(Received on 18th)
I haven't got my travel plans yet, but I'll just take your word for it. That's so weird! I'm so excited to see you guys!
To answer your question, yes, we got the package! The ring fits my companion perfectly and she likes the sweaters! I didn't take a picture yet, but we will next week for sure! Thank you so much for that! She loves it.
Hahah, Dad, you're so funny, about how many people will be in sacrament meeting. :) But I'm sure there will be about 300... Hehehe jokes. :)
This week was funny. We went to a members' house this week for Family Night and when they met Sister Dye's new companion, they called her "Wendy" because she has red hair and had it in pig tails. But anyway, "Wendy" was the very first thing they said to her, and then they made all these jokes about how if we go to Wendy's and what not, we'll get free food cuz she looks "just like her!" It was a really funny joke. I don't think she got offended, but Puerto Ricans just like to speak their mind. :)
We went contacting in a place we'd never gone before, and we found some new people to teach! A__ and M__, it's a husband and wife, and they're 7th Day Adventists, but they're super cool because they listen. We have an appointment with them next week and I'm excited.
We had interviews with President Boucher this past week, too. Mine was short, he just said I'll be having another interview in about three weeks, so there was really no need to say much this time. He just told me to focus! (I should've told him that my eye doctor said that "Focus" is my middle name! Hehe). But he's a nice guy. Too bad I won't get to know him better.
Okay! Great news! We have two baptismal dates! August 23rd! L__, who actually picked his own date! And R__! He came to Church again yesterday too, and loves it. L__ left to Florida this morning for a job interview, so if he gets the job, he's going to get baptized here and go back. He was nervous that the Church wasn't in Florida, but it is! And even better, there's a temple! So he's excited for his baptism. He's still struggling to give up smoking, though. That's my only worry. Haha, during our last lesson this week, he had been reading online about Mormons a bit, and he asked us about he "Magic Clothing" we use. It was kinda awkward because he asked, "Do you guys use it!?" But we explained what it is and he was fine with it. He's super cool.
R__, though, is good. He's keeping the Word of Wisdom, and just progressing slowly. So hopefully he'll be able to learn everything well enough for the baptismal interview.
N__ isn't progressing. She says she'll come to Church and we find her rides but then she never answers the door when we go to get her. So we've decided to give her a break. Her twins are starting school this week and so maybe after the whole school excitement dies down, she'll be more prepared.
We participated in a community project thing where we handed out backpacks to "less-fortunate" kids. I say "less-fortunate" because the people who live in government housing aren't less fortunate at all. They don't pay for anything, WE do, and they buy brand-name stuff with the money they do have. All have iPhones and what not. So I feel like the Church wasted the money doing that, and it was poorly planned, because we didn't know about it until Wednesday, AND classes started TODAY, so I'm 110% sure they already had backpacks for school. But whatever, they have a new dust collector. The coolest thing about it was, Minnie and Mickey Mouse showed up! Holla! I took a picture with Sister Leonardo's camera, but I can't send it to you cuz it's broken now. Oh well. I guess we'll have to take one when we go to Disneyland, right?? Hehe.
We had a good lesson with C__, she's been reading and what not, but I'm not sure what her motives are, so we've gotta have a good "Come to Jesus" talk with her to see where she sees this all going. We've explained where we expect this all to lead to, but who knows what she thinks. It was a good lesson though this week because we got there just in time; she was crying because she'd just found out that her sister-in-law is dying. So she was really sad and we were thankful that we could be there for her. She's such a nice lady.
Well anyway, I love you guys and miss you so much! I'm happy you're all doing well and are all happy. Keep being awesome and keep doing the good things we know we're supposed to do! I love you!
Also, if you have time, you can go to Jacob's wedding reception.
Well, bye!
-Sister Erickson
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
#73 [Ponce - 10] Aug. 4th, 2014
Dear family:Yes, I AM COMING HOME AUGUST 28th. I don't have my travel plans, either, but the office elders told me two days ago that my ticket has been PURCHASED. Cha-ching! :) I'm so glad you all wanted me to come home in August (and that it conveniently works out with the wedding plans) because geeze, I miss you all!
What's up with all the new temple films? Why are they making so many? Is there some type of Church-wide competition to see who can make the best one!? Cant' wait to see all... ten of them!
Rae's costume was SICK! She looked so real! What a good little professor she made! This calls for a trip to Harry Potter World!! Sorry the butterbeer was a disappointment.
SMART PHONES!? Where'd my family go to!?!? Haha, jokes. I'm excited that everyone is happy with their new devices! How cool. I hope, though, that you guys are still using your scriptures like normal. No phones at Church! Not even to read the scriptures! Bring the traditional ones. Deal? Deal.
This week was slow, to be honest. The best thing about it was that L__ and R__ came to Church. N__ was supposed to come with her kids, but when we walked over to their house to wake them up/make sure they were getting ready, no one answered. When we went by later on, she said that her brother had come early to pick them up and take them to breakfast... But I could hear the fan was on in their front room where they all sleep... So I don't know what to believe. BUT the good thing is, R__ came for his first time! We didn't think he'd actually come, but when we went to pick him up with C__ and H__, he was waiting on the corner of the street for us! He's such a cute little old man! He doesn't know a lot about religion; we had to explain how to use the Book of Mormon again. But we know he doesn't have Alzheimer's or anything, and he wants to learn more. We re-taught the Restoration this past week with C__, and he understood it a lot better. We're excited about him.
L__ is doing well, he's about halfway through the Book of Mormon. He came to Church yesterday even though he'd worked the night before until 4 a.m. He's SO awesome! The only thing is, he still hasn't tried to quit smoking and he's going to Florida today for a job interview. He'll be gone till Sunday, so he won't be at Church. If he gets the job, obviously, he'll be moving to Florida... And who knows after that. But he's great. He's finding out for himself if the Book of Mormon is true, and I think he already knows. We just didn't get to see him this week because he's so tired during the day and has a lot of things to do for his kids as they're starting school this next week.
We visited some less-actives. There's a less-active here named L__ who served a mission. From the moment we met her, she's always glared at us and acted like she's to good to listen to what we have to say. We honestly go there to befriend her, not to teach her. We shared our testimonies with her yesterday about why we decided to serve missions. She warmed up a little bit after that. She has six kids and only one of them is active. I'm just thankful that my parents are faithful, active members of the Church and I plan to be the same, if not for my sake, then at least for my kids'. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for always encouraging us to go to Church even when we didn't want to. Thank you, Rach, for encouraging me to go to Church at school even though I didn't want to. I love you guys and wouldn't be here if it weren't for your example.
We went to M__'s yesterday to see her and her son. She's been reading, she's in 1 Nephi 10, but she's not necessarily interested in finding out if the Church is true. She listens to us because she can't go to her Church's bible studies classes on Thursdays and she figures our visits make up for that. So this next Sunday we plan to be very direct with her and if she doesn't understand or accept why we go there, we'll have to drop her. She's awesome and the experiences she shares with us make me feel the Spirit so strong. Her son died when he was 16 of a brain tumor and I KNOW he's accepted the gospel and wants her to do the same. So we'll see how things go next week.
Well anyway, this week should be awesome. We have interviews with President Boucher this week. I really like President Boucher. He's very aware of how we feel and making sure we're okay. I really appreciate that about him and his wife. We haven't been able to get rid of the bed bugs yet, so they're sending some people to the apartment today to basically wipe out whatever we've missed. I like to think we've cleaned the apartment for bedbugs really well, but these things just DON'T DIE!! It's frustrating. I don't have them in my bed, just Sister D__ and her newbie, Sister O__. Poor things.
Well I love you so much and miss you all a lot! I'm glad you're all happy and healthy. Where are you guys at in your family scripture reading of the Book Of Mormon? I wanna read along with you!
Have a happy week!
-Sister Erickson
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
#72 [Ponce - 9] July 28th, 2014
CONGRATULATIONS TO MADELINE AND TYLER ON THEIR NEW BABY GIRL!! I am so happy for them! I was thinking about them all week long and praying that everything would go well! She looks so much like Tyler! I can't wait to see Elle in person and I'm so happy for everyone! I think the name they picked out is pretty. At least, prettier than most of the names I've heard here. Congratulations! What a wonderful blessing.
The Spanish Fork Fiesta Days Rodeo sounded like a lot of fun. I'm glad you enjoyed it even though you missed the best part (bull riding!). I don't want to have sleeves on my dress, I want to wear a sweater. I like that better and I miss wearing sweaters. Is it possible for me to do that? Or would that ruin everything?
I'm actually doing just fine, Sister L__ has been companions with a lot of people who went home and she says I'm not anywhere near as trunky as they were. So don't worry, I"m focused. I'm actually excited because of transfers, I'm staying here in Ponce with Sister Leonardo. I'm stoked to be working with her, she's awesome and is teaching me how to make lots of good food. Sister D__ will also be staying here in Ponce, she'll be TRAINING! I'm super proud of her! Now, all of my daughters have trained at least once! I've got 5 daughters and 8 grand-daughters! Life is great! I'll talk a little more about transfers later.
I'm bummed I'm missing out on the Butterbeer at Rachel's work! Be sure to try some for me!
This past week was good. I can't believe how quickly time is going by! I'll update you guys on last week and then this week, so get ready for a good, juicy email!
We found a new investigator named Radames. He's really cool. We extended a baptismal date, and he accepted. So hopefully he'll be able to understand everything in the five lessons before the 9th of August. That's the date we've got him set for, but the last time we went, he didn't really understand the Plan of Salvation, so we had to explain the Book of Mormon really well: helping him find the page numbers, understand the footnotes, and to use the index/guia del estudio de las escrituras. It was good.
L__ is doing well, he went to Church last week, but couldn't this week because of his work. He works the night shift, the poor guy. But he's progressing a TON! We had a Family Night activity at the Bishop's house last week and he went and was there with the members till 11pm. He really likes the Church. He needs to quit smoking, and we taught him the Word of Wisdom this past week and will start up the Quit Smoking program that we have this next week. Pray for him, please, because this is going to be hard for him.
N__ is also doing well, she was supposed to come to Church yesterday but she didn't, so something must have happened. She talks too much to be able to teach her, so please pray that she'll let us teach her, because I know she longs to hear about the truths of the gospel.
Zone Conference was good, too. President and Sister Boucher are good people. I like them because I feel they're on the same level as us spiritually and temporally, they don't act like they're too good for us. I like that they're young, and that he's a convert. He's very approachable, as well as his wife. I didn't get an interview with him, but they said they'll be coming back for interviews within the next few weeks. I'm excited to get to know them better.
This week was fine. I did lots of people's hair this week. I cut N__'s boys' hair, and I also colored and cut a less-active's hair. She had originally only asked me to do it just for her, but then she told me when she picked me up that her daughter wanted me to do highlights in her hair and give her a haircut. So I did it for them both, a little annoyed because she basically threw it on me, but she threw the bus completely over the bridge when she invited her friend over after I'd finished blow-drying and styling them both and had cleaned everything up and then she told me to do her friend's hair, too. It would have been super awkward to say no, because her friend was just sitting there expecting me to do it, so I did it.
We're teaching a lady named C__ every Saturday. She's progressing, too, reading the BOM and what not. We taught her L2 the week before, and this past Saturday, we talked about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, about faith, repentance, baptism, the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. It was cool because she said so herself that her baptism in the Catholic church isn't valid. So hopefully she'll be able to keep reading the Book of Mormon to know for herself the Church is true. Pray so that she'll have the desire and motivation to go to Church and to keep praying about the Book of Mormon.
Yesterday morning, when we were getting up, Sister L__ hurt her neck and has been basically paralyzed ever since. Okay, not paralyzed, but she she's in a lot of pain and can't move her head. Yesterday, we had to dress her and do her hair and makeup. It was a really funny and awkward experience for me and Sister D__, Sister L__ was crying and laughing at the same time because of the awkwardness of the whole thing. Hopefully the kink in her neck will go away, because yesterday after Church, we couldn't go out to work, and I don't want to be inside all week cuz I'll lose my tan line. Jokes! :)
Anyway, transfers this week! We totally called what would happen, too. Me and Sister L__ are staying together, like we thought we would, Sister D__ is training for the first time and super nervous about it (but I know she'll be just fine because she's been ready to train since the MTC), and Sister D__ is going to Arecibo to be a Sister Trainer (we TOTALLY saw that one coming!) I'm excited about transfers. They're moving the Elders from our ward into the other ward here in Ponce. So now there are only Sister missionaries in Ponce 4. I'm excited about that, because I felt like 6 missionaries is too much for our little ward.
I'm glad everyone is doing well and is happy. I'm happy too.
If anyone wants to send me mail/stuff, you can send it to this member's house:
829 C/Sauco
Urb. Villa Del Carmen
Ponce, PR 00716-2124
Okay, well, I've gotta go, I'm out of time. My fingers hurt from typing so fast and so much! I love you so much! See you in a month! :)
-Sister Erickson
The Spanish Fork Fiesta Days Rodeo sounded like a lot of fun. I'm glad you enjoyed it even though you missed the best part (bull riding!). I don't want to have sleeves on my dress, I want to wear a sweater. I like that better and I miss wearing sweaters. Is it possible for me to do that? Or would that ruin everything?
I'm actually doing just fine, Sister L__ has been companions with a lot of people who went home and she says I'm not anywhere near as trunky as they were. So don't worry, I"m focused. I'm actually excited because of transfers, I'm staying here in Ponce with Sister Leonardo. I'm stoked to be working with her, she's awesome and is teaching me how to make lots of good food. Sister D__ will also be staying here in Ponce, she'll be TRAINING! I'm super proud of her! Now, all of my daughters have trained at least once! I've got 5 daughters and 8 grand-daughters! Life is great! I'll talk a little more about transfers later.
I'm bummed I'm missing out on the Butterbeer at Rachel's work! Be sure to try some for me!
This past week was good. I can't believe how quickly time is going by! I'll update you guys on last week and then this week, so get ready for a good, juicy email!
We found a new investigator named Radames. He's really cool. We extended a baptismal date, and he accepted. So hopefully he'll be able to understand everything in the five lessons before the 9th of August. That's the date we've got him set for, but the last time we went, he didn't really understand the Plan of Salvation, so we had to explain the Book of Mormon really well: helping him find the page numbers, understand the footnotes, and to use the index/guia del estudio de las escrituras. It was good.
L__ is doing well, he went to Church last week, but couldn't this week because of his work. He works the night shift, the poor guy. But he's progressing a TON! We had a Family Night activity at the Bishop's house last week and he went and was there with the members till 11pm. He really likes the Church. He needs to quit smoking, and we taught him the Word of Wisdom this past week and will start up the Quit Smoking program that we have this next week. Pray for him, please, because this is going to be hard for him.
N__ is also doing well, she was supposed to come to Church yesterday but she didn't, so something must have happened. She talks too much to be able to teach her, so please pray that she'll let us teach her, because I know she longs to hear about the truths of the gospel.
Zone Conference was good, too. President and Sister Boucher are good people. I like them because I feel they're on the same level as us spiritually and temporally, they don't act like they're too good for us. I like that they're young, and that he's a convert. He's very approachable, as well as his wife. I didn't get an interview with him, but they said they'll be coming back for interviews within the next few weeks. I'm excited to get to know them better.
This week was fine. I did lots of people's hair this week. I cut N__'s boys' hair, and I also colored and cut a less-active's hair. She had originally only asked me to do it just for her, but then she told me when she picked me up that her daughter wanted me to do highlights in her hair and give her a haircut. So I did it for them both, a little annoyed because she basically threw it on me, but she threw the bus completely over the bridge when she invited her friend over after I'd finished blow-drying and styling them both and had cleaned everything up and then she told me to do her friend's hair, too. It would have been super awkward to say no, because her friend was just sitting there expecting me to do it, so I did it.
We're teaching a lady named C__ every Saturday. She's progressing, too, reading the BOM and what not. We taught her L2 the week before, and this past Saturday, we talked about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, about faith, repentance, baptism, the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. It was cool because she said so herself that her baptism in the Catholic church isn't valid. So hopefully she'll be able to keep reading the Book of Mormon to know for herself the Church is true. Pray so that she'll have the desire and motivation to go to Church and to keep praying about the Book of Mormon.
Yesterday morning, when we were getting up, Sister L__ hurt her neck and has been basically paralyzed ever since. Okay, not paralyzed, but she she's in a lot of pain and can't move her head. Yesterday, we had to dress her and do her hair and makeup. It was a really funny and awkward experience for me and Sister D__, Sister L__ was crying and laughing at the same time because of the awkwardness of the whole thing. Hopefully the kink in her neck will go away, because yesterday after Church, we couldn't go out to work, and I don't want to be inside all week cuz I'll lose my tan line. Jokes! :)
Anyway, transfers this week! We totally called what would happen, too. Me and Sister L__ are staying together, like we thought we would, Sister D__ is training for the first time and super nervous about it (but I know she'll be just fine because she's been ready to train since the MTC), and Sister D__ is going to Arecibo to be a Sister Trainer (we TOTALLY saw that one coming!) I'm excited about transfers. They're moving the Elders from our ward into the other ward here in Ponce. So now there are only Sister missionaries in Ponce 4. I'm excited about that, because I felt like 6 missionaries is too much for our little ward.
I'm glad everyone is doing well and is happy. I'm happy too.
If anyone wants to send me mail/stuff, you can send it to this member's house:
829 C/Sauco
Urb. Villa Del Carmen
Ponce, PR 00716-2124
Okay, well, I've gotta go, I'm out of time. My fingers hurt from typing so fast and so much! I love you so much! See you in a month! :)
-Sister Erickson
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
#71 [Ponce - 8] July 21st, 2014
Sorry, this email is going to be super lame, we don't have time for
email this week, so I just read all the emails I got and am just
replying to you guys. I hope you feel special! :)
This week was good, me and Sister Leonardo had a lot of fun. Hopefully I'll have enough time next week to give you a REAL update, because we were little pranksters to the other sisters this week and it was great. :)
Anyway, we have Zone Conference tomorrow all day. That'll be interesting.
Also, the Mayor (but she's a female, so I dunno what you call her, Mayoress?) of Ponce came to Church yesterday. I have no comment about that this week.
Well anyway, sorry this is short and so lame. I am glad you're doing well and are happy. I love you all so much.
Also, my Mission President called me last Tuesday and said that he accidentally put my name on the list to go home 2 weeks early, but I can decide if I really want to do or not. I've got till tomorrow to decide and I'm still praying about it. It sounds really nice... But we'll see.
Bye!
This week was good, me and Sister Leonardo had a lot of fun. Hopefully I'll have enough time next week to give you a REAL update, because we were little pranksters to the other sisters this week and it was great. :)
Anyway, we have Zone Conference tomorrow all day. That'll be interesting.
Also, the Mayor (but she's a female, so I dunno what you call her, Mayoress?) of Ponce came to Church yesterday. I have no comment about that this week.
Well anyway, sorry this is short and so lame. I am glad you're doing well and are happy. I love you all so much.
Also, my Mission President called me last Tuesday and said that he accidentally put my name on the list to go home 2 weeks early, but I can decide if I really want to do or not. I've got till tomorrow to decide and I'm still praying about it. It sounds really nice... But we'll see.
Bye!
-Sister Erickson
Monday, July 14, 2014
#70 [Ponce - 7] July 14th, 2014
16 months!
I can't even believe that I've been out for 16 months. I feel like the time is speeding up!
This week was kinda rough. We're still struggling to find people who are sincerely interested in the gospel. And due to the temperature it's difficult to find people outside to talk to.
My companion's Mom is really sick, I'm not sure exactly with what, but her aunt had it a year ago and she ended up passing away from the same sickness. So if you could pray for her, that would be really great. I worry about her sometimes because she's not one to let her emotions show, but I know she's really worried.
We found out that Sister D__ has bedbugs. I don't really know what to do to get rid of those things. We suffer enough with the heat of Ponce. I guess it's just another trial of our faith...
Anyway, we played soccer last Monday, like I said we would. All of us were really sore all week. I played really aggressively and ended up pulling a muscle and I got a grass burn on my leg. I call them battle wounds :) But I really enjoyed playing.
I learned how to make mangu! It's a mashed platano dish, it kinda tastes like mashed potatoes, but with onions and vinegar. Who knew I'd ever eat so much weird food!? Hahaha.
We didn't get to teach N__ at all this week because when we went over there, her kids were distracting her. It's difficult with her kids there because she's a single mom. I'm so thankful to have been raised in a home with a mom and a dad. Thank you for giving me that blessing!
I experienced a "tender mercy" this week. For reasons unknown to me at the time, I've been writing down the information of houses in our neighborhood that are "For Rent." Thursday afternoon, we were in a meeting at the Church when some strangers walked into the chapel. They are a couple from Missouri who will be living here for 8 months and need a place to stay in Ponce. Because I'd written all the information in my planner, I gave them everything I had. It's kinda cool how the Lord works, prompting us to do things even though we might now know why, and we always get to see the reasons afterward. I love seeing the Lord's hand in my life like that. He's the coolest.
I got to do a hair relaxer this week for Sister Leonardo. I felt like I was taking my hair school final all over again. It was fun, though. Man, I miss doing hair so much! Can't wait to get my hands on your guys' when I get there! I'll get you all lookin' so nice!
We found a 20 year-old girl this week and her mom. Their names are N__ and M__. N__ has a little baby boy about 1 year old. They're super nice and really interested in the message of the Restoration. I can't wait to go back tomorrow!
OH! Our investigator, L__, came to church yesterday for the first time! It was really cool because we were supposed to be having an activity on Saturday with the Ponce 2 ward, but that ended up getting cancelled and we didn't know until we got there and the church was completely deserted. So we got to teach L__ right there and then he got a priesthood blessing from the Stake Patriarch when he and his daughter came to get us to take us home. It was a really spiritual experience. He said that he'll really have to think about being baptized. We extended a date for him (August 2nd) but he didn't accept or deny it. He's reading the Book of Mormon, though, and it's really awesome to see him progress. We're going to help him try to quit smoking and drinking. He says that for the 3 hours he was in Church, he didn't feel the desire to smoke at all, whereas usually, in a 3 hour period, he would've smoked at least half a pack. He feels the difference and feels the Spirit. It's awesome!
Well anyway, that's just about it for my weekly update. I'm happy that Heather could receive a priesthood blessing. I love receiving priesthood blessings and that's awesome she could gain a testimony through her experience at Girl's Camp.
Congratulations to Jeff on his new job at the MTC!
Way to go, to Josh, for speaking in Church! Can't wait to hear the talk! I'll bet he did great. What was the topic? Were his hands sweaty? Hehehe.
Good luck to Head with Drivers Ed, DON'T KILL ANYONE! :) And enjoy the "Red Asphalt" movie they always show. It's gruesome.
I love you and hope you all have a successful week. I miss you so much and pray for you when I remember to.
Haha jokes! :) I pray for you all the time. I LOVE YOU!
-Sister Erickson
I can't even believe that I've been out for 16 months. I feel like the time is speeding up!
This week was kinda rough. We're still struggling to find people who are sincerely interested in the gospel. And due to the temperature it's difficult to find people outside to talk to.
My companion's Mom is really sick, I'm not sure exactly with what, but her aunt had it a year ago and she ended up passing away from the same sickness. So if you could pray for her, that would be really great. I worry about her sometimes because she's not one to let her emotions show, but I know she's really worried.
We found out that Sister D__ has bedbugs. I don't really know what to do to get rid of those things. We suffer enough with the heat of Ponce. I guess it's just another trial of our faith...
Anyway, we played soccer last Monday, like I said we would. All of us were really sore all week. I played really aggressively and ended up pulling a muscle and I got a grass burn on my leg. I call them battle wounds :) But I really enjoyed playing.
I learned how to make mangu! It's a mashed platano dish, it kinda tastes like mashed potatoes, but with onions and vinegar. Who knew I'd ever eat so much weird food!? Hahaha.
We didn't get to teach N__ at all this week because when we went over there, her kids were distracting her. It's difficult with her kids there because she's a single mom. I'm so thankful to have been raised in a home with a mom and a dad. Thank you for giving me that blessing!
I experienced a "tender mercy" this week. For reasons unknown to me at the time, I've been writing down the information of houses in our neighborhood that are "For Rent." Thursday afternoon, we were in a meeting at the Church when some strangers walked into the chapel. They are a couple from Missouri who will be living here for 8 months and need a place to stay in Ponce. Because I'd written all the information in my planner, I gave them everything I had. It's kinda cool how the Lord works, prompting us to do things even though we might now know why, and we always get to see the reasons afterward. I love seeing the Lord's hand in my life like that. He's the coolest.
I got to do a hair relaxer this week for Sister Leonardo. I felt like I was taking my hair school final all over again. It was fun, though. Man, I miss doing hair so much! Can't wait to get my hands on your guys' when I get there! I'll get you all lookin' so nice!
We found a 20 year-old girl this week and her mom. Their names are N__ and M__. N__ has a little baby boy about 1 year old. They're super nice and really interested in the message of the Restoration. I can't wait to go back tomorrow!
OH! Our investigator, L__, came to church yesterday for the first time! It was really cool because we were supposed to be having an activity on Saturday with the Ponce 2 ward, but that ended up getting cancelled and we didn't know until we got there and the church was completely deserted. So we got to teach L__ right there and then he got a priesthood blessing from the Stake Patriarch when he and his daughter came to get us to take us home. It was a really spiritual experience. He said that he'll really have to think about being baptized. We extended a date for him (August 2nd) but he didn't accept or deny it. He's reading the Book of Mormon, though, and it's really awesome to see him progress. We're going to help him try to quit smoking and drinking. He says that for the 3 hours he was in Church, he didn't feel the desire to smoke at all, whereas usually, in a 3 hour period, he would've smoked at least half a pack. He feels the difference and feels the Spirit. It's awesome!
Well anyway, that's just about it for my weekly update. I'm happy that Heather could receive a priesthood blessing. I love receiving priesthood blessings and that's awesome she could gain a testimony through her experience at Girl's Camp.
Congratulations to Jeff on his new job at the MTC!
Way to go, to Josh, for speaking in Church! Can't wait to hear the talk! I'll bet he did great. What was the topic? Were his hands sweaty? Hehehe.
Good luck to Head with Drivers Ed, DON'T KILL ANYONE! :) And enjoy the "Red Asphalt" movie they always show. It's gruesome.
I love you and hope you all have a successful week. I miss you so much and pray for you when I remember to.
Haha jokes! :) I pray for you all the time. I LOVE YOU!
-Sister Erickson
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
#69 [Ponce - 6] July 7th, 2014
Hi family! I love you!
Happy birthday to Grandma Farley! I love you!
This week was good. I feel like it passed by really quickly. We met our new Mission President and his wife on Tuesday in the meeting. Surprisingly, the meeting was brief and I really appreciated that. I know my companion did too because she was saying how tired she is of having so many meetings in such little time. President and Sister Boucher are nice people. Sister Boucher reminds me of Sister A__, so that was fun. It actually wasn't a real Zone Conference, either, just a quick meeting. I liked it. They basically just told us about themselves. He's a convert from Arizona, he served a mission, and they met at BYU and got married – the typical story. But I like them and am excited to serve with them. I also like how he uses the scriptures.
We found a new investigator who is inquisitive. He asks a TON of questions. He's met with missionaries before, but in a difference place, and apparently, they made him cry because he felt the Spirit so strongly. He came to a baptism this weekend and got to see how we do baptisms. We think he liked it. The problem is, he gets all his questions from anti-Mormon sites, and so we're not sure what his real intentions are: does he want to gain a testimony, or just an intellectual knowledge of what we believe? We've gotta figure that out this next time we meet with him. But he can have a lot of potential.
N__ is doing well. We didn't get to meet with her because when we went by she was working. Apparently the Jehovah's Witnesses came to her house this past week though, and made her cry because they didn't speak very kindly to her because she doesn't have the time to go to their church. When she explained that she has to work 3 jobs to support her family, the lady got mad and said, "God comes first, so give your children to me and I'll take them to church for you." Her sons, amazingly, feel the difference, too. When their grandma asked the twins about us, they called us their friends. They also want to learn "I Am a Child of God." They speak more English than Spanish. Hopefully we'll get to meet with them this week. We haven't even been able to share a whole lesson with her yet because when we've brought members, they always dominate the lesson and talk about worldly things. So we're going to not bring one this time to see if we can actually get some teaching done.
We did some service at a member's house this week. The ward helped a lot, too! His name is R__ and he just got baptized, he and his wife (before she died 5 years ago) were on the brink of getting baptized, when she got sick or something and then died. He went into a major depression and stopped taking care of the house. He's finally getting his life back into order and we went to clean the house out. I've never seen anything like it, but it was full of so much stuff! I took some pictures, but you can't really see because of all the dust in the air. But man, we probably used 3/4 of the 2-gallon bleach bottle we brought. I felt so good helping him, though.
We're going to be playing soccer today and I'm super excited about it. Ever since I've come to Ponce I've been feeling like a fatty; people feed us SO much rice and beans. I went on a rice strike this past week. But I'm loving all the Coke they give me! Hahaha. It actually rained twice this week, too, but only at night. I woke up and looked out the window to see a rainbow. It was beautiful. God loves me, obviously. :)
Well anyway, that's just about all I've got time for. I love you and pray for you every day. Thank you for your support and love. Keep the commandments and be happy, or don't and be miserable. That's my advice for the week. :) I LOVE YOU!
-Hermana Erickson
Happy birthday to Grandma Farley! I love you!
This week was good. I feel like it passed by really quickly. We met our new Mission President and his wife on Tuesday in the meeting. Surprisingly, the meeting was brief and I really appreciated that. I know my companion did too because she was saying how tired she is of having so many meetings in such little time. President and Sister Boucher are nice people. Sister Boucher reminds me of Sister A__, so that was fun. It actually wasn't a real Zone Conference, either, just a quick meeting. I liked it. They basically just told us about themselves. He's a convert from Arizona, he served a mission, and they met at BYU and got married – the typical story. But I like them and am excited to serve with them. I also like how he uses the scriptures.
We found a new investigator who is inquisitive. He asks a TON of questions. He's met with missionaries before, but in a difference place, and apparently, they made him cry because he felt the Spirit so strongly. He came to a baptism this weekend and got to see how we do baptisms. We think he liked it. The problem is, he gets all his questions from anti-Mormon sites, and so we're not sure what his real intentions are: does he want to gain a testimony, or just an intellectual knowledge of what we believe? We've gotta figure that out this next time we meet with him. But he can have a lot of potential.
N__ is doing well. We didn't get to meet with her because when we went by she was working. Apparently the Jehovah's Witnesses came to her house this past week though, and made her cry because they didn't speak very kindly to her because she doesn't have the time to go to their church. When she explained that she has to work 3 jobs to support her family, the lady got mad and said, "God comes first, so give your children to me and I'll take them to church for you." Her sons, amazingly, feel the difference, too. When their grandma asked the twins about us, they called us their friends. They also want to learn "I Am a Child of God." They speak more English than Spanish. Hopefully we'll get to meet with them this week. We haven't even been able to share a whole lesson with her yet because when we've brought members, they always dominate the lesson and talk about worldly things. So we're going to not bring one this time to see if we can actually get some teaching done.
We did some service at a member's house this week. The ward helped a lot, too! His name is R__ and he just got baptized, he and his wife (before she died 5 years ago) were on the brink of getting baptized, when she got sick or something and then died. He went into a major depression and stopped taking care of the house. He's finally getting his life back into order and we went to clean the house out. I've never seen anything like it, but it was full of so much stuff! I took some pictures, but you can't really see because of all the dust in the air. But man, we probably used 3/4 of the 2-gallon bleach bottle we brought. I felt so good helping him, though.
Well anyway, that's just about all I've got time for. I love you and pray for you every day. Thank you for your support and love. Keep the commandments and be happy, or don't and be miserable. That's my advice for the week. :) I LOVE YOU!
-Hermana Erickson
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
#68 [Ponce - 5] June 30th, 2014
Hi, Family!!
I love you! Thanks for writing to me this week! I loved hearing about everything you're all up to.
This week was great. We had the Ward Rescue activity and had a great turnout. Me and Sister Leonardo went with the R__ family to an inactive's house. (Mom, just fyi, Sister R__ has tried adding you or Dad on Facebook. Her name is S__ R__, or something like that, so if you saw that name pop up on your "friend request" list, that's why. She had tagged some pics of me or something that she wanted you to see). Anyway, the activity was great. We taught him about the priesthood. He'd gone inactive before receiving it, and his kids have never been baptized. So we're going to try working with him. The thing is, though, he works on Sundays, so he can't really come back to Church. We didn't see him again, though. His name is J__. He's living at his parent's house because he and his wife are separated as of right now. So you can pray for him and his kids and his wife, too. Hopefully they'll get back together. He's receptive, though, and just really confused because he's gone to lots of different Churches.
M__ and her son L__ have progressed this week. She's been reading the Book of Mormon and is marking it up and using the footnotes and everything! We taught them the Plan of Salvation yesterday and it was great! Her husband, H__, doesn't really like us coming over because they're "Catholic" but she doesn't seem to mind, and they feel the Spirit, too. We gave L__ a Book of Mormon of his own, too. He's a barber, and she's a hairdresser, too. So it's fun to talk with them.
We went to another inactive members' house and ended up teaching her aunt. Apparently, this lady met with the missionaries like 30 years ago, but remembered a lot of the things they'd taught her and had only recently given the Book of Mormon away to someone else. But it was cool because we were there with the Bishop and his wife and they taught with us. We answered a lot of her questions and gave her another Book of Mormon. She thought that the Mormon religion had practiced witchcraft back in the day, or something. So that was kind of funny. Man, some people read so much weird stuff about us online! But hopefully she'll give us a call, because she really is looking for the truth. She lives outside our area and wouldn't let us take down her address.
N__ and her twin boys were planning to come to the Father's Day activity on Friday, but then they couldn't because she works at night. She couldn't come to Church either because she works until 7 a.m., so pray so that she can come, too. She really wants to come and see how it is and she's anxious to learn about the scriptures because she has no idea what the Bible teaches. We took a member with us, the primary president, and they actually already knew each other! So it was cool, too, because the Primary President could explain what goes on in Primary and what they teach the kids. She's excited to come to Church as soon as she has a Sunday off. And we left her a reading assignment in the Book of Mormon, too.
I got fried this week. The sun is so hot here in Ponce! We were contacting in a different part of our area and found some women cleaning out the front part of their house so we decided to help them. The ladies were drunk and asked us for money in the end, but it felt good to help them. We didn't even ask, really, we just kinda took a rake and started. They appreciated it. But man, I got fried in the process. :)
This week we've been going around and taping paper hearts to the members' doors. Giving them a "Heart Attack from the missionaries" They LOVED it. We also had a ward activity on Friday for Father's Day and we played a game with all the members and they liked that, too. I feel like we're gaining their confidence and they're excited about doing missionary work and working with us. We're coming up with an activity to do in the next month, a MINI MTC for members, where we'll teach them what to teach in a lesson with us and what NOT to teach. Sometimes the members who have been a part of the Church for a long time like to delve into deep doctrines with the investigators, like baptisms for the dead, etc., and so it just causes a lot of confusion and arguments. So we're going to do some workshops with them and it'll be great. The four of us came up with the idea last night and can't wait to meet with the Ward Mission Leader to discuss and plan it.
As for me and Sister L__, we're doing great. Getting along just fine. We're trying to teach her English, and we sing Hymn #52, The Day Dawn Is Breaking, almost every day and she's trying to memorize the lyrics. It's really funny, though, because she can't hold a tune to save her life. But she's getting it, the pronunciation of the words, and what not. She goes home the transfer after me and so she invites us to her house when we go. :) She reminds me so much of Madeline, her personality, it's really great. Speaking of Madeline, how's she doing? The baby? *WHO ARE THESE CHILDREN COMING DOWN!?!* Hahaha. I'll bet Sister Ashcraft is excited to be a grandma! What about Maddie? (I dunno her last name). Man, all these new babies! So exciting!
No news about the new Mission President. We have a Zone Conference tomorrow, so if he's there, we'll meet him and his wife. We're excited. Sister L__ says she's tired of having so many meetings. She said she's had one about every week now for the past 7 weeks. Haha and now we're having another one. She's so funny.
Well, I've gotta go now. Bye! I love you and pray for you all! Have a great week!
-Sister Erickson
I love you! Thanks for writing to me this week! I loved hearing about everything you're all up to.
This week was great. We had the Ward Rescue activity and had a great turnout. Me and Sister Leonardo went with the R__ family to an inactive's house. (Mom, just fyi, Sister R__ has tried adding you or Dad on Facebook. Her name is S__ R__, or something like that, so if you saw that name pop up on your "friend request" list, that's why. She had tagged some pics of me or something that she wanted you to see). Anyway, the activity was great. We taught him about the priesthood. He'd gone inactive before receiving it, and his kids have never been baptized. So we're going to try working with him. The thing is, though, he works on Sundays, so he can't really come back to Church. We didn't see him again, though. His name is J__. He's living at his parent's house because he and his wife are separated as of right now. So you can pray for him and his kids and his wife, too. Hopefully they'll get back together. He's receptive, though, and just really confused because he's gone to lots of different Churches.
We went to another inactive members' house and ended up teaching her aunt. Apparently, this lady met with the missionaries like 30 years ago, but remembered a lot of the things they'd taught her and had only recently given the Book of Mormon away to someone else. But it was cool because we were there with the Bishop and his wife and they taught with us. We answered a lot of her questions and gave her another Book of Mormon. She thought that the Mormon religion had practiced witchcraft back in the day, or something. So that was kind of funny. Man, some people read so much weird stuff about us online! But hopefully she'll give us a call, because she really is looking for the truth. She lives outside our area and wouldn't let us take down her address.
N__ and her twin boys were planning to come to the Father's Day activity on Friday, but then they couldn't because she works at night. She couldn't come to Church either because she works until 7 a.m., so pray so that she can come, too. She really wants to come and see how it is and she's anxious to learn about the scriptures because she has no idea what the Bible teaches. We took a member with us, the primary president, and they actually already knew each other! So it was cool, too, because the Primary President could explain what goes on in Primary and what they teach the kids. She's excited to come to Church as soon as she has a Sunday off. And we left her a reading assignment in the Book of Mormon, too.
I got fried this week. The sun is so hot here in Ponce! We were contacting in a different part of our area and found some women cleaning out the front part of their house so we decided to help them. The ladies were drunk and asked us for money in the end, but it felt good to help them. We didn't even ask, really, we just kinda took a rake and started. They appreciated it. But man, I got fried in the process. :)
As for me and Sister L__, we're doing great. Getting along just fine. We're trying to teach her English, and we sing Hymn #52, The Day Dawn Is Breaking, almost every day and she's trying to memorize the lyrics. It's really funny, though, because she can't hold a tune to save her life. But she's getting it, the pronunciation of the words, and what not. She goes home the transfer after me and so she invites us to her house when we go. :) She reminds me so much of Madeline, her personality, it's really great. Speaking of Madeline, how's she doing? The baby? *WHO ARE THESE CHILDREN COMING DOWN!?!* Hahaha. I'll bet Sister Ashcraft is excited to be a grandma! What about Maddie? (I dunno her last name). Man, all these new babies! So exciting!
No news about the new Mission President. We have a Zone Conference tomorrow, so if he's there, we'll meet him and his wife. We're excited. Sister L__ says she's tired of having so many meetings. She said she's had one about every week now for the past 7 weeks. Haha and now we're having another one. She's so funny.
Well, I've gotta go now. Bye! I love you and pray for you all! Have a great week!
-Sister Erickson
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