Hi all!
All is well here! It is so blastedly hot though! I'll have more on that later...I'll go in chronological order of the week. :)
The flight was good. My escorts were great! I love them all so much! One of them, Elder Oman had too heavy of a bag at the airport and I took some of his stuff in my bag. Well, he forgot to get one of his bags so I think I have all his shaving supplies...I'm going to give it to President this weekend and he said he'd figure something out for me...haha woops!
On the flight I kept having a feeling to talk to a lady. Finally, with about an hour to go, I busted into her conversation with the lady next to her. The lady, Laura Tanner, was from Liberty, TX and was on her way home from a funeral. She was a very religious lady and we had good talk. She believed that one could be saved by merely saying they were saved and staying faithful and good to the end, but yes, "I'm saved"...it was fun. She invited me to a festival in her town, but I didn't know where I would be so I couldn't. (turns out I can't)...She wanted to see me again so she gave me her information. I gave it to the missionaries that were opening that area (just opened on Wednesday...Elder Wilde was sent there!). Hopefully they will talk to her and share the gospel. She was so nice!
Sister Dupaix and Sister Mazza are so sweet. Sister Dupaix is a convert that helps in the office and sister Mazza is on a mission and is from Soda Springs (as is Elder and Sster Stelse, Elder and sister Rigby and President and Sis. Moldenhauer). I guess when you are a senior couple, the mission president calls you and then you put in your paperwork, so they are all from his hometown. They are great though!
So...my companion is Sister Shull from Missoula Montana. She is super funny. When she was introduced to me she had on fake teeth. She is a hoot...I don't even know who to compare her too. I could see Matt Edrington being closest to her in temperance and funness, but also very spiritual! She is also a theater major.... We get along really well. She isn't a morning person, and I'm not a night person so we compliment each other in that aspect.
So...for the big news....I'm in Port Arthur! It is about 20 miles from Beaumont, though, I can't tell you which direction. The town's roads are built facing northeast and southwest, so I am always so lost as to which direction I am going. We cover Port Arthur, Port Neches (naychez), Groves, Bridge City, and Nederland. I am in the Twin City Ward. It is pretty exciting. Our apartment has a huge map of the area and also a warning... Apparently, Sisters were flushed out in 2006 because there was a man stalking one of the sisters....we aren't allowed to proselyte near where the man and his wife live. It is dangerous to us and the Sister he was stalking. So anyway...
Oh man, there is some crazy weather here! One moment it could be clear skies and blazing hot, and the next it is storming! The lightening is pretty sweet! Sat. night it was thundering so bad that I couldn't sleep. I was a little scared, but only because in Utah that means that the lightening is close to you. Here, it thunders and quakes for miles! It is odd....But yes, super loud.
I got my request to not be where there are sidewalks! I thought that would send me to Chile or something, but nope, Port Arthur Texas! There aren't sidewalks! There are two lanes going each direction and if there is a parked car or someone walking in the lane, it becomes a sidewalk or something apparently. It is weird, but ok...I will survive....
Everyone here has either a cat or a dog it seems. They are mostly inside dogs and they like to lick a lot! I'm not a fan of dogs that lick (I was talking with Sis. Shull one day and said, "I'm not a fan of licking dogs" and she thought I was meaning that I lick dogs so I'm careful not to say that anymore. It was super funny.) The dogs are cute though for the most part.
In Hurricane Ike, all but 14 houses in Bridge City suffered water damage if nothing more (water damage is way way bad though). There are a lot of FEMA trailers there. They have a room on either side of them, a kitchen/laundry room/living room area and a bathroom. I wish people could get the help needed there...I mean, a year in a FEMA trailer, I wouldn't be able to handle it. Though, everyone is so humble and they realize the important things in life. It isn't about materialistic things, but about family, heirlooms, the gospel. Those are the things that will get you through this life! Not the appliances, the TVs, etc. Those are fleeting. The testimonies of the people are hitting me hard in this area.
Also, the testimony of prayer. The fact that we can ask our Heavenly Father and know of a surety that He is listening is something that a lot of people wish, but don't know about. I know that as we sincerely pray and share our hearts with Heavenly Father that He is listening and as we act in Faith to do the things He asks then we can be strengthened. It is such a real promise he gives us! I love it!
In my study journal I've learned that I can't abbreviate everything....for example, the Plan of Salvation cannot be abbreviated into the P.O.S....It is just not right! :S ;).
There are so many churches down here! There are seven as we go from one of the main freeways to our home. and they are all different! People wear clothes that would be frowned upon in Utah, but they aren't bad. My companion has one that is a Jesus Wii character that says, "Hii saved me" It makes me laugh real hard actually...and those types of things are everywhere. She has a folder that has a word search on it and Jesus is circled in the middle and it says, "I found Jesus!" I'll have to send some stuff home....
We don't have any investigators right now, but we are focusing on the members. There are like 550 members in our ward apparently, but the average attendance is about 150. So we are visiting a lot of Less Active families and helping them remember the feelings as to why they joined the church. It has been rewarding, but we have to wait a little longer...
I'm in the apt where Ben Newman served last.
Don't worry about us. The ward is taking care of us. Sis. Jolly just gave us a bunch of food....home canned jelly and such! Mmm.... She is making sure we are ok in everything. (as well as everyone else).
One of the ward missionaries is taking us to Beaumont so we can go to a museum. Beaumont is just out of reach. On Pday we can only drive 20 miles.. I am excited. I have the camera and all!
The place where we do service is like the DI and we hang shirts and clean up, so I got some shirts and sweaters and all 7 of my items only cost 7.56. It is really good how everything is cheap. They have a base price. It is the idea of the DI but better! :D
Anyway, my companion is ready to go, so I am going to head off...love you all so much!
Jackie
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
A Call From Texas...
Today, Jackie's Mission Home people called. They wanted to get some info on a Newsletter that my mom does. My mom emailed them the info, but we heard a few stories about Jackie, so Mom was in seventh heaven.
They said Jackie arrived and she has a great companion. (They have never lived with her, so we will see what Jackie says...)
They said that they are teasing Jackie. He told Mom that Jackie would be talking normal in 2 weeks. she would be saying you all or ya all instead of you guys. (This is true, I have a friend from Texas that says "Ya all" ALL of the time!
He also told my mom that when he told Jackie he was going to call her mother, Jackie gave him a funny look... "Hey, I can call her, you can't, but I can!" was his reply!
We haven't received a letter or email for a bit, but when we do, don't worry, it will be posted!
They said Jackie arrived and she has a great companion. (They have never lived with her, so we will see what Jackie says...)
They said that they are teasing Jackie. He told Mom that Jackie would be talking normal in 2 weeks. she would be saying you all or ya all instead of you guys. (This is true, I have a friend from Texas that says "Ya all" ALL of the time!
He also told my mom that when he told Jackie he was going to call her mother, Jackie gave him a funny look... "Hey, I can call her, you can't, but I can!" was his reply!
We haven't received a letter or email for a bit, but when we do, don't worry, it will be posted!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Leaving on a Jet Plane...
Jackie called us today from the airport to say she was leaving for Texas. She sounds SUPER excited. She was telling us stories about a mile a minute. I will try to summarize a few highlights!
Today she is a solo sister. So her mission president assigned 4 (that's right FOUR) Elders to escort her to Texas. Even in the mission Jackie can't keep the boys away! (We always tease her about that!)
She went up to a sister missionary going to Peru and told her how she was going to miss Utah, the mountains, and ..... (fill in everything else you can miss about Utah). Well, the other sister started freaking out because it just started sinking in that she was going to miss Utah and that she was really going. Jackie just laughed. Whoops!
She also said it was a little weird to see people in street clothes after being in the MTC for 3 weeks and being around missionaries only in dress clothes!
She is super excited and is probably roasting in Texas right now. Good Luck Jack!
Today she is a solo sister. So her mission president assigned 4 (that's right FOUR) Elders to escort her to Texas. Even in the mission Jackie can't keep the boys away! (We always tease her about that!)
She went up to a sister missionary going to Peru and told her how she was going to miss Utah, the mountains, and ..... (fill in everything else you can miss about Utah). Well, the other sister started freaking out because it just started sinking in that she was going to miss Utah and that she was really going. Jackie just laughed. Whoops!
She also said it was a little weird to see people in street clothes after being in the MTC for 3 weeks and being around missionaries only in dress clothes!
She is super excited and is probably roasting in Texas right now. Good Luck Jack!
Monday, August 17, 2009
August 17, 2009
Hi all! I'm on my way! I don't know where I'm goin', I'm on my way! jk...I do know! but I love that song. Oh babylon. ;) JK. That is the joke here...that the outside world is Babylon....anyway, its almost a zoobie like behavior, but I joke about it more than believe it. Anyway....
ok...so the RC. I had a progressing investigator! I taught her the whole first lesson, then about the Holy Ghost. She committed to going to church, but then apparently on Saturday she decded not to. I am going to call her tongiht to see what happened (I’m not fixing errors because time is precious and you know what I mean). I wanted to commit her to baptism last time, but as I was saying it I couldn't! I knew exactly how I was going to say it, but I seriously believe that my tongue was being held. because as you all know, I don't hold my tongue often. ;)
I have three other call backs today. I love the RC because I am talking to real people. I love calling them back and giving them more lessons. It is the closest thing to the field that I have here.
So Jason: I have a friend who might be selling his contract at the Branbury, but it might be a little late. The phone number is in my phone under "Johnathan ward"....
Jairen: I wouldn't buy the books in the missionary library until you get here. The pack is only 6 dollars and you get a 20 percent discount on it. Scriptures are cheaper here too....I'm just saying....oh, and I wouldn't bring a lot of paper to take notes because they show you a sweet way to keep track of your notes...anyway.... just saying. Way cool on your call though! I am so excited for you!
So random....my ear was bugging me the other day and I said something to sister Robinson (she is in the branch presidency so like the first counselor's wife type thing) and she is a nurse. She looked at it and apparently I have a swollen lymph node on my ear and there is a random mole there that wasn't there before (on my right ear) so I am going to go check it out today if Sister Hallett decides that would be an ok thing to do. We set goals and make plans, but a lot of times she decides that she doesn't want to and we never accomplish our companionship goals, though, don't worry, I still study hard when that happens.
We were in the RC last week and Sister Jordan got her finger stuck in a random hole in the desk. our teacher, brother Melton, was laughing inside and shaking his head. He has such a meek appearance and he doesn't laugh out loud boisterously, but he tends to shake his head a lot at sister Jordan and sister Graves. They do a lot of funny things. :D
So the bag we got at the sister missionary mall is not doing so well. I was carrying it last week and the handle randomly came off....it was ridiculous. Then, the strap connectors are plastic and have a weak metal thing....(if that makes sense) and the metal thing is gone on one of the connectors.
I have a solo sticker because my comp leaves before me. I get about 13 companions for Tuesday. They are the next district and they are all elders. I will be the only sister in the zone, so I get quite the escorts! They are super funny, so it will be good.
Everyone is packing and it is pretty weird. I don't like that....I am leaving a day later, but because there is only one of me and Elder Wilde, we have to do our laundry and preparations with them, so I have to keep out four pairs of clothes.
I leave on Wednesday! Woo hoo! I have to be out at the curb at 5:00 am. I am super excited and hopefully I can sleep the night before and wake up on time to be out there! I go with 2 Spanish elders and elder Wilde. We are going to rock the whole airport/Texas thing!
I've been trying to write everyone back and tell them about my blog. I hear it is super sweet! Thanks Ames! Also, I can't really remember my address at the mission home, so I send them to the blog! lol. It is great.
I saw Facebook today. The old lady in the clothing store was on facebook and wanted to show me a picture of some guy in Bear River City to see if I knew him. I thought it was funny. I didn't even feel tempted to sign in! LOL
So let's see...a typical day in the MTC:
6:30 AM: Wake up! Pray, make my bed. Get ready...we have half an hour to get beautiful for the day!
7 am: BREAKFAST. they have a line for fruit, lots of cereal times, and a line with eggs, hashbrowns, and sausage...guess my line? lol
7:30 MDT Missionary Directed Time...anything that we as a companionship thinks will make us a better missionary..
COMP study an hour
Personal study an hour
Lots of MDT time
Class time: We go to class and discuss doctrine, lessons, etc.
TE: Teaching evaluations: we can go practice teaching and the teachers give us feedback..
So I realized I can't really give a day because they are all different, yet all the same. We have a meaningful activity planned for every hour of the day. It is great! Planners dream! lol
On Pdays we get to go to the temple in the morning, have personal time, eat lunch, then laundry (when I write) then dinner, then classes again. Tonight is my last class with Brother Williams. It makes me sad because he is so funny! E. Wilde and I get one more class with Bro. Melton. Then we are done too!
So there you have it....a normal day, but not really in the MTC. Oh, and I forgot, we have gym four times a week too. I played basketball last time. It was fun. Sisters can only guard Sisters and Elders can only guard Elders, but I was schooling them all and had a perfect shot (thanks to Amy and that little plastic hand!)haha..
So..,.yes...How is everything going with you all?
I am so excited to go to the field. In the MTC we bear testimony all the time, and I am excited to share that with the people of Texas! They are all amazing I'm sure!
Here is my last MTC Testimony:
I love this work! Moses 1:39 tells us what the Father delights in: He wants to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. He wants to see us happy and see us join him in Heaven by living honorable lives and keeping the commandments here on earth. By doing the things we know we should be doing, we too can live with the Father.
I know Joseph Smith is a prophet. He received Heavenly Messengers and saw God the father in the flesh. He was given the necessary priesthood to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth. We are so fortunate to have the priesthood! It is such a blessing in our lives! I took it for granted, but I understand the importance of it now.
Through Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon was translated. We have this ancient record of the people of the Americas and God's dealings with them. We can get closer to God by reading it than any other book. It s so powerful! I know that as I read it I feel His love for me. It is powerful. I have grown so much in my testimony by reading it. I read the stories and study it by subject. I get so much out of it!
I want to challenge all to not just read the BoM, but ponder its words, apply them, do them! Your life will change, in small ways or large ways, they will be changed and I can promise you will be happier. Even in trials because the scriptures help us learn to cope. They tell us why we have trials in this life, they help us through them.
I love you all and will see you in 17 months and a week (or so)...
:D
ok...so the RC. I had a progressing investigator! I taught her the whole first lesson, then about the Holy Ghost. She committed to going to church, but then apparently on Saturday she decded not to. I am going to call her tongiht to see what happened (I’m not fixing errors because time is precious and you know what I mean). I wanted to commit her to baptism last time, but as I was saying it I couldn't! I knew exactly how I was going to say it, but I seriously believe that my tongue was being held. because as you all know, I don't hold my tongue often. ;)
I have three other call backs today. I love the RC because I am talking to real people. I love calling them back and giving them more lessons. It is the closest thing to the field that I have here.
So Jason: I have a friend who might be selling his contract at the Branbury, but it might be a little late. The phone number is in my phone under "Johnathan ward"....
Jairen: I wouldn't buy the books in the missionary library until you get here. The pack is only 6 dollars and you get a 20 percent discount on it. Scriptures are cheaper here too....I'm just saying....oh, and I wouldn't bring a lot of paper to take notes because they show you a sweet way to keep track of your notes...anyway.... just saying. Way cool on your call though! I am so excited for you!
So random....my ear was bugging me the other day and I said something to sister Robinson (she is in the branch presidency so like the first counselor's wife type thing) and she is a nurse. She looked at it and apparently I have a swollen lymph node on my ear and there is a random mole there that wasn't there before (on my right ear) so I am going to go check it out today if Sister Hallett decides that would be an ok thing to do. We set goals and make plans, but a lot of times she decides that she doesn't want to and we never accomplish our companionship goals, though, don't worry, I still study hard when that happens.
We were in the RC last week and Sister Jordan got her finger stuck in a random hole in the desk. our teacher, brother Melton, was laughing inside and shaking his head. He has such a meek appearance and he doesn't laugh out loud boisterously, but he tends to shake his head a lot at sister Jordan and sister Graves. They do a lot of funny things. :D
So the bag we got at the sister missionary mall is not doing so well. I was carrying it last week and the handle randomly came off....it was ridiculous. Then, the strap connectors are plastic and have a weak metal thing....(if that makes sense) and the metal thing is gone on one of the connectors.
I have a solo sticker because my comp leaves before me. I get about 13 companions for Tuesday. They are the next district and they are all elders. I will be the only sister in the zone, so I get quite the escorts! They are super funny, so it will be good.
Everyone is packing and it is pretty weird. I don't like that....I am leaving a day later, but because there is only one of me and Elder Wilde, we have to do our laundry and preparations with them, so I have to keep out four pairs of clothes.
I leave on Wednesday! Woo hoo! I have to be out at the curb at 5:00 am. I am super excited and hopefully I can sleep the night before and wake up on time to be out there! I go with 2 Spanish elders and elder Wilde. We are going to rock the whole airport/Texas thing!
I've been trying to write everyone back and tell them about my blog. I hear it is super sweet! Thanks Ames! Also, I can't really remember my address at the mission home, so I send them to the blog! lol. It is great.
I saw Facebook today. The old lady in the clothing store was on facebook and wanted to show me a picture of some guy in Bear River City to see if I knew him. I thought it was funny. I didn't even feel tempted to sign in! LOL
So let's see...a typical day in the MTC:
6:30 AM: Wake up! Pray, make my bed. Get ready...we have half an hour to get beautiful for the day!
7 am: BREAKFAST. they have a line for fruit, lots of cereal times, and a line with eggs, hashbrowns, and sausage...guess my line? lol
7:30 MDT Missionary Directed Time...anything that we as a companionship thinks will make us a better missionary..
COMP study an hour
Personal study an hour
Lots of MDT time
Class time: We go to class and discuss doctrine, lessons, etc.
TE: Teaching evaluations: we can go practice teaching and the teachers give us feedback..
So I realized I can't really give a day because they are all different, yet all the same. We have a meaningful activity planned for every hour of the day. It is great! Planners dream! lol
On Pdays we get to go to the temple in the morning, have personal time, eat lunch, then laundry (when I write) then dinner, then classes again. Tonight is my last class with Brother Williams. It makes me sad because he is so funny! E. Wilde and I get one more class with Bro. Melton. Then we are done too!
So there you have it....a normal day, but not really in the MTC. Oh, and I forgot, we have gym four times a week too. I played basketball last time. It was fun. Sisters can only guard Sisters and Elders can only guard Elders, but I was schooling them all and had a perfect shot (thanks to Amy and that little plastic hand!)haha..
So..,.yes...How is everything going with you all?
I am so excited to go to the field. In the MTC we bear testimony all the time, and I am excited to share that with the people of Texas! They are all amazing I'm sure!
Here is my last MTC Testimony:
I love this work! Moses 1:39 tells us what the Father delights in: He wants to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. He wants to see us happy and see us join him in Heaven by living honorable lives and keeping the commandments here on earth. By doing the things we know we should be doing, we too can live with the Father.
I know Joseph Smith is a prophet. He received Heavenly Messengers and saw God the father in the flesh. He was given the necessary priesthood to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth. We are so fortunate to have the priesthood! It is such a blessing in our lives! I took it for granted, but I understand the importance of it now.
Through Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon was translated. We have this ancient record of the people of the Americas and God's dealings with them. We can get closer to God by reading it than any other book. It s so powerful! I know that as I read it I feel His love for me. It is powerful. I have grown so much in my testimony by reading it. I read the stories and study it by subject. I get so much out of it!
I want to challenge all to not just read the BoM, but ponder its words, apply them, do them! Your life will change, in small ways or large ways, they will be changed and I can promise you will be happier. Even in trials because the scriptures help us learn to cope. They tell us why we have trials in this life, they help us through them.
I love you all and will see you in 17 months and a week (or so)...
:D
Monday, August 10, 2009
August 10, 2009
Hello All!
I have loved reading all the emails and all the letters sent! You are all amazing and I love to hear from EVERYONE! I love hearing all the stories, even if they make me homesick, so sorry if I gave the impression that I didn't want to hear anything that would make me homesick. I love it all!
I have some pretty awesome stories this week. I have a sticky note with them all so I can remember them all!
First: Business
Nick, how did the job interview go? Well?
I'm glad Kelly and I think alike. I sent the email about the tree of life, then Kel talked about it in the letter. Fate I tell ya! I hope we still think alike after 17 and a half more months!.
The bag from Amy was a blue one that she bought in Scotland. It was only like 2 dollars or something...I remember her telling me that.
I got my flight plans....I leave on August 19th at 5:00 AM from the MTC. Flight at 8:45 on Delta so hopefully I get to see Bishop Oliver as my pilot! How cool would that be?
I can only check the LDS mail account, so send things here. :)
Good tractor purchases dad! I loved the pictures, and I'm excited that there are deer around our house! :)
What is Amy's Address? and Jeff's Address?
DEARELDER.COM is a site that you can send letters to missionaries in the MTC for free. You can donate to the site, but don't have to, and send packages (but I wouldn't recommend that. It is overpriced and not worth it). So....if you have a cute little story, dearelder is where it is at! :D
There is an Elder Wolfert that played basketball at Mountain View and said he knew Jason and Justin. He just left yesterday for the field. Lucky him!
Ok....now my really cool story:
We spend some time on the phones in the referral center. When people order media from the church we make sure they get it and testify and teach them and talk to them in general on the phone. I spoke with a lady from the BRONX. She was so sweet! She was confused about religion and I started telling her about the LDS church. She has researched it and researched a lot of other religions, but didn't feel anything. She'd never been in an LDS church though. I challenged her three times to go to church, but wasn't ready for that. We talked for over an hour! It was great! I committed her to reading a few chapters from the BoM and she was going to order some of the videos and accept the missionaries to come teach her in 30 days! I am going to have to check up on that one when I get back from the mish, but I was so excited! I shared some scriptures with her that applied to her life and we talked about a lot of good things. I loved it! My one and only positive experience in the RC as of yet, but I do have a testimony of the good of it now!
so...my companion....Her name is Sister Hallett. She is from Florida. She is a very nice sister. She is talking more now that we've been together for 11 days, but still...not much. Sometimes I can't take it, but I have been really good. It is teaching me a LOT! I also need to work on planning as a companionship. We go to plan lessons, but she won't say anything so I just plan it and then let her know what the plan is. She seems to actually like that system a lot so I don't think it is going to change unless I give up completely, but you all know me and I can't let things go to chance that it might not happen just right (if that even makes sense).
I was excited to see Brian's letter today! I am glad he is doing well. I read it quickly though because I don't have much time. I am waiting for laundry and there are some crazy elders making lots of noise and having lots of fun in the laundry room. between that and the heat of the dryers and the amount of people and such, I can't think correctly, so if this last part doesn't make as much sense, that is why.
I am sad that all my older districts are leaving. Beginnings of the week are sad times because those you come to love are leaving. It makes it hard, but then I am so excited for them all that it is ok. Wow. I've only been typing for 13 minutes! I don't even know what else to say and I thought I would run out of time. Did I already talk about teachers and my district and such?
Elder Wilde is from Idaho. He is so funny and considerate!
Elder Pierce is from Maryland. He is the District Leader and the bringer of the mail~! He is a funny guy.
Elder Clayton...well, let's just say I'm really excited for how the mission will help him grow up~!
Sister Hallett, the companion. She has a strong testimony.
Sister Graves....super funny! She always makes me laugh, but can bring in the Spirit like nobodies business!
Sister Jordan...Sweet, sweet girl! I love her so much and she always has a tendency to make me laugh, but always compliments me and makes me feel so good! She is amazing as well!
Teachers: Brother Williams...he served in Jamaica and knew Johnathan Crawley! Brother Melton...He served in Las Vegas and knew my friend Doug Jacox. They are both powerhouses and bring different spirits! I love them both so much!
I am so excited for when I get back off my mission I could work at the MTC because I will be going to BYU! I would love to see the massive change that occurs in people in three weeks....That would be phenomenal.
Well, I have three minutes so I am going to close.
I am used to bearing my testimony about everything and at every moment that I can. I know that this gospel is true! I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here! There were a lot of people and instances before my mission that made me question going or staying, but I know that I am where I am meant to be, no matter how difficult things get, I know that this is right! That is definitely bringing me the power to go on! I am so excited to be leaving to the field in 8 days! Wow, how quickly it came! In the MTC, days go by like weeks, and weeks go by like days! That is true! haha
I love you all and am excited to hear from you! Have a great week and know that I'm praying for you!
Jackie (Sister Fuller)
Oh, p.s. I saw Ethan Dodge, one of my favorite people from UVU. He is so funny and I see him all the time! Good ole' CAL and PLP to get to know him!
I have loved reading all the emails and all the letters sent! You are all amazing and I love to hear from EVERYONE! I love hearing all the stories, even if they make me homesick, so sorry if I gave the impression that I didn't want to hear anything that would make me homesick. I love it all!
I have some pretty awesome stories this week. I have a sticky note with them all so I can remember them all!
First: Business
Nick, how did the job interview go? Well?
I'm glad Kelly and I think alike. I sent the email about the tree of life, then Kel talked about it in the letter. Fate I tell ya! I hope we still think alike after 17 and a half more months!.
The bag from Amy was a blue one that she bought in Scotland. It was only like 2 dollars or something...I remember her telling me that.
I got my flight plans....I leave on August 19th at 5:00 AM from the MTC. Flight at 8:45 on Delta so hopefully I get to see Bishop Oliver as my pilot! How cool would that be?
I can only check the LDS mail account, so send things here. :)
Good tractor purchases dad! I loved the pictures, and I'm excited that there are deer around our house! :)
What is Amy's Address? and Jeff's Address?
DEARELDER.COM is a site that you can send letters to missionaries in the MTC for free. You can donate to the site, but don't have to, and send packages (but I wouldn't recommend that. It is overpriced and not worth it). So....if you have a cute little story, dearelder is where it is at! :D
There is an Elder Wolfert that played basketball at Mountain View and said he knew Jason and Justin. He just left yesterday for the field. Lucky him!
Ok....now my really cool story:
We spend some time on the phones in the referral center. When people order media from the church we make sure they get it and testify and teach them and talk to them in general on the phone. I spoke with a lady from the BRONX. She was so sweet! She was confused about religion and I started telling her about the LDS church. She has researched it and researched a lot of other religions, but didn't feel anything. She'd never been in an LDS church though. I challenged her three times to go to church, but wasn't ready for that. We talked for over an hour! It was great! I committed her to reading a few chapters from the BoM and she was going to order some of the videos and accept the missionaries to come teach her in 30 days! I am going to have to check up on that one when I get back from the mish, but I was so excited! I shared some scriptures with her that applied to her life and we talked about a lot of good things. I loved it! My one and only positive experience in the RC as of yet, but I do have a testimony of the good of it now!
so...my companion....Her name is Sister Hallett. She is from Florida. She is a very nice sister. She is talking more now that we've been together for 11 days, but still...not much. Sometimes I can't take it, but I have been really good. It is teaching me a LOT! I also need to work on planning as a companionship. We go to plan lessons, but she won't say anything so I just plan it and then let her know what the plan is. She seems to actually like that system a lot so I don't think it is going to change unless I give up completely, but you all know me and I can't let things go to chance that it might not happen just right (if that even makes sense).
I was excited to see Brian's letter today! I am glad he is doing well. I read it quickly though because I don't have much time. I am waiting for laundry and there are some crazy elders making lots of noise and having lots of fun in the laundry room. between that and the heat of the dryers and the amount of people and such, I can't think correctly, so if this last part doesn't make as much sense, that is why.
I am sad that all my older districts are leaving. Beginnings of the week are sad times because those you come to love are leaving. It makes it hard, but then I am so excited for them all that it is ok. Wow. I've only been typing for 13 minutes! I don't even know what else to say and I thought I would run out of time. Did I already talk about teachers and my district and such?
Elder Wilde is from Idaho. He is so funny and considerate!
Elder Pierce is from Maryland. He is the District Leader and the bringer of the mail~! He is a funny guy.
Elder Clayton...well, let's just say I'm really excited for how the mission will help him grow up~!
Sister Hallett, the companion. She has a strong testimony.
Sister Graves....super funny! She always makes me laugh, but can bring in the Spirit like nobodies business!
Sister Jordan...Sweet, sweet girl! I love her so much and she always has a tendency to make me laugh, but always compliments me and makes me feel so good! She is amazing as well!
Teachers: Brother Williams...he served in Jamaica and knew Johnathan Crawley! Brother Melton...He served in Las Vegas and knew my friend Doug Jacox. They are both powerhouses and bring different spirits! I love them both so much!
I am so excited for when I get back off my mission I could work at the MTC because I will be going to BYU! I would love to see the massive change that occurs in people in three weeks....That would be phenomenal.
Well, I have three minutes so I am going to close.
I am used to bearing my testimony about everything and at every moment that I can. I know that this gospel is true! I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here! There were a lot of people and instances before my mission that made me question going or staying, but I know that I am where I am meant to be, no matter how difficult things get, I know that this is right! That is definitely bringing me the power to go on! I am so excited to be leaving to the field in 8 days! Wow, how quickly it came! In the MTC, days go by like weeks, and weeks go by like days! That is true! haha
I love you all and am excited to hear from you! Have a great week and know that I'm praying for you!
Jackie (Sister Fuller)
Oh, p.s. I saw Ethan Dodge, one of my favorite people from UVU. He is so funny and I see him all the time! Good ole' CAL and PLP to get to know him!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
August 3, 2009
Hello Familia!
So....things have been going pretty good. Wednesday went by really quick, as did the other days. I can't believe that I have been here for 5 days already! We get to write our letters while waiting for the mail to be done, so I have a little bit of time. Not any longer than 27 minutes though!
My district is comprised of 3 elders and 4 sisters. Elder Wilde and I are going to Houston East and the other 5 are going to Ogden Utah. If you see any of them, please feed them and let them do laundry. ;) They are great and I love them all!
Sunday here was phenomenal! We had lots of devotionals and singing. I had to play the piano in our branch sacrament meeting, but it wasn't too terrible because I knew them all. They are super awesome! I am sad that the group we are just getting to know are being shipped off to Fort Worth Texas, but Texas will be a better place because of them! I like to think so anyway....;)
Sunday was Fast Sunday. I didn't know that they didn't serve Breakfast and Lunch on Fast Sunday, so I fasted from Lunch on Saturday. I was quite hungry when it was time to eat Sunday night, that's for sure! I was definitely grateful for the dinner. I am glad that I was so hungry because their pot roast and potatoes weren't as good as the ones from home and I didn't get to have homegrown corn....
I saw Dane Rigdon in the lunch room. He works in the maintenance here. It was quite shocking. Also, Suzy Smith and I are a few doors down so I see her a lot. Her companions are super funny and I enjoy talking to them all. I haven't had a really great conversation with her because I haven't had a lot of time!
That is the greatest thing about the MTC. There is no time to think about all the things that I am missing from home so I am not too homesick, except for when I hear of ways that you all miss me and such. ;0
I have been using the bag that Amy gave me from Scotland. It is the perfect size for me to carry around all that I need minus my scriptures. I need to get out my bag for that, but the bag works great! I've used it enough that it already has a hole in it. :D
Through Fast Sunday I was getting drinks and my companion kept commenting and I had to say, "I'm sorry that we fast in different ways. You don't have to tell me how to do it." Then I didn't hear more on it. We usually do pretty well, but there are times that we get annoyed with each other. She is great and I love her, but I am not afraid to say what I think about it.
My teachers are brother Melton and Brother Williams. Bro. Williams served in Jamaica and knows Johnathan (the one who came to my farewell) and Bro. Melton knows Doug Jacox (a good friend from UVU). Bro. Melton served in Las Vegas.
So...I still have 20 minutes, but I can't think of what else to write! I guess that is the problem with being a fast typer....You run out of things to say, but not run out of time. I was thinking about buying me another set of scriptures that weren't marked like crazy so I could have a mission set, but I haven't decided.
I have learned the secret of the MTC! It is to learn to teach and recognize the spirit. It isn't just to learn the lessons. Once I learned that, I haven't been worried about being nervous and not teaching. I have been so scared because I haven't been able to be a perfect teacher, but when I forget and let the spirit guide I do so much better! I love it!
So,....The Tree of Life....It isn't quite the same in the sister's residence halls as it is in the Men's department....We have stalls and there are three women stalls instead of the 8 or so on the tree of life. It makes me laugh. I am glad that I have a stall and a curtain. It makes changing clothes a lot easier and such.
Well, I love you all and I can't think of anything else to say, so let me know what questions you have and I can have more to type the next time! Oh, except I do have one thing to say....If you feel like sending me a package with a few sticky notes, a notebook, cookies, or something, I wouldn't mind I'm sure. Also, I love to hear from you all! just not things that you miss, because then I miss them too. oh, and dad, go get those tractors! :D I want to see some pictures, or let me know how much you sell them for. Or....you could tell me what other really random purchases you have made.
I love you all and I'll talk to you next week! My P-Days are Mondays and my laundry time is at 1:45 so I think as long as you email me before that time I will be able to get it! Love you mucho!
Jackie/Sister Fuller
So....things have been going pretty good. Wednesday went by really quick, as did the other days. I can't believe that I have been here for 5 days already! We get to write our letters while waiting for the mail to be done, so I have a little bit of time. Not any longer than 27 minutes though!
My district is comprised of 3 elders and 4 sisters. Elder Wilde and I are going to Houston East and the other 5 are going to Ogden Utah. If you see any of them, please feed them and let them do laundry. ;) They are great and I love them all!
Sunday here was phenomenal! We had lots of devotionals and singing. I had to play the piano in our branch sacrament meeting, but it wasn't too terrible because I knew them all. They are super awesome! I am sad that the group we are just getting to know are being shipped off to Fort Worth Texas, but Texas will be a better place because of them! I like to think so anyway....;)
Sunday was Fast Sunday. I didn't know that they didn't serve Breakfast and Lunch on Fast Sunday, so I fasted from Lunch on Saturday. I was quite hungry when it was time to eat Sunday night, that's for sure! I was definitely grateful for the dinner. I am glad that I was so hungry because their pot roast and potatoes weren't as good as the ones from home and I didn't get to have homegrown corn....
I saw Dane Rigdon in the lunch room. He works in the maintenance here. It was quite shocking. Also, Suzy Smith and I are a few doors down so I see her a lot. Her companions are super funny and I enjoy talking to them all. I haven't had a really great conversation with her because I haven't had a lot of time!
That is the greatest thing about the MTC. There is no time to think about all the things that I am missing from home so I am not too homesick, except for when I hear of ways that you all miss me and such. ;0
I have been using the bag that Amy gave me from Scotland. It is the perfect size for me to carry around all that I need minus my scriptures. I need to get out my bag for that, but the bag works great! I've used it enough that it already has a hole in it. :D
Through Fast Sunday I was getting drinks and my companion kept commenting and I had to say, "I'm sorry that we fast in different ways. You don't have to tell me how to do it." Then I didn't hear more on it. We usually do pretty well, but there are times that we get annoyed with each other. She is great and I love her, but I am not afraid to say what I think about it.
My teachers are brother Melton and Brother Williams. Bro. Williams served in Jamaica and knows Johnathan (the one who came to my farewell) and Bro. Melton knows Doug Jacox (a good friend from UVU). Bro. Melton served in Las Vegas.
So...I still have 20 minutes, but I can't think of what else to write! I guess that is the problem with being a fast typer....You run out of things to say, but not run out of time. I was thinking about buying me another set of scriptures that weren't marked like crazy so I could have a mission set, but I haven't decided.
I have learned the secret of the MTC! It is to learn to teach and recognize the spirit. It isn't just to learn the lessons. Once I learned that, I haven't been worried about being nervous and not teaching. I have been so scared because I haven't been able to be a perfect teacher, but when I forget and let the spirit guide I do so much better! I love it!
So,....The Tree of Life....It isn't quite the same in the sister's residence halls as it is in the Men's department....We have stalls and there are three women stalls instead of the 8 or so on the tree of life. It makes me laugh. I am glad that I have a stall and a curtain. It makes changing clothes a lot easier and such.
Well, I love you all and I can't think of anything else to say, so let me know what questions you have and I can have more to type the next time! Oh, except I do have one thing to say....If you feel like sending me a package with a few sticky notes, a notebook, cookies, or something, I wouldn't mind I'm sure. Also, I love to hear from you all! just not things that you miss, because then I miss them too. oh, and dad, go get those tractors! :D I want to see some pictures, or let me know how much you sell them for. Or....you could tell me what other really random purchases you have made.
I love you all and I'll talk to you next week! My P-Days are Mondays and my laundry time is at 1:45 so I think as long as you email me before that time I will be able to get it! Love you mucho!
Jackie/Sister Fuller
Sunday, August 2, 2009
And Another...
Hola Familia!
Hi, how are ya? So...things are going great! I was all registered and settled by 12:54pm.
There has been so much going on today! People say things are crazy when you get to the MTC, but I’m not frazzled. I have been going with the flow and hanging out. There was more down time than I expected, but I think its because I’m a light packer. :) I probably should be studying though...
They offered food from 11-2 for us, so I got a banana before our first welcome. We sat on the front row and the four of us sisters in my district were asked to say a prayer. I volunteered Sister Graves. I don’t know why but I was shy today. Not again though!
My branch President is a descendant of Hyrum Smith (randomly...) He’s a nice guy. On our first one-on-one, he started off by telling me that I shine. He told me how the Holy Ghost was working real hard to get me there. No wonder I like him. Ha ha!
The feeling here is totally awesome! There is lots of singing and bearing of testimonies which is awesome! I love it here! And I love the people! Ask me after 12 hours, but so far...awesome!
All but 2 from my district are going to the Ogden Mission. I think it is pretty funny.
Thank you for the opportunity to come. I can already feel a change in myself and know that if I obey the rules and commandments with EXACTNESS and don’t quit, I will be blessed. So thanks for giving me that. :)
Suzy Smith came up to see me. She’s just down the hall. I’ll probably go find her tomorrow to say hi. It’s good to see a familiar face.
Oh, and I’m the music coordinator for the district so I’m the piano player for sacrament and such. How Awesome! They asked about piano skills and my hand shot up... I don’t think it was me controlling the arm! :)
I love you so much! See you in 18 months minus 1 day! :)
Sister Fuller
Hi, how are ya? So...things are going great! I was all registered and settled by 12:54pm.
There has been so much going on today! People say things are crazy when you get to the MTC, but I’m not frazzled. I have been going with the flow and hanging out. There was more down time than I expected, but I think its because I’m a light packer. :) I probably should be studying though...
They offered food from 11-2 for us, so I got a banana before our first welcome. We sat on the front row and the four of us sisters in my district were asked to say a prayer. I volunteered Sister Graves. I don’t know why but I was shy today. Not again though!
My branch President is a descendant of Hyrum Smith (randomly...) He’s a nice guy. On our first one-on-one, he started off by telling me that I shine. He told me how the Holy Ghost was working real hard to get me there. No wonder I like him. Ha ha!
The feeling here is totally awesome! There is lots of singing and bearing of testimonies which is awesome! I love it here! And I love the people! Ask me after 12 hours, but so far...awesome!
All but 2 from my district are going to the Ogden Mission. I think it is pretty funny.
Thank you for the opportunity to come. I can already feel a change in myself and know that if I obey the rules and commandments with EXACTNESS and don’t quit, I will be blessed. So thanks for giving me that. :)
Suzy Smith came up to see me. She’s just down the hall. I’ll probably go find her tomorrow to say hi. It’s good to see a familiar face.
Oh, and I’m the music coordinator for the district so I’m the piano player for sacrament and such. How Awesome! They asked about piano skills and my hand shot up... I don’t think it was me controlling the arm! :)
I love you so much! See you in 18 months minus 1 day! :)
Sister Fuller
First Letter
7/29/09 12:54
Hi Fam!
All is well! I went through registration like a snap! I met lots of nice kids at school. :)
I wanted you all to know how much I love you! This is the best day ever! It’s all choppy because I’m hurrying. I’m going to eat lunch with my new friend, Sister Karren….:)
Love you all!
Sister Fuller
Oh, P.S. My companion is Sister Amy Hallett. I saw it on my packet. I don’t know who she is though.
Hi Fam!
All is well! I went through registration like a snap! I met lots of nice kids at school. :)
I wanted you all to know how much I love you! This is the best day ever! It’s all choppy because I’m hurrying. I’m going to eat lunch with my new friend, Sister Karren….:)
Love you all!
Sister Fuller
Oh, P.S. My companion is Sister Amy Hallett. I saw it on my packet. I don’t know who she is though.
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