Week-13
So I have been a missionary for almost 3 months now, that is crazy! This week was really cool and I had a good time. As always I appreciated emailing you all on monday, and then I went and bought some cool gloves, my moms going to recive about 3 billion pictures as soon as they all upload. The computers here are slower than cold tar(My dad used to always say that to me). So with the title I bet your wondering what happened? Well you should be happy to know that God cares about each of us and knows our desires and he knowas how to help us and he is always looking for ways to make our day.
So Back at the MTC we had a language study book called the new Penguin Russian Course. I read it twice in the MTC, and thought I would not need it too much any more. They also gave us a book called Modern Russian. Which is basically just a grammar book. ONe of the New elders in my zone hadnt recieved a Russian course book, and he was asking all of the people who were leaving if they were going to leave the book, becasue it is really so helpful and instrumental in the MTC. So he asked me, and I hesitated and thought, IVe already read it twice, but could I really do without it in the field. I had been deciding that day whether not to bring it because of weight, I ended up deciding I wanted to take it with me. But then This elder asked me about the book, so I gave it to him. I have since regretted that decision here in the field. That book is really so helpful for language study, it makes everything understandable and is really easy to review. Well this week I went on exchanges with Elder Ondercek, and guess what? I had been really wanting a russian Course and So I asked him if he was going to leave his here when he went home. To my disappointment he replied hed be taking it home with him(This is his last transfer) But he then explained that he had 5 extra ones in the apartment and thast I could have one. I was so grateful for that. IT is really going to help me study!
Second Language miracle: On sunday, i was just sitting in Sacrament meeting as usual, but this time was different. I took out my note pad, and tried to write down every word spoken that I didnt know. The first gir who spoke, I understood nearly everything she said(We are probably on the same vocab level). And then Her mom spoke, O was writing down words like crazy. But even then I was still able to understand most of what she said. After making that effor I took a break in sunday school because I was tired. In Priesthood, I just tried to listen and because of that I was able to understand the entirety of the topic, I knew waht was going on and what was being said. Then he asked a question(the teacher I mean) and I answered it, and the man behing me was so happy with my response he kept mumbling, Da, mhm, Horrasho(good). I was so happy, God really blessed me with the gift of tounges in that priesthood session, it was so cool. I believe it was because I made an effor to under stand in sacrament meeting that I was blessed with the ability to speak, and understand in priesthood. I feel like I could even have translated for that meeting, it was just way cool. Alright now investiagors, we met with Valeree a few times, but he still wont pick a date, we think he has friends that are Proteev(Against) the church and he doesnt want to be seen walking with us. Elder Bunker and I decided that we needed to find his friends, (they all hang out out side the branch) and slap some spirit into them. We also decided we needed him to find a friend in the Branch so that we could have some support pulling on our side of the peer pressure spectrum. So my darling mother left tons of letters hidden in my luggage, and I was saving them in the binder, and I was going to open them like individually and at certain times, but instead I opened and read them all at once. ANd I CRIED!!! One of the letters told me exactly what Ive needed to here my entire mission, I will treasure those letters forever! I am so glad I have a thoughtful mom who thinks about me, and listens to the spirit because I know that God wanted her to write that for me. Well that is it for this week except for that I need the recipe for real swedish pancakes, becasue these crepes I make and then try to turn into swedish are just not the same. IF you want pictures let my mom know!
I love you all so much!!
Hey buddy,
THe language is going well I probably understand about 75% of conversations. We havent met with alex again, he has a funky work schedule. No one new unfortunately, and all of our investigators have been flaking out on appointments, its really frustrating when you call some one 30 min. before an appointment, and they say they will be there and then they dodge. I do have everything but brown sugar, which is okay. I havent used the taco seasonings, becasue they got ditched at the mtc for weight. We eat an assortment of food, most of it is bread based, we usually do like pastas or sandwiches, or stir fry, or for sunday we do a crockpot meal. I have not gotten sick yet from anything, in fact i am healthier here than in the MTC. The grossest thing Ive eaten is a boiled apple, yesterday. We had a pork roast becasue pork was cheaper than chicken for once, and we put in some apples, potatoes, onions and such into the slow cooker with it. When the apples and potatoes came out you couldnt really tell which was which. so Elder bunker told me he got all the apples out. Then I started to eat after the prayer, and the first "potatoe" i put into my mouth was a boiled apple, it was disgusting. The fact that I was expecting a delicios ptotato did not help my mood. Then I took another one and asked elder Bunker if it was a potatoe or ana pple, he told me it was definitely a potatoe, so I ate that assuming it was a potatoe, apple again, it was terrible, again, just thinking about it makes me wnat to barf, but I ate them anyways. He knowingly lied to me, and now I have trust issues with him. I have lost 7 pounds since being in the MTC, and I gained 5 in the MTC. I Eat so much here, but we walk so much that it just doesnt matter how much I eat becasue there is always more walking to do. IF we made american children walk everywhere, there would be less problems of that sort in america. Yes in fact some times it is too hot because this coat is just the best, I was sweating yesterday, but I couldnt take my coat off or anything, it was actually kind of uncomfortable being that warm. I dont thinkk I have knocked on a single door for 5 weeks and that is becasue no one live in a house here. THey are all apartments and you cant even get into the complex unless you have a key. ANd on top of that apparently there is a danger of getting kicked down the stairs if you do manage to get into one. SO yeah, mostly street finding, because everyone here that doesnt have a car walks or takes busses and such. I really like being able to be 100% devoted to the lord. I dont know what that last question means, so... I guess I ll just end it right here and say bye, I love you a ton.
How are you doing? I really hope everything is going good. Cami went to the MTC this week. Robin and Lane are struggling a bit I think. I am living for your emails at this point! We miss you like crazy, but are doing good and proud of you. When Kaestli says her prayers every night...and for dinner she only prays for you. It's super cute.
I had another meeting with Jordy's school including the district this time. I am hoping things will start to get better. Kaestli is super smart, reading and everything. I'm starting to think about sending her to Kindergarten next year. But not sure yet. Cam is doing pretty good. He has been falling a lot lately so I'm watching him closely. Josh is doing the play this week with the High school on Stage crew. He has really liked it. Jacob has stepped up around here and has really started helping. The primary program was today. It was super cute. The kids were supposed to say their names before their part. Kaestli got up there and said, "My name is Kaestli Jane Toone"...it was darling. It was Jacob's last primary program...so that is weird. Herriman beat Lone Peak on Friday for the State Championship so that was crazy. Dad went to the game...ethan didn't play I don't think.
Dad has really made some awesome changes, that I feel like are due in part to you serving a mission. He has been reading with Cam everynight and putting him to bed. He helps him say his prayers. Dad is just being a lot more engaging with all the kids and a lot more involved. I have been able to ask him for help and rely on him. It has been great and I am truly happy. Our family is really seeing blessings from your service.
Sometimes I am amazed that I have been surviving without you. I know I have told you a million times...but I don't think you will ever know how much you saved me this last 12 years. I am so grateful you are my son, and so grateful you are who you are. You were always so loving and supportive of me. I hope that I was able to be to you even a little bit of what you were for me. I tried so hard to be a good mom and give you everything I could, but I feel like you gave me more than I could have ever hoped for or expected. Thank you for doing that for me and for Daddy Jake. I know he is grateful that you were always there for me. I love you so much. I am so glad we have such a good relationship. It is a blessing in my life.
I love seeing the growth in you through your emails! It is awesome. I'm super excited to skype with you. Find out what time on Christmas that we will be able to Skype.
Last week you promised a lot of pictures and didn't deliver...that is 2 weeks in a row....YOU OWE ME SOME PICS!!! Send some today for sure!
I'm glad to hear your Russian is coming along. So I went to lunch this week with Elder Biesingers mom Julie. It was so fun! She is great and we plan to go once a month. It was fun to compare emails and pictures! So while you go to lunch with Elder B. I went with his mom...so it's almost like we went to lunch together;)
Questions this week-
How is the language going, how much are you understanding?
How is Alex, and your other investigators? Anyone new?
Do you have everything you need?
Are you using the taco seasonings? HAs that helped? What are you cooking/eating?
Have you lost weight, or gained weight?
How is your companionship going?
Are you staying warm while you are out finding?
Do you knock doors? If not...Why not?
What is your favorite thing about your mission?
What have you learned about your life/family at home?
Well, I love you and miss you like crazy. I pray for you constantly and have been sending mail so let me know when it finally starts to come. I sent off your Christmas package last week...so hopefully it will arrive before Christmas!!
Love you tons!
Mom
THe language is going well I probably understand about 75% of conversations. We havent met with alex again, he has a funky work schedule. No one new unfortunately, and all of our investigators have been flaking out on appointments, its really frustrating when you call some one 30 min. before an appointment, and they say they will be there and then they dodge. I do have everything but brown sugar, which is okay. I havent used the taco seasonings, becasue they got ditched at the mtc for weight. We eat an assortment of food, most of it is bread based, we usually do like pastas or sandwiches, or stir fry, or for sunday we do a crockpot meal. I have not gotten sick yet from anything, in fact i am healthier here than in the MTC. The grossest thing Ive eaten is a boiled apple, yesterday. We had a pork roast becasue pork was cheaper than chicken for once, and we put in some apples, potatoes, onions and such into the slow cooker with it. When the apples and potatoes came out you couldnt really tell which was which. so Elder bunker told me he got all the apples out. Then I started to eat after the prayer, and the first "potatoe" i put into my mouth was a boiled apple, it was disgusting. The fact that I was expecting a delicios ptotato did not help my mood. Then I took another one and asked elder Bunker if it was a potatoe or ana pple, he told me it was definitely a potatoe, so I ate that assuming it was a potatoe, apple again, it was terrible, again, just thinking about it makes me wnat to barf, but I ate them anyways. He knowingly lied to me, and now I have trust issues with him. I have lost 7 pounds since being in the MTC, and I gained 5 in the MTC. I Eat so much here, but we walk so much that it just doesnt matter how much I eat becasue there is always more walking to do. IF we made american children walk everywhere, there would be less problems of that sort in america. Yes in fact some times it is too hot because this coat is just the best, I was sweating yesterday, but I couldnt take my coat off or anything, it was actually kind of uncomfortable being that warm. I dont thinkk I have knocked on a single door for 5 weeks and that is becasue no one live in a house here. THey are all apartments and you cant even get into the complex unless you have a key. ANd on top of that apparently there is a danger of getting kicked down the stairs if you do manage to get into one. SO yeah, mostly street finding, because everyone here that doesnt have a car walks or takes busses and such. I really like being able to be 100% devoted to the lord. I dont know what that last question means, so... I guess I ll just end it right here and say bye, I love you a ton.
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