Hello, hello!
I hope you received my postcard from last Monday. Mondays are our p-days here in the Santa Rosa Mission and so you will now receive an e-mail every Monday. :]
Okay, okay where to start! Leaving for and arriving to the mission is the most exciting thing ever. I just couldn't wait to get to work and see what the mission field is all about. My area that I am serving in for at least the next 5 weeks now (each transfer is 6 weeks) is 'Novato' which is about 20 miles north of San Francisco. It's a pretty area and not too big. My companion is Hermana Fenn and she is from the Dallas, Texas area. She's so great! She has only been on her mission for about three months and is already a trainer. I feel like I've already learned a lot while being here and I've only been here a week (wow, it seems like so much longer haha).
In the lessons we teach, I definitely do not understand what's going on most of the time (haha). The native speakers speak soo fast, but they all understand that I'm new on my mission and that I'm learning. There had been quite a few baptisms just before I got here and so Hermana Fenn and I have been teaching new member lessons to them. In our branch, there isn't a mission leader and so we are in charge of teaching them even after they are baptized. We teach the Jara family, they are so cute, a mom and her four children. They had us over for dinner this week and I am just so amazed at the service and love that people give. Santos and Ramon are other recent converts and they both are so excited about the Gospel. They both have a desire to do what is right and to be great members in the church. Every time we walk away from teaching a lesson, I always turn to Hermana Fenn and express how amazing the people we teach are. Every person in this world has a story, every person has a need and as missionaries we are to listen and hear their story. We are here to listen to their needs, wants, and desires for the future and through the Gospel of Jesus Christ we can help them find that peace and happiness that EVERY single person in this world needs and wants.
We have two progressing investigators right now, Alfredo and Bosbelli. They both committed to reading the Book of Mormon and pray to know if it's true. We teach them tonight and so we'll follow up on they are doing!
The members are great here! Almost every night of the week, the members have us over for dinner. They are just so eager to serve, it has made me want to become a better person. I love the church and how constant it is. You can go almost anywhere in the world and find a ward/branch. And no matter what ward you find yourself in, you can expect the exact same things to take place. I love it!
On Saturday, I was called to be a facebook missionary. We have a meeting about it tomorrow and so I'll know more about it then, but we are one of eight missions that work as missionaries online. We try and spend about one hour everyday doing missionary work online! It has been found to be a very effective way to find people and to also share and teach the Gospel. I am excited to get started on that!
What else, what else?! We definitely have a funny, crazy experience everyday here in the mission field. Being a missionary is hard work, but really fun! I love this mission already. I love this area, it's beautiful here!
There are so many things that I want to become on my mission that I am not. I know that through the help and strengh of the Lord, we can become the things we hope to be. I have started reading the Book of Mormon again from the beginning. I am not very far, but I have enjoyed every minute of it. The scriptures really do give so much power, light, and truth. I feel so much better each day after I have studied the scriptures. Read 1 Nephi 1!
I love you all so much! Thank you so much for everything, for your love and support. I don't know what I'd do without my wonderful family.
Con mucho amor,
Hermana Robinson
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
07-14-2011
Hola familia!
It is my last p-day here in the MTC, crazy huh?! It is unreal to me and probably won't hit me till I get there or even after I arrive and am sitting in a lesson with a real investigator teaching a lesson. My address will now be my Santa Rosa address, but Vanessa has it. I put it on my blog and facebook, I will include it at the end of the e-mail though. Just in case! :]
My last week has been quite crazy. I am trying to do all that I can to get ready for the mission field. I don't think I will ever be prepared enough though. It's like with any new experience, you just have to go and try it out! I am so excited, though, and can't wait to go teach and preach this Gospel. The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Yesterday, my companion Hma. Clayton left for San Fernando, CA and it was bittersweet to see her go. We got along so good, but I am so happy for her and for the people that she will be able to teach. I am now back in a companionship with Hma. Eborn and Stephens! They are so great. It's fun to be reunited with them as well.
Tomorrow is in-field training and so we will be going to different classes and things to better prepare us for what to expect come Monday. I have come to a realization this past week about life and about changes. I have come to a point here in the MTC where I feel content. I know what to expect, I have been here for a long, and I'm happy here. I am now going to embark on a new adventure. I've realized that as a representative of Jesus Christ, life isn't always comfortable or convenient. Even here at the MTC, I have been pushed to go beyond my limits and do things that I didn't think I would ever be able to. That is how this work is done. It is done with the help of the Lord. So even though I might not always feel comfortable in the things that I'm doing, I know that with the help of the Lord that is how this work is done. It's about having that faith to "open your mouth" and then "it will be filled."
I feel a little scattered on what I want to share with you today, I should have planned this e-mail out a little more. I do want to share with you what I learned on Tuesday night at the devotional. It was a special presentation about Christ and His mortal ministry. I feel such a deep gratitude for His example and for the things He did for each and every one of us. I wear His name on my badge everyday, and I am constantly trying to get to know Him better and better everyday. By learning and studying His life, I know that I will be able to better represent Him. He really is our best friend. We just have to reach out to Him, His arms are always extended! There are times that I feel inadequate doing His work, but I know that if I ask for His strength and help, He will help me become who I want to be as a missionary and as a person. I feel the Lord's strength and love every day.
I am so happy to be able to share this Gospel with others. Gospel means "good news" and this really is the best news to share. We have a Heavenly Father who LOVES us and a brother, Jesus Christ, who atoned for our sins, pains, weaknesses, so that we wouldn't have to. If we "come unto Him" and use the Atonement in our lives, we can feel and have that strength that we need in this life.
In Ether chapter 12:27, we are taught that the Lord will make "weak things become strong." If we have faith, the Lord really can make our weaknesses strong.
Thank you all for your support and your love. I love you all so much!! You are all wonderful.
Love,
Hermana Robinson
okay, so my flight is at 11 on Monday. I will be calling probably around 9:30 or 10 on Monday. Please dearelder me your phone numbers to call!! I can't wait to talk to you on Monday. I don't know how it's going to work out exactly, but we can make it work. I was thinking calling mom or chand's phone and then your phone Vanessa. Let me know if that works out?!
Oh yeah, and Vanessa you have my santa rosa address correct? AFter monday, you can erase that address from my blog if you want. Wow, I'm typing fast because the timer is going to go off any second. But yeah, umm... I will talk to you on the phone MOnday! Yay. I bought my calling card and everything. expect a call around 9 or 9 30 maybe later. Love you send me your phone numbers! IL OVE YOU!!!
It is my last p-day here in the MTC, crazy huh?! It is unreal to me and probably won't hit me till I get there or even after I arrive and am sitting in a lesson with a real investigator teaching a lesson. My address will now be my Santa Rosa address, but Vanessa has it. I put it on my blog and facebook, I will include it at the end of the e-mail though. Just in case! :]
My last week has been quite crazy. I am trying to do all that I can to get ready for the mission field. I don't think I will ever be prepared enough though. It's like with any new experience, you just have to go and try it out! I am so excited, though, and can't wait to go teach and preach this Gospel. The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Yesterday, my companion Hma. Clayton left for San Fernando, CA and it was bittersweet to see her go. We got along so good, but I am so happy for her and for the people that she will be able to teach. I am now back in a companionship with Hma. Eborn and Stephens! They are so great. It's fun to be reunited with them as well.
Tomorrow is in-field training and so we will be going to different classes and things to better prepare us for what to expect come Monday. I have come to a realization this past week about life and about changes. I have come to a point here in the MTC where I feel content. I know what to expect, I have been here for a long, and I'm happy here. I am now going to embark on a new adventure. I've realized that as a representative of Jesus Christ, life isn't always comfortable or convenient. Even here at the MTC, I have been pushed to go beyond my limits and do things that I didn't think I would ever be able to. That is how this work is done. It is done with the help of the Lord. So even though I might not always feel comfortable in the things that I'm doing, I know that with the help of the Lord that is how this work is done. It's about having that faith to "open your mouth" and then "it will be filled."
I feel a little scattered on what I want to share with you today, I should have planned this e-mail out a little more. I do want to share with you what I learned on Tuesday night at the devotional. It was a special presentation about Christ and His mortal ministry. I feel such a deep gratitude for His example and for the things He did for each and every one of us. I wear His name on my badge everyday, and I am constantly trying to get to know Him better and better everyday. By learning and studying His life, I know that I will be able to better represent Him. He really is our best friend. We just have to reach out to Him, His arms are always extended! There are times that I feel inadequate doing His work, but I know that if I ask for His strength and help, He will help me become who I want to be as a missionary and as a person. I feel the Lord's strength and love every day.
I am so happy to be able to share this Gospel with others. Gospel means "good news" and this really is the best news to share. We have a Heavenly Father who LOVES us and a brother, Jesus Christ, who atoned for our sins, pains, weaknesses, so that we wouldn't have to. If we "come unto Him" and use the Atonement in our lives, we can feel and have that strength that we need in this life.
In Ether chapter 12:27, we are taught that the Lord will make "weak things become strong." If we have faith, the Lord really can make our weaknesses strong.
Thank you all for your support and your love. I love you all so much!! You are all wonderful.
Love,
Hermana Robinson
okay, so my flight is at 11 on Monday. I will be calling probably around 9:30 or 10 on Monday. Please dearelder me your phone numbers to call!! I can't wait to talk to you on Monday. I don't know how it's going to work out exactly, but we can make it work. I was thinking calling mom or chand's phone and then your phone Vanessa. Let me know if that works out?!
Oh yeah, and Vanessa you have my santa rosa address correct? AFter monday, you can erase that address from my blog if you want. Wow, I'm typing fast because the timer is going to go off any second. But yeah, umm... I will talk to you on the phone MOnday! Yay. I bought my calling card and everything. expect a call around 9 or 9 30 maybe later. Love you send me your phone numbers! IL OVE YOU!!!
Friday, July 8, 2011
07-07-11
Hola!
It's another Thursday, so another p-day in my case. It's always a good time to get everything ready and prepared for the next week. We aren't able to go to the temple today or next p-day (my last two p-days) because the temple is being rennovated. I'm sad because I absolutely love the temple and when I get out into the field, I won't be able to go to often (like two times, maybe). I did enjoy the times that I was able to go though!
How are all of you doing?! What's new?! I know that all of you are staying pretty busy! I love hearing from you and all of the different things that are going on. :]
This week has been great!
Funny moment of the week: For language study, we come into the computer labs to practice and learn more of our language. They have sanitary wipes to wipe off the mouse, headphones, and keyboard before you use it. I went to get a sanitary wipe and I had pulled the one out and then there was another one coming out of the lid and so the lid wouldn't shut all of the way. I was concerned because then it would dry it out, so I decided to push the one in to the container which wasn't a good idea. The insert in the lid of the container is a tight squeeze and so when I went to push the wipe in my finger got stuck. And so when I pulled out my finger, it left a battle wound and I was bleeding and everything. I didn't tell anyone, but my companions saw that I was bleeding and so they asked what happened and I was like "I don't want to tell you, it's embarrassing!" Haha, but I did and we all laughed together. It is quite funny and I still have a mark from it. Luckily, one of the Elders (a boy scout of course) all prepared for anything had a band-aid to give me! I've learned my lessons with the sanitary wipes.
Favorite moment of the week: On Saturday, we celebrated the 4th of July and even had a celebration here at the MTC! Holidays are so different here because it just feels like another day, but Saturday night was the celebration and it got me in the patriotic spirit! We had a devotional and a man who is high up in the government spoke. It was really good! I love this country and I feel so blessed to live here. We sang patriotic songs and then a marching band with bag pipes and big drums came out and performed. I loved it! Afterward, we had ice cream and watched the fireworks from the Stadium of Fire. We could see them pretty good because we're pretty close to BYU. It was an awesome 4th of July!
Miracle moment of the week: Sunday was fast and testimony meeting. It's my last one here and so I really wanted to get up and share my testimony. Our branch president let us know that we could share our testimonies in english or spanish, whatever we felt like would let us express how we felt. I decided to try it in spanish, but let them know I would be sharing my testimony in "spanglish." Surprisingly, I wasn't very nervous at all and shared a lot of it in just spanish. It strengthened my testimony that if we have the faith, the Lord will help us when we need Him. I received a testimony by sharing my testimony, imagine that! Haha. In my testimony I shared a quote by President Eyring that I came across and I really like, it says: "Come unto Christ" is "the most important invitation you could ever offer and...the most important invitation anyone could accept." I find that to be such a powerful and true statement.
We only have 11 days left here at the MTC and I'm finding it to be more and more crazy everyday. I feel like there is so much I need to learn still, but I realize that I'll be constantly learning in the mission field. The mission is a learning experience EVERYday. I am constantly learning, it's great! Sometimes I wish I could just remember everything, though, because there are so many things that I don't ever want to forget. I read Jacob 5 yesterday and it's about the vineyard. One of the verses says something like.. the Lord will be working right along with you. It's so true, I feel the strength and power of the Lord everyday!
I wrote you a letter today and so you will be getting it in the mail! I love all of you so much. Thank you, thank you for your love and support!
Another verse that I've particularly loved this past week is Isaiah 53:3-5. It talks about our Savior, Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for us. He knows exactly what we are going through. He loves each one of us so much. He loves YOU so much. If you get the chance to read it, you should!
I love this Gospel and I love being a missionary!
con mucho amor,
Hermana Robinson
I LOVE YOU soooo much!!!! I miss you soo much!!! LOVE YOU!
It's another Thursday, so another p-day in my case. It's always a good time to get everything ready and prepared for the next week. We aren't able to go to the temple today or next p-day (my last two p-days) because the temple is being rennovated. I'm sad because I absolutely love the temple and when I get out into the field, I won't be able to go to often (like two times, maybe). I did enjoy the times that I was able to go though!
How are all of you doing?! What's new?! I know that all of you are staying pretty busy! I love hearing from you and all of the different things that are going on. :]
This week has been great!
Funny moment of the week: For language study, we come into the computer labs to practice and learn more of our language. They have sanitary wipes to wipe off the mouse, headphones, and keyboard before you use it. I went to get a sanitary wipe and I had pulled the one out and then there was another one coming out of the lid and so the lid wouldn't shut all of the way. I was concerned because then it would dry it out, so I decided to push the one in to the container which wasn't a good idea. The insert in the lid of the container is a tight squeeze and so when I went to push the wipe in my finger got stuck. And so when I pulled out my finger, it left a battle wound and I was bleeding and everything. I didn't tell anyone, but my companions saw that I was bleeding and so they asked what happened and I was like "I don't want to tell you, it's embarrassing!" Haha, but I did and we all laughed together. It is quite funny and I still have a mark from it. Luckily, one of the Elders (a boy scout of course) all prepared for anything had a band-aid to give me! I've learned my lessons with the sanitary wipes.
Favorite moment of the week: On Saturday, we celebrated the 4th of July and even had a celebration here at the MTC! Holidays are so different here because it just feels like another day, but Saturday night was the celebration and it got me in the patriotic spirit! We had a devotional and a man who is high up in the government spoke. It was really good! I love this country and I feel so blessed to live here. We sang patriotic songs and then a marching band with bag pipes and big drums came out and performed. I loved it! Afterward, we had ice cream and watched the fireworks from the Stadium of Fire. We could see them pretty good because we're pretty close to BYU. It was an awesome 4th of July!
Miracle moment of the week: Sunday was fast and testimony meeting. It's my last one here and so I really wanted to get up and share my testimony. Our branch president let us know that we could share our testimonies in english or spanish, whatever we felt like would let us express how we felt. I decided to try it in spanish, but let them know I would be sharing my testimony in "spanglish." Surprisingly, I wasn't very nervous at all and shared a lot of it in just spanish. It strengthened my testimony that if we have the faith, the Lord will help us when we need Him. I received a testimony by sharing my testimony, imagine that! Haha. In my testimony I shared a quote by President Eyring that I came across and I really like, it says: "Come unto Christ" is "the most important invitation you could ever offer and...the most important invitation anyone could accept." I find that to be such a powerful and true statement.
We only have 11 days left here at the MTC and I'm finding it to be more and more crazy everyday. I feel like there is so much I need to learn still, but I realize that I'll be constantly learning in the mission field. The mission is a learning experience EVERYday. I am constantly learning, it's great! Sometimes I wish I could just remember everything, though, because there are so many things that I don't ever want to forget. I read Jacob 5 yesterday and it's about the vineyard. One of the verses says something like.. the Lord will be working right along with you. It's so true, I feel the strength and power of the Lord everyday!
I wrote you a letter today and so you will be getting it in the mail! I love all of you so much. Thank you, thank you for your love and support!
Another verse that I've particularly loved this past week is Isaiah 53:3-5. It talks about our Savior, Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for us. He knows exactly what we are going through. He loves each one of us so much. He loves YOU so much. If you get the chance to read it, you should!
I love this Gospel and I love being a missionary!
con mucho amor,
Hermana Robinson
I LOVE YOU soooo much!!!! I miss you soo much!!! LOVE YOU!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
06-30-2011
Hello everyone!
How are you all doing this week?! This past week has been crazy. There have been a lot of changes within my companionship which was unexpected, but it's been great and has made me realize that missions are constantly changing! I'll get more to that in a few minutes! Thank you for your letters, it is always good to hear from you and all of the latest & greatest happenings in the Robinson fam.
This week, I am going to do a crazy moments of the week: I got a new companion Thursday! It was crazy and totally unexpected. It's kind of confusing though. Her name is Hermana Clayton and she arrived here last Wednesday. She was in the beginning spanish district to begin with, but because she knows and understands a lot more spanish than a beginner they tested her and she moved up to an advanced district. She moved up to a district with all elders and so she is what you call a "solo" sister her at the MTC. Technically, I am her companion, but when it comes to class and teaching, things like that she is solo and I'm still in a companionship with Hma. Eborn and Stephens. It's kinda crazy to coordinate our schedules with us having different things going on, but it works out and she is so great! She moved into our room that night and everything. She is from Houston, Texas and going to San Fernando, California (spanish speaking) on her mission. So yes, this past week has been one of change but I think it's necessary that I realize and learn that now so I'll be more prepared for the field! I am blessed with three companions now! :]
Favorite moment of this past week: I was able to be a host yesterday to all of the new sisters coming in the MTC! Wow, it was so much fun & I was so excited. I remember my first day so vividly and the craziness that it was, but I absolutely loved it. I was so happy to be able to take part in that for the new sisters coming in. I helped about 5 sisters yesterday! I helped thee cutest sisters from Korea. They were so happy and cute, it made me so happy. I have met so many different people here and I am amazed at EACH missionary and how strong each one is. The Lord needs each one of us and it's so apparent when I get to know them.
Miracle moment: There are little miracles or "tender mercies" of the Lord in all of our lives each day, it's just a matter of recognizing them! One thing I've realized this week is how much I LOVE the scriptures. I've always loved the scriptures, but being here and studying them each day has taught me that the scriptures really do have EVERY answer. I want to get better at knowing more references off the top of my head and becoming a lot more familiar with all of the stories! The scriptures are literally a instruction book for this life. I have found that to be true while being here. Also, I have come to recognize how powerful prayer is and how it can instantly change your mood and negative feelings you may have. It uplifts, encourages, and helps you throughout the day. I love prayer and I love the scriptures!
Today at breakfast I met two Elders going to Santa Rosa, California! I get so excited when I meet someone from that area or when I meet missionaries going to my same area! There are two sisters in the beginning spanish class that arrived here the same time I did that are going to Santa Rosa as well. They are so sweet and I've kind of got to know them here and there! Anyway, I hadn't met any Elders going to my same mission yet. I was really excited to meet them though! One was from Sri Lanka and one was from Samoa, they are going english speaking and just arrived yesterday. They will be leaving the same time as I do, so we'll all be heading to Santa Rosa together (when you already know the language of your mission, you spend three weeks here). I let them know that they're like my family and best friends now, haha.
I only have about two and a half more weeks here and I'm getting more and more excited. I don't exactly feel like a "real" missionary because I'm still here in the MTC but I know I am. It just will be crazy to actually get in the field. I am trying to soak up and embrace every moment here!
Scriptures for the week: 3 Nephi 11:15; Matthew 11: 28-30; and John 10:1-16. All of those are such comforting scriptures that let us all know that Christ loves and knows us individually and that He is our Savior. I am so thankful to have this Gospel in my life and to be able to go share it with others.
I love you all so much and am so thankful for EACH one of you in my life.
Con mucho amor,
Hermana Robinson
How are you all doing this week?! This past week has been crazy. There have been a lot of changes within my companionship which was unexpected, but it's been great and has made me realize that missions are constantly changing! I'll get more to that in a few minutes! Thank you for your letters, it is always good to hear from you and all of the latest & greatest happenings in the Robinson fam.
This week, I am going to do a crazy moments of the week: I got a new companion Thursday! It was crazy and totally unexpected. It's kind of confusing though. Her name is Hermana Clayton and she arrived here last Wednesday. She was in the beginning spanish district to begin with, but because she knows and understands a lot more spanish than a beginner they tested her and she moved up to an advanced district. She moved up to a district with all elders and so she is what you call a "solo" sister her at the MTC. Technically, I am her companion, but when it comes to class and teaching, things like that she is solo and I'm still in a companionship with Hma. Eborn and Stephens. It's kinda crazy to coordinate our schedules with us having different things going on, but it works out and she is so great! She moved into our room that night and everything. She is from Houston, Texas and going to San Fernando, California (spanish speaking) on her mission. So yes, this past week has been one of change but I think it's necessary that I realize and learn that now so I'll be more prepared for the field! I am blessed with three companions now! :]
Favorite moment of this past week: I was able to be a host yesterday to all of the new sisters coming in the MTC! Wow, it was so much fun & I was so excited. I remember my first day so vividly and the craziness that it was, but I absolutely loved it. I was so happy to be able to take part in that for the new sisters coming in. I helped about 5 sisters yesterday! I helped thee cutest sisters from Korea. They were so happy and cute, it made me so happy. I have met so many different people here and I am amazed at EACH missionary and how strong each one is. The Lord needs each one of us and it's so apparent when I get to know them.
Miracle moment: There are little miracles or "tender mercies" of the Lord in all of our lives each day, it's just a matter of recognizing them! One thing I've realized this week is how much I LOVE the scriptures. I've always loved the scriptures, but being here and studying them each day has taught me that the scriptures really do have EVERY answer. I want to get better at knowing more references off the top of my head and becoming a lot more familiar with all of the stories! The scriptures are literally a instruction book for this life. I have found that to be true while being here. Also, I have come to recognize how powerful prayer is and how it can instantly change your mood and negative feelings you may have. It uplifts, encourages, and helps you throughout the day. I love prayer and I love the scriptures!
Today at breakfast I met two Elders going to Santa Rosa, California! I get so excited when I meet someone from that area or when I meet missionaries going to my same area! There are two sisters in the beginning spanish class that arrived here the same time I did that are going to Santa Rosa as well. They are so sweet and I've kind of got to know them here and there! Anyway, I hadn't met any Elders going to my same mission yet. I was really excited to meet them though! One was from Sri Lanka and one was from Samoa, they are going english speaking and just arrived yesterday. They will be leaving the same time as I do, so we'll all be heading to Santa Rosa together (when you already know the language of your mission, you spend three weeks here). I let them know that they're like my family and best friends now, haha.
I only have about two and a half more weeks here and I'm getting more and more excited. I don't exactly feel like a "real" missionary because I'm still here in the MTC but I know I am. It just will be crazy to actually get in the field. I am trying to soak up and embrace every moment here!
Scriptures for the week: 3 Nephi 11:15; Matthew 11: 28-30; and John 10:1-16. All of those are such comforting scriptures that let us all know that Christ loves and knows us individually and that He is our Savior. I am so thankful to have this Gospel in my life and to be able to go share it with others.
I love you all so much and am so thankful for EACH one of you in my life.
Con mucho amor,
Hermana Robinson
06-23-2011
Hey!!
I am so excited to write you today. During the week, I am always thinking of the things and experiences I'm going to write to you and share with all of you. There are so many things and experiences I want to tell all of you, but I will limit it to my favorite momentos! :] I am so happy you all were able to go to Grandma Rose's birthday party! I know for a fact that it meant SO much to her. I really do.
This week has been great! We are at that point where we have hit the halfway mark and will be leaving here in a short time which is so crazy! It will be so weird to actually live in the "real world" because we are at the MTC all of the time except for when we go to the field for gym or to the temple on p-days. We joke around and call the outside world "babylonia" it is weird though because I haven't been in a car since I arrived. I think that's probably the longest amount of time I've ever not ridden or driven a car. I love all of you so much and thank you for your letters and e-mails!
The last three days my companions and I have made it our goal to only speak spanish. Yes, only spanish! We were trying to before, but it wasn't working out for us.. we kept slacking on it. This time we made it our goal and if we don't do it, we can't read our letters or cards. That's probably the best motivation because cards and letters are EVERYTHING here. We do have set times where we can speak in English, so we can actually get our thoughts and feelings across like during companionship study, inventory, and today since it's p-day we've been speaking in english. It's hard, but it's the best way to really learn fast. I'm feeling a lot better about it because I know that I'm doing everything I can.
Funny moment(s) of the week: Yesterday in gym we were playing kickball with some elders. One of the Elders was running to home base and Hma. Stephens really wanted to get him out. For some reason she kicked the ball at him to try and get him out and it hit him smack dab on the side of his head really hard. He fell to the ground because it hurt him and all of the rest of us fell to the ground laughing!! Haha. Sad that we found it so funny, but it really was. Another funny thing is that because we've been speaking in spanish a lot of the times we can't figure out what each other is saying or we don't know what's going on. Yesterday I realized that Hma. Eborn had cut her earrings to be shorter because they were too long and in the morning I was like you cut them?! (but it was in spanish) and she said yeah. Later in the day Hma. Stephens was looking at Hma. Eborn and it was during companionship study so we were speaking in english at this point. She was like "okay, what of your hair did you cut exactly?..Your bangs? Or all of your hair?" Haha, and we were like "what?" and we realized she had thought we meant that she had cut her hair when we were talking about her earrings. I don't know it was funny. It gives you a glimpse of what life is like when you can't speak english and are trying to speak spanish. Let me tell you, we are a lot more quiet when we are just speaking spanish!
Favorite moment: A general authority of the seventy came and spoke to us on Tuesday night. His wife is a convert to the church. He had her tell her story of how her and her family were converted by two missionaries in England I think? She told us the Elders names that she will never forget because they brought such happiness to her family's life. One of the missionaries was there and got up and bore his testimony! 60 years later they still kept in touch! I was in awe that he was here to share his side of the story of the day they found that wonderful family who later were all baptized. I felt the spirit so strong! I am so excited to go share this message with the people of Santa Rosa!
Miracle moment: The first few weeks here, I couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed with the language. When we teach the "investigators" (who are just volunteers, but speak spanish) I want to be able to express my feelings and what I know to be true. When we teach in spanish, I didn't feel like I could do that because I don't know how to say it. Now that we have been speaking all spanish as a companionship, I feel SO much better. I have this new motivation and enthusiasm for the spanish language. I love speaking it, I really do even if I can't say a lot. I have faith and I know that I will learn. I'm learning everyday. Sometimes I get frustrated when I don't know how to say something to my companions, but it just is a motivation to learn how to say it. So, that would definitely be my miracle moment(s) of this week. We all have been doing so good at it, but it's through the help of our Lord and the gift of tounges.
This past Sunday, I said the closing prayer in sacrament for our branch which consists of about 5 or 6 districts. And it was in spanish of course. I later had an Elder who is from Honduras tell me that he understood everything and that I'm doing really good. That helped me feel good! :] Hma. Eborn and I have also been learning a little piano from Hma. Stephens. Just a little! It's been really fun though.
That's about all of the really great things I wanted to share with you. I hope that you all know that I love you so much. I think about you all of the time and how great and amazing you all are. I have learned how critical the Holy Ghost is in our lives and how great a gift it is that we have as members of the church! We are so lucky to have it!
Moroni 10 is a great chapter on that! I encourage you all to read it!
Heavenly Father loves you and so does our Savior Jesus Christ. Always remember that! I love being a missionary and being a representative of Jesus Christ. It truly is an honor.
Con mucho amor,
Hermana Robinson
I am so excited to write you today. During the week, I am always thinking of the things and experiences I'm going to write to you and share with all of you. There are so many things and experiences I want to tell all of you, but I will limit it to my favorite momentos! :] I am so happy you all were able to go to Grandma Rose's birthday party! I know for a fact that it meant SO much to her. I really do.
This week has been great! We are at that point where we have hit the halfway mark and will be leaving here in a short time which is so crazy! It will be so weird to actually live in the "real world" because we are at the MTC all of the time except for when we go to the field for gym or to the temple on p-days. We joke around and call the outside world "babylonia" it is weird though because I haven't been in a car since I arrived. I think that's probably the longest amount of time I've ever not ridden or driven a car. I love all of you so much and thank you for your letters and e-mails!
The last three days my companions and I have made it our goal to only speak spanish. Yes, only spanish! We were trying to before, but it wasn't working out for us.. we kept slacking on it. This time we made it our goal and if we don't do it, we can't read our letters or cards. That's probably the best motivation because cards and letters are EVERYTHING here. We do have set times where we can speak in English, so we can actually get our thoughts and feelings across like during companionship study, inventory, and today since it's p-day we've been speaking in english. It's hard, but it's the best way to really learn fast. I'm feeling a lot better about it because I know that I'm doing everything I can.
Funny moment(s) of the week: Yesterday in gym we were playing kickball with some elders. One of the Elders was running to home base and Hma. Stephens really wanted to get him out. For some reason she kicked the ball at him to try and get him out and it hit him smack dab on the side of his head really hard. He fell to the ground because it hurt him and all of the rest of us fell to the ground laughing!! Haha. Sad that we found it so funny, but it really was. Another funny thing is that because we've been speaking in spanish a lot of the times we can't figure out what each other is saying or we don't know what's going on. Yesterday I realized that Hma. Eborn had cut her earrings to be shorter because they were too long and in the morning I was like you cut them?! (but it was in spanish) and she said yeah. Later in the day Hma. Stephens was looking at Hma. Eborn and it was during companionship study so we were speaking in english at this point. She was like "okay, what of your hair did you cut exactly?..Your bangs? Or all of your hair?" Haha, and we were like "what?" and we realized she had thought we meant that she had cut her hair when we were talking about her earrings. I don't know it was funny. It gives you a glimpse of what life is like when you can't speak english and are trying to speak spanish. Let me tell you, we are a lot more quiet when we are just speaking spanish!
Favorite moment: A general authority of the seventy came and spoke to us on Tuesday night. His wife is a convert to the church. He had her tell her story of how her and her family were converted by two missionaries in England I think? She told us the Elders names that she will never forget because they brought such happiness to her family's life. One of the missionaries was there and got up and bore his testimony! 60 years later they still kept in touch! I was in awe that he was here to share his side of the story of the day they found that wonderful family who later were all baptized. I felt the spirit so strong! I am so excited to go share this message with the people of Santa Rosa!
Miracle moment: The first few weeks here, I couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed with the language. When we teach the "investigators" (who are just volunteers, but speak spanish) I want to be able to express my feelings and what I know to be true. When we teach in spanish, I didn't feel like I could do that because I don't know how to say it. Now that we have been speaking all spanish as a companionship, I feel SO much better. I have this new motivation and enthusiasm for the spanish language. I love speaking it, I really do even if I can't say a lot. I have faith and I know that I will learn. I'm learning everyday. Sometimes I get frustrated when I don't know how to say something to my companions, but it just is a motivation to learn how to say it. So, that would definitely be my miracle moment(s) of this week. We all have been doing so good at it, but it's through the help of our Lord and the gift of tounges.
This past Sunday, I said the closing prayer in sacrament for our branch which consists of about 5 or 6 districts. And it was in spanish of course. I later had an Elder who is from Honduras tell me that he understood everything and that I'm doing really good. That helped me feel good! :] Hma. Eborn and I have also been learning a little piano from Hma. Stephens. Just a little! It's been really fun though.
That's about all of the really great things I wanted to share with you. I hope that you all know that I love you so much. I think about you all of the time and how great and amazing you all are. I have learned how critical the Holy Ghost is in our lives and how great a gift it is that we have as members of the church! We are so lucky to have it!
Moroni 10 is a great chapter on that! I encourage you all to read it!
Heavenly Father loves you and so does our Savior Jesus Christ. Always remember that! I love being a missionary and being a representative of Jesus Christ. It truly is an honor.
Con mucho amor,
Hermana Robinson
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