Hello my family!!!
This past saturday was my second baptism. We were really nervous about it. Juan is 11 years old, and loves the gospel! His mom likes to drink, so he has a different up bringing. He was excited to get baptized! All week long we were trying to get a hold of his mom to make sure that she would be at the baptism, and to get all the information we needed. Friday night, we still hadn't been able to find her. so Saturday morning after secretary work we went to their house. We found the mom, and we talked to her, and got all the information needed. We then asked her if she would be attending the baptism. She said no, she was going to be gone. So we pushed the baptism back two hours so she could make it. Maria ended up coming with us to the baptism, and felt the spirit really strongly. My comp talked a lot to her about baptism, and what it means to her son. Sunday, Maria came with Juan to church, and also his older sister. They loved church, and again, they felt the spirit really strongly. In RS we talked about eternal marriage, and then in SS we talked about the second coming...it was perfect for them! Oh, and then in sacrament....I gave a talk on virtue....my first talk! I tried not to read it, but A-it was in portuguese and B-I don't speak portuguese....so pretty much I read the whole talk I had prepared! But let me tell you next time I give a talk it will be a lot better!
We also had Lu and Zildo at church, which is a big step...now we just have to convince them that they need to get married! They love the gospel, and they love learning about it, but they just won't get married. You can tell they love each other, so I don't see why they won't get married! They have been together for at least 18 years. But we are going to stress eternal families this week, so hopefully something happens!
Erica and Edson are progressing slowly, but they are progressing. Turns out they both read the 3rd Nephi 11 this past week, and they both felt something. But Edson is dragging his feet, so it makes his daughter question what is going on. But we are hoping to get her wet this Saturday or Sunday...oh dad...my comp, bless her heart, brought up the option of getting her baptized after church, then giving her the Holy Ghost right then too. I made sure to put my foot down and say no. She wasn't too happy with me. But in the end we decided tonight we will talk to the bishop, but we won't push anything. We are thinking that because most of the people stay after church anyways that they all could just come to the baptism, and then get the Holy Ghost then too...who knows! But we will see.
Everybody! I had a mishap! I accidentally left all my pictures of friends, family, and grandparents in the Brazil MTC...so please send me some pictures!
The language is coming along nicely....I don't know how else to put it. I am understanding more and more everyday, which is good. It is still hard to talk, but the more I try the better I get. So I try a lot! My comp makes me speak Portuguese a lot! She will speak in english to me, because she is learning that, and I speak in Portuguese to her...we both sound like little kids trying to talk to each other!
It is bloody hot here! Even when it rains, it is hot! Don't worry I use a lot of sunscreen and insect repellant! The bugs really like my blood, I guess it is just new to them! But on one leg I have 19 bites, the other leg 16-ish....and on my arms combined about 8...but that is a lot of itching! Every time I sit down I unconciously start itching! I have to really think hard about not itching. But other than the itching I am completely healthy!
I don't really know what else to say...usually I get to write an outline of what I want to talk about, but today we were at a party, so I didn't get to do anything...then all of a sudden we were here.
Oh! I have a pet...her name is Lizzy...actually I have about six of them...all named Lizzy. I have lizards galore in my apartment! You have to be careful when you pick stuff off the floor cause who knows if there will be a lizard on it or not. I also have a lot of bugs...I mean a lot! Everywhere....and where there are not bugs there are spiders....I have a lot of spiders! And where there are a lot of spiders there are a lot of lizards! So mainly we have a little bug problem. Yesterday I killed six spiders in about a five minute period! It was disgusting! Lizzy's aren't doing their job!!!!
Family I love you! Thank you for your emails. I love them!
I'm glad to hear that Kara is okay, I'll make sure to keep her in my prayers!
Love you all! I love this gospel! And I love this work!
Love, Sister Rounds
Monday, November 28, 2011
2nd Week in the Field-Written on July 11
Hey family!!! Life is great here for the most part, the only thing that would make it better is if I spoke this language. But other than that I absolutely love it! Saturday was my first baptism. Sis Moraes and I didn't really do anything, it was the elders before us, but we claimed him anyways. He is an 18 year old man/boy, and we are hoping to get him on a mission! He became interested in the church with his girlfriend, she was baptized three weeks ago, and he followed her. And on Saturday we have another baptism, Juan.
The language is the most difficult thing right now. I am trying my hardest to not get frustrated, and I am trying to rely on the Spirit to help me. My comp makes me speak Portuguese with her every hour of the day, so it is helping me some, but I am not really learning any words that I need. But when I should ask I can't think of the words I want to know. Their accent is nothing like anybody said it would be. They shorten all their words, and they almost talk with a Portugual accent mixed with a black accent. Yeah it is hard to describe, and hard to understand. But it is coming little by little. All of our investigators know I am learning, so they usually speak a little slower for me.
The members in the ward are all super nice. They feed us lunch every day...and yes every meal I have had involves beans, rice, and some sort of chicken. But it is all good, because their beans and rice aren't like dad's beans and rice. Dad, I hate to break it to ya, but you haven't quite figured out the seasoning to them...there is something different they do with their beans and rice. I am trying to figure out the recipe they use. We have one investigator, that is writing down all of her recipes, so when I come home, I will have a lot of Bahian recipes. And let me tell you, everything they make is super good, and comes from scratch!!!
I know I am not supposed to have favorites in my investigators, so I don't. I just like two more than the rest....haha, not really, but there is something different about these two. It is a father, and daughter. The dad is Edson, and he is divorced, but his daughter, Erica(18) lives with him. Erica came to church on Sunday, so that was good! I'm hoping with all my heart that Edson decides to come too. You walk into that house, and the spirit is there, and they don't know it. I am hoping that we can make them recognize the spirit. Edson was contacted a few years ago by the missionaries, but for some reason didn't continue with the lessons. During the first lesson, you could just see his eyes fill up with understanding. All of a sudden he was asking a lot of questions about the gospel. Needless to say he was interested in what we were saying.
The nice little lady that we are renting from is also super cute. She is about 50-60, and is always bringing us food. She calls us her daughters. Missionaries have been renting from her for the past 15 years or so, but for some reason they haven't baptized her yet! We made an appointment with her, and taught her the first lesson. She was receptive, but not really interested. At the very end of our lesson she asked about where we go after we die, and where did we come from, and why we are here....yes in pretty much those words! Because we had another appointment, we had to reschedule a lesson with her. I have a good feeling about her...it may have taken 15 years to accept the gospel, but I have a sneaky suspicion she will.
There is another man, in his late 60s or early 70s that is getting baptized the 29th of this month. He has had all the lessons, and goes to church almost regularly(because we don't have a chapel in Mussurunga you have to ride a bus to get to the closest chapel, so when investigators come it is a blessing. This area is kind of poor). But last night we taught him the Plan of Salvation, that was a pretty neat experience. When it was my turn to bear my testimony, I couldn't put into words what I wanted to say. My comp prompted me with the question of how I knew it was true. I paused for maybe a minute, and the words spilled out. It took me completely by surprise at how strongly I love the plan of salvation that I just started to cry. Yeah, it was embarrassing, but an experience that I will treasure forever.
I absolutely love this gospel! I love sharing it with others even though I can barely do it in Portuguese. I can tell the more I try and rely on the spirit, the more I can say things I want to say.
Love you all! And I love it here! And I love the Gospel!
Love, Sister Rounds
The language is the most difficult thing right now. I am trying my hardest to not get frustrated, and I am trying to rely on the Spirit to help me. My comp makes me speak Portuguese with her every hour of the day, so it is helping me some, but I am not really learning any words that I need. But when I should ask I can't think of the words I want to know. Their accent is nothing like anybody said it would be. They shorten all their words, and they almost talk with a Portugual accent mixed with a black accent. Yeah it is hard to describe, and hard to understand. But it is coming little by little. All of our investigators know I am learning, so they usually speak a little slower for me.
The members in the ward are all super nice. They feed us lunch every day...and yes every meal I have had involves beans, rice, and some sort of chicken. But it is all good, because their beans and rice aren't like dad's beans and rice. Dad, I hate to break it to ya, but you haven't quite figured out the seasoning to them...there is something different they do with their beans and rice. I am trying to figure out the recipe they use. We have one investigator, that is writing down all of her recipes, so when I come home, I will have a lot of Bahian recipes. And let me tell you, everything they make is super good, and comes from scratch!!!
I know I am not supposed to have favorites in my investigators, so I don't. I just like two more than the rest....haha, not really, but there is something different about these two. It is a father, and daughter. The dad is Edson, and he is divorced, but his daughter, Erica(18) lives with him. Erica came to church on Sunday, so that was good! I'm hoping with all my heart that Edson decides to come too. You walk into that house, and the spirit is there, and they don't know it. I am hoping that we can make them recognize the spirit. Edson was contacted a few years ago by the missionaries, but for some reason didn't continue with the lessons. During the first lesson, you could just see his eyes fill up with understanding. All of a sudden he was asking a lot of questions about the gospel. Needless to say he was interested in what we were saying.
The nice little lady that we are renting from is also super cute. She is about 50-60, and is always bringing us food. She calls us her daughters. Missionaries have been renting from her for the past 15 years or so, but for some reason they haven't baptized her yet! We made an appointment with her, and taught her the first lesson. She was receptive, but not really interested. At the very end of our lesson she asked about where we go after we die, and where did we come from, and why we are here....yes in pretty much those words! Because we had another appointment, we had to reschedule a lesson with her. I have a good feeling about her...it may have taken 15 years to accept the gospel, but I have a sneaky suspicion she will.
There is another man, in his late 60s or early 70s that is getting baptized the 29th of this month. He has had all the lessons, and goes to church almost regularly(because we don't have a chapel in Mussurunga you have to ride a bus to get to the closest chapel, so when investigators come it is a blessing. This area is kind of poor). But last night we taught him the Plan of Salvation, that was a pretty neat experience. When it was my turn to bear my testimony, I couldn't put into words what I wanted to say. My comp prompted me with the question of how I knew it was true. I paused for maybe a minute, and the words spilled out. It took me completely by surprise at how strongly I love the plan of salvation that I just started to cry. Yeah, it was embarrassing, but an experience that I will treasure forever.
I absolutely love this gospel! I love sharing it with others even though I can barely do it in Portuguese. I can tell the more I try and rely on the spirit, the more I can say things I want to say.
Love you all! And I love it here! And I love the Gospel!
Love, Sister Rounds
Sunday, September 4, 2011
First week in the Field- Sent July 4
Ola family!!! How are you??? I've read your emails and you all sound like you are doing good. Keep up the good news.
Hmm...I'm not going to lie, the first few days all I wanted to do was cry, and go home. But now all I want to do is stay and work! I love the people here. I cannot understand a thing anybody says, but the people are patient with me and they work with me. We have one family that is investigating, well actually just the parents. They are not married, and my first day we went to see them they said they didn't know why they would get married. But we taught them the 3rd lesson, and stressed the importance of keeping the commandments. At the end of the lesson they said they would consider it. Not exactly they yes we wanted, but there is more of a desire there. The mom, Lu, actually came to church with us yesterday, but the dad, Zildo, said he had other commitments.
Across the street from them lives a little boy, Juan, but pronounced hu-ah-n. He is 11, and such a doll. The first time I saw him, he just sat on his doorstep and looked at us with his big brown eyes and watched us. A day later we went by his house, and he was just sitting there again eating a grapefruit. We taught him, and his older brother, Ramon, the first lesson. His eyes were huge with interest the whole time. We gave him a Livro De Mormon and a pamphlet. The next day, Saturday, we went by his house to see if they read. His mom was in the "living room" with some friends getting drunk. We talked to Juan on the door step and he was eager to learn. Dad, I know you said to baptize families, but his mom has no interest whatsoever, and he wants to be baptized. We'll see what happens. Juan came to church with us on Sunday, and loved every minute of it. I can't explain how much he loves learning about the gospel.
The people here are super nice. Like I said, they are patient with me. In church every single member came up to me and taught me a new word in portuguese, and when I say something wrong they politely correct me. Lu and Zildo just smile when I make a mistake, and then later make jokes about it. It is amazing how much you start to love someone in such a short amount of time. Juan just listens to me make mistakes, and because he is in tune with the spirit he understands everything. That is one thing I have learned. I don't know any portuguese, but the Holy Ghost takes my message to the people. If they are in tune with the spirit, then I can say anything and they understand.
Now time for my trainer...drum roll...yep she is Brazilian! Haha, I love her, she is so cute. Her name is Sister Moraes, and she is from Santa Catarina (don't know how that is spelled). She speaks enough english to help me, but other than that she speaks only portuguese. She also has two and a half months left of the mission, so it is likely we'll stay companions till she leaves. Why is that you ask? Because we are opening an area for sisters. There were elders in our area before, but now they want sisters there because sisters are the best, and they are baptizing like crazy there. It is called Mussurunga (again spelling is horrible). Where Lu, Zildo, and Juan lived is nicknamed the Honey Hole. In one month there were 10 people baptized on that road. The whole place is pretty much a Honey Hole. We'll be walking down a street when all of a sudden my comp will stop and knock on a fence and do a contact. Afterwards she'll say, "I like that house!"
Well time is up and I have to go. I love you all, and I hope you are all safe and sound. Yes I can email friends, and family.
Love you!!!!
Sister Rounds
Hmm...I'm not going to lie, the first few days all I wanted to do was cry, and go home. But now all I want to do is stay and work! I love the people here. I cannot understand a thing anybody says, but the people are patient with me and they work with me. We have one family that is investigating, well actually just the parents. They are not married, and my first day we went to see them they said they didn't know why they would get married. But we taught them the 3rd lesson, and stressed the importance of keeping the commandments. At the end of the lesson they said they would consider it. Not exactly they yes we wanted, but there is more of a desire there. The mom, Lu, actually came to church with us yesterday, but the dad, Zildo, said he had other commitments.
Across the street from them lives a little boy, Juan, but pronounced hu-ah-n. He is 11, and such a doll. The first time I saw him, he just sat on his doorstep and looked at us with his big brown eyes and watched us. A day later we went by his house, and he was just sitting there again eating a grapefruit. We taught him, and his older brother, Ramon, the first lesson. His eyes were huge with interest the whole time. We gave him a Livro De Mormon and a pamphlet. The next day, Saturday, we went by his house to see if they read. His mom was in the "living room" with some friends getting drunk. We talked to Juan on the door step and he was eager to learn. Dad, I know you said to baptize families, but his mom has no interest whatsoever, and he wants to be baptized. We'll see what happens. Juan came to church with us on Sunday, and loved every minute of it. I can't explain how much he loves learning about the gospel.
The people here are super nice. Like I said, they are patient with me. In church every single member came up to me and taught me a new word in portuguese, and when I say something wrong they politely correct me. Lu and Zildo just smile when I make a mistake, and then later make jokes about it. It is amazing how much you start to love someone in such a short amount of time. Juan just listens to me make mistakes, and because he is in tune with the spirit he understands everything. That is one thing I have learned. I don't know any portuguese, but the Holy Ghost takes my message to the people. If they are in tune with the spirit, then I can say anything and they understand.
Now time for my trainer...drum roll...yep she is Brazilian! Haha, I love her, she is so cute. Her name is Sister Moraes, and she is from Santa Catarina (don't know how that is spelled). She speaks enough english to help me, but other than that she speaks only portuguese. She also has two and a half months left of the mission, so it is likely we'll stay companions till she leaves. Why is that you ask? Because we are opening an area for sisters. There were elders in our area before, but now they want sisters there because sisters are the best, and they are baptizing like crazy there. It is called Mussurunga (again spelling is horrible). Where Lu, Zildo, and Juan lived is nicknamed the Honey Hole. In one month there were 10 people baptized on that road. The whole place is pretty much a Honey Hole. We'll be walking down a street when all of a sudden my comp will stop and knock on a fence and do a contact. Afterwards she'll say, "I like that house!"
Well time is up and I have to go. I love you all, and I hope you are all safe and sound. Yes I can email friends, and family.
Love you!!!!
Sister Rounds
MTC is over-Sent June 22
This is my last week here!!! Crazy right? I think it is, and I don't know if I am ready for that or not! Hmm...so I forgot to tell everybody that this past week I got to go to the busiest intersection in Sao Paulo. It is called the MASP, there we contacted some people. We didn't get too many people to take a Book of Mormons, but that is okay, at least they had the opportunity. There is a cool little story that I wanted to tell you about it though. My comp and I went to a little side park where lots of benches were. We contacted one young man and he took the book with interest, (at least that is what we think, we don't speak portugues...). After giving the book we felt awkward to contact other people in that area so we left. As we left I had a strong impression to go contact a guy, but sadly fear took over and I didn't take that opportunity. About 10 minutes later we decided to go back to the little park place, the guy that I had the impression to talk to was still there, and he was reading a book. I told my comp to come with me to contact him. After we did the whole we are missionaries spill, he got a huge smile on his face. He lifted up the book that he was so intent upon reading. It was a pass-along Book of Mormon. Another group of elders contacted him. He was reading 3 Nephi 11, and he liked what he had read so far. We have no idea if the guy contacted other missionaries or not, but I hope so. Just goes to show that I should listen to the spirit...he's always right, and i'm wrong. When will I learn? Yeah, know how they say elders like to make the newbies say something that means something totally different? Yeah that has happened to me. Because we were supposed to sit with brazilians at meals, I made some friends with some of them. I asked them what coconut is, and they said coco, I repeated it back, and they started laughing their heads off. Then because they were laughing so loud other brazilians came and started laughing at me too. I couldn't figure out why. They would ask what my dessert tasted like, and I would say coco. (stress the last o). Anyways, my friend finally informed me that it was actually coco(with the accent on the first 0). Turns out they taught me that my dessert tasted like poopoo...I'm just glad that I learned now what it was and not later. So you all sang and did a musical number for Jake's thing right? How did it go? I ended up doing one too. I couldn't let you out do me, so I played my violin, and sang in a cinquet...(5 people group). Yeah, the singing didn't go very well, but I feel like the other song was good. There were three of us, and since I was the worst out of all the violinists I played the melody the whole time, while they went on and did some great variation. But it sounded amazing!! I have the music, so we might have to try it when I get home. I also played Tuesday for the devotional, yeah that one didn't go so well, I didn't have any time to practice. Today was my last time at the temple for the next 16 months. I can't wait to go again. I love you all! I hope you are all safe and sound. Don't be sad this next week! I know this gospel is true, and what Jake and I are doing is the thing we are supposed to be doing at this time! Love you, Sister Rounds
Week 6
Sent by Jenna on June 15
So I still only have 30 minutes to write. So I'm going to be quick, and this keyboard is weird, so don't judge my grammar or spelling. :) Brazil is so different from what I thought it would be! It is crazy cold here!!! Yes I said cold, I honestly was not expecting the cold! Mornings are really cold, then afternoons are on the too warm side! And there is next to no humidity! But apparently Salvador is hot and humid, so I'll enjoy the cold while I can. Because I have so little time to write, I probably won't be reading your emails till after I write, so if you have questions I probably won't answer them. So the CTM here is different form Provo too! It is one smallish building, and that is all you are ever in. But on p-days I get to go roam the streets! That was fun! I did that today! I also got to go to the Sao Paulo temple! That was beautiful and full of fun surprises...mostly I didn't know what they were saying, even though most of it was in english! Right now I have mixed emotions. I love it here in Brazil, but I'm not really liking the CTM, because it is so different, classes are different, and the teachers teach in a totally different way! Hmm...I have more to say, but I don't really know what to say or how to say it. I guess the main point is I am in culture shock!! It is fun though. We are encouraged to interact with the Brazilians everyday, I thought my portuguese was coming along nicely until they started talking to me...yeah turns out I know nothing! It is fun though, I have a Brazilian roommate! So I talk to her everynight, that helps a lot! She knows no english besides what I have taught her, so I am forced to speak in portuguese. I love it! Hmm...yeah I know this is short but I have a lot of emails to read...I'll try to respond to those. I love you! And I miss you! Hope you are all well! Well family, you get one huge paragraph and no more...one because I can't enter down, and twop because I want to read your emails. Love you all! I love this gospel and I know it is true!!! I'm so glad I have your support! Love you, Sister Rounds
So I still only have 30 minutes to write. So I'm going to be quick, and this keyboard is weird, so don't judge my grammar or spelling. :) Brazil is so different from what I thought it would be! It is crazy cold here!!! Yes I said cold, I honestly was not expecting the cold! Mornings are really cold, then afternoons are on the too warm side! And there is next to no humidity! But apparently Salvador is hot and humid, so I'll enjoy the cold while I can. Because I have so little time to write, I probably won't be reading your emails till after I write, so if you have questions I probably won't answer them. So the CTM here is different form Provo too! It is one smallish building, and that is all you are ever in. But on p-days I get to go roam the streets! That was fun! I did that today! I also got to go to the Sao Paulo temple! That was beautiful and full of fun surprises...mostly I didn't know what they were saying, even though most of it was in english! Right now I have mixed emotions. I love it here in Brazil, but I'm not really liking the CTM, because it is so different, classes are different, and the teachers teach in a totally different way! Hmm...I have more to say, but I don't really know what to say or how to say it. I guess the main point is I am in culture shock!! It is fun though. We are encouraged to interact with the Brazilians everyday, I thought my portuguese was coming along nicely until they started talking to me...yeah turns out I know nothing! It is fun though, I have a Brazilian roommate! So I talk to her everynight, that helps a lot! She knows no english besides what I have taught her, so I am forced to speak in portuguese. I love it! Hmm...yeah I know this is short but I have a lot of emails to read...I'll try to respond to those. I love you! And I miss you! Hope you are all well! Well family, you get one huge paragraph and no more...one because I can't enter down, and twop because I want to read your emails. Love you all! I love this gospel and I know it is true!!! I'm so glad I have your support! Love you, Sister Rounds
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Cause She's Leaving On A Jet Plane after Week 5
Letter from Jenna written on June 1st.
Hey family!!! How are you guys!!! I think I heard from everybody but Jake this week!!! It sounds like everybody is good!
So I have some good news...ready? I'm going to BRAZIL!!! Yep, I leave Tuesday to go down there. I found out about 4 hours ago, and I'm going to call home in about 40 minutes...hopefully. If my comp will let me! So mother dearest...I need that pack before I leave...so if you can please do that as soon as possible!
But yeah, so pretty much my whole district is leaving. Okay, not my whole district but a lot of us are leaving! Out of the nine, there are five leaving, then I think Elder Jorgensens district is leaving too. Elder Jorgensen is my traveling cordinator, or whatever they call him. I fly out Tuesday morning at 11:10 AM for NY, they I leave NY at 10:15 PM and arrive in Sao Paulo at 9:25 the next morning. It's a long flight, but I'm ready to be there!
Holy buckets..that's a lot of water! It has rained the past few days, but overall it is beautiful and warm! The rain is cold, but when it is sunny it is sunny! I've been able to stay pretty warm with my 3 cardigans I have, so it hasn't been bad.
The work is going good. My classes are practically all in Portuguese now, meaning that the class is required to speak Portuguese! That is hard, but it is good, I'm learning so much faster. I talked to an actual Brazilian a couple of days ago, and he understood me, but then he informed me that I spoke weird. Haha that could just be because I can't conjegate anything.
We haven't work on the phones at all, and I don't think I will since I'm leaving in a week! We have people that we teach in the TRC, but most of those are returned missionaries just acting the part. My progressing investigators are pretty good too! One couple, Jose and Fatima are committedc to baptism, but we found out jose smokes, so we are working on that. Maria and Gi are still stoned faced, and won't pray about anything! Haha, just so you know the investigators are my teachers playing the part, but it is good practice. All of our lessons to them have to be in Portuguese.
Hmmm...Dad, it is funny you mentioned Saturdays warriors. I had a sub the other day that claimed he knew me, and he looked familiar to me too. But we have never crossed paths. The entire class says it is meant to be, and that we met in the pre-existance. I told them we'd have to wait until I got home, cause nothing is going to stop my mission! So funny!
Well that is about all, I'm praying for unconditional love, so if you want to pray that I can find it that would be good!
Well fam, I love you much! I hope you are all doing well, and as a side not, I'm sorry if I bawl tonight on the phone with you! My emotions are everywhere!
Eu se que o livro de mormon e verdadeiro e contem a plentitude do evangelho, eu se que da igreja de jesus cristo dos santos dos ultimos dias e verdadeiro. Eu se que as familias ser eternas. eu se que eu amo voces muito!!! Eu se que jesus cristo e nosso salvador, ele pagou por nossos pecados, entou morreu por nos entou nos volter para nosso paj. En nome de jesus cristo amem...
Some of that is spelled wrong, but when you are typing in another language against a clock spelling doesn't really matter...and I don't think the last part is even right...but you get my drift! Love you!
Sister Rounds
Hey family!!! How are you guys!!! I think I heard from everybody but Jake this week!!! It sounds like everybody is good!
So I have some good news...ready? I'm going to BRAZIL!!! Yep, I leave Tuesday to go down there. I found out about 4 hours ago, and I'm going to call home in about 40 minutes...hopefully. If my comp will let me! So mother dearest...I need that pack before I leave...so if you can please do that as soon as possible!
But yeah, so pretty much my whole district is leaving. Okay, not my whole district but a lot of us are leaving! Out of the nine, there are five leaving, then I think Elder Jorgensens district is leaving too. Elder Jorgensen is my traveling cordinator, or whatever they call him. I fly out Tuesday morning at 11:10 AM for NY, they I leave NY at 10:15 PM and arrive in Sao Paulo at 9:25 the next morning. It's a long flight, but I'm ready to be there!
Holy buckets..that's a lot of water! It has rained the past few days, but overall it is beautiful and warm! The rain is cold, but when it is sunny it is sunny! I've been able to stay pretty warm with my 3 cardigans I have, so it hasn't been bad.
The work is going good. My classes are practically all in Portuguese now, meaning that the class is required to speak Portuguese! That is hard, but it is good, I'm learning so much faster. I talked to an actual Brazilian a couple of days ago, and he understood me, but then he informed me that I spoke weird. Haha that could just be because I can't conjegate anything.
We haven't work on the phones at all, and I don't think I will since I'm leaving in a week! We have people that we teach in the TRC, but most of those are returned missionaries just acting the part. My progressing investigators are pretty good too! One couple, Jose and Fatima are committedc to baptism, but we found out jose smokes, so we are working on that. Maria and Gi are still stoned faced, and won't pray about anything! Haha, just so you know the investigators are my teachers playing the part, but it is good practice. All of our lessons to them have to be in Portuguese.
Hmmm...Dad, it is funny you mentioned Saturdays warriors. I had a sub the other day that claimed he knew me, and he looked familiar to me too. But we have never crossed paths. The entire class says it is meant to be, and that we met in the pre-existance. I told them we'd have to wait until I got home, cause nothing is going to stop my mission! So funny!
Well that is about all, I'm praying for unconditional love, so if you want to pray that I can find it that would be good!
Well fam, I love you much! I hope you are all doing well, and as a side not, I'm sorry if I bawl tonight on the phone with you! My emotions are everywhere!
Eu se que o livro de mormon e verdadeiro e contem a plentitude do evangelho, eu se que da igreja de jesus cristo dos santos dos ultimos dias e verdadeiro. Eu se que as familias ser eternas. eu se que eu amo voces muito!!! Eu se que jesus cristo e nosso salvador, ele pagou por nossos pecados, entou morreu por nos entou nos volter para nosso paj. En nome de jesus cristo amem...
Some of that is spelled wrong, but when you are typing in another language against a clock spelling doesn't really matter...and I don't think the last part is even right...but you get my drift! Love you!
Sister Rounds
Week 4, Completed and Enjoyed
Letter from Jenna, written on May 25
Ola Family!!!
Hmmm...So nothing is new. I am still waking up at 6:30 in the morning wishing I could sleep in for another 30 minutes, and I am still loving every minute here.
The language is still a struggle this week, but I humbled myself down and asked for more help...yep I got myself a tutor! Well, the MTC has one, and I am going to start using Irmao Willardson now! Yahoo! He has already helped me and my comp a ton! We learn stuff in class, but it just isn't enought. I can understand what concept is being taught about the language, but some others in the class aren't picking it up as fast...so in a circle I'm struggling. Does that even make sense? I don't know how to phrase that in 30 minutes...time is ticking!
Elder Russel M. Nelson came and spoke to us last night. That was the bomb.com! He and his wife talked a lot about being obedient...strict obedience! I think I'm already slacking on that, but I'm trying really hard not to! My comp is a huge slacker, so I feel I'm doing okay with what I'm put with. We have our moments when we would rather be away from each other, but overall we get along. I'm serving the Lord, not myself! Who cares about the emotions I'm going through, I'm focusing on the Lord. With the focus on the Lord I'll be able to pull through the hard times with the comp.
Visas are starting to come through! There were about 15 elders and sisters that headed to Brazil last week! We are praying the other visas aren't far behind. But there is something you can do to check on it! Google Brazil visa status...on the list of sites...in Portugues there should be something that says check status...fill it out. I don't have my confirmation number, so you'll have to do my birthdate and all that fun stuff! But tons of families are checking the status! Apparently Elder Jorgensen's is in processing, so his should be coming in the next few weeks!
Well fam, my time is up...I wish I had more to say, but I don't. All we do is sit in class and learn, so nothing really worth writing about, just remembering. Hmmm...yesterday we had a TRC appointment. I got to teach the second lesson to a lady. Her son died a few years ago, and even though she is a member, playing a nonmember, the spirit was so strong when we were testifying about everything! This Gospel is true! I love it! And I'm so excited that I have another 17 months proclaiming the gospel! It is going to be glorious!!! Elder Nelson said, "We follow Jesus Christ" oh how true it is! A simple yet profound message in just four words! That is what I will be proclaiming to the people of Brazil! I'm happy I made the decision to serve a mission. It is worth the time, and the exhaustion!
I love you all, and I hope you are all safe and sound. Life is good, I am good, and the mission is good.
Love,
Seester Rounds
Ola Family!!!
Hmmm...So nothing is new. I am still waking up at 6:30 in the morning wishing I could sleep in for another 30 minutes, and I am still loving every minute here.
The language is still a struggle this week, but I humbled myself down and asked for more help...yep I got myself a tutor! Well, the MTC has one, and I am going to start using Irmao Willardson now! Yahoo! He has already helped me and my comp a ton! We learn stuff in class, but it just isn't enought. I can understand what concept is being taught about the language, but some others in the class aren't picking it up as fast...so in a circle I'm struggling. Does that even make sense? I don't know how to phrase that in 30 minutes...time is ticking!
Elder Russel M. Nelson came and spoke to us last night. That was the bomb.com! He and his wife talked a lot about being obedient...strict obedience! I think I'm already slacking on that, but I'm trying really hard not to! My comp is a huge slacker, so I feel I'm doing okay with what I'm put with. We have our moments when we would rather be away from each other, but overall we get along. I'm serving the Lord, not myself! Who cares about the emotions I'm going through, I'm focusing on the Lord. With the focus on the Lord I'll be able to pull through the hard times with the comp.
Visas are starting to come through! There were about 15 elders and sisters that headed to Brazil last week! We are praying the other visas aren't far behind. But there is something you can do to check on it! Google Brazil visa status...on the list of sites...in Portugues there should be something that says check status...fill it out. I don't have my confirmation number, so you'll have to do my birthdate and all that fun stuff! But tons of families are checking the status! Apparently Elder Jorgensen's is in processing, so his should be coming in the next few weeks!
Well fam, my time is up...I wish I had more to say, but I don't. All we do is sit in class and learn, so nothing really worth writing about, just remembering. Hmmm...yesterday we had a TRC appointment. I got to teach the second lesson to a lady. Her son died a few years ago, and even though she is a member, playing a nonmember, the spirit was so strong when we were testifying about everything! This Gospel is true! I love it! And I'm so excited that I have another 17 months proclaiming the gospel! It is going to be glorious!!! Elder Nelson said, "We follow Jesus Christ" oh how true it is! A simple yet profound message in just four words! That is what I will be proclaiming to the people of Brazil! I'm happy I made the decision to serve a mission. It is worth the time, and the exhaustion!
I love you all, and I hope you are all safe and sound. Life is good, I am good, and the mission is good.
Love,
Seester Rounds
Sunday, June 5, 2011
3rd Week Complete!!!
Letter written from Jenna on May 18
Hi family!!!
How are ya'll??? How is it going in the real world? Do you think much has changed? I know for me it has!!! I must admit, all of your writing is so different from what you talk like...I don't know how to explain it, but I love it! It cracks me up! Nothing here is really new, but I'm growing so much! I feel like I'm not the same anymore. It is quite the feeling. Elder Hinkley came and talked with us last night, that was pretty cool. He left some time for questions and answers. One question was what did your dad teach you? He said the same thing I would have said! To love my family, honor my covenants, and to work hard! I must admit I almost started crying right there. Don't be alarmed though, this week my emotions have been all over the place! I thought I was doing so well, then bam! I'm bawling like a baby every time I turn around. I hear this is normal, so I'm not too worried.
It is funny, the more time you spend with someone the more flaws they have....not necessarily flaws, just things that drive me crazy!!! Sis. Smart is still cool, but I feel like an outsider when her and one of the other sisters start talking...it is like she only endures me because she has to. It is almost depressing.
So time for question answering.....
The new language program is pretty cool. They speak only in the mission language, and you are expected to teach in your mission language the first day! It is pretty hard from what I've heard, but they are switching to it, so it must be good! And it must work! Don't worry Jake, they won't start till August.
The spirit is so strong. It is always there. I love it! It is like there is something always hugging you...just peace and calm feelings all the time!
Dad, it is funny how you talked about the Atonement, that has been our theme this week. The Atonement, and what it means to our investigators lives. We are starting to teach the second lesson, which has the stress point of the atonement.
About the language...yeah I've hit a wall. I am understanding more and more, but for some reason I just can't say what I want! I know what I want to say, but I can't get it out! It is the weirdest feeling! I hope that I can climb over this wall soon! I'm getting left in the dust! I know how to conjegate...but I can't say it!!!! So frustrating, but I'm busting my butt trying to do it!...and yes I can say that because that is what Elder Hinkley said!
Daryl Ward is meeting with the missionaries huh? That is pretty cool! I remember hearing about him on Easter...Dad you are a part of that!!! Isn't it amazing how member missionaries work! That is the best way we get our investigators.
Well, my time is up! Love you family! God speed!
Seester Houngies
Hi family!!!
How are ya'll??? How is it going in the real world? Do you think much has changed? I know for me it has!!! I must admit, all of your writing is so different from what you talk like...I don't know how to explain it, but I love it! It cracks me up! Nothing here is really new, but I'm growing so much! I feel like I'm not the same anymore. It is quite the feeling. Elder Hinkley came and talked with us last night, that was pretty cool. He left some time for questions and answers. One question was what did your dad teach you? He said the same thing I would have said! To love my family, honor my covenants, and to work hard! I must admit I almost started crying right there. Don't be alarmed though, this week my emotions have been all over the place! I thought I was doing so well, then bam! I'm bawling like a baby every time I turn around. I hear this is normal, so I'm not too worried.
It is funny, the more time you spend with someone the more flaws they have....not necessarily flaws, just things that drive me crazy!!! Sis. Smart is still cool, but I feel like an outsider when her and one of the other sisters start talking...it is like she only endures me because she has to. It is almost depressing.
So time for question answering.....
The new language program is pretty cool. They speak only in the mission language, and you are expected to teach in your mission language the first day! It is pretty hard from what I've heard, but they are switching to it, so it must be good! And it must work! Don't worry Jake, they won't start till August.
The spirit is so strong. It is always there. I love it! It is like there is something always hugging you...just peace and calm feelings all the time!
Dad, it is funny how you talked about the Atonement, that has been our theme this week. The Atonement, and what it means to our investigators lives. We are starting to teach the second lesson, which has the stress point of the atonement.
About the language...yeah I've hit a wall. I am understanding more and more, but for some reason I just can't say what I want! I know what I want to say, but I can't get it out! It is the weirdest feeling! I hope that I can climb over this wall soon! I'm getting left in the dust! I know how to conjegate...but I can't say it!!!! So frustrating, but I'm busting my butt trying to do it!...and yes I can say that because that is what Elder Hinkley said!
Daryl Ward is meeting with the missionaries huh? That is pretty cool! I remember hearing about him on Easter...Dad you are a part of that!!! Isn't it amazing how member missionaries work! That is the best way we get our investigators.
Well, my time is up! Love you family! God speed!
Seester Houngies
Friday, June 3, 2011
Finished Week Two!
Letter written from Jenna on May 11
Ola minha familia!
Things are going pretty good here in the MTC. The food gives everybody gas, so the classes are always stinky...but other than that nothing to complain about. So Elder Neil A. Anderson came and spoke to us last night. That was really cool! He spoke a lot on the atonement, and seeing the unseen. It was absolutely amazing. He said this quote which I love, "Our plaques will be badges of honor, because we bore witness of Him." Afterwards the sisters and I went to the side of the building to go back to our classroom, when a bunch of missionaries were just standing around. We waited with them for about ten minutes when all of a sudden Elder Anderson started walking towards us. A few elders started singing, and soon others joined in, the spirit was so strong. Elder Anderson came up and shook hands with everybody that was there. So yes, I got to shake his hand! Yahoo!
Dad, tomato plants? At least it is an original idea! I actually kind of like it! I know that one girl has her visa in our zone, or at least it is almost here, but she is supposed to leave next Tuesday, so who knows where she will end up. But apparently there is a website that you can look at to find out if my visa is being processed or whatever. I have no idea what it is, but I bet you can google it!
We get to exercise five times a week for 40 minutes at the gym, on p-day we are supposed to do an exercise mission thing...it is a little weird, so I usually just work on my abs or something. It really helps me not get sick! The gas and food starts to move as I move, so it doesn't just sit and fester.(haha mom, I bet you don't like me saying that)
As for my schedule, it changes every day. But usually we have classes two times a day, and each session is 3 hours. Our teachers speak only in Portuguese, they know how to speak English, but to help us learn, they don't use it. I can understand most of what they say, but when it comes to talking back to them I am struggling. I can read, just not talk. So at times I wish I wasn't learning a language, because it is just one more thing I have to do, but I love the language! Definitely having some mixed feelings right now. Our teachers last Thursday decided they would be investigators, so we have taught them in only Portuguese...that is so hard! We pretty much have to write down what we want to say in English then translate it, then during the lesson read what it is we want to say! But it is coming along. When we aren't in class it is usually personal study, or language study, or this program called TALL, it is a computer program that is supposed to help us learn the language faster.
Yes I can bear my testimony in Portuguese, and I actually bore my testimony last Sunday in Portuguese in sacrament meeting! Scary! I had learned how to bear my testimony only two days before! I also know how to pray, and contact somebody!
I think I have the adjusting done, there are times when my head wants to explode because of everything I'm learning, but I love it! It means I am actually learning something! I haven't felt this way for a long time! I love that I'm learning something!
As for the glasses, I still love them! But the shoes I must admit They rub in weird places, and even though they are sometimes comfortable, other times they kill!!! But apparently I'll be able to wear sandals in Brazil! I hope I can!
As for the pronunciations, deus, is with a hard d sound, just like you would say it in Spanish, because the de is at the beginning of the word, or in the middle of it. But de is gee when it is at the end on the word or by itself. But if it is di, it is always gee. The rules are actually not as confusing as I thought it would be. If an r is at the beginning of the word it is pronounced with an h sound, but if it is an h, you don't say it. Even though there are weird rules, it is a beautiful language, a lot of the words are close to english, you just pronounce them weird usually with a gee, or chi sound at the end! :)
I am out of time! I love you all, and miss you! I'm glad to hear everything is going good back at home. Keep the letters coming please! I love them!!! This work is amazing, and the spirit is so strong all the time. The Holy Ghost always helps learning! It is incredible how much I have learned in only the two weeks I've been here. The teachers and other elders are incredible! I am seriously treated like a princess, the doors are always opened for me, and when we walk past all the elders say hi! Haha, it must be because I am just a fantastic person...or just cuz I'm a girl and it is so rare to see one these days!
Much love! I miss you!
Love,
Seester Houngies!
Ola minha familia!
Things are going pretty good here in the MTC. The food gives everybody gas, so the classes are always stinky...but other than that nothing to complain about. So Elder Neil A. Anderson came and spoke to us last night. That was really cool! He spoke a lot on the atonement, and seeing the unseen. It was absolutely amazing. He said this quote which I love, "Our plaques will be badges of honor, because we bore witness of Him." Afterwards the sisters and I went to the side of the building to go back to our classroom, when a bunch of missionaries were just standing around. We waited with them for about ten minutes when all of a sudden Elder Anderson started walking towards us. A few elders started singing, and soon others joined in, the spirit was so strong. Elder Anderson came up and shook hands with everybody that was there. So yes, I got to shake his hand! Yahoo!
Dad, tomato plants? At least it is an original idea! I actually kind of like it! I know that one girl has her visa in our zone, or at least it is almost here, but she is supposed to leave next Tuesday, so who knows where she will end up. But apparently there is a website that you can look at to find out if my visa is being processed or whatever. I have no idea what it is, but I bet you can google it!
We get to exercise five times a week for 40 minutes at the gym, on p-day we are supposed to do an exercise mission thing...it is a little weird, so I usually just work on my abs or something. It really helps me not get sick! The gas and food starts to move as I move, so it doesn't just sit and fester.(haha mom, I bet you don't like me saying that)
As for my schedule, it changes every day. But usually we have classes two times a day, and each session is 3 hours. Our teachers speak only in Portuguese, they know how to speak English, but to help us learn, they don't use it. I can understand most of what they say, but when it comes to talking back to them I am struggling. I can read, just not talk. So at times I wish I wasn't learning a language, because it is just one more thing I have to do, but I love the language! Definitely having some mixed feelings right now. Our teachers last Thursday decided they would be investigators, so we have taught them in only Portuguese...that is so hard! We pretty much have to write down what we want to say in English then translate it, then during the lesson read what it is we want to say! But it is coming along. When we aren't in class it is usually personal study, or language study, or this program called TALL, it is a computer program that is supposed to help us learn the language faster.
Yes I can bear my testimony in Portuguese, and I actually bore my testimony last Sunday in Portuguese in sacrament meeting! Scary! I had learned how to bear my testimony only two days before! I also know how to pray, and contact somebody!
I think I have the adjusting done, there are times when my head wants to explode because of everything I'm learning, but I love it! It means I am actually learning something! I haven't felt this way for a long time! I love that I'm learning something!
As for the glasses, I still love them! But the shoes I must admit They rub in weird places, and even though they are sometimes comfortable, other times they kill!!! But apparently I'll be able to wear sandals in Brazil! I hope I can!
As for the pronunciations, deus, is with a hard d sound, just like you would say it in Spanish, because the de is at the beginning of the word, or in the middle of it. But de is gee when it is at the end on the word or by itself. But if it is di, it is always gee. The rules are actually not as confusing as I thought it would be. If an r is at the beginning of the word it is pronounced with an h sound, but if it is an h, you don't say it. Even though there are weird rules, it is a beautiful language, a lot of the words are close to english, you just pronounce them weird usually with a gee, or chi sound at the end! :)
I am out of time! I love you all, and miss you! I'm glad to hear everything is going good back at home. Keep the letters coming please! I love them!!! This work is amazing, and the spirit is so strong all the time. The Holy Ghost always helps learning! It is incredible how much I have learned in only the two weeks I've been here. The teachers and other elders are incredible! I am seriously treated like a princess, the doors are always opened for me, and when we walk past all the elders say hi! Haha, it must be because I am just a fantastic person...or just cuz I'm a girl and it is so rare to see one these days!
Much love! I miss you!
Love,
Seester Houngies!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
First Week in the MTC!
Letter written from Jenna on May 4
Oi minha familia!!!
Meu (mayo) nome (no-meh) e (eh) Sister Rounds! (Seester Houngies!) I always get a kick out of that! I'm sure you are all wondering why I'm not irma...well, let me explain. So, in Brazil irma means sister, but when they call us irma's it sounds like we are nuns. So to make a clear distinction that we are in fact not nuns, but missionaries for the church we are called seester, I'm quite sad that I'm not an irma, but I guess I will live.
I'm doing good! I can't complain about anything! Life is good, food is good, and sleep is best!
The language is coming along pretty good. I'm definititely not fluent, but I can understand a lot! It is crazy how much I've learned in just one week. I can bear my testimony, say a prayer, and contact in portuguese! I never thought it would happen so quick, but it did! I try to talk in the language as much as I can, but my brain does not want to think in another language! My teacher is awesome though, they speak only portuguese, it is sometimes hard to get your answer because they explain it in portuguese, but I guess that is how we learn!
My district is amazing! There are six elders, and four sisters including me. All of them have a totally different personality then the rest of us! Elder Pettitt, is older, 24, but he is practically a spiritual giant! When he speaks the spirit enters the room so fast! Well, the spirit is always there, but it becomes a lot more powerful! Elder Smith, is our DL, and he is a language wizard! He is already speaking in mostly portuguese! I'm so jealous of him, so I'm trying to compete with him...in a non-competitive way. I just want to be as good as him! There are two Elder Christensen's, but completely different! One is loud, and talks almost all the time, and the other is quiet, but when he talks the spirit is with him, and you can tell he is trying his hardest! He is warming up to everyone though. Next is Elder Carmichael, let's just say we laugh all the time when he starts talking, reminds me a lot of Luke, can be very serious, but always makes sure there is something we can laugh at. And last is Elder Linsley...I know I shouldn't say anything mean, so I'll just say he is a child of God. Next are the sisters! They are fantastic!!! Sister Dunow (do-no), and Sister Johnson are so stinkin funny! We laugh all the time! It is almost as if I have my three friends back, but all of them are so different from the friends I left behind. Sister Smart is my companhiera, she is sweet, but we laugh all the time. But there are times when I think I get on her nerves, but she hasn't said anything, so I hope I don't!
Last week all of the schedules changed, so I finally have my correct schedule. My p-day is going to be on Wednesdays.
Oh so I have a funny story. As I was doing my service Monday morning I was talking to an elder as we were waiting for my companion to exit the bathroom. He was saying how he had family in Utah, and he mentioned the name was Fox. I asked if he was related to Tara's family, he said he had no idea, but probably. I laughed a little and said oh we might be related, (just joking around). He got this weird look on his face and after pointing to himself and to me, he said, "far enough distance that this wouldn't be awkward?" (I still get a kick out of it!) I then explained to him, that if in fact he was related to Tara, we still wouldn't be blood related. He said, "Okay, good." And yes he is attractive, but I'm not looking because I'm a missionary!
Well, I'm almos out of time, so I must wrap this letter up. I will have to write more in a letter and send it the slow way home. I want to thank you for sending me a letter/e-mail! I'm not that homesick, but I still enjoy getting letters! It makes my day! And if a letter doesn't come the next day, then it makes that day too! Get my drift? So please keep sending letters! I love the dearelder, because I can read them as I get them! But I can only write back on p-day, mission rules.
Eu amo voces!!!
Miss you!
Seester Hounges!
Oi minha familia!!!
Meu (mayo) nome (no-meh) e (eh) Sister Rounds! (Seester Houngies!) I always get a kick out of that! I'm sure you are all wondering why I'm not irma...well, let me explain. So, in Brazil irma means sister, but when they call us irma's it sounds like we are nuns. So to make a clear distinction that we are in fact not nuns, but missionaries for the church we are called seester, I'm quite sad that I'm not an irma, but I guess I will live.
I'm doing good! I can't complain about anything! Life is good, food is good, and sleep is best!
The language is coming along pretty good. I'm definititely not fluent, but I can understand a lot! It is crazy how much I've learned in just one week. I can bear my testimony, say a prayer, and contact in portuguese! I never thought it would happen so quick, but it did! I try to talk in the language as much as I can, but my brain does not want to think in another language! My teacher is awesome though, they speak only portuguese, it is sometimes hard to get your answer because they explain it in portuguese, but I guess that is how we learn!
My district is amazing! There are six elders, and four sisters including me. All of them have a totally different personality then the rest of us! Elder Pettitt, is older, 24, but he is practically a spiritual giant! When he speaks the spirit enters the room so fast! Well, the spirit is always there, but it becomes a lot more powerful! Elder Smith, is our DL, and he is a language wizard! He is already speaking in mostly portuguese! I'm so jealous of him, so I'm trying to compete with him...in a non-competitive way. I just want to be as good as him! There are two Elder Christensen's, but completely different! One is loud, and talks almost all the time, and the other is quiet, but when he talks the spirit is with him, and you can tell he is trying his hardest! He is warming up to everyone though. Next is Elder Carmichael, let's just say we laugh all the time when he starts talking, reminds me a lot of Luke, can be very serious, but always makes sure there is something we can laugh at. And last is Elder Linsley...I know I shouldn't say anything mean, so I'll just say he is a child of God. Next are the sisters! They are fantastic!!! Sister Dunow (do-no), and Sister Johnson are so stinkin funny! We laugh all the time! It is almost as if I have my three friends back, but all of them are so different from the friends I left behind. Sister Smart is my companhiera, she is sweet, but we laugh all the time. But there are times when I think I get on her nerves, but she hasn't said anything, so I hope I don't!
Last week all of the schedules changed, so I finally have my correct schedule. My p-day is going to be on Wednesdays.
Oh so I have a funny story. As I was doing my service Monday morning I was talking to an elder as we were waiting for my companion to exit the bathroom. He was saying how he had family in Utah, and he mentioned the name was Fox. I asked if he was related to Tara's family, he said he had no idea, but probably. I laughed a little and said oh we might be related, (just joking around). He got this weird look on his face and after pointing to himself and to me, he said, "far enough distance that this wouldn't be awkward?" (I still get a kick out of it!) I then explained to him, that if in fact he was related to Tara, we still wouldn't be blood related. He said, "Okay, good." And yes he is attractive, but I'm not looking because I'm a missionary!
Well, I'm almos out of time, so I must wrap this letter up. I will have to write more in a letter and send it the slow way home. I want to thank you for sending me a letter/e-mail! I'm not that homesick, but I still enjoy getting letters! It makes my day! And if a letter doesn't come the next day, then it makes that day too! Get my drift? So please keep sending letters! I love the dearelder, because I can read them as I get them! But I can only write back on p-day, mission rules.
Eu amo voces!!!
Miss you!
Seester Hounges!
First Day in MTC
This is the first of Jenna's many (as in like 4) letters since she left. This letter was either written the day she got there, or the day after.
Hey Fam!
All I have to say is WOW! Everything is so different then I thought it would be. But...I love it! We had a lot of orientation today. Mainly they just told us the rules. There are a ton of rules! Every other second a new rule is thrown our way.
My comp is awsesome. Her name is Sister Smart...Not Elizabeth. Haha. She is from Twin Falls, Idaho.
Honestly, there is not much else to say at this point. I'm still in a daze. Hopefully one of these days I'll snap out of it! We will study, pray, study, pray, sleep, and study and pray some more. Like I said it is repetitive, and I can't really say anymore.
I am actually writing this letter to inform you of my address. I know we can e-mail, but I've always loved getting mail (Hint, Hint).
Love you all, and I already miss you!
Love, Sister Rounds
Oh. I found out I'm not Irma, but Sister. Said Seester. I think I'll still have fun with it!
Jenna's address is...
Sister Jenna Lee Rounds
MTC Mailbox #281
BRA-SALS 0627
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, Utah 84604-1793
Hey Fam!
All I have to say is WOW! Everything is so different then I thought it would be. But...I love it! We had a lot of orientation today. Mainly they just told us the rules. There are a ton of rules! Every other second a new rule is thrown our way.
My comp is awsesome. Her name is Sister Smart...Not Elizabeth. Haha. She is from Twin Falls, Idaho.
Honestly, there is not much else to say at this point. I'm still in a daze. Hopefully one of these days I'll snap out of it! We will study, pray, study, pray, sleep, and study and pray some more. Like I said it is repetitive, and I can't really say anymore.
I am actually writing this letter to inform you of my address. I know we can e-mail, but I've always loved getting mail (Hint, Hint).
Love you all, and I already miss you!
Love, Sister Rounds
Oh. I found out I'm not Irma, but Sister. Said Seester. I think I'll still have fun with it!
Jenna's address is...
Sister Jenna Lee Rounds
MTC Mailbox #281
BRA-SALS 0627
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, Utah 84604-1793
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Starting off the mission right...
So I have decided to officially turn my blog into my personal journal on the mission. I have asked the sister to keep it up.. we'll see if it even happens. But here is the first major step in preparing for the mish... the talk!!! Yes, I know this is nerdy, but I am quite proud of my talk, so now you get to read it.
I am a child of God
As young children in primary we were taught one of the most basics songs in the songbook. It teaches us many different principles. This song is one of my favorites,
I am a child of God, and he has sent me here.
Has given me an earthly home, with parents kind and dear.
I am a child of God, And so my needs are great;
Help me to understand his words Before it grows to late.
I am a child of God. Rich blessings are in store;
If I but learn to do his will, I'll live with him once more.
I am a child of God. His promises are sure;
Celestial glory shall be mine, If I can but endure.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do To live with him someday.
In our song we sing that we are children of God. For us to be children of God, it means that God is our Father. In the dictionary it explains that a father is a male being who creates, and raises beings. Before the earth was organized our Heavenly Father created each of our Spirits individually. We progressed as far as we could, but we needed bodies to continue our progression to become perfect. After the earth was created each of us received a body of flesh and bones. We were sent to this earth to continue to grow and to become like our Father in Heaven. Every person here today, and on this earth is a child of our Heavenly Father. As members of the church it is our responsibility to proclaim this truth to those less fortunate to hear it.
The second verse of ‘I am a child of God’ says we need help to understand his words, before it grows too late. Yes, even the adults need help understanding his words sometimes. But adults and children in the church are not the only people that need help. Those not of our faith can find it difficult to understand our values, and commandments. For example, some might find it hard to believe in the Word of Wisdom, some might ask why we need to refrain from hot drinks. It is our part, as members of the church, to explain why we believe what we do.
The third and fourth verses talk about the blessings that we will receive. If we accomplish our Heavenly Father’s will we can live with him once more. Heavenly Father’s will is to have us all return to Him. Notice it isn’t just the righteous, or the people who belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but all. Heavenly Father wants every boy, girl, man and woman, whether they have committed the worst sin, or if they have told just one lie. Again, it is in our position as members of the church to preach the Gospel wherever possible.
In a week and a half I will be on my way to Brazil, to teach those down there the Gospel. A couple months after I leave, my brother will head off to Russia, to preach the Gospel there. As missionaries called by the Lord, we are called to specific areas of the world to spread the gospel. Before we head off to the MTC, we will be set apart by the priesthood authority. We will receive the right and privilege to represent the Lord. But with this authority we will be expected to live worthy of our callings. As the Lord’s representative, we will be ‘an example of the believers’. We will need to strive to live according to God’s commandments and keep the covenants we made in the temple; know the scriptures; be courteous, on time, and dependable; follow the missionary standards of conduct; and love the people with whom we serve and work.
The work of bringing others unto Christ is not solely the responsibility of the missionaries. The responsibility is also rested on the shoulders of every member. President Hinckley said, ‘So many of us look upon missionary work as simply tracting. Everyone who is familiar with this work knows there is a better way. That way is through the members of the church. Whenever there is a member who introduces an investigator, there is an immediate support system. The member bears testimony of the truth of the work. He is anxious for the happiness of his investigator friend. He becomes excited as that friend makes progress in learning the gospel.’
The members do the best missionary work. Think about your lives, how many of us have friends who were once active, but have gone inactive? How many of us have friends who are not part of our church? How many of us have family members that are struggling with the gospel concepts, and need our help returning to the fold? If each of us brings our friends, families, and neighbors to the gospel, think of the joy that will bring to your own life. Doctrine and Covenants 18 states, ‘And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me in the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!’
President Eyring has also talked about the importance of member missionaries. He says, “Our ability to touch others with our warning voice matters to all who are covenant disciples of Jesus Christ. Here is the charge given to each of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: ‘Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor’ That command and warning of danger was given to those called as missionaries at the start of the Restoration. But the duty to warn our neighbor falls on all of us who have accepted the covenant of baptism. We are to talk with nonmember friends and relatives about the gospel. Our purpose is to invite them to be taught by the full-time missionaries who are called and set apart to teach.”
When we were baptized we entered into the covenant. Since we have the knowledge of the Gospel we need to share it, not only because we want to, but also because we have been commanded to. It is our responsibility to find people to be baptized.
There are many ways we can start becoming member missionaries. We can start by loving everyone, serving them, and being an example to them. Christ has told us, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ is one of the best examples of love that we have, although, Christ didn’t have the simple form of love, but charity. Charity is the highest, noblest, strongest kind of love, not merely affection. The pure love of Christ. Christ demonstrated charity in every aspect of his life. He healed many sick and afflicted. He had compassion on the blind, and gave them sight. Christ loved the lepers even though they were outcasts; he went to them and healed them. Even today we are benefiting from Christ’s undying love. Christ went through the most excruciating pain to pay for our sins. His burden was created by our sins, and it was so great that he bled from every pore. Yet, he loved us enough to finish the preparation. He finished out his life by dying for us so that we could return to our Heavenly Father. John 15:13 states, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
If Christ loved us enough to die for us, shouldn’t we love others enough to want them to have the Gospel? I have found that the more I love those I am around, the more I want them to have the truth in their lives. I have found many friends throughout my life that are not members of the church. But because my love for them was so strong, I have tried to bring them to the Gospel. A few years ago I had the opportunity to participate in an orchestra program. One of my conductors was not LDS, neither was his wife. They had a beautiful baby girl, and he would tell you that his greatest love was his family. The last concert we were in together I handed him a Book of Mormon with my testimony of eternal families in the front cover, along with other testimonies of my friends. A few months later I found out that he read the testimonies, but he was still not interested in the church. He did, however, like the idea of having his family forever. Even though he and his wife did not get baptized, I hope that I planted a seed in his heart, so that one day he will meet the missionaries and want to hear more about the Gospel.
Another way we can be member missionaries is by ‘being an example of the believers’. Paul wrote, ‘Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.’ Elder Russell M. Nelson explained, ‘each member can be an example of the believers. Brethren [and Sisters], as followers of Jesus Christ, each of you can live in accord with His teachings. You can have “a pure heart and clean hands”; you can have “the image of God engraven upon your [countenance].” Your good works will be evident to others. The light of the Lord can beam from your eyes.’
If we live what we teach, and believe, people are bound to notice we are different. In a song I learned when I was young it states, “I’m a Mormon, yes I am! So if you want to study a Mormon, I’m a living specimen. Maybe you think I’m just like anybody else you’d see, but trust in my word, you’ll quickly observe I’m different as can be. I’m a Mormon, through and through! And if you think I am peculiar in the things I say and do, remember I know the rules, the “do’s“ and “don’ts” for happy, happy living. I’ve learned to say “I will” or “won’t,” I try to be forgiving. Maybe you’d like me to tell you about the things that I know are true. Then you can be a Mormon too!” Sometimes we are thrown into circumstances where our values are challenged, but if we stand firm and say “no,” others will notice and they will want to know why. People will start asking questions, and we had better be prepared to answer. The Apostle Peter also counseled, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.”’
I have a good friend, she was not raised in the church due to the fact that her family were not members of the church. She went through high school with friends of all religions, but the ones that stuck out the most were the Mormons. After graduation she had her life all planned out. She and her friends would move off to college and enjoy the college experience. But one by one her Mormon friends started leaving on missions. At first she couldn’t believe that these boys would just give up two years of their lives to go to some foreign place and preach the Gospel. It wasn’t until she met more LDS peers that she realized what she was missing. These peers never drank, lived the law of chastity, and all together were a happy bunch of people. She started asking around what they had that she didn’t. A few weeks later the missionaries started discussions with her. About three months after the investigation started she was baptized. She claims now that she would not have been baptized if it had not been for the examples shown to her by her friends.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the greatest example the world has ever known, and his teachings endure throughout the ages because the precepts he taught were emphasized by the example of his own life. He told us to love, but he showed us how to love. He told us to serve, only after he showed how to serve.
So the next way we can become member missionaries is to prepare in knowledge to do so. We need to study the scriptures daily, so that we can learn what they prophets of old have said. We should also study the ensign, new era, and friend magazines. Our modern day prophets speak to us every six months; we should review those talks so that we can have them on the forefront of our minds. The more we study, the more prepared we will be to explain what we believe in. For the younger children you can learn the articles of faith, memorize them. You never know when you will need them.
These have been ways we can become member missionaries. We can love everybody unconditionally, we can serve them, we can be good examples to our friends and family, and we can also broaden our knowledge of the Gospel. But we should not sit by and wait for missionary opportunities to come to us. We need to be proactive. We need to be searching for opportunities to share the Gospel. Pray for the Holy Ghost to guide you to those that are seeking to know the truth. Pray for the strength you need to open your mouth and bear testimony of the Gospel. After you pray, search for ways to share the Gospel. Heavenly Father isn’t going to put someone right in your path, you must go out and search.
When I think of the word missionaries I think of the word work. Missionaries work all day long: from sun up, to sun down. When they don’t have appointments, they go out and tract. They search for those that are seeking the truth; they don’t sit on the curb waiting for those people to come to them. This is what member missionaries should do also. We don’t have to dedicate every waking hour searching, but we must put forth effort.
After you have found someone to share the gospel with don’t be afraid to do so. I have found myself on many occasions too scared to open my mouth and say what I believe in. I start thinking of what that person might think of me, after I bear witness, or explain what I believe in. Elder Oaks said, “Some members do not actively participate in sharing the Gospel because they don’t feel comfortable starting a religious conversation or they don’t know what to say. These feelings can be overcome as we learn how to introduce the Gospel to our friends and acquaintances in simple, nonthreatening ways.” We must get over our fears and like Elder Oaks said, start small.
The Lord has declared, "The field is white already to harvest." Let us go out and harvest that field. Let us find those people that are prepared to hear and accept the Gospel. Young men, I urge you to go on a mission. Young Ladies, if you feel that you should go on a mission, go! I am a Child of God, and He loves me. That is what I love about this Gospel. My Heavenly Father loves me, Jenna Lee Rounds, and I am His Child. I can’t wait to go spread this truth to the people of Brazil, for I feel that every person needs to know this truth. I can’t wait to dedicate the next 18 months of my life to bringing others unto Christ. I know this Church is true. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet who is leading and guiding our church today. I know that Christ lived, atoned for my sins and died so that I can return to my Heavenly Father. I bear this witness in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
I am so excited to go start serving the Lord in less than a week! Even though I am excited I am nervous, and scared. I have no reason to be, but I am!!!
I am a child of God
As young children in primary we were taught one of the most basics songs in the songbook. It teaches us many different principles. This song is one of my favorites,
I am a child of God, and he has sent me here.
Has given me an earthly home, with parents kind and dear.
I am a child of God, And so my needs are great;
Help me to understand his words Before it grows to late.
I am a child of God. Rich blessings are in store;
If I but learn to do his will, I'll live with him once more.
I am a child of God. His promises are sure;
Celestial glory shall be mine, If I can but endure.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do To live with him someday.
In our song we sing that we are children of God. For us to be children of God, it means that God is our Father. In the dictionary it explains that a father is a male being who creates, and raises beings. Before the earth was organized our Heavenly Father created each of our Spirits individually. We progressed as far as we could, but we needed bodies to continue our progression to become perfect. After the earth was created each of us received a body of flesh and bones. We were sent to this earth to continue to grow and to become like our Father in Heaven. Every person here today, and on this earth is a child of our Heavenly Father. As members of the church it is our responsibility to proclaim this truth to those less fortunate to hear it.
The second verse of ‘I am a child of God’ says we need help to understand his words, before it grows too late. Yes, even the adults need help understanding his words sometimes. But adults and children in the church are not the only people that need help. Those not of our faith can find it difficult to understand our values, and commandments. For example, some might find it hard to believe in the Word of Wisdom, some might ask why we need to refrain from hot drinks. It is our part, as members of the church, to explain why we believe what we do.
The third and fourth verses talk about the blessings that we will receive. If we accomplish our Heavenly Father’s will we can live with him once more. Heavenly Father’s will is to have us all return to Him. Notice it isn’t just the righteous, or the people who belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but all. Heavenly Father wants every boy, girl, man and woman, whether they have committed the worst sin, or if they have told just one lie. Again, it is in our position as members of the church to preach the Gospel wherever possible.
In a week and a half I will be on my way to Brazil, to teach those down there the Gospel. A couple months after I leave, my brother will head off to Russia, to preach the Gospel there. As missionaries called by the Lord, we are called to specific areas of the world to spread the gospel. Before we head off to the MTC, we will be set apart by the priesthood authority. We will receive the right and privilege to represent the Lord. But with this authority we will be expected to live worthy of our callings. As the Lord’s representative, we will be ‘an example of the believers’. We will need to strive to live according to God’s commandments and keep the covenants we made in the temple; know the scriptures; be courteous, on time, and dependable; follow the missionary standards of conduct; and love the people with whom we serve and work.
The work of bringing others unto Christ is not solely the responsibility of the missionaries. The responsibility is also rested on the shoulders of every member. President Hinckley said, ‘So many of us look upon missionary work as simply tracting. Everyone who is familiar with this work knows there is a better way. That way is through the members of the church. Whenever there is a member who introduces an investigator, there is an immediate support system. The member bears testimony of the truth of the work. He is anxious for the happiness of his investigator friend. He becomes excited as that friend makes progress in learning the gospel.’
The members do the best missionary work. Think about your lives, how many of us have friends who were once active, but have gone inactive? How many of us have friends who are not part of our church? How many of us have family members that are struggling with the gospel concepts, and need our help returning to the fold? If each of us brings our friends, families, and neighbors to the gospel, think of the joy that will bring to your own life. Doctrine and Covenants 18 states, ‘And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me in the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!’
President Eyring has also talked about the importance of member missionaries. He says, “Our ability to touch others with our warning voice matters to all who are covenant disciples of Jesus Christ. Here is the charge given to each of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: ‘Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor’ That command and warning of danger was given to those called as missionaries at the start of the Restoration. But the duty to warn our neighbor falls on all of us who have accepted the covenant of baptism. We are to talk with nonmember friends and relatives about the gospel. Our purpose is to invite them to be taught by the full-time missionaries who are called and set apart to teach.”
When we were baptized we entered into the covenant. Since we have the knowledge of the Gospel we need to share it, not only because we want to, but also because we have been commanded to. It is our responsibility to find people to be baptized.
There are many ways we can start becoming member missionaries. We can start by loving everyone, serving them, and being an example to them. Christ has told us, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ is one of the best examples of love that we have, although, Christ didn’t have the simple form of love, but charity. Charity is the highest, noblest, strongest kind of love, not merely affection. The pure love of Christ. Christ demonstrated charity in every aspect of his life. He healed many sick and afflicted. He had compassion on the blind, and gave them sight. Christ loved the lepers even though they were outcasts; he went to them and healed them. Even today we are benefiting from Christ’s undying love. Christ went through the most excruciating pain to pay for our sins. His burden was created by our sins, and it was so great that he bled from every pore. Yet, he loved us enough to finish the preparation. He finished out his life by dying for us so that we could return to our Heavenly Father. John 15:13 states, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
If Christ loved us enough to die for us, shouldn’t we love others enough to want them to have the Gospel? I have found that the more I love those I am around, the more I want them to have the truth in their lives. I have found many friends throughout my life that are not members of the church. But because my love for them was so strong, I have tried to bring them to the Gospel. A few years ago I had the opportunity to participate in an orchestra program. One of my conductors was not LDS, neither was his wife. They had a beautiful baby girl, and he would tell you that his greatest love was his family. The last concert we were in together I handed him a Book of Mormon with my testimony of eternal families in the front cover, along with other testimonies of my friends. A few months later I found out that he read the testimonies, but he was still not interested in the church. He did, however, like the idea of having his family forever. Even though he and his wife did not get baptized, I hope that I planted a seed in his heart, so that one day he will meet the missionaries and want to hear more about the Gospel.
Another way we can be member missionaries is by ‘being an example of the believers’. Paul wrote, ‘Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.’ Elder Russell M. Nelson explained, ‘each member can be an example of the believers. Brethren [and Sisters], as followers of Jesus Christ, each of you can live in accord with His teachings. You can have “a pure heart and clean hands”; you can have “the image of God engraven upon your [countenance].” Your good works will be evident to others. The light of the Lord can beam from your eyes.’
If we live what we teach, and believe, people are bound to notice we are different. In a song I learned when I was young it states, “I’m a Mormon, yes I am! So if you want to study a Mormon, I’m a living specimen. Maybe you think I’m just like anybody else you’d see, but trust in my word, you’ll quickly observe I’m different as can be. I’m a Mormon, through and through! And if you think I am peculiar in the things I say and do, remember I know the rules, the “do’s“ and “don’ts” for happy, happy living. I’ve learned to say “I will” or “won’t,” I try to be forgiving. Maybe you’d like me to tell you about the things that I know are true. Then you can be a Mormon too!” Sometimes we are thrown into circumstances where our values are challenged, but if we stand firm and say “no,” others will notice and they will want to know why. People will start asking questions, and we had better be prepared to answer. The Apostle Peter also counseled, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.”’
I have a good friend, she was not raised in the church due to the fact that her family were not members of the church. She went through high school with friends of all religions, but the ones that stuck out the most were the Mormons. After graduation she had her life all planned out. She and her friends would move off to college and enjoy the college experience. But one by one her Mormon friends started leaving on missions. At first she couldn’t believe that these boys would just give up two years of their lives to go to some foreign place and preach the Gospel. It wasn’t until she met more LDS peers that she realized what she was missing. These peers never drank, lived the law of chastity, and all together were a happy bunch of people. She started asking around what they had that she didn’t. A few weeks later the missionaries started discussions with her. About three months after the investigation started she was baptized. She claims now that she would not have been baptized if it had not been for the examples shown to her by her friends.
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the greatest example the world has ever known, and his teachings endure throughout the ages because the precepts he taught were emphasized by the example of his own life. He told us to love, but he showed us how to love. He told us to serve, only after he showed how to serve.
So the next way we can become member missionaries is to prepare in knowledge to do so. We need to study the scriptures daily, so that we can learn what they prophets of old have said. We should also study the ensign, new era, and friend magazines. Our modern day prophets speak to us every six months; we should review those talks so that we can have them on the forefront of our minds. The more we study, the more prepared we will be to explain what we believe in. For the younger children you can learn the articles of faith, memorize them. You never know when you will need them.
These have been ways we can become member missionaries. We can love everybody unconditionally, we can serve them, we can be good examples to our friends and family, and we can also broaden our knowledge of the Gospel. But we should not sit by and wait for missionary opportunities to come to us. We need to be proactive. We need to be searching for opportunities to share the Gospel. Pray for the Holy Ghost to guide you to those that are seeking to know the truth. Pray for the strength you need to open your mouth and bear testimony of the Gospel. After you pray, search for ways to share the Gospel. Heavenly Father isn’t going to put someone right in your path, you must go out and search.
When I think of the word missionaries I think of the word work. Missionaries work all day long: from sun up, to sun down. When they don’t have appointments, they go out and tract. They search for those that are seeking the truth; they don’t sit on the curb waiting for those people to come to them. This is what member missionaries should do also. We don’t have to dedicate every waking hour searching, but we must put forth effort.
After you have found someone to share the gospel with don’t be afraid to do so. I have found myself on many occasions too scared to open my mouth and say what I believe in. I start thinking of what that person might think of me, after I bear witness, or explain what I believe in. Elder Oaks said, “Some members do not actively participate in sharing the Gospel because they don’t feel comfortable starting a religious conversation or they don’t know what to say. These feelings can be overcome as we learn how to introduce the Gospel to our friends and acquaintances in simple, nonthreatening ways.” We must get over our fears and like Elder Oaks said, start small.
The Lord has declared, "The field is white already to harvest." Let us go out and harvest that field. Let us find those people that are prepared to hear and accept the Gospel. Young men, I urge you to go on a mission. Young Ladies, if you feel that you should go on a mission, go! I am a Child of God, and He loves me. That is what I love about this Gospel. My Heavenly Father loves me, Jenna Lee Rounds, and I am His Child. I can’t wait to go spread this truth to the people of Brazil, for I feel that every person needs to know this truth. I can’t wait to dedicate the next 18 months of my life to bringing others unto Christ. I know this Church is true. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet who is leading and guiding our church today. I know that Christ lived, atoned for my sins and died so that I can return to my Heavenly Father. I bear this witness in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
I am so excited to go start serving the Lord in less than a week! Even though I am excited I am nervous, and scared. I have no reason to be, but I am!!!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Yuma
Back in the old days of February, Jaimie and I headed off to the southern part of our country. We traveled down to Yuma, Arizona to visit my wonderful grandparents. We left Thursday night, stayed the night in St. George, then traveled on ahead on Friday. Friday on the way to Yuma we stopped at the Hoover Dam, and walked the new bridge. 
Saturday we were able to spend the day with the Grandparents. We picked Grapefruit, oranges, and lemons! It was my first time seeing a citrus tree. We then got a tour of Yuma.
On Sunday we went to church with the grandparents. The ward my grandparents go to is a senior branch. Meaning that all of the people are the snowbirds. Jaimie and I were the youngest there. We got a lot of, 'it's so nice to see young faces'! We felt quite content with how young we were. After church Jaim and I headed home. We had to stop at the London Bridge on the way home.
All in all it was a very fun trip. It was a lot of hours in the car, but it was well worth the traveling!
oh... and we hit a bird!
Saturday we were able to spend the day with the Grandparents. We picked Grapefruit, oranges, and lemons! It was my first time seeing a citrus tree. We then got a tour of Yuma.
On Sunday we went to church with the grandparents. The ward my grandparents go to is a senior branch. Meaning that all of the people are the snowbirds. Jaimie and I were the youngest there. We got a lot of, 'it's so nice to see young faces'! We felt quite content with how young we were. After church Jaim and I headed home. We had to stop at the London Bridge on the way home.
All in all it was a very fun trip. It was a lot of hours in the car, but it was well worth the traveling!
oh... and we hit a bird!
Friday, February 4, 2011
6 month anniversary
February 2, 2011 was the 6th month anniversary of my surgery. My incision is pretty much healed... and inside the ear is almost healed.
What do ya think? Can you even tell that I am hiding this...?
I am most excited about the fact that the hair now covers the ear! It is growing!!!
I am still sad on the fact that I can't pull my hair back, but give me another year, and I might be able to!
What do ya think? Can you even tell that I am hiding this...?
I am most excited about the fact that the hair now covers the ear! It is growing!!!
I am still sad on the fact that I can't pull my hair back, but give me another year, and I might be able to!
December
For FHE in the YSA 44th ward we went sledding down Old Main Hill... this was actually the first time ever doing it! I didn't get any pictures of going down the hill, but here is the aftershot... the makeup was everywhere!
Bree, Erika, Cute James and I had a gingerbread house making competition. Here are the final results!
Bree's House of Awesomeness!
James... his is pretty precise! Inside was also just as precise!
My house was amazing! It had a door!
Erika's was by far the most inventive! As you can see hers is a treehouse! It even has a ladder to get up there!
All of us, with the neighborhood!
December was a pretty good month! But it was even better when it was over!
Bree, Erika, Cute James and I had a gingerbread house making competition. Here are the final results!
Bree's House of Awesomeness!
James... his is pretty precise! Inside was also just as precise!
My house was amazing! It had a door!
Erika's was by far the most inventive! As you can see hers is a treehouse! It even has a ladder to get up there!
All of us, with the neighborhood!
December was a pretty good month! But it was even better when it was over!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
my goals so far
I have been working like a mad woman to keep up with my goals for this year. I admit I am slacking in the working out everyday, but I'm working on that. My reading is also a little slacking, but comparing to how much I was reading, to how much I am now reading I am doing very well! I am most proud of my accomplishment of trying to get caught up at work. I have managed to get 1/4th of the way caught up! It doesn't sound like much, so to make it a little better sounding... I have put in 40 hours of hard work, and have managed to attach over 4,000 documents. So actually I am more than a quarter of the way caught up, but in my 4 seperate jobs I only have one finished... does that even make any sense?
Most days I have been doing this...
So at the end of the day I feel like doing this...
Have a great day! I hope I will! :)
Most days I have been doing this...
So at the end of the day I feel like doing this...
Have a great day! I hope I will! :)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Goals for 2011
This year is going to be... for lack of better words... different. This year, as well as most of next year, I am going to be living centered on Christ, and the Gospel. I will be leaving on my mission, and unless I have been lied to my whole life, I will be living a different life style. I have decided to create goals that will prepare me for my mission. I have posted my goals so everybody that cares can see what I want to accomplish before my mission. I understand that most of my goals will require me actually striving to accomplish them. I have created plans to help accomplish most of my goals, but I may need help from those I love to keep striving to hit the goals. My hope is that those that actually care and read this blog will ask me on a regular basis how I'm doing with my goals. If I am constantly being reminded to keep on my goals I may just accomplish them. In the years past I make all these goals for the new year and by the middle of January my goals are completely forgotten.
I have found an awesome website that has scheduled my reading for me of both the New Testament, and the Book of Mormon. I tried posting my schedule, but sadly I couldn't figure it out. Lds scripture tools is the website. It even gives a ten minute scripture memorize system. I think it is awesome, and I will probably use it as I memorize certain scriptures that I will use on the mission.
Another main goal I will have accomplished is to get in shape, both physically and mentally. But I am mainly going to focus on the physical part. It will be important for me as a missionary to be able to walk miles without getting winded, and to be able to bike uphill both ways! In order to accomplish this goal, I plan to go to the gym every day. I have yet to decide if I should wake up early or go at night, but this goal will be accomplished. Starting today!!!
I was able to go through the temple for the first time the last week of 2010. The specific date was 12/29/10, as if anybody even reads this and cares. :) But one goal that I would love to accomplish, but I don't know if I will. I would like to go through one session at every temple in Utah. That is a lot of sessions, and a lot of driving, but how cool would that be? So far this year I have been to the Ogden temple. I would say the Logan one, but of course that was last year so I can't count that one yet.
These are my main goals for 2011. But my biggest and bestest goal for this year will be to start serving my mission! I am so excited to serve the Lord!
I have found an awesome website that has scheduled my reading for me of both the New Testament, and the Book of Mormon. I tried posting my schedule, but sadly I couldn't figure it out. Lds scripture tools is the website. It even gives a ten minute scripture memorize system. I think it is awesome, and I will probably use it as I memorize certain scriptures that I will use on the mission.
Another main goal I will have accomplished is to get in shape, both physically and mentally. But I am mainly going to focus on the physical part. It will be important for me as a missionary to be able to walk miles without getting winded, and to be able to bike uphill both ways! In order to accomplish this goal, I plan to go to the gym every day. I have yet to decide if I should wake up early or go at night, but this goal will be accomplished. Starting today!!!
I was able to go through the temple for the first time the last week of 2010. The specific date was 12/29/10, as if anybody even reads this and cares. :) But one goal that I would love to accomplish, but I don't know if I will. I would like to go through one session at every temple in Utah. That is a lot of sessions, and a lot of driving, but how cool would that be? So far this year I have been to the Ogden temple. I would say the Logan one, but of course that was last year so I can't count that one yet.
These are my main goals for 2011. But my biggest and bestest goal for this year will be to start serving my mission! I am so excited to serve the Lord!
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