HI THEEERE! (Like Alex the Lion!)
Hey there! I don't have much time, we had to come do our email at the Chapel today, and so we're trying to do our email as quick as possible so we all have time.
We got a baptismal date this week, with F.... She's been progressing slowly, and has never attended church even though we've been teaching her since my first week here in Puerto Rico. All signs point to dropping her since she didn't even attend church yesterday even though she committed to do it. But I don't know, I don't feel like we should. She has so much potential. And I guess that's what's so difficult about missionary work; you see so much potential in all the people you teach and you love them so much, but you have to remember that God will force no one into heaven, and neither can we as His servants. It's difficult. We'll see about her this next week. But her baptismal date is the 23rd of June, and she wants her whole family baptized, but if they're not coming to Church and not reading, there's no way it's going to happen and I feel bad getting her hopes up. We just have to tell her about that I guess. And she'll need to get married in the next 3 weeks, and I don't know how her boyfriend would take it. But we'll see.
We dropped J... and E... Same scenario; they weren't keeping commitments and neither were they coming to Church. They want to be baptized, but got scared when we set a date. But hopefully some missionaries in the future will go back and try with them again.
We contacted a lot this week, and it was hard work. We got two new investigators, so I'm excited to teach them. We went on splits this week, and Hna Tuitavake and I worked together and Hna Felix and Hna Brotherson worked together for a day. They got in a car accident, and Hna Felix pulled a neck muscle, and it was swelling up, so we took her to the hospital just in case, but then she didn't see a doctor for 24 hours, so she was flown to Florida. It escalated quickly, but she's actually just fine. Our Mission Nurse was just concerned that she was internally bleeding. But all is well! Hna Felix is still in Florida, working there, and so we've had Hna Tuitavake with us for the past few days. It's been fun being in a 3-some with Hermana Tuitavake. We miss Hermana Felix, though, and hope she'll return soon.
Oh, but funny story! We contacted an older couple with Alzheimer's disease yesterday. It was absolutely hilarious and really sad at the same time because they kept asking us the same questions over and over again, and we'd keep answering them, and then they'd keep saying the same things about themselves. And then the wife, she looked over at our car and said, "That's our car, we drive to church in it every week." But then, no, that's not right, cuz it's OUR car. So we told her we'd come get her on Sunday and take them to church with us and she said, "Well, I'd love to come, but I don't know what Church you guys go to," even though we'd told her we belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And then she kept asking if Hna Brotherson and I were sisters. EVERYONE thinks we look alike, and I think it's just cuz we're white. Hna Tuitavake says that's why, too. :) But yeah, I loved being with that old couple, even though it was really sad, it was just really funny, too. What wonderful people there are in the world. :)
And on another day, when we were contacting, a guy said I looked like his niece or something, so he gave me a little pineapple plant. So yay! :) The old people here love me, obviously.
Well, I'm sorry this was really vague and super short, but I've gotta go. The other girls are anxious to hear from their fam bams.
I love you all so much! Keep being awesome! And sorry I didn't get to reply to what you all wrote to me this time. I'll have more time next week maybe.
Ta ta!
-Hermana Erickson
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
#10 [Pontezuela - 8] May 20th, 2013
Hi! I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!
So... this week was super rough, but that's okay! Because I figure the Lord is trying to teach me something. No, actually, I KNOW He is.
Our mission is really focusing on making sure our weekly planning time is put to good use; that we're planning out our weeks effectively. And I feel like with all this new planning stuff that we're learning and applying, the work is going along a lot smoother and what not. But no matter how hard we tried to have set appointments this week, they all kept falling through. I'd call our investigator a day in advance to remind them, and then I'd call them the next day in the morning to remind them again, and then when the time for our appointment would roll around, we'd wind up there with a member, and they wouldn't be there! It was really disappointing. And we'd stop by our backup plan's house, too, and they wouldn't be there either.
But what I learned from this week is that the Lord is trying to show me that no matter how hard I try, and no matter how effective I think I'M working, HE'S the one that will ultimately make the plans work out. It's all in His time, and even though we didn't achieve any of our goals this week, I know that this next week, it's possible. But it was a really humbling week for me, and I am thankful for it, looking back, even though I hated it. Like, really hated it. But whatever. I'm happy it's Monday. :)
Yesterday, Sunday, was the best day of my mission so far. Wanna know why? ...It's cuz my favorite people attended Church for the first time! H... and R... and their kids. Oh my gosh. I just want them to be baptized and sealed in the temple already! So it was their first time at Church, and we haven't even taught Lesson 2 yet, but at Church, in class, they talked all about temples. And that got H... and R... interested. Especially R..., because when she first learned about the importance of having children within wedlock, she started to cry during Relief Society because she felt guilty, but the cool thing was, we told her that she can repent, be baptized, and a year later, be sealed for time and all eternity, she got so excited! And when I said we don't have a temple here in Puerto Rico yet, she said, "Well, we will!" I caught the vision, and so did she! I love this Gospel. The Lord is so merciful, and He has provided a way for ALL of His children to return to live with Him, regardless of what they've done in the past. AGH! I can't even get over it!
Anyway... We don't have a specific date for their baptism yet, but A... turns 8 in June, so we're thinking the day after her birthday is when we'll challenge them for baptism. I am so excited because I think they're ready and I am so excited. I love this family more than I ever thought I could. I feel the Lord's love for them so strongly whenever I think about them and I want more than anything for them to accept this gospel and be together forever. We're so lucky to already have this great blessing, and I am so thankful I get to share it with all the sweet people here in Puerto Rico, but especially with them.
We got a new investigator this week, too. Her name is V..., and she's 19. Okay, it's the coolest thing ever to teach people my own age! :) Kinda weird, but I love it, too! We also got to teach her little sister and her Mom. I"m not sure if her Mom will accept the gospel because she's afraid to change her religion, but we'll see. V... is super interested, and I am so excited for her!
With one of our less actives (S... - I think I sent a picture of her last week), we're beginning to re-teach her the lessons. We started with the Restoration on Tuesday, and then we're going to be reading the Book of Mormon with her because she never learned to read. I find it amazing that she got baptized in 2005, and she had no idea who Joseph Smith was. She was baptized with her husband, so maybe she just did it because he did, but still. I'm excited we get to teach her again. She really wants to read the Book of Mormon and know if it's true. Hopefully when she gets her answer she'll finally start attending Church with us. She's been attending with her sister for the past few years to a different one. Lots of people do that here. They don't understand the fact that we have the authority to do such saving ordinances such as baptism and the sacrament, so they keep attending their old churches just for the sake of going to a church. It's really sad.
Anywho, I'll reply to your email now! Thanks for keeping me updated! I laugh a lot when I am reading your emails because of how descriptive they are and I can imagine everything. I miss you guys!
Heather- I'm sending you a letter! Huzzah! Be prepared, it's awesome. But good job on teaching FHE last Monday! That'll be great mission prep! (Eh, eh, Potter? :) Hehe) We talk about the Apostasy all the time out here. It is a vital part of the Restoration, because without knowing about the Apostasy, people don't see a need for a Restoration of the Gospel. It's awesome. Okay, it's not awesome that the world experienced a Great Apostasy, but it's awesome that the Restoration happened. So we're all good.
Joshy! I hope you get the job at J-Dawgs! Ever since I walked into that place, I imagined you working there! Visions? Revelations, maybe!? Don't just turn in an application though, follow up on it and make sure they hire you! Let them know you WANT the job! :) You can do it! And when I get home, you can tell me the secret sauce recipe, and we can be fatties and eat hot dogs! Huzzah!
That's sad about Sister Monson. I didn't know about that. Thank heavens for the Plan of Salvation and the chance we get to be with our loved ones for forever! President Monson is always in my prayers. Sometimes, I think I've got it rough being a missionary, but I can't even imagine the weight on his shoulders, being the President of the Church. I know the Lord strengthens him, but it'd be very humbling. demanding job. But I know he is the Prophet of God. I am thankful for a living Prophet on the earth today.
It was nice to hear about Çole's farewell. Wish him luck for me, K? I know he'll be great!
So right now, our entire mission is doing a 40-day fast. Not from food or water, but from things that we don't necessarily NEED. I decided to give up writing to people for the next forty days. So peeps, if you're upset about not receiving a letter, sorry, but I've gotta focus on the work, and I'll write when I can (when 40 days are over, duh). Oh, but thanks for sending Jessica Jarvis' address for me. I'll write to her as soon as I can, too.
I didn't know Dad kept a journal about your guys' courtship!! WHAT!? I wanna read it! I bet it was awesome! Dad, thanks for keeping a record of that! I wanna hear all about it sometime! And I was thinking about it, Mom, and I wanna hear more about your mission, too.
CONGRATULATIONS TO MADELINE AND TYLER ABOUT THEIR ENGAGEMENT! <3 Tender! I am so excited for them! Madeline needs to write to me about the details. I wrote her a letter last week, so hopefully she'll get it and write back stat. I am SO curious! :) And so happy! And so excited! Just about everything. Hurray for marriage! Do they know where they're getting married? When? Gah! Just tell me already! :)
Heather was right, Arica Madsen is going on a mission. She just wrote to me about it last week, and I got her letter Tuesday, so I couldn't tell you about it. But she's going to Long Beach, California and leaves on the 22nd. I am super excited for her and wish her the best! She'll be awesome! :) Can you tell her to email me, maybe? Through facebook or something? I dunno. Just try to get a hold of her before she leaves somehow. Thanks!
So this week, I was the sweatiest I've ever been. We go to our appointments sometimes with a member. She's like 89 or something, and she still drives, but her car is seriously a living junkyard. It sounds like a t-rex, and the AC doesn't work, neither do the windows roll down. And so it's like an oven on the inside. We were riding with her to an appointment, and so she decided to take the long way, and drive all the way around the city to go to the house which, in reality, was only a 5-minute drive from her house. Within those 20 minutes, Hermana Brotherson and I were soaked. (Too much info, I know). But it was awful. Just count your blessings, that's all I've got to say. It was like we took a shower. :) Lovely. Whoever thought missionary work would be so wet? I didn't. That's for sure.
Oh! I forgot to tell you about a funny experience that happened a few weeks ago! I've got a few minutes so I'll write about it. So it was Saturday, the day before Fast Sunday, and I hadn't started my fast yet, but all the other girls had, and we went to our meeting with our Ward Mission Leader. Anyway, at the end of our meeting, he runs inside his house, and brings out a tray of oatmeal cookies and 4 big glasses of grape juice and says, "Buen provecho!" (It's a Puerto Rican phrase that people say when you're about to eat something. And the funny thing is, even if you're out in public eating at a restaurant, complete strangers will come up to you and say it. I think it's great!) Anyway. He comes out and says that, and then goes inside the house. I had to eat all the cookies and drink all the juice because the other girls couldn't. It was just really funny. I'd gotten through about 2 glasses when he came back out again; the other two were about halfway full still. But little did he know, I ATE IT ALL! It was just a really funny moment.
People here give us juice all the time. Either that, or Coke. I've drank more Coke here in the past two months than I have in my whole life. It's so nasty, but people just bring it out without even asking if we want it, so we drink it so they don't feel bad. One time, we were at an investigator's house, and someone rejected the drink, and our investigator got super mad. We still have our free agency, but I figure it won't kill me to drink it once a week. BUT when they do have the decency to ask if we want it first, I get to tell them I want water. It's great :) Yay for communication! Super random, but I figured I'd tell you about the culture a bit.
Anyway, I've gotta go cuz I'm outta time. I love you all to pieces and hope you're doing great! I think about you and pray for you every day and night. Keep being awesome and standing for truth and righteousness! It's the cool thing to do.
Peace out!
-Hermana Erickson
So... this week was super rough, but that's okay! Because I figure the Lord is trying to teach me something. No, actually, I KNOW He is.
Our mission is really focusing on making sure our weekly planning time is put to good use; that we're planning out our weeks effectively. And I feel like with all this new planning stuff that we're learning and applying, the work is going along a lot smoother and what not. But no matter how hard we tried to have set appointments this week, they all kept falling through. I'd call our investigator a day in advance to remind them, and then I'd call them the next day in the morning to remind them again, and then when the time for our appointment would roll around, we'd wind up there with a member, and they wouldn't be there! It was really disappointing. And we'd stop by our backup plan's house, too, and they wouldn't be there either.
But what I learned from this week is that the Lord is trying to show me that no matter how hard I try, and no matter how effective I think I'M working, HE'S the one that will ultimately make the plans work out. It's all in His time, and even though we didn't achieve any of our goals this week, I know that this next week, it's possible. But it was a really humbling week for me, and I am thankful for it, looking back, even though I hated it. Like, really hated it. But whatever. I'm happy it's Monday. :)
Yesterday, Sunday, was the best day of my mission so far. Wanna know why? ...It's cuz my favorite people attended Church for the first time! H... and R... and their kids. Oh my gosh. I just want them to be baptized and sealed in the temple already! So it was their first time at Church, and we haven't even taught Lesson 2 yet, but at Church, in class, they talked all about temples. And that got H... and R... interested. Especially R..., because when she first learned about the importance of having children within wedlock, she started to cry during Relief Society because she felt guilty, but the cool thing was, we told her that she can repent, be baptized, and a year later, be sealed for time and all eternity, she got so excited! And when I said we don't have a temple here in Puerto Rico yet, she said, "Well, we will!" I caught the vision, and so did she! I love this Gospel. The Lord is so merciful, and He has provided a way for ALL of His children to return to live with Him, regardless of what they've done in the past. AGH! I can't even get over it!
Anyway... We don't have a specific date for their baptism yet, but A... turns 8 in June, so we're thinking the day after her birthday is when we'll challenge them for baptism. I am so excited because I think they're ready and I am so excited. I love this family more than I ever thought I could. I feel the Lord's love for them so strongly whenever I think about them and I want more than anything for them to accept this gospel and be together forever. We're so lucky to already have this great blessing, and I am so thankful I get to share it with all the sweet people here in Puerto Rico, but especially with them.
We got a new investigator this week, too. Her name is V..., and she's 19. Okay, it's the coolest thing ever to teach people my own age! :) Kinda weird, but I love it, too! We also got to teach her little sister and her Mom. I"m not sure if her Mom will accept the gospel because she's afraid to change her religion, but we'll see. V... is super interested, and I am so excited for her!
With one of our less actives (S... - I think I sent a picture of her last week), we're beginning to re-teach her the lessons. We started with the Restoration on Tuesday, and then we're going to be reading the Book of Mormon with her because she never learned to read. I find it amazing that she got baptized in 2005, and she had no idea who Joseph Smith was. She was baptized with her husband, so maybe she just did it because he did, but still. I'm excited we get to teach her again. She really wants to read the Book of Mormon and know if it's true. Hopefully when she gets her answer she'll finally start attending Church with us. She's been attending with her sister for the past few years to a different one. Lots of people do that here. They don't understand the fact that we have the authority to do such saving ordinances such as baptism and the sacrament, so they keep attending their old churches just for the sake of going to a church. It's really sad.
Anywho, I'll reply to your email now! Thanks for keeping me updated! I laugh a lot when I am reading your emails because of how descriptive they are and I can imagine everything. I miss you guys!
Heather- I'm sending you a letter! Huzzah! Be prepared, it's awesome. But good job on teaching FHE last Monday! That'll be great mission prep! (Eh, eh, Potter? :) Hehe) We talk about the Apostasy all the time out here. It is a vital part of the Restoration, because without knowing about the Apostasy, people don't see a need for a Restoration of the Gospel. It's awesome. Okay, it's not awesome that the world experienced a Great Apostasy, but it's awesome that the Restoration happened. So we're all good.
Joshy! I hope you get the job at J-Dawgs! Ever since I walked into that place, I imagined you working there! Visions? Revelations, maybe!? Don't just turn in an application though, follow up on it and make sure they hire you! Let them know you WANT the job! :) You can do it! And when I get home, you can tell me the secret sauce recipe, and we can be fatties and eat hot dogs! Huzzah!
That's sad about Sister Monson. I didn't know about that. Thank heavens for the Plan of Salvation and the chance we get to be with our loved ones for forever! President Monson is always in my prayers. Sometimes, I think I've got it rough being a missionary, but I can't even imagine the weight on his shoulders, being the President of the Church. I know the Lord strengthens him, but it'd be very humbling. demanding job. But I know he is the Prophet of God. I am thankful for a living Prophet on the earth today.
It was nice to hear about Çole's farewell. Wish him luck for me, K? I know he'll be great!
So right now, our entire mission is doing a 40-day fast. Not from food or water, but from things that we don't necessarily NEED. I decided to give up writing to people for the next forty days. So peeps, if you're upset about not receiving a letter, sorry, but I've gotta focus on the work, and I'll write when I can (when 40 days are over, duh). Oh, but thanks for sending Jessica Jarvis' address for me. I'll write to her as soon as I can, too.
I didn't know Dad kept a journal about your guys' courtship!! WHAT!? I wanna read it! I bet it was awesome! Dad, thanks for keeping a record of that! I wanna hear all about it sometime! And I was thinking about it, Mom, and I wanna hear more about your mission, too.
CONGRATULATIONS TO MADELINE AND TYLER ABOUT THEIR ENGAGEMENT! <3 Tender! I am so excited for them! Madeline needs to write to me about the details. I wrote her a letter last week, so hopefully she'll get it and write back stat. I am SO curious! :) And so happy! And so excited! Just about everything. Hurray for marriage! Do they know where they're getting married? When? Gah! Just tell me already! :)
Heather was right, Arica Madsen is going on a mission. She just wrote to me about it last week, and I got her letter Tuesday, so I couldn't tell you about it. But she's going to Long Beach, California and leaves on the 22nd. I am super excited for her and wish her the best! She'll be awesome! :) Can you tell her to email me, maybe? Through facebook or something? I dunno. Just try to get a hold of her before she leaves somehow. Thanks!
So this week, I was the sweatiest I've ever been. We go to our appointments sometimes with a member. She's like 89 or something, and she still drives, but her car is seriously a living junkyard. It sounds like a t-rex, and the AC doesn't work, neither do the windows roll down. And so it's like an oven on the inside. We were riding with her to an appointment, and so she decided to take the long way, and drive all the way around the city to go to the house which, in reality, was only a 5-minute drive from her house. Within those 20 minutes, Hermana Brotherson and I were soaked. (Too much info, I know). But it was awful. Just count your blessings, that's all I've got to say. It was like we took a shower. :) Lovely. Whoever thought missionary work would be so wet? I didn't. That's for sure.
Oh! I forgot to tell you about a funny experience that happened a few weeks ago! I've got a few minutes so I'll write about it. So it was Saturday, the day before Fast Sunday, and I hadn't started my fast yet, but all the other girls had, and we went to our meeting with our Ward Mission Leader. Anyway, at the end of our meeting, he runs inside his house, and brings out a tray of oatmeal cookies and 4 big glasses of grape juice and says, "Buen provecho!" (It's a Puerto Rican phrase that people say when you're about to eat something. And the funny thing is, even if you're out in public eating at a restaurant, complete strangers will come up to you and say it. I think it's great!) Anyway. He comes out and says that, and then goes inside the house. I had to eat all the cookies and drink all the juice because the other girls couldn't. It was just really funny. I'd gotten through about 2 glasses when he came back out again; the other two were about halfway full still. But little did he know, I ATE IT ALL! It was just a really funny moment.
People here give us juice all the time. Either that, or Coke. I've drank more Coke here in the past two months than I have in my whole life. It's so nasty, but people just bring it out without even asking if we want it, so we drink it so they don't feel bad. One time, we were at an investigator's house, and someone rejected the drink, and our investigator got super mad. We still have our free agency, but I figure it won't kill me to drink it once a week. BUT when they do have the decency to ask if we want it first, I get to tell them I want water. It's great :) Yay for communication! Super random, but I figured I'd tell you about the culture a bit.
Anyway, I've gotta go cuz I'm outta time. I love you all to pieces and hope you're doing great! I think about you and pray for you every day and night. Keep being awesome and standing for truth and righteousness! It's the cool thing to do.
Peace out!
-Hermana Erickson
#9 [Pontezuela - 7] May 13th, 2013
HI FAMILY! (Long time, no talk to ,eh? Tee hee!)
It was so so awesome to talk with you yesterday! And it was also great knowing that Grandpa and Grandma Erickson and Grandma Farley were there, too! I love you guys. Thank you for your constant love and support. I don't know what I'd be able to do out here without it.
Like I said in the phone call yesterday, this week was rough to say the least. Good, like always, but rough. I felt like no matter how hard we tried, we couldn't reach any of our goals, and it's frustrating when at the end of the week, your numbers are low, and it looks like you didn't do anything throughout the week, when really, you tried your very hardest. I feel like I'm letting the Lord down sometimes, but I know He's proud of me as long as I do my best. So I'm just gonna keep doing that.
Hermana Brotherson and I have had the worst luck this week with getting member-present lessons. We make the plans, we have the appointments set, and then the member falls through, OR it's the opposite, we have our appointments set up, and then when we show up with the member, the appointment falls through, and our back-up plan fails. That happened to us twice this week, with 6 different appointments. SIX! It was very discouraging, I'm not going to lie. And super annoying. It just goes to show you how important it is to be reliable.
Also, this week, Hermana Brotherson and I focused on less actives and recent converts. I really want to get to know them and know where their testimonies are, and want to be the Lord's mouthpiece and strengthen them in any way I can. Most of the time, they're inactive because they feel like they don't have a friend in the ward. Our ward is small enough as it is, so there is a lot to do when it comes to visiting teaching/home teaching stuff. I believe that if the Savior were here, he'd be visiting them. They're the ones who've felt the fire of the Spirit before, and we just need to remind them of that and increase their faith in Christ.
But we've had some really great lessons this week nonetheless. The Lord is trying our patience, but He's also blessing us by putting people who are ready to receive this Gospel in our way. Two newer investigators, C..., and her son S..., are really awesome. The story behind our finding them is really awesome, too. Our appointment had fallen through, and so did our back-up plan, and it had started to rain. So we were walking around the apartment complex parking lot, and then we saw a young man (S...) So we decided to talk to him. He invited us up to share our message with him and his mom, C.... When his mom came in, she freaked out because she said she'd seen us on the street about ten minutes earlier, and had a thought come to her mind that told her she needed to talk to us, but she ignored it, and then wham! We were in her house! She also kept saying that God was telling her that we "need to be careful walking around here." So whatever that means. I've never felt unsafe, but people always tell us to be careful all the time. Apparently we're in kind of a sketchy area, but I dunno. People are just funny. But anyway, back to C....
C... was originally kinda unsure about hearing our message because she's Catholic. But after our opening prayer, she came back into the room and sat through our lesson of the Restoration. She then opened up and told us all her doubts about the Catholic Church. What I've come to realize is that a lot of the Catholics are disappointed with their "religion" nowadays. But when we started telling her about the Gospel, she began having a million questions, and we felt the Spirit so strongly! It was super awesome! And we visited her again this week, and she'd been reading so much in the Book of Mormon, and she loves it! I am excited to see her progress. The only problem is, she left for the U.S. this week and will be there for about a month, so we don't get to teach her and S... anymore because of the new rule. But that's fine. :) As long as we're bringing souls unto Christ, it doesn't matter which missionaries get to teach them.
We also met C...'s younger sister, too, and she was super receptive to the Gospel as well. So we're going to be teaching her too. I am so excited! I love getting new people to teach! It's like going on an adventure! C... and her sister (L...) remind me of Rachel and myself. They're super close. So it was kinda tender when we got to teach them together.
We also found a less active this week who just so happens to live in our neighborhood, but hasn't attended Church for over 20 years, but she was baptized in the 1970's. Crazy, huh!? She stopped attending Church after her husband died. We're going to re-teach her everything, because she's forgotten a lot. But I'm excited anyway. Her name is G..., and we can't find any records of her in the area book, which is a little strange, but oh well.
None of our investigators are attending Church, but they are reading the Book of Mormon, so they're kind of progressing, but not really. It's just really slow right now. But I feel bad they didn't attend yesterday, cuz our ward had donuts after Church, so their loss (physically, but most importantly, spiritually, obviously). :)
Like I said, I'm reading Jesus the Christ. I started reading from the middle of the book, at the part where Christ suffered the Atonement in the Garden of Gethsemane, and then the arrest, and then the trials, and finally his crucifixion and death and Resurrection. James E. Talmage is brilliant. His writings remind me a lot of Jeffrey R. Holland. But I'm going to start from the beginning, and I'm excited. I figured that since both Rach and Mom are reading it, I'd jump on the bandwagon.
We went out to eat at Fuddrucker's today after doing our grocery shopping. (I found out that it's like a burger/fries/shake joint and apparently it's a big deal, but I'd never heard about it before.) But anyway, that was the first time I'd felt FULL in a very long time. OH! And I bought some souvenirs! I dunno when I'll get the chance to send them to you, but they're sweet. This guy was selling all these handmade bracelets and earrings, and he was super awesome. I need to find some stuff for the boys, but Head, just know I've got something for you. And something for Rach, too. :) But I'm gonna get some more stuff. Hurray! Happy Christmas, Headdy! (Like, Harry, but not... hehe, okay.)
I cut Hermana Tuitavake's hair today, as well as Hermana Brotherson's. It felt good to cut something... Muahaha! No, but seriously. I miss doing hair so bad. I forgot how much I love it. I can't wait to do that again when I get back!
Okay, I'll reply to the parts of your email that we didn't get to talk about yesterday or whatever.
I hope Jake's choir thing went well, I was thinking of him today. Did they sing a bunch of hymns? And did he have to dress up in any special way?
Kama and her family will definitely be going to my Church if they do end up going; our Church is the closest one to the airport. So that'd be super duper awesome to see them! When will they be coming? I'll have to actually try to look good that day. And maybe, if my investigators decide to be cool for once and come to Church, they'll get to meet them! That'd be super tender. Just tell all the extended family I love them!
Well anywho, I loved talking with you yesterday. The "40 minutes" went by too quickly, and I miss you a lot, but I feel like these next 7 months are going to fly by. It's already been TWO! GAH! Time is my worst enemy I think. Speaking of which, I've gotta go. So peace out, fambam! I love you lots and am SO happy to be a part of our forever family! THIS GOSPEL ROCKS because of that! And I just want all our investigators to be with their families forever, too! Gawl, I just can't even stand it!
Well, bye! I LOVE YOU ETERNALLY!
-Hermana Erickson
It was so so awesome to talk with you yesterday! And it was also great knowing that Grandpa and Grandma Erickson and Grandma Farley were there, too! I love you guys. Thank you for your constant love and support. I don't know what I'd be able to do out here without it.
Like I said in the phone call yesterday, this week was rough to say the least. Good, like always, but rough. I felt like no matter how hard we tried, we couldn't reach any of our goals, and it's frustrating when at the end of the week, your numbers are low, and it looks like you didn't do anything throughout the week, when really, you tried your very hardest. I feel like I'm letting the Lord down sometimes, but I know He's proud of me as long as I do my best. So I'm just gonna keep doing that.
Hermana Brotherson and I have had the worst luck this week with getting member-present lessons. We make the plans, we have the appointments set, and then the member falls through, OR it's the opposite, we have our appointments set up, and then when we show up with the member, the appointment falls through, and our back-up plan fails. That happened to us twice this week, with 6 different appointments. SIX! It was very discouraging, I'm not going to lie. And super annoying. It just goes to show you how important it is to be reliable.
Also, this week, Hermana Brotherson and I focused on less actives and recent converts. I really want to get to know them and know where their testimonies are, and want to be the Lord's mouthpiece and strengthen them in any way I can. Most of the time, they're inactive because they feel like they don't have a friend in the ward. Our ward is small enough as it is, so there is a lot to do when it comes to visiting teaching/home teaching stuff. I believe that if the Savior were here, he'd be visiting them. They're the ones who've felt the fire of the Spirit before, and we just need to remind them of that and increase their faith in Christ.
But we've had some really great lessons this week nonetheless. The Lord is trying our patience, but He's also blessing us by putting people who are ready to receive this Gospel in our way. Two newer investigators, C..., and her son S..., are really awesome. The story behind our finding them is really awesome, too. Our appointment had fallen through, and so did our back-up plan, and it had started to rain. So we were walking around the apartment complex parking lot, and then we saw a young man (S...) So we decided to talk to him. He invited us up to share our message with him and his mom, C.... When his mom came in, she freaked out because she said she'd seen us on the street about ten minutes earlier, and had a thought come to her mind that told her she needed to talk to us, but she ignored it, and then wham! We were in her house! She also kept saying that God was telling her that we "need to be careful walking around here." So whatever that means. I've never felt unsafe, but people always tell us to be careful all the time. Apparently we're in kind of a sketchy area, but I dunno. People are just funny. But anyway, back to C....
C... was originally kinda unsure about hearing our message because she's Catholic. But after our opening prayer, she came back into the room and sat through our lesson of the Restoration. She then opened up and told us all her doubts about the Catholic Church. What I've come to realize is that a lot of the Catholics are disappointed with their "religion" nowadays. But when we started telling her about the Gospel, she began having a million questions, and we felt the Spirit so strongly! It was super awesome! And we visited her again this week, and she'd been reading so much in the Book of Mormon, and she loves it! I am excited to see her progress. The only problem is, she left for the U.S. this week and will be there for about a month, so we don't get to teach her and S... anymore because of the new rule. But that's fine. :) As long as we're bringing souls unto Christ, it doesn't matter which missionaries get to teach them.
We also met C...'s younger sister, too, and she was super receptive to the Gospel as well. So we're going to be teaching her too. I am so excited! I love getting new people to teach! It's like going on an adventure! C... and her sister (L...) remind me of Rachel and myself. They're super close. So it was kinda tender when we got to teach them together.
We also found a less active this week who just so happens to live in our neighborhood, but hasn't attended Church for over 20 years, but she was baptized in the 1970's. Crazy, huh!? She stopped attending Church after her husband died. We're going to re-teach her everything, because she's forgotten a lot. But I'm excited anyway. Her name is G..., and we can't find any records of her in the area book, which is a little strange, but oh well.
None of our investigators are attending Church, but they are reading the Book of Mormon, so they're kind of progressing, but not really. It's just really slow right now. But I feel bad they didn't attend yesterday, cuz our ward had donuts after Church, so their loss (physically, but most importantly, spiritually, obviously). :)
Like I said, I'm reading Jesus the Christ. I started reading from the middle of the book, at the part where Christ suffered the Atonement in the Garden of Gethsemane, and then the arrest, and then the trials, and finally his crucifixion and death and Resurrection. James E. Talmage is brilliant. His writings remind me a lot of Jeffrey R. Holland. But I'm going to start from the beginning, and I'm excited. I figured that since both Rach and Mom are reading it, I'd jump on the bandwagon.
We went out to eat at Fuddrucker's today after doing our grocery shopping. (I found out that it's like a burger/fries/shake joint and apparently it's a big deal, but I'd never heard about it before.) But anyway, that was the first time I'd felt FULL in a very long time. OH! And I bought some souvenirs! I dunno when I'll get the chance to send them to you, but they're sweet. This guy was selling all these handmade bracelets and earrings, and he was super awesome. I need to find some stuff for the boys, but Head, just know I've got something for you. And something for Rach, too. :) But I'm gonna get some more stuff. Hurray! Happy Christmas, Headdy! (Like, Harry, but not... hehe, okay.)
I cut Hermana Tuitavake's hair today, as well as Hermana Brotherson's. It felt good to cut something... Muahaha! No, but seriously. I miss doing hair so bad. I forgot how much I love it. I can't wait to do that again when I get back!
Okay, I'll reply to the parts of your email that we didn't get to talk about yesterday or whatever.
I hope Jake's choir thing went well, I was thinking of him today. Did they sing a bunch of hymns? And did he have to dress up in any special way?
Kama and her family will definitely be going to my Church if they do end up going; our Church is the closest one to the airport. So that'd be super duper awesome to see them! When will they be coming? I'll have to actually try to look good that day. And maybe, if my investigators decide to be cool for once and come to Church, they'll get to meet them! That'd be super tender. Just tell all the extended family I love them!
Well anywho, I loved talking with you yesterday. The "40 minutes" went by too quickly, and I miss you a lot, but I feel like these next 7 months are going to fly by. It's already been TWO! GAH! Time is my worst enemy I think. Speaking of which, I've gotta go. So peace out, fambam! I love you lots and am SO happy to be a part of our forever family! THIS GOSPEL ROCKS because of that! And I just want all our investigators to be with their families forever, too! Gawl, I just can't even stand it!
Well, bye! I LOVE YOU ETERNALLY!
-Hermana Erickson
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
#8 [Pontezuela - 6] May 6th, 2013
Hello everybody!
This week flew by, and I can't even believe that it's already Mother's Day this next Sunday. I'm excited to talk to you guys, but not really at the same time because I feel like it'll make me homesick. Don't get offended, I'm just being honest :) BUT! About the phone call. You guys will have to call me, and so I'm not sure how you want that to work out exactly. We have to be finished with our phone calls by 8:30pm our time, and we have 40 minutes to talk. YOU GUYS NEED TO CALL ME FOR OUR PHONE CALL AT 2PM YOUR TIME. (That'll be 4pm my time). And obviously, you're not allowed to call any other time before or after that until Christmas.
This week was slow as far as progressing investigators go. I was super pumped after Tuesday at our Zone Conference, but no matter how many phone calls we made and no matter how much we tried, everything seemed to fall through. We have to report our weekly numbers every Sunday evening, and every week I feel like a failure because we don't quite reach our goals, but I'm trying my best anyway. We'll get them eventually!
Regardless of everything, we had miracles happen this week!
We have a new family we're teaching, Hector and Rudy, and they are amazing! They both have so many questions about the Church, and are very excited to be learning so much about it! We taught about the Doctrine of Christ, and only got halfway through the lesson, but it was really awesome. We plan to challenge them to be baptized this next appointment! I really want this family to accept the Gospel. Their marriage is already so strong; I've never seen two people SO in love like they are. I know that they would love to go to the temple and be sealed for time and all eternity. I can't wait to teach them about temples!!! AH! I just love these people, I can't even take it! And they have two kids, too! Isaac, who is 14, and Aida, 7. Yay for families!
Some funny things happened this week, too. Hermana Brotherson and I were riding our bikes the University to do our 12-week program training, and we saw a husband and wife walking their dog, so we decided to slow down to talk to them. Well, as I pull up to them, I try hopping off my bike, and I say "Hola!, etc." and then I fell over because my bike crashed into the curb, AND my skirt got caught on the bike seat... And then the wife kept on walking, and didn't even say anything to me, and their dog started freaking out at me because I had scared it, and then the husband/guy gave me a super weird look. It was a very embarrassingly shameful moment for me. I'm not sure who thought of the brilliant idea for girls to wear skirts, but it's not a very successful thing to wear on a bike. A girl can't have any pride on the mission, that's for sure. :)
Another funny thing happened, too. So this week, we contacted a guy on the street named Edwin, he's about 40 or 50 years old, and the cool thing was that he said he'd attended Church before and had been taught by them missionaries, but he hadn't attended Church in a long time. So we gave him our card. He ended up calling us that same afternoon to set up an appointment. (Which is unheard of!) So we were super excited. And then, when the day for the appointment rolled around, it didn't happen because he was at work, but he called us again yesterday just to talk to me on the phone. And it was super awkward because he kept calling me "Mi Amor," so obviously it was kind of obvious what was on his mind. He called again later on at around 7pm just to talk and so I had to tell him I couldn't just talk to him unless it was about setting up teaching appointments. There are some strange men here... Creepy and strange. But I have never felt unsafe before, so I know we've got the Lord's angels all around us to protect us :)
With Fe and her family this week, we focused on the Book of Mormon, and watched the Testaments because we thought it'd be a good thing for the kids. It was VERY spiritual. I've only ever seen that movie one other time, but both times, I've bawled. Especially at the end. But it was a very good experience, and Fe was crying, too. I love seeing these people feel things they've never felt before, and learn things they forgot they knew before our life on earth. I love sharing this Gospel! I want them to accept the Gospel, too! Scratch that, how about EVERYONE accept the Gospel! :) Okay? Okay.
We only visited Rosa once this week. I don't really know what's going on with her, but she won't answer her phone. I hope everything is okay with her. Sometimes I feel like we're being super annoying, but I know she likes us, and I know she likes the lessons, and I can't help it. I just love her so much! But we taught her about the Word of Wisdom, and she was completely willing to give up coffee in order to be baptized. But the thing is, she won't commit to baptism. She wants to be baptized, but every time we have a date set, she doesn't come to Church in order to push her date back again. So this next time, we're going to have to either let her go, or figure out if she's really serious about all this.
We visited more less actives, too. I feel so sad when I meet people who have left the Church, especially for reasons that have nothing to do with them. It just goes to show how converted they were at the time of their baptism. So sad.
Juan and Emilia aren't progressing as of right now because we haven't seen them in over a week now. We were hoping to set a baptismal date with them this week, but it didn't happen. To say the least, this week was slow as far as investigators' progression goes.
Okay, now to answer your email!
Congrats to Cole on going through the temple, too! Sorry to hear about all the stress on his special day, but I'm excited for him! When does he enter the MTC again?
Um, what else can I tell you about? We had a random guy show up to Church on Sunday (yesterday). We met him Saturday night walking around the neighborhood, and invited him to Church even though we didn't actually believe he'd show up, but then lo and behold, HE WAS THERE! How is it that we can get a random man to show up to Church, but not our investigators!? Drives me crazy. I'm glad he came, but since we can't teach single men, he isn't technically our investigator. But it was cool to have him show up anyway. A soul is a soul, regardless of who gets to teach them about the Gospel. :)
Well, I'm basically out of time now. We are all writing an email to Sister Alvarado today too to wish her a Happy Mother's Day. But Happy Mother's day, Momma! I love you so much! Can't wait to talk to you all! Have a great week!
-Hermana Erickson
This week flew by, and I can't even believe that it's already Mother's Day this next Sunday. I'm excited to talk to you guys, but not really at the same time because I feel like it'll make me homesick. Don't get offended, I'm just being honest :) BUT! About the phone call. You guys will have to call me, and so I'm not sure how you want that to work out exactly. We have to be finished with our phone calls by 8:30pm our time, and we have 40 minutes to talk. YOU GUYS NEED TO CALL ME FOR OUR PHONE CALL AT 2PM YOUR TIME. (That'll be 4pm my time). And obviously, you're not allowed to call any other time before or after that until Christmas.
This week was slow as far as progressing investigators go. I was super pumped after Tuesday at our Zone Conference, but no matter how many phone calls we made and no matter how much we tried, everything seemed to fall through. We have to report our weekly numbers every Sunday evening, and every week I feel like a failure because we don't quite reach our goals, but I'm trying my best anyway. We'll get them eventually!
Regardless of everything, we had miracles happen this week!
We have a new family we're teaching, Hector and Rudy, and they are amazing! They both have so many questions about the Church, and are very excited to be learning so much about it! We taught about the Doctrine of Christ, and only got halfway through the lesson, but it was really awesome. We plan to challenge them to be baptized this next appointment! I really want this family to accept the Gospel. Their marriage is already so strong; I've never seen two people SO in love like they are. I know that they would love to go to the temple and be sealed for time and all eternity. I can't wait to teach them about temples!!! AH! I just love these people, I can't even take it! And they have two kids, too! Isaac, who is 14, and Aida, 7. Yay for families!
Some funny things happened this week, too. Hermana Brotherson and I were riding our bikes the University to do our 12-week program training, and we saw a husband and wife walking their dog, so we decided to slow down to talk to them. Well, as I pull up to them, I try hopping off my bike, and I say "Hola!, etc." and then I fell over because my bike crashed into the curb, AND my skirt got caught on the bike seat... And then the wife kept on walking, and didn't even say anything to me, and their dog started freaking out at me because I had scared it, and then the husband/guy gave me a super weird look. It was a very embarrassingly shameful moment for me. I'm not sure who thought of the brilliant idea for girls to wear skirts, but it's not a very successful thing to wear on a bike. A girl can't have any pride on the mission, that's for sure. :)
Another funny thing happened, too. So this week, we contacted a guy on the street named Edwin, he's about 40 or 50 years old, and the cool thing was that he said he'd attended Church before and had been taught by them missionaries, but he hadn't attended Church in a long time. So we gave him our card. He ended up calling us that same afternoon to set up an appointment. (Which is unheard of!) So we were super excited. And then, when the day for the appointment rolled around, it didn't happen because he was at work, but he called us again yesterday just to talk to me on the phone. And it was super awkward because he kept calling me "Mi Amor," so obviously it was kind of obvious what was on his mind. He called again later on at around 7pm just to talk and so I had to tell him I couldn't just talk to him unless it was about setting up teaching appointments. There are some strange men here... Creepy and strange. But I have never felt unsafe before, so I know we've got the Lord's angels all around us to protect us :)
With Fe and her family this week, we focused on the Book of Mormon, and watched the Testaments because we thought it'd be a good thing for the kids. It was VERY spiritual. I've only ever seen that movie one other time, but both times, I've bawled. Especially at the end. But it was a very good experience, and Fe was crying, too. I love seeing these people feel things they've never felt before, and learn things they forgot they knew before our life on earth. I love sharing this Gospel! I want them to accept the Gospel, too! Scratch that, how about EVERYONE accept the Gospel! :) Okay? Okay.
We only visited Rosa once this week. I don't really know what's going on with her, but she won't answer her phone. I hope everything is okay with her. Sometimes I feel like we're being super annoying, but I know she likes us, and I know she likes the lessons, and I can't help it. I just love her so much! But we taught her about the Word of Wisdom, and she was completely willing to give up coffee in order to be baptized. But the thing is, she won't commit to baptism. She wants to be baptized, but every time we have a date set, she doesn't come to Church in order to push her date back again. So this next time, we're going to have to either let her go, or figure out if she's really serious about all this.
We visited more less actives, too. I feel so sad when I meet people who have left the Church, especially for reasons that have nothing to do with them. It just goes to show how converted they were at the time of their baptism. So sad.
Juan and Emilia aren't progressing as of right now because we haven't seen them in over a week now. We were hoping to set a baptismal date with them this week, but it didn't happen. To say the least, this week was slow as far as investigators' progression goes.
Okay, now to answer your email!
- My monthly allowance is $200 I think if I remember right. Food her is super expensive, and I can't even believe it! But by the end of the month, that's about how much we've used.
- I don't know what my area boundaries are. Pathetic, I know, but this place is so big, and I get lost all the time! Our area is Carolina/Pontezuela as far as I know. It's not super huge, but there are a TON of people since we're in the San Juan zone.
- I haven't cried since leaving home to be honest. At least about being homesick or anything like that. I've cried because I get frustrated, and I cry because I feel the Spirit, but not because I'm sad or anything like that. So no worries! But thanks for the suggestion. If I do need to cry for any reason, and I just so happen to have enough time to do so, I'll have myself a good cry in the shower. What a great idea!
- And about Carmen, no, she hasn't sent me any information about her family. How's she doing?
Congrats to Cole on going through the temple, too! Sorry to hear about all the stress on his special day, but I'm excited for him! When does he enter the MTC again?
Um, what else can I tell you about? We had a random guy show up to Church on Sunday (yesterday). We met him Saturday night walking around the neighborhood, and invited him to Church even though we didn't actually believe he'd show up, but then lo and behold, HE WAS THERE! How is it that we can get a random man to show up to Church, but not our investigators!? Drives me crazy. I'm glad he came, but since we can't teach single men, he isn't technically our investigator. But it was cool to have him show up anyway. A soul is a soul, regardless of who gets to teach them about the Gospel. :)
Well, I'm basically out of time now. We are all writing an email to Sister Alvarado today too to wish her a Happy Mother's Day. But Happy Mother's day, Momma! I love you so much! Can't wait to talk to you all! Have a great week!
-Hermana Erickson
Thursday, May 2, 2013
#7 [Pontezuela - 5] April 29th, 2013
Dearest darlingest Erickson clan: (I sound like Mom) :)
I GOT MY NEW COMPANION! :) :) :) :)
Her name is Hermana Brotherson, and she's from (Roosevelt) Utah as well, and I knew her from the MTC! Kinda crazy story, too, because when I was companions in the MTC with Hermana Jones, and then when I was moved to the Spanish District, Hermana Jones had Hermana Brotherson for a companion, and now she and I are working together. Kinda crazy how things work out, but I'm glad she's here, and I'm very humbled to be considered a "trainer", even though I really don't feel like she needs to be trained. She's already so good! She doesn't know Spanish, but she's not afraid to try, and she's improving so much every day. I'm very proud of her!
Hermana Brotherson and I get along very well; I am thankful to have her as a companion. I am humbled, too. She is such an incredible young woman, and I feel honored to be able to serve with her. Being a "trainer" definitely magnifies your weaknesses, and it's hard, but I have felt the Lord's help SO much this week. I've been teaching full-length lessons all week, for crying out loud. And I KNOW I couldn't do that before, no way Jose! The Lord is definitely here with me, and the Gift of Tongues is REAL. It is amazing!!
Also, Hermana Felix is Hermana Tuitavake's new companion. And I knew H. Felix before the mission. Mom, I think you met her through Skype one time. She's from California. But it's been fun having her and H. Brotherson: people I know and get along with here. :)
Our investigators are doing well. We received some new single women to teach from the Elders this week, so we'll be going over to Carolina maybe about twice a week to teach them because they're progressing quickly. There's a new rule out here, and I'm not sure if it's worldwide for missionaries, but Elders aren't allowed to teach single women, and Sisters aren't allowed to teach single men. So we've been swapping a lot of our investigators this week. It's going to be interesting. I have a feeling we're going to be getting to know the San Juan area very well, since we're the only 4 sisters here in the entire San Juan area. And it's huge. So pray that we'll be able to get to wherever we go safely, okay? Cuz we need it.
Rosa, the one who's had a baptismal date for a few weeks now has stopped progressing. It's been really frustrating. Wednesday morning we found out that she's been meeting with Jehovah's Witnesses, so she's making herself confused. She didn't tell us this, we just saw them go into her house. I think she's afraid to tell us. And she hasn't been praying or reading the Book of Mormon. I just want her to accept the Gospel! Is that too much to ask!? I know that if she'd just ask, the Lord would tell her that this Church is true. But she just hasn't. But we had a member tag along last night and it went really, really well, and she said she's going to pray. So we'll see about that.
Our other progressing family, Juan and Emilia, are doing just great. They read the Book of Mormon, but need it in a bigger print because they're older and can't read very well. But they really love the lessons, and Hermano Flores started to cry during the lesson because he felt the Spirit so strongly. It was really so incredible. We had a member present at this lesson, too, and it was so great to have an additional testimony there. Hopefully this next week they'll be able to come to Church.
We found TWO young families this week, and it was by way of miracle, no doubt. Hermana Brotherson and I had planned to visit Rosa on Wednesday night, but that fell through, so we decided to walk through the neighborhood and talk to as many of our neighbors as possible. We found one young man outside working on his car, and we asked if we could "practice our Spanish" with him. He was really nice. And so we started to tell him who we were, why we were here, and about how our message centers in how families can be together forever. It was amazing; he started talking about his new little family. He and his girlfriend are expecting a baby, and they're planning to get married. He also said he wanted us to come back and teach the both of them! So we've got an appointment tonight. We're excited.
Then, after talking to him, we began walking down another street, and we were passing by a house when suddenly, a man walked outside and just started talking to us. He then called his wife outside, and they both started to talk. They then asked US to come back and teach them sometime during the week.
Our appointment with them was AMAZING! They had totally been prepared by the Lord to receive us; the mom (Rudy) said that she hadn't been able to get her husband (Hector) to sit down and listen to anyone teaching about religion. But he said "something is different about you two." It was really cool. And he said the closing prayer, and it was AMAZING. I can't wait to see the progress of these two sweet families.
It has been a hard week, but full of miracles, for sure. We received priesthood blessings at Church yesterday from the Bishop and his first Counselor. That was really comforting. I have such a strong testimony of the Priesthood and am so thankful to be a part of the only true Church upon the face of the earth. We are SO lucky to have this Gospel! I Just want to share it with EVERYBODY and their dog!
Speaking of dogs, our neighbor's dog got ran over last night. Super sad. Even though there are bizzillions of speed bumps here, people still speed around in neighborhoods a ton. It's really dangerous. I'm just glad it wasn't their kid that got hit. But he saw it happen, so he was really shaken up.
Okay! Now I can move on to answer all your questions!
We have a Zone Conference tomorrow all day in Bayamon, so maybe they'll announce the e-mail changes then, but so far, e-mailing conditions are still the same. I'll keep you posted. We do have an hour total for e-mails, so that was good to find out. :) I can relax a little.
No, I haven't been using my pedometer. Not yet, anyway. We use our bikes every day to get around, and when we walk, it's at night because that's when we schedule our nearby appointments. I want to start using it, though.
And yes! I was in that Choir picture! Next to Hermana Burgess. She was the only other 19-year old sister with me for the first few weeks before this past week's transfers.
Let Kama and Rusty know that I say congrats on Hegan's blessing! That's GREAT news! :)
Oh, and tell Cole congrats, too about his endowment and entering the MTC soon! He'll be great! SO many exciting changes with the fambam!
How is Nathan doing? Any better?
Isabelle! Great job speaking in Church! That's really exciting! I'll bet you kept everyone entertained during Sacrament Meeting.
Let Grandma and Grandpa Erickson know I love them and am thinking about them. Hopefully Grandma is doing well now.
There's a member here we work with named Lydia, and she reminds me of Grandma Farley SO much! I miss her. How's she doing? Let her know I love her, too.
I bought a pillow today. We did our shopping at Costco because H. Felix has a Costco card. It was really awesome. Reminded me of the good ól Sam's Club days, Momma. I miss you!
Okay, about the bike money. I did withdraw $100 of it last week, but I couldn't take it all out because the ATM we were at ran out of money. So I withdrew the rest today at Wal-Mart. The total I withdrew should be $360, and that should be enough to cover the bike. I'll turn all that cash in tomorrow. It freaks me out walking around here with cash. (So, obviously I don't, but knowing I HAVE it freaks me out.)
The four of us will be singing in Church next Sunday. We're going to sing Hope of Israel. H. Brotherson and H. Felix are going to sing a verse in English, I'm going to sing one in Spanish, and H. Tuitavake is going to sing one in Tongan, and then for the final verse we're going to sing together in Spanish. It'll be really awesome and I'm excited.
Well anyway, I'm going to finish this up now since I want to try to attach some pictures. (Dad, I'll try to take more this week. My companion is really good about always taking pictures, so I'll follow her example. You're right, I know I'll regret not taking any.)
I love you and miss you a lot. Thank you for all you do and for all the support you give me. Thank you for being the best parents and family EVER! I love you! Can't wait to talk to you in a few weeks!
-Hermana Erickson
I GOT MY NEW COMPANION! :) :) :) :)
Her name is Hermana Brotherson, and she's from (Roosevelt) Utah as well, and I knew her from the MTC! Kinda crazy story, too, because when I was companions in the MTC with Hermana Jones, and then when I was moved to the Spanish District, Hermana Jones had Hermana Brotherson for a companion, and now she and I are working together. Kinda crazy how things work out, but I'm glad she's here, and I'm very humbled to be considered a "trainer", even though I really don't feel like she needs to be trained. She's already so good! She doesn't know Spanish, but she's not afraid to try, and she's improving so much every day. I'm very proud of her!Hermana Brotherson and I get along very well; I am thankful to have her as a companion. I am humbled, too. She is such an incredible young woman, and I feel honored to be able to serve with her. Being a "trainer" definitely magnifies your weaknesses, and it's hard, but I have felt the Lord's help SO much this week. I've been teaching full-length lessons all week, for crying out loud. And I KNOW I couldn't do that before, no way Jose! The Lord is definitely here with me, and the Gift of Tongues is REAL. It is amazing!!
Also, Hermana Felix is Hermana Tuitavake's new companion. And I knew H. Felix before the mission. Mom, I think you met her through Skype one time. She's from California. But it's been fun having her and H. Brotherson: people I know and get along with here. :)Our investigators are doing well. We received some new single women to teach from the Elders this week, so we'll be going over to Carolina maybe about twice a week to teach them because they're progressing quickly. There's a new rule out here, and I'm not sure if it's worldwide for missionaries, but Elders aren't allowed to teach single women, and Sisters aren't allowed to teach single men. So we've been swapping a lot of our investigators this week. It's going to be interesting. I have a feeling we're going to be getting to know the San Juan area very well, since we're the only 4 sisters here in the entire San Juan area. And it's huge. So pray that we'll be able to get to wherever we go safely, okay? Cuz we need it.
Rosa, the one who's had a baptismal date for a few weeks now has stopped progressing. It's been really frustrating. Wednesday morning we found out that she's been meeting with Jehovah's Witnesses, so she's making herself confused. She didn't tell us this, we just saw them go into her house. I think she's afraid to tell us. And she hasn't been praying or reading the Book of Mormon. I just want her to accept the Gospel! Is that too much to ask!? I know that if she'd just ask, the Lord would tell her that this Church is true. But she just hasn't. But we had a member tag along last night and it went really, really well, and she said she's going to pray. So we'll see about that.
Our other progressing family, Juan and Emilia, are doing just great. They read the Book of Mormon, but need it in a bigger print because they're older and can't read very well. But they really love the lessons, and Hermano Flores started to cry during the lesson because he felt the Spirit so strongly. It was really so incredible. We had a member present at this lesson, too, and it was so great to have an additional testimony there. Hopefully this next week they'll be able to come to Church.
We found TWO young families this week, and it was by way of miracle, no doubt. Hermana Brotherson and I had planned to visit Rosa on Wednesday night, but that fell through, so we decided to walk through the neighborhood and talk to as many of our neighbors as possible. We found one young man outside working on his car, and we asked if we could "practice our Spanish" with him. He was really nice. And so we started to tell him who we were, why we were here, and about how our message centers in how families can be together forever. It was amazing; he started talking about his new little family. He and his girlfriend are expecting a baby, and they're planning to get married. He also said he wanted us to come back and teach the both of them! So we've got an appointment tonight. We're excited.
Then, after talking to him, we began walking down another street, and we were passing by a house when suddenly, a man walked outside and just started talking to us. He then called his wife outside, and they both started to talk. They then asked US to come back and teach them sometime during the week.
Our appointment with them was AMAZING! They had totally been prepared by the Lord to receive us; the mom (Rudy) said that she hadn't been able to get her husband (Hector) to sit down and listen to anyone teaching about religion. But he said "something is different about you two." It was really cool. And he said the closing prayer, and it was AMAZING. I can't wait to see the progress of these two sweet families.
It has been a hard week, but full of miracles, for sure. We received priesthood blessings at Church yesterday from the Bishop and his first Counselor. That was really comforting. I have such a strong testimony of the Priesthood and am so thankful to be a part of the only true Church upon the face of the earth. We are SO lucky to have this Gospel! I Just want to share it with EVERYBODY and their dog!
Speaking of dogs, our neighbor's dog got ran over last night. Super sad. Even though there are bizzillions of speed bumps here, people still speed around in neighborhoods a ton. It's really dangerous. I'm just glad it wasn't their kid that got hit. But he saw it happen, so he was really shaken up.
Okay! Now I can move on to answer all your questions!
We have a Zone Conference tomorrow all day in Bayamon, so maybe they'll announce the e-mail changes then, but so far, e-mailing conditions are still the same. I'll keep you posted. We do have an hour total for e-mails, so that was good to find out. :) I can relax a little.No, I haven't been using my pedometer. Not yet, anyway. We use our bikes every day to get around, and when we walk, it's at night because that's when we schedule our nearby appointments. I want to start using it, though.
And yes! I was in that Choir picture! Next to Hermana Burgess. She was the only other 19-year old sister with me for the first few weeks before this past week's transfers.
Let Kama and Rusty know that I say congrats on Hegan's blessing! That's GREAT news! :)
Oh, and tell Cole congrats, too about his endowment and entering the MTC soon! He'll be great! SO many exciting changes with the fambam!
How is Nathan doing? Any better?
Isabelle! Great job speaking in Church! That's really exciting! I'll bet you kept everyone entertained during Sacrament Meeting.
Let Grandma and Grandpa Erickson know I love them and am thinking about them. Hopefully Grandma is doing well now.
There's a member here we work with named Lydia, and she reminds me of Grandma Farley SO much! I miss her. How's she doing? Let her know I love her, too.
I bought a pillow today. We did our shopping at Costco because H. Felix has a Costco card. It was really awesome. Reminded me of the good ól Sam's Club days, Momma. I miss you!
Okay, about the bike money. I did withdraw $100 of it last week, but I couldn't take it all out because the ATM we were at ran out of money. So I withdrew the rest today at Wal-Mart. The total I withdrew should be $360, and that should be enough to cover the bike. I'll turn all that cash in tomorrow. It freaks me out walking around here with cash. (So, obviously I don't, but knowing I HAVE it freaks me out.)
The four of us will be singing in Church next Sunday. We're going to sing Hope of Israel. H. Brotherson and H. Felix are going to sing a verse in English, I'm going to sing one in Spanish, and H. Tuitavake is going to sing one in Tongan, and then for the final verse we're going to sing together in Spanish. It'll be really awesome and I'm excited.
Well anyway, I'm going to finish this up now since I want to try to attach some pictures. (Dad, I'll try to take more this week. My companion is really good about always taking pictures, so I'll follow her example. You're right, I know I'll regret not taking any.)
I love you and miss you a lot. Thank you for all you do and for all the support you give me. Thank you for being the best parents and family EVER! I love you! Can't wait to talk to you in a few weeks!
-Hermana Erickson
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
#6 [Pontezuela - 4] April 22nd, 2013
Hello, Fambamily!So this week has been pretty slow as far as missionary work goes. It wasn't a complete failure, but I'm ashamed to say mine and Hermana Flores' numbers weren't the highest. (It's not like I care about the numbers, but they definitely count for something. Hehe, get it?! I'm so punny!) But anyway, because of my participation in the Choir (we had TWO performances this week), I feel like I wasn't in my area at all this week, and then we drove Hermana VanLeeuwen (one of the sisters I live with) and another sister who stayed with us for two days to the office and back almost every day. We drove over 100 miles in one day alone. It was crazy. Nevertheless, it was good to drive around, since I'm learning how to drive like a Puerto Rican. It's insane, but I'm getting it. If I can drive here, I can drive anywhere I think.
We're all getting new companions TOMORROW! I'm staying here in Pontezuela, And I'm so so excited about the changes coming up. Obviously, I'm a little nervous about it, too, but I have faith in the Lord that everything will work out and be okay. I am also very sad to lose Hermana Flores as a companion, but I know she will help her future companion and the area of Mayaguez SO much. She is an incredible missionary, and it was an honor to serve with her and learn as much as I did from her example.
I found out who my companion will be. My District Leader called and let me know: she's one of the sisters I knew in the MTC. I am really excited because she and I got along so well, and she is an incredible missionary! I'm not getting my hopes up too high, because I know there is still a possible chance for a last-minute change, but still. Whoever comes to Pontezuela to serve with me better be ready to party and work hard at the same time.
Our ward, I'm not sure if I told you about it last week, but it's really really small. And I've been trying to think of things we could do as missionaries to strengthen it. I want to find people who will commit and convert to the Lord. We have SO many inactive members. It's good to visit them, and try to get them to come back to church, but it's difficult. I plan to work with the youth. I feel like because I'm closer to their age, I can relate to them more. D&C 121 says that "the strength of the Lord's höuse" is the youth. So that's what I hope to do here. Obviously, I'm not the one in charge, the Lord is, so we'll see.
Our investigators are doing just fine. Rosa was avoiding us all week, but we finally got to talk to her. She's had a baptismal date for 2 weeks now, and we know she hasn't felt completely ready for it since she's putting off her last requisite - Church attendance. (As a prerequisite for baptism, all investigators must attend Church at least 3 times). But we got to talk to her last night, and Hermana Flores got to talk to her for the last time, and we figured out what her concerns were. It was a really spiritual experience, and I feel like for the first time, the lesson was half and half. It was amazing, and I know the Lord definitely helped me with that.
We also visited the Flores family, a couple who are in their 60's I think. (It's hard to tell because people here have NO wrinkles!) But anyway, they are progressing faster than we thought they would. Last night's lesson with them was absolutely incredible! We talked about SO many things, and we answered so many of their questions. Eternal marriage, families, baptism, priesthood authority, the Restoration, the Holy Ghost, and Prayer. It was indescribable. And after, when we were just about to finish with a closing prayer, and after we taught them how to pray, the telephone rang, and all of us jumped because we were so engrossed in the Spirit. It was really such an amazing experience.
I love this work. I am so thankful to be a part of it. A year and a half ago, I never thought I would have the chance to serve a mission, and now, today, I just realized that I'm HERE. I'm doing this. This is for real! And I love it! I'm so happy to be a part of this and I'm loving every minute. It's hard, and frustrating, but the joy that comes along with it is... Wow. So worth it!
Random thing that happened this week, I made French toast for Hermana Flores; she'd never had it before, poor thing! So I made it for all of us for breakfast, and she LOVED it. Hurray for good food! It reminded me of home. Momma, I miss your cookin'!
Speaking of food, I'm just kind of accepting the fact that I'm going to gain weight while I'm here. We eat SO much rice and beans and fried stuff at members' houses, and they give you SO much . . . I run every morning, but still. And luckily, I ride a bike every day, too. But anyway, don't judge.
Okay! Now I'll reply to your email!
It's good to hear that everyone's teeth are doing just fine. I'm wearing my retainer every week at least once, and I STILL haven't missed a day flossing!) Dad, way to keep those chompers of yours straight, too! That's awesome!
I heard about the Boston Marathon event. We were at an investigator's house when we heard about it. She was freaking out. But I am thankful to hear that Sister Clayton wasn't harmed; I thought of her immediately when I heard about it, and I'm so glad the Lord protected her. What an awful tragedy, though! We are definitely in the last days.
Okay, I need to repent. I've been AWFUL at taking pictures here. I've got . . . maybe 3 pictures with Hermana Flores. I am really sorry. But I'll bring my USB cord along next week to send them. I'll be sure to take lots this week so I can earn your forgiveness. I'm sure my blog is looking pretty plain without pictures. So sorry!
Jaker, I hope your birthday was perfect! That's great you won your soccer game! Keep up the good work! And way to go on your win with the Espanolandia! That's so so awesome! It's good to know all that stuff. And good luck in your choir! That's an awesome thing to do, dude!
Hurray about Katherine B's mission call, too! The last time I talked to her, she wasn't sure if she was going to serve, so that's great she submitted her papers and got her call! She will rock it!
Congrats on Camille's relationship status, if, of course, Dad's facebook stalking is correct. That's always exciting! And I'm sorry to hear about Nathan. I'm praying for everyone, but I'll pray hard for him.
About Mother's Day . . . I'm not allowed to call. It's a new thing the President is trying out because he feels like we're too distracted. So you'll have to wave at Rachel for me, because I'm not going to be able to. Jokes! I will be calling, but I don't know when. We aren't permitted to Skype, regrettably. But that's okay cuz I think if I saw your guys' faces I'd get too emotional to handle it. I miss you guys a lot. But to answer your initial question, I don't remember my Skype name right off, But luckily, it doesn't matter since I won't be using it at all. Hermana Tuitavake (my companion for the day, since Hermana Flores and Hermana VanLeeuwen left this morning) says we get to call, but our District Leaders are the ones who will call and tell us when we can call. Apparently, we never know until the moment we're told. So I can't guarantee a specific time. But I'll be sure to ask when we get closer.
The PRSJ mission is absolutely insane. I'm not even kidding. You get a call and are expected to be in another area or something in ten minutes. It's so random. It's a little frustrating, but they keep us on our toes.
The milk here is SO expensive. We just bought our groceries for the week, and wanna know how much a gallon cost us? $6.00. SIX DOLLARS! Everything here is expensive. But really? So sad. They sell two types of milk here: the normal kind, and then the kind in boxes that doesn't need to be refrigerated until it's opened. I've tried both, and I don't mind the kind in the box as long as I'm not drinking it plain. If you do, it tastes like cardboard. But whatever. I'll live. And if I have to spend $6 lumping dollars on a gallon of milk, I guess that's what I'll have to do.
Well, I'm just about out of time. Thank you so much for everything. I love you all and hope all is well.
Infinite x's and o's. OXOX :)
-Hermana Erickson #2
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
#5 [Pontezuela - 3] Apr. 15th, 2013
Dear family:
Before I forget: HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAKER! 10 years old! Hurray! I hope your birthday is awesome, bud! I miss you a lot! Every time I see little boys here around your age it makes me think of you! I hope soccer is going well for you and that you're liking school!
Wow, I can't decide if I like p-days or not. Today was supposed to be a normal, relaxed one, but then plans changed last minute and we had to drive all the way here to Bayamon to the office. It takes about an hour to drive here, if the traffic is like it usually is (which is awful...). But we didn't get too lost this time. I'm just struggling keeping up with all these changes. It's crazy.
Yes, the backpack arrived. It's HUGE! But it's okay, I can definitely put it to good use and I'll use it as my emergency bag. We have to get a 96 hour emergency kit ready, since it's hurricane season coming up. WOO HOO! I think it'd be awesome to experience a hurricane. So we'll see. But thank you!
My foot is still a little bit swollen, but I can walk, so it's okay! It's not purple anymore, thank goodness. Everyone here would look at it and FREAK out at me and tell me I needed to go to the hospital, but Sister Visker, our mission nurse, gave me antibacterial pills and I took those faithfully until I ran out of them. Thank goodness for modern medicine :)
Driving here is seriously so so scary. And we get lost ALL the time. I don't enjoy driving, but it is a privilege, that's for sure. Everyone tells me that if I can learn to drive here, I can drive anywhere. And it's true. There are rules, but NO one follows them. It's insane. The lanes are very skinny, and there's always a lot of traffic.
And yes, I feel like we've been eating out SO much lately. I'm in the mission choir, I don't know if I told you about it. But almost every weekend we have a performance. But honestly I don't know for sure. But we've been eating out a lot lately. I bought myself a donut the other day just cuz I wanted to. It was really good. So far, I'm loving the food here. I feel like I'm going to get fat if I'm not careful. But no worries, I've been doing my exercise! :)
Sorry if this email is super random, I left my little note card that I filled with things I wanted to tell you back at home, so I'm just trying to go by memory.
We currently have 2 investigators with baptismal dates. We're teaching a family right now, and they're having family scripture study with the Book of Mormon. It reminds me of home. Thank you for doing that, Mom and Dad. It really was a wonderful way to strengthen our family relationship. I hope you guys still do it even though Rachel and I aren't there to make it as fun as usual. :)
Oh, and no worries about the CTR ring for my companion. I gave her mine.
I would love my scriptures, if you could send them along. Thank you so much. I miss my scriptures. It's hard here, only having my Spanish ones. My other ones have so many notes and helpful markings in them, and I can never find the scriptures I want to use during the lessons. So I'm hoping that if I have my English ones and copy all my markings from those into my Spanish ones, I'll be more successful. Could you also send some different colors of pens? Or highlighters of some sort? I only brought black. If not, it's fine. I can buy everything here :)
So we had an incredible experience this week with one of our investigators. We decided to stop by her house and visit her even though we hadn't originally planned to do so that afternoon. When we got there, she invited us in, and as soon as we sat down, she started bawling. She then went on to say that she's been planning on committing suicide but then we came along. It was really sad. She has had a really hard life. Her mom just died, and her husband is dead, and she lives with her brother who doesn't treat her very well. I don't know that much about her situation, but every time we go over there, she has another problem. She is planning to be baptized on the 27th of this month. It's crazy, though. I know the Lord sent us over to her house for a reason that afternoon.
We're teaching a young man named M.... He's 24 years old and has a baby daughter. He's addicted to smoking and drinking and is trying to quit. He's been reading the Book of Mormon and came to church yesterday. It was great! It's amazing to see how the Gospel changes people's lives. He's changing so much. He wants to be the best dad for his little girl, and it's so cool that he's making those changes.
Oh! So we spoke in Church yesterday. I dunno if I ever told you, but I live with 3 other sisters. My companion, Hermana Flores, and then two others: Hermana Tuitavake (from Tonga), and Hermana VanLeeuwen (from Utah – she comes home next week. She served a 3-month "mini-mission," and so her time is up. I didn't know "mini-missions" were possible, but apparently they are!!) But yeah, all four of us spoke in Church about the Doctrine of Christ. I spoke on the first principle: Faith. It went really well. I spoke in Spanish. I was really nervous, but everyone was really nice and said they understood it. So hopefully they weren't lying. :)
Our ward is struggling. We have about 25 ACTIVE members, and the rest are all inactive. We have almost 200 hundred "members" of our ward, but everyone here is inactive. Puerto Rico WOULD have a temple if their members would actually go to church, but since they don't, we don't have a temple and I don't expect we'll be getting one too soon. Our goal as Sister missionaries in Pontezuela is to strengthen our ward. It's amazing how much work we have to do. Our mission goal is to have 20 members present each week per companionship at our lessons with investigators. It's really difficult to find sufficient members to accompany us to our lessons because there are 2 companionships here and only 20 members who can actually accompany us. I feel bad because we use the same members over and over again, but we don't really have anyone else. But we're trying. :) I definitely took it for granted back at home, having such an incredible ward family.
Anyway, I'll try to reply to your email now. I'm glad to hear everyone got back home safely. I hope you had a blast in Hawaii! I am jealous! Joshy, I hope you're feeling better by now. The picture of everyone in the ties Rae sent home was fun. Everyone looks like they need haircuts. Hehe! Those ties are fun though. I'll try to find some cool stuff to send home to you guys as soon as I get the time on another p-day.
At the luncheon, Mom, you could talk about Preach My Gospel. It would be amazing if more people and not just missionaries could implement it. It's an incredible teaching tool for EVERYONE, and the members could be more prepared to do their own missionary work by studying it. That's my suggestion. Hope it's helpful.
And no, President Alvarado and I never got a photo together, and I doubt you'll be getting an email about my arrival on the island anytime soon. But just so you know, I am here in Puerto Rico, and I arrived safely. There :) As far as a picture goes, I don't have one with the President to send to you. So sorry about that. I really want to send pictures, but I left my USB cord at home. I didn't know we'd be doing emails here today; I have my camera, but there isn't a slot to put my memory card in. But in case you're wondering if I still look the same, I do. I'm sunburnt, but what's new? Can't say I'm black heritage status yet, but I'm working on it. I'm using sunscreen, too, but since it's so gosh darn hot here, I sweat it all off. Gross, I know, but true. :)
So like I said, I'm in the missionary choir. I LOVE IT! It is so much fun! This last week, we had a performance in Mayaguez ("Maya-wes" is how you pronounce it), and it was our very first one. The mission choir travels all over the island and apparently we go to some of the other islands around Christmastime to perform. It's going to be busy, but a lot of fun. But I had a really embarrassing moment. It was our first number, and I stand on the edge, and after our first number, we were supposed to wait until the curtains closed before going offstage, but I didn't know that. So the people applauded, and then I just walked offstage... And no one followed. I felt SO dumb! We all had a good laugh about it after, though. Everyone gives me a hard time since I'm the youngest missionary here right now. But not for long!
The new missionaries are coming next week! I still don't know if I'll be training for sure, but I'm just planning on it, since there will be so many new sister missionaries. I am very excited, but nervous, too. I don't know if I'm ready to train another sister about being a missionary when I feel like I still don't know how to be a proper one myself. But I know the Lord will help me to do what I'm asked to do here while on my mission. And every time I'm having a hard time, I think of all of you who have been on missions before and think to myself, "if they can do it, so can I."
Thank you for your examples. I am so lucky to have you as my family. I love you all so much. Thank you for all your support and love. Miss you!
Peace out.
-Hermana Erickson #2
Before I forget: HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAKER! 10 years old! Hurray! I hope your birthday is awesome, bud! I miss you a lot! Every time I see little boys here around your age it makes me think of you! I hope soccer is going well for you and that you're liking school!
Wow, I can't decide if I like p-days or not. Today was supposed to be a normal, relaxed one, but then plans changed last minute and we had to drive all the way here to Bayamon to the office. It takes about an hour to drive here, if the traffic is like it usually is (which is awful...). But we didn't get too lost this time. I'm just struggling keeping up with all these changes. It's crazy.
Yes, the backpack arrived. It's HUGE! But it's okay, I can definitely put it to good use and I'll use it as my emergency bag. We have to get a 96 hour emergency kit ready, since it's hurricane season coming up. WOO HOO! I think it'd be awesome to experience a hurricane. So we'll see. But thank you!
My foot is still a little bit swollen, but I can walk, so it's okay! It's not purple anymore, thank goodness. Everyone here would look at it and FREAK out at me and tell me I needed to go to the hospital, but Sister Visker, our mission nurse, gave me antibacterial pills and I took those faithfully until I ran out of them. Thank goodness for modern medicine :)
Driving here is seriously so so scary. And we get lost ALL the time. I don't enjoy driving, but it is a privilege, that's for sure. Everyone tells me that if I can learn to drive here, I can drive anywhere. And it's true. There are rules, but NO one follows them. It's insane. The lanes are very skinny, and there's always a lot of traffic.
And yes, I feel like we've been eating out SO much lately. I'm in the mission choir, I don't know if I told you about it. But almost every weekend we have a performance. But honestly I don't know for sure. But we've been eating out a lot lately. I bought myself a donut the other day just cuz I wanted to. It was really good. So far, I'm loving the food here. I feel like I'm going to get fat if I'm not careful. But no worries, I've been doing my exercise! :)
Sorry if this email is super random, I left my little note card that I filled with things I wanted to tell you back at home, so I'm just trying to go by memory.
We currently have 2 investigators with baptismal dates. We're teaching a family right now, and they're having family scripture study with the Book of Mormon. It reminds me of home. Thank you for doing that, Mom and Dad. It really was a wonderful way to strengthen our family relationship. I hope you guys still do it even though Rachel and I aren't there to make it as fun as usual. :)
Oh, and no worries about the CTR ring for my companion. I gave her mine.
I would love my scriptures, if you could send them along. Thank you so much. I miss my scriptures. It's hard here, only having my Spanish ones. My other ones have so many notes and helpful markings in them, and I can never find the scriptures I want to use during the lessons. So I'm hoping that if I have my English ones and copy all my markings from those into my Spanish ones, I'll be more successful. Could you also send some different colors of pens? Or highlighters of some sort? I only brought black. If not, it's fine. I can buy everything here :)
So we had an incredible experience this week with one of our investigators. We decided to stop by her house and visit her even though we hadn't originally planned to do so that afternoon. When we got there, she invited us in, and as soon as we sat down, she started bawling. She then went on to say that she's been planning on committing suicide but then we came along. It was really sad. She has had a really hard life. Her mom just died, and her husband is dead, and she lives with her brother who doesn't treat her very well. I don't know that much about her situation, but every time we go over there, she has another problem. She is planning to be baptized on the 27th of this month. It's crazy, though. I know the Lord sent us over to her house for a reason that afternoon.
We're teaching a young man named M.... He's 24 years old and has a baby daughter. He's addicted to smoking and drinking and is trying to quit. He's been reading the Book of Mormon and came to church yesterday. It was great! It's amazing to see how the Gospel changes people's lives. He's changing so much. He wants to be the best dad for his little girl, and it's so cool that he's making those changes.
Oh! So we spoke in Church yesterday. I dunno if I ever told you, but I live with 3 other sisters. My companion, Hermana Flores, and then two others: Hermana Tuitavake (from Tonga), and Hermana VanLeeuwen (from Utah – she comes home next week. She served a 3-month "mini-mission," and so her time is up. I didn't know "mini-missions" were possible, but apparently they are!!) But yeah, all four of us spoke in Church about the Doctrine of Christ. I spoke on the first principle: Faith. It went really well. I spoke in Spanish. I was really nervous, but everyone was really nice and said they understood it. So hopefully they weren't lying. :)
Our ward is struggling. We have about 25 ACTIVE members, and the rest are all inactive. We have almost 200 hundred "members" of our ward, but everyone here is inactive. Puerto Rico WOULD have a temple if their members would actually go to church, but since they don't, we don't have a temple and I don't expect we'll be getting one too soon. Our goal as Sister missionaries in Pontezuela is to strengthen our ward. It's amazing how much work we have to do. Our mission goal is to have 20 members present each week per companionship at our lessons with investigators. It's really difficult to find sufficient members to accompany us to our lessons because there are 2 companionships here and only 20 members who can actually accompany us. I feel bad because we use the same members over and over again, but we don't really have anyone else. But we're trying. :) I definitely took it for granted back at home, having such an incredible ward family.
Anyway, I'll try to reply to your email now. I'm glad to hear everyone got back home safely. I hope you had a blast in Hawaii! I am jealous! Joshy, I hope you're feeling better by now. The picture of everyone in the ties Rae sent home was fun. Everyone looks like they need haircuts. Hehe! Those ties are fun though. I'll try to find some cool stuff to send home to you guys as soon as I get the time on another p-day.
At the luncheon, Mom, you could talk about Preach My Gospel. It would be amazing if more people and not just missionaries could implement it. It's an incredible teaching tool for EVERYONE, and the members could be more prepared to do their own missionary work by studying it. That's my suggestion. Hope it's helpful.
And no, President Alvarado and I never got a photo together, and I doubt you'll be getting an email about my arrival on the island anytime soon. But just so you know, I am here in Puerto Rico, and I arrived safely. There :) As far as a picture goes, I don't have one with the President to send to you. So sorry about that. I really want to send pictures, but I left my USB cord at home. I didn't know we'd be doing emails here today; I have my camera, but there isn't a slot to put my memory card in. But in case you're wondering if I still look the same, I do. I'm sunburnt, but what's new? Can't say I'm black heritage status yet, but I'm working on it. I'm using sunscreen, too, but since it's so gosh darn hot here, I sweat it all off. Gross, I know, but true. :)
So like I said, I'm in the missionary choir. I LOVE IT! It is so much fun! This last week, we had a performance in Mayaguez ("Maya-wes" is how you pronounce it), and it was our very first one. The mission choir travels all over the island and apparently we go to some of the other islands around Christmastime to perform. It's going to be busy, but a lot of fun. But I had a really embarrassing moment. It was our first number, and I stand on the edge, and after our first number, we were supposed to wait until the curtains closed before going offstage, but I didn't know that. So the people applauded, and then I just walked offstage... And no one followed. I felt SO dumb! We all had a good laugh about it after, though. Everyone gives me a hard time since I'm the youngest missionary here right now. But not for long!
The new missionaries are coming next week! I still don't know if I'll be training for sure, but I'm just planning on it, since there will be so many new sister missionaries. I am very excited, but nervous, too. I don't know if I'm ready to train another sister about being a missionary when I feel like I still don't know how to be a proper one myself. But I know the Lord will help me to do what I'm asked to do here while on my mission. And every time I'm having a hard time, I think of all of you who have been on missions before and think to myself, "if they can do it, so can I."
Thank you for your examples. I am so lucky to have you as my family. I love you all so much. Thank you for all your support and love. Miss you!
Peace out.
-Hermana Erickson #2
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