May 24, 2010

Hi There!

Don't you wish I would come up with better subject lines? I sure do. I already done ran out of 'em! ;) Just saying...if you can think of any, let me know. I also don't have any jokes....lame!

Wow...sounds like Justin had a hard time this week, eh? That is rough. I have tracted for 40 hours one week. I can tell you it isn't fun. Brother M. tells us that we tract to show our love for Heavenly Father.... Justin must have lots of love! The best way to find is through member missionary work. When the ward trusts you and sees that you are working, they come to you! It is crazy cool.....That is what we are experiencing. We have been busting our chops here for 4 and a half months and the ward is getting excited. It helps when there are 8 investigators to church...yeah....we have been rocking still....Again...working hard! That is the only way, not gonna lie. We go to the area book alot and see the people that missionaries have talked to before (and who will give us water) and go to them....

Anyway....That is the soap box/thought for the day on that....

There are 5 part member families that we have been working with tat are coming to church. They are great. Two of the families have members to be baptized in two weeks from Saturday (June 12). Unfortunately, transfers are June 6 so one of us may not get to see all that we have been working for, but that is ok....the work goes on. The others are on their way. One of the couples has finally agreed to get married so she can be baptized. Now she is slowly weaning off tea. It is coming along nicely. The B.'s came to church (except their 16 year old son) and are really getting involved in the ward. They all have friends and are enjoying it. The EQ teacher said that Brother B. was participating in class and he didn't even know he wasn't a member until Brother B. started talking about his son and the strife it is causing. We both just said, "we know...we love that family.....they will get baptized soon..."
Sister M. will go with us to the teaching appointments with the B.s. They love her. It was so funny because last time, Sister B. got up and got us drinks. She brought back tea for all of us. She smiled and said, "there...I always ask if you want refreshments so I just got them for you." Brother B. told her that we couldn't have tea. She went and put it in the fridge for later. THEN she brings us orange juice...a nice tall glass. Well, I wasn't going to make her take it back again. I drank the whole thing! It wasn't good. My arms were itching. I was taking deep breaths just to make sure I could. Then she says, "Sister F., are you gaining weight?" (apparently my face was red and a little bigger...I guess) Sister W. says, "No...she is just allergic to oranges." Sister B. felt really bad...I kept saying that I was ok and I like orange juice... It was funny....I just didn't want her to have to go back twice. We laugh about it.

We've been finding a lot of lost members through tracting and other sources. We found 5 last week. 4 for our ward and 1 for H. They say, 'Oh yeah, I used to be a member." We set return appts. and go from there. One that we found, there are 2 kids, 10 and 7 yrs old and the dad is interested. I'm telling you, tracting is great.

Well, tracting is great for what it does and the obedience....but not for fun....well, it is, but not. It is in the 90s, hot, and HUMID and we are tracting. It was so so hot the other day. I was glistening a lot. I glisten a lot in Texas in general.

I'm glad dad liked the stuff...or thought it was hot. I put some of that creole mix on my hashbrowns once too. I put too much on. It was killer. I like the more mild stuff so maybe I'll send that home.

what is Jeff's address? I don't even know it! I want to send a housewarming gift! ;)

Let's see...what else....

Basically, we are working hard hard hard! It is fun. I love missionary work....unless I'm dizzy or medicated, then I don't really know what is going on.

I didn't tell you about the doctor visit? Well, apparently I have benign psomething psomething vertigo I am still taking the Meclizine when it is really bad...that way I can still work. She also prescribed me something else, but I am not going to take it. it is a waste of money. The exercises she's given me are helping. I still feel light headed and such, but I'll get over it. She said if it gets worse or doesn't improve in the next two weeks that I should see an ear nose and throat doctor. I will do that...but the exercises are helping. I will be ok. No worries.

A bright note from today was when I was eating a fortune cookie (I bought a pack of them for happy times) and it says, "Good news will come to you by mail." So I'm pretty excited....Just saying....

I love ya'll! Have a fantastic week! I'll be here if you need anything..... ;)

Jackie

So K. and K. were running around like crazy while Sister M. was making us some food so I told them I'd give them a quarter if they could balance a metal spoon on their noses. They did. Then they were wandering through the house with spoons stuck to their noses. It was so funny. I gave them quarters and called it good. I also taught them slight roping techniques...that was funny too....the end.

Isn't that a beautiful silhouette of the sky? I thought so....

oh yeah, and Sister W. did a Hawaiian presentation at the local library....we are waiting on them to give us the link for the website. Then you can see her singing a song and me holding the music. I was a good stand...just saying....

May 17, 2010

Hi There!

I loved all the emails. Sorry that I'm not going to respond to them individually.... We don't have a ton of time today, and I can just sum up everything to "ya'll."

This week, I've been saying ya'll, but I always pause before I say it. They all laugh at me. I am trying not to make ya'll a habit but I have to speak the language. It is funny how it really does make a difference.

Well, I'm still on the ridiculous drowsy pills. I talked to Sis. M. last night and she told me to go to the doctor so I am going in on Wednesday morning to the K-S Clinic. It took me 14 minutes on the phone to set up the appointment. It was ridiculous. I didn't take any pills on Saturday or Sunday because I didn't have time to be drowsy. We had a lot going on and I didn't want to miss out on any of the fun!

We rocked hard this week. Well, Sis. W. did. She was calling potential investigators and past investigators while I was taking my beauty rest. We have 4 wonderful people with baptismal dates and we had 8 investigators come to church. Yep, that's right. Well, we've been busting our chops for 4 months now and people are coming. We've been reactivating and working hard. We both work hard, understand that we have to be obedient, and work together. It is great! I am guessing that we are going to be split this next transfer because we've already been together for 3 (4 and a half months). That is a long time.... haha.... Anyway, we are workin so hard and Satan has been working hard too. He tries to keep us down. It is lame. That is probably why I haven't set up a doctor's visit before now. I'm a little stubborn. Plus, I grew up with, "suck it up you pansy!" ;) I'm glad I did though. There are people who go to the doctor for everything here. Well,anywhere I guess.

I'm glad Grandma's birthday was so fun. I thought about her yesterday....Mainly because it was her birthday. ;)

Do you all feel a little jipped since I only got 37 minutes and 44 seconds on the phone with you? I talked to Brother T. (his son is in T.) and he talked to his parents for 5 hours. I was thinking, "wow...long distance....he's going to run a T. family to shambles there...." In our handbooks it says only talk 30-40 minutes. Plus, I don't know what else I would've said... You know me....a lady of few words....Hence the novels each week, ya?

Let's see..what else did you want to know about? The dizziness=CHECK, the work=CHECK....hmmmm....

ALL of the B.'s came to church this Sunday. We were both really excited. We both were fasting and praying that everyone who told us they were coming were going to be there....8 out of our 13 did. It was cool how we were both fasting and didn't know the other one was but then we found we were fasting for the same reason. We rock.

We are going to a Hou'uli luau night at the library. Sister W. wants me to sing with her...1....don't know Hawaiian....2....Don't sing....well....haha

We actually sing a lot here. We have fun as we sing to all the members and the investigators and such. We bring our little hymn books and rock it. Sometimes the notes get a little low and we laugh a lot...or they get too high. We have a few songs in our range so we mostly sing the same ones again and again. People tell us they are going to get us to sing in sacrament, but no one has yet. They don't ask. I told Sis. W. I'd play the piano for her so she could sing.

The first picture is of a sign that we saw tracting. It was really funny so I asked if I could take a picture of it. We actually tracted into an inactive member and her husband was talking to us. We are going to teach them....whether they know it at this point or not. I wanted to take a picture of the man and the signs but I didn't. He had a muscle shirt on and tattoos and was pretty gruff looking. He was cool though, and like I said, we are going to teach him and the gospel to his inactive wife.

Another funny story is that we got a referral on the phone and went to it. We went to it and have worked in the area for a while now. Lots of promise. Well, we looked at a ward boundary map and it isn't in our area. Not even in our stake. We gave all the referrals to the elders. I wondered why it took 20 miles to get there and 20 to get back....anyway, it was funny. We are working hard and giving all the other missionaries work too.

Well, I love you all so much and hope that you have a fabulous week! I'll catch you when I catch you!

Jackie

May 12, 2010

Hi there!

Wow....don't you wish I was in a mission like Brian and Justin? haha...that is a long time to be on the phone. FYI the P. family are members. Well, the parents are. They have a 9-almost 10-year old son who needs to be baptized and an 8 year old son who needs to be baptized. Anything over 9 is considered a convert baptism so we are working with them. Plus they are amazing! I love them....haha

Well....you already know all about this week. It is great. Yesterday we had a zone conference and they announced that P-day was going to be changed to Monday. I knew about a week ago because I am in the know here but I couldn't say anything. Now that it has been announced to THE mission I can say it. I WILL BE EMAILING NEXT MONDAY....PREPARE YOURSELVES! ;)

I loved talking to ya'll....I don't think I used any of my Southern accent....you missed out...just kidding...haha. My goal has been to start saying "to" and "for" again. I got out of that habit real quick.....If I start working on it now I may be able to do it later instead of my tas and my fers. Did I tell you I saw a sign once that said, "trailers fer sale"? I laughed so hard. Unfortunately we were driving on a major road in P, TX so I couldn't stop and take a picture. I'll get it one day. Anyway, I need to send Jeff F. a tape or something because I didn't get to hear his voice and I miss talking to him too. Can someone send me his address?

This week I have been noticing how many times people say, "I tell you what" because I thought about ya'll and the Jeff Foxworthy or Bill Engvall tapes where they do that. People here really do say it all the time. Plus, "bless her heart" after they say ill about people, and when you aren't being nice you are "actin' ugly." Also, If you are teasing, you are "picking." I think it is so funny. They are as prevalent as fixin' and ya'll.....I probably have told you before but I am telling you again. Repetition only hurts people on railroad tracks....

Sis. W. and I made locomocos for brunch today. I was surprised but I ate the whole thing! I didn't think I could eat that much, but with locomocos you eat and eat and eat! I told you what they are I think. I know how to make them now. Well, I still struggle with the eggs, but I don't know how to cook eggs anyway.

It has been blasted hot lately.

The medication I am taking is for dizziness. It isn't an antibiotic it is an antihistamine. I don't know if it is really working. I still stumble when I am drowsy so I don't know what exactly it is doing for me. I haven't taken my second dose of it today but I will wait until I get dizzy. I think that is what I am supposed to do. I have been approved to take naps. Once I fall asleep I am out for a while. It is frustrating when I try to get up and just can't but I will get over it. I only have to do it for another week, then we can figure out another medication or I can stop taking it. That way I can get back to work. There is too much to do and not that much time!

I think I am going to get my hair cut today. I still haven't decided. Sister W. is and I just might as I'm sitting there. As you know, it is getting a little long and it is ridiculous in the heat. Plus, in humidity, my hair seems to look bad and flat all the time. Maybe with a shorter haircut I can get some volume. Who knows. Well, I will throw on a picture or two of the locomocos from breakfast/brunch and then I'll be on my way. I love you all so so mucho! Oh, and the other picture is me, Sister R., and Sister W. My two companions still on the mish and my trainees. They are so fun.

May 5, 2010

Hi there!

This week has been good. Sister M. wrote the doctor about my symptoms and said that I probably did have an ear infection. I'm just tough as dirt. They ordered me in a prescription and I will be starting to take it tomorrow morning. It causes drowsiness so we don't want to start it today. We are seeing B. and also another part member family and are going to be extending some baptism commitments and it is too serious! I can be dizzy for that but not drowsy. That is no bueno. She told me, "I'd rather you be falling asleep studying than falling asleep in the houses." It made me laugh. I will start it tomorrow....haha. In short, don't worry, I'm taken care of. ;) I just let it drag on for about 2 months..... :S :D

Secondly, (I'll just follow your email and write accordingly...haha) Sister W. and I are having a great time! She made breakfast today whilst I cleaned. It was good. I am having a grand ole time. She is a great companion. She likes to cook so it works out. I am ok with doing the dishes. Did I tell you about the time that we had locomocos? haha. They are good! It is rice, a hamburger patty, then an egg (with runny yoke) and then gravy on top. Well, not that order but they are good. They are Hawaiian. I'll have to make some for you sometime. If I remember how....

Thirdly, Thanks. It has ben 9 months. Ridiculoso! Technically it has been 10 months now. I had my three months in the MTC. I will be out a total of 18 months and weeks. I'm going to ask president why that is. Most people are on the 17 month 3 week cycle and I'm the longer transfer. Just wondering. I don't think I would change it, but it would probably work better for school. I don't know. anyway....it is against the rules in our mission to do any ritualistic mission age activities....no burning nylons, ties, etc. I didn't do anything special for mine. Maybe I'm lame.... Whatever....but yes, no hump day activities for me. I probably just slept like an old woman with an ear infection....;0

Fourthly, You are welcome for the birthday card! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You are 50 now, right? What are you doing for your hump day? ;) I am glad Kel Bel is going to make you some food. Amy called. Did Jeff? ;) I'll call you on Sunday, how bout that?

Fifth, Thanks. I hope I am a good missionary. Some days are better than others, but I am doing my best! I can be sure of that! How am I famous? That's the real question though.....lol

Sixth, I am glad I don't have to figure out the timing thing on the calling....Luckily it is only an hour's difference. I will call at 10:00 my time which is 9 am your time....that will probably work out well...I would think. I don't know if you could let me know any differently...well, I guess if you want it at a different time you could write me a letter.... I have church from 11:30 am-2:30 pm then a dinner at 6. It'll be some good barbecue from a cajun....I love that. :) Sister W. is going to call later because of the 5 hour difference so I could call later, but I think earlier is better. We are calling at the P. household. I'm excited. They are great. If it is a little later than that, don't be mad. ;) Also, we were asked only to talk for about 30 minutes. So I will be keeping it short. If I'm not obedient I'm not a very good example and also we want to have the blessings from that...fyi. I still love you though! ;)

Did you see how long my hair was/is getting? It is a little ridiculous, but I might trim it soon. I don't know. I may just grow it out for another 9 months. It is getting a little too hot and ridiculous so I will just chop it off! See the dilemna? Back home, if it were bothering me, I'd just cut it right then. Here I have to do it on a Wednesday so I have time to think about it. That has been why it is still long.

The ward is great! They are inviting us to see their friends. I am excited. We are working hard and they can see that. I come to work...haha. Surprise. ;)

Would you like to hear some sad news? I've been 'empty boxed' for the last week and a half! My last letter was from Amy however long ago. Then, one of my mission friends wrote me from Vidor and I got it yesterday. We've had some sad trips to the mail box.... ;) So if you are bored sometime this week, I'd love to hear from ya'll.

We saw this family the other day....can I just say TEXANS! haha. Brother N. told us a story about Sister N's "ugly kinfolk." I haven't laughed so hard in a while. It was funny. They also "done got us" some food so we wouldn't go hungry. I like them. They live out in H. I love the accents. We were eating at the H's house (C. is getting baptized the first weekend in June) and they kept calling us ma'am. Even the 21 year old daughter was calling us ma'am. They all do it (everyone here) but it is weird when someone your age does it..... I do it too (but not to people my age). We discussed how it is taught in schools. If someone doesn't say, "yes ma'am" or "no ma'am" (or sir) then they hear, "excuse me?" or something like that until they will say it. It is weird but good I guess.

We were in H. the other day semi tracting (not semi truck, but halfway tracting) and this drunk woman told us to go visit the people at __________(an exact address). Then the five that were drunk with her (or high) started laughing. We were debating going because it seemed like a setup but we were there so we went. It was a gated place with a HUGE "NO TRESPASSING" sign....hmmm...seemed like a winner! The people were outside so we went up to them. The one was yelling how she was on disability and what/how much would our church give her and the other lady came up to apologize for the other. We got talking to her and she told us that her 13 year old son drowned by the marina saving the lives of two other boys and a lot of her family has recently died (in the last 5 years) and she really hasn't gotten over it. She also told us that the other lady that lived there would've yelled at us and not been so friendly (probably why they sent us over originally) but the lady left a few minutes before we got there. We gave her a Book of Mormon and also talked to her about the Plan of Salvation. We are going to go back this week....We just have to make sure that we get ahold of her and not the other two that live in the house there.

Well, that is about all that I have to say. I know this is super long and boring, but what can I say, it is life? My advice for the week is to hang in there! Life will get better. It always does. Even when things seem like they are pressing down on us and there is no way out. There is.

Another thought (taken from a sticker at the christian bookstore) "Sin Kills! Friends don't let friends go to Hell."

That's all. Love ya'll!

Jackie