I only have a week & 2 days left. It’s crazy and, no, I’m not counting. Everyone keeps asking me, so of course I know :)
This week my district made a goal to have a week of excellence, which means that each companionship achieves standards that the mission President thinks missionaries can achieve (can- but with a lot of work) so we set out and worked hard.
The last few days came and the only thing sister Batkhand and I were short on were new investigators. Every person we met and talked to wasn’t interested in learning any more, or they were but had just moved into the area so had no contact information, or the father of the house said ‘no.’ Frustrating!
But the Zone Leaders and District leader companionship came to our area and tracted for use and got us 4 new investigators. We got standards and would have, as a district, gotten standards, except one companionship was short a member- present lesson. It was pretty neat.
So transfer calls were today. We’re both staying. I think the sister that will be sister Batkand’s companion when I leave will either come tomorrow (hopefully they’ll tell us to go get her before transfers…) or when I leave to go back to Temple Square… I don’t know which and neither do the zone leaders. In some ways I hope she comes now so she can get to know the area, but then again it’s a small place to live in…
Anyway… umm…
One of our investigators is golden. We met him at church and his girlfriend is a member. Her family is very supportive of both of them. We didn’t meet with him the first time we met him because things kept falling through, then he was there the next Sunday and I caught the two of them so I could talk to them at the same time.
We set up where we could meet with them (the member’s house w/ her parents) and had a great 1st lesson with a member who served his mission in Brazil, where Sam (our investigator) is from.
He speaks English fairly well, but it’s easier for him to understand in Portuguese, so the RM has been a huge help. :)
Yesterday he accepted the invitation to be baptized. It won’t be while I’m here, but I’m excited for him anyway. :)
Today will be crazy. WE have dinner with the Knowes at 5, lesson w/ Osborns at 6, deaf FHE at 7, lesson with a new investigator at 8…
Okay, not very crazy…we just had the dinner and deaf FHE because other two cancelled…oh well. We’ll meet with them later.
So, my piano practicing (plunkering…) has come in handy because one of our over 90-year old members is less active and plays the piano by ear…which is mainly what I do too. She & her son love having us over and her son has become much more active than he has in the past as a result. The Spirit plays the major roll in all of this, but it’s pretty neat. We try to sing hymns while over there to bring the spirit and now the son, Winston, wants to learn the hymns so he can participate better, which is cool. One more thing to get him interested in church. His mom knows the hymns fairly well, so we see if we can stump one another sometimes and find a song that the other doesn’t know. It’s fun overall. :)
Anyway, loss of love to you and I’ll probably be just as scattered when I write next week too…but y’all love me anyway right????
Love Sis. Durtschi
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
"The Story Continues" March 15th
I know I’ve not titled my letters for a while, but I thought this would be appropriate.
Why, you may ask? Well, Kristina went into the hospital last Monday. WE didn’t find out until Wednesday night. (we’d tried calling her Monday and Tuesday with no answer) Friday was supposed to be her baptism. She called us on Saturday to let us know she was out and still wanted to be baptized and wanted to meet with us at church the next day. Her foot hurt so that fell through. We were going to meet wither that night, but she decided she wasn’t feeling well enough, so now we’re meeting with her tonight.
We’re hoping for her to be baptized this week. It’s the last week of the transfer and my second to last week in Washington. Time Flies, eh?
We had zone p-day today and it was beautiful outside, so half of us opted to go out in the sun, half stayed in and played basketball. I and my companion went outside and threw Frisbees, Mostly to each other and the elders, but sometimes it ended up being at each other and the elders. There was also a football involved. It was fun. I’m tired.
I don’t have anyone’s letters with me, so I can’t remember if anyone asked specific questions, or wanted me to talk about something etc so if you asked something, I’ll try to respond later in the letter, if not… oh well :)
I’ve been getting more and more out of the Book of Mormon since I’ve been reading basically everyday and 3 or more pages a day. The only day I consistently miss is Sunday because we don’t have time for personal study. (Well, we could put it in, but it’s our last day to get new people to teach, etc, for the week before the new week starts.)
It’s nice to get new insights. It’s also been good to read from different Ensigns that the Blanchards have. After reading one Ensign article this morning, I decided to look though the family home evening annual thing. Even though it’s old it still has a lot of good ideas that will help for Family Home Evening for the future, both on my mission and after. All you Lucky Family type people that I’ll be living with after my mission are going to (hopefully) have consistent and fun FHEs :)
Anyways, I’m kind of glad that while I’m in Washington I don’t email. You can’t use a computer any where you, but you can use pen and paper. I’m realizing that, because since my companion is from Mongolia and it would take a long time (and postage) she’s able to email. We have to worry about when to go and when it’s (the library) open, etc. Kind of annoying if both of us had to use it. It’s almost impossible to find 2 computers next to each other at the times we usually go. Not to mention we only have 1 library card between the two of us and I think you can log on to only one computer at a time with that one card.
I also like getting letters :) It’s exciting to find out if either of us got mail…my hand would prefer the computer, but…it all works out :)
I don’t know if I’m getting trunky. I asked about Temple Square and home and it makes me think.
One of the things I miss (besides the obvious) is reading whatever I want and learning about thing that aren’t gospel related. I miss the computer too, but mainly to use to get information, etc (including from friends and family via chat etc. ;)
But, I wouldn’t trade this for anything else. I’ve had so many amazing experiences out her, on Temple Square in the MTC. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
The world’ is too heavy anyways
I had a random realization whilst I was reading a letter from Amy a few days ago… Everyone in our family, but Stephen and Luke will have moved at least once since I’ve been on my mission. Mom and dad (Dad twice). Amy (Soon to be twice) Becky, Elisabeth and even ME! From Utah to Washington, CRAZY!
We’re just a mobile family! Oh and David – That’s what made me realize, because David’s on his way to Colorado right? Well, soonish anyway.
Speaking of David, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
I have a card for you but I need to write in it and p-day is over (things went crazy… I’ll have to try and remember to tell y’all next week) So…until next p-day :)
Love y’all! Be good! :)
Sis. S. Durtschi.
Why, you may ask? Well, Kristina went into the hospital last Monday. WE didn’t find out until Wednesday night. (we’d tried calling her Monday and Tuesday with no answer) Friday was supposed to be her baptism. She called us on Saturday to let us know she was out and still wanted to be baptized and wanted to meet with us at church the next day. Her foot hurt so that fell through. We were going to meet wither that night, but she decided she wasn’t feeling well enough, so now we’re meeting with her tonight.
We’re hoping for her to be baptized this week. It’s the last week of the transfer and my second to last week in Washington. Time Flies, eh?
We had zone p-day today and it was beautiful outside, so half of us opted to go out in the sun, half stayed in and played basketball. I and my companion went outside and threw Frisbees, Mostly to each other and the elders, but sometimes it ended up being at each other and the elders. There was also a football involved. It was fun. I’m tired.
I don’t have anyone’s letters with me, so I can’t remember if anyone asked specific questions, or wanted me to talk about something etc so if you asked something, I’ll try to respond later in the letter, if not… oh well :)
I’ve been getting more and more out of the Book of Mormon since I’ve been reading basically everyday and 3 or more pages a day. The only day I consistently miss is Sunday because we don’t have time for personal study. (Well, we could put it in, but it’s our last day to get new people to teach, etc, for the week before the new week starts.)
It’s nice to get new insights. It’s also been good to read from different Ensigns that the Blanchards have. After reading one Ensign article this morning, I decided to look though the family home evening annual thing. Even though it’s old it still has a lot of good ideas that will help for Family Home Evening for the future, both on my mission and after. All you Lucky Family type people that I’ll be living with after my mission are going to (hopefully) have consistent and fun FHEs :)
Anyways, I’m kind of glad that while I’m in Washington I don’t email. You can’t use a computer any where you, but you can use pen and paper. I’m realizing that, because since my companion is from Mongolia and it would take a long time (and postage) she’s able to email. We have to worry about when to go and when it’s (the library) open, etc. Kind of annoying if both of us had to use it. It’s almost impossible to find 2 computers next to each other at the times we usually go. Not to mention we only have 1 library card between the two of us and I think you can log on to only one computer at a time with that one card.
I also like getting letters :) It’s exciting to find out if either of us got mail…my hand would prefer the computer, but…it all works out :)
I don’t know if I’m getting trunky. I asked about Temple Square and home and it makes me think.
One of the things I miss (besides the obvious) is reading whatever I want and learning about thing that aren’t gospel related. I miss the computer too, but mainly to use to get information, etc (including from friends and family via chat etc. ;)
But, I wouldn’t trade this for anything else. I’ve had so many amazing experiences out her, on Temple Square in the MTC. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
The world’ is too heavy anyways
I had a random realization whilst I was reading a letter from Amy a few days ago… Everyone in our family, but Stephen and Luke will have moved at least once since I’ve been on my mission. Mom and dad (Dad twice). Amy (Soon to be twice) Becky, Elisabeth and even ME! From Utah to Washington, CRAZY!
We’re just a mobile family! Oh and David – That’s what made me realize, because David’s on his way to Colorado right? Well, soonish anyway.
Speaking of David, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
I have a card for you but I need to write in it and p-day is over (things went crazy… I’ll have to try and remember to tell y’all next week) So…until next p-day :)
Love y’all! Be good! :)
Sis. S. Durtschi.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
3/8/10 Letter
My goodness gracious! I don’t know where to start! I guess with the most recent….
So we just had a sister’s luncheon. It was a lot of fun. It was really weird to see my old companions again, along with the two sisters from Temple Square. We got there a little early and we all chatted while we waited for sis. Halladay, Kitto, Coleman and DeWitt to arrive. Sis. Halladay was a bit sick to it was a little hard for me to recognize her voice at first.
We sat around al long table (2 tables put together) and had light sandwiches and salad as we chatted. Sis. Showalter (mission mom) passed bookmarks out to each of us that had first names. Each one had the first name of one of the sisters and we had to guess which name went to which sister and then tell a bit about that sister.
After that we had a chance to talk about our areas so the sisters who’d service there could get updated on what’s going on with the investigators.
It gave me a chance to inform Sis. Halladay, Cicon and Coleman (who I replaced) that Kristina’s getting baptized this Friday
Bet that got your attention.
So a couple days ago, sister Batkhand and I went to Kristina’s and basically told her (in a nicer ways) that she was putting coffee ahead of God and she needed to give it up or else she couldn’t get baptized (which she was talking about, that she wanted to do) we also let her know that the only reason we were hitting this so hard was because we loved her and wanted the best for her. She cried and we prayed together.
Sunday rolled around and she made it to church coffee free. She was about 20 minutes late, but she made it! I was so proud of her. After sacrament she wanted to talk to the bishop to make sure everything would be good for her to be baptized etc, It went well, and that night we went to her house with the elders, because I didn’t know if she needed to be interviewed again since it was January that she was last interviewed.
As soon as we walked into the apartment, Kristina went right to the kitchen and handed me the two small packets of coffee she’d bought. Later in the conversation I told her how proud I was of her for giving it up and she said “it’s no big deal, it’s just coffee.” Miracle I tell you!
Kristina reminds me of the ocean, like tide that’s coming in. Every time she gets a little closer then falls back, then gets a little closer… Etc. I hope she does it this time! This is the closet she’s ever been before. I hope she goes all the way. She’s been speaking like she wants to go all the way and then some… I‘ll start celebrating at 8:00 pm Friday, because then the baptism will be over. Hopefully! :) It’s tempting to do it sooner.
Another miracle this week is Tallon and William got married this Thursday! We all have been hoping and praying for this to happen. I’m so grateful! It means they can progress to baptism and have a better life for their two little girls. I hope they see that. I can tell they’re starting to. Even though (*Gets distracted by noticing whipped topping in hair and picks it out before resuming*) it’s been a slow process I can see the two of them progressing. Who knows? Maybe they’ll get baptized before I leave.
Winston and Edith are funny. I think I mentioned them before. They’re son and mother, with Winston being 67 and Edith being 95, going 96. crazy! They’re not consistently gone to church since Winston was a teenager, near as I can tell, so we’ve been trying to help him gain his testimony back by helping him realize little things are part of his testimony, like him believing in Christ, him sustaining the prophet, etc in ward conference, him going to church are all part of his testimony. He sounds surprised when I tell him each thing is a part of his testimony and then tries not to smile as if he’s so pleased he can’t hide it. It’s kind of cute, like a bashful teenager in a 67 year old body. We’re working with the ward to see who he’d get along with, etc.
We’re hoping the best and working our hardest.
Last time we met with them half the time we were mainly talking with Winston, since Edith can’t hear very well she gets bored easily, so the other half of the time we sang hymns. Edith plays the piano very well and by ear (ironically enough). I don’t play very well but I can sometimes fake it because I also play by ear, along with a small amount of note reading. When I can’t read the music or make it transition to my fingers, I just sang. Both Edith and Winston loved it and I think could feel the spirit.
Sis. Batkhand and I were just about to leave without saying a prayer and he stopped us and said “hey aren’t we going to say a prayer?” I couldn’t hold back a grin and asked him who he wanted to stay the prayer.
It was exciting for me because that was the first time he had put forth the effort to keep something spiritual like that when we’d forgotten.
I love getting the ward involved. It’s been tough at times but seeing it happens it just such a great thing. I love it!
It helps me to meet more people because it makes me branch out from the normal members I’d generally run to for help in missionary work, sometimes it’s scary, especially if you have not talked with them much before and you’re teaching a lesson with a tough investigator who already has a hard time with the church. So far it’s worked out. Sometimes it’s worked better then others, but we’re getting more people to church then ever. Both investigators and those who haven’t gone in a long time. It’s exciting
I can’t believe this transfer is more then half over! I have only about 3 weeks before they ship me back to Temple Square. It’s crazy!
Doing Interviews with President Showalter I asked him what I should do to make the best of my time here (‘Make it Count’) and he said something wise and mission President-y, but I can’t for the life of me remember what it was right now, probably something to do with following the Lord, because he knows where his people are. I remember we read a parable from the bible about the Fish in the next and how there were so many that the next broke, where before they had no luck. Well, Christ knew where the first were and he’s doing a pretty good job of scaring up new investigators (though sometimes – about half the time, they’re for other missionaries since they’re out of our area)
Anyway, God’s mindful of us and wants us to improve. During interviews I’d realized my prayers were a bit selfish, looking for my glory more then God’s, so I’ve been changing my attitude and the way I’m looking at tings and doing my best.
So that’s my schpiel for this week. Forgive the Scatteredness…you know you like it ‘cause it reminds you of me :)
LOVE! Be good and Happy!
Love S Durtschi.
So we just had a sister’s luncheon. It was a lot of fun. It was really weird to see my old companions again, along with the two sisters from Temple Square. We got there a little early and we all chatted while we waited for sis. Halladay, Kitto, Coleman and DeWitt to arrive. Sis. Halladay was a bit sick to it was a little hard for me to recognize her voice at first.
We sat around al long table (2 tables put together) and had light sandwiches and salad as we chatted. Sis. Showalter (mission mom) passed bookmarks out to each of us that had first names. Each one had the first name of one of the sisters and we had to guess which name went to which sister and then tell a bit about that sister.
After that we had a chance to talk about our areas so the sisters who’d service there could get updated on what’s going on with the investigators.
It gave me a chance to inform Sis. Halladay, Cicon and Coleman (who I replaced) that Kristina’s getting baptized this Friday
Bet that got your attention.
So a couple days ago, sister Batkhand and I went to Kristina’s and basically told her (in a nicer ways) that she was putting coffee ahead of God and she needed to give it up or else she couldn’t get baptized (which she was talking about, that she wanted to do) we also let her know that the only reason we were hitting this so hard was because we loved her and wanted the best for her. She cried and we prayed together.
Sunday rolled around and she made it to church coffee free. She was about 20 minutes late, but she made it! I was so proud of her. After sacrament she wanted to talk to the bishop to make sure everything would be good for her to be baptized etc, It went well, and that night we went to her house with the elders, because I didn’t know if she needed to be interviewed again since it was January that she was last interviewed.
As soon as we walked into the apartment, Kristina went right to the kitchen and handed me the two small packets of coffee she’d bought. Later in the conversation I told her how proud I was of her for giving it up and she said “it’s no big deal, it’s just coffee.” Miracle I tell you!
Kristina reminds me of the ocean, like tide that’s coming in. Every time she gets a little closer then falls back, then gets a little closer… Etc. I hope she does it this time! This is the closet she’s ever been before. I hope she goes all the way. She’s been speaking like she wants to go all the way and then some… I‘ll start celebrating at 8:00 pm Friday, because then the baptism will be over. Hopefully! :) It’s tempting to do it sooner.
Another miracle this week is Tallon and William got married this Thursday! We all have been hoping and praying for this to happen. I’m so grateful! It means they can progress to baptism and have a better life for their two little girls. I hope they see that. I can tell they’re starting to. Even though (*Gets distracted by noticing whipped topping in hair and picks it out before resuming*) it’s been a slow process I can see the two of them progressing. Who knows? Maybe they’ll get baptized before I leave.
Winston and Edith are funny. I think I mentioned them before. They’re son and mother, with Winston being 67 and Edith being 95, going 96. crazy! They’re not consistently gone to church since Winston was a teenager, near as I can tell, so we’ve been trying to help him gain his testimony back by helping him realize little things are part of his testimony, like him believing in Christ, him sustaining the prophet, etc in ward conference, him going to church are all part of his testimony. He sounds surprised when I tell him each thing is a part of his testimony and then tries not to smile as if he’s so pleased he can’t hide it. It’s kind of cute, like a bashful teenager in a 67 year old body. We’re working with the ward to see who he’d get along with, etc.
We’re hoping the best and working our hardest.
Last time we met with them half the time we were mainly talking with Winston, since Edith can’t hear very well she gets bored easily, so the other half of the time we sang hymns. Edith plays the piano very well and by ear (ironically enough). I don’t play very well but I can sometimes fake it because I also play by ear, along with a small amount of note reading. When I can’t read the music or make it transition to my fingers, I just sang. Both Edith and Winston loved it and I think could feel the spirit.
Sis. Batkhand and I were just about to leave without saying a prayer and he stopped us and said “hey aren’t we going to say a prayer?” I couldn’t hold back a grin and asked him who he wanted to stay the prayer.
It was exciting for me because that was the first time he had put forth the effort to keep something spiritual like that when we’d forgotten.
I love getting the ward involved. It’s been tough at times but seeing it happens it just such a great thing. I love it!
It helps me to meet more people because it makes me branch out from the normal members I’d generally run to for help in missionary work, sometimes it’s scary, especially if you have not talked with them much before and you’re teaching a lesson with a tough investigator who already has a hard time with the church. So far it’s worked out. Sometimes it’s worked better then others, but we’re getting more people to church then ever. Both investigators and those who haven’t gone in a long time. It’s exciting
I can’t believe this transfer is more then half over! I have only about 3 weeks before they ship me back to Temple Square. It’s crazy!
Doing Interviews with President Showalter I asked him what I should do to make the best of my time here (‘Make it Count’) and he said something wise and mission President-y, but I can’t for the life of me remember what it was right now, probably something to do with following the Lord, because he knows where his people are. I remember we read a parable from the bible about the Fish in the next and how there were so many that the next broke, where before they had no luck. Well, Christ knew where the first were and he’s doing a pretty good job of scaring up new investigators (though sometimes – about half the time, they’re for other missionaries since they’re out of our area)
Anyway, God’s mindful of us and wants us to improve. During interviews I’d realized my prayers were a bit selfish, looking for my glory more then God’s, so I’ve been changing my attitude and the way I’m looking at tings and doing my best.
So that’s my schpiel for this week. Forgive the Scatteredness…you know you like it ‘cause it reminds you of me :)
LOVE! Be good and Happy!
Love S Durtschi.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Lastest Letters from Sarah 2/15 and 2/22
2/15/10 Crazy week, I tell you what! I have a companion for a week and we are stuck to each other like peanut butter to the roof of your mouth. We’re having so much fun and I’m feeling so productive, even if we haven’t been doing as many missionary things and have been putting things together so I’m ready to be the senior companion to whoever will be my companion next.
We find out on Wednesday and apparently the change will effect every sister companionship in the mission except Sister Halladay & her trainee. It’ll be interesting to see all of the sisters together, not to mention 2 temple square sisters that I know, Sis Faddis (From Houston Texas) and sister Nakajima (from Japan) Originally we thought that it would just be me and Sister Cicon, who would be getting the temple Square sisters and it going at that, but then we found out that it was more than that and now everyone is speculating who is going where with what companion. It’s being called a ‘sisters transfer.’ I’m not sure what to think of it. I’ve loved being with sister Cicon (sigh-son) and this week we’ve been together has felt longer, but in a good way. They’ve been filled with many good opportunities to serve.
2/22/10 So I ran out of time to finish this letter last week so I’m finishing it this week. Sorry I didn’t send what I had, but…yeah. Transfers
I’m now with sister Batkhand (Baht-ahnd) from Mongolia. She’s pretty much awesome :)
She’s been on her mission for a bit longer then I have and will be going home after next transfer, I believe. She gets lots of the same questions, but she’s patient. The thing she gets asked about the most is how to pronounce her name. The KH makes an almost silent sound, but it’s a throaty…well I don’t know how to explain. I guess a cross between a growl and a gargle.
At first it was a little awkward, because I had come from a companion (sis Cicon) where I felt I could be exactly myself, to someone who was also quiet that I don’t know very well. We talked a bit and after just a day or two we broke each others shells. There’s still some quiet time, but we converse readily about different things.
She’s organized and likes to clean. I’m working on being organized and tend to clean when I’m upset, (usually just because of Elders etc ;)) So it’s kind of a funny combination. I’m sure Elisabeth will be happy that I’ve learned to clean/organize so much from my mission. ;)
Sister Batkhand is getting her first ever real message from sister Tilley, a member in the Lake Forest Park Ward. I just had mine. Sis. Tilley offered several weeks ago, when Sis. Halladay was here and we got one 2 weeks ago. It’s a much different experience getting a message as exposed to giving. It’s kind of funny being on the receiving end of things. Kind of nice.
On a completely different not…or similar, depending on how you look at it, GUESS WHAT???? I passed my year mark last Thursday! Crazy!!!! Over a year ago I was giving David, Melissa and Becky a hug goodbye and spending my last text message. I can’t believe it’s been a year. Sometimes it feels a LOT longer and sometimes it feels like just yesterday. It’s pretty neat.
I think when ya first get into the mission you feel like you’ll never get used it and then you’ve there fro a few transfers and all of the sudden you can’t see yourself doing anything else and I wonder why I never though of doing certain things. It all is fitting together.
Things are going very well. It feels very weird that this is my last transfer in Washington. I go back to Temple Square the day Tasha Goes into the MTC. Crazy, eh? I’m so excited she’s going on a mission. I think she’ll do great and will find all the people she’s meant to find and baptize those she’s meant to baptize :)
Wow, yesterday (Sunday) was CRAZY! My goodness. We get to church about 20 minutes before it starts because we didn’t have a meeting at 8, so we just went early so we could have a new/updated ward list printed out and it became so crazy from there.
First our investigator Charles was there. That was good, except Bro & Sister Parks went to do their duty with the library and left him with us…but we had to get things done. We told him that we had to do some things and would be right back. As we were printing things out 4 of the 7 children in a part member family come, we had just visited them the day before, did out best to teach them a lesson and invited them to church. Their mom was still sick so the dad stayed home and most of the older children stayed home too, so we had a 6, 8, 9 and 11 year hold on our hands
I had a bit of a panicky time until we asked Sis. Wilcox (Bishop’s wife) to help us.
During this time one of the older sisters pointed out that Winston Sanderson was there. We had also visited Winston and his mother Edith the day before and invited him to church. He probably hasn’t been to church consistently since he was a teenager and he’s old enough to be my grandpa. I notice the no one was sitting next to him and sister Batkhand was sitting with Sister Wilcox and the kids, Charles was sitting with the Parks, so he wasn’t alone. So I decided to sit with Winston
We had talked the day before about testimonies and how him believing in Jesus Christ was a testimony and he didn’t have to get up on fast Sunday and bear it to have one. As we sat there listening to the speakers talking about the prophet I leaned over and informed him that jus being at church was a testimony
He looked at me and said ‘really?” as if the thought the thought had never occurred to him, then sat back and smiled.
I hope he comes back next week. I can see him being very active in the church.
All in all yesterday was good, as was the entire week. :)
We find out on Wednesday and apparently the change will effect every sister companionship in the mission except Sister Halladay & her trainee. It’ll be interesting to see all of the sisters together, not to mention 2 temple square sisters that I know, Sis Faddis (From Houston Texas) and sister Nakajima (from Japan) Originally we thought that it would just be me and Sister Cicon, who would be getting the temple Square sisters and it going at that, but then we found out that it was more than that and now everyone is speculating who is going where with what companion. It’s being called a ‘sisters transfer.’ I’m not sure what to think of it. I’ve loved being with sister Cicon (sigh-son) and this week we’ve been together has felt longer, but in a good way. They’ve been filled with many good opportunities to serve.
2/22/10 So I ran out of time to finish this letter last week so I’m finishing it this week. Sorry I didn’t send what I had, but…yeah. Transfers
I’m now with sister Batkhand (Baht-ahnd) from Mongolia. She’s pretty much awesome :)
She’s been on her mission for a bit longer then I have and will be going home after next transfer, I believe. She gets lots of the same questions, but she’s patient. The thing she gets asked about the most is how to pronounce her name. The KH makes an almost silent sound, but it’s a throaty…well I don’t know how to explain. I guess a cross between a growl and a gargle.
At first it was a little awkward, because I had come from a companion (sis Cicon) where I felt I could be exactly myself, to someone who was also quiet that I don’t know very well. We talked a bit and after just a day or two we broke each others shells. There’s still some quiet time, but we converse readily about different things.
She’s organized and likes to clean. I’m working on being organized and tend to clean when I’m upset, (usually just because of Elders etc ;)) So it’s kind of a funny combination. I’m sure Elisabeth will be happy that I’ve learned to clean/organize so much from my mission. ;)
Sister Batkhand is getting her first ever real message from sister Tilley, a member in the Lake Forest Park Ward. I just had mine. Sis. Tilley offered several weeks ago, when Sis. Halladay was here and we got one 2 weeks ago. It’s a much different experience getting a message as exposed to giving. It’s kind of funny being on the receiving end of things. Kind of nice.
On a completely different not…or similar, depending on how you look at it, GUESS WHAT???? I passed my year mark last Thursday! Crazy!!!! Over a year ago I was giving David, Melissa and Becky a hug goodbye and spending my last text message. I can’t believe it’s been a year. Sometimes it feels a LOT longer and sometimes it feels like just yesterday. It’s pretty neat.
I think when ya first get into the mission you feel like you’ll never get used it and then you’ve there fro a few transfers and all of the sudden you can’t see yourself doing anything else and I wonder why I never though of doing certain things. It all is fitting together.
Things are going very well. It feels very weird that this is my last transfer in Washington. I go back to Temple Square the day Tasha Goes into the MTC. Crazy, eh? I’m so excited she’s going on a mission. I think she’ll do great and will find all the people she’s meant to find and baptize those she’s meant to baptize :)
Wow, yesterday (Sunday) was CRAZY! My goodness. We get to church about 20 minutes before it starts because we didn’t have a meeting at 8, so we just went early so we could have a new/updated ward list printed out and it became so crazy from there.
First our investigator Charles was there. That was good, except Bro & Sister Parks went to do their duty with the library and left him with us…but we had to get things done. We told him that we had to do some things and would be right back. As we were printing things out 4 of the 7 children in a part member family come, we had just visited them the day before, did out best to teach them a lesson and invited them to church. Their mom was still sick so the dad stayed home and most of the older children stayed home too, so we had a 6, 8, 9 and 11 year hold on our hands
I had a bit of a panicky time until we asked Sis. Wilcox (Bishop’s wife) to help us.
During this time one of the older sisters pointed out that Winston Sanderson was there. We had also visited Winston and his mother Edith the day before and invited him to church. He probably hasn’t been to church consistently since he was a teenager and he’s old enough to be my grandpa. I notice the no one was sitting next to him and sister Batkhand was sitting with Sister Wilcox and the kids, Charles was sitting with the Parks, so he wasn’t alone. So I decided to sit with Winston
We had talked the day before about testimonies and how him believing in Jesus Christ was a testimony and he didn’t have to get up on fast Sunday and bear it to have one. As we sat there listening to the speakers talking about the prophet I leaned over and informed him that jus being at church was a testimony
He looked at me and said ‘really?” as if the thought the thought had never occurred to him, then sat back and smiled.
I hope he comes back next week. I can see him being very active in the church.
All in all yesterday was good, as was the entire week. :)
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