Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Burn Notice: Barcelona Bound

My name is Hermana Een. I used to be a missionary in Valencia.

Until, "You're being transferred to Barcelona"

When you’re transferred, you’ve got nothing. No cash (especially at the end of the month), no credit, no job history (no one here really KNOWS you).

You’re stuck in whatever city they decide to dump you in. “Where am I?” BARCELONA

You do whatever work comes your way. (Missionary work doesn't really change that much. The people and places do.)

You rely on anyone who’s still talking to you. (Weekly emails, my friends)

“Someone needs your help, Hermana.”

 Bottom line, until you've done the work here (and at LEAST until the next transfer cycle), you’re not going anywhere.


Well, there it is. I've been transferred to Barcelona. It's still a little bit weird (seeing as this is actually only my first couple of hours here). I used to joke with the members that I'd stay in Valencia for all of my mission. Turns out a part of me actually believed it. But here we are.
More on that later, first a quick miracle story...

This week we had an incredible miracle related to obedience and follow-up. We had a cita [appointment] to meet with a man we'd met knocking doors, but were unable to find a member to go with us and, being Hermanas, had to explain that we could still teach... but that we would be sitting in the hallway. He was a little confused and wasn't all that willing, but brought out chairs and that was that. We had an incredible first lesson with him, and as we were wrapping up (answering some of the questions he had) his neighbor squeezed by to retrieve something from his piso) and just before he left again (having somewhat of a prisa [hurry]) said he was listening a little bit from below, that he wanted us to come by sometime and teach him too, and asked if we could give him something to read before the cita. We gave him a pamphlet of the Restoration, took down his name and number, and set up a cita for the following week.
Yes, it was a little bit awkward to have to sit in the hallway and teach. But we always see miracles when we choose obedience.

I KNOW that's true.

It's been a good week.
Saying goodbye is weird as well. My heart really felt it but my mind still isn't convinced that this is really is "Goodbye." Hermana Terrazas really helped with that, keeping busy, run for the bus, rip the bandaid.
I was suddenly very glad to have my information printed on little business cards, as people I barely knew came out of the woodwork suddenly very keen to stay in touch (EVERYONE needs a business card with Hermana Een sitting awkwardly in the corner, right?)
Sometimes, when you're up close, it's hard to see. But with the perspective of time and leaving I really can see something beautiful. I've made a difference here.
It isn't huge. We didn't baptize the world or have so much success that they split the area or anything crazy like that, but the light that has come (or come back) into the lives of individual people.
Elizabeth.
Genoveva.
Pamela.
Margarita.
It's a nice feeling.
Genoveva & the ADORABLE kids she nannies, David & Saira

"El Faro" - As in, "I served in el faro," or "Somos el faro," or "He is a true el faro missionary!" Faro means lighthouse. It is reported that some years ago Elder F. Burton Howard was touring the mission and referred to the mission as the lighthouse of Europe. Ever since then, missionaries have referred to the mission as "el faro." The phrase has emerged to represent all that we hold dear about the Spain Barcelona mission. "El faro" is difficult to define or describe, but every missionary who has served here knows what it means!

Our piso, the Hermanas of Valencia

Ok, back to the night of transfer calls.
You know it's big news when the President of the mission calls you. (Which, fun fact, has happened 4 out of my now 5 transfers)
He thanked me for the work I've done in Valencia. He asked me to move to Barcelona and be companions with Hermana Wiseman.
"And we'd like to call you to be a Sister Training Leader."

And so that's what I'll do. I still don't know exactly what that means (It probably means that you shouldn't quote TV shows in your weekly emails home...), so I'll let you know as I figure it out more. It's basically the female equivalent to a Zone/District leader. You go on a lot of companion exchanges and go to a large mission meeting once a month.
And I know that whatever it is... it's a humbling calling, a trust, and a privilege.

So... That's that.
I'll share with you the scripture I've shared with my friends I've left in the mission field.
Alma 17:13 And it came to pass when they had arrived in the borders of the land of the Lamanites, that they separated themselves and departed one from another, trusting in the Lord that they should meet again at the close of their harvest; for they supposed that great was the work which they had undertaken.
Great is the work we've undertaken.
We'll meet again.
In heaven, at least.

I love you all. Wish me luck!
Hermana Een

New address
Calle Provencia 501, 1
08025 Barcelona, Spain

(Photos next time)
A last hurrah with cute Stephanie Smith, she took us to LladrĂ³.



Monday, May 18, 2015

Singing on Short Notice

Singing- lifting one's voice in melodious phrases. Normally associated (in the mission life, anyway) with praise and edification. The Doctrine and Covenants teaches us that "the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me" so there's that as well.

Short notice- Almost unplanned, associated with "just winging it" which is ALSO something you do a lot as a missionary, despite all the time you spend planning...

This week was a bit of a rollercoaster, or in other terms, a pretty normal week in the mission.

We had Specialized Training (a big meeting where the Mission President and his wife come, the leaders teach, there's music, lessons, you're edified, and they do everything but feed you) and it was fantastic as always. We reviewed our notes from the mission conference and focused on The Restoration, teaching and really knowing it. So that was great!
There was a musical number planned, one of my favorite songs, and I had helped the violinist (who lives in my same piso [apartment] Hermana Lamereaux) practice a couple of days before. Well, long story short, the Hermana (Perkins) who was supposed to sing it ended up being sent to Barcelona for a check-up on her companion (Hermana Jorgensen)'s maybe-not-broken arm, so they needed someone to sing and someone is sort-of my middle name. (Or it could be, if I had one)
It was fun. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

My companion went on intercambios (when we trade companions for a day to learn... stuff) with the Sister Training Leader. ALL of our citas [appointments] failed, which was frustrating, but in the end we ended up being there to help and uplift a young and frustrated friend. Once again, the Lord re-arranges our schedules and we end up where we need to be.

A funny little miracle happened when again, our citas and back-ups failed (es una cosa de la mission [It is a thing of the mission]) and my companion asked "what do we do now?" I hesitated a moment and said, "Let's pass by Manolo" (An old investigator we've been trying to get in contact with). She nodded and started walking down what I thought was the wrong way, but I followed and we ended up at the house of Manuel (a less-active who's fallen off of our radar, hasn't picked up his phone, and hasn't been there the last 4 times we've passed by). We were able to LISTEN to him, get his new phone number, share a scripture, and pray. He had JUST gotten home, and left a few minutes after our visit. If we hadn't gone THEN we would have missed him again. It was like a Freudian slip of the spirit (or something like that).

This week we met up with an old investigator who wants to be baptized (Drillrissa), taught a "progressing" investigator who is fine with going to the Terrestial Kingdom (Antonio), and hit pautas [mission goals] by a prayer (literally). It was good, it was hard, there is still so much to do.

Next week is transfers (that means you won't hear from me until Tuesday, so don't freak out (Mom)). Although there's still SO much I want to do here... the odds are NOT in my favor. I feel like I need to be here for these people. But I'm learning humility, and maybe... someone else will reach them and help them in a different way.
I don't know. But I know that whatever happens, we'll go forth in faith.

"Savior, Redeemer of my Soul" (This is where Mom inserts the lyrics... or attaches a short clip for the blog. :) )









Les quiero (that means I love you)
Hermana Een

Here's a link to a complete version of "Savior, Redeemer of My Soul"  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pslLsWRPaIk&list=PLEVK55xNpj5RotR-fL7_mfafMnJRDVzvg  I've been able to accompany Alayna as she sang it for her ward in Provo as well as our ward in Las Vegas.  She really loves this song and it's awesome that she gets to share it again in Spain.

Sister Missionaries: A World Away, But Not Too Far

From Ashley MacKay, serving in England:

So last Monday I was on line and I emailed Alayna Een back and then she responded and we got to chat for a bit! It was so much fun! I just love getting to chat with her! I was telling Sister Melville that we first met in the mothers lounge when we were babies and we grew up together and we got our calls on the same day and then we left within a week of each other! Now we are serving close (er) to each other than some of my other friends. Both our missions are getting ipads at the same time! I just love Alayna :)

Monday, May 11, 2015

Whistle While You Work

Work- What we have been called to do. Labor, the only way to make change and progress come to pass

Whistle- Something not actually encouraged as you walk the streets trying to talk to people (weird, right?). I actually still remember the moment I learned how to whistle. I was very young, crossing the street to Elementary School, and the Crossing Guard taught me while we waited for a bulldozer to pass. Strange memory.

W- This email is sponsored by the letter W (thank you Sesame Street)... which doesn't actually exist in Spanish. (Just another fun fact for you, there...)

So this week started with a mission-wide conference. Something they've never done before and probably won't do again (unless the need arises). It really was a once-in-a-mission opportunity. And it was fantastic. We participated, heard some really inspiring talks, talked about using technology as a tool, and examined the difference between Agents (acting for themselves) and Objects. Objects must be acted upon, we must act for ourselves and be Agents (We are not Agents of nothing! We are Agents of SHIE... anyway...)
It was great to be able to see other missionaries and shake their hands and although we didn't have tons of time to talk, just being there in unity was incredible.
Alayna and her companion are on the left side of the middle section the 2nd row back.
Hermana Manotas is on the 2nd row back in the section on the right.

Last Saturday we worked for 3 hours, and they were grueling for Hermana Terrazas. That Sunday was a little bit better (we stayed for all of church without a lot of pain on her end). Monday I was worried (as was greatly reflected in my last email), but I was amazed to be by her side as she sat through most of the 3 hour train ride (whereas before, even 10 minute stints caused pain) without problem or complaint. She also made it through the whole mission conference with only a short stint standing by the door.
The first few days of this week, I still wanted to take it slow (taking the elevators, walking slower, checking in every now and then) and I felt just like that New Testament man, "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."
And he has.

My companion is incredible. Prayers are incredible, as is the power of a faithful fast. Miracles are real, and Hermana Terrazas is basically healed. We didn't get a call from a Doctor or another X-ray, and no one had to tell us anything. It just stopped hurting. So we brushed off our stuck-in-piso [apartment] dust and went out to work.  I believe in Miracles.

And everything is back to normal. We're enthused to be contributing again in this great work. It's surprising how normal it is to go out and work again. Making plans and watching them fail or seeing unplanned miracles, keeping your head up the whole time.

We haven't been able to get in and actually TEACH as many of our investigators as we'd like to, but that will be our focus this week.

I also had to give a talk this week, as I found out when I called on Friday night to ask our Ward Mission Leader if he could help us with a cita (I guess that's how you pay for member present lessons...). I didn't face it with the best attitude (I've already GIVEN a talk in this ward, I can't even speak SPANISH, grumble grumble) but I'm actually glad with how things turned out. I spoke slowly, clearly, and with great love. I do much better talking in church than in other places. Probably because the Spirit knows more Spanish than I do.

We Skyped with the family after church which was an incredible and good experience. They are such good people, they are growing (I asked my brother to recite an Article of Faith because I didn't really believe his voice was THAT LOW!), and I love them SO so much.
And I didn't cry, or even feel like I needed to.
And the work goes on.

Whistle while you work with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.

Spiritual thought:
My talk...
True to the Faith: Happiness (Paragraphs 1,2,5,6)
   Testifying of God’s “eternal purposes,” the prophet Lehi taught, “Men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:15, 25).
   Heavenly Father desires that we find true, lasting happiness. Our happiness is the design of all the blessings He gives us—gospel teachings, commandments, priesthood ordinances, family relationships, prophets, temples, the beauties of creation, and even the opportunity to experience adversity. His plan for our salvation is often called “the great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8). He sent His Beloved Son to carry out the Atonement so we can be happy in this life and receive a fullness of joy in the eternities.
   As you seek to be happy, remember that the only way to real happiness is to live the gospel. You will find peaceful, eternal happiness as you strive to keep the commandments, pray for strength, repent of your sins, participate in wholesome activities, and give meaningful service. You will learn to have fun within the limits set by a loving Father in Heaven.
   Your happiness can be contagious. As others observe you, they may desire to know the source of your joy. Then they can also experience the happiness that comes through living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
True to the Faith: Missionary Work (2,3)
   “If it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be 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 into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!” (D&C 18:15–16).
(that´s how you plan a talk in a foreign language)
1Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:, substituting the last word "fear" for the footnote Awe or Respect.

Les quiero! [I love you!]
Hermana Een

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Project Life journal cards received May 4, 2015

FACT:
Quoting “The District” is more than a hobby or fun pastime.  It’s a way of life.  It’s an all-consuming need.  It’s a passion.  If you don’t quote the District in normal conversation then you’re not a real missionary.  And you don’t understand the Atonement.
Opposite side with Book of Mormon graphic:  “We believe in the [Book of Mormon graphic] to be the Word of God . . .”  --The District

Exchanges  24/3/15 (March 24, 2015)
Except we call them . . . intercambios.
I had my first/last intercambio with Hna. Boyer in Cataroja.  It’s a magical little pueblo!  On the 15 minute train-ride over all our visits failed.  So we prayed, made some pass-bys, and saw miracles.  She’s so loving and talks to everyone.  She says I’m her hero.  But she’s one of mine.

Highlights:  Tripanionship
-240,000 miles from the Earth to the moon—an “argument” during exercise.
-Separated on the metro—two still-training missionaries.  Eating chuches.
-Running across the beds . . .and being discovered because Hna. Stilson was hiding in the closet . . .
-A million member splits . . . helped me gain independence.
-President Pace’s phone-call on transfer night we were FREAKING OUT!!!

LOCK YOUR HEART

I Learned . . .
The miracle of exact obedience.
It was just after an intercamio/lunch cita [exchange/lunch appointment] out of our area, so we were doing language study on a bench and as it got closer to five, I suggested we get going. (Though we didn’t know exactly what we would do, we knew it was tracting time.)  So we went forth in faith and -2 News, -4 lessons –The boyfriend of an investigator we hadn’t seen for a while.  We call it our “Miracle Hour”.

“I’m a PIONEER!” –Mercedes   after learning that the church has only been in Spain for 40 years.

Memorable Person:  A SPANISH PIONEER
Mercedes Lopez Cervera
   Mercedes is the choir director in our ward.  Her boyfriend’s baptism was the first real “event” I attended in the mission.  Under her direction, we sang for hospitals, conferences, and ward parties.
   She’s and RM of many years, learned English on her mission, and helps us on visits whenever she can. She’s a great visiting teacher, a good Young Womens leader, and a good friend.
   She’s a bit older, has a car, and is part of the ward’s favorite “future couple”.

Teaching Experience:
   We were reading in 2 Nephi 31 and teaching Allison about the Doctrine of Christ.  When the time came (the right verse popped up) we asked her to do just that, and she said yes.  And I remember wondering, can It really be that easy?
   Yes.  Yes it can.

Every morning I wake up so tired, sure that there’s NO WAY I can make it through the day without a nap or something.  But I get up anyway.  And as the day goes on, the strength comes.

“I just can’t wait to have a jawline again.”    --Elder Keen
#chubbersprobs  #missionlife  #whatValenciasfamousfor

“Dios Esta”  [God is here]   --Genoveva
After her fall getting out of the font & when she was lost getting to church and we turned a corner/found her.

Hermana Terrazas and I have decided that Moroni should have added another verse to the Book of Mormon “Thou shalt not live with thy boyfriend”—that would make missionary work in Spain so much easier.

It’s easy to forget a pain you don’t FEEL.  Was I blind to how much my companion suffered as we went on with the work?

A Baptism 28/3/15  A checklist with the following checked:  Uplifted, Exhausted, Happy, Nervous, Stressed, Worried, Excited, Blessed
Genoveva’s Baptism
Yes.  It really was all of those emotions!  But also, incredibly rewarding.  Almost everyone was late (including Genoveva), but it was also one of the most beautiful and personal services I’ve ever been to.  She’s my 1st real convert!  On my 5 month mark!

11/4/15
Allison was baptized!  She was late, which was stressful, and it was at a weird time (3:30) so not a ton of people were there, but her Aunt, Mother, and Grandfather came to support her and the service went really well.  She gave a simple “thank-amony.”  AND she made treats . .. for her own baptism.  How cute is that?

Preparation Day 3/3/15 (Aria’s Birthday!)
We went as a group, the Hermanas of Valencia and by some miracle (answer to prayer, hna. Manotas was still with us.  We watched the Mascleta in the center with booming fireworks that echoed in your chest and all surrounding buildings.  We climbed 207 stairs to the top of the oldest tower in Valencia.  We took a million pictures.  It was a great day.

Who:  Hermana Terrazas & I
What:  She had the Hiccups, and I said “I’ll just have to scare you to get rid of them . . .we’re ½ way through the transfer.”—Which isn’t even true . . . but her hiccups stopped.
When:  In the afternoon, 24/4/15
Where:  In the METRO (of all places) on the way to the hospital.   . . .and again in Piso.

District Meeting 17/4/15
First one since they split us and we lost Castellon.  (I’ve been here through a lot of different districts in Valencia.)  We talked about improving Personal Study (helpful) and it was a good balance of spiritual and funny/awkward . . . .Like when E. Davis compared losing the spirit to having a chair pulled out from under you . . . which is what happened to Hna. Terrazas.  So we laughed about that.  Took another selfie.

April 14 (2015)
So last preparation day we went to Gulliver’s park as a zone(ish) activity.  It was super fun.  Hna. Terrazas fell . . . a couple of times, really hard the last time.  As the week went on and it didn’t get better we decided to put all stubbornness aside and call (which was a little complicated because Hna Pace is recovering from eye surgery), so we had to call Hna. Flores who told us to go to the hospital como ya and got a same-day cita [appointment] for said hospital (which is super difficult here in Spain).  We went, waited 4 hours for a 15 minute x-ray, and found out that there’s a small fracture in her tailbone.
  So now we’re resting.  Stuck in piso [apartment], and Hna T. has to lay on her back.
   I’m embroidering the baptism sign on her butt-donut and we’re watching “The Testaments” and just . . . waiting to hear what to do.
   It’s strange to just . . .be here, not out there doing things, and already the time blends together.  We’ll just see what tomorrow brings.

Remember This:  It was one afternoon, after a particularly . . . difficult companionship interview.  She went to take a nap, I sat in the kitchen, eating and blasting whatever MOTAB combo CD my had sent.  Hna Lamoreau busted through, stopped for a moment, looked around, and asked how I was doing.  I hesitated . . . and then started crying.  She had to go, and as I continued to listen to the CD I heard the words “He is known by oh, so many names, and will be forever more.  Hope comes from the one with many names, and he’s not forgotten yours.”  And it just hit me harder than it had ever before.  That my Savior’s love was real, and that he knew exactly, exactly how I felt.  So I knelt and said a prayer of gratitude for my Savior’s love and Atonement.  It’s the first time I’ve cried for joy in a prayer, and the first time I remember praying just out of a sincere desire to communicate with my Father.

Advice for Jessica Jones and other [soon-to-be] "El Faro" Hermanas

Advice for Jessica Jones (she’s a super-hero!) [Alayna thinks all people with names that have alliteration are super-heroes.] (and other “El Faro”[The Lighthouse] Hermanas . . . and other useful, general tips)
First of all, congratulations on being called to the best mission in the world!  (I’m sure other missions are great, too, but . . . they don’t have the “El Faro” culture of obedience to prove it).
Pre-MTC advice/packing
I remember packing for my mission [she didn’t have anything in any suitcases until the morning she was flying away—and we had to leave about 1 PM—just sayin’].  I remember looking at that list in my call packet and thinking that I’ve seen more complete/useful girls-camp packing lists . . . and this is 18 months in a foreign land, not a week in the mountains.  So it’s a bit stressful.  I remember my first week in the MTC (CCM) wishing I could go home for a day, re-pack, and go back. #truestory.  But since that’s not possible/feasible/economic/even desirable if you really think about it, here’s some tips to prevent that post-packing regret.
This was literally HOURS before we left for the airport.
1)  Get good suitcases.
Those hard-cased 4 wheeled suitcases are cute and all, but beware.  Those flimsy wheels will wear out before the end of your first transfer in the field, and lugging around broken heavy luggage is an unnecessary added stress. If you pay the big bucks and get the Samsonite you should be good, or if the wheels are two per corner (added insurance). The two-wheeled tilt and drag are almost always preferable. (But if ALL of them are tilt and drag, it makes it hard to take them all yourself.) Remember:  Better ugly and functional than cute and cumbersome.  (But you can usually find an Elder to take them for you.)
2)  Don’t leave your jeans in the dryer  . . . and other clothing tips.
Fun personal story.  But yes, don’t forget to bring a pair of jeans.  No matter what you bring to wear, you’ll be sick of your clothes by the end of the MTC.  #sadtruth.  DownEast Basic T’s are GOLD.  Seriously, I can’t stress that enough.  Cardigans to dress-up/switch-up your outfits and are also a necessity (don’t worry about blazers unless you really like that type of thing).  As an added bonus, cardigans help hide arm-fat which is nice.  #sadtruth  Which brings us to another key point, “you’re going to gain weight.”  There really is nothing you can do to avoid it other than fast a lot (which is kind-of not the point), and I’ve decided that it’s a heavenly trial sent to Hermanas to strip us of pride and actually has nothing to do with the large amount of chocolate you end up eating.  So bring skirts with elastic waistbands or “room to grow”. Those “perfect missionary skirts” in the Sister Missionary Mall (Provo) are actually really good . . . but wind is the Achilles Heel. Bring skirts you feel comfortable in. Pockets are a BIG plus. Some areas are windy so having a couple pencil skirts is a good plan.
3)  Balance packing and buying.
The Spain Barcelona mission covers a lot of area.  You could pack for winter, summer, and everything in between. The good news is that Spain is not a 3rd world country.  You can buy what you need usually, but bring the basics—a good coat, fleece-lined leggings, light-weight skirts, etc.  Primark—decent quality for cheap;  H&M—usually pretty good; Chinos—for everything in-between; Stradovarius—my favorite cheapish, cute, mission appropriate.
4)  Things to bring.
-A mini-English Preach My Gospel—They’ll give you a big Spanish one in the CCM.
-Good shoes:  just a good general rule, though there are other schools of thought. (As a bonus you get ugly shoe tans!) You are going to need tennis shoes. Bring them. Depending on the climate/season, you are going to need boots, but you can buy them there (I went with water-resistant instead of straight-up rain boots because they look more professional and have a wider range of use). Other than that, I would recommend a pair or two of proselyting shoes (I got mine at the Missionary Mall, Clarks are a great choice as well. They have great support, are made to last, and can be cute!). I didn't have a specific pair of Sunday shoes, I just kept my proselyting ones in good condition and they worked for both. Flats can be bought pretty cheaply as you need them, so I wouldn't worry about bringing them. If you need them, you can buy them there.
- any iPad accessories. We're an iPad mission now, and it will be your primary computer for Preparation Day emailing. If you hate typing on a screen, maybe think about investing in a bluetooth keyboard. But don't get too carried away.
-A good water bottle:   . . .they might give you one in the CCM, but you can’t bet on it, so it’s still a good idea.  Stay hydrated.
-Your favorite sweatshirt:  warmth and comfort from home (I wish I’d brought mine).  And slippers & fuzzy socks/piso [apartment] shoes.
-Music—Fill a USB with appropriate music . . . that you actually like. Paul Cardell and Jenny Oaks Baker or selected Piano Guys songs are great for studying, EFY is fine if you like that kind of thing, people love the National Tribute Band, MOTABs is where it's at. Most songs from these artists are mission approved.
-Blank cards for thank-yous and such/stationary. I was never successful in finding any and it's nice to leave a cute note after an intercambio or for someone you work with.
5)  Things not to bring:
-A million meds:  There’s a pharmacy on—no joke- every corner.  You can get what you need, even if the brand isn’t familiar.  Just bring the meds you need/use most frequently or for conditions that occur regularly (ie., I get congested, I brought stuff for that.)
-Too many clothes/shoes—you will buy more and they don’t do any good cluttering the bottom of your suitcase. (Especially ones you don’t really like.)
-Too many little things—most of these (paperclips, post-its, etc.) you can get at a chino (like a dollar store with everything).

The most important thing to bring is a willing heart, open mind, and a good attitude.  You will LOVE your mission, even though there will be hard times.  Advice?  Jacob 6:12 O be wise; what can I say more?  You’ve got this.  WELCOME TO EL FARO!  See you in the field!

--Hermana Een

Monday, May 4, 2015

iPotential and Indoor Plumbing

iPad- a small, lightweight electronic device capable of displaying videos, searching text, and a ton of other things that would confuse this technologically-challenged Hermana.

Potential- Something yet-to-be. Something that could come to pass. Normally associated with the words great, promising, and the idea of something to look forward to.

Indoor Plumbing- "It's gonna be big."

So...
GUESS WHO'S GETTING IPADS!?!?!?!

The Malaga mission. They're very excited.

Ok, we are too.

It's kind-of a big deal. As in 'ship all the missionaries to Barceonla for a conference tomorrow' big deal. Yes, all of our old companions and MTC friends in the mission will be there. NO, it is NOT a party. Yes, we still have to be dignified and all.
We're teenagers, what do they expect?
Answer: We're missionaries. We've been set apart. They kind-of expect a lot.
That'll change a lot about how we do things... but it doesn't really affect WHAT we do. We still find, teach, and bring people to Christ.

I passed my 6th month mark. We ate doughnuts and burned tights (Apparently, that's what Hermanas do. Which is fine by me, I never really wore them anyway.)


We had a Stake Activity at Gulliver's Park this past Friday (which was Labor day for Spain) and it was super neat to see everyone and talk with people and be fed by members. I went on splits with Hermana Lamoreaux because Hermana Terrazas couldn't go (somehow they didn't think returning to the scene of the crime was a good idea... weird, right?). There are good people everywhere.


We've done a couple of member splits, a couple of missionary splits, and finally this week, I went out and worked with my companion for part of two days. It was great to be with her.... but she's not physically ready to work yet.
It's a come-and-go pain. There are good days and REALLY bad days. After a fairly difficult 3 hours of working through the pain we talked to President and he said that if it takes a month to heal then the Church won't let her stay.
This was week 3.
I know there were a lot of people fasting for her this week.

Ukulele Lamoreaux

Birch Breakfast


Tranquilla Terrazas

"Een" her element


And so yet another Monday passes in the dark.
I don't know what next transfer will bring, or what will happen next week. I don't even know what tomorrow will bring, or if I'll still have a companion.
The day is sufficient for the evils (and good things) thereof.
So I'll focus on today, and make it a good one.
Mark 6: 26-34 or 3 Nephi 13:26-34 (because they're almost identical)
 26 Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin;
 29 And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these.
 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, even so will he clothe you, if ye are not of little faith.
 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
 32 For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof.

Ever onward,
-Hermana Een