She's in the back and the sister with the red sweater and the white shirt is her trainer.
The 'silly' picture...
Saturday, March 28, 2009
'First Day in the Field' Pictures
Sister Sarah didn't give a whole lot of explaintion about these pictures, but they are of her zone and I believe they are from Family Search center training her first few days in the field.
Long Week
I opened a new thing to write an email in and my brain suddenly blanked. So many things happened this week, and even though I wrote down an outline of what I want to say, I'm not sure where to begin!
So I'm getting along with my companion. Things were a little rocky this last week because of communication issues, but night before last we talked it out and things have been much better. We're very similar in some ways, and in others completely different. In some ways (part of the reason why we had a harder time for a little bit) she reminds me of me when I was younger and so it was... difficult. but it's better now, and things are looking up.
Elisabeth asked about being able to take me and my companion out to lunch when she comes and visits and I asked my companion about it and she said that you'd have to clear that with mission services, which you can call at (801) 240-1245.Another thing, that I mentioned to dad in another email is that sisters on the square aren't supposed to let visitor's know where other sisters are for security reasons (we get some really interesting people out here, and not all of them have the best intentions, but they take good care of us. The security is on the ball, and will make sure we stay safe.) Also if you want to hand bring a package to me... well they discourage it for security reasons again. If you were able to find me (which could be arranged, I think, but again I think you'd need to go through Mission Services) then you could give it to me, but they don't like sisters or couples taking packages from strangers, because they don't know what's in it, etc. It's kind of unfortunate that these rules are needed... oh well, they're what keep us safe!
I got a letter from mom yesterday! it's so good to hear from you! (by the by, "So good" is a VERY common phrase here on Temple Square, because it's easier for people who are learning English to say. It's kind of funny how it works out) I plan to write a hand letter back to you today, but it's not likely to be sent until Monday because of tomorrow being Sunday and all.
And Amy, I'll probably receive your package today, because I didn't get it yesterday... well more likely I'll pick it up tomorrow because mail doesn't usually get to our boxes, etc, until about 4 pm, and we'll be off of temple square by then (we get the packages and letters on temple square... I'm not entirely sure if I'm allowed to say where exactly. Oh well.)And thank you much! I really appreciate all the packages you send me and so on, I've really loved them all, and the emails! :D
Elisabeth, that's so crazy that you're going to Texas! For some reason I wasn't really surprised when I read that. I know you and your family will flourish and grow in ways you couldn't have otherwise.
Oh, Amy, you and Robyn both asked about the Jewelry thing. I'm definitely allowed to wear it, but it can't be something that is so huge and so on that it attracts attention and detracts from what I'm saying. the AP (Assistants to the President) suggest that earrings be no bigger than Plain M&Ms. Bracelets are fine, necklaces are fine, but no ankle bracelets or toe rings, etc (they wouldn't be comfortable in close-toed shoes any way :P )And I just thought of something that is very useful for future reference, stockings. Like full length panty hose. we have to wear them every day. Knee highs are okay, but the word is, is that because of where they hit, they cut off the circulation in such a way that they cause Vericose Veins. (Random, and possibly TMI for some guys, but I thought I'd mention it any way)
And Amy, thank you for sending me the phone numbers, I didn't get them from any one else, so I'm thankful that you sent them :D especially since Mother's Day is coming up soon!
AHH! Next week is General Conference, and we are going to be bombarded with people, which is cool, but at the same time it's going to be absolutely insane! We get to watch one session of conference, but that's it, and I think we're going to be able to hear it while we're on the square, which is good, but... we'll see. And since my P-day is normally on Saturday... next week I'll be emailing on Monday (I believe, that's what I heard, but things change so it may be Friday... it all depends) Instead so we can all be on the square and working during the insanity.And I saw the guys who take the videos of the flowers earlier today, you know the ones at the beginning and the end of Conference? Yeah those ones. It was kind of cool. It also looked like when one of them was doing a video of the temple and he moved his camera to point at some of the sisters I was with while we were walking back to the South Visitor's Center from a training thing behind the... thing... shoot, what's it called? The Museum. We were playing with a fire extinguisher to make sure all us greenies knew how to use one, just in case, and we were on our way back when I saw the guy video taping us... well not really me, I don't think, but girls who were in the MTC with me and their trainers. So if you see a huge group of sisters in anything, let me know! They probably all are/were wearing looong winter coats, like the grey one Amy is letting me use.
Okay, now that those random thoughts and answering of questions is more or less over, I'm going to write as much of the thoughts that I outlined before it's time to go.
So as I said, things were a little rough at first with my new companion. She does things differently from my old one, and wants me to learn more by observing and doing than by her saying things, which caused some communication problems (my end of the communicating wasn't helping much either) but we talked about it, and I understand where she's coming from, and hopefully she understands where I'm coming from. I'm learning and growing and things are working out.
Oh an interesting book that Dad might be interested in (or any one else for that matter) is The Presidents of the Church Edited by Leonard J Arrington. I saw it when a senior elder, Victor, was reading it, and he said it was out of print, but you could probably find it online or something.
Oh, Stephen, do you know a Ted Victor? Elder Victor and his wife were talking to me, and they mentioned that their son went to Denmark on his mission t he same time as you and Carolyn, does the name ring a bell?
Sister Williams and I did companionship exchanges with our district leaders, which was excellent. I went with a sister who's from Hong Kong, and one of the first things we did was do a Mandarin tour, because she was the only one who could do it who was available. It was fun, but the only Chinese words that I could understand were Shuhshuh (thank you) and Hello (...and I can't remember the Chinese word just now... oh well) We had a lot of fun, and I talked with her about what I felt were problems in my companionship and she gave me some suggestions which I'm doing my best to implement.
The day before we went on exchanges, I ran into some women from china in the Assembly hall who were very curious about what we believed, so I explained the plan of salvation and about prophets, and they wanted to go on a tour, so after we talked for a bit, they went on a tour with the same sister that I went on exchanges with the next day, and I asked her about them, and she told me that they referred, but because China isn't open to the church yet, t hey can't receive missionaries... sad... but soon, I hope they'll be able to! Something that Pres. Hinckly said at the dedication of the Hong Kong temple was that china would not open up to t he church in a major way. That members from hong Kong and Taiwan would move to Mainland China and the virtue of how they live will make a difference, so I'm praying.
oh, and in all ya'alls next emails/letters, I'd LOVE to hear missionary stories, either from your own missions, or things that have happened to you! Especially dad, since that was a longer time ago and a lot of people are interested in the fact t hat you went to Japan on your mission. (me included) Was Japan just one mission when you were there? I couldn't remember, but I thought you'd said something like that. Where in Japan did you serve?
We had a mission conference type thing, and Elder Garn of the 70 came and spoke to us, which was cool. He spoke at the MTc while I was there, so I'd heard some of the things he'd said before again, but it was fine. Like one time when one of his daughters was finding out whether she was going to have a boy or a girl, he asked,
"So is it a boy or a girl?"
"It's another missionary!"
"Oh it's a boy!"
"It's another SISTER missionary!"
And a quote that one of my fellow sister missionaries said while at this conference is, "Zoning into the voice of t he spirit is like zoning on a friend's voice in a noisy cafeteria" which I thought was rather true.
hope I didn't confuse anyone with how scattered everything is! I love questions, because it gives me direction aside from what I write down that I want to mention to you all.
So just some things I want to reiterate-My p-day for next week will likely be on Monday, but the rest of the time for the rest of this transfer, it will be on Saturday.Mission Services is (801) 240-1245 and you need to talk to them if you want to take me places or anything like that I love my mission, especially spreading the gospel (I'm not as scared to talk to people on the phones in the RC, I just have to pray a lot before hand...)And I LOVE you all!
(and I know I haven't really mentioned friends in my emails, but I love my friends that read my blog too! I especially love when they write to me :D Thank you Sam and Robyn for writing me already, I really appreciate your letters!)
Until next time!
~Sister Sarah Durtschi
PS. I forwarded amy and Elisabeth an email that has pictures. I've not had time to take pictures myself since I've been here, so that's what I have so far! I'm in the back and my companion is in the back with me wearing a red sweater with a white collared shirt underneath.
LOVE And big hugs for everyone!
So I'm getting along with my companion. Things were a little rocky this last week because of communication issues, but night before last we talked it out and things have been much better. We're very similar in some ways, and in others completely different. In some ways (part of the reason why we had a harder time for a little bit) she reminds me of me when I was younger and so it was... difficult. but it's better now, and things are looking up.
Elisabeth asked about being able to take me and my companion out to lunch when she comes and visits and I asked my companion about it and she said that you'd have to clear that with mission services, which you can call at (801) 240-1245.Another thing, that I mentioned to dad in another email is that sisters on the square aren't supposed to let visitor's know where other sisters are for security reasons (we get some really interesting people out here, and not all of them have the best intentions, but they take good care of us. The security is on the ball, and will make sure we stay safe.) Also if you want to hand bring a package to me... well they discourage it for security reasons again. If you were able to find me (which could be arranged, I think, but again I think you'd need to go through Mission Services) then you could give it to me, but they don't like sisters or couples taking packages from strangers, because they don't know what's in it, etc. It's kind of unfortunate that these rules are needed... oh well, they're what keep us safe!
I got a letter from mom yesterday! it's so good to hear from you! (by the by, "So good" is a VERY common phrase here on Temple Square, because it's easier for people who are learning English to say. It's kind of funny how it works out) I plan to write a hand letter back to you today, but it's not likely to be sent until Monday because of tomorrow being Sunday and all.
And Amy, I'll probably receive your package today, because I didn't get it yesterday... well more likely I'll pick it up tomorrow because mail doesn't usually get to our boxes, etc, until about 4 pm, and we'll be off of temple square by then (we get the packages and letters on temple square... I'm not entirely sure if I'm allowed to say where exactly. Oh well.)And thank you much! I really appreciate all the packages you send me and so on, I've really loved them all, and the emails! :D
Elisabeth, that's so crazy that you're going to Texas! For some reason I wasn't really surprised when I read that. I know you and your family will flourish and grow in ways you couldn't have otherwise.
Oh, Amy, you and Robyn both asked about the Jewelry thing. I'm definitely allowed to wear it, but it can't be something that is so huge and so on that it attracts attention and detracts from what I'm saying. the AP (Assistants to the President) suggest that earrings be no bigger than Plain M&Ms. Bracelets are fine, necklaces are fine, but no ankle bracelets or toe rings, etc (they wouldn't be comfortable in close-toed shoes any way :P )And I just thought of something that is very useful for future reference, stockings. Like full length panty hose. we have to wear them every day. Knee highs are okay, but the word is, is that because of where they hit, they cut off the circulation in such a way that they cause Vericose Veins. (Random, and possibly TMI for some guys, but I thought I'd mention it any way)
And Amy, thank you for sending me the phone numbers, I didn't get them from any one else, so I'm thankful that you sent them :D especially since Mother's Day is coming up soon!
AHH! Next week is General Conference, and we are going to be bombarded with people, which is cool, but at the same time it's going to be absolutely insane! We get to watch one session of conference, but that's it, and I think we're going to be able to hear it while we're on the square, which is good, but... we'll see. And since my P-day is normally on Saturday... next week I'll be emailing on Monday (I believe, that's what I heard, but things change so it may be Friday... it all depends) Instead so we can all be on the square and working during the insanity.And I saw the guys who take the videos of the flowers earlier today, you know the ones at the beginning and the end of Conference? Yeah those ones. It was kind of cool. It also looked like when one of them was doing a video of the temple and he moved his camera to point at some of the sisters I was with while we were walking back to the South Visitor's Center from a training thing behind the... thing... shoot, what's it called? The Museum. We were playing with a fire extinguisher to make sure all us greenies knew how to use one, just in case, and we were on our way back when I saw the guy video taping us... well not really me, I don't think, but girls who were in the MTC with me and their trainers. So if you see a huge group of sisters in anything, let me know! They probably all are/were wearing looong winter coats, like the grey one Amy is letting me use.
Okay, now that those random thoughts and answering of questions is more or less over, I'm going to write as much of the thoughts that I outlined before it's time to go.
So as I said, things were a little rough at first with my new companion. She does things differently from my old one, and wants me to learn more by observing and doing than by her saying things, which caused some communication problems (my end of the communicating wasn't helping much either) but we talked about it, and I understand where she's coming from, and hopefully she understands where I'm coming from. I'm learning and growing and things are working out.
Oh an interesting book that Dad might be interested in (or any one else for that matter) is The Presidents of the Church Edited by Leonard J Arrington. I saw it when a senior elder, Victor, was reading it, and he said it was out of print, but you could probably find it online or something.
Oh, Stephen, do you know a Ted Victor? Elder Victor and his wife were talking to me, and they mentioned that their son went to Denmark on his mission t he same time as you and Carolyn, does the name ring a bell?
Sister Williams and I did companionship exchanges with our district leaders, which was excellent. I went with a sister who's from Hong Kong, and one of the first things we did was do a Mandarin tour, because she was the only one who could do it who was available. It was fun, but the only Chinese words that I could understand were Shuhshuh (thank you) and Hello (...and I can't remember the Chinese word just now... oh well) We had a lot of fun, and I talked with her about what I felt were problems in my companionship and she gave me some suggestions which I'm doing my best to implement.
The day before we went on exchanges, I ran into some women from china in the Assembly hall who were very curious about what we believed, so I explained the plan of salvation and about prophets, and they wanted to go on a tour, so after we talked for a bit, they went on a tour with the same sister that I went on exchanges with the next day, and I asked her about them, and she told me that they referred, but because China isn't open to the church yet, t hey can't receive missionaries... sad... but soon, I hope they'll be able to! Something that Pres. Hinckly said at the dedication of the Hong Kong temple was that china would not open up to t he church in a major way. That members from hong Kong and Taiwan would move to Mainland China and the virtue of how they live will make a difference, so I'm praying.
oh, and in all ya'alls next emails/letters, I'd LOVE to hear missionary stories, either from your own missions, or things that have happened to you! Especially dad, since that was a longer time ago and a lot of people are interested in the fact t hat you went to Japan on your mission. (me included) Was Japan just one mission when you were there? I couldn't remember, but I thought you'd said something like that. Where in Japan did you serve?
We had a mission conference type thing, and Elder Garn of the 70 came and spoke to us, which was cool. He spoke at the MTc while I was there, so I'd heard some of the things he'd said before again, but it was fine. Like one time when one of his daughters was finding out whether she was going to have a boy or a girl, he asked,
"So is it a boy or a girl?"
"It's another missionary!"
"Oh it's a boy!"
"It's another SISTER missionary!"
And a quote that one of my fellow sister missionaries said while at this conference is, "Zoning into the voice of t he spirit is like zoning on a friend's voice in a noisy cafeteria" which I thought was rather true.
hope I didn't confuse anyone with how scattered everything is! I love questions, because it gives me direction aside from what I write down that I want to mention to you all.
So just some things I want to reiterate-My p-day for next week will likely be on Monday, but the rest of the time for the rest of this transfer, it will be on Saturday.Mission Services is (801) 240-1245 and you need to talk to them if you want to take me places or anything like that I love my mission, especially spreading the gospel (I'm not as scared to talk to people on the phones in the RC, I just have to pray a lot before hand...)And I LOVE you all!
(and I know I haven't really mentioned friends in my emails, but I love my friends that read my blog too! I especially love when they write to me :D Thank you Sam and Robyn for writing me already, I really appreciate your letters!)
Until next time!
~Sister Sarah Durtschi
PS. I forwarded amy and Elisabeth an email that has pictures. I've not had time to take pictures myself since I've been here, so that's what I have so far! I'm in the back and my companion is in the back with me wearing a red sweater with a white collared shirt underneath.
LOVE And big hugs for everyone!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Temple Square- First Week
Okay, it has all been kind of crazy!I've been at temple square since Wednesday, and it's been great! Last night was the first time I wrote in my journal since I got here since we've been running around like chickens with our heads chopped off from the first morning on, so I don't have some of the experiences written down from a fresh perspective, or at all.
So our first day, we left the MTC, we were told that we were supposed to be at the bus area at 6 am, but we got a call via the intercom thingy saying, at 5:15 that we were supposed to be there 15 minutes ago and that the travel office got it wrong. None of us were ready, so we just got there at 6 any way.After the chaos of getting on the bus, we had an uneventful ride to the airport to drop off the many elders and couple sisters who were going elsewhere on their missions. From there, we were taken to our apartment (top secret, very hush hush... but seriously, they don't like us giving out that information 'cause apparently some sister's have acquired stalkers in their time at Temple Square.) Where we dropped off our luggage, then were hauled to the basement of the south visitor's center and were given a ton of info. Including finding out the super secret way of how to get the flags to stay on our name tags... which is with a very high tech piece of tape... :P jk it's just clear packing tape that's placed on the back of them. It's kinda weird to have a flag at times.
We did a few things, took a tour type thing, then met our trainers. I'm with Sister Williams who is just an inch or two shorter than me, and much slimmer (is any one seeing a pattern here? :P) blondish (dirty blond) with super cool eyes (a yellowish brown in t he middle and bright yellow/blue green on the outside)
We talked for about 5-10 minutes, then she had to hustle to Welfare Square so we weren't able to talk much more.Sister shurtliff and I were companions for a little bit longer while we returned to our apartments and unpacked our things in our separate apartment (we're on the same floor, but on the other side of the hall from each other. it's kind of weird seeing her with another companion).
We got most of our stuff unpacked, when we all skeedaddled to Walmart to get some bare necessities, so we could have dinner that night, and breakfast the next morning (since both our companions were out and about until about 9 pm or so)
After walmart (which was a two storied one which had a little thing that hauled the cart up to the section where the parking lot was... it was kinda nifty... maybe I can take a pic of it today when we go for Pday)
we went home, put things away, and continued unpacking.Eventually our companions came home, and we were separated.Sister Williams and I finished gathering the last minute stuff from her old apartment, then rushed through planning and eventually got to bed.
The next morning, I started out wearing a green shirt (almost corrected myself and spelled that shurt... haha) but because I was putting something together in t he crock pot for lunch/dinner later, I got something oily on it, and had to change. My purple shirt was the next one I was planning on wearing... but my companion was also wearing purple. So we were twins for the day. We both were wearing purple shirts, black skirts, tan nylons and black shoes, so everyone we passed by commented on our matching-ness.
I don't remember many details of t hat day... we did a tour after training at the southgate, then went to the beehive house and did three tours in a row. It was a lot of fun. Amy, I think you'd love the Beehive house! the first tour, I just testified about different things, and sister Williams just did all of the informational talking. Second one, I did a bit more, and third, we did about half. I feel that the lord is really blessing me and helping me to learn things faster so I can be more effective and more helpful to my companion.
The last tour we gave at the beehive house was given to a family, parents and two kids. they were so wonderful. If they hadn't asked so many questions about the church, I would have sworn they were mormon. You could tell they had really close family relationships and the parents would use something in each room to teach the children. That being the case it took us about 40 minutes to do a 20-30 minute tour, but it was a lot of fun. Unfortunately they didn't ask for the missionaries to come speak with them, but they were going to temple square after, so hopefully they'll be moved to learn more. I know that the gospel can bless them even more than what they're doing now.
The next morning we had a meeting about cleanliness before everything, etc.Then we were in the South Visitor's Center, just kind of standing around and greeting people. One couple we greeted had a little dog that they carried. Our policy, as far as I know is that if it's not disturbing people and not bothering any one and they're carrying it, then it's fine, or if it's a service dog, but the security guys (who just tend to pop out of nowhere) were thrown for a loop. They kept coming up to sisters and asking if they had said anything about the dog. They kind of reminded me of bees who's nest had just been hit by a small stone. After that, since no one was around really, sister williams and I did some role playing with two other sisters to pass the time.
Once we were done with that Sister Williams and I had 16 people in a tour, 12 of which were from places like Puerto Rico, which was so cool. They loved learning about the different things and several referred. The rest was a family, and they were all nice. sister Williams tried to give me more responsibility on the tour, and I stumbled a bit, but made up for it as we went along.The tour after that consisted of one man, who knew a bit about the church and had bought a triple combination book of Mormon earlier that day as he went on two different tours (which was kinda funny since I'd forgotten the pass-along hard bound book of mormon that we usually have with us constantly, so I had my triple with me) so we were able to use that as a teaching tool. He was very interested in learning more, but it was mainly a casual interest, but because he had the triple we challenged him to read Joseph Smith History, and chapter three in Enos, which he said he would because he had a long flight the next day.
We actually got home before it was dark! A miracle! SO we did personal study, etc.
now we get to today! We had training again (this time I didn't almost fall asleep many times, just once...) and it was on Welfare Square and the Humanitarian society. It was a lot of fun, and I can't wait to serve at Welfare Square on Wednesday sometime... I think that's when we're going... I'm not sure. Any way. And then we did Companion Study, and now I'm writing to you all!
After this Sister williams and I are going to the Lion House (which I've never eaten at...) then to Walmart, then I'm writing other people and cleaning. :D
So how is everything going there? (wherever there is for you... for Becky, David and Melissa, I waved as I passed your places of abode on the way up to Temple Square)I've not heard from mom in a while... how are things going?
OH!!!! I need people's phone numbers! I forgot to write them down, and I only have Amy and Dad's memorized...
Any way, LOVE YOU ALL LOTS!!!!!
Write again next Saturday!
Byes for now
So our first day, we left the MTC, we were told that we were supposed to be at the bus area at 6 am, but we got a call via the intercom thingy saying, at 5:15 that we were supposed to be there 15 minutes ago and that the travel office got it wrong. None of us were ready, so we just got there at 6 any way.After the chaos of getting on the bus, we had an uneventful ride to the airport to drop off the many elders and couple sisters who were going elsewhere on their missions. From there, we were taken to our apartment (top secret, very hush hush... but seriously, they don't like us giving out that information 'cause apparently some sister's have acquired stalkers in their time at Temple Square.) Where we dropped off our luggage, then were hauled to the basement of the south visitor's center and were given a ton of info. Including finding out the super secret way of how to get the flags to stay on our name tags... which is with a very high tech piece of tape... :P jk it's just clear packing tape that's placed on the back of them. It's kinda weird to have a flag at times.
We did a few things, took a tour type thing, then met our trainers. I'm with Sister Williams who is just an inch or two shorter than me, and much slimmer (is any one seeing a pattern here? :P) blondish (dirty blond) with super cool eyes (a yellowish brown in t he middle and bright yellow/blue green on the outside)
We talked for about 5-10 minutes, then she had to hustle to Welfare Square so we weren't able to talk much more.Sister shurtliff and I were companions for a little bit longer while we returned to our apartments and unpacked our things in our separate apartment (we're on the same floor, but on the other side of the hall from each other. it's kind of weird seeing her with another companion).
We got most of our stuff unpacked, when we all skeedaddled to Walmart to get some bare necessities, so we could have dinner that night, and breakfast the next morning (since both our companions were out and about until about 9 pm or so)
After walmart (which was a two storied one which had a little thing that hauled the cart up to the section where the parking lot was... it was kinda nifty... maybe I can take a pic of it today when we go for Pday)
we went home, put things away, and continued unpacking.Eventually our companions came home, and we were separated.Sister Williams and I finished gathering the last minute stuff from her old apartment, then rushed through planning and eventually got to bed.
The next morning, I started out wearing a green shirt (almost corrected myself and spelled that shurt... haha) but because I was putting something together in t he crock pot for lunch/dinner later, I got something oily on it, and had to change. My purple shirt was the next one I was planning on wearing... but my companion was also wearing purple. So we were twins for the day. We both were wearing purple shirts, black skirts, tan nylons and black shoes, so everyone we passed by commented on our matching-ness.
I don't remember many details of t hat day... we did a tour after training at the southgate, then went to the beehive house and did three tours in a row. It was a lot of fun. Amy, I think you'd love the Beehive house! the first tour, I just testified about different things, and sister Williams just did all of the informational talking. Second one, I did a bit more, and third, we did about half. I feel that the lord is really blessing me and helping me to learn things faster so I can be more effective and more helpful to my companion.
The last tour we gave at the beehive house was given to a family, parents and two kids. they were so wonderful. If they hadn't asked so many questions about the church, I would have sworn they were mormon. You could tell they had really close family relationships and the parents would use something in each room to teach the children. That being the case it took us about 40 minutes to do a 20-30 minute tour, but it was a lot of fun. Unfortunately they didn't ask for the missionaries to come speak with them, but they were going to temple square after, so hopefully they'll be moved to learn more. I know that the gospel can bless them even more than what they're doing now.
The next morning we had a meeting about cleanliness before everything, etc.Then we were in the South Visitor's Center, just kind of standing around and greeting people. One couple we greeted had a little dog that they carried. Our policy, as far as I know is that if it's not disturbing people and not bothering any one and they're carrying it, then it's fine, or if it's a service dog, but the security guys (who just tend to pop out of nowhere) were thrown for a loop. They kept coming up to sisters and asking if they had said anything about the dog. They kind of reminded me of bees who's nest had just been hit by a small stone. After that, since no one was around really, sister williams and I did some role playing with two other sisters to pass the time.
Once we were done with that Sister Williams and I had 16 people in a tour, 12 of which were from places like Puerto Rico, which was so cool. They loved learning about the different things and several referred. The rest was a family, and they were all nice. sister Williams tried to give me more responsibility on the tour, and I stumbled a bit, but made up for it as we went along.The tour after that consisted of one man, who knew a bit about the church and had bought a triple combination book of Mormon earlier that day as he went on two different tours (which was kinda funny since I'd forgotten the pass-along hard bound book of mormon that we usually have with us constantly, so I had my triple with me) so we were able to use that as a teaching tool. He was very interested in learning more, but it was mainly a casual interest, but because he had the triple we challenged him to read Joseph Smith History, and chapter three in Enos, which he said he would because he had a long flight the next day.
We actually got home before it was dark! A miracle! SO we did personal study, etc.
now we get to today! We had training again (this time I didn't almost fall asleep many times, just once...) and it was on Welfare Square and the Humanitarian society. It was a lot of fun, and I can't wait to serve at Welfare Square on Wednesday sometime... I think that's when we're going... I'm not sure. Any way. And then we did Companion Study, and now I'm writing to you all!
After this Sister williams and I are going to the Lion House (which I've never eaten at...) then to Walmart, then I'm writing other people and cleaning. :D
So how is everything going there? (wherever there is for you... for Becky, David and Melissa, I waved as I passed your places of abode on the way up to Temple Square)I've not heard from mom in a while... how are things going?
OH!!!! I need people's phone numbers! I forgot to write them down, and I only have Amy and Dad's memorized...
Any way, LOVE YOU ALL LOTS!!!!!
Write again next Saturday!
Byes for now
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Excerpts from a Letter to Amy from Sister Sarah
3-13-09
Time is flying for me as well. The first few days went really slow, then it feels like I look back two minutes later and 2-3 weeks have passed. It’s really crazy.
Oh something I forgot to say twice now, it that I have a progressing investigator in the referral center. Her name is Kris and she lives in Georgia. She called to get a BOM a while ago and I called to see if she received it and she had and had been reading it a little at a time. She and her husband used to be Baptist but both haven’t gone to church since they have married. She still wants religion in her life but he seems like he could careless, but when she asked him if he wanted to go to a Mormon church, he agreed. They haven’t gone yet, because she wants to go with her husband and wants to learn more, and her husband works some Sundays. I hope to call her again soon and convince her to let the missionaries into her house but…my schedule is weird…Oh well. I’ll pray for the best and see what Heavenly Father has in mind.
I am way excited to be out in the field soon. A bit scared…but really not at all at the same time. When I wrote that I didn’t feel scared at all. I know there are going to be protesters and maybe more then previous years because of prop 8, but at the same time I know that they can do no more then rock the boat a bit. No large scale lasting damage can be done by those who oppose the work. This is God’s work. As Joseph Smith said “Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the work of God will go forth boldly, nobly and independent until the works of God shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah says the work is done.”
Time is flying for me as well. The first few days went really slow, then it feels like I look back two minutes later and 2-3 weeks have passed. It’s really crazy.
Oh something I forgot to say twice now, it that I have a progressing investigator in the referral center. Her name is Kris and she lives in Georgia. She called to get a BOM a while ago and I called to see if she received it and she had and had been reading it a little at a time. She and her husband used to be Baptist but both haven’t gone to church since they have married. She still wants religion in her life but he seems like he could careless, but when she asked him if he wanted to go to a Mormon church, he agreed. They haven’t gone yet, because she wants to go with her husband and wants to learn more, and her husband works some Sundays. I hope to call her again soon and convince her to let the missionaries into her house but…my schedule is weird…Oh well. I’ll pray for the best and see what Heavenly Father has in mind.
I am way excited to be out in the field soon. A bit scared…but really not at all at the same time. When I wrote that I didn’t feel scared at all. I know there are going to be protesters and maybe more then previous years because of prop 8, but at the same time I know that they can do no more then rock the boat a bit. No large scale lasting damage can be done by those who oppose the work. This is God’s work. As Joseph Smith said “Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the work of God will go forth boldly, nobly and independent until the works of God shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah says the work is done.”
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Pictures
I'm just going to do a post of the pictures Sister Sarah sent me with what she wrote on the back.
Sisters Sarah Durtschi, Angela Shurtliff, Mele Alexis Jones, Constance (Connie) Allred
Elders Matthew Prina, Samuel Jackson Doane, Johnathan Kamae, Paul Barraza, Ethan Kyle Hansen, Nykolas Farrer (2-22-09)
Sister Sarah didn't write anything on the back of this one, but it's her and her companion Sister Shurtliff by the MTC sign.
Sister Angela Shurtliff & Me (2-28-09)
Disclaimer: The picture above was kind of blury before I scanned it and the scanning didn't help.
Disclaimer: The picture above was kind of blury before I scanned it and the scanning didn't help. Elder Glaves, Elder Parente & Elder Loar - Elders in our zone, the district just older then us. Elder Loar is now at the DC South Mission. (3-1-09)
Sisters Jones, Allred, Shurtliff, me (Temple Square)
Elders Doane, Hansen, Prina, Barraza, Karmae (Hawaii) (3-1-09)
Sister Shurtliff (2-22-09)
Poor Elder Prina... He's my fav. in our district I think, but now they're all in Hawaii.
Elder Barranza in the middle
Sister Sarah Durtschi and the MTC Map (a must have picture for all MTC goers)
I hope you enjoyed this little trip down picture lane. I would like to thank my coworker Sanjay for helping me to figure out the confusion that is scanning pictures on our copy machine.
Sister Sarah Durtschi and the MTC Map (a must have picture for all MTC goers)
I hope you enjoyed this little trip down picture lane. I would like to thank my coworker Sanjay for helping me to figure out the confusion that is scanning pictures on our copy machine.
Farewell MTC
I know, I know, who would have thought a month could go so fast! But it's true, Sister Sarah leaves the MTC today.
This is just a reminder to all y'all the address to use to send Sister Durtschi letters while she's at Temple Square is:
Sister S. Durtschi
Utah Salt Lake Temple Square Mission
50 N West Temple St, BSVC
Salt Lake City, UT 84150-1006
Also, please don't fret. I'm working on getting some pictures posted :)
~Amy
This is just a reminder to all y'all the address to use to send Sister Durtschi letters while she's at Temple Square is:
Sister S. Durtschi
Utah Salt Lake Temple Square Mission
50 N West Temple St, BSVC
Salt Lake City, UT 84150-1006
Also, please don't fret. I'm working on getting some pictures posted :)
~Amy
Friday, March 13, 2009
Temple Ward We go
So, tomorrow we're going to the Salt Lake City Temple for a "Temple Experience" all 26 of us sisters that are going on Visitor center missions are going (22 of the 26 are going to temple square, two are Spanish speaking and going to Amy's temple, so, Amy keep your eye out for them... I'll get their names for you next time) so we're all really excited for that.
I've really enjoyed VC training. The other day they had us write questions of the soul that we had, and then we switched papers with another sister, then we went and found a picture in the main building that could help us teach how to answer that question. IT was wonderful. The question I got to teach about was how to bring families closer together, and I focused on service, not judging and praying for our families and with them. The picture I went to was one of Christ washing his disciple's feet.
After that we made mini visitor centers in the TRC and had people come in and we taught them with our companion like they were in the VC. It was a lot of fun. I and my companion were in a cubical, when we were all supposed to be in two big rooms, but it worked out really well.
My companion and I have been teaching a sister who works in the main building as a call in secretary. We were sent out by our teacher brother Menasco to share our testimonies with people for about 15 minutes, and give a commitment to read a scripture or something as practice, so sister Shurtliff and I decided to go and teach/share our testimony with one of the people who worked there since a lot of the missionaries are really busy and have to run from place to place. So we found sister Deeben, and shared 1Corinthians 13 with her and challenged her to read that and 2 Ne. 9 on her own. She said, and then said, play acting like she didn't want what she asked for, "Okay, I committed to do it, now promise me blessings! promise me blessings!" so we promised her blessings and made a return appointment.We went back one more time to that area, and didn't think we'd see her again, but then we went to see if they were going to tell us when we had enhancement (where they tell you a little bit about how to put on makeup and give you free makeup from nu skin) And she was filling in for the sister that usually works there, so we taught her some more, and so far we've taught her 5 times, each time challenging her to read scriptures and PMG, and from what she's told us, it helped her a lot, and sister Shurtliff and I loved our discussions with her.
So, our elders left on Tuesday. Sister Jones and Sister Allred took it really really hard, but sister Shurtliff and I got over it quickly, except we thought they were going to displace us as District 24A, and we'd be just these dregs of that old district, so we called ourselves 24A prime...until we found out that they were turned into District 24D instead.... they seem to be good boys/elders. I'm excited to see how they turn out, even though I won't really.
Oh, and something that Sister Allred told us about were things called Spiritual Hugs, Little things that happen through out your day that just add some happiness to it all. I've decided that I'm going to do my best to write things like that down in my journal every night.
I love you all! I hope this gets to you all! and I'm not sure when my p-day's going to be next... so we'll see what happens! talk to you asap!
Byes for now!
~Sis. Sarah Durtschi
I've really enjoyed VC training. The other day they had us write questions of the soul that we had, and then we switched papers with another sister, then we went and found a picture in the main building that could help us teach how to answer that question. IT was wonderful. The question I got to teach about was how to bring families closer together, and I focused on service, not judging and praying for our families and with them. The picture I went to was one of Christ washing his disciple's feet.
After that we made mini visitor centers in the TRC and had people come in and we taught them with our companion like they were in the VC. It was a lot of fun. I and my companion were in a cubical, when we were all supposed to be in two big rooms, but it worked out really well.
My companion and I have been teaching a sister who works in the main building as a call in secretary. We were sent out by our teacher brother Menasco to share our testimonies with people for about 15 minutes, and give a commitment to read a scripture or something as practice, so sister Shurtliff and I decided to go and teach/share our testimony with one of the people who worked there since a lot of the missionaries are really busy and have to run from place to place. So we found sister Deeben, and shared 1Corinthians 13 with her and challenged her to read that and 2 Ne. 9 on her own. She said, and then said, play acting like she didn't want what she asked for, "Okay, I committed to do it, now promise me blessings! promise me blessings!" so we promised her blessings and made a return appointment.We went back one more time to that area, and didn't think we'd see her again, but then we went to see if they were going to tell us when we had enhancement (where they tell you a little bit about how to put on makeup and give you free makeup from nu skin) And she was filling in for the sister that usually works there, so we taught her some more, and so far we've taught her 5 times, each time challenging her to read scriptures and PMG, and from what she's told us, it helped her a lot, and sister Shurtliff and I loved our discussions with her.
So, our elders left on Tuesday. Sister Jones and Sister Allred took it really really hard, but sister Shurtliff and I got over it quickly, except we thought they were going to displace us as District 24A, and we'd be just these dregs of that old district, so we called ourselves 24A prime...until we found out that they were turned into District 24D instead.... they seem to be good boys/elders. I'm excited to see how they turn out, even though I won't really.
Oh, and something that Sister Allred told us about were things called Spiritual Hugs, Little things that happen through out your day that just add some happiness to it all. I've decided that I'm going to do my best to write things like that down in my journal every night.
I love you all! I hope this gets to you all! and I'm not sure when my p-day's going to be next... so we'll see what happens! talk to you asap!
Byes for now!
~Sis. Sarah Durtschi
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Letter from Sister Durtschi
March 7, 2009
Sarah sent me a letter she wanted me to type for the family so here it is, enjoy.
Dear Family,
I’m going to try to write legibly, but we’ll see what happens.
This week has been insane! It went by so fast, and yet so slow. On Tuesday a bunch of things happened. I hit my first time when I needed to talk with my companion about things, so we talked and chatted for what seemed an hour or so, and everything was better and we got to know each other better, which was nice. We found that we’re a good amount alike, because we didn’t really hang out with people, other than family, while in high school.
My companion is from Canada, Eh, in the middle of nowhere, Eh, but she only says Eh occasionally, Eh. But it’s still fun to say Eh, Eh?
She’s not quite as tall as I am but she’s close. She’s much more slim than I am has longish light brown hair more pale than me.Also on Tuesday we had a meeting with some people (a Guy and a girl who typed what we said) who asked us what we thought of the new things they tried out on us last week. They asked sequentially about what we did and we answered as best we could (usually our opinions, so it was fairly easy) it’s pretty neat that our opinions are going to be used to enhance the experiences of other missionaries. It’s a bit humbling but at the same time exciting to be influencing things even by being a guinea pig.
Oh, Mom, I bought a back pack because the thing I was using was killing my shoulders.
Dad can you send me earplugs? I lost one of mine and they help to block out the random noises that come with having 5 other girls in the room and hundreds in the building, even if they’re all asleep.
All of us have alarms, so we can choose to get up anywhere from 5:15 to 6:30. 6:30 is what my alarm is set for, but we’re almost always up before then. 6:30 is sleeping in for me now, which is kind of insane.
I don’t like having gym after Dinner. It’s no fun to exercise on a full stomach.
And I’m kind of scattered now because I’m distracted by people talking,. I’ll explain a bit about Elder Farrern. Who went home in the small email I send. Hopefully he’s okay.
Oh, Amy, my teacher, Brother Manasco, was at the MTC just as they brought preach my gospel around, Did you have PMG or were you getting it when did you get it is my question, cause he got it the day before he left the MTC basically.
Also to Amy, you’re moving! I’m glad you’re excited, what’s your address?
As for getting or sending picture emails. I think I can see them, but only for the time I’m on the computer, so it’s Much better if you physically mail me pictures, and I have the crazy picture of our family, but it’s too big for my scriptures, so a family picture for my scriptures would be Awesome!
To any one, if you have a working SD card laying around that you don’t need, it would be useful so I can mail my SD card to someone and they can get the pictures off it and mail it back.
And I don’t think anyone but family is supposed to email me, even just with the emails I got this week, (mom, Dad, David, Elisabeth, Amy… I think that’s it.) It would be insane to try and answer them all if other people emailed me. But mom used dearelder.com, which got the letter to me the same day. Which is nice, I’m not sure how much it cost. If it cost anything, I don’t know if it works outside of the MTC thought.
Oh and I’ve not gotten anything from Amy in the mail yet. I might get it later today but nothing so far.
David I’m so glad things are bringing you and Melissa together and I really hope you get your apartment room sold!
Dad, I so know what you mean with sleeping sitting up. I’m usually fine in class because my teacher are engaging but I nearly fell asleep several times in the temple. The seats were too comfortable and yeah…
Did I tell you all that the elders in my district are going to Hawaii? They’re so stoked about it but we (the sisters) are going to miss them because we are here an extra week beyond there stay. I’m getting more used to calling people in the referral center (and Amy, the Thai sister are doing the RC, TRC etc. now just in English for now and later in Thai) but I still don’t like talking to strangers.
Mom I ‘m glad your seminary girls would still want to go to seminary where there’s no school. That’s awesome!
And my comp. is telling me it’s time to get ready for dinner, so until next week!
p.s. Elisabeth, I started reading your email, but didn’t have time to finish it, and apparently I didn’t print it out like I did the others, sorry! I’ll write more to you next week.
Love you! Love Sarah
~Elisabeth
Sarah sent me a letter she wanted me to type for the family so here it is, enjoy.
Dear Family,
I’m going to try to write legibly, but we’ll see what happens.
This week has been insane! It went by so fast, and yet so slow. On Tuesday a bunch of things happened. I hit my first time when I needed to talk with my companion about things, so we talked and chatted for what seemed an hour or so, and everything was better and we got to know each other better, which was nice. We found that we’re a good amount alike, because we didn’t really hang out with people, other than family, while in high school.
My companion is from Canada, Eh, in the middle of nowhere, Eh, but she only says Eh occasionally, Eh. But it’s still fun to say Eh, Eh?
She’s not quite as tall as I am but she’s close. She’s much more slim than I am has longish light brown hair more pale than me.Also on Tuesday we had a meeting with some people (a Guy and a girl who typed what we said) who asked us what we thought of the new things they tried out on us last week. They asked sequentially about what we did and we answered as best we could (usually our opinions, so it was fairly easy) it’s pretty neat that our opinions are going to be used to enhance the experiences of other missionaries. It’s a bit humbling but at the same time exciting to be influencing things even by being a guinea pig.
Oh, Mom, I bought a back pack because the thing I was using was killing my shoulders.
Dad can you send me earplugs? I lost one of mine and they help to block out the random noises that come with having 5 other girls in the room and hundreds in the building, even if they’re all asleep.
All of us have alarms, so we can choose to get up anywhere from 5:15 to 6:30. 6:30 is what my alarm is set for, but we’re almost always up before then. 6:30 is sleeping in for me now, which is kind of insane.
I don’t like having gym after Dinner. It’s no fun to exercise on a full stomach.
And I’m kind of scattered now because I’m distracted by people talking,. I’ll explain a bit about Elder Farrern. Who went home in the small email I send. Hopefully he’s okay.
Oh, Amy, my teacher, Brother Manasco, was at the MTC just as they brought preach my gospel around, Did you have PMG or were you getting it when did you get it is my question, cause he got it the day before he left the MTC basically.
Also to Amy, you’re moving! I’m glad you’re excited, what’s your address?
As for getting or sending picture emails. I think I can see them, but only for the time I’m on the computer, so it’s Much better if you physically mail me pictures, and I have the crazy picture of our family, but it’s too big for my scriptures, so a family picture for my scriptures would be Awesome!
To any one, if you have a working SD card laying around that you don’t need, it would be useful so I can mail my SD card to someone and they can get the pictures off it and mail it back.
And I don’t think anyone but family is supposed to email me, even just with the emails I got this week, (mom, Dad, David, Elisabeth, Amy… I think that’s it.) It would be insane to try and answer them all if other people emailed me. But mom used dearelder.com, which got the letter to me the same day. Which is nice, I’m not sure how much it cost. If it cost anything, I don’t know if it works outside of the MTC thought.
Oh and I’ve not gotten anything from Amy in the mail yet. I might get it later today but nothing so far.
David I’m so glad things are bringing you and Melissa together and I really hope you get your apartment room sold!
Dad, I so know what you mean with sleeping sitting up. I’m usually fine in class because my teacher are engaging but I nearly fell asleep several times in the temple. The seats were too comfortable and yeah…
Did I tell you all that the elders in my district are going to Hawaii? They’re so stoked about it but we (the sisters) are going to miss them because we are here an extra week beyond there stay. I’m getting more used to calling people in the referral center (and Amy, the Thai sister are doing the RC, TRC etc. now just in English for now and later in Thai) but I still don’t like talking to strangers.
Mom I ‘m glad your seminary girls would still want to go to seminary where there’s no school. That’s awesome!
And my comp. is telling me it’s time to get ready for dinner, so until next week!
Love Sarah!
(The sister of the Durtschi sort)
p.s. Elisabeth, I started reading your email, but didn’t have time to finish it, and apparently I didn’t print it out like I did the others, sorry! I’ll write more to you next week.
Love you! Love Sarah
~Elisabeth
Monday, March 2, 2009
Week Two
and I just wrote a really long email and it's gone now... grr, I'll just have to write it by hand. :( I'm really sad because I thought I had copied it but apparently it doesn't do copy and paste. Now I have three minutes.
Any way, This week has been crazy.
One of our elders went home on saturday w hich was really sad for us all. We were supposed to go to a zone activity but because we were all having a hard time at seeing our elder go, our teacher (sister Harlan) decided that we could go back to the classroom and talk about it, and read scriptures, that helped, but it was still sad to see him go home.
on a happier note, we are all still really close as a distrcct.
ANy way I'm gonna send this and write what I was going to say in a hand written letter, and send it to Amy... or maybe Elisabeth since I don't have Amy's new address. I'll do that.
Love yo all lOts!!!
~sis sarah D
Any way, This week has been crazy.
One of our elders went home on saturday w hich was really sad for us all. We were supposed to go to a zone activity but because we were all having a hard time at seeing our elder go, our teacher (sister Harlan) decided that we could go back to the classroom and talk about it, and read scriptures, that helped, but it was still sad to see him go home.
on a happier note, we are all still really close as a distrcct.
ANy way I'm gonna send this and write what I was going to say in a hand written letter, and send it to Amy... or maybe Elisabeth since I don't have Amy's new address. I'll do that.
Love yo all lOts!!!
~sis sarah D
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