i swear, everyone we teach has a double life. its ridiculous. we just keep on finding out new and PREPOSTEROUS[sp?] things from our investigators. namely Howard. we dropped by yesterday, we hadn't scheduled anything with him, but... it was awkward. and hilarious. and extremely memorable. and i will most likely tell you all the whole story in a year and a half. but its not for email... just know that i am safe and wise and glad i have the gospel. :)
this week hasn't been too bad. we had dinner at our investigator, Carolsue's house on saturday night. on LBI. Long Beach Island for all you west coasters. its was a mad house. there were people everywhere. apparently thats what every weekend is going to be like from now on. anyway, dinner was really good. and her friend and our friend Nancy came too. it was them and their husbands and us. for mom: Nancy made something called "Katie Dip" and you will love. you mix marmalade, or any kind of jelly or jam. she used orange marmalade and i would highly recommend it. you miz the marmalade with powdered mustard and HORSERADISH and pour it over a block of soft cream cheese and dip crackers in it. really good. you should make it. anyway, we had a nice dinner with them and then we told them transfer calls would possibly be coming that evening. they told us we had to call them and let them know if we were getting transfered. they both work at St. Stephens episcopal church where we work at the food bank. so, we called them after President Winegar called us. He called to tell us we were staying the same and Sister Porath was made training sister. awesome. now i get to go on exchanges more than once a transfer. it will be fun. Sister Porath is totally right for the job. she'll do great. also, elder pena is leaving this area and we are getting elder Staker. who is funny/awkward, apparently. i'm excited to stay. i love this place.
the work is moving along. our teaching pool is low again, and stafford is still crazy. but we are working with the less active members of the branch a lot so we can get a bigger congregation. we have committed a few people to come this week and next and we are having a fireside this sunday evening at 6. so that will be good. president and sister Winegar are coming to speak. quite the honor.
i love you all so much! nothin much new out here. just keep sendin' the love. i hope all is well out there. happy birthday to daniel! 25, thats a biggy. hope its a good one for yous.
we'll be seein yous guys. jersey talk is infectious. happy memorial day. i'm doddling...
keep praying for missionary opportunities!
love love love love love
sis m
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
"Jesus? I love Jesus. He's my favorite guy in the whole world!"
we were tracting and talked to this kid on the street. it was just a "hi", but then sister porath and her inspired self crossed the street and said we were missionaries and gave him a ffic card. [finding faith in Christ] it was pretty funny and just made me giggle a little.
so, it sounds like everything is so good out there. the regional broadcast from salt lake was really good. President Eyring and Elder Hales spoke. both grew up in the east. that made me feel good. cus i feel like i did too a little bit. I feel like i've done more growing up here than i ever did back in california. but i still love CA. anyway, it was really cool to think that cam and kate were watching that too. and yes, katie, the s zoomie brooch was HILARIOUS! i felt like i was the only one laughing though. and that was maybe the fastest i've ever sang hymn 193. hahaha, i was laughing about that for a long time.
life here is good! our teaching pool is shrinking a little. we had to drop a pair of investigators yesterday, but it went well, and i feel relieved. but it was definitely one of the harder things i've done. i just felt like crying because when you leave someone alone, without the Gospel, you just desire their salvation and you worry about them. but these were the kind of people who really didn't want to learn by the Spirit. it became a discussion, and thats not what we're called to do. as soon as a teaching situation turns to discussion, you have to get out. so it was sad, but practical. life goes on.
we've had a lot of stop backs recently. just people with a little bit of interest, but we're hoping to add them to our teaching list soon. keep praying for the people out here to lose their inhibitions and just listen.
mom, i can't wait to read the sequel. i was actually going to ask if you would make me a list of good things to read for when i get back. after this Book of Mormon challenge, i've realized what a decent reader i really am. and i would love to be as well read as you and Grandma.
what else.... i got a letter from aunt barbara this week with some really pretty earings and an amazing card from the wexner center. i think i want to live in columbus some day. unfortunately, she sent it from the wexner center so i don't have any idea how to get a letter to her... but hopefully we can figure that out.
OH! something i figured out last week! i have some cd's called hymns made of string. and the name of one of the artists on there seemed really familiar to me. the last name is brallier and that is melia's stepdad's last name.... and then i looked at the picture and it was totally melia's brother! hahah! crazy! i didn't even know he had albums made and now i listen to them daily. so funny. he was there the weekend of melia's wedding and i babysat his kids during the sealing and everything. he thanked me for everything i'd done that weekend to help and it was nice. but its cool that i have his album. superly small world.
hmmm. transfers are next week. i really hope i stay. i'm pretty sure sister porath is leaving. but we'll see.
ps for cam! we are planning on teaching this lady named robin who doesn't actually believe in Christ as the Savior. and we're planning on helping her understand that through teaching the plan of salvation. you have lots of experience helping people come to know Jesus Christ without any background and i was wondering if you had any tips or anything important to share. just thought i'd ask.
things are going good. the work is moving along. Stafford Branch is still crazy as ever. but i love it to death. i'd be totally fine serving here the rest of my mission.
i love you all! keep me updated! keep praying for missionary opportunities!
love love love love love
sis m
so, it sounds like everything is so good out there. the regional broadcast from salt lake was really good. President Eyring and Elder Hales spoke. both grew up in the east. that made me feel good. cus i feel like i did too a little bit. I feel like i've done more growing up here than i ever did back in california. but i still love CA. anyway, it was really cool to think that cam and kate were watching that too. and yes, katie, the s zoomie brooch was HILARIOUS! i felt like i was the only one laughing though. and that was maybe the fastest i've ever sang hymn 193. hahaha, i was laughing about that for a long time.
life here is good! our teaching pool is shrinking a little. we had to drop a pair of investigators yesterday, but it went well, and i feel relieved. but it was definitely one of the harder things i've done. i just felt like crying because when you leave someone alone, without the Gospel, you just desire their salvation and you worry about them. but these were the kind of people who really didn't want to learn by the Spirit. it became a discussion, and thats not what we're called to do. as soon as a teaching situation turns to discussion, you have to get out. so it was sad, but practical. life goes on.
we've had a lot of stop backs recently. just people with a little bit of interest, but we're hoping to add them to our teaching list soon. keep praying for the people out here to lose their inhibitions and just listen.
mom, i can't wait to read the sequel. i was actually going to ask if you would make me a list of good things to read for when i get back. after this Book of Mormon challenge, i've realized what a decent reader i really am. and i would love to be as well read as you and Grandma.
what else.... i got a letter from aunt barbara this week with some really pretty earings and an amazing card from the wexner center. i think i want to live in columbus some day. unfortunately, she sent it from the wexner center so i don't have any idea how to get a letter to her... but hopefully we can figure that out.
OH! something i figured out last week! i have some cd's called hymns made of string. and the name of one of the artists on there seemed really familiar to me. the last name is brallier and that is melia's stepdad's last name.... and then i looked at the picture and it was totally melia's brother! hahah! crazy! i didn't even know he had albums made and now i listen to them daily. so funny. he was there the weekend of melia's wedding and i babysat his kids during the sealing and everything. he thanked me for everything i'd done that weekend to help and it was nice. but its cool that i have his album. superly small world.
hmmm. transfers are next week. i really hope i stay. i'm pretty sure sister porath is leaving. but we'll see.
ps for cam! we are planning on teaching this lady named robin who doesn't actually believe in Christ as the Savior. and we're planning on helping her understand that through teaching the plan of salvation. you have lots of experience helping people come to know Jesus Christ without any background and i was wondering if you had any tips or anything important to share. just thought i'd ask.
things are going good. the work is moving along. Stafford Branch is still crazy as ever. but i love it to death. i'd be totally fine serving here the rest of my mission.
i love you all! keep me updated! keep praying for missionary opportunities!
love love love love love
sis m
Sunday, May 17, 2009
tick season
okay, sorry this one has to be short.
we went to the bay today with bro. roberson. it was awesome. he brought us lunch and everything. we fished for a while and just sorta chatted. the elders were there too. didn't catch a thing. but, it was nice. ps for cam- bro roberson welcomes you to the barnegat bay at any time. but know that he owns a sailboat. not a little fishing boat. but, he said you can fish off of it. so, whatever. i'll maybe send you his phone number or something.
we found a kajill ticks on the way back to the car and it was really gross. i don't like those creatures. but, because they're out it means its getting nicer. anyway. thats that.
so, i lied on the phone. i need summer shirts. i wear all of two shirts. the two exact same ones from the gap. mom, if you remember them, the white one and the pinkish flowered one. both button only halfway down and they are amazing. so, if you find anything like that thats cheap... send it on over.
by the way, talking to you all was wonderful. i fully appologize for getting teary at the end, and mom, i heard that! haha, i laughed, so it was good. also, it was really great to hear uncle bradley and i didn't hear much of aunt elizabeth but i heard her laugh, and that was really nice. i feel like i haven't seen them in forever. but it was nice to hear that familiar, contagious laugh.
i hope all is well out there in the real world. on paper this week was not so hot. but we found some amazing people to teach. and i am very excited to get to know them. the work is moving along, with or without the stafford branch! haha. it is a great place and i can't wait to introduce everyone to everyone!
love love love love love
sis m
ps- transfers are coming up and sister porath and i think there is going to be a change.... who knows! i don't! but we'll see in a couple weeks! also, remind me to tell you all about sister michelle rasmussen next week if i haven't already. loves!
we went to the bay today with bro. roberson. it was awesome. he brought us lunch and everything. we fished for a while and just sorta chatted. the elders were there too. didn't catch a thing. but, it was nice. ps for cam- bro roberson welcomes you to the barnegat bay at any time. but know that he owns a sailboat. not a little fishing boat. but, he said you can fish off of it. so, whatever. i'll maybe send you his phone number or something.
we found a kajill ticks on the way back to the car and it was really gross. i don't like those creatures. but, because they're out it means its getting nicer. anyway. thats that.
so, i lied on the phone. i need summer shirts. i wear all of two shirts. the two exact same ones from the gap. mom, if you remember them, the white one and the pinkish flowered one. both button only halfway down and they are amazing. so, if you find anything like that thats cheap... send it on over.
by the way, talking to you all was wonderful. i fully appologize for getting teary at the end, and mom, i heard that! haha, i laughed, so it was good. also, it was really great to hear uncle bradley and i didn't hear much of aunt elizabeth but i heard her laugh, and that was really nice. i feel like i haven't seen them in forever. but it was nice to hear that familiar, contagious laugh.
i hope all is well out there in the real world. on paper this week was not so hot. but we found some amazing people to teach. and i am very excited to get to know them. the work is moving along, with or without the stafford branch! haha. it is a great place and i can't wait to introduce everyone to everyone!
love love love love love
sis m
ps- transfers are coming up and sister porath and i think there is going to be a change.... who knows! i don't! but we'll see in a couple weeks! also, remind me to tell you all about sister michelle rasmussen next week if i haven't already. loves!
Monday, May 11, 2009
mother's day
We talked to Madeline for a little bit last night and she sounds great! She had some funny things to say about Jersey folk. We love her and are so proud of her!
quote of the week: never order chow mein in New Jersey! NEVER!
this weeks quote is by yours truly. i hate to be vein, but let me explain.
sister porath and i went to a chinese place a while ago. it looked pretty legit, and i ordered chow mein. i most definitely did not get chow mein. it was the grossest thing i've ever eaten. awful.
i really should be smarter.
sister porath and i went to a different chinese place yesterday and i ordered... chow mein! maybe this place actually knows what chow mein is. noodles with good stuff in it and the works. NOPE! they don't know what chow mein is. maybe cam can help me understand why i always get soggy cabbage and sprouts and onions with nasty mc nast nast stringy chicken. i don't get it. but no more chow mein.
all this just made me think of the wonderful food that would be waiting for me at home at the end of a mission... yum. mom, i can't wait to eat your food again. and i was thinking about the pork with the apricots thing, and i was craving it. so so good. i love you for making up recipes.
okay! this week has been a little difficult. the hardest part about missionary work for me is seeing the people who know what its like to feel the spirit, and feel the peace that comes from reading the Book of Mormon, but continue to do the same old things and just won't follow through with their commitments. extremely hard for me to see happen.
we met this amazing woman named Robin this week. she is the most prepared person i've ever met. we were with her for quite a while, and invited her to church, she said she's come. this was friday night. she told us to call her saturday, and we did, and she had been reading and on sunday morning she would come. we had to meet her and show her the way, but it was set. sunday morning she called and cancelled on us. it was the hardest thing for me to deal with as of yet. i feel extremely connected to her and it just hurt my heart. its been an up and down week, but such is life.
what else... i started driving yesterday. sister porath just wants to see if her headaches come back. she's been driving since week 4 of her mission. so now i'm driving for a bit. and its nice to have a little bit of control.
things are well. i'm so excited for alexa. i'll have to get her address on sunday so i can write her.
sunday! i'll probably call around 7pm my time. 4pm your time. we're supposed to keep it to about 30 to 40 minutes. sister porath is calling her family at 8:30. we'll be at the branch mission leaders house and it will be great. sorry, but no skype. our district leader asked President Winegar and its not approved. but i think it will be better cus then we can just talk. and it will be nice. so, we'll talk to you then.
dad, yes, brother weaver is a teacher in the mtc.
i gots to go. love you all!
keep praying for missionary opportunities!
love love love love love
sis m
sister porath and i went to a chinese place a while ago. it looked pretty legit, and i ordered chow mein. i most definitely did not get chow mein. it was the grossest thing i've ever eaten. awful.
i really should be smarter.
sister porath and i went to a different chinese place yesterday and i ordered... chow mein! maybe this place actually knows what chow mein is. noodles with good stuff in it and the works. NOPE! they don't know what chow mein is. maybe cam can help me understand why i always get soggy cabbage and sprouts and onions with nasty mc nast nast stringy chicken. i don't get it. but no more chow mein.
all this just made me think of the wonderful food that would be waiting for me at home at the end of a mission... yum. mom, i can't wait to eat your food again. and i was thinking about the pork with the apricots thing, and i was craving it. so so good. i love you for making up recipes.
okay! this week has been a little difficult. the hardest part about missionary work for me is seeing the people who know what its like to feel the spirit, and feel the peace that comes from reading the Book of Mormon, but continue to do the same old things and just won't follow through with their commitments. extremely hard for me to see happen.
we met this amazing woman named Robin this week. she is the most prepared person i've ever met. we were with her for quite a while, and invited her to church, she said she's come. this was friday night. she told us to call her saturday, and we did, and she had been reading and on sunday morning she would come. we had to meet her and show her the way, but it was set. sunday morning she called and cancelled on us. it was the hardest thing for me to deal with as of yet. i feel extremely connected to her and it just hurt my heart. its been an up and down week, but such is life.
what else... i started driving yesterday. sister porath just wants to see if her headaches come back. she's been driving since week 4 of her mission. so now i'm driving for a bit. and its nice to have a little bit of control.
things are well. i'm so excited for alexa. i'll have to get her address on sunday so i can write her.
sunday! i'll probably call around 7pm my time. 4pm your time. we're supposed to keep it to about 30 to 40 minutes. sister porath is calling her family at 8:30. we'll be at the branch mission leaders house and it will be great. sorry, but no skype. our district leader asked President Winegar and its not approved. but i think it will be better cus then we can just talk. and it will be nice. so, we'll talk to you then.
dad, yes, brother weaver is a teacher in the mtc.
i gots to go. love you all!
keep praying for missionary opportunities!
love love love love love
sis m
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