"Vale" is a word found exclusively in Spain and roughly translates to "ok." Valencia is the city I was assigned to, and will work in for the next... undetermined amount of time, but probably at least 6 weeks.
European cities are amazing and unique, modern mixing with ancient in ways that should clash but seem to complement. I love it here.
We took a high speed train to Barcelona, spent a couple of days there doing necessary paperwork and getting the low-down of what being in the Spain Barcelona Mission entails.
A few years ago, a general authority visited the Barcelona mission and said that it was "a Lighthouse mission to the rest of Europe" because of how the church is growing, defying the stigma that you don't baptize in Europe.
My name (Alayna) is a derivative of the name Helen which means "torch-bearer" which seems downright profound right now. My mission scripture is an excerpt from Christ's words, and reads "I am the light of the world, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Our mission goes by the nickname "El Faro" which is the Spanish word for lighthouse.
As missionaries, we go out in unfamiliar paths, to cities we've never heard of and places so different from where we've been before. We are called to be a light unto the nations, bringing the truth of the gospel to those who wander in darkness, kept from the light simply because they know not where to find it. (D&C 123:12)
I love the mission. It's full of little miracles and spiritual connections you can't find or recognize in any other way.
That being said, I still have a lot to learn. I was called to a walking mission (which basically means we don't drive or ride bikes) but what they should have called it was a metro mission.... we take that thing EVERYWHERE and it'll take awhile for me to understand which lines go where and what stops connect and such, but I'll try my best.
Our ward is smallish, and we have two other companionships of Elders. It's about as diverse as you can get. Latinos of every variety, an impressively large African presence, and only a few true Spaniards. And I love them.
My companion is Hermana Manwill. She's a Utah native (like ALL THE OTHER MISSIONARIES AROUND HERE) in her last transfer (but we don't talk about that. Apparently she's also a Sister Training Leader (which I didn't find out about until a few days ago), which means that she has to go to meetings in Barcelona once a month and go on splits with other missionaries fairly frequently. Entonces (then; so), I'll be here to hold down the fort a lot... so I need to know my way around. A fun challenge for my first week. :O
My Spanish must be better than I thought, because everyone compliments me on it... but everyone is also very nice, so it's hard to gauge. I introduced myself this Sunday for Sacrament meeting and was able to handle the Spanish pretty well, but when I sat back down, I realized that my chapa (missionary name tag) was on my jacket and that I went up there without it. :(
#Funmistakesofthefirstweek
The missionaries practically make-up the ward choir, and I've already had the opportunity to sing at a baptism and in the Stake Choir Festival (They had Los Tres Reyes [the three Kings] come out at the end and give everyone candy, of which I was a fan. Those guys are bigger than Santa Claus here.)
I've been to a few lessons, made some street contacts, eaten some Bolivian food which they tried to convince me was cat (but wasn't... I think), and had more Dominoes Pizza than I did when I was back in the States. All things which combine to make this a fantastic first week in the mission field.
Thanks for all the love and support!
-Hermana Alayna Een
Summary: Vale Valencia. Only missionaries can sing, and Spanish isn't that bad. It's crazy at first and there are a lot of metros, but I'm adjusting and doing well. Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 15, 2014
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Valencia
Hey guys.
So, long story short (for this moment anyway). I've been to Barcelona and now I'm gone again. Trains are REALLY fast here, and dad's probably right about the whole ¨150mph thing... it got up to 300 km.
The Paces are AWESOME. The missionaries are awesome, everything is awesome. Some of the missionaries were nervous about leaving... about who their trainers would be, about everything but I'm handling it pretty well.
Hermana Curtis is not in my mission, she's heading off to Malaga, there's only ten of us here. I had that song from Anastasia stuck in my head the whole time today and yesterday ¨Heart, don't fail me now, courage don't desert me...." and other words I don't know, but it's a great song to have stuck in your head at a time like this.
We did a bit of sight seeing in Barcelona, got stuff for our residency, and had interviews with President Pace. That guy has SUCH a big heart, he teared up a lot and kept shaking my hand and telling me how glad he was that I was here and that I chose to come. Then we split off with some other Barcelona missionaries (Hermana McWhorter) and did some street contacting and stayed in their apartment overnight.
We did some other residency stuff, more proselyting, and had a LONG meeting today, at the end of which we got our assignments and trainers.
I've been assigned to Valencia and my trainer is Hermana Manwill. A three hour train ride later, and here I am, sitting at a slightly sketchy computer place (Locotorio) writing this email. I'm excited to get started! But I feel a little conflicted because I'm pretty sure Hermana Manwill only has a few more weeks in the mission field. I don't know how that'll work into my training, but I have faith.
I love you all!!!
I might not be able to send pictures because the computer place is sketchy and last time they got viruses on their sd cards. Playing it safe for now.
Less than three!
Hermana Een
So, long story short (for this moment anyway). I've been to Barcelona and now I'm gone again. Trains are REALLY fast here, and dad's probably right about the whole ¨150mph thing... it got up to 300 km.
The Paces are AWESOME. The missionaries are awesome, everything is awesome. Some of the missionaries were nervous about leaving... about who their trainers would be, about everything but I'm handling it pretty well.
Hermana Curtis is not in my mission, she's heading off to Malaga, there's only ten of us here. I had that song from Anastasia stuck in my head the whole time today and yesterday ¨Heart, don't fail me now, courage don't desert me...." and other words I don't know, but it's a great song to have stuck in your head at a time like this.
We did a bit of sight seeing in Barcelona, got stuff for our residency, and had interviews with President Pace. That guy has SUCH a big heart, he teared up a lot and kept shaking my hand and telling me how glad he was that I was here and that I chose to come. Then we split off with some other Barcelona missionaries (Hermana McWhorter) and did some street contacting and stayed in their apartment overnight.
We did some other residency stuff, more proselyting, and had a LONG meeting today, at the end of which we got our assignments and trainers.
I've been assigned to Valencia and my trainer is Hermana Manwill. A three hour train ride later, and here I am, sitting at a slightly sketchy computer place (Locotorio) writing this email. I'm excited to get started! But I feel a little conflicted because I'm pretty sure Hermana Manwill only has a few more weeks in the mission field. I don't know how that'll work into my training, but I have faith.
I love you all!!!
I might not be able to send pictures because the computer place is sketchy and last time they got viruses on their sd cards. Playing it safe for now.
Less than three!
Hermana Een
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| President Pace, an angel on my shoulder |
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| New Spain Barcelona Missionaries December 2014 |
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| First Companion, Hermana Manwill |
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
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
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
Monday, December 8, 2014
Last Day in the CCM (MTC)
So apparently we get to write on the day we leave the MTC. Unfortunately, we only get 10 minutes on the computer.... so that's super stressful.
Only one other missionary from my district is going to Barcelona. Most of them are going to Malaga and some of them are staying here. It's muy triste, pero [very sad, but] we'll still be able to write.
I'll try and send a few pictures, but I can't promise they'll make it through.
I leave at 7 am tomorrow morning on a (highly expensive) high-speed train to Barcelona. I'm traveling in a compartment with several other missionaries, so that should be fun. Other than that, I know NOTHING. I am as Nephi, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do... nevertheless, I [go] forth in faith. (1Nephi 4:6)
Love you guys!!!
Hermana Een
Only one other missionary from my district is going to Barcelona. Most of them are going to Malaga and some of them are staying here. It's muy triste, pero [very sad, but] we'll still be able to write.
I'll try and send a few pictures, but I can't promise they'll make it through.
I leave at 7 am tomorrow morning on a (highly expensive) high-speed train to Barcelona. I'm traveling in a compartment with several other missionaries, so that should be fun. Other than that, I know NOTHING. I am as Nephi, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do... nevertheless, I [go] forth in faith. (1Nephi 4:6)
Love you guys!!!
Hermana Een
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| Elder Braun, Elder Reading, Hermana Curtis, Hermana Een |
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| A purple building, for Eliza |
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| Hermana Een and Hermana Curtis in front of The Royal Palace in Madrid |
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| Hermanas Curtis and Een |
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| "On the steps of the Palace" in Madrid |
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| The Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain |
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| The Nativity on the grounds of the Madrid Temple |
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| The highly portable Nativity we sent Alayna, lovingly colored by Eliza. |
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Rapunzel's Flight
I just realized why Spanish computers don't have apostrophes. Because you don't use them in the Spanish language. Basically, mind blown. (You have my companion to thank for that)
So the first week or two at the MTC, we all talked about feeling like Rapunzel: Trapped in a tower, away from the world, all that stuff. Now... it's almost time to step out. Yesterday we got our train tickets to Barcelona. We're leaving on Tuesday morning at 7am.
This is the last email I'll send from the MTC (CCM). In many ways, I'm ready to go... but unprepared to leave. Because that makes sense... ;)
I got the opportunity to talk to the MTC president about a list he asked be to make (my best qualities, what good I've done, the blessings I've seen). He said I'm "quirky in all the best ways" and that he's excited for be to get out in the field. Cool stuff.
Hermana Curtis and I sang ¨What Child is This¨ for a devotional last Sunday and pretty much rocked it. Basically, I sang the cello part that I remember playing a couple of years ago. Anyway, the guy who accompanied us loved it and said he'd love to accompany us again sometime, but since we only had one more week, we didn't think it would be likely. But surprise!!! Someone wrangled up a cello and wanted vocals for "If you could hie to Kolob" this Sunday so... yep.
Also, the Elders are preparing a secret musical number (that I found out about VERY early on) "God be with you 'till we meet again." Tears will be shed.
Everyone is making plans for later: We'll be roommates, we'll have an MTC reunion, we'll have a LOTR (extended version) marathon, and so on." It's a coping mechanism. We make plans we know we can't keep because it's better than admitting the the truth... that this is an ending.
But since I can't leave it on that thoroughly depressing note, I'll jump into my spiritual thought.
President Uchtdorf said in a semi-recent general conference: "There are no true endings. Only everlasting beginnings."
I'm so glad to be part of a Church that teaches eternity and for the perspective we gain through our knowledge of the Plan of Salvation.
Scripture: D & C 123:17
17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.
Summary: I am Rapunzel: I sing a lot, I'm in a tower, and I'm leaving soon.
Love always!
Hermana Een
So the first week or two at the MTC, we all talked about feeling like Rapunzel: Trapped in a tower, away from the world, all that stuff. Now... it's almost time to step out. Yesterday we got our train tickets to Barcelona. We're leaving on Tuesday morning at 7am.
This is the last email I'll send from the MTC (CCM). In many ways, I'm ready to go... but unprepared to leave. Because that makes sense... ;)
I got the opportunity to talk to the MTC president about a list he asked be to make (my best qualities, what good I've done, the blessings I've seen). He said I'm "quirky in all the best ways" and that he's excited for be to get out in the field. Cool stuff.
Hermana Curtis and I sang ¨What Child is This¨ for a devotional last Sunday and pretty much rocked it. Basically, I sang the cello part that I remember playing a couple of years ago. Anyway, the guy who accompanied us loved it and said he'd love to accompany us again sometime, but since we only had one more week, we didn't think it would be likely. But surprise!!! Someone wrangled up a cello and wanted vocals for "If you could hie to Kolob" this Sunday so... yep.
Also, the Elders are preparing a secret musical number (that I found out about VERY early on) "God be with you 'till we meet again." Tears will be shed.
Everyone is making plans for later: We'll be roommates, we'll have an MTC reunion, we'll have a LOTR (extended version) marathon, and so on." It's a coping mechanism. We make plans we know we can't keep because it's better than admitting the the truth... that this is an ending.
But since I can't leave it on that thoroughly depressing note, I'll jump into my spiritual thought.
President Uchtdorf said in a semi-recent general conference: "There are no true endings. Only everlasting beginnings."
I'm so glad to be part of a Church that teaches eternity and for the perspective we gain through our knowledge of the Plan of Salvation.
Scripture: D & C 123:17
17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.
Summary: I am Rapunzel: I sing a lot, I'm in a tower, and I'm leaving soon.
Love always!
Hermana Een
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| Thanksgiving Dinner! |
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| The Hermanas in our room: Ross, Staker, Een, Curtis, Brawn, Gallegos |
Thursday, November 27, 2014
SnailMail at the end of the MTC (CCM)
Dear Een Family
So here’s some fun snail mail stuff:
Remember how I went to college last year and took a
couple of art classes? Well, one of the
girls in my class showed up yesterday. She was born in Italy but grew up in
America. She’s serving in Italy, already
knows the language, and is learning with our group. We just had a moment, pointed at each other,
and then it clicked. Pretty funny. Her name is Stephania Bautizata which is almost
the Spanish word for Baptism . . . which is funny.
I love you guys, love hearing from you. I’m working on the language, but—while we're on
the subject, here’s some awesome Spanish mistakes.
Orejas
– ears
Ovejas
–sheep
I just told one of my teachers that I have sheep on the
side of my head.
Pecado—sins
Pescado—fish
Jesus died for our fish.
(No joke, elders in our district have said that in lessons before.)
One of our teachers told a story of a sister missionary
in his home ward last week who stood up at the pulpit and meant to say “I’m
embarrassed because the Bishop asked me to speak” but because of the funny way
Spanish works, she ended up saying “I’m pregnant because of the Bishop.” So . . . the Bishop turned beet red and the
whole congregation burst into laughter.
*Note to self: Don’t try to say
‘embarrassed’ in Spanish. Whatever
situation you try to describe couldn’t be worse than the one you almost put
yourself into.
Today we had a Thanksgiving. I love stuffing. I love to stuff myself with stuffing. We usually have a bit of free time on
Thursdays so I suggested that we take a little while and have each member of
the District grab their photos and do a little background/intro. Today I got to talk about you guys. “Yes, I know, my Dad does look like
Abraham Lincoln” and “Yeah, I know it doesn’t look like it, but that little
dark-haired girl really is related to me.
No, that’s my younger sister; she’s not the married one.” Or Yes, my Mom is really 6’0”. Yes he’s really 14 . . . and 6’4”. I played our trio to the EFY medley. Hermana Curtis says I just melt when I talk
about you guys. Well, you are my favorite
subject. (Well, besides the Gospel, of
course.)
We didn’t get to go out and do anything tody because A)
it’s Thanksgiving and B) we’re watching the MTC Devotional live, so it cuts
into our time.
Anyway our “Special Activity” (a consolation prise, if you
will) was watching “Meet the Mormons”. A
lot of people didn’t have the opportunity to see it before coming and a
lot of the teachers hadn’t seen it yet either.
The candy bomber gets me every time.
It’s fun seeing it on this side of things, relating to the missionary
efforts more.
I’m super excited to listen to the Christmas CDs
you guys sent (starting this afternoon, since Thanksgiving is officially over)
and want to thank you once again for the package. It was . . . so great to hear from you guys
and nice to have a physical copy. (Elder
Reading wanted to email Mom and tell her that she should replace the toner, but
he forgot. He’s funny like that.)
Last Sunday, instead of the typical Bednar devotional
(apparently MP is neighbors with Bednar, and he probably said ‘hey, can I show
the missionaries every devotional you’ve ever given?’) we watched Joseph Smith: Prophet of the
Restoration. ALL the feels. I LOVE that movie.
This Monday we lost the Ukranians, so to commemorate
their last day we had . . .American food (you know . . .because we’re so
culturally sensitive and all.) There was
reverence in the comidor as we savored every bit of the Dominos pizza. (Apparently they have those here) Nothing
like the taste of home. (Literally)
Lots of love coming your way!
Hermana Een J
(Sticker of Cinderella)
[arrow] to commemorate the new Cinderella movie. Marissa sent these in her package because
everyone needs stickers.
Other slips of paper in the envelope:
A card to accompany the Tigger outfit we were instructed
to send to SpAria for Christmas. It
joked that they can return it if they don’t name their baby Alayna.
P.S. Sorry for leaving my room a mess L guilty face.
Oh, and also, those Christmas CDs make me really
happy. And my District loves you guys by
extension. (We all love Christmas). Also, through the MTC Devo Sister Bednar
suggested we have our families and friends pray specifically for me to be
blessed with the gift of tongues. So . .
. ya. J
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| MTC group on the steps of the Madrid Spain Temple |
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| Goofy pose |
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| MTC (CCM) district at the Park Retiro in Madrid where they went each Saturday. |
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| Keen, Een, Green, Bean |
Spain Again
Happy Thanksgiving to everybody!!!!
I love holidays. I love P-Days. Today will be great.
We're having a Thanksgiving feast for lunch today (since most of us are Americans anyway), so I'm super-excited for that.
As for other news:
-As of today, I have been on my mission for exactly a month. Crazy, right? Yes, I'm still in the MTC (CCM), but it still counts.
- I have now officially played soccer in Spain (fútbol, I guess) so that makes me pretty official, though I can't say I was very good at it. ;)
-Last P-Day we went to the Prado Museum of Art (it's like... a pretty big deal) and I got to see some AMAZING pieces from some classic masters, as well as some lesser-known but just as cool. My only regret was that we only had an hour and a half.
(I promise that my week doesn't revolve around P-Day, it´s just the easiest thing to talk about)
-Christmas decorations are going up everywhere, they started to turn on the Christmas lights on the temple grounds, and the little stable they set up for the nativity looks like a hobbit hole. (Or maybe I'm just a nerd.)
-My District sang ¨Nearer my God to Thee¨ as a musical number last Sunday, and we totally rocked it.
I want you guys to know that God loves His children. He loves them and knows what they need. I'm not the greatest or most out-going person, and I'm not one to start conversations, so when we were assigned companions for the park on Saturday (the one day when we go out and talk to people like real missionaries) I prayed that my deficiencies would be covered by my companion and that I would be able to contribute in other ways. And that's exactly what happened. I needed her (Hermana Griffin's) fearlessness in talking to people, she needed my insight and higher language skill. And because we made such a well-balanced team, we were able to make a couple of really strong contacts.
My companion struggles sometimes with thinking she's not good enough, and on Sunday we
had a lesson about perfectionism and how to work with and overcome those feeling. It was exactly what she needed.
I love being out here to do the Lord's work. I love being able to -sometimes- be the one to help him help his children.
Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers, I'm really feeling the love and throwing it right back at you!
-Hermana Een
I love holidays. I love P-Days. Today will be great.
We're having a Thanksgiving feast for lunch today (since most of us are Americans anyway), so I'm super-excited for that.
As for other news:
-As of today, I have been on my mission for exactly a month. Crazy, right? Yes, I'm still in the MTC (CCM), but it still counts.
- I have now officially played soccer in Spain (fútbol, I guess) so that makes me pretty official, though I can't say I was very good at it. ;)
-Last P-Day we went to the Prado Museum of Art (it's like... a pretty big deal) and I got to see some AMAZING pieces from some classic masters, as well as some lesser-known but just as cool. My only regret was that we only had an hour and a half.
(I promise that my week doesn't revolve around P-Day, it´s just the easiest thing to talk about)
-Christmas decorations are going up everywhere, they started to turn on the Christmas lights on the temple grounds, and the little stable they set up for the nativity looks like a hobbit hole. (Or maybe I'm just a nerd.)
-My District sang ¨Nearer my God to Thee¨ as a musical number last Sunday, and we totally rocked it.
I want you guys to know that God loves His children. He loves them and knows what they need. I'm not the greatest or most out-going person, and I'm not one to start conversations, so when we were assigned companions for the park on Saturday (the one day when we go out and talk to people like real missionaries) I prayed that my deficiencies would be covered by my companion and that I would be able to contribute in other ways. And that's exactly what happened. I needed her (Hermana Griffin's) fearlessness in talking to people, she needed my insight and higher language skill. And because we made such a well-balanced team, we were able to make a couple of really strong contacts.
My companion struggles sometimes with thinking she's not good enough, and on Sunday we
had a lesson about perfectionism and how to work with and overcome those feeling. It was exactly what she needed.
I love being out here to do the Lord's work. I love being able to -sometimes- be the one to help him help his children.
Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers, I'm really feeling the love and throwing it right back at you!
-Hermana Een
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| Our only District picture: Hermana Een, Curtis, Elder Smurthwait, Hermana Gallegos, Elder Bean, Hermana Brawn, Elder Reading, Elder Male |
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