Death of a Missionary: The Pending Return of Alayna Een (Hermana no more)

Apparently missionaries refer to the time when they leave their mission to return home as dying and it's a thing to stage a death.  It seems rather morbid, but here is a picture she took for the occasion.  She hasn't sent an email this week, she warned us that might happen.  I figure when you die someone writes an obituary, so I did.  She'll resurrect to a new life tomorrow as she returns home.  This is the 100th post on her missionary blog.

OBITUARY OF HERMANA ALAYNA EEN

Hermana Alayna Een, Age 546 days in the Spain Barcelona mission passed away April 27, 2016 at her mission home in Barcelona, Spain.  She was born in the Mission October 28, 2014 at the Madrid MTC (CCM) as part of the Amulek District with Hermana Ashley Curtis [Alternatively, December 10th, with Hermana Vanessa Manwill in Valencia]. She was received and prepared to spend her new live in ‘Zion’ by President Kenneth D. Lovell.  She was delivered to President and Sister Pace to begin the work of El Faro.

As a newborn Hermana Een moved to Valencia, Spain and lived with her proud Mama, Hermana Vanessa Manwill, together they were ManwillEen.  They were joined by Hermana Stilson, proving that they were StilWilEen.  After the untimely death of Hermana Manwill and the transfer of Hermana Stilson, Hermana Een became a mother (teen mom) herself to a bouncing baby girl, Hermana Manotas, a native of Spain.  She later adopted (step-mom)  Hermana Ruth Terraza, with whom she completed her undergraduate education (12-week training program).  While in Valencia the area celebrated her successes with the Fallas Festival.

Hermana Een moved to Barcelona for the graduate school of Sister Training Leader with continued studies at monthly intensive training at concilio that would continue throughout her life there.  While in Barcelona, Hermana Een studied with Hermana Megan Wiseman.  Hermana Een moved to (whitewashed in) Bilbao, the capital of the Basque region to continue her studies with Hermana Amanda Randall and the city celebrated their arrival with a festival that lasted more than a week.  

Hermana Een then moved to Lleida, Spain for some advanced studies with Hermana Shania Ingram and Gutoff and most recently was in Vic (enjoying Semana Santa), Spain with Hermana Natalie Arauco.  

Hermana Een enjoyed life to its fullest in El Faro and pursued many hobbies and interests, including intercambios, citas, fechas, and especially enjoyed standing at the water’s edge and watching people she loves dress in white.  She loved reading and kept up her education with study that included ‘The Book of Mormon’ and ‘Preach My Gospel’.  She enjoyed writing and regularly contributed to the blog, “ShesBarcelonaBound.blogspot.com”.

Hermana Een was preceded in death by Hermana Manwill, Hermana Curtis, President and Sister Lovell, President and Sister Mark Pace, and Hermana Terrazas.

Hermana Een is survived by President and Sister Dayton, Hermana Manotas, Hermana Wiseman, Hermana Randall, Hermana Ingram, Hermana Gutoff, Hermana Arauco, and many others whom she loved.

Burial will be held at the Las Vegas Nevada Stake offices located at 6100 West Alta Drive, at the intersection of Alta and Jones, presided over by President Gutierrez.  A memorial service will be held at the Evergreen Ward building at 221 S. Lorenzi Blvd at 1 PM on Sunday, May 15, 2016.  Visitation will be at the Een home.  Family will be pleased to greet friends and relatives.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints missionary fund.  Condolences may be left on Hermana Een’s facebook page.

Addendum:

Yesterday we received a letter in the mail from Alayna's mission president, Merril T. Dayton.   Here are some excerpts:

"Congratulations on the consecrated missionary service of your daughter, Hermana Alayna Een.  Having been faithful and obedient, she has successfully and honorably completed her term of missionary service in the Spain Barcelona Mission."

"Hermana Een has served with distinction as a Junior Companion, Senior Companion, and Sister Training Leader.  All who have labored with her are appreciative of her devotion to the work of the Lord.  She has brought much joy and happiness into the lives of the people that she has taught and loved."

"We have loved serving with her.  We trust that your daughter's adjustment to life at home will come quickly, and that she may always be found on the Lord's side, building and strengthening His kingdom."

"May the Lord continue to bless your and your family."

We certainly are blessed!

Project Life Journaling Cards

1/12/15 (European style, that’s December) Preparation Day

            The day after concilio, just the lonely Hermanas day, we took a little time to write letters and such, shop a bit, and then finally FINALLY made it to the castle.  It’s Lleida’s biggest landmark, and one of the few true attractions.  I’ve drawn a castle on EVERY preparation day since I’ve been her and as we finally walked in we heard the good news “It’s free today!”  We took TONS of photos, explored what we call “The Queen of Hearts Cathedral.” (at some point it had been turned into an army barracks and the soldiers—being silly young men—had beheaded almost all of the statues) and even climbed the many tiny stairs to reach the lookout tower.  You can see all of Lleida from there.  It’s incredible.

            It was a good, full and relaxing and exciting preparation day.

I learned . . . of little seeds and great fruit.

The night before concilio Hermana O’Neill told me how Carol (in Valencia) is returning to the church and preparing for baptism . . . because I reached out in an email at the right time. 

Hna. Lameroux said how Manuela is “obsessed” with me and “the most prepared person I’ve ever taught.”  And I rejoice in the knowledge that great good has come from little things I’ve done.

Exchanges  . . . with my trainee J  2/12/15

In many ways it was a weird “blast from the past”—riding buses, contacting in semi-darkened streets and being ½ lost . . . but we’ve both changed so much since then.  We realize how we both needed and learned from that long ago transfer, and that we’re better off because of it.  Even better, we’re friends.  We can talk openly, teach and testify together.  I love Hermana Manotas.

Back in the day...

NOVEMBER

Let the Holy Spirit Guide.
At the end of a preparation day, our ‘for sure’ cita [appointment] failed, leaving us without real plans, and I could tell my companion was frustrated. I knew we had to decide something fast and surprised myself by saying “I was thinking we should visit Ana” though the thought hadn’t crossed my mind until that point.  It was a perfect cita.  I know we were guided, and I was so grateful.

Zone Conference
1^st one in Lleida.  As usual, I was assigned the Hna. Dayton “Achieving goals” topic. 

They had a Santa Claus come and give a Christmas gift to each companionship.  The box said “To:  Dios, De:  El Faro”.  Inside was a small Christmas ornament that said “One baptism in December”  For EVERY companionship.  (Not as well executed as it was in concilio, but the affect was good.)

I LEARNED . . .

Two very different people can live together in harmony when their focus is the same—OTHER people and THEIR needs.

Any companionship can work if both people are willing.

            Nothing is better than a surprise letter or package from home.

            Few things are harder than waiting for a letter/package that you know is coming and doesn’t. (Or if your companion gets a surprise something while you are waiting.)

Funny Spanish Mistake:

(Not on our part)

We contacted this African man who did not speak English or Spanish very well.  After a couple minutes of trying to tell him we wanted to share a message (mensaje) he sounded very interested until we clarified that we were not giving massages (masaje).

Email from Hermana Randall 12/9/15

I wanted to give your family an update of Manuela :) Oh, it was so incredible to teach her with Hermana Een. Your daughter is amazing! I absolutely LOVED being with her - she is such a hard working, diligent, obedient, and consecrated missionary. We had a blast our two transfers together and I wish she could have been at the baptism of Manuela this last weekend.
So I was with Hermana Lamoreaux [Hna. Lamoreaux and her companion shared the apartment with Alayna and her apartment in Valencia.] after Hermana Een left Bilbao (I don't know how I was so blessed to be with these two incredible missionaries! They are the best!) But with transfers yesterday, I am now on the island of Palma de Mallorca. I will be with Hermana Johnson, who just finished her training, and am really excited.
Con amor, Hermana Randall

Hna Randall, Manuela, Hna Lamoreaux

Begin forwarded message:
From: Amanda Randall
To: Alayna Een
Subject: Manuela's Baptism :)

Oh Hermana! I so wish you could have been there! And I wish I could capture how wonderful it was in an email. She talked about you EVERY visit and will NEVER forget the impact you made in her life -- I have never seen an investigator (now member!) love a missionary more :) I feel bad that both of us are gone now because of how much she will talk about us.

So I don't have enough time to write you all the details (that would take all day!), but here are some pictures of journal entries that talk about her baptism. This last week was such a whirlwind that I didn't get to write about anything until I was on the shaky train going down to Barc-Sants with about 3 hours of sleep from the night before.

[From her journal]
Tuesday December 8th, 2015
"Manuela was BAPTIZED!!!Oh, it was so perfect. :) This week has been incredible and so busy, but I finally have time to write since I am currently 7 or 8 hours to Barc for transfers.
Friday was Manuela's interview. The Elders showed up late- so she missed Noche de Barrio- but she passed :). (We went over everything beforehand- but she was in there for a full hour with Elder Loaiza. She came out with a sad face to joke around and say she didn't pass. After, she told a few members and they congratulated her). :)
(I think she told Elder Loiaza all about what happened with her husband and what happened with him and Jonathan. . .)
We then went and ate lunch (a portugal dish with beans and then a Latino version of Shepherd's pie) at Manuela's with her Kids, Amy, and Bishop. THey made me a cheesecake to celebrate my birthday. :)
The baptism started a little late but everything went so smoothly. (Hna. L said it was one of the best she's seen). A bunch of family and friends came, including her brother Angel, her Sister Merci, kids... that, with Ward members made it so we had about 30 people there!
Us missionaries did a musical number singing "Lead, Kindly Light" (They sang, Hna. L played violin, I played piano).
The baptism was performed by Bishop.
He was great at calming her down and practicing before she got in the font. Everything was perfect for the baptism and she gave Bishop a big hug after. I was then with her and Alma in the bathroom while Hna. L was in the chapel tho play violin while people wrote notes to Manuela.
Hermana Lamoreaux and I then bore our testimonies :) It was a beautiful baptism service.
While I was with Manuela and Alma, Manuela said "soy Manuela." She said that the water was "calientita" and she felt so much warmth as she came out of the water. I told Alma how we came in contact with her :). It was incredible to be with her and see her joy and happiness.

Well Saturday night was transfer calls. I'm still a little shocked that I'm going to Palma de Mallorca. I will be with Hna. Johnson (an Hermana who just finished training.... so I'm her breaker). It's my first time being "senior companion" and knowing more Spanish than my comp.......
But it's hard to leave Bilbao. It is a BEAUTIFUL city with an awesome ward, incredible members, the best district... ahhh I love it SO MUCH!...
I was SOOO nervous with how Manuela would handle it. She was surprised, too. We didn't prep her at all beforehand with the knowledge that I could be leaving (because we didn't want it to affect herbaptism and confirmation). Bishop and his councilors confirmed her a member of the church with a beautiful blessing. When we explained to Manuela after how we had just got the phone call the night before saying that I would be leaving she teared up and looked pretty sad the rest of the meetings."

We went Monday night to visit her one last time before I left. Oh, it was hard! I held it in pretty well until we got in the elevator and turned around to say one last goodbye - then I lost it and wanted to bawl :)

Thanks for your emails! It's so fun getting them from you and Hna. Ingram :) [Hnas Randall and Ingram were companions at the MTC.] Love you and glad to know this are going well in Lleida - take care of your lame toe ;)

Hermana Randall

October-September Project Life Cards

2nd Transfer, Barcelona :)
Fun memory—Barce Buffet.  We had a tradition to go after District meeting.  The lady gave us group discounts and LOVED Elder Maurer.  We laughed, joked, and role-played the creative team of a Carlie Ray Jepson song (I really, really, really really, really, really like you”).  Can we repeat “really” 8 x’s?  No.  Cut it down to 6 and repeat the chorus 2x.  That’ll do it.

9/15
3rd time’s the charm . . .
I told Hna. Randall about how I had been separated from my companion on 2 different occasions on the metro.  I also mentioned the jinx of telling the story—means I’ll lose you next—A week passed and nothing happened.  Somehow the subject was brought up again and the next day Hna. Randall didn’t quite make it on before the doors closed.  I signaled for her to go to the next stop and waited for her there.  It was only a few minutes, and we were re-united without a problem.  Still funny, though.  The curse continues. :)


20/9/15
Remember This
Right time, right place.
   Sunday nights are hard here in Bilbao.  We just haven’t had a lot of direction/people to visit.
After a good recent-convert lesson in the church with Jennifer, we made a couple of calls and then . . . Decided to do pass-bys of members.  I thought maybe we should go to Sestao (somewhere sort-of far we hadn’t been to yet) but Uribarri is just so much closer . . . .but we said a prayer and I started thinking ‘maybe we’ll go to Densto’ but Hna Randall said Sestao so we headed off to the metro.
   After a couple of stops, I caught someone’s eye on the station.  She waved and I waved back, but I didn’t recognize her.  We decided she was probably just a member who saw our chapas and decided to say ‘hi’.  I fingered my chapa as we talked and after a few moments the lady next to us looked over and asked if we were Mormons.
   Her name is Carmen, she’s been here for 5 years and despite diligent efforts, hasn’t been able to find the church here.  She lost her Book of Mormon and said she feels the loss in her life.  She desperately wants to read and come to church.  I gave her a BoM (since I always have one in hand) and we gave her the address and our numbers.  She just seemed so grateful!
   And I realized that if we had decided to go to Duesto, we still would have been on that train & met her.  We are always guided, Even when it doesn’t seem so.

26/9/15
Fun Spanish Mistakes
We were washing dishes in the church after a ward activity.  Jennifer comes up behind me and said—“I thought she said—“Dame un abrazo”[“give me a hug”, however when double-checking with google translate I missed an “r”, which then means “give me a spleen”  the Spanish mistake just got even funnier.].  So I gave her a hug.  It was nice.  After a moment she said “gracias, Hermana, “Pero dije una vaso.” [“But I say a glass.”]  So with a laugh I handed her a cup.

Top 5 Metro Moments:
1.  Someone bringing on a 6 ft tree, spreading dirt around until he got off 3 stops later.
2.  Trekkies on a Train—2 fully-dressed cosplayers (red-shirted woman and Capt. Kirk) get on.  I regret not contacting them.
3.  Fallas band—the doors were shutting and they pushed them open to let the last trumpeter on.
4.  A woman had a cat in a carrying bag.  She didn’t let the cat out of the bag. :)
5.  The boy popping a zit in the mirror of a metro station.

Onward Ever Onward
Bug bites here have increased at an alarming rate (hence the list on the other side).
Top 5 WORST Places to have a bug bite
1.  Face—the humiliation factor.  Not only does it itch, it looks like acne, adding insult to injury.
2.  Back of the knee (Your knee-pit)—Especially as a missionary where kneeling prayers are a 4+ daily occurrence.
3.  Sock line/legs—a bug bite at the sock-line is set up for constant irritation and will take longer to heal.
4.  Hands/thumb and palm—Every time you wash your hands—which you do a lot—it gets re-irritated.  Thicker skin on your palms = :(
5.  Elbow—Resting on your elbow is no incomfortable [should be a ‘u’ not an ‘I’ . . . blame it on infrequent usage of English recently] and impossible.

“There is NO ONE I would rather lose EVERYTHING with.”  --Hermana Randall  about our 1st day

Scripture find—1 Corinthians 3:10  LEGO MOVIE REFERENCE. (10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.)

August-September Project Life Cards

Area:  Barcelona 3C
Companion:  Hermana Megan Wiseman
From:  June 2015 to August 2015
Ward(s)/Branch(es)  Barcelona 3, Barcelona Stake

“No one is ever as PERFECT as you Paint them nor as BAD as you stain them.”  --Inspired thoughts of Hna. Een

Teaching Experience:  17/8/15
I had a moment of clarity with the last cita [appointment] with Willy, explaining the real difference between the wise and foolish man.  Afterwards he bore testimony and I felt my heart burn.  The Spirit was just so strong.  I’ll never forget it.

Teaching Experience:  Early August
Our last lesson with Willy was frustrating—more like a book-club, and way out of our control.  This time we decided to take charge again, and talk about prayers and real intent.  It was a beautiful lesson and he told us that he’s grateful for the time we give him in lessons, that he’s not wasting it, that he WANTS to be baptized . .  but just needs more time.  #patience

Today was (checklist)
Mostly Tracting    Pass-bys
Last night I got a little carried away and prayed that H.F. would help us lose weight . . . today none of the buildings had elevators.

Marissa Farmer (college roomie) is my most faithful snail-mail correspondent.  While my companion writes/receives letters to/from her boyfriend . . . I have Marissa.  She the one ‘waiting for me’ so we can be roommates again.  She sends me stickers and so much support and I’m so glad I have her. #theonceandfutureroommate

Last Companionship Inventory
Hermana Wiseman and I had been through a lot in our 2 transfers together.  We had a give-and-take, always improving relationship.  When it came to our last weekly planning session, the part about companionship strength and what we could improve, there was nothing left to say or do.  So we sat for a moment and just said, Thank you . . . " That’s how we knew someone would be transferred.

Intercambio  27/8/15
Hermana Ratlit
She loves movies, Batman, classic books, and missionary work.  She’s great at doing the 1st contact and is trying to improve her relationship with the members.   Helped her knock doors.  I went to her area, Las Aranzs and was able to crash a NoleRamra and run into Elder Vickery.  A good intercambio.

8/29/15—I’ve gone American.
I Learned . . . That God blesses our efforts.  After hiking to our area, a little put out and not much to do, we arrive at our destination 15 minutes before the cita[appointment] starts.  Hna. Randall seemed ready to rest but I just felt the need to talk to someone or do something.  We walked a little down the hill and though he was a little out of our ‘path’ I contacted this man.  Turns out he’s a member.  He gave us 3 references!

Teaching Experience 29/8/15
Momchil is a Bulgarian.  He’s had a hard life, and has run into the missionaries several times (once with an Hermana-Braun-from my MTC District in Madrid) and I was able to testify so clearly.  We were able to listen, and I really felt God’s love for this man, this lost sheep.  And I know we helped him.

I Learned . . . That God trusts me.  That he trusts his missionaries and sometimes calls them to do hard—very hard—things.  When you get a hard assignment everyone compliments (pities—inwardly) you and exclaims “It’s because God knows he can trust you, he trusts you so much!”  And my natural man sees my weakness and wonders, “Can’t He trust someone else?”  And you have to shake it off, rededicate yourself, and strive to be worthy of the great trust with which you’ve been placed.

Who:  Hermana Randall & I . . . and 2 Spanish Policemen
What:  We were contact/wandering in a park and the second time we passed them they asked if we were lost.  I said no.  They left.  Hna Randall freaked because she DOESN’T HAVE I.D. or a proselyting card . . .
Where:  Bilbao, 9:45 PM  August 29th [2015]

THE OFFICE ELDERS
I have the HIGHEST respect for the Office Elders. Having spent 3 weeks in piso [related to a companion's injury], I know that the only thing harder than missionary work . . . is not being able to do it. The office Elders manage to stay on-top and well focused even as they do the most mundane (yet necessary) tasks. Other missionaries literally refer to the office as "the dungeon". Yet--for the most part--these Elders manage to stay upbeat and positive, and still have a great sense of humor and a spunky personality.
18/8/15 Office Elders: Pemberton, Day, Carter, & Bennet
The office Elders were a super great support for us as we (Hna Randall and I) worked through the gritty details of reporting/replacing things stolen from Hna. Randall's bag. We were describing/listing the things that were in it, lamenting mostly over the loss of her Journal (which was nearly full) but they seemed much more caught up the the case of her stolen passport as the biggest problem. I countered saying, "15 years from now, I'd rather have a journal than a passport." They said, "You can't use a journal as ID to fly back to the states." Touche.

Project Life Journaling Cards received July 2015

Project Life Journaling Cards
“Extra fasting is NOT an approved weight-loss technique.”  --Elder Davis

Who:  Talia and her husband, Hermana Wiseman and I.
What:  A surprise eating cita. :/  She had asked us to come by at 7, so we did.  She gave us a bowl of soup and we were full.  She pulled out a giant plate and we almost died.  Quick-thinking Hna. Wiseman kept talking to stall and then asked for Tupperware.
Where:  Barcelona, member’s house.

Who:  Sofia, Hna Wiseman, and I, a member & her RM friend.
What:  The BEST plan of Salvation lesson I’ve ever experienced.  She got it, we testified, the members shared, and she committed to come to church.
When:  on my birthday 
Where:  Barcelona

So it turns out . . .  I’m very susceptible to the speech patterns of others, and adopt the phrases and intonations of others almost without realizing it.  Elder Bean—“hmm”; Hna Stilson—“Pero Bueno”; Hna. Wiseman—“Can we just talk about . . ."  Elder Maurer:  “Follow The Spirit.”

Who:  The crazy Catalunians, a motorcycle brigade.
What:  A half-hour long parade of Catalan pride down the main street of our area.  Everyone had flags, held up 4 fingers, and honked like crazy!
When:  Saturday 27/6/15 ~8 PM
Where:  C/Meridiana metro stop Sagrella, Barcelona

WEIRD
After 8 months on the mission, I’ve gained a great shoe tan.  But for the first time in forever . . . I don’t have a swimsuit tan anymore.

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.

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

Found in my inbox Friday morning . . . .

I received this from Hermana Pace, the mission president's wife:

These sisters reached the "Standards of Excellence" TWO weeks in a row! Outstanding!!!

Snipets from Christmas

From the Christmas Day video call:

--I’m an alto . . . because I can sing parts.

--First investigator meeting she moved up her baptism to choose a special day—CHIRSTMAS.  I bore my testimony and everything!

--For the baptism today we sang a mash of “Come Follow Me” and “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful”.  [Would that be “Oh Come Follow Me All Ye Faithful”???]  We practiced it without accompaniment then a pianist played and they aren’t in the same keys and it got messed up.  It wasn’t great, but it was still OK.

--Valencia oranges . . . people give you oranges at the doors, BAGS of oranges.

--NEED Knock-Knock Jokes

--Spencer’s advice:  Be obedient, love every moment and I trust you.

--A mission is hard.  There are lots of rules and I’m coming to love and appreciate them. 

--The Spirit is REAL. 

--When I try to say something I don’t know how to say in Spanish I just say what I think and it comes.  [Mom insert:  AKA The Gift of Tongues]

--There are good people everywhere.  Some are not ready yet.

--You can never teach the wrong lesson to the right investigator. 

--God knows us best.

--Blessings!

--I’m happy!!!

Barcelona Attained

Dear Families of our new missionaries,

     We are pleased to inform you that your daughter has safely arrived in the Spain Barcelona Mission.  Hermana Pace and I, along with the two assistants, met her at the train station.  The group of missionaries we received is full of wonderful young men and women, ready to go to work. Their enthusiasm reflects their love for the Savior and we are grateful for the privilege of guiding them along as they serve the Lord.
     Every area in the Spain Barcelona Mission is unique and beautiful, rich in history and tradition.  More importantly, each city is full of children of our Heavenly Father, waiting to hear the glad news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
     Thank you for the trust you have put in us to shepherd your daughter.  Please know that we feel a great responsibility to guide and protect “our” missionaries.  We love your sons and daughters as if they were our own.  With the Lord’s help, we intend to make their mission experience in Barcelona the most memorable time of their lives.


Sincerely,

President and Hermana Pace

You have Reached your Destination

  Alayna made it safely to the Madrid MTC on Tuesday. Her companion is Hermana Curtis in the Amulek Disrtict. They will go to the Temple every Thursday. She can receive mail at the MTC, but packages don't always make it. US Mail International Envelopes are probably the best option. Her mail address is...

 Alayna Een
 Spain Mission Training Center
 Calle del Templo 2, Planta 4a
 Madrid 28030 SPAIN

  If you want to look up more about the Spain MTC, you'll find photos and contact information on lds.org.