. Trees fallen over, branches broken, telephone poles broken (so we heard) and we even saw a light post that had snapped at the base and was supported by 3 telephone wires. Dangerous, indeed. But it was awesome. And it was even cold enough that I thought about asking if we could go back to get a jacket.
Mom, thanks for the package. It really made my week and I sleep with the bear and the penguin Lynz gave me (before I went to college) quite often.
I got my hair cut. It's long in the front and short in the back. I'm trying to love it. I told Abbi that I wanted (basically what I've had before) and she was like "What?! No, you want this. And told me and I finally just said OK. I'm putting my faith you. Just do whatever." Except she said it in a less blunt way... I love her.
I love you all!!
XOXOXOXOXO
Sis. Stephens
Yesterday the library was closed so we changed our p-day to today. But that was just for this week, so make sure you still email on Tuesdays!
So, conference was AWESOME!! I loved so many of the talks, but I think Elder Holland's, Pres. Uchtdorf's, and Pres. Monson's were my favorite. I am proud to say that I was mostly awake for all of the sessions, even if part of it I was in a half-daze and not really taking in a lot. But hey, I was awake.
As for this week,it was an OK week. We've been really struggling to find people to teach, so we're doing a lot of praying and we've decided to redirect our efforts to getting to know the members better and gaining their trust more so that they will give us referrals. We're not sure how that's going to work, but we don't really know what else to do...
Today is our zone activity. We're playing some weird game that I don't really know what to expect, and then we're playing foam Frisbee dodge ball. I'm really excited for that. It will be fun. Then, Zone conference is tomorrow and we're getting a new cell phone, so that's exciting. And on Friday we're getting some service in by helping arrange flowers for Alma's quincenera. We are also going to help out on Saturday with with it.
It was really cool last Saturday because Sis H. and I went over to Alma's and they were practicing dancing. The dance was so cool! It was a special dance where it is basically the daughter passing into womanhood. It was touching watching the dad pass her over to a young man.
OH, and I also had my first Mexican tamale. It was good, but I'm not crazy about them like some people. Hmmm... what else?...
Next week we have a mission tour and Elder Evans, our area seventy is going to be there. I'm really excited about it.
And I suppose you want to hear about the storm that happened. Lol. I almost forgot about it! There was a lot of flooding and a lot of pouring rain. We even had a little hail. Afterward, Sis H. and I drove around and there was a bunch of damage. Trees fallen over, branches broken, telephone poles broken (so we heard) and we even saw a light post that had snapped at the base and was supported by 3 telephone wires. Dangerous, indeed. But it was awesome. And it was even cold enough that I thought about asking if we could go back to get a jacket.
Mom, thanks for the package. It really made my week and I sleep with the bear and the penguin Lynz gave me (before I went to college) quite often.
I got my hair cut. It's long in the front and short in the back. I'm trying to love it. I told Abbi that I wanted (basically what I've had before) and she was like "What?! No, you want this. And told me and I finally just said OK. I'm putting my faith you. Just do whatever." Except she said it in a less blunt way... I love her.
I love you all!!
XOXOXOXOXO
Sis. Stephens
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Narcoleptics Unite!
Yes, it's true. I met another Narcoleptic on Sunday. It was actually really ironic because I had to give a talk on Sunday in the 76th ward on the topic of courage, so naturally, I spoke about how I came to the decision to serve a mission and I talked about how Narcolepsy was the biggest fear I had in serving. Then after sacrament meeting, this woman who happened to be visiting that Sunday, came up and told me that she was a narcoleptic, too! She was so cute and it was so cool to be able to talk to someone who relates so well. It was also really cool because she is a stay at home mom with two kids. I hope that's me someday!
OH MY GOSH! You're gonna die when you hear this! The family we're living with, have a slide in their house! It is so COOL! It starts in an entertainment room, and it goes down to a theater! And it's a twisting slide! And the theater is so nice! It has like 6 couches in rows to sit on and is SWEET! Hopefully next Tuesday we're gonna have some other missionaries over and watch some movie on Pres. Hinckley or we're gonna watch something on Porter Rockwell. But we have to get permission to watch them, so we'll see...
We got invited to an investigator's quincenera. We saw her dress the other day and it is gorgeous! We obviously can't go to the actual catholic ceremony, but we're hoping to be able to at least drop in for a few minutes at the reception to at least get pictures. We would stay longer, but we decided that we don't want to risk causing contention in her extended family if they find out she intends to be baptized... Bummer we can't go longer, but that's OK. We are hoping to be able to get some service opportunities in though by helping get flower centerpieces ready and anything else they ask us to do. It's going to be awesome either way. And in the morning of that day, we have a baptism. WOOT! WOOT!
So, are you all SO EXCITED for conference? I am! The RS broadcast was so good! I love Pres. Monson! Man, I just can't wait! Glen Jensen has signed up to feed us on Saturday, and supposedly I will be meeting a lot of relatives. This could be interesting... I just hope that Sister Holliday is just as included in everything as much as I will be.
Anyway, I love you all! XOXOXOs for everyone!!
Love,
Sis S
OH MY GOSH! You're gonna die when you hear this! The family we're living with, have a slide in their house! It is so COOL! It starts in an entertainment room, and it goes down to a theater! And it's a twisting slide! And the theater is so nice! It has like 6 couches in rows to sit on and is SWEET! Hopefully next Tuesday we're gonna have some other missionaries over and watch some movie on Pres. Hinckley or we're gonna watch something on Porter Rockwell. But we have to get permission to watch them, so we'll see...
We got invited to an investigator's quincenera. We saw her dress the other day and it is gorgeous! We obviously can't go to the actual catholic ceremony, but we're hoping to be able to at least drop in for a few minutes at the reception to at least get pictures. We would stay longer, but we decided that we don't want to risk causing contention in her extended family if they find out she intends to be baptized... Bummer we can't go longer, but that's OK. We are hoping to be able to get some service opportunities in though by helping get flower centerpieces ready and anything else they ask us to do. It's going to be awesome either way. And in the morning of that day, we have a baptism. WOOT! WOOT!
So, are you all SO EXCITED for conference? I am! The RS broadcast was so good! I love Pres. Monson! Man, I just can't wait! Glen Jensen has signed up to feed us on Saturday, and supposedly I will be meeting a lot of relatives. This could be interesting... I just hope that Sister Holliday is just as included in everything as much as I will be.
Anyway, I love you all! XOXOXOs for everyone!!
Love,
Sis S
 |
| Baptism! |
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| And another one! |
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| And yep - another one! |
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| Fighting for Truth....and Cleanliness |
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Darth Sister? |
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Can You Imagine the Torture?
Man, I've been looking forward to pday since last Wednesday! Things in our new area are super hard. (Eric, I'm not sure why you like whitewashing areas...) However, since we replaced elders, I think we've had at least a dozen people from each of our new wards tell us how excited they are to have sisters and then they tell us that they haven't had sisters for like 30 years... I suppose it's time for us to break some ground now though and find out if it's possible that sisters can get into some homes that elders can't (not to be biased/prideful or anything since the situation would be the same if reversed).
Anyway, the companionship is going well. . I think we're both a bit overwhelmed with names, but I'm sure we can work our way though it all. Sis. H. is helping me learn the area since she is the one driving and pretty much knows her way around now... She's awesome like that.
As far as the work goes, we have a few different people who are ready to be baptized, but for one reason or another (none being too bad) they haven't been. We have one girl who is turning 15 and is having a quincenera, so she can't get baptized until after that. Her grandmother wants her to be catholic for the ceremony. We have a guy that is ready, and has a date for Oct. 9th. He would have done it sooner, but he is going out of town, and then there's GenCon coming up. Another woman is ready, but she is waiting for her husband to quit smoking so he can baptize her. And another girl is ready, but her mom won't let her til she's 18. So, the work is still moving along, but slowly.
So, today was moving day. Sis H. and I were living in an apt with some other sisters, but that was only temporary. We were there because the Elders had brought bed bugs (yes, they're real) to the place where we were supposed to be living, so we stayed elsewhere until the problem was taken care of. And in the process, the members who own our new home did a lot to fix it up. They redid the floors, and repainted the walls... It'd really nice now, but man it is TINY! There's one room with the beds, table, counters, dresser, sink, mini fridge, microwave, hot plates, and a few other things, plus our bathroom. It is seriously small. But we'll survive. The apartment is actually a pool house, so we live with members, but we have our own place. The biggest down-sider: there's a pool right outside our door. Can you imagine the torture? Just try.
Ok, I love you all!! And I'm glad to hear all is well. Hugs and kisses for all!!
Love,
ME
Anyway, the companionship is going well. . I think we're both a bit overwhelmed with names, but I'm sure we can work our way though it all. Sis. H. is helping me learn the area since she is the one driving and pretty much knows her way around now... She's awesome like that.
As far as the work goes, we have a few different people who are ready to be baptized, but for one reason or another (none being too bad) they haven't been. We have one girl who is turning 15 and is having a quincenera, so she can't get baptized until after that. Her grandmother wants her to be catholic for the ceremony. We have a guy that is ready, and has a date for Oct. 9th. He would have done it sooner, but he is going out of town, and then there's GenCon coming up. Another woman is ready, but she is waiting for her husband to quit smoking so he can baptize her. And another girl is ready, but her mom won't let her til she's 18. So, the work is still moving along, but slowly.
So, today was moving day. Sis H. and I were living in an apt with some other sisters, but that was only temporary. We were there because the Elders had brought bed bugs (yes, they're real) to the place where we were supposed to be living, so we stayed elsewhere until the problem was taken care of. And in the process, the members who own our new home did a lot to fix it up. They redid the floors, and repainted the walls... It'd really nice now, but man it is TINY! There's one room with the beds, table, counters, dresser, sink, mini fridge, microwave, hot plates, and a few other things, plus our bathroom. It is seriously small. But we'll survive. The apartment is actually a pool house, so we live with members, but we have our own place. The biggest down-sider: there's a pool right outside our door. Can you imagine the torture? Just try.
Ok, I love you all!! And I'm glad to hear all is well. Hugs and kisses for all!!
Love,
ME
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Yes, I Was Transferred
As you may already know, yes, I was transferred. At 9:30pm on Tuesday night, President Ellsworth called and told me that one of the new sisters that was supposed to come out actually went home (we later found out to get married), so I was going to be transferred after all. I am now in the Pueblo Zone and Sister Holliday and I cover 4 wards in the Mesa East Stake, including the singles ward. Sundays are absolutely CRAZY! But its fun because first of all, the Jensen's are in one of the wards we cover, and Glen is actually one of our Ward Mission Leaders, so I get to work with him all of the time! Cool, right?! And second, which has its pros and cons, we are whitewashing our entire four wards. The cool part is that this area hasn't had sisters for nearly 20 yrs, or so we've been told, so everyone is super excited to have us. The bad part is that there are SO MANY people to get to know. It's very overwhelming. So, keep that in your prayers, would you? On an up note though, (you're gonna be shocked at this one...) Our area is almost an exact square mile. And it's about 40-50% LDS .
So, with all of your gardening going on... I have to tell you about the Jensens' backyard. It is absolutely beautiful.
They have an awesome pool (which we can't swim in as missionaries...) and the yard is surrounded by a bamboo fence with these beautiful blossoms covering it. The flowers are like the pink ones I sent home to Lynz. Then, on the left of the pool, they have this arch that you go through where they have a brickoven-ish fireplace and an awesome table. On the right of the pool is a greenhouse and tons of hanging gardens. None of them are in bloom right now, but I can't wait to see it later. They even have this little corner by the pool where a mini table and chairs are. The granddaughters apparently call it their secret garden. Anyway, I am SO EXCITED to hear how the gardening is going at home. I have to keep reminding myself though that its going on fall and winter there. It's hard to remember when all we have here is heat and sun... But, at least it's cooling down!
So, today when we went to Walmart, it was SO FUNNY! Sister Holliday was pushing the cart, but our cart didn't have one of those things that drag along the floor to prevent static from building up, so every time she went to reach for something, she got shocked. By the end she had probably been shocked 15 times. Literally. The funniest time though, was on the 7th shock. She told me that she wasn't going to touch anything anymore, but when we were choosing some hand soap, she wanted to smell it. So, I opened the cap and held it out to her, and before I knew it, she yelled OW! It shocked her on the NOSE!!! Hahahaha! It makes me laugh just thinking about it!!! Then, I was laughing so hard that apparently my face was going limp because of the Cataplexy, which made her laugh harder, which made me laugh harder. I'm sure we were a bizarre sight to behold. Lol. It was hilarious.
Ok, well, I better go. I love you all TONS, and I love hearing from you!
Love,
Me
So, with all of your gardening going on... I have to tell you about the Jensens' backyard. It is absolutely beautiful.
They have an awesome pool (which we can't swim in as missionaries...) and the yard is surrounded by a bamboo fence with these beautiful blossoms covering it. The flowers are like the pink ones I sent home to Lynz. Then, on the left of the pool, they have this arch that you go through where they have a brickoven-ish fireplace and an awesome table. On the right of the pool is a greenhouse and tons of hanging gardens. None of them are in bloom right now, but I can't wait to see it later. They even have this little corner by the pool where a mini table and chairs are. The granddaughters apparently call it their secret garden. Anyway, I am SO EXCITED to hear how the gardening is going at home. I have to keep reminding myself though that its going on fall and winter there. It's hard to remember when all we have here is heat and sun... But, at least it's cooling down!
So, today when we went to Walmart, it was SO FUNNY! Sister Holliday was pushing the cart, but our cart didn't have one of those things that drag along the floor to prevent static from building up, so every time she went to reach for something, she got shocked. By the end she had probably been shocked 15 times. Literally. The funniest time though, was on the 7th shock. She told me that she wasn't going to touch anything anymore, but when we were choosing some hand soap, she wanted to smell it. So, I opened the cap and held it out to her, and before I knew it, she yelled OW! It shocked her on the NOSE!!! Hahahaha! It makes me laugh just thinking about it!!! Then, I was laughing so hard that apparently my face was going limp because of the Cataplexy, which made her laugh harder, which made me laugh harder. I'm sure we were a bizarre sight to behold. Lol. It was hilarious.
Ok, well, I better go. I love you all TONS, and I love hearing from you!
Love,
Me
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
I"m Not Worried
So, this week has been interesting. There hasn't been any big events, but multiple little ones.
To begin, Friday we found out transfer news. Sorry, mom. You were wrong. ;-P My whole companionship is staying. I wasn't sure what I wanted to happen, so I'm ok with it. Thankfully it's not me who knows what's best. The Lord does. Everything is going well in the companionship right now, so I'm not worried.
Yesterday was hilarious, but ended on a somewhat "drained" note. The funny part was when we were at a recent convert's house. She is a woman who used to have her own congregation. We read with her out of the BOM (1 Nephi 2, since that's where she was in reading it and after almost every single verse, she had something to say. It was rather amusing). When we left, it was really funny because I went to open the door, but her apartment is so cramped and there were 3 people behind me, so the only way I could open the door was to attempt to go to the side. However, I'm not a twig, so when Janice (the recent convert) saw my attempt to squeeze between the door and the back of a chair that her husband was sitting in, she said "Darrell, MOVE! This girl's got hips!" It was HILARIOUS!
Transfers are ever 6 weeks right now, but I don't know if that will last. I don't know if this is a church-wide thing, but instead of transfer goals, we now make monthly goals. But with the change, it's throwing everything off in our planners. So, we'll see if the goals remain monthly, and change the transfers to monthly, or if they will just change the goals back to transfers. It's too hard to have our goals be monthly and then transfer ever six weeks though because then we have new people coming in right in the middle of a monthly goal... if that makes sense... Anyway, yeah, I don't care for change. It just confuses everyone...
Ok, all. I love you all tons. Thanks for writing, it makes every p-day AMAZING when I get to hear from all of you.
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