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. :)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Letter 2/8/10
Well, we got the call this morning, indicating what’s going on for this transfer. Sister Halladay is being transferred and I’m staying. We don’t know where she’s going yet, or who my or her new companion is going to be. One of use or any of the sisters could be training because of the 6 new missionaries coming in this transfer, one of them is a sisters. We’ve known who she is for a while, Kimberly Kiddo because the Milsteads (a family in the ward) found out online. I understand that either tonight of tomorrow morning the trainer, whoever she is, will find out what she’s training, Exciting, no?
Last night was interesting. The only thing that went according to plan was that we went to church. Kristina’s still not baptized. She cancelled twice in 2 days. So…we don’t know if she’ll really be baptized any time soon. She says she has not worries or concerns aside form not feeling well, but both Sis Halladay and I and the Bishop feel there is something more, but we don’t know what on earth it could possibly be. So we did what we could and later on that night, the bishop called and invited us over. Initially it was just to eat, but then he asked if we were allowed to play games. So we play rummikube and part of Phase 10 while we (the bishop, his wife and daughter and the two of us) discussed what we could do for Kristina, our other investigators and the ward.
We had a blast and it was the first time we’d been able to really just sit down with them and get things hashed out all the way, not just in the PEC or anything like that. We were able to see where he was coming from and us him. Not to mention we all laughed and joked and were really open and comfortable with everything. During that time I thought to myself that I could handle staying here if I was needed
I have learned a lot the last two transfers. Sis. Halladay and the ward and our investigators have made me grow in so many ways. I’ve really been working on charity. I know that’s one of the things that will help me to the most, not only through the mission, but my entire life.
I’ve learned a lot in the way of communication. Sis Halladay & I both sometimes have a hard time communication, but within the last few days things have really fallen into place and we both have been able to not judge and not feel judged. It’s been really nice we’ve had to go through harder times, but they help us enjoy the good times all the more, which is really nice.
I’m really excited for the reunions! It’s a little crazy that they are happen one right after the other and right when I finish my mission! I have a feeling that you all will pick me up, I’ll get released…from the bishop/stake pres in Orem? We’ll have the reunions, then I’ll go to school? I don’t know, but it’s kind of crazy how things are working out.
Poor Sister Halladay. She’s had to say goodbye to all people that we’ve been working with, etc. She’s been in this area for 6 months. She’s had a lot of ups & downs, but she’s going to miss it. She’s trying not to cry a lot, but every once and a while her head leaks.
It’s going to be a long day tomorrow and tonight. Oh, I don’t know if I mentioned, but we got message today from a sister in our ward, fro free. It was nice. She also balanced us, so our bodies are adjusting to it. :) Sister Halladay needed it the most.
Sister Hallady is training. She’s freaking out a little bit. She doesn’t want to train, but I know she’ll do great! :)
Last night was interesting. The only thing that went according to plan was that we went to church. Kristina’s still not baptized. She cancelled twice in 2 days. So…we don’t know if she’ll really be baptized any time soon. She says she has not worries or concerns aside form not feeling well, but both Sis Halladay and I and the Bishop feel there is something more, but we don’t know what on earth it could possibly be. So we did what we could and later on that night, the bishop called and invited us over. Initially it was just to eat, but then he asked if we were allowed to play games. So we play rummikube and part of Phase 10 while we (the bishop, his wife and daughter and the two of us) discussed what we could do for Kristina, our other investigators and the ward.
We had a blast and it was the first time we’d been able to really just sit down with them and get things hashed out all the way, not just in the PEC or anything like that. We were able to see where he was coming from and us him. Not to mention we all laughed and joked and were really open and comfortable with everything. During that time I thought to myself that I could handle staying here if I was needed
I have learned a lot the last two transfers. Sis. Halladay and the ward and our investigators have made me grow in so many ways. I’ve really been working on charity. I know that’s one of the things that will help me to the most, not only through the mission, but my entire life.
I’ve learned a lot in the way of communication. Sis Halladay & I both sometimes have a hard time communication, but within the last few days things have really fallen into place and we both have been able to not judge and not feel judged. It’s been really nice we’ve had to go through harder times, but they help us enjoy the good times all the more, which is really nice.
I’m really excited for the reunions! It’s a little crazy that they are happen one right after the other and right when I finish my mission! I have a feeling that you all will pick me up, I’ll get released…from the bishop/stake pres in Orem? We’ll have the reunions, then I’ll go to school? I don’t know, but it’s kind of crazy how things are working out.
Poor Sister Halladay. She’s had to say goodbye to all people that we’ve been working with, etc. She’s been in this area for 6 months. She’s had a lot of ups & downs, but she’s going to miss it. She’s trying not to cry a lot, but every once and a while her head leaks.
It’s going to be a long day tomorrow and tonight. Oh, I don’t know if I mentioned, but we got message today from a sister in our ward, fro free. It was nice. She also balanced us, so our bodies are adjusting to it. :) Sister Halladay needed it the most.
Sister Hallady is training. She’s freaking out a little bit. She doesn’t want to train, but I know she’ll do great! :)
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Letter 2-1-10
I can't believe it's February, not to mention it's 2010. It's kind of crazy to think about. Seems like it's going so fast and yet so slow. Part of me wants to be done with this part of my mission and the other wants it to never end.
It's so cool that I'm an aunt again twice over. You're the first to tell me and send pictures. :) They are so cute but I knew that'd be the case anyway Most of our investigators know and ward members :) It's fun to brag in that way.
Poor Davy Boy. 2 years ago I don't think he expected to have children at this time. I'm glad they're stared though. I'm excited for the two of then...4 of them. They'll be all amazing family and have lots of fun. Hmm the Twins, Baby twins...maybe new baby twins? Or the other baby twins? :)
Kristina, She went into the hospital Saturday night and we fasted for her and another investigator Sunday that she'd get out Tuesday or Wednesday so she could still get baptized on Saturday. She did get out Wednesday. We were eating lunch at the “Gorditos 'Health' Mexican Restaurant” and just as we were finishing up the phone started vibrating and it showed Sis. Wilcox was calling, Kristina's member Friend and bishop's wife. Kristina was on the other side of the phone, telling us she got home and wanted to see us sometime that day. So we made our way over there. Stopping at time or two along the way (we'd planned to visit , whether she was home or not and go permission to go to the hospital (out of our area,) if she wasn't home.
She was happy to see us and seemed bright and perky, but old us she didn't want to get baptized on Saturday. We convinced her to wait until the next day to decide for sure. To make an already long store shorter after doing everything in our power, we found out that she still doesn't have a testimony of Joseph Smith and this being the Lord's church, not just a good organization. So...we were sad she didn't get baptized but glad she didn't because we want her to be ready.
We have some new investigators that we're hoping the best for. Jamie is a non[member street contact referral. We haven't met her yet but we've talked with her one the phone. She seems to be really nice and her mom wants to hear what we have to say too. We feel good about her and have an appointment with her tomorrow. I hope the best, but how this transfer has been going I cant' help but worry that they are of another faith and just want to anti us. I really hope and pray that's not the case.
Charles is a member referral. We went to drop some pans off at the Parks' house from dinner a while ago, last Tuesday and sis Parks (from Russia) said (after chatting a while with us and Bro Parks (American)) we all need to pray to find someone fro us to teach. So we prayed and she said her husband needed to ask a friend of his to come over. He told her she could ask that friend, so she had to figure how to say what she wanted in English, then went up to another apartment. We waited a few minutes and she returned. At first we just saw her, but she and such a pleased smile on her face I knew she'd convinced someone to come with her. She had. HE wasn't the person she had planned to bring, but that didn't matter to her. So Charles sat down with us in the Park's tiny apartment and was very stiff at first. After a few minutes his body language became more and more relaxed and we thought him an abbreviated (Temple Square) version of the first lesson. He seemed to like a lot and I invited hm to continue to learn with us and he accepted. Bro. Parks was so cute. He was surprised at Charles's reply and said “Really???” He could hardly hold in his excitement. So now we're teaching Charles at the Parks' apartment.
One little tidbit that we found out just as we were about to leave is Charles is Jewish...which would have been nice to know before we gave him 3 Nephi 11 to ready before our next lesson...and then he came to church Sunday and it was ALL on the atonement of Jesus Christ, Etc. Thankfully he has a friend in the gospel so we're hoping he's not completely weirded out of offended by anything.
Olivia is our ward mission leaders' cousin. She just turned 11 and her mom is not active, but has agreed to let her have the lessons so she can choose if she wants to be baptized or not. Doug (Ward Mission Leader) lives with his grandma and Olivia goes to their grandma's house very Thursday to be home schooled. Their grandma is in the stake relief society presidency and invited us to ask Olivia is she wants the lessons. We did just that and while I filled my handy dandy water bottle and used the restroom, Sis Halladay plopped down and started Chatting with Olivia. I came out and joined the conversation. WE got to know her for the better part of an hour when her fiend came over to play. Just before they left to play , we asked Olivia if she wanted to learn from us and she agreed. Her grandma asked her daughter and she agreed, so we're going to start teaching the Thursday after Transfers because she's out of town.
We met Bernadette just before she was about to J-walk across the street. Sister Halladay caught her attention and we started chatting with her briefly. We sound she's a non-practicing Jehovah's Witness, like another African American kid we'd met earlier that week. She recognized the restoration pamphlet and wanted to learn more. WE got her phone number and told her we'd call her that night and see if it was okay to each her (she's about 16 too) Her mom seemed really out of it (drugs?) so we're calling her tonight to get the okay.
Bill's wife is a member who comes to sacrament meeting and then leaves. He doesn't talk much at all. He's nice, but we can't ask him questions and ever expect to get an answer unless it's about something unrelated to the gospel. We know he's believes in Christ and goes regularly to the Disciple of Christ Church, but that's it. We're going slow with him. He's solid, but silent, so it will take a while.
We didn't get any snow and not even a ton of rain. It's was like California winter more than anything else, which was nice :)
Anyways, love you lots and love getting your letters!
LOVE! Sis Sarah Durtschi
It's so cool that I'm an aunt again twice over. You're the first to tell me and send pictures. :) They are so cute but I knew that'd be the case anyway Most of our investigators know and ward members :) It's fun to brag in that way.
Poor Davy Boy. 2 years ago I don't think he expected to have children at this time. I'm glad they're stared though. I'm excited for the two of then...4 of them. They'll be all amazing family and have lots of fun. Hmm the Twins, Baby twins...maybe new baby twins? Or the other baby twins? :)
Kristina, She went into the hospital Saturday night and we fasted for her and another investigator Sunday that she'd get out Tuesday or Wednesday so she could still get baptized on Saturday. She did get out Wednesday. We were eating lunch at the “Gorditos 'Health' Mexican Restaurant” and just as we were finishing up the phone started vibrating and it showed Sis. Wilcox was calling, Kristina's member Friend and bishop's wife. Kristina was on the other side of the phone, telling us she got home and wanted to see us sometime that day. So we made our way over there. Stopping at time or two along the way (we'd planned to visit , whether she was home or not and go permission to go to the hospital (out of our area,) if she wasn't home.
She was happy to see us and seemed bright and perky, but old us she didn't want to get baptized on Saturday. We convinced her to wait until the next day to decide for sure. To make an already long store shorter after doing everything in our power, we found out that she still doesn't have a testimony of Joseph Smith and this being the Lord's church, not just a good organization. So...we were sad she didn't get baptized but glad she didn't because we want her to be ready.
We have some new investigators that we're hoping the best for. Jamie is a non[member street contact referral. We haven't met her yet but we've talked with her one the phone. She seems to be really nice and her mom wants to hear what we have to say too. We feel good about her and have an appointment with her tomorrow. I hope the best, but how this transfer has been going I cant' help but worry that they are of another faith and just want to anti us. I really hope and pray that's not the case.
Charles is a member referral. We went to drop some pans off at the Parks' house from dinner a while ago, last Tuesday and sis Parks (from Russia) said (after chatting a while with us and Bro Parks (American)) we all need to pray to find someone fro us to teach. So we prayed and she said her husband needed to ask a friend of his to come over. He told her she could ask that friend, so she had to figure how to say what she wanted in English, then went up to another apartment. We waited a few minutes and she returned. At first we just saw her, but she and such a pleased smile on her face I knew she'd convinced someone to come with her. She had. HE wasn't the person she had planned to bring, but that didn't matter to her. So Charles sat down with us in the Park's tiny apartment and was very stiff at first. After a few minutes his body language became more and more relaxed and we thought him an abbreviated (Temple Square) version of the first lesson. He seemed to like a lot and I invited hm to continue to learn with us and he accepted. Bro. Parks was so cute. He was surprised at Charles's reply and said “Really???” He could hardly hold in his excitement. So now we're teaching Charles at the Parks' apartment.
One little tidbit that we found out just as we were about to leave is Charles is Jewish...which would have been nice to know before we gave him 3 Nephi 11 to ready before our next lesson...and then he came to church Sunday and it was ALL on the atonement of Jesus Christ, Etc. Thankfully he has a friend in the gospel so we're hoping he's not completely weirded out of offended by anything.
Olivia is our ward mission leaders' cousin. She just turned 11 and her mom is not active, but has agreed to let her have the lessons so she can choose if she wants to be baptized or not. Doug (Ward Mission Leader) lives with his grandma and Olivia goes to their grandma's house very Thursday to be home schooled. Their grandma is in the stake relief society presidency and invited us to ask Olivia is she wants the lessons. We did just that and while I filled my handy dandy water bottle and used the restroom, Sis Halladay plopped down and started Chatting with Olivia. I came out and joined the conversation. WE got to know her for the better part of an hour when her fiend came over to play. Just before they left to play , we asked Olivia if she wanted to learn from us and she agreed. Her grandma asked her daughter and she agreed, so we're going to start teaching the Thursday after Transfers because she's out of town.
We met Bernadette just before she was about to J-walk across the street. Sister Halladay caught her attention and we started chatting with her briefly. We sound she's a non-practicing Jehovah's Witness, like another African American kid we'd met earlier that week. She recognized the restoration pamphlet and wanted to learn more. WE got her phone number and told her we'd call her that night and see if it was okay to each her (she's about 16 too) Her mom seemed really out of it (drugs?) so we're calling her tonight to get the okay.
Bill's wife is a member who comes to sacrament meeting and then leaves. He doesn't talk much at all. He's nice, but we can't ask him questions and ever expect to get an answer unless it's about something unrelated to the gospel. We know he's believes in Christ and goes regularly to the Disciple of Christ Church, but that's it. We're going slow with him. He's solid, but silent, so it will take a while.
We didn't get any snow and not even a ton of rain. It's was like California winter more than anything else, which was nice :)
Anyways, love you lots and love getting your letters!
LOVE! Sis Sarah Durtschi
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Letter 1/20/10
Dear Family Type Peoples,
It’s been a loooong week. 2 days wouldn’t normally be a long time, but when it’s two extra days before P-day it’s a bit harder. So I survived and so did my companion….but it was close!
Last week, around this time, Sister Halladay got sick. So I had my first sick day on the mission in Washington. My first two sick days.
The poor sister had made herself sick because of stress, but she didn’t figure it out until much later (about the 2nd day) what was wrong.
President Blanchard knows how to d this one thing, I’m not sure what it’s called…and sister Blanchard said it’s called “stress Management” where he asks if we’re ‘balanced in all 28 areas of your energy field.” And when you hold your arm up and he pushes on the arm if you answer ‘yes’ and it’s true, then your arm stays firm, but if it’s not true then it goes down and you can’t stop it from going down. So he asked sister Halladay if her sickness was related to stress and she answered, ‘yes’ and her arm stayed up. He asked a couple other questions and couldn’t get everything straightened out, but in the end Sister Halladay got better. President Blanchard also says that verbally forgiving others and ourselves for things also helps relieve stress. Like “I forgive that guy for cutting me off and I forgive myself for getting made at him.” It does help.
So Saturday we had president’s interviews, which was part of sister Halladay’s stress and that helped be happier when it was over, and it was nice to have a somewhat normal companion back.
Sunday no one came to church or to cottage meeting (a meeting that missionaries can take their investigators to and recently baptized members talk about their experiences with the missionaries and the church etc.) which as frustrating. Our investigators are improving though ;)
Monday was long for me. By dinner I was about ready to flop down on a moderately flat, warm surface and sleep until morning. I flopped on the couch for about 5 minutes, then went elsewhere to pray and felt better, so I ate then we went to do FHE with the Deaf Branch. It was fine the rest of the night. ;)
Tuesday we had District meeting again and the zone leaders were in charge of it this time and they talked about the area book and how to use it to become more effective missionaries. It was very helpful and helped us to bring up coffee again to Kristina.
In the past Kristina would not give up the coffee at all, wouldn’t even think about it because ‘we’re living in the Northwest!’ But when we had a great conversation with her that started out solemn because things kept coming up, like she let us know that her apartment had given her a 3-day notice because the bill hadn’t been paid for January, because she’s on disablility and her dad wasn’t able to help with things this month.
We let her know that the reason all these things kept happening was because Satan was opposing her getting baptized on the 30th of this month. It made sense to her and the conversation continued and coffee came up again. Af first she oppsed giving it up again, but after a while she started to accept it, eve if she doesn’t really like it.
Today we went to the temple, which is why we didn’t’ have p-day until today. In this mission they/we get to go to the temple every 6 months or so. I thought it was pretty neat to go through another temple in a different state.
After we went to Olive Garden as a district and had a good time there. All 4 elders (our zone leaders are in our district too, but had to go with the other district because they need another car.) got the all you can eat soup, salad and bread sticks and kept it all coming for a good amount of time. Elders are funny.
Well, I think that’ about as exciting as it gets this week! Love you all!
Love Sis. Of Durtschi, Sarah.
It’s been a loooong week. 2 days wouldn’t normally be a long time, but when it’s two extra days before P-day it’s a bit harder. So I survived and so did my companion….but it was close!
Last week, around this time, Sister Halladay got sick. So I had my first sick day on the mission in Washington. My first two sick days.
The poor sister had made herself sick because of stress, but she didn’t figure it out until much later (about the 2nd day) what was wrong.
President Blanchard knows how to d this one thing, I’m not sure what it’s called…and sister Blanchard said it’s called “stress Management” where he asks if we’re ‘balanced in all 28 areas of your energy field.” And when you hold your arm up and he pushes on the arm if you answer ‘yes’ and it’s true, then your arm stays firm, but if it’s not true then it goes down and you can’t stop it from going down. So he asked sister Halladay if her sickness was related to stress and she answered, ‘yes’ and her arm stayed up. He asked a couple other questions and couldn’t get everything straightened out, but in the end Sister Halladay got better. President Blanchard also says that verbally forgiving others and ourselves for things also helps relieve stress. Like “I forgive that guy for cutting me off and I forgive myself for getting made at him.” It does help.
So Saturday we had president’s interviews, which was part of sister Halladay’s stress and that helped be happier when it was over, and it was nice to have a somewhat normal companion back.
Sunday no one came to church or to cottage meeting (a meeting that missionaries can take their investigators to and recently baptized members talk about their experiences with the missionaries and the church etc.) which as frustrating. Our investigators are improving though ;)
Monday was long for me. By dinner I was about ready to flop down on a moderately flat, warm surface and sleep until morning. I flopped on the couch for about 5 minutes, then went elsewhere to pray and felt better, so I ate then we went to do FHE with the Deaf Branch. It was fine the rest of the night. ;)
Tuesday we had District meeting again and the zone leaders were in charge of it this time and they talked about the area book and how to use it to become more effective missionaries. It was very helpful and helped us to bring up coffee again to Kristina.
In the past Kristina would not give up the coffee at all, wouldn’t even think about it because ‘we’re living in the Northwest!’ But when we had a great conversation with her that started out solemn because things kept coming up, like she let us know that her apartment had given her a 3-day notice because the bill hadn’t been paid for January, because she’s on disablility and her dad wasn’t able to help with things this month.
We let her know that the reason all these things kept happening was because Satan was opposing her getting baptized on the 30th of this month. It made sense to her and the conversation continued and coffee came up again. Af first she oppsed giving it up again, but after a while she started to accept it, eve if she doesn’t really like it.
Today we went to the temple, which is why we didn’t’ have p-day until today. In this mission they/we get to go to the temple every 6 months or so. I thought it was pretty neat to go through another temple in a different state.
After we went to Olive Garden as a district and had a good time there. All 4 elders (our zone leaders are in our district too, but had to go with the other district because they need another car.) got the all you can eat soup, salad and bread sticks and kept it all coming for a good amount of time. Elders are funny.
Well, I think that’ about as exciting as it gets this week! Love you all!
Love Sis. Of Durtschi, Sarah.
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