Hello!
We found a Library here in Cidra! So we get to talk to you guys for FREE! (It's gotta be good!) I'm so glad, too, because I didn't wanna have to pay that much. You guys aren't worth it. Hehe, jokes :)
This week was super great! I am loving this area so much and am meeting so many fantastic people! And me and Hermana Sosa are just fantastic friends! I love this girl! I'm teaching her lots of funny English words, too. :)
So we're finding lots of new people to teach. Okay, well only about two, really. But it's fine! Last week while contacting, we found a lady named E... who used to be visited by the missionaries all the time but then she moved and they stopped coming. She lives almost right across the street from us. We went over and taught her and it was insane because she's not going to any church in particular, but she's looking for a place to congregate in and is tired of looking for the truth and not finding it. She said she's never come to our Church before, but she wants to. She was asking all the right questions, and when we shared the message of the Restoration, she was so excited. She couldn't come to Church on Sunday (yesterday), but she said she'd come this Sunday for sure. We have another appointment with her on Wednesday and I'm so excited to see where she'll be at in her reading of the Book of Mormon; she's excited to read it. She's such an awesome lady and definitely prepared of the Lord.
We also came across a young man named Y... He was outside his house smoking when we walked past. He's 18 years old. Hermana Sosa and I were both not really wanting to talk to him (I don't know why), but we did anyway. But wow. I'm glad we did, because he's another prepared one! He wants to change his life, he went on to say that he feels awful for all the bad things he's done in his life and he's been thinking a lot about his future and how he doesn't want to be his future kids' excuse and get them into the same problems he had growing up (drugs, gangs, etc.) And he wants to change. We shared the Book of Mormon with him and he was so excited to read it. We shared a little bit about the Atonement and gave him an assignment to read Alma 7. He asked us how to pray, too. When we went to visit him two days later, he'd read the chapter but he didn't understand it because he doesn't have any real religious background. He also said he'd been praying every morning and night, and you could see the difference! It was so awesome! He believes in God and Jesus Christ but he's never gone to church. He was baptized in the Catholic church but stopped going when he was like 7 or 8. (He doesn't even know what the Bible is...) But we read the chapter with him and explained the story about Alma and what not. He understood completely and asked about baptism! He thinks it's amazing that we can be forgiven of our sins and be made completely clean again. We taught the Restoration, and he was so excited to read the Book of Mormon more to know if it was true. He is really really special and Hermana Sosa and I are really excited for him. I've never met a youth so spiritually thirsty. But he's already changed so much and it's incredible to see the Atonement work in his life. AGH! I'm just so excited for him! He couldn't come to Church yesterday either because he went to Bayamon for the weekend to visit his mom; she has cancer. But he'll come next Sunday hopefully!
Our landlord is HILARIOUS. I don't know if I've told you about him yet, but honestly, I could spend the whole day talking to that man. He's like 70 and he is a genius. His name is O... and he's a baptist chorister. We hope to get into a gospel discussion soon, he knows a lot of Mormons and he LOVES the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. But anyway, we went over there today and visited with him. I want you guys to meet him when we come back here someday. He has like 30 pet chickens. It's annoying to hear them early in the morning, but you get used to it. They obey him though, and it's so funny.
We're cleaning up/updating the ward list here in our ward; the Stake President gave us the assignment. So we've been visiting the members and updating their information. It's been really difficult because they don't have house numbers here in Cidra. But we found a member's house the other day; they've been dead for almost 5 years, and they were STILL on the list... It was really awkward and almost embarrassing because I don't think anyone in the ward knew. But we ended up getting a new investigator out of it, so it was great!
I've been trying more of the cultural foods here. O... cooks for us sometimes. He's got lots of tropical fruits on his plot of land that we're more than welcome to, and today he made us fried pana. It tasted like platanos, but a lot better. He also made us a guava dessert and it was DELICIOUS. I tried real sugar cane after Church yesterday. Its texture is like an apple, but spiky, and you can't swallow it. One of the members was teaching me how to eat it and he said, "It's like chewing tobacco. You chew it and then spit it out!" It made me laugh. But it's true. You chew and then spew. Hurray for trying new things!
To answer your question, yes, Puerto Rico has its seasons. Jan-March is the cool season, where the weather is perfect. April-September it's super hot. October-December it cools down a lot. Here in Cidra it’s said that it gets to about 45 degrees Fahrenheit at night. So we'll see. If I'm still here I'll let you know. I hope to celebrate Christmas here! I love it!
Thanks for sending me the pictures of Tori's birth mom meeting! That's so awesome that she found her! And it's a funny coincidence that they both love pickle juice! They look alike, too. Ah! Tori's so cute! I can't wait to hear from her!
Okay, I think that's just about all the interesting stuff that happened this week. Love you lots! Thanks for keeping us updated, Dad! I love your emails, they're hilarious. :)
LOVE YOU! Be safe this week!
-Hermana Erickson
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
#27 [Cidra - 3] Sept. 16th, 2013
So we're living here in Cidra now, and we had no idea where we'd do email this week. We found this internet café on the border of Cidra and Caguas and decided to come here. It's $4.50 every ½ hour, and sorry, but I'm too cheap to pay $9 for an hour's use of internet, so I'll have to do this quick.
First of all: We moved into our new house on Tuesday! It's super cute! We're happy about it; lots of mosquitoes! We received a reference from one of the members in another ward on the island; we went to visit them this week and they're great! Totally ready for the Gospel! So pray for Elias and his family! We have an appointment with them tonight!
We celebrated my 6-month mark with cake. It was good. It was also Hna Sosa's 1-month mark the next day, so obviously we celebrated with more cake. :) I dunno what it is about the cake here, but it's super good.
So I had a really awesome revelation this morning as I did my personal study. I was studying about the Plan of Salvation, and it's a big deal! I was studying, specifically, about the spirit world, because we don't really ever focus on that part of the plan, and it's interesting how few will be able to enter into paradise after our physical death here on earth. It just made me wanna convert more people because I don't want anyone to have to suffer so much after such a difficult life here on earth! I'd go into deeper details but there's not time for that. Sorry!
● HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ERICA BROOKE EDWARDS ON SEPT. 14th! :)
● CONGRATS TO MANDY FOR GETTING MARRIED!
● CONGRATS TO TIFFANIE FOR GETTING HER MISSION CALL! I had no idea that it'd come or that she'd submitted her papers, but I'm so excited for her and so proud of her. She'll rock it! :)
So something bit me again and now my foot is swollen. It's weird cuz this happened exactly six months ago. I'm not sure what it was, but it hurts to walk on, and it's my other foot now.
Joshy! Your date is a babe! Didya kiss her!? Heheh jokes.
OH MY! I can't believe Kelton came to visit the fam! What a nice guy! He looks the same pretty much.
So BIG NEWS: We're getting an oven! I'm gonna make some of your banana bread, Momma! Cuz our landlord has banana trees all over the place, and we can eat them as much as we want, so I'm so excited!
Okay, well I'm really sorry, but that's really all I have to say about this week. We were contacting a bunch again and so nothing all that special happened.
Hna Sosa and I are getting along great and I am thankful to have her as my companion.
Okay, that's all. Love you so much! Bye bye! We'll try finding somewhere where we can do email for free. (If it's free, it's gotta be good, RIGHT DAD!?)
I LOVE YOU!
-Hermana Erickson
First of all: We moved into our new house on Tuesday! It's super cute! We're happy about it; lots of mosquitoes! We received a reference from one of the members in another ward on the island; we went to visit them this week and they're great! Totally ready for the Gospel! So pray for Elias and his family! We have an appointment with them tonight!
We celebrated my 6-month mark with cake. It was good. It was also Hna Sosa's 1-month mark the next day, so obviously we celebrated with more cake. :) I dunno what it is about the cake here, but it's super good.
So I had a really awesome revelation this morning as I did my personal study. I was studying about the Plan of Salvation, and it's a big deal! I was studying, specifically, about the spirit world, because we don't really ever focus on that part of the plan, and it's interesting how few will be able to enter into paradise after our physical death here on earth. It just made me wanna convert more people because I don't want anyone to have to suffer so much after such a difficult life here on earth! I'd go into deeper details but there's not time for that. Sorry!
● HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ERICA BROOKE EDWARDS ON SEPT. 14th! :)
● CONGRATS TO MANDY FOR GETTING MARRIED!
● CONGRATS TO TIFFANIE FOR GETTING HER MISSION CALL! I had no idea that it'd come or that she'd submitted her papers, but I'm so excited for her and so proud of her. She'll rock it! :)
So something bit me again and now my foot is swollen. It's weird cuz this happened exactly six months ago. I'm not sure what it was, but it hurts to walk on, and it's my other foot now.
Joshy! Your date is a babe! Didya kiss her!? Heheh jokes.
OH MY! I can't believe Kelton came to visit the fam! What a nice guy! He looks the same pretty much.
So BIG NEWS: We're getting an oven! I'm gonna make some of your banana bread, Momma! Cuz our landlord has banana trees all over the place, and we can eat them as much as we want, so I'm so excited!
Okay, well I'm really sorry, but that's really all I have to say about this week. We were contacting a bunch again and so nothing all that special happened.
Hna Sosa and I are getting along great and I am thankful to have her as my companion.
Okay, that's all. Love you so much! Bye bye! We'll try finding somewhere where we can do email for free. (If it's free, it's gotta be good, RIGHT DAD!?)
I LOVE YOU!
-Hermana Erickson
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
#26 [Cidra - 2] Sept. 9th, 2013
Hello there!
This week was full of contacting and getting lost. I feel really bad driving around all the time, but Hna. Sosa doesn’t have a bike yet, and the streets in Cidra are all really narrow and really steep so it'd make bike riding impossible anyway especially because Puertoriquenos LOVE speeding. I don't wanna be roadkill, so we're driving around until we know the area well enough. But we also went house hunting. That was a lot of fun, and we ended up finding a little house! The guy we'll be renting from is named Obdulio, and he's SUPER cool! He's got banana trees, mangoes, and guava trees all over his property, hammocks, and chickens. He loves chickens, so he's got like 20 that run around everywhere. But we'll be living there, and I'm really excited. We'll be moving in on Tuesday after the District Meeting. I'll be sure to take pictures once we get all situated. I feel so grown up!
We're starting to find investigators. We found and taught a couple who've been married for 30 some-odd years that are really into religion right now because their son is doing bad things and they want to set the example for him. When we sang "Teach Me To Walk in the Light," A (the lady) started bawling. We shared the story about Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah with her and they were really excited to read the Book of Mormon. It just made me realize though how much our decisions must affect Heavenly Father and how hard it must be for Him to see us turn away from the right path. Especially those who have been blessed enough to have been born in the Church. But I feel like A and D (the husband) will progress a lot and we're excited about them.
We spoke in Church yesterday. The Bishop called us on Saturday night to tell us. He asked us to get the members excited about sharing the gospel. We've got Stake Conference next week, and that's what will be discussed, too. I'm just excited for General Conference because I can't believe it's already been a whole year since they made the age change announcement! A WHOLE YEAR and look what has happened since then! It's crazy! I love it though. Time passes quickly. And this week, I hit my 6-month mark! And Hna. Sosa hits her 1-month mark! We're gonna be eating cake, obviously. :)
Speaking of cake, people feed us ALL the time here, members, nonmembers... I feel like I'm gonna get fat. But the food is good... so I can't really complain. It'd be a different story if the food was gross and I got fat, but since it's good.. I won't feel quite as guilty. Hehehe. Oh, and our new house is located just down the street from one of the best restaurants in Puerto Rico, so we'll probably be going there one of these days. Hurray for food!
That's honestly all I have to say about this week, things should be more exciting in my next email home. But now I shall answer your questions and comment about Dad's wit!
I love your guys' emails! Thanks so much for emailing me (and Rae) every week! It's so nice to hear from you all and know what's going on in your lives. It sounds like you're all involved in so much!
I'm glad the dinner with the Beesly's went well. Can you guys send me Rach's emails? I wanna know what's going on with her, too. How many baptisms has she had now? (Not that I'm counting...)
In the Cayey ward, there are just four missionaries, 2 Elders and us. The Elders work in Cayey and we work in Cidra. The chapel is so far away from Cidra though that I hope that the ward will progress enough that they'll decide to build a new chapel for Cidra. I think that's why there are so many less actives. But then if they really wanted to go to church they'd get up and just go... I dunno. Puerto Ricans are really awesome, but they'll use any little excuse to get out of things too. A very indifferent culture.
But anyway, it kinda bugs me having Elders in the same ward, they are always trying to join us in our citas (that means appointment). For example, we set up an appointment with a member, they're planning on inviting a non-member to their home for dinner so that we can teach them, and then I come to find out later on that the Elders had just invited themselves to our cita! Those little moochers! And guess what else?! They have a person that does their laundry AND cooks for them every day! It shouldn't bug me, but it does. They're just coming for the food. Ugh.
New topic. David Low's SISTER is Head's volleyball coach!? What the weird! Which sister? What a small world! Dave said that his sister works for Timpanogos, but I didn't know she still did. How awesome! Tell her I say hello! And when you go to Dave's ward, tell him I say hi, too!
You guys kinda got to experience what happens here! It starts pouring rain just outta the blue all the time here! And the streets are always flooded! It's so crazy!
Well anywho, I love you all and miss you lots. Thanks so much for your love and support and thank you for raising us kids the way you did, Mom and Dad. I can't believe how blessed I am in my life because of this Gospel. Thank you so much for being true to your covenants and teaching us the ways of righteousness. You guys are the best parents EVER! I LOVE YOU!
-Hermana Erickson
This week was full of contacting and getting lost. I feel really bad driving around all the time, but Hna. Sosa doesn’t have a bike yet, and the streets in Cidra are all really narrow and really steep so it'd make bike riding impossible anyway especially because Puertoriquenos LOVE speeding. I don't wanna be roadkill, so we're driving around until we know the area well enough. But we also went house hunting. That was a lot of fun, and we ended up finding a little house! The guy we'll be renting from is named Obdulio, and he's SUPER cool! He's got banana trees, mangoes, and guava trees all over his property, hammocks, and chickens. He loves chickens, so he's got like 20 that run around everywhere. But we'll be living there, and I'm really excited. We'll be moving in on Tuesday after the District Meeting. I'll be sure to take pictures once we get all situated. I feel so grown up!
We're starting to find investigators. We found and taught a couple who've been married for 30 some-odd years that are really into religion right now because their son is doing bad things and they want to set the example for him. When we sang "Teach Me To Walk in the Light," A (the lady) started bawling. We shared the story about Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah with her and they were really excited to read the Book of Mormon. It just made me realize though how much our decisions must affect Heavenly Father and how hard it must be for Him to see us turn away from the right path. Especially those who have been blessed enough to have been born in the Church. But I feel like A and D (the husband) will progress a lot and we're excited about them.
We spoke in Church yesterday. The Bishop called us on Saturday night to tell us. He asked us to get the members excited about sharing the gospel. We've got Stake Conference next week, and that's what will be discussed, too. I'm just excited for General Conference because I can't believe it's already been a whole year since they made the age change announcement! A WHOLE YEAR and look what has happened since then! It's crazy! I love it though. Time passes quickly. And this week, I hit my 6-month mark! And Hna. Sosa hits her 1-month mark! We're gonna be eating cake, obviously. :)
Speaking of cake, people feed us ALL the time here, members, nonmembers... I feel like I'm gonna get fat. But the food is good... so I can't really complain. It'd be a different story if the food was gross and I got fat, but since it's good.. I won't feel quite as guilty. Hehehe. Oh, and our new house is located just down the street from one of the best restaurants in Puerto Rico, so we'll probably be going there one of these days. Hurray for food!
That's honestly all I have to say about this week, things should be more exciting in my next email home. But now I shall answer your questions and comment about Dad's wit!
I love your guys' emails! Thanks so much for emailing me (and Rae) every week! It's so nice to hear from you all and know what's going on in your lives. It sounds like you're all involved in so much!
I'm glad the dinner with the Beesly's went well. Can you guys send me Rach's emails? I wanna know what's going on with her, too. How many baptisms has she had now? (Not that I'm counting...)
In the Cayey ward, there are just four missionaries, 2 Elders and us. The Elders work in Cayey and we work in Cidra. The chapel is so far away from Cidra though that I hope that the ward will progress enough that they'll decide to build a new chapel for Cidra. I think that's why there are so many less actives. But then if they really wanted to go to church they'd get up and just go... I dunno. Puerto Ricans are really awesome, but they'll use any little excuse to get out of things too. A very indifferent culture.
But anyway, it kinda bugs me having Elders in the same ward, they are always trying to join us in our citas (that means appointment). For example, we set up an appointment with a member, they're planning on inviting a non-member to their home for dinner so that we can teach them, and then I come to find out later on that the Elders had just invited themselves to our cita! Those little moochers! And guess what else?! They have a person that does their laundry AND cooks for them every day! It shouldn't bug me, but it does. They're just coming for the food. Ugh.
New topic. David Low's SISTER is Head's volleyball coach!? What the weird! Which sister? What a small world! Dave said that his sister works for Timpanogos, but I didn't know she still did. How awesome! Tell her I say hello! And when you go to Dave's ward, tell him I say hi, too!
You guys kinda got to experience what happens here! It starts pouring rain just outta the blue all the time here! And the streets are always flooded! It's so crazy!
Well anywho, I love you all and miss you lots. Thanks so much for your love and support and thank you for raising us kids the way you did, Mom and Dad. I can't believe how blessed I am in my life because of this Gospel. Thank you so much for being true to your covenants and teaching us the ways of righteousness. You guys are the best parents EVER! I LOVE YOU!
-Hermana Erickson
Monday, September 2, 2013
#25 [Cidra - 1] Sept. 2nd, 2013
Hello, everyone!
Happy Labor Day! Gosh it’s been a crazy past few days! Okay, wow, where to begin? We don’t have a car in our area yet, so we’re living in Caguas and have to drive to our area every day. It’s about a good 45 minutes away. But anywho... We got to Caguas after all the craziness of transfers on Wednesday, and we got the car later that evening. Unfortunately, it’s not one of the new Chevy’s though. I got demoted to a 2012 Toyota. But I’m not complaining, at least we have a car and air conditioning. After buying some food for the week, we went to our area, even though we had NO idea how to get there or where we were going. We didn’t have an area book yet, and didn’t know any members, so we just went, “not knowing beforehand what [we] were to do,” like, Nephi. :) We ended up getting lost, and I feel like that’ll be the story for a good two weeks or so until we familiarize ourselves with the area.
Hermana S is my new companion, my new child. Hehe. And she’s really great. It’s nice to have a new companion, and that’s all I’m going to say. She and I are getting along just fine. It’s a humbling experience, being a trainer. I am excited about this area, it’s GORGEOUS, and the climate is great. I’ll actually get to use the cardigans I brought! Hurray!
We went to Church yesterday (obviously) and met all the ward members. I’m really excited about this ward and feel like it’s going to progress a lot. There were about 56 people there, about the same number in attendance as in Pontezuela. All of the members were excited to be having sister missionaries there again, though. I think having a set of both Elders and Sisters will do a lot for this ward.
We got our Area Book and it was completely worthless. So due to the fact that our Area Book hasn’t been touched in about 3 years, we’ve done lots of contacting in the past few days, so sorry I don’t have any crazy stories for you yet, but I’m sure they’ll be in abundance soon. Oh wait. I’ve got one. So we got a phone call from one of the contacts we made, it was super awkward because we think he was drunk when he made the call, but he asked us if we could get married while out on the missions. When we said no, he was really disappointed. I’m not going to translate everything that he said, but honestly, I feel bad for people that drink like that. I’m thankful for the Word of Wisdom that prevents us from living sad, nasty lives! BUT the majority of the people that live in Cidra are very, very blessed. We have met a lot of good people, too.
Anyway, Hermana S is doing well, she’s a powerful missionary and she’s happy to be here. She is really easy-going and I really appreciate that about her. I just hope I can be the best example for her!
Hermana G keeps me informed on everything happening in Pontezuela. R got baptized yesterday. J baptized him, and I’m sad to have missed such a cool experience. I’m happy though about the work I did in Pontezuela and will miss that area and the ward a lot. R will be getting baptized next Sunday. After seeing R get baptized, he said, “I’m ready! I want to be baptized on Sunday!” So it’ll be awesome. Wish I could be there, but I’m needed here now. I don’t know who will baptize him, but I am just so happy and feel so blessed to have been part of their lives. Hna. G said she’ll send me the picture from the baptism yesterday, but I still haven’t received it, so I can’t send it on.
Everyone in the family looks nice. The Farley Fam Reunion looks like it was a lot of fun. Everyone’s growing up! How’s Lyndsee doing? Does she like school? And how is John’s baby? Hope everyone’s doing well!
Happy Grandparent’s day on Sunday! (You aren’t grandparents yet, but it’s still a holiday). Give Grandma Farley and Grandma and Grandpa Erickson hugs for me!
Well
anyways, I’m gonna try to connect my camera now to send some pictures
of Cidra! It’s SO pretty. People ride horses all the time here. They
like to dress up really nice and strut around on their horses. Man, if I
weren’t on a mission, that’s what I’d do here, too FOR SURE. Hahaha, it’s
so silly!
Okay, well, bye! Infinite x’s and o’s. :) (Mom: oxoxoxox)
-Hermana Erickson
Happy Labor Day! Gosh it’s been a crazy past few days! Okay, wow, where to begin? We don’t have a car in our area yet, so we’re living in Caguas and have to drive to our area every day. It’s about a good 45 minutes away. But anywho... We got to Caguas after all the craziness of transfers on Wednesday, and we got the car later that evening. Unfortunately, it’s not one of the new Chevy’s though. I got demoted to a 2012 Toyota. But I’m not complaining, at least we have a car and air conditioning. After buying some food for the week, we went to our area, even though we had NO idea how to get there or where we were going. We didn’t have an area book yet, and didn’t know any members, so we just went, “not knowing beforehand what [we] were to do,” like, Nephi. :) We ended up getting lost, and I feel like that’ll be the story for a good two weeks or so until we familiarize ourselves with the area.
Hermana S is my new companion, my new child. Hehe. And she’s really great. It’s nice to have a new companion, and that’s all I’m going to say. She and I are getting along just fine. It’s a humbling experience, being a trainer. I am excited about this area, it’s GORGEOUS, and the climate is great. I’ll actually get to use the cardigans I brought! Hurray!
 |
| New companion -- New city |
We went to Church yesterday (obviously) and met all the ward members. I’m really excited about this ward and feel like it’s going to progress a lot. There were about 56 people there, about the same number in attendance as in Pontezuela. All of the members were excited to be having sister missionaries there again, though. I think having a set of both Elders and Sisters will do a lot for this ward.
We got our Area Book and it was completely worthless. So due to the fact that our Area Book hasn’t been touched in about 3 years, we’ve done lots of contacting in the past few days, so sorry I don’t have any crazy stories for you yet, but I’m sure they’ll be in abundance soon. Oh wait. I’ve got one. So we got a phone call from one of the contacts we made, it was super awkward because we think he was drunk when he made the call, but he asked us if we could get married while out on the missions. When we said no, he was really disappointed. I’m not going to translate everything that he said, but honestly, I feel bad for people that drink like that. I’m thankful for the Word of Wisdom that prevents us from living sad, nasty lives! BUT the majority of the people that live in Cidra are very, very blessed. We have met a lot of good people, too.
Anyway, Hermana S is doing well, she’s a powerful missionary and she’s happy to be here. She is really easy-going and I really appreciate that about her. I just hope I can be the best example for her!
 |
| Cidra "The Town of the Eternal Spring" |
Everyone in the family looks nice. The Farley Fam Reunion looks like it was a lot of fun. Everyone’s growing up! How’s Lyndsee doing? Does she like school? And how is John’s baby? Hope everyone’s doing well!
Happy Grandparent’s day on Sunday! (You aren’t grandparents yet, but it’s still a holiday). Give Grandma Farley and Grandma and Grandpa Erickson hugs for me!
Okay, well, bye! Infinite x’s and o’s. :) (Mom: oxoxoxox)
-Hermana Erickson
Thursday, August 29, 2013
#24 [Pontezuela - 22] Aug. 26th, 2013
I found out last night that I’m being moved. I’ll be going to a place called Cidra and will be training a new missionary. They haven’t bought the house yet, so I’ll be living outside my area and driving to my area every day. I’ll be living in Caguas. I don’t know who will be my companion, but I am excited for a change. I am excited and honored to know that the Lord trusts me enough to open a new area AND to train again! I like training and I am thankful that He trusts me enough to work with the new missionaries! :) I am excited to meet my new companion. I don’t know who it is, but I am excited for her and hope we’ll find a bunch of success in our new area! The name "Cidra" reminds me of Cedar City. Makes me miss it. :) But whatever.
It was funny though because Hna E (one of the sisters in Pontezuela) got a call on Saturday night from our District Leader that said SHE was being transferred. Apparently she didn’t hear the Zone Leader correctly. But, so on Sunday she was saying her goodbyes and what not to the members and taking pictures and everyone was sad that she was leaving and glad that I was going to be staying because everyone thought I’D be going since I’d been here the longest. But then last night, right when Hna. G and I had spent two hours doing our weekly planning, I got a phone call from the Zone Leader and he said I was going. I was in shock. I haven’t said goodbye to anyone. I’m kinda sad about it, but I think it’s better this way. I just can’t imagine how hilarious it’ll be when Hna E shows up at Church. Everyone will wonder what happened. We laughed really hard about it. I’ll miss the people and the ward, but I am excited for a change. It’ll be difficult, but whoever said I wanted it to be easy? :) The hard things are what make us grow. It’s been tough with Hna. G, but I can say I’ve learned SO SO much from her and am glad I stuck it out.
We had another appointment this week with C, the guy who doesn’t have a leg. It would be really life-changing for him to be baptized, and I hope he accepts the Gospel. We taught him the Plan of Salvation. I love the Plan of Salvation, I think it’s amazing to know that God loves us enough to think of every detail so perfectly, and how He prepared away for an escape from literally everything that could and would happen to us here on earth. The more I teach about the plan the more I grow to understand and love it. I am so thankful to my Father in Heaven who cares so much about my eternal progression. I don’t know when C will be coming to church; I’m not sure how seriously he’s taking all of this, but I really hope he will change his life. I know it will bless him. But that’s the hardest part about missionary work; people’s agency. THEY get to choose what they think is best for them.
R is really excited for his baptism this next Sunday. I was, too, until I found out I’m being transferred. BUT I know he is well prepared and will do great things for the ward. He’s a very special man and I am thankful to have been able to help him along has path to conversion. He has a lot of necessity, but I know that the ward will benefit from serving him, too. I had been looking forward to helping clean his house, because he is a hoarder, and has a lot of things he doesn’t need. I’m not sure how he accumulated so much "stuff," but I was excited to help him clean it out after his baptism. But I guess I’ll get to hear about it from Hna. G. :)
R is excited to be baptized, too. We’re planning on his baptism this coming Sunday, too. TWO baptisms in one day! Hurray! Honestly, Hna G is going to rock this area; there are SO many less-actives here, and she can relate to so many of them and bring them back to the fold. She will do great things. It’s been a privilege to serve with her.
We planned a Ward Talent show for September. The ward members are super excited about it and I can’t wait to hear how it goes. I’m sad I'll be missing out.
Random accomplishment: I finished the Book of Mormon :) I’m starting over again, too! Hurray for scriptures! How are you guys coming along in your nightly readings as a fam bam?
They replaced our old white Toyota Corolla 2011 with a brand new Chevy Cruze 2014. It’s SUPER nice. Reminds me of the Ford Focus, they’re really similar. Whenever I’m in it I feel like I’m back at home because the interior is really similar.
We had a FHE at J’s house with R, and two members of the ward. It was a lot of fun. Y, one of the members, taught about Revelation. It was a really good lesson. It made me miss home a bit because we hardly ever get to have FHE as missionaries. But R enjoyed it a lot. We played Jenga afterwards and I ended up knocking the tower over. But to celebrate, we ate chocolate cake. —It’s the SAME chocolate cake as the one at Sam’s Club, Mom!!! It was a dream come true!! :) The highlight of my week... Jokes :)
I’ll reply to your email now! — I can’t believe that school started this week! It’s crazy how quickly summer seemed to pass by. I'm proud that Joshy is taking 4 AP classes AND early-morning seminary.
JOSH, learn your Scripture Mastery like a boss. It’ll help you a ton! At least try to pay attention to where they are in the scriptures, like I did. :) And READ your scriptures! Start preparing now for your mission! NO GIRLFRIENDS. You’re a babe, so be careful! Hehe :) I’m proud that Josh is working so much.
HEAD! Congrats on making the volleyball team! You’re going to do so great! It’s not easy, but it’s definitely worth it! Lots of fun. Why do you go by Elena in your Spanish 4 class at the High School? Is that some sort of joke?
Mom, I want all of my MercyMe music, if possible. And MoTab, of course. :) Really anything you’ll send me will be accepted. Even Saturday’s Warrior! :) - I’m not kidding. And no worries, I’m done with buying stuff at WalMart.
Tell Kelton I say HI! (And Welcome Home, obviously). I’m proud of him for serving so faithfully! HURRAY FOR RETURNED MISSIONARIES!
Also, how’s Grandpa Erickson doing? I had a dream about him the other night.
Well anywho, that’s about it. Can't wait to email you next week and tell you about everything! I have no idea what to expect! But I’m excited!
Love you all! Bye!
-Hermana Erickson
It was funny though because Hna E (one of the sisters in Pontezuela) got a call on Saturday night from our District Leader that said SHE was being transferred. Apparently she didn’t hear the Zone Leader correctly. But, so on Sunday she was saying her goodbyes and what not to the members and taking pictures and everyone was sad that she was leaving and glad that I was going to be staying because everyone thought I’D be going since I’d been here the longest. But then last night, right when Hna. G and I had spent two hours doing our weekly planning, I got a phone call from the Zone Leader and he said I was going. I was in shock. I haven’t said goodbye to anyone. I’m kinda sad about it, but I think it’s better this way. I just can’t imagine how hilarious it’ll be when Hna E shows up at Church. Everyone will wonder what happened. We laughed really hard about it. I’ll miss the people and the ward, but I am excited for a change. It’ll be difficult, but whoever said I wanted it to be easy? :) The hard things are what make us grow. It’s been tough with Hna. G, but I can say I’ve learned SO SO much from her and am glad I stuck it out.
We had another appointment this week with C, the guy who doesn’t have a leg. It would be really life-changing for him to be baptized, and I hope he accepts the Gospel. We taught him the Plan of Salvation. I love the Plan of Salvation, I think it’s amazing to know that God loves us enough to think of every detail so perfectly, and how He prepared away for an escape from literally everything that could and would happen to us here on earth. The more I teach about the plan the more I grow to understand and love it. I am so thankful to my Father in Heaven who cares so much about my eternal progression. I don’t know when C will be coming to church; I’m not sure how seriously he’s taking all of this, but I really hope he will change his life. I know it will bless him. But that’s the hardest part about missionary work; people’s agency. THEY get to choose what they think is best for them.
R is really excited for his baptism this next Sunday. I was, too, until I found out I’m being transferred. BUT I know he is well prepared and will do great things for the ward. He’s a very special man and I am thankful to have been able to help him along has path to conversion. He has a lot of necessity, but I know that the ward will benefit from serving him, too. I had been looking forward to helping clean his house, because he is a hoarder, and has a lot of things he doesn’t need. I’m not sure how he accumulated so much "stuff," but I was excited to help him clean it out after his baptism. But I guess I’ll get to hear about it from Hna. G. :)
R is excited to be baptized, too. We’re planning on his baptism this coming Sunday, too. TWO baptisms in one day! Hurray! Honestly, Hna G is going to rock this area; there are SO many less-actives here, and she can relate to so many of them and bring them back to the fold. She will do great things. It’s been a privilege to serve with her.
We planned a Ward Talent show for September. The ward members are super excited about it and I can’t wait to hear how it goes. I’m sad I'll be missing out.
Random accomplishment: I finished the Book of Mormon :) I’m starting over again, too! Hurray for scriptures! How are you guys coming along in your nightly readings as a fam bam?
They replaced our old white Toyota Corolla 2011 with a brand new Chevy Cruze 2014. It’s SUPER nice. Reminds me of the Ford Focus, they’re really similar. Whenever I’m in it I feel like I’m back at home because the interior is really similar.
We had a FHE at J’s house with R, and two members of the ward. It was a lot of fun. Y, one of the members, taught about Revelation. It was a really good lesson. It made me miss home a bit because we hardly ever get to have FHE as missionaries. But R enjoyed it a lot. We played Jenga afterwards and I ended up knocking the tower over. But to celebrate, we ate chocolate cake. —It’s the SAME chocolate cake as the one at Sam’s Club, Mom!!! It was a dream come true!! :) The highlight of my week... Jokes :)
I’ll reply to your email now! — I can’t believe that school started this week! It’s crazy how quickly summer seemed to pass by. I'm proud that Joshy is taking 4 AP classes AND early-morning seminary.
JOSH, learn your Scripture Mastery like a boss. It’ll help you a ton! At least try to pay attention to where they are in the scriptures, like I did. :) And READ your scriptures! Start preparing now for your mission! NO GIRLFRIENDS. You’re a babe, so be careful! Hehe :) I’m proud that Josh is working so much.
HEAD! Congrats on making the volleyball team! You’re going to do so great! It’s not easy, but it’s definitely worth it! Lots of fun. Why do you go by Elena in your Spanish 4 class at the High School? Is that some sort of joke?
Mom, I want all of my MercyMe music, if possible. And MoTab, of course. :) Really anything you’ll send me will be accepted. Even Saturday’s Warrior! :) - I’m not kidding. And no worries, I’m done with buying stuff at WalMart.
Tell Kelton I say HI! (And Welcome Home, obviously). I’m proud of him for serving so faithfully! HURRAY FOR RETURNED MISSIONARIES!
Also, how’s Grandpa Erickson doing? I had a dream about him the other night.
Well anywho, that’s about it. Can't wait to email you next week and tell you about everything! I have no idea what to expect! But I’m excited!
Love you all! Bye!
-Hermana Erickson
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
#23 [Pontezuela - 21] Aug. 19th, 2013
Hi there!
We found some new people to teach this week since our pool of progressing investigators is shallowing out now that both J, and his mom, A, are baptized. And we had a disappointment this week, R didn't pass his baptismal interview, so we didn't have a baptism this past weekend like we'd planned. But I know the Lord is still preparing his heart, I know he has a testimony, he just needs to strengthen it a little bit and exert a little more faith. Sometimes I forget how much faith a convert needs in order to be baptized; I've lived by these commandments all my life and have never really struggled with any of them, and these people have to change the lives they've been accustomed to living in order to make such a sacred covenant with God. It's amazing what these people will do and I hope that R will be baptized within the next month.
Anyway, we found a man named C. He lives alone and doesn't have a leg, and has lost a lot of his fingers and toes due to the type of diabetes he has. He rides around in a wheelchair. He told us the story of his life; he has five kids, none of them come to visit him and blame him for his wife's death, they robbed him of all his money, and he has to pay a TON of money just for the pills to stay alive. I've never met someone more in need in my entire life and it was a really humbling experience. But his example to me was what touched me the most. Despite of all his losses, he still has faith in God. He isn't depressed, he's THANKFUL for the life he lives, regardless of how limited it is. I have no idea how I'd be if I were in his shoes (shoe... hehehe. I'm so awful!)
A, J’s Mom, received the gift of the Holy Ghost this week. She's the cutest. After she received the Holy Ghost, she stood up and walked off the stand, but as she did so she was talking to the congregation about how she and her son will always be faithful and what not. It was really cute, kinda irreverent, but that's just kinda how she is. She was born and raised in a Catholic/Evangelical background. But it was just awkward because the Bishop was talking and she was talking and you could tell the Bishop was uncomfortable because he didn't want to be rude and tell her to sit down. I just laughed to myself. And then the other night, she said, "Whenever you want to come back to Puerto Rico, no need to buy a hotel! You can stay here! My house will be like the temple in Salt Lake!" She's seen pictures of the SLC temple, but I don't think she really understands it, but it was nice. She's a wonderful lady. I am so thankful for her and her son. I am SO excited to see them progress in the Gospel. I know I say that every week, but really, I just have a feeling they're going to be faithful till the end! :) And those are the kind of converts I always hoped to find for the Lord!
Yesterday we found a young man from New York who'd moved here to Puerto Rico to get away from his problems in Bronx. He's 20, but he's got a TON of tattoos, and he looks like a rough guy, but he was super nice and actually really religious. He only spoke English, but he's Dominican. His mom is a priestess. He told us he'd been shot in the back before, and went into a coma for six months, and he said he saw God in a vision and when he reached out to touch His hand, he woke up. It was really cool. It reminded me of the story of Alma the Younger. Anyway, it was weird because I taught him in English a little bit about the restoration. It was hard to remember the words! But he was super interested in the Gospel, and we're going back to teach him next Sunday.
So I'd planned on making chocolate chip cookie dough to eat away my sorrows this week, but guess what's so crazy about this place? ... They don't sell chocolate chips! Not even in Walmart! What the heck!? I was very disappointed.
Head's taking voice lessons!? How fun! Maybe we can sing together in Church when we get home!? And Rae can play the piano! It's a plan!
Tell Catia Nunes congrats for me! When's the special day? That's 3 out of the 7 girls my age in the ward... Just tell Ashlyn to slow down the dating game a little cuz I don't wanna miss any more weddings.
Transfers
are this next week, on the 28th. We've got 4 new sisters coming in from
Honduras and the U.S. 7 new Elders from the U.S, Honduras, and El
Salvador. I don't know if I'll be training again, or if I'll be moved or
if I'll have to stay here. I guess we'll know by next Monday!
Yesterday in Relief Society, we had a lesson about FHE. I shared my experience with FHE and how we used to do a combined FHE with the Erickson side of the fam and told them about how we all picked a Book of Mormon story and acted it out and how our family had picked the story of Ammon cutting off all the Lamanites' arms. Good memories. Thanks for providing us with such wonderful family memories and traditions. Sometimes I feel lame cuz I was born and raised in the Church (and I know that's definitely NOT true), but then experiences like that make my past life so interestingly goofy :)
Well anyway, I don't have much else to say. Love you so much and miss you lots. Keep being awesome! The Book of Mormon is true and I love it! Keep reading it as a family, cuz I miss doing that.
LOVE YOU!
-Hermana Erickson
We found some new people to teach this week since our pool of progressing investigators is shallowing out now that both J, and his mom, A, are baptized. And we had a disappointment this week, R didn't pass his baptismal interview, so we didn't have a baptism this past weekend like we'd planned. But I know the Lord is still preparing his heart, I know he has a testimony, he just needs to strengthen it a little bit and exert a little more faith. Sometimes I forget how much faith a convert needs in order to be baptized; I've lived by these commandments all my life and have never really struggled with any of them, and these people have to change the lives they've been accustomed to living in order to make such a sacred covenant with God. It's amazing what these people will do and I hope that R will be baptized within the next month.
Anyway, we found a man named C. He lives alone and doesn't have a leg, and has lost a lot of his fingers and toes due to the type of diabetes he has. He rides around in a wheelchair. He told us the story of his life; he has five kids, none of them come to visit him and blame him for his wife's death, they robbed him of all his money, and he has to pay a TON of money just for the pills to stay alive. I've never met someone more in need in my entire life and it was a really humbling experience. But his example to me was what touched me the most. Despite of all his losses, he still has faith in God. He isn't depressed, he's THANKFUL for the life he lives, regardless of how limited it is. I have no idea how I'd be if I were in his shoes (shoe... hehehe. I'm so awful!)
A, J’s Mom, received the gift of the Holy Ghost this week. She's the cutest. After she received the Holy Ghost, she stood up and walked off the stand, but as she did so she was talking to the congregation about how she and her son will always be faithful and what not. It was really cute, kinda irreverent, but that's just kinda how she is. She was born and raised in a Catholic/Evangelical background. But it was just awkward because the Bishop was talking and she was talking and you could tell the Bishop was uncomfortable because he didn't want to be rude and tell her to sit down. I just laughed to myself. And then the other night, she said, "Whenever you want to come back to Puerto Rico, no need to buy a hotel! You can stay here! My house will be like the temple in Salt Lake!" She's seen pictures of the SLC temple, but I don't think she really understands it, but it was nice. She's a wonderful lady. I am so thankful for her and her son. I am SO excited to see them progress in the Gospel. I know I say that every week, but really, I just have a feeling they're going to be faithful till the end! :) And those are the kind of converts I always hoped to find for the Lord!
Yesterday we found a young man from New York who'd moved here to Puerto Rico to get away from his problems in Bronx. He's 20, but he's got a TON of tattoos, and he looks like a rough guy, but he was super nice and actually really religious. He only spoke English, but he's Dominican. His mom is a priestess. He told us he'd been shot in the back before, and went into a coma for six months, and he said he saw God in a vision and when he reached out to touch His hand, he woke up. It was really cool. It reminded me of the story of Alma the Younger. Anyway, it was weird because I taught him in English a little bit about the restoration. It was hard to remember the words! But he was super interested in the Gospel, and we're going back to teach him next Sunday.
So I'd planned on making chocolate chip cookie dough to eat away my sorrows this week, but guess what's so crazy about this place? ... They don't sell chocolate chips! Not even in Walmart! What the heck!? I was very disappointed.
Head's taking voice lessons!? How fun! Maybe we can sing together in Church when we get home!? And Rae can play the piano! It's a plan!
Tell Catia Nunes congrats for me! When's the special day? That's 3 out of the 7 girls my age in the ward... Just tell Ashlyn to slow down the dating game a little cuz I don't wanna miss any more weddings.
 |
| Hermana Erickson's District |
Yesterday in Relief Society, we had a lesson about FHE. I shared my experience with FHE and how we used to do a combined FHE with the Erickson side of the fam and told them about how we all picked a Book of Mormon story and acted it out and how our family had picked the story of Ammon cutting off all the Lamanites' arms. Good memories. Thanks for providing us with such wonderful family memories and traditions. Sometimes I feel lame cuz I was born and raised in the Church (and I know that's definitely NOT true), but then experiences like that make my past life so interestingly goofy :)
Well anyway, I don't have much else to say. Love you so much and miss you lots. Keep being awesome! The Book of Mormon is true and I love it! Keep reading it as a family, cuz I miss doing that.
LOVE YOU!
-Hermana Erickson
Monday, August 12, 2013
#22 [Pontezuela - 20] Aug. 12th, 2013
This week passed by quickly. Lots of things happened, but I'm not really sure where to start. The best part of the week though, like always, was Sunday. Yesterday, we had A's baptism, J's mom. It was a really special experience because J. received the Aaronic Priesthood and immediately after, baptized his mother. I felt so proud of him and so happy! This family is a Godsend for the ward here in Pontezuela, and I can't wait to see their progression in the next few years and for the rest of their lives. I love them so much and am so thankful I got to be a part of their conversion.
The Lord has done amazing things for me this week. He keeps me going when I feel like I can't go anymore. I don't know how He does it, but I am thankful to have Him there and know I'm not alone.
R. is progressing. He's a little timid about his baptism, but I think seeing A. get baptized yesterday made him feel a little better about it. Seeing him progress over the past two months has been such a blessing. You can really tell a difference when an investigator keeps their commitments and when they don't. Like, with prayer for example. His prayers have been getting SO much better, and you can tell he knows he's actually talking to God. It's really special to hear him pray, and it's always my favorite part of every lesson. He said something really sweet in his prayer this week. He said, "Heavenly Father, bless all the missionaries in the world. Thank you for them and for the work they have sacrificed everything to do for the rest of us. Bless that all my family will come to my baptism on Sunday. I promise that if they can come, I'll guide them all to this Gospel and do everything I can to help them accept it. I promise to be obedient and serve Thee forever." I have never felt the Spirit so strongly in an investigator's prayer before, and it made me feel so thankful to my Heavenly Father to have met one of His special children. His soul SHINES, and he is so special. It has taken a while and a lot of patience with him, but he's finally excited about his baptism and looking forward to Sunday. He also received his first priesthood blessing yesterday after church.
We had a good lesson with J this past week, too. He's had a few questions that we haven't been able to get answered since we've been so focused with his mom, and he said he'd gone to a Bible studies class and the preacher there tore down the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Church. I was thankful we arrived at his house that evening because he was pretty shaken up and was doubting everything he'd learned. Satan is definitely not okay with J being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; we can feel it. So we spent that whole evening answering his questions, defending the Church and Joseph Smith, and he felt better. J is like a little seedling, growing and finally sprouting out of the ground, and when he'd told us about that, I'd felt like someone had stomped on and tried to kill my little sprout. It was scary, but I'm so thankful that I'd prepared that day in my personal studies to answer his questions and settle his doubts. It made me realize that if we're not there to answer his questions, or anyone from the ward, he'll go to another source for answers and this experience made me realize how important home teachers are in a convert's lasting conversion. This whole situation could've been prevented had his home teachers gone over there to see him, I think. Weekly church attendance for new converts isn't enough. Once again, I VOW to be a 100% visiting teacher.
Something crazy that happened this week was everyone got their own phone. Every single missionary. And the phone number I gave you to call on Mother's Day is my permanent number, just for your information. Also, we can text, too! We've got 1500 minutes/month, 1000 texts/month. It's really weird and I haven't texted anyone yet, but I'm nervous about it. I'm kinda bugged about it because I was so excited to basically have a "technology fast for 18 months", but that's not happening anymore. I'm honored that the Brethren trust us so much, but wow. I won't lie, it just makes me want to call you guys! Or text you... Hehe. But I won't. Pinky swear.
Camille's wedding announcement made me excited for her. Tell her congrats for me! (If you haven't yet.)
Best thing I ate this week:
- We bought frozen chicken cordon bleus this week and cooked them in the toaster oven. It wasn't as good as the ones mom makes, but they were good. Better than the typical ham and cheese sandwich I have almost every day. :) OH WAIT. I lie. I bought myself a box of Waffle Crisp this week, and I about died. It was SO good!
The worst thing I ate:
- I can't say I had anything too awful this week. R gave us a dessert called "Dulce de Coco,"and it's basically shredded coconut with sweet beans and the texture makes me gag, but I had to eat it. That's not the first time I've had it, either, and the taste itself isn't bad, but the texture of coconut is just gross.
Have I tried anything new that we don't have at home?
- I've tried fresh mangoes. Those are good. But so far, I'm boring and haven't tried anything all that new.
Jeff is home teaching companions with Jacob B.? That's cool. He's a good kid. Jeff's lucky to have him! I hope Jeff sends me pictures of his rafting trip! That's so cool he's doing that!
Mom! Thanks so much for the chocolate chip cookie recipe! You're so nice to send it to me! I'll be making cookie dough next week “fur shure!” I'm SO excited! We went to the mall again today for an hour because there's a store there that sells cute water shoes like the ones Rae sent to you guys for $3! So I bought a pair and am sending you one, Momma! (Head, don't be jealous, because I'm sending you something else. And I couldn't find any that I liked for you.) Now I've just gotta get around to sending it off... The post office here is SO slow, the lines are super long so I avoid going there.
So there are ice cream trucks driving around daily, and the other day, one passed by and the driver was digging for gold in his nose. It was really gross and I probably won't ever buy ice cream from one of those. But it made me think of Dad. :)
Well anywho, I'll send off the pictures from the week, and then I've gotta go cuz my time is up! Love you lots!
Peace out, gangstuhs!
-Hermana Erickson
The Lord has done amazing things for me this week. He keeps me going when I feel like I can't go anymore. I don't know how He does it, but I am thankful to have Him there and know I'm not alone.
R. is progressing. He's a little timid about his baptism, but I think seeing A. get baptized yesterday made him feel a little better about it. Seeing him progress over the past two months has been such a blessing. You can really tell a difference when an investigator keeps their commitments and when they don't. Like, with prayer for example. His prayers have been getting SO much better, and you can tell he knows he's actually talking to God. It's really special to hear him pray, and it's always my favorite part of every lesson. He said something really sweet in his prayer this week. He said, "Heavenly Father, bless all the missionaries in the world. Thank you for them and for the work they have sacrificed everything to do for the rest of us. Bless that all my family will come to my baptism on Sunday. I promise that if they can come, I'll guide them all to this Gospel and do everything I can to help them accept it. I promise to be obedient and serve Thee forever." I have never felt the Spirit so strongly in an investigator's prayer before, and it made me feel so thankful to my Heavenly Father to have met one of His special children. His soul SHINES, and he is so special. It has taken a while and a lot of patience with him, but he's finally excited about his baptism and looking forward to Sunday. He also received his first priesthood blessing yesterday after church.
We had a good lesson with J this past week, too. He's had a few questions that we haven't been able to get answered since we've been so focused with his mom, and he said he'd gone to a Bible studies class and the preacher there tore down the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Church. I was thankful we arrived at his house that evening because he was pretty shaken up and was doubting everything he'd learned. Satan is definitely not okay with J being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; we can feel it. So we spent that whole evening answering his questions, defending the Church and Joseph Smith, and he felt better. J is like a little seedling, growing and finally sprouting out of the ground, and when he'd told us about that, I'd felt like someone had stomped on and tried to kill my little sprout. It was scary, but I'm so thankful that I'd prepared that day in my personal studies to answer his questions and settle his doubts. It made me realize that if we're not there to answer his questions, or anyone from the ward, he'll go to another source for answers and this experience made me realize how important home teachers are in a convert's lasting conversion. This whole situation could've been prevented had his home teachers gone over there to see him, I think. Weekly church attendance for new converts isn't enough. Once again, I VOW to be a 100% visiting teacher.
Something crazy that happened this week was everyone got their own phone. Every single missionary. And the phone number I gave you to call on Mother's Day is my permanent number, just for your information. Also, we can text, too! We've got 1500 minutes/month, 1000 texts/month. It's really weird and I haven't texted anyone yet, but I'm nervous about it. I'm kinda bugged about it because I was so excited to basically have a "technology fast for 18 months", but that's not happening anymore. I'm honored that the Brethren trust us so much, but wow. I won't lie, it just makes me want to call you guys! Or text you... Hehe. But I won't. Pinky swear.
Camille's wedding announcement made me excited for her. Tell her congrats for me! (If you haven't yet.)
Best thing I ate this week:
- We bought frozen chicken cordon bleus this week and cooked them in the toaster oven. It wasn't as good as the ones mom makes, but they were good. Better than the typical ham and cheese sandwich I have almost every day. :) OH WAIT. I lie. I bought myself a box of Waffle Crisp this week, and I about died. It was SO good!
The worst thing I ate:
- I can't say I had anything too awful this week. R gave us a dessert called "Dulce de Coco,"and it's basically shredded coconut with sweet beans and the texture makes me gag, but I had to eat it. That's not the first time I've had it, either, and the taste itself isn't bad, but the texture of coconut is just gross.
Have I tried anything new that we don't have at home?
- I've tried fresh mangoes. Those are good. But so far, I'm boring and haven't tried anything all that new.
Jeff is home teaching companions with Jacob B.? That's cool. He's a good kid. Jeff's lucky to have him! I hope Jeff sends me pictures of his rafting trip! That's so cool he's doing that!
Mom! Thanks so much for the chocolate chip cookie recipe! You're so nice to send it to me! I'll be making cookie dough next week “fur shure!” I'm SO excited! We went to the mall again today for an hour because there's a store there that sells cute water shoes like the ones Rae sent to you guys for $3! So I bought a pair and am sending you one, Momma! (Head, don't be jealous, because I'm sending you something else. And I couldn't find any that I liked for you.) Now I've just gotta get around to sending it off... The post office here is SO slow, the lines are super long so I avoid going there.
So there are ice cream trucks driving around daily, and the other day, one passed by and the driver was digging for gold in his nose. It was really gross and I probably won't ever buy ice cream from one of those. But it made me think of Dad. :)
Well anywho, I'll send off the pictures from the week, and then I've gotta go cuz my time is up! Love you lots!
Peace out, gangstuhs!
-Hermana Erickson
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