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!
Friday, July 8, 2011
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
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
06-16-2011
My dearest family,
How are you all doing?! The weeks just keep going by faster and faster! I can't believe I've been here 4 weeks now. Missionary time is CRAZY. I've heard that the days feel like weeks and the weeks feel like days and I'm now at that point where I know EXACTLY what they mean when they say that. We do so much in our days, so I feel like they are so long. When the weeks roll around, though, it's crazy to me that it has already been one week. This week has been great! There are so many things we do and I wish I could write about, but I'll stick to the best of the best.
Funny moment(s) of the week: We were at dinner one night and Hermana Eborn asked if she could have the rest of Hermana Stephens vegetables on her plate because she was finished with them. Hermana Stephens said "of course" and so Hma. Eborn went about eating them. She took a bite and made a face like she was disgusted and spit out what she had eaten into a napkin. We were both like "Do you not like it?!" And she was like "Um, Hma. Stephens did you eat something and spit it back out on your plate?!" And Hma. Stephens looks at me and we all just busted up laughing SO hard! She had eaten some chicken before that and took a bite of chicken cartlidge and spit it back out onto that plate and totally forgot. So yeah, my companions have become really close. So close, that they eat each other's already chewed up food. Haha, we laughed sooo hard about that and even now writing it I'm laughing out loud.
Another funny story was one morning when we were doing personal study and Hma. Stephens looks over at me and whispers "Hi Jamie" and we were both shocked! It is so weird to hear your first name here at the MTC as a missionary. She had never even said my name or called me that before, so we were both taken back. After she said it, she totally acted like she had just said a bad word or something. It was funny!
Favorite moment of the week: Today actually! We went to the temple and did sealings (best thing ever!) I stood in for a daughter getting sealed to her parents. It really was amazing. My favorite moment though, was after we had gotten dressed back into our mission clothes and had our tags on. This girl was by us and she asked us where we were going on our missions and everything and then told us she would be serving a mission in a month! I got SO excited for her. We told her some advice and I let her know that she is going to love every minute and that it really is one of the best decisions ever. We then saw some recently returned sister missionaries! They got so excited to see us and I could see in their eyes how much they love missionary work and how they will forever hold their mission experience close to their heart. And here we are serving as missionaries! We saw and talked to all stages of the mission: a girl preparing to come in a month and those sisters that have just recently returned. I feel so blessed to be here, now, serving a mission! I want to take in and embrace EVERY moment because it is a beautiful experience.
Miracle moment: I feel like I have a miracle moment everyday. Seriously, something miraculous happens every single day. I want to share with you two things that have happened and they seem so simple, but it's "by the small and simple things, that great things come to pass." At the Tuesday night devotional Rosemary Wixom (general primary president) came and spoke to us! One of the first things we did was sing "I hope they call me on a mission" but instead we sang "I'm glad they called me on a mission" Wow, singing those words and realizing that I am here serving a mission and that this is REAL hit me so hard. I am so glad they called me on a mission!
Yesterday we taught the other sister companionship in our district. Afterwards, we all felt we could have taught better. We all are so different and think so differently, but we are to be unified and speak with one voice. We asked our teacher about how we can better do that and he was helping us and then wanted us to teach him. He acted as if he were a man that was sitting in a park and we happened to see him and wanted to teach him about the Restored Gospel! We said a prayer before and approached him.. right from the beginning, I felt the spirit so strong. We shared that the true church, Christ's church is on the earth today! And that it was restored through Joseph Smith, I then shared the account of the first vision and I couldn't hold back the tears because it was that moment that I felt the spirit testify through me. I know that Joseph Smith saw our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I know that through him, the true church is restored and is on the earth today. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a man called of God and that he leads this church. I am so thankful to have this knowledge and to be able to teach it every day! Ahh...it makes me so excited that in a month I will be going and sharing this message with those people that are searching for the truth.
I love this work, I really do! It's hard, but it's so great. The feeling that comes after connecting and testifying what I know to be true to someone, to one of God's children, is worth every hard moment.
I am so thankful for you and for your love and support! I love getting your letters, e-mails, and dearelder (CLARK!) it was the first dearelder I've received while being here. It did get here the day after, they don't lie! Haha, pretty nifty huh?! I will be writing you a letter later as well. :)
A scripture passage I've really enjoyed lately is Alma 34! It is great! Try and read it if you can!
I LOVE YOU ALL MUCHO!!
Love,
Hermana Robinson
How are you all doing?! The weeks just keep going by faster and faster! I can't believe I've been here 4 weeks now. Missionary time is CRAZY. I've heard that the days feel like weeks and the weeks feel like days and I'm now at that point where I know EXACTLY what they mean when they say that. We do so much in our days, so I feel like they are so long. When the weeks roll around, though, it's crazy to me that it has already been one week. This week has been great! There are so many things we do and I wish I could write about, but I'll stick to the best of the best.
Funny moment(s) of the week: We were at dinner one night and Hermana Eborn asked if she could have the rest of Hermana Stephens vegetables on her plate because she was finished with them. Hermana Stephens said "of course" and so Hma. Eborn went about eating them. She took a bite and made a face like she was disgusted and spit out what she had eaten into a napkin. We were both like "Do you not like it?!" And she was like "Um, Hma. Stephens did you eat something and spit it back out on your plate?!" And Hma. Stephens looks at me and we all just busted up laughing SO hard! She had eaten some chicken before that and took a bite of chicken cartlidge and spit it back out onto that plate and totally forgot. So yeah, my companions have become really close. So close, that they eat each other's already chewed up food. Haha, we laughed sooo hard about that and even now writing it I'm laughing out loud.
Another funny story was one morning when we were doing personal study and Hma. Stephens looks over at me and whispers "Hi Jamie" and we were both shocked! It is so weird to hear your first name here at the MTC as a missionary. She had never even said my name or called me that before, so we were both taken back. After she said it, she totally acted like she had just said a bad word or something. It was funny!
Favorite moment of the week: Today actually! We went to the temple and did sealings (best thing ever!) I stood in for a daughter getting sealed to her parents. It really was amazing. My favorite moment though, was after we had gotten dressed back into our mission clothes and had our tags on. This girl was by us and she asked us where we were going on our missions and everything and then told us she would be serving a mission in a month! I got SO excited for her. We told her some advice and I let her know that she is going to love every minute and that it really is one of the best decisions ever. We then saw some recently returned sister missionaries! They got so excited to see us and I could see in their eyes how much they love missionary work and how they will forever hold their mission experience close to their heart. And here we are serving as missionaries! We saw and talked to all stages of the mission: a girl preparing to come in a month and those sisters that have just recently returned. I feel so blessed to be here, now, serving a mission! I want to take in and embrace EVERY moment because it is a beautiful experience.
Miracle moment: I feel like I have a miracle moment everyday. Seriously, something miraculous happens every single day. I want to share with you two things that have happened and they seem so simple, but it's "by the small and simple things, that great things come to pass." At the Tuesday night devotional Rosemary Wixom (general primary president) came and spoke to us! One of the first things we did was sing "I hope they call me on a mission" but instead we sang "I'm glad they called me on a mission" Wow, singing those words and realizing that I am here serving a mission and that this is REAL hit me so hard. I am so glad they called me on a mission!
Yesterday we taught the other sister companionship in our district. Afterwards, we all felt we could have taught better. We all are so different and think so differently, but we are to be unified and speak with one voice. We asked our teacher about how we can better do that and he was helping us and then wanted us to teach him. He acted as if he were a man that was sitting in a park and we happened to see him and wanted to teach him about the Restored Gospel! We said a prayer before and approached him.. right from the beginning, I felt the spirit so strong. We shared that the true church, Christ's church is on the earth today! And that it was restored through Joseph Smith, I then shared the account of the first vision and I couldn't hold back the tears because it was that moment that I felt the spirit testify through me. I know that Joseph Smith saw our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I know that through him, the true church is restored and is on the earth today. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a man called of God and that he leads this church. I am so thankful to have this knowledge and to be able to teach it every day! Ahh...it makes me so excited that in a month I will be going and sharing this message with those people that are searching for the truth.
I love this work, I really do! It's hard, but it's so great. The feeling that comes after connecting and testifying what I know to be true to someone, to one of God's children, is worth every hard moment.
I am so thankful for you and for your love and support! I love getting your letters, e-mails, and dearelder (CLARK!) it was the first dearelder I've received while being here. It did get here the day after, they don't lie! Haha, pretty nifty huh?! I will be writing you a letter later as well. :)
A scripture passage I've really enjoyed lately is Alma 34! It is great! Try and read it if you can!
I LOVE YOU ALL MUCHO!!
Love,
Hermana Robinson
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
06-09-2011
Hola family!
How are all of you doing?! I am doing good! Today we woke up at 5:40 and we went to the yoga class at 6:00. We then got ready for the day, went to breakfast, and then had some personal study time where we can study the scriptures, preach my gospel, and things like that. We then walked over to the temple where we did initiatories. Every time I go to the temple, I feel so much better. It helps me remember the grand scheme of things and I regain a different perspective on life! I love the temple!
This week has been great! Like I always say, I can't believe everything that we do in a week and how much we get accomplished! I have about six more weeks here in the MTC. It is going to fly by, I just know it. I love it here, and will be sad to leave when the time comes! I will be excited to actually be headed into the mission field though.
I first want to tell you how great my district is! We have five sisters now and 7 elders. Our Elders are so great to us sisters! They are constantly aware of anything we need help with or anything that they can do to help us. They take our trays for us at all of our meals when we are finished and just little things like that. They are awesome!
Funny moment of the week: Today actually when I was leaving the temple. I couldn't find my companions because we all got done at different times. I got dressed and was ready to leave, so I thought maybe they would be waiting out in the lobby or outside for me? As I was walking out, I totally stopped and thought "WHAT AM I DOING?" I didn't have my companions with me and I couldn't be alone! Haha. We have to be together! I hurried and went back to find Hermana Eborn and she was looking for me too. I should be used to the fact that we have to be TOGETHER everywhere, they couldn't have just went and waited outside for me to get done. I am still learning, I guess. :]
Miracle moment of the week: I have been meeting with the spanish tutor a few times a week. He is great and he's from Guatemala (which makes me instantly like him!) As we were figuring out what we were going to do, he let me know that as I study and learn spanish I should always be thinking of a specific person (investigator) as I learn the language. He told me that it is the only way I am going to pick up the language quickly because the Lord is specific and so we also need to be specific. It has really helped me realize what I need to be focusing on learning and studying.
Favorite moment of the week: As a companionship, we decided we were going to participate in the choir on Tuesday for the Tuesday night devotional. Even though I'm not the best singer, I had so much fun! Music is so beautiful and being a part of the choir was such a neat experience. I am so happy that we were able to do that!
There are so many things I wish I could tell you about, but due to the timer in the right hand corner I have to limit the stories! There are a few more things I want to tell you about. We were watching a talk from Jefferey R. Holland called "The Miracle of Missionary Work" I think it was? He talked about missionary work and how important and amazing it is! He talked about how hard it does get and that it WILL get very, very hard. He then shared that there is a reason why it can be so hard, but SO rewarding. He said "Salvation isn't cheap" and it hit me so hard. I am going to share this amazing Gospel with others and yes it's going to be hard, but it's going to be so worth every minute! Jesus Christ came to this earth and suffered for all of our pains, sorrows, and sins. It was not easy for him and it isn't easy for us. I really, really enjoyed his talk.
I hope everything is going great at home! There is never a day that I don't go without thinking and praying about all of you! You are so special and I love all of you so much. Read the book of Enos! It's about faith and I have loved it so much. Faith must be centered on Jesus Christ!
I LOVE YOU!
Love, Hermana Robinson
How are all of you doing?! I am doing good! Today we woke up at 5:40 and we went to the yoga class at 6:00. We then got ready for the day, went to breakfast, and then had some personal study time where we can study the scriptures, preach my gospel, and things like that. We then walked over to the temple where we did initiatories. Every time I go to the temple, I feel so much better. It helps me remember the grand scheme of things and I regain a different perspective on life! I love the temple!
This week has been great! Like I always say, I can't believe everything that we do in a week and how much we get accomplished! I have about six more weeks here in the MTC. It is going to fly by, I just know it. I love it here, and will be sad to leave when the time comes! I will be excited to actually be headed into the mission field though.
I first want to tell you how great my district is! We have five sisters now and 7 elders. Our Elders are so great to us sisters! They are constantly aware of anything we need help with or anything that they can do to help us. They take our trays for us at all of our meals when we are finished and just little things like that. They are awesome!
Funny moment of the week: Today actually when I was leaving the temple. I couldn't find my companions because we all got done at different times. I got dressed and was ready to leave, so I thought maybe they would be waiting out in the lobby or outside for me? As I was walking out, I totally stopped and thought "WHAT AM I DOING?" I didn't have my companions with me and I couldn't be alone! Haha. We have to be together! I hurried and went back to find Hermana Eborn and she was looking for me too. I should be used to the fact that we have to be TOGETHER everywhere, they couldn't have just went and waited outside for me to get done. I am still learning, I guess. :]
Miracle moment of the week: I have been meeting with the spanish tutor a few times a week. He is great and he's from Guatemala (which makes me instantly like him!) As we were figuring out what we were going to do, he let me know that as I study and learn spanish I should always be thinking of a specific person (investigator) as I learn the language. He told me that it is the only way I am going to pick up the language quickly because the Lord is specific and so we also need to be specific. It has really helped me realize what I need to be focusing on learning and studying.
Favorite moment of the week: As a companionship, we decided we were going to participate in the choir on Tuesday for the Tuesday night devotional. Even though I'm not the best singer, I had so much fun! Music is so beautiful and being a part of the choir was such a neat experience. I am so happy that we were able to do that!
There are so many things I wish I could tell you about, but due to the timer in the right hand corner I have to limit the stories! There are a few more things I want to tell you about. We were watching a talk from Jefferey R. Holland called "The Miracle of Missionary Work" I think it was? He talked about missionary work and how important and amazing it is! He talked about how hard it does get and that it WILL get very, very hard. He then shared that there is a reason why it can be so hard, but SO rewarding. He said "Salvation isn't cheap" and it hit me so hard. I am going to share this amazing Gospel with others and yes it's going to be hard, but it's going to be so worth every minute! Jesus Christ came to this earth and suffered for all of our pains, sorrows, and sins. It was not easy for him and it isn't easy for us. I really, really enjoyed his talk.
I hope everything is going great at home! There is never a day that I don't go without thinking and praying about all of you! You are so special and I love all of you so much. Read the book of Enos! It's about faith and I have loved it so much. Faith must be centered on Jesus Christ!
I LOVE YOU!
Love, Hermana Robinson
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
06-02-2011
Hello Family!!
Can you believe it's been about two weeks since I arrived here at the MTC?! It's crazy. It seems like I've been here for so long, but at the same time I feel like I just arrived here yesterday. Thank you so much for your letters dad, mom, and Chandler & for your email Vanessa! I really, really appreciate it!
I can't believe it's only been a week since last Thursday because I reflect on the week and there has been so much that has happened! We had our first teaching experience (teaching a volunteer "investigator"). He only spoke spanish to us and we spoke "spanglish". It went soo good! & we were so happy with how we did because we've come along way. It didn't matter that the man we were teaching didn't understand everything we were teaching and that I didn't understand everything he was saying, we all felt the spirit soo strong! When we left, he told us that we are ready to go out into the field! Haha, I know that I am nowhere near ready for that yet. I still have seven weeks to go here at the MTC.
How is the espanol coming along, you ask?! It's coming. It's hard not to get discouraged when you feel like you aren't learning as fast and as much as you should be. I was talking to some Hermanas during gym one day and they really changed my perspective on everything!! They told me that at first they were feeling exactly like I have been with learning and trying to understand spanish. They, then, shared with me that once they realized it's not about "me learning spanish" or "me not catching on fast enough." It's not about ME at all. It's about the Lord. I am here to serve Him with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. I am learning spanish to teach others about this beautiful Gospel, His Gospel. Even if I don't know hardly anything when I go out into the field, the Lord will prepare a way for me to say what He needs me to say. After hearing that, it really changed my perspective! I know I just need to take it one day at a time. It will come!
Let's see... funny moment(s) of the week: Learning a language is hard! So, it's really funny when you get words jumbled up in your mind and then when you go to say it, you get them confused and then it comes out completely wrong. Hermana Stephens knows spanish really well, so lucky for Hermana Eborn and I we have someone to correct us when we make mistakes! One day we were going around introducing ourselves to a teacher (in spanish) and we were saying why we chose to be here serving. Hermana Eborn was trying to say "I made a promise with God, and He kept His end of the deal." Instead she said "I made a party with God" haha! It was so funny. The teacher was like "what?!" When we had our first teaching experience, we were talking to the man about our families. I was trying to say "I'm the oldest of four children" but I said "I'm the best of four children" Haha. Mayor is oldest mejor is best. I'm tellin ya, words get jumbled up in my mind! After a while, I can't speak english or spanish. One night, I woke up to Hermana Stephens talking in her sleep in ESPANOL! It goes to show how hard we're working! Haha. It really has been such a great experience with everything!
My companions and the other sisters from my district always tell me how nice and sweet I am, and I wonder if the MTC has changed me a lot because I wasn't like that at home?! Haha. I told them I was going to tell my family that because you'd all think they were crazy! I am not as "sweet and nice" as they say I am.
I can't believe the things I've learned while being here. I have learned how important it is to be aware of those around you & to constantly be looking for an opportunity to serve someone else & to make someone else a little happier. I've learned the importance of listening to and loving every person. If I were to come home today, I would be a different person just from the experiences and lessons I've learned up until this point. It truly has been amazing! I wish you could all come visit here for even one day and feel the spirit of missionary work that is here! There are so many (about 2,000) missionaries here from ALL over the world, but we are all here for the SAME purpose and that is to invite others to come unto Christ. A day never goes by where I'm not amazed at something I see that someone else does for someone else. I am learning so much from others, but I have SO far to go.
In personal study I read in the Book of Mormon when Christ came to the Americas (3 Nephi 11-28). It was a whole new experience for me! Christ lives and He loves each one of us and knows us. I encourage you to read the scripture passage if you get a chance! I love all of you soo much and I thank you for your support. It makes me happy to hear from you and all of the things going on at home. I love ALL of you!
Love,
Hermana Robinson
Can you believe it's been about two weeks since I arrived here at the MTC?! It's crazy. It seems like I've been here for so long, but at the same time I feel like I just arrived here yesterday. Thank you so much for your letters dad, mom, and Chandler & for your email Vanessa! I really, really appreciate it!
I can't believe it's only been a week since last Thursday because I reflect on the week and there has been so much that has happened! We had our first teaching experience (teaching a volunteer "investigator"). He only spoke spanish to us and we spoke "spanglish". It went soo good! & we were so happy with how we did because we've come along way. It didn't matter that the man we were teaching didn't understand everything we were teaching and that I didn't understand everything he was saying, we all felt the spirit soo strong! When we left, he told us that we are ready to go out into the field! Haha, I know that I am nowhere near ready for that yet. I still have seven weeks to go here at the MTC.
How is the espanol coming along, you ask?! It's coming. It's hard not to get discouraged when you feel like you aren't learning as fast and as much as you should be. I was talking to some Hermanas during gym one day and they really changed my perspective on everything!! They told me that at first they were feeling exactly like I have been with learning and trying to understand spanish. They, then, shared with me that once they realized it's not about "me learning spanish" or "me not catching on fast enough." It's not about ME at all. It's about the Lord. I am here to serve Him with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. I am learning spanish to teach others about this beautiful Gospel, His Gospel. Even if I don't know hardly anything when I go out into the field, the Lord will prepare a way for me to say what He needs me to say. After hearing that, it really changed my perspective! I know I just need to take it one day at a time. It will come!
Let's see... funny moment(s) of the week: Learning a language is hard! So, it's really funny when you get words jumbled up in your mind and then when you go to say it, you get them confused and then it comes out completely wrong. Hermana Stephens knows spanish really well, so lucky for Hermana Eborn and I we have someone to correct us when we make mistakes! One day we were going around introducing ourselves to a teacher (in spanish) and we were saying why we chose to be here serving. Hermana Eborn was trying to say "I made a promise with God, and He kept His end of the deal." Instead she said "I made a party with God" haha! It was so funny. The teacher was like "what?!" When we had our first teaching experience, we were talking to the man about our families. I was trying to say "I'm the oldest of four children" but I said "I'm the best of four children" Haha. Mayor is oldest mejor is best. I'm tellin ya, words get jumbled up in my mind! After a while, I can't speak english or spanish. One night, I woke up to Hermana Stephens talking in her sleep in ESPANOL! It goes to show how hard we're working! Haha. It really has been such a great experience with everything!
My companions and the other sisters from my district always tell me how nice and sweet I am, and I wonder if the MTC has changed me a lot because I wasn't like that at home?! Haha. I told them I was going to tell my family that because you'd all think they were crazy! I am not as "sweet and nice" as they say I am.
I can't believe the things I've learned while being here. I have learned how important it is to be aware of those around you & to constantly be looking for an opportunity to serve someone else & to make someone else a little happier. I've learned the importance of listening to and loving every person. If I were to come home today, I would be a different person just from the experiences and lessons I've learned up until this point. It truly has been amazing! I wish you could all come visit here for even one day and feel the spirit of missionary work that is here! There are so many (about 2,000) missionaries here from ALL over the world, but we are all here for the SAME purpose and that is to invite others to come unto Christ. A day never goes by where I'm not amazed at something I see that someone else does for someone else. I am learning so much from others, but I have SO far to go.
In personal study I read in the Book of Mormon when Christ came to the Americas (3 Nephi 11-28). It was a whole new experience for me! Christ lives and He loves each one of us and knows us. I encourage you to read the scripture passage if you get a chance! I love all of you soo much and I thank you for your support. It makes me happy to hear from you and all of the things going on at home. I love ALL of you!
Love,
Hermana Robinson
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
05/26/11
Mi Familia,
Hola!! Today (Thursdays) are my p days, so this is the day I'm able to write, email, we just got back from the temple, and then we have time to do laundry and get all prepared for this upcoming week! Oh how I have so much to tell you, but there is a timer on the screen (kinda distracting) but I will get all I can in before this timer goes off. First off, can you believe how crazy it was that I pretty much just got whisked away?! They took me to get all of my books and things in spanish and then we got right into learning spanish. I have learned so much spanish already, but I have SO far to go. There have been times that I get a little discouraged because I feel so inadequate, but whenever I get discouraged I try and find a missionary that is going to Cambodia or somewhere crazy and look at their missionary badge only to see tons of little squiggly lines (writing) becasue that is seriously what Cambodian writing looks like. It then makes me feel so GRATEFUL to be learning a spanish. I have two great companions! We get along so well. They have made me want to become so much better and really are such amazing Sisters. I first want to say how amazing the MTC is, it has this great spirit and all of the other missionaries are so nice! I have met so many missionaries here from so many different places and going to so many different places! Elder Russell M. Nelson came on Tuesday night to speak to us to at a devotional and can I just say how strong I felt his presence and spirit right when he walked in! This church is led by men called of God, I truly know and have felt that.
Enough about me, I want to tell you all how much I love you! I think about you all of the time, but not so much that it might distract me. We are so busy here. Every minute of every day is scheduled. We have a very rigorous schedule of learning learning learning! I have so much to learn, let me just tell you that! I hope that everything is going good at home! I still don't think it has hit me that I won't be there for another year and a half. I feel like this is just a little trip and that I'll be home soon, but it will be a while longer than that. :] Oh and by the way my date to come home is December 4, 2012. Just so you know!
I have a district of what is now 6 Elders and 5 Hermanas (sisters). So three Elder companionships and two sister companionships. They have all taught me so much! I have seen a change in everyone just within this past week. A district is pretty much the other missionaries you spend all of your time with like in class and we eat together and things like that, they become like family!
Some of the things we do as missionaries have been interesting to get used to! Like being with your companion (or in my case, companions) all of the time! You have to be within sight and sound of each other. If one of us need to go to the bathroom, then we all do! Haha, but it's fun! We really do have a lot of fun together.
Funny moment of the week- It was our first time teaching as a companionship and we hadn't planned as well as we had hoped. We just teach another companionship and so we were teaching two of the Elders in our district and we were having a hard time teaching together! In the middle of it, we all just started busting up laughing which is so bad and so irreverent, but we couldn't help it! Let's just say we have came quite a way since then.
I have learned quite a bit of spanish while being here, I know how to say a simple prayer and testimony in spanish. I can recite the missionary purpose and the first vision in spanish. I am trying and trying to work my hardest to learn more and more each day. It isn't coming easy, I feel so inadequate to be doing this work at times. There are times that I can't believe the Lord called me to teach the people of California in spanish! I can barely teach in English, but I know that the Lord called me to do this and to serve in the California Santa Rosa Mission spanish speaking and He will prepare a way for it to happen! I have eight more weeks left here in the MTC and I am going to work and try my best with the help of the spirit to learn, understand, and take in all that I can. I am here to learn and train myself to become a missionary. I realized that being like a missionary doesn't come with the setting apart the night before. You have to work so hard and learn so much before you can be a GREAT missionary. Everyday, I am reminded that this is where I'm supposed to be, I am supposed to be here! My purpose is to invite other to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. That is why I am here and now I need to do everything in my power to become that missionary! The timer is blinking and so I better wrap this up.
I want you to know that Heavenly Father is our Father and He wants what is best for every one of us. Remember that He is always there! Pray, read the scriptures, and when you attend church you will be able to feel of that. I really do love this church and know it is true, If I didn't, I wouldn't be here! I love you all soooooooo much! I hope that everything is going great and just know that I pray for you EVERYDAY! Thank you for your love and support.
Love,
Hermana Robinson
Hola!! Today (Thursdays) are my p days, so this is the day I'm able to write, email, we just got back from the temple, and then we have time to do laundry and get all prepared for this upcoming week! Oh how I have so much to tell you, but there is a timer on the screen (kinda distracting) but I will get all I can in before this timer goes off. First off, can you believe how crazy it was that I pretty much just got whisked away?! They took me to get all of my books and things in spanish and then we got right into learning spanish. I have learned so much spanish already, but I have SO far to go. There have been times that I get a little discouraged because I feel so inadequate, but whenever I get discouraged I try and find a missionary that is going to Cambodia or somewhere crazy and look at their missionary badge only to see tons of little squiggly lines (writing) becasue that is seriously what Cambodian writing looks like. It then makes me feel so GRATEFUL to be learning a spanish. I have two great companions! We get along so well. They have made me want to become so much better and really are such amazing Sisters. I first want to say how amazing the MTC is, it has this great spirit and all of the other missionaries are so nice! I have met so many missionaries here from so many different places and going to so many different places! Elder Russell M. Nelson came on Tuesday night to speak to us to at a devotional and can I just say how strong I felt his presence and spirit right when he walked in! This church is led by men called of God, I truly know and have felt that.
Enough about me, I want to tell you all how much I love you! I think about you all of the time, but not so much that it might distract me. We are so busy here. Every minute of every day is scheduled. We have a very rigorous schedule of learning learning learning! I have so much to learn, let me just tell you that! I hope that everything is going good at home! I still don't think it has hit me that I won't be there for another year and a half. I feel like this is just a little trip and that I'll be home soon, but it will be a while longer than that. :] Oh and by the way my date to come home is December 4, 2012. Just so you know!
I have a district of what is now 6 Elders and 5 Hermanas (sisters). So three Elder companionships and two sister companionships. They have all taught me so much! I have seen a change in everyone just within this past week. A district is pretty much the other missionaries you spend all of your time with like in class and we eat together and things like that, they become like family!
Some of the things we do as missionaries have been interesting to get used to! Like being with your companion (or in my case, companions) all of the time! You have to be within sight and sound of each other. If one of us need to go to the bathroom, then we all do! Haha, but it's fun! We really do have a lot of fun together.
Funny moment of the week- It was our first time teaching as a companionship and we hadn't planned as well as we had hoped. We just teach another companionship and so we were teaching two of the Elders in our district and we were having a hard time teaching together! In the middle of it, we all just started busting up laughing which is so bad and so irreverent, but we couldn't help it! Let's just say we have came quite a way since then.
I have learned quite a bit of spanish while being here, I know how to say a simple prayer and testimony in spanish. I can recite the missionary purpose and the first vision in spanish. I am trying and trying to work my hardest to learn more and more each day. It isn't coming easy, I feel so inadequate to be doing this work at times. There are times that I can't believe the Lord called me to teach the people of California in spanish! I can barely teach in English, but I know that the Lord called me to do this and to serve in the California Santa Rosa Mission spanish speaking and He will prepare a way for it to happen! I have eight more weeks left here in the MTC and I am going to work and try my best with the help of the spirit to learn, understand, and take in all that I can. I am here to learn and train myself to become a missionary. I realized that being like a missionary doesn't come with the setting apart the night before. You have to work so hard and learn so much before you can be a GREAT missionary. Everyday, I am reminded that this is where I'm supposed to be, I am supposed to be here! My purpose is to invite other to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. That is why I am here and now I need to do everything in my power to become that missionary! The timer is blinking and so I better wrap this up.
I want you to know that Heavenly Father is our Father and He wants what is best for every one of us. Remember that He is always there! Pray, read the scriptures, and when you attend church you will be able to feel of that. I really do love this church and know it is true, If I didn't, I wouldn't be here! I love you all soooooooo much! I hope that everything is going great and just know that I pray for you EVERYDAY! Thank you for your love and support.
Love,
Hermana Robinson
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