I found out last night that I’m being moved. I’ll be going to a place called Cidra and will be training a new missionary. They haven’t bought the house yet, so I’ll be living outside my area and driving to my area every day. I’ll be living in Caguas. I don’t know who will be my companion, but I am excited for a change. I am excited and honored to know that the Lord trusts me enough to open a new area AND to train again! I like training and I am thankful that He trusts me enough to work with the new missionaries! :) I am excited to meet my new companion. I don’t know who it is, but I am excited for her and hope we’ll find a bunch of success in our new area! The name "Cidra" reminds me of Cedar City. Makes me miss it. :) But whatever.
It was funny though because Hna E (one of the sisters in Pontezuela) got a call on Saturday night from our District Leader that said SHE was being transferred. Apparently she didn’t hear the Zone Leader correctly. But, so on Sunday she was saying her goodbyes and what not to the members and taking pictures and everyone was sad that she was leaving and glad that I was going to be staying because everyone thought I’D be going since I’d been here the longest. But then last night, right when Hna. G and I had spent two hours doing our weekly planning, I got a phone call from the Zone Leader and he said I was going. I was in shock. I haven’t said goodbye to anyone. I’m kinda sad about it, but I think it’s better this way. I just can’t imagine how hilarious it’ll be when Hna E shows up at Church. Everyone will wonder what happened. We laughed really hard about it. I’ll miss the people and the ward, but I am excited for a change. It’ll be difficult, but whoever said I wanted it to be easy? :) The hard things are what make us grow. It’s been tough with Hna. G, but I can say I’ve learned SO SO much from her and am glad I stuck it out.
We had another appointment this week with C, the guy who doesn’t have a leg. It would be really life-changing for him to be baptized, and I hope he accepts the Gospel. We taught him the Plan of Salvation. I love the Plan of Salvation, I think it’s amazing to know that God loves us enough to think of every detail so perfectly, and how He prepared away for an escape from literally everything that could and would happen to us here on earth. The more I teach about the plan the more I grow to understand and love it. I am so thankful to my Father in Heaven who cares so much about my eternal progression. I don’t know when C will be coming to church; I’m not sure how seriously he’s taking all of this, but I really hope he will change his life. I know it will bless him. But that’s the hardest part about missionary work; people’s agency. THEY get to choose what they think is best for them.
R is really excited for his baptism this next Sunday. I was, too, until I found out I’m being transferred. BUT I know he is well prepared and will do great things for the ward. He’s a very special man and I am thankful to have been able to help him along has path to conversion. He has a lot of necessity, but I know that the ward will benefit from serving him, too. I had been looking forward to helping clean his house, because he is a hoarder, and has a lot of things he doesn’t need. I’m not sure how he accumulated so much "stuff," but I was excited to help him clean it out after his baptism. But I guess I’ll get to hear about it from Hna. G. :)
R is excited to be baptized, too. We’re planning on his baptism this coming Sunday, too. TWO baptisms in one day! Hurray! Honestly, Hna G is going to rock this area; there are SO many less-actives here, and she can relate to so many of them and bring them back to the fold. She will do great things. It’s been a privilege to serve with her.
We planned a Ward Talent show for September. The ward members are super excited about it and I can’t wait to hear how it goes. I’m sad I'll be missing out.
Random accomplishment: I finished the Book of Mormon :) I’m starting over again, too! Hurray for scriptures! How are you guys coming along in your nightly readings as a fam bam?
They replaced our old white Toyota Corolla 2011 with a brand new Chevy Cruze 2014. It’s SUPER nice. Reminds me of the Ford Focus, they’re really similar. Whenever I’m in it I feel like I’m back at home because the interior is really similar.
We had a FHE at J’s house with R, and two members of the ward. It was a lot of fun. Y, one of the members, taught about Revelation. It was a really good lesson. It made me miss home a bit because we hardly ever get to have FHE as missionaries. But R enjoyed it a lot. We played Jenga afterwards and I ended up knocking the tower over. But to celebrate, we ate chocolate cake. —It’s the SAME chocolate cake as the one at Sam’s Club, Mom!!! It was a dream come true!! :) The highlight of my week... Jokes :)
I’ll reply to your email now! — I can’t believe that school started this week! It’s crazy how quickly summer seemed to pass by. I'm proud that Joshy is taking 4 AP classes AND early-morning seminary.
JOSH, learn your Scripture Mastery like a boss. It’ll help you a ton! At least try to pay attention to where they are in the scriptures, like I did. :) And READ your scriptures! Start preparing now for your mission! NO GIRLFRIENDS. You’re a babe, so be careful! Hehe :) I’m proud that Josh is working so much.
HEAD! Congrats on making the volleyball team! You’re going to do so great! It’s not easy, but it’s definitely worth it! Lots of fun. Why do you go by Elena in your Spanish 4 class at the High School? Is that some sort of joke?
Mom, I want all of my MercyMe music, if possible. And MoTab, of course. :) Really anything you’ll send me will be accepted. Even Saturday’s Warrior! :) - I’m not kidding. And no worries, I’m done with buying stuff at WalMart.
Tell Kelton I say HI! (And Welcome Home, obviously). I’m proud of him for serving so faithfully! HURRAY FOR RETURNED MISSIONARIES!
Also, how’s Grandpa Erickson doing? I had a dream about him the other night.
Well anywho, that’s about it. Can't wait to email you next week and tell you about everything! I have no idea what to expect! But I’m excited!
Love you all! Bye!
-Hermana Erickson
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
#23 [Pontezuela - 21] Aug. 19th, 2013
Hi there!
We found some new people to teach this week since our pool of progressing investigators is shallowing out now that both J, and his mom, A, are baptized. And we had a disappointment this week, R didn't pass his baptismal interview, so we didn't have a baptism this past weekend like we'd planned. But I know the Lord is still preparing his heart, I know he has a testimony, he just needs to strengthen it a little bit and exert a little more faith. Sometimes I forget how much faith a convert needs in order to be baptized; I've lived by these commandments all my life and have never really struggled with any of them, and these people have to change the lives they've been accustomed to living in order to make such a sacred covenant with God. It's amazing what these people will do and I hope that R will be baptized within the next month.
Anyway, we found a man named C. He lives alone and doesn't have a leg, and has lost a lot of his fingers and toes due to the type of diabetes he has. He rides around in a wheelchair. He told us the story of his life; he has five kids, none of them come to visit him and blame him for his wife's death, they robbed him of all his money, and he has to pay a TON of money just for the pills to stay alive. I've never met someone more in need in my entire life and it was a really humbling experience. But his example to me was what touched me the most. Despite of all his losses, he still has faith in God. He isn't depressed, he's THANKFUL for the life he lives, regardless of how limited it is. I have no idea how I'd be if I were in his shoes (shoe... hehehe. I'm so awful!)
A, J’s Mom, received the gift of the Holy Ghost this week. She's the cutest. After she received the Holy Ghost, she stood up and walked off the stand, but as she did so she was talking to the congregation about how she and her son will always be faithful and what not. It was really cute, kinda irreverent, but that's just kinda how she is. She was born and raised in a Catholic/Evangelical background. But it was just awkward because the Bishop was talking and she was talking and you could tell the Bishop was uncomfortable because he didn't want to be rude and tell her to sit down. I just laughed to myself. And then the other night, she said, "Whenever you want to come back to Puerto Rico, no need to buy a hotel! You can stay here! My house will be like the temple in Salt Lake!" She's seen pictures of the SLC temple, but I don't think she really understands it, but it was nice. She's a wonderful lady. I am so thankful for her and her son. I am SO excited to see them progress in the Gospel. I know I say that every week, but really, I just have a feeling they're going to be faithful till the end! :) And those are the kind of converts I always hoped to find for the Lord!
Yesterday we found a young man from New York who'd moved here to Puerto Rico to get away from his problems in Bronx. He's 20, but he's got a TON of tattoos, and he looks like a rough guy, but he was super nice and actually really religious. He only spoke English, but he's Dominican. His mom is a priestess. He told us he'd been shot in the back before, and went into a coma for six months, and he said he saw God in a vision and when he reached out to touch His hand, he woke up. It was really cool. It reminded me of the story of Alma the Younger. Anyway, it was weird because I taught him in English a little bit about the restoration. It was hard to remember the words! But he was super interested in the Gospel, and we're going back to teach him next Sunday.
So I'd planned on making chocolate chip cookie dough to eat away my sorrows this week, but guess what's so crazy about this place? ... They don't sell chocolate chips! Not even in Walmart! What the heck!? I was very disappointed.
Head's taking voice lessons!? How fun! Maybe we can sing together in Church when we get home!? And Rae can play the piano! It's a plan!
Tell Catia Nunes congrats for me! When's the special day? That's 3 out of the 7 girls my age in the ward... Just tell Ashlyn to slow down the dating game a little cuz I don't wanna miss any more weddings.
Transfers
are this next week, on the 28th. We've got 4 new sisters coming in from
Honduras and the U.S. 7 new Elders from the U.S, Honduras, and El
Salvador. I don't know if I'll be training again, or if I'll be moved or
if I'll have to stay here. I guess we'll know by next Monday!
Yesterday in Relief Society, we had a lesson about FHE. I shared my experience with FHE and how we used to do a combined FHE with the Erickson side of the fam and told them about how we all picked a Book of Mormon story and acted it out and how our family had picked the story of Ammon cutting off all the Lamanites' arms. Good memories. Thanks for providing us with such wonderful family memories and traditions. Sometimes I feel lame cuz I was born and raised in the Church (and I know that's definitely NOT true), but then experiences like that make my past life so interestingly goofy :)
Well anyway, I don't have much else to say. Love you so much and miss you lots. Keep being awesome! The Book of Mormon is true and I love it! Keep reading it as a family, cuz I miss doing that.
LOVE YOU!
-Hermana Erickson
We found some new people to teach this week since our pool of progressing investigators is shallowing out now that both J, and his mom, A, are baptized. And we had a disappointment this week, R didn't pass his baptismal interview, so we didn't have a baptism this past weekend like we'd planned. But I know the Lord is still preparing his heart, I know he has a testimony, he just needs to strengthen it a little bit and exert a little more faith. Sometimes I forget how much faith a convert needs in order to be baptized; I've lived by these commandments all my life and have never really struggled with any of them, and these people have to change the lives they've been accustomed to living in order to make such a sacred covenant with God. It's amazing what these people will do and I hope that R will be baptized within the next month.
Anyway, we found a man named C. He lives alone and doesn't have a leg, and has lost a lot of his fingers and toes due to the type of diabetes he has. He rides around in a wheelchair. He told us the story of his life; he has five kids, none of them come to visit him and blame him for his wife's death, they robbed him of all his money, and he has to pay a TON of money just for the pills to stay alive. I've never met someone more in need in my entire life and it was a really humbling experience. But his example to me was what touched me the most. Despite of all his losses, he still has faith in God. He isn't depressed, he's THANKFUL for the life he lives, regardless of how limited it is. I have no idea how I'd be if I were in his shoes (shoe... hehehe. I'm so awful!)
A, J’s Mom, received the gift of the Holy Ghost this week. She's the cutest. After she received the Holy Ghost, she stood up and walked off the stand, but as she did so she was talking to the congregation about how she and her son will always be faithful and what not. It was really cute, kinda irreverent, but that's just kinda how she is. She was born and raised in a Catholic/Evangelical background. But it was just awkward because the Bishop was talking and she was talking and you could tell the Bishop was uncomfortable because he didn't want to be rude and tell her to sit down. I just laughed to myself. And then the other night, she said, "Whenever you want to come back to Puerto Rico, no need to buy a hotel! You can stay here! My house will be like the temple in Salt Lake!" She's seen pictures of the SLC temple, but I don't think she really understands it, but it was nice. She's a wonderful lady. I am so thankful for her and her son. I am SO excited to see them progress in the Gospel. I know I say that every week, but really, I just have a feeling they're going to be faithful till the end! :) And those are the kind of converts I always hoped to find for the Lord!
Yesterday we found a young man from New York who'd moved here to Puerto Rico to get away from his problems in Bronx. He's 20, but he's got a TON of tattoos, and he looks like a rough guy, but he was super nice and actually really religious. He only spoke English, but he's Dominican. His mom is a priestess. He told us he'd been shot in the back before, and went into a coma for six months, and he said he saw God in a vision and when he reached out to touch His hand, he woke up. It was really cool. It reminded me of the story of Alma the Younger. Anyway, it was weird because I taught him in English a little bit about the restoration. It was hard to remember the words! But he was super interested in the Gospel, and we're going back to teach him next Sunday.
So I'd planned on making chocolate chip cookie dough to eat away my sorrows this week, but guess what's so crazy about this place? ... They don't sell chocolate chips! Not even in Walmart! What the heck!? I was very disappointed.
Head's taking voice lessons!? How fun! Maybe we can sing together in Church when we get home!? And Rae can play the piano! It's a plan!
Tell Catia Nunes congrats for me! When's the special day? That's 3 out of the 7 girls my age in the ward... Just tell Ashlyn to slow down the dating game a little cuz I don't wanna miss any more weddings.
 |
| Hermana Erickson's District |
Yesterday in Relief Society, we had a lesson about FHE. I shared my experience with FHE and how we used to do a combined FHE with the Erickson side of the fam and told them about how we all picked a Book of Mormon story and acted it out and how our family had picked the story of Ammon cutting off all the Lamanites' arms. Good memories. Thanks for providing us with such wonderful family memories and traditions. Sometimes I feel lame cuz I was born and raised in the Church (and I know that's definitely NOT true), but then experiences like that make my past life so interestingly goofy :)
Well anyway, I don't have much else to say. Love you so much and miss you lots. Keep being awesome! The Book of Mormon is true and I love it! Keep reading it as a family, cuz I miss doing that.
LOVE YOU!
-Hermana Erickson
Monday, August 12, 2013
#22 [Pontezuela - 20] Aug. 12th, 2013
This week passed by quickly. Lots of things happened, but I'm not really sure where to start. The best part of the week though, like always, was Sunday. Yesterday, we had A's baptism, J's mom. It was a really special experience because J. received the Aaronic Priesthood and immediately after, baptized his mother. I felt so proud of him and so happy! This family is a Godsend for the ward here in Pontezuela, and I can't wait to see their progression in the next few years and for the rest of their lives. I love them so much and am so thankful I got to be a part of their conversion.
The Lord has done amazing things for me this week. He keeps me going when I feel like I can't go anymore. I don't know how He does it, but I am thankful to have Him there and know I'm not alone.
R. is progressing. He's a little timid about his baptism, but I think seeing A. get baptized yesterday made him feel a little better about it. Seeing him progress over the past two months has been such a blessing. You can really tell a difference when an investigator keeps their commitments and when they don't. Like, with prayer for example. His prayers have been getting SO much better, and you can tell he knows he's actually talking to God. It's really special to hear him pray, and it's always my favorite part of every lesson. He said something really sweet in his prayer this week. He said, "Heavenly Father, bless all the missionaries in the world. Thank you for them and for the work they have sacrificed everything to do for the rest of us. Bless that all my family will come to my baptism on Sunday. I promise that if they can come, I'll guide them all to this Gospel and do everything I can to help them accept it. I promise to be obedient and serve Thee forever." I have never felt the Spirit so strongly in an investigator's prayer before, and it made me feel so thankful to my Heavenly Father to have met one of His special children. His soul SHINES, and he is so special. It has taken a while and a lot of patience with him, but he's finally excited about his baptism and looking forward to Sunday. He also received his first priesthood blessing yesterday after church.
We had a good lesson with J this past week, too. He's had a few questions that we haven't been able to get answered since we've been so focused with his mom, and he said he'd gone to a Bible studies class and the preacher there tore down the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Church. I was thankful we arrived at his house that evening because he was pretty shaken up and was doubting everything he'd learned. Satan is definitely not okay with J being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; we can feel it. So we spent that whole evening answering his questions, defending the Church and Joseph Smith, and he felt better. J is like a little seedling, growing and finally sprouting out of the ground, and when he'd told us about that, I'd felt like someone had stomped on and tried to kill my little sprout. It was scary, but I'm so thankful that I'd prepared that day in my personal studies to answer his questions and settle his doubts. It made me realize that if we're not there to answer his questions, or anyone from the ward, he'll go to another source for answers and this experience made me realize how important home teachers are in a convert's lasting conversion. This whole situation could've been prevented had his home teachers gone over there to see him, I think. Weekly church attendance for new converts isn't enough. Once again, I VOW to be a 100% visiting teacher.
Something crazy that happened this week was everyone got their own phone. Every single missionary. And the phone number I gave you to call on Mother's Day is my permanent number, just for your information. Also, we can text, too! We've got 1500 minutes/month, 1000 texts/month. It's really weird and I haven't texted anyone yet, but I'm nervous about it. I'm kinda bugged about it because I was so excited to basically have a "technology fast for 18 months", but that's not happening anymore. I'm honored that the Brethren trust us so much, but wow. I won't lie, it just makes me want to call you guys! Or text you... Hehe. But I won't. Pinky swear.
Camille's wedding announcement made me excited for her. Tell her congrats for me! (If you haven't yet.)
Best thing I ate this week:
- We bought frozen chicken cordon bleus this week and cooked them in the toaster oven. It wasn't as good as the ones mom makes, but they were good. Better than the typical ham and cheese sandwich I have almost every day. :) OH WAIT. I lie. I bought myself a box of Waffle Crisp this week, and I about died. It was SO good!
The worst thing I ate:
- I can't say I had anything too awful this week. R gave us a dessert called "Dulce de Coco,"and it's basically shredded coconut with sweet beans and the texture makes me gag, but I had to eat it. That's not the first time I've had it, either, and the taste itself isn't bad, but the texture of coconut is just gross.
Have I tried anything new that we don't have at home?
- I've tried fresh mangoes. Those are good. But so far, I'm boring and haven't tried anything all that new.
Jeff is home teaching companions with Jacob B.? That's cool. He's a good kid. Jeff's lucky to have him! I hope Jeff sends me pictures of his rafting trip! That's so cool he's doing that!
Mom! Thanks so much for the chocolate chip cookie recipe! You're so nice to send it to me! I'll be making cookie dough next week “fur shure!” I'm SO excited! We went to the mall again today for an hour because there's a store there that sells cute water shoes like the ones Rae sent to you guys for $3! So I bought a pair and am sending you one, Momma! (Head, don't be jealous, because I'm sending you something else. And I couldn't find any that I liked for you.) Now I've just gotta get around to sending it off... The post office here is SO slow, the lines are super long so I avoid going there.
So there are ice cream trucks driving around daily, and the other day, one passed by and the driver was digging for gold in his nose. It was really gross and I probably won't ever buy ice cream from one of those. But it made me think of Dad. :)
Well anywho, I'll send off the pictures from the week, and then I've gotta go cuz my time is up! Love you lots!
Peace out, gangstuhs!
-Hermana Erickson
The Lord has done amazing things for me this week. He keeps me going when I feel like I can't go anymore. I don't know how He does it, but I am thankful to have Him there and know I'm not alone.
R. is progressing. He's a little timid about his baptism, but I think seeing A. get baptized yesterday made him feel a little better about it. Seeing him progress over the past two months has been such a blessing. You can really tell a difference when an investigator keeps their commitments and when they don't. Like, with prayer for example. His prayers have been getting SO much better, and you can tell he knows he's actually talking to God. It's really special to hear him pray, and it's always my favorite part of every lesson. He said something really sweet in his prayer this week. He said, "Heavenly Father, bless all the missionaries in the world. Thank you for them and for the work they have sacrificed everything to do for the rest of us. Bless that all my family will come to my baptism on Sunday. I promise that if they can come, I'll guide them all to this Gospel and do everything I can to help them accept it. I promise to be obedient and serve Thee forever." I have never felt the Spirit so strongly in an investigator's prayer before, and it made me feel so thankful to my Heavenly Father to have met one of His special children. His soul SHINES, and he is so special. It has taken a while and a lot of patience with him, but he's finally excited about his baptism and looking forward to Sunday. He also received his first priesthood blessing yesterday after church.
We had a good lesson with J this past week, too. He's had a few questions that we haven't been able to get answered since we've been so focused with his mom, and he said he'd gone to a Bible studies class and the preacher there tore down the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Church. I was thankful we arrived at his house that evening because he was pretty shaken up and was doubting everything he'd learned. Satan is definitely not okay with J being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; we can feel it. So we spent that whole evening answering his questions, defending the Church and Joseph Smith, and he felt better. J is like a little seedling, growing and finally sprouting out of the ground, and when he'd told us about that, I'd felt like someone had stomped on and tried to kill my little sprout. It was scary, but I'm so thankful that I'd prepared that day in my personal studies to answer his questions and settle his doubts. It made me realize that if we're not there to answer his questions, or anyone from the ward, he'll go to another source for answers and this experience made me realize how important home teachers are in a convert's lasting conversion. This whole situation could've been prevented had his home teachers gone over there to see him, I think. Weekly church attendance for new converts isn't enough. Once again, I VOW to be a 100% visiting teacher.
Something crazy that happened this week was everyone got their own phone. Every single missionary. And the phone number I gave you to call on Mother's Day is my permanent number, just for your information. Also, we can text, too! We've got 1500 minutes/month, 1000 texts/month. It's really weird and I haven't texted anyone yet, but I'm nervous about it. I'm kinda bugged about it because I was so excited to basically have a "technology fast for 18 months", but that's not happening anymore. I'm honored that the Brethren trust us so much, but wow. I won't lie, it just makes me want to call you guys! Or text you... Hehe. But I won't. Pinky swear.
Camille's wedding announcement made me excited for her. Tell her congrats for me! (If you haven't yet.)
Best thing I ate this week:
- We bought frozen chicken cordon bleus this week and cooked them in the toaster oven. It wasn't as good as the ones mom makes, but they were good. Better than the typical ham and cheese sandwich I have almost every day. :) OH WAIT. I lie. I bought myself a box of Waffle Crisp this week, and I about died. It was SO good!
The worst thing I ate:
- I can't say I had anything too awful this week. R gave us a dessert called "Dulce de Coco,"and it's basically shredded coconut with sweet beans and the texture makes me gag, but I had to eat it. That's not the first time I've had it, either, and the taste itself isn't bad, but the texture of coconut is just gross.
Have I tried anything new that we don't have at home?
- I've tried fresh mangoes. Those are good. But so far, I'm boring and haven't tried anything all that new.
Jeff is home teaching companions with Jacob B.? That's cool. He's a good kid. Jeff's lucky to have him! I hope Jeff sends me pictures of his rafting trip! That's so cool he's doing that!
Mom! Thanks so much for the chocolate chip cookie recipe! You're so nice to send it to me! I'll be making cookie dough next week “fur shure!” I'm SO excited! We went to the mall again today for an hour because there's a store there that sells cute water shoes like the ones Rae sent to you guys for $3! So I bought a pair and am sending you one, Momma! (Head, don't be jealous, because I'm sending you something else. And I couldn't find any that I liked for you.) Now I've just gotta get around to sending it off... The post office here is SO slow, the lines are super long so I avoid going there.
So there are ice cream trucks driving around daily, and the other day, one passed by and the driver was digging for gold in his nose. It was really gross and I probably won't ever buy ice cream from one of those. But it made me think of Dad. :)
Well anywho, I'll send off the pictures from the week, and then I've gotta go cuz my time is up! Love you lots!
Peace out, gangstuhs!
-Hermana Erickson
Monday, August 5, 2013
#21 [Pontezuela - 19] August 5th, 2013
Hello!
We had a miracle happen last Monday. H. G. left her wallet outside of our house after coming home from grocery shopping. About two hours later, we got a phone call from J. He was calling to tell us he found H. G's wallet! We were so confused, so we went over there, and it was actually his Mom who had found it on the ground on her way to work. It was on the ground outside our house, next to the car. Nothing was stolen out of it, either. It was a miracle! What are the chances that our recent convert's Mom would find my companion's wallet!? If it had been anyone else, Herm. G's stuff would have been GONE. The Lord is SO amazing and definitely does look out for us.
We had another interesting happenstance this week. We went to one of our investigator's house who has a bird fetish. She has like fifty birds, I'm not even exaggerating. She also has a talking parrot. It can talk, laugh, and sing. This parrot LOVED Herm. G., but it attacked me. It would chase me around and try to bite my feet! I didn't have my camera or else I would've recorded it. But it was SO scary! And it almost got me. And then, after a little while, when I thought it'd calmed down a bit, I tried to touch it, and it bit my thumb! Luckily, I've got my ring on my finger, so I didn't feel anything cuz it just bit that, but still. SO freaky. I officially don't like birds. Herm. G. reasoned that it didn't like me because I'm white, which could be true. It's probably only ever been surrounded by darker-skinned people all its life. It kept calling me "raro," which means "weird" in Spanish. But that was a definite self-esteem booster for sure. Stupid birds.
Every day I come across situations that make me SO grateful to have been raised in the Gospel. I never realized growing up how blessed I truly am to have been born and raised in an active family in the Church. We come across young, single moms all the time here. We met a sixteen year-old girl who has a two year-old. Talking to her and telling her about the Plan of Salvation broke my heart. I could see just by looking at her that she's been through SO much through her life, and had she had the Gospel, like I did, her life would be so much better. I am SO thankful to my Heavenly Father each and every day for the blessings I've been given because of my membership in His Church.
J's mom, A., is really excited for her baptism on the 11th. She has definitely been prepared her whole life to receive the Gospel, she doesn't smoke, drink, or have a coffee or tea problem. I love finding people without vices, who can accept and embrace the gospel principles so easily. J. will be baptizing her, too! It'll be AWESOME.
With R., it's another story, he's really struggling giving up coffee, but it's amazing to see how his love for the Gospel and the Church is changing him and making him want to be better. I look up to him for his desires to be so obedient. Every time we present a new commandment, he's ready and willing to live it. He'll be getting baptized on the 18th, if all goes well.
We had a Zone meeting this past week, and some new rules were announced:
Glad to hear Chuck is doing better now. Hopefully nothing more will happen with their family medical wise. How's Nathan doing? I'm excited for Camille! I wanna see a pic of the lucky guy!
Madeline finally emailed me! I can't even get over the fact that she's MARRIED now. The pictures were GORGEOUS! What a babe! Tyler is one lucky man. I am so happy for her! I couldn't stop thinking about her on Tuesday. I am thankful they chose to marry in the temple too! How happy :) Thanks for sending pics! Jenny and Gary look good! I just love all of them!
Yes, I got the scripture cases. Sorry it's taken me forever to reply to you about that. The sparklers were there, too, but I haven't had the time to use them. I think I'll save them for my Birthday. :) When I buy a cake I'll stick em on there. :) It'll be really festive! Thanks so much for the scripture cases though! They're a lifesaver!
Okay, and about Carmen's family, I talked to my Zone Leaders this past week about it, and he said he'd call them that day to get on that. Hopefully they did. I can't believe they didn't contact her immediately! I'm so sorry about that.
Dad, I can't wait to read your Mission letters! I can't believe that you actually taught the Gospel in Korean. You have some serious SKILL.
Mom, I'm missing your cinnamon rolls. We bought some today and they just weren't the same. And your chocolate chip cookies. I think it's a blessing that we don't have an oven. But if you could send me the cookie dough recipe, that'd be really nice. :)
Also, I told President Smartt about the run-in our family had with his back in the day. He said he'd love to receive a copy of that photo that Grandpa has, if possible.
Well anywho, I think that's about it. I feel like I wrote you all a ton of interesting things, so hopefully you got a laugh out of one thing or another here. I love you all so much. Thank you for everything you do. I pray for you and worry for your health and safety. Don't forget to eat your vegetables! Cuz I'm eating mine, AND I'm flossing. So don't forget to do that, either.
Doobye!
-Hermana Erickson
We had a miracle happen last Monday. H. G. left her wallet outside of our house after coming home from grocery shopping. About two hours later, we got a phone call from J. He was calling to tell us he found H. G's wallet! We were so confused, so we went over there, and it was actually his Mom who had found it on the ground on her way to work. It was on the ground outside our house, next to the car. Nothing was stolen out of it, either. It was a miracle! What are the chances that our recent convert's Mom would find my companion's wallet!? If it had been anyone else, Herm. G's stuff would have been GONE. The Lord is SO amazing and definitely does look out for us.
We had another interesting happenstance this week. We went to one of our investigator's house who has a bird fetish. She has like fifty birds, I'm not even exaggerating. She also has a talking parrot. It can talk, laugh, and sing. This parrot LOVED Herm. G., but it attacked me. It would chase me around and try to bite my feet! I didn't have my camera or else I would've recorded it. But it was SO scary! And it almost got me. And then, after a little while, when I thought it'd calmed down a bit, I tried to touch it, and it bit my thumb! Luckily, I've got my ring on my finger, so I didn't feel anything cuz it just bit that, but still. SO freaky. I officially don't like birds. Herm. G. reasoned that it didn't like me because I'm white, which could be true. It's probably only ever been surrounded by darker-skinned people all its life. It kept calling me "raro," which means "weird" in Spanish. But that was a definite self-esteem booster for sure. Stupid birds.
Every day I come across situations that make me SO grateful to have been raised in the Gospel. I never realized growing up how blessed I truly am to have been born and raised in an active family in the Church. We come across young, single moms all the time here. We met a sixteen year-old girl who has a two year-old. Talking to her and telling her about the Plan of Salvation broke my heart. I could see just by looking at her that she's been through SO much through her life, and had she had the Gospel, like I did, her life would be so much better. I am SO thankful to my Heavenly Father each and every day for the blessings I've been given because of my membership in His Church.
J's mom, A., is really excited for her baptism on the 11th. She has definitely been prepared her whole life to receive the Gospel, she doesn't smoke, drink, or have a coffee or tea problem. I love finding people without vices, who can accept and embrace the gospel principles so easily. J. will be baptizing her, too! It'll be AWESOME.
With R., it's another story, he's really struggling giving up coffee, but it's amazing to see how his love for the Gospel and the Church is changing him and making him want to be better. I look up to him for his desires to be so obedient. Every time we present a new commandment, he's ready and willing to live it. He'll be getting baptized on the 18th, if all goes well.
We had a Zone meeting this past week, and some new rules were announced:
- No backpacks. I'm not sure how riding a bike will go without one, but the Lord will provide a way.
- All missionaries will be receiving their own cell phone and will use it for the entirety of their mission. I'm nervous about this rule just because I feel like that's WAY too much independence. I finally got used to having a companion all the time, and now I'm getting my own phone even though I'm with a companion 24/7? I dunno. I don't know when this rule will begin taking effect, but within the next few months.
- The Elders get to wear different colored suits! Hurray for personality!
- We can use iPods. Obviously, we can only listen to good Church music. Wanna send mine along? I'm dying. I think all I've got on it are Church songs anyway. I'd also love my MercyMe and you can also put on Christmas music. And MoTAB! If not the ipod, CD's please. And maybe a double copy of some MoTAB for a lady in my ward.
- We can go to the MALL! :)Herm. Butler is dying to go, so we're going today. If I spend money, judge me.
- We're only receiving mail and packages twice a month from now on. :( I guess I can live.
Glad to hear Chuck is doing better now. Hopefully nothing more will happen with their family medical wise. How's Nathan doing? I'm excited for Camille! I wanna see a pic of the lucky guy!
Madeline finally emailed me! I can't even get over the fact that she's MARRIED now. The pictures were GORGEOUS! What a babe! Tyler is one lucky man. I am so happy for her! I couldn't stop thinking about her on Tuesday. I am thankful they chose to marry in the temple too! How happy :) Thanks for sending pics! Jenny and Gary look good! I just love all of them!
Yes, I got the scripture cases. Sorry it's taken me forever to reply to you about that. The sparklers were there, too, but I haven't had the time to use them. I think I'll save them for my Birthday. :) When I buy a cake I'll stick em on there. :) It'll be really festive! Thanks so much for the scripture cases though! They're a lifesaver!
Okay, and about Carmen's family, I talked to my Zone Leaders this past week about it, and he said he'd call them that day to get on that. Hopefully they did. I can't believe they didn't contact her immediately! I'm so sorry about that.
Dad, I can't wait to read your Mission letters! I can't believe that you actually taught the Gospel in Korean. You have some serious SKILL.
Mom, I'm missing your cinnamon rolls. We bought some today and they just weren't the same. And your chocolate chip cookies. I think it's a blessing that we don't have an oven. But if you could send me the cookie dough recipe, that'd be really nice. :)
Also, I told President Smartt about the run-in our family had with his back in the day. He said he'd love to receive a copy of that photo that Grandpa has, if possible.
Well anywho, I think that's about it. I feel like I wrote you all a ton of interesting things, so hopefully you got a laugh out of one thing or another here. I love you all so much. Thank you for everything you do. I pray for you and worry for your health and safety. Don't forget to eat your vegetables! Cuz I'm eating mine, AND I'm flossing. So don't forget to do that, either.
Doobye!
-Hermana Erickson
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